Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church

Rome Newsroom, May 11, 2025 / 06:51 am (CNA).

“To young people I say: Do not be afraid! Accept the invitation of the Church and Christ the Lord!” declared Pope Leo XIV to thunderous applause during his first Regina Caeli address, as an extraordinary crowd of jubilant pilgrims packed St. Peter’s Square on Sunday.

The spontaneous call to young people from the first U.S.-born pope echoed the famous words of St. John Paul II in 1978.

On Sunday, Leo’s call — to an estimated crowd of 100,000 people — came during an address that coincided with Good Shepherd Sunday, which the new pontiff called “a gift from God” for his inaugural Sunday as Bishop of Rome.

The sound of marching bands and cheerful pilgrims resonated throughout the Vatican as an exuberant, celebratory atmosphere filled the piazza and the surrounding streets. Participants in the Jubilee of Bands and Popular Entertainment, specially welcomed by the pope, provided melodious moments throughout the gathering. Huge crowds poured into the square on a warm Roman spring day, with spontaneous cheers of “Viva il Papa” erupting repeatedly.

“I consider it a gift from God that the first Sunday of my service as Bishop of Rome is Good Shepherd Sunday, the fourth Sunday of Easter,” Pope Leo said, prompting another wave of enthusiastic applause.

“In this Sunday always is proclaimed in the Mass the Gospel of John, chapter ten, in which Jesus reveals himself as the true Shepherd, who knows and loves his sheep and for them gives his life.”

The pope noted that this Sunday also marks the 62nd World Day of Prayer for Vocations, a day focused on praying for those called to religious life and priesthood.

“Today, brothers and sisters, I have the joy of praying with you and all the People of God for vocations, especially those to the priesthood and religious life. The Church has such a great need for them!” the pope said.

Leo XIV emphasized the importance of young people finding “acceptance, listening, and encouragement in their vocational journey” within Catholic communities and having “credible models of generous dedication to God and to their brothers and sisters.”

The pope specifically acknowledged the Jubilee of Bands and Popular Entertainment being hosted in Rome on Sunday. “I greet with affection all these pilgrims and thank them because, with their music and their performances, they enliven the feast of Christ the Good Shepherd,” he said, as musical groups in the square responded with brief, spirited performances.

Referencing Pope Francis’ message for the World Day of Prayer for Vocations, Leo encouraged Catholics to welcome and accompany young people discerning their calling.

“Let us ask our heavenly Father to assist us in living in service to one another, each according to his or her state of life, shepherds after his own heart, capable of helping one another to walk in love and truth,” he said.

In a particularly animated moment, the pope addressed young people directly: “To young people I say: Do not be afraid! Accept the invitation of the Church and Christ the Lord!” The crowd responded with sustained applause.

The Regina Caeli prayer replaces the Angelus during the Easter season. Pope Leo invoked the Virgin Mary, “whose entire life was a response to the Lord’s call,” to accompany all in following Jesus. He masterfully sang the Regina Caeli in mellifluous Latin before imparting his blessing. The crowd erupted in shouts of “Viva il Papa!”

The pontiff then spoke solemnly about the tragedy of the Second World War, which ended on May 8, 1945. “We are now confronting a third world war piecemeal as Pope Francis reminded us,” he said. “As Pope Paul VI said: War no more!”

“I hold close to my heart the suffering of the poor people in Ukraine, that they might find a true and lasting peace,” he continued. He also called for an end to the violence in Gaza and prayed for all those taken hostage to be released. “And I rejoice at the recent peace made between India and Pakistan.” He said he hoped for a lasting accord.

Pope Leo greeted “with affection all of you, those from Rome and the pilgrims from various countries,” mentioning countries and groups by name to cheers and applause from the square.

Leo also acknowledged that Mother’s Day is celebrated in many countries. “I send a special greeting to all mothers for all they give to us,” he said, prompting warm applause.

The pope thanked everyone and wished everyone a “Buona Domenica” and a Happy Sunday. He spent a few moments gratefully smiling and acknowledging the ecstatic, warm reception before departing.

Following the Regina Caeli, the pope is scheduled to celebrate Mass with the College of Cardinals in the Sistine Chapel and greet journalists who covered the conclave on Monday.

