Author: Pilgrim Kompass Team

Celebrating Laetare Sunday: Of Popes and Prodigals As the Church commemorates Laetare Sunday – the Fourth Sunday in Lent – let us delve into the profound message behind the day’s liturgical readings with a reflection on the theme, “Of Popes and Prodigals,” by Jenny Kraska. By Jenny Kraska In this week’s Gospel, Jesus shares one of the most powerful parables of mercy—the story of the Prodigal Son. This parable resonates with all of us as we have all experienced being lost in one way or another. Some of us, like the younger son, have strayed far from God, making choices…

By AC Wimmer CNA Newsroom, Mar 29, 2025 / 10:00 am As hundreds of Missionaries of Mercy gathered in Rome this weekend, Pope Francis commended their distinctive ministry of forgiveness and reconciliation that continues to flourish worldwide. Approximately 500 priests are participating in a special jubilee dedicated to their role as part of the broader 2025 Jubilee of Hope. In a message addressed to these priests and written while still in the hospital, Pope Francis expressed his “gratitude and encouragement” for their work as special confessors who possess faculties to absolve certain sins typically reserved to the Holy See. “Through…

The Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union: A Call for Unity The Plenary Assembly of the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) recently concluded with a powerful plea for European unity in the face of global instability and uncertainty. As conflicts escalate worldwide, the bishops urge the EU to uphold its core values of democracy, rule of law, and peace. Written by Lisa Zengarini Against the backdrop of increasing conflicts across the globe, including within Europe, EU bishops are advocating for the European Union to uphold its founding principles of peace, respect for…

Walking in the Footsteps of Faith: Pope Francis’ Message to Czech Pilgrims Amidst his recovery from bilateral pneumonia, Pope Francis reached out spiritually to several hundred pilgrims from the Czech Republic who are currently in Rome for the Jubilee of Hope. In a heartfelt message released on Saturday, the Pope expressed his gratitude to the pilgrims for their prayers for his health and extended his apologies for not being able to join them in person. “Your pilgrimage serves as a tangible symbol of your desire to strengthen your faith, reaffirm your connection with the Successor of Peter, and proudly proclaim…

By Walter Sánchez Silva ACI Prensa Staff, Mar 29, 2025 / 08:00 am The apostolic nunciature in El Salvador issued a correction for the irregularities that occurred during a Mass commemorating the 45th anniversary of the assassination of St. Oscar Romero, the former archbishop of San Salvador. The Mass, held in the chapel where Romero was murdered while celebrating Mass in 1980, saw the unauthorized participation of a female Anglican bishop at the altar and the display of banners opposing proposed gold mining, which went against Catholic liturgical norms. In several photos released by Salvadoran media, a female Anglican bishop…

La Russia sembra non risentire della pressione mondiale per la pace, continuando a prolungare la guerra e causare morte. Il presidente ucraino, Volodymyr Zelensky, afferma che la diplomazia può funzionare solo se supportata da misure che rafforzino i militari e privino gli occupanti di risorse. È necessario che gli Stati Uniti, l’Europa e tutti coloro che desiderano una diplomazia efficace esercitino pressione sui partner per ottenere risultati concreti. Intanto, l’aeronautica militare ucraina ha colpito una postazione di confine a Pogar, nell’oblast russo di Bryansk, distruggendo un’infrastruttura militare utilizzata per lanciare attacchi con droni contro il territorio ucraino. Secondo il Kyiv…

Healing Hearts: Cardinal Charles Maung Bo’s Response to the Earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand In a recent interview with Vatican News, Cardinal Charles Maung Bo, Archbishop of Yangon, shared his heartfelt response to the devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar and Thailand, claiming numerous lives and leaving many missing. The Cardinal expressed his gratitude for Pope Francis’ message of support and solidarity with those affected by the disaster. Cardinal Bo, who also serves as President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Myanmar, described the scenes of chaos and destruction that unfolded in the aftermath of the earthquake. He emphasized the…

Join Pope Francis in sending a heartfelt message to the Missionaries of Mercy as they gather in Rome for their Jubilee celebration. In his message, the Pope reminds us that God offers us solace and healing through the power of conversion and forgiveness. Discover the transformative power of mercy and forgiveness as Pope Francis shares words of wisdom and encouragement with the Missionaries of Mercy. Source link

The Missionaries of Mercy: Celebrating Hope and Reconciliation The Missionaries of Mercy, an esteemed group established by Pope Francis, have gathered in Rome for their Jubilee pilgrimage, focusing on their essential ministry of pastoral care, preaching about God’s infinite mercy, and offering the Sacrament of Reconciliation to all. By Thaddeus Jones Over five hundred Missionaries of Mercy from various continents including Asia, the Americas, Africa, and Europe have convened for their fourth world meeting in Rome from 28-29 March. Instituted by Pope Francis in 2015 during the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy, they now serve as a remarkable symbol of the…

Welcome to a new chapter in the Archdiocese of Tirana, Durrës, and All Albania, as His Beatitude Joani is enthroned as Archbishop. The ceremony, attended by a Vatican delegation, was a moment of hope and renewal for the Catholic Church and the Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Albania. Leading the Vatican delegation was Archbishop Flavio Pace, Secretary of the Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity, accompanied by Msgr. Andrea Palmieri and Msgr. Ionuţ Paul Strejac. Pope Francis also sent a letter to Archbishop Joani, expressing his prayers and support for his new role. In his letter, Pope Francis praised Archbishop Joani’s predecessor,…