Morning Mass near the tomb of St. Peter

Earlier Sunday morning, Pope Leo celebrated Mass at the Vatican Grottoes beneath St. Peter’s Basilica, at the altar near the tomb of St. Peter. He concelebrated with the Prior General of the Order of St. Augustine, Fr. Alejandro Moral Anton. After Mass, the Holy Father paused to pray at the tombs of his predecessors and visited the niche of the Pallia. These woolen stoles symbolize the unity between the pope and metropolitan archbishops worldwide.

Last updated on May 11 with further images and details.

Rome Newsroom, May 11, 2025 / 06:51 am (CNA).

“To young people I say: Do not be afraid! Accept the invitation of the Church and Christ the Lord!” declared Pope Leo XIV to thunderous applause during his first Regina Caeli address, as an extraordinary crowd of jubilant pilgrims packed St. Peter’s Square on Sunday.

The spontaneous call to young people from the first U.S.-born pope echoed the famous words of St. John Paul II in 1978.

On Sunday, Leo’s call — to an estimated crowd of 100,000 people — came during an address that coincided with Good Shepherd Sunday, which the new pontiff called “a gift from God” for his inaugural Sunday as Bishop of Rome.

The sound of marching bands and cheerful pilgrims resonated throughout the Vatican as an exuberant, celebratory atmosphere filled the piazza and the surrounding streets. Participants in the Jubilee of Bands and Popular Entertainment, specially welcomed by the pope, provided melodious moments throughout the gathering. Huge crowds poured into the square on a warm Roman spring day, with spontaneous cheers of “Viva il Papa” erupting repeatedly.

“I consider it a gift from God that the first Sunday of my service as Bishop of Rome is Good Shepherd Sunday, the fourth Sunday of Easter,” Pope Leo said, prompting another wave of enthusiastic applause.

“In this Sunday always is proclaimed in the Mass the Gospel of John, chapter ten, in which Jesus reveals himself as the true Shepherd, who knows and loves his sheep and for them gives his life.”

The pope noted that this Sunday also marks the 62nd World Day of Prayer for Vocations, a day focused on praying for those called to religious life and priesthood.

“Today, brothers and sisters, I have the joy of praying with you and all the People of God for vocations, especially those to the priesthood and religious life. The Church has such a great need for them!” the pope said.

Leo XIV emphasized the importance of young people finding “acceptance, listening, and encouragement in their vocational journey” within Catholic communities and having “credible models of generous dedication to God and to their brothers and sisters.”

The pope specifically acknowledged the Jubilee of Bands and Popular Entertainment being hosted in Rome on Sunday. “I greet with affection all these pilgrims and thank them because, with their music and their performances, they enliven the feast of Christ the Good Shepherd,” he said, as musical groups in the square responded with brief, spirited performances.

Referencing Pope Francis’ message for the World Day of Prayer for Vocations, Leo encouraged Catholics to welcome and accompany young people discerning their calling.

“Let us ask our heavenly Father to assist us in living in service to one another, each according to his or her state of life, shepherds after his own heart, capable of helping one another to walk in love and truth,” he said.

In a particularly animated moment, the pope addressed young people directly: “To young people I say: Do not be afraid! Accept the invitation of the Church and Christ the Lord!” The crowd responded with sustained applause.

The Regina Caeli prayer replaces the Angelus during the Easter season. Pope Leo invoked the Virgin Mary, “whose entire life was a response to the Lord’s call,” to accompany all in following Jesus. He masterfully sang the Regina Caeli in mellifluous Latin before imparting his blessing. The crowd erupted in shouts of “Viva il Papa!”

The pontiff then spoke solemnly about the tragedy of the Second World War, which ended on May 8, 1945. “We are now confronting a third world war piecemeal as Pope Francis reminded us,” he said. “As Pope Paul VI said: War no more!”

“I hold close to my heart the suffering of the poor people in Ukraine, that they might find a true and lasting peace,” he continued. He also called for an end to the violence in Gaza and prayed for all those taken hostage to be released. “And I rejoice at the recent peace made between India and Pakistan.” He said he hoped for a lasting accord.

Pope Leo greeted “with affection all of you, those from Rome and the pilgrims from various countries,” mentioning countries and groups by name to cheers and applause from the square.

Leo also acknowledged that Mother’s Day is celebrated in many countries. “I send a special greeting to all mothers for all they give to us,” he said, prompting warm applause.

The pope thanked everyone and wished everyone a “Buona Domenica” and a Happy Sunday. He spent a few moments gratefully smiling and acknowledging the ecstatic, warm reception before departing.

Following the Regina Caeli, the pope is scheduled to celebrate Mass with the College of Cardinals in the Sistine Chapel and greet journalists who covered the conclave on Monday.

Morning Mass near the tomb of St. Peter

Earlier Sunday morning, Pope Leo celebrated Mass at the Vatican Grottoes beneath St. Peter’s Basilica, at the altar near the tomb of St. Peter. He concelebrated with the Prior General of the Order of St. Augustine, Fr. Alejandro Moral Anton. After Mass, the Holy Father paused to pray at the tombs of his predecessors and visited the niche of the Pallia. These woolen stoles symbolize the unity between the pope and metropolitan archbishops worldwide.

Last updated on May 11 with further images and details.

Washington, D.C. Newsroom, May 11, 2025 / 04:00 am (CNA).

May is a month to honor mothers. Mother’s Day falls on May 11 this year in the United States and Canada as the Catholic tradition continues of honoring, throughout the entire month, Mary, the mother of God.

To recognize the work and sacrifices of mothers, Bishop Michael Burbidge of the Diocese of Arlington, Virginia, offered a prayer to be said today and throughout the month in thanksgiving for the love and support mothers provide. 

A Prayer for All Mothers

Good and gracious God,

We thank you for all mothers — the women you have called to bring forth new life and women who provide for the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of those entrusted to their care.

Give them the courage to raise godly children through happy and difficult times and wisdom to guide their children on the path to eternal life.

Fortify them through your word and sacraments to endure the challenges and trials of motherhood.

Instill in them joy and delight as they accompany their children through the years.

Shower them with care and support from their family and friends.

Comfort those mothers who have lost their children and those children who have lost their mothers.

In your charity, entrust all mothers to the tenderness of your own mother, Mary.

We love our mothers, Lord.

We ask for your blessing upon them this day and always.

Amen.

While Mother’s Day is a joyous occasion for many, it can also be challenging for others — for those who have lost their mothers, for mothers who have lost their children, for those struggling to become mothers, and for those whose relationship with their mothers may be painful.

To find healing on this Mother’s Day, we ask the Holy Spirit for comfort and aid, and ask Mary for her intercession and motherly love. 

Prayer for Healing to Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal

Mary Immaculate, 

You have asked us to pray with confidence and we will receive great graces. We know your compassion, because you saw your Son suffer and die for us. In your union with his suffering you became the mother of us all. 

Mary, my mother, teach me to understand my suffering as you do and to endure it in union with the suffering of Jesus. In your motherly love, calm my fears and increase my trust in God’s loving care. 

According to God’s plan, obtain for me the healing I need. Intercede with your Son that I may have the strength I need to work for God’s glory and the salvation of the world. 

Amen.

Washington, D.C. Newsroom, May 11, 2025 / 04:00 am (CNA).

May is a month to honor mothers. Mother’s Day falls on May 11 this year in the United States and Canada as the Catholic tradition continues of honoring, throughout the entire month, Mary, the mother of God.

To recognize the work and sacrifices of mothers, Bishop Michael Burbidge of the Diocese of Arlington, Virginia, offered a prayer to be said today and throughout the month in thanksgiving for the love and support mothers provide. 

A Prayer for All Mothers

Good and gracious God,

We thank you for all mothers — the women you have called to bring forth new life and women who provide for the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of those entrusted to their care.

Give them the courage to raise godly children through happy and difficult times and wisdom to guide their children on the path to eternal life.

Fortify them through your word and sacraments to endure the challenges and trials of motherhood.

Instill in them joy and delight as they accompany their children through the years.

Shower them with care and support from their family and friends.

Comfort those mothers who have lost their children and those children who have lost their mothers.

In your charity, entrust all mothers to the tenderness of your own mother, Mary.

We love our mothers, Lord.

We ask for your blessing upon them this day and always.

Amen.

While Mother’s Day is a joyous occasion for many, it can also be challenging for others — for those who have lost their mothers, for mothers who have lost their children, for those struggling to become mothers, and for those whose relationship with their mothers may be painful.

To find healing on this Mother’s Day, we ask the Holy Spirit for comfort and aid, and ask Mary for her intercession and motherly love. 

Prayer for Healing to Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal

Mary Immaculate, 

You have asked us to pray with confidence and we will receive great graces. We know your compassion, because you saw your Son suffer and die for us. In your union with his suffering you became the mother of us all. 

Mary, my mother, teach me to understand my suffering as you do and to endure it in union with the suffering of Jesus. In your motherly love, calm my fears and increase my trust in God’s loving care. 

According to God’s plan, obtain for me the healing I need. Intercede with your Son that I may have the strength I need to work for God’s glory and the salvation of the world. 

Amen.

“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want…” (Psalm 23:1). It is Jesus himself who walks by and invites us to come and see… he says to us, “Come… follow me.” He speaks to us in prayer. We encounter Him in scripture and sacrament. He teaches us through His Church. It is really that […]

The post Listen to The Good Shepherd appeared first on Integrated Catholic Life™.

A Daily Quote to Inspire Your Catholic Faith “Let us be neither dogs that do not bark nor silent onlookers nor paid servants who run away before the wolf. Instead let us be careful shepherds watching over Christ’s flock. Let us preach the whole of God’s plan to the powerful and to the humble, to […]

The post Daily Quote — Saint Boniface appeared first on Integrated Catholic Life™.

St. Ignatius of Laconi was born in 1701 on the island of Sardinia, Italy. From a young age, he was known for his deep piety and desire to serve God. After recovering from a serious illness, he fulfilled a promise to God by joining the Capuchin Franciscans. Ignatius spent his life performing humble tasks, particularly […]

ENCOUNTERING THE WORD — YOUR DAILY BIBLE VERSES “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me; and I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish, and no one shall snatch them out of my hand.” – John 10:27-28 Please help spread the Gospel. Share this Scripture with family […]

The post Your Daily Bible Verses — John 10:27-28 appeared first on Integrated Catholic Life™.

CNA Deutsch, May 10, 2025 / 13:42 pm (CNA).

Pope Leo XIV on Saturday visited and prayed at a Marian shrine outside of Rome, greeting the community there and urging them to "be faithful to the Mother."

The Holy Father visited the Shrine of the Mother of Good Counsel in Genazzano on Saturday afternoon. The sanctuary, located about an hour east of Rome, is run by the religious of the Order of St. Augustine and "houses an ancient image of the Virgin, dear to the Order and to the memory of Leo XIII," according to the Vatican.

The pope greeted the religious at the shrine before praying at both the altar and the Marian image there, according to the Vatican. The Holy Father also prayed St. John Paul II's prayer to the Mother of Good Counsel with the assembly.

"I wanted so much to come here in these first days of the new ministry that the Church has entrusted to me, to carry out this mission as the Successor of Peter," Leo told those present.

The pope told the community that the shrine was "such a great gift" to them.

"As the Mother never abandons her children, you must also be faithful to the Mother," he said. The Holy Father also offered a blessing to those present.

Leo on Saturday also visited the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, where he prayed in front of the tomb of Pope Francis, his immediate predecessor.

Francis is one of eight popes buried in the papal basilica.

CNA Deutsch, May 10, 2025 / 13:42 pm (CNA).

Pope Leo XIV on Saturday visited and prayed at a Marian shrine outside of Rome, greeting the community there and urging them to "be faithful to the Mother."

The Holy Father visited the Shrine of the Mother of Good Counsel in Genazzano on Saturday afternoon. The sanctuary, located about an hour east of Rome, is run by the religious of the Order of St. Augustine and "houses an ancient image of the Virgin, dear to the Order and to the memory of Leo XIII," according to the Vatican.

The pope greeted the religious at the shrine before praying at both the altar and the Marian image there, according to the Vatican. The Holy Father also prayed St. John Paul II's prayer to the Mother of Good Counsel with the assembly.

"I wanted so much to come here in these first days of the new ministry that the Church has entrusted to me, to carry out this mission as the Successor of Peter," Leo told those present.

The pope told the community that the shrine was "such a great gift" to them.

"As the Mother never abandons her children, you must also be faithful to the Mother," he said. The Holy Father also offered a blessing to those present.

Leo on Saturday also visited the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, where he prayed in front of the tomb of Pope Francis, his immediate predecessor.

Francis is one of eight popes buried in the papal basilica.