VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- While enjoying a summer break from school or work, Catholics should not neglect "the Lord's invitation to prepare our hearts by actively participating in the Eucharistic sacrifice and by doing generous acts of charity," Pope Leo XIV said.

Speaking in English at his weekly general audience Aug. 6, the pope summarized his main talk, which focused on how Christ prepared to sacrifice himself out of love for humanity and how Christians, in response, must prepare space in their hearts and lives for him.

The Gospel accounts of Jesus and his disciples preparing for Passover and the Last Supper -- and for Jesus' passion and death, he said, "shows us that love is not the result of chance, but of a conscious choice." 

Jesus, the pope said, "does not face his passion out of fatalism, but out of fidelity to a path freely and carefully accepted and followed."

Believers should be comforted by "knowing that the gift of his life stems from conscious intention, not a sudden impulse," Pope Leo told thousands of people gathered for the audience in St. Peter's Square.

As Passover and his death draw near, Jesus "has already thought of everything, arranged everything, decided everything," the pope said. "However, he asks his friends to do their part. This teaches us something essential for our spiritual life: grace does not eliminate our freedom but rather awakens it. God's gift does not eliminate our responsibility but makes it fruitful."

Catholics today also are called to prepare themselves to receive Christ's sacrifice, he said, and not just at Mass.

"The Eucharist is not celebrated only at the altar, but also in daily life, where it is possible to experience everything as an offering and giving of thanks," Pope Leo said. 

Often that preparation is not about doing more, he said, but rather about creating space by "removing what encumbers us, reducing our demands and ceasing to hold unrealistic expectations."

"Every gesture of willingness, every gratuitous act, every forgiveness given in advance, every effort patiently accepted, is a way to prepare a place where God can dwell," Pope Leo said.

"May the Lord grant us to be humble preparers of his presence," the pope prayed. "And, in this daily readiness, may that serene trust also grow in us, allowing us to face everything with a free heart. Because where love has been prepared, life can truly flourish."
 

This week’s poem in the Catholic Poetry Room is by Cynthia Erlandson. Trinity “O eternal truth and true love and beloved eternity: You are my God.” – St. Augustine My God, who from eternity made truth, You loved me from the start unendingly Though I am mortal, false, and unlovely, And always (or my heart […]

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A few years back, the Jesuit magazine America published an article titled “The Catholic Case for Communism,” questioning whether communist ideology is compatible with Catholic social teaching.  But, in 1937, Pope Pius XI penned a clear condemnation of it, writing: [It is] deception, skillfully concealed by the most extravagant promises . . . And as […]

A Daily Quote to Inspire Your Catholic Faith “Those who have been freed and raised up follow the light. The light they follow speaks to them: I am the light of the world; he who follows me will not walk in darkness. The Lord gives light to the blind.” – Saint Augustine of Hippo, Treatise […]

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In past articles, I’ve mentioned how the 1960s counterculture movement was a scourge on the Judeo-Christian world. In this post, I’ll bring to light the self-help “spirituality” of the 2000s, another psychological plague on our culture. The first time that I ever got captivated by something “viral” on social media happened in 2006. A trusted […]

The Transfiguration of Our Lord is a significant event in the New Testament, recorded in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. This event, occurring on a high mountain traditionally identified as Mount Tabor, provided a profound revelation of Jesus’ divine glory to three of His closest disciples: Peter, James, and John. Jesus took these […]

ENCOUNTERING THE WORD — YOUR DAILY BIBLE VERSES “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” – Philippians 1:21 Please help spread the Gospel. Share this verse with family and friends on Facebook and other social media. We are grateful for your support… We welcome both one-time and monthly donations. A […]

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Washington D.C., Aug 5, 2025 / 19:37 pm (CNA).

Pope Leo XIV extolled the work of the Knights of Columbus in a prerecorded message for the Catholic fraternal organization’s 143rd Supreme Convention, which is being held in Washington, D.C., Aug. 5–7.

“I commend your efforts to bring together the men in your communities for prayer, formation, and fraternity, as well as the many charitable efforts of your local councils throughout the world … which brings hope and healing to many and continues the noble legacy of your founder,” Leo said in his message. 

The Holy Father specifically commended the Knights of Columbus for their “generous service to vulnerable populations, including the unborn, pregnant mothers, children, those who are less fortunate, and those affected by the scourge of war.”

Leo tied his message to the convention’s theme “Heralds of Hope,” which was chosen to reflect the 2025 Jubilee Year of Hope, which was promulgated by Pope Francis.

The pontiff said that the Jubilee Year of Hope “encourages the universal Church and indeed the entire world to reflect on this essential virtue, which Pope Francis described as the desire and expectation of good things to come despite or not knowing what the future may bring.”

“As Catholics, we know that the source of our hope is Jesus Christ, and he has sent his followers in every age to bring the good news of his saving paschal mystery to the entire world,” the Holy Father said. “The Church has always been called to be a sign of hope through the proclamation of the Gospel in words as well as in actions.” 

Leo added that during the holy year, Catholics “are called to be tangible signs of hope to those of our brothers and sisters who experience hardships of any kind,” noting that the founder of the Knights of Columbus, Blessed Michael McGivney, “understood this well.”

“He saw the many needs of immigrant Catholics and sought to bring relief to the poor and suffering through his faithful celebration of the sacraments as well as through fraternal assistance … which continues on to this day,” the pontiff said.

Leo said the convention theme is an invitation to members of the Knights of Columbus “to be signs of hope in your local communities, parishes, and families.” 

Standing ovation

Leo’s message was received with a standing ovation from the attendees, and Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly called the pontiff’s remarks “deeply encouraging.”

“The Knights of Columbus, each of us, is proud to stand with His Holiness Pope Leo XIV,” Kelly said.

“In his first homily, he called Catholics to missionary outreach and at his Mass of inauguration, it felt like he was speaking directly to the Knights of Columbus,” Kelly continued. “He centered his message on love and unity and he urged us to build fraternity — charity, unity, fraternity, these are the principles that define us, and the Holy Father has told us to take them to everyone we encounter.”

During his speech and report to the convention, Kelly spoke about the charitable work of the Knights of Columbus, including efforts in war-torn countries like Ukraine and relief provided to people suffering from natural disasters. He also spoke about the growth of the Knights, the organization’s support for clergy formation, and its outspoken support for the unborn. 

At the conclusion of the report, attendees recited a prayer for Pope Leo XIV, asking God to “preserve him, give him a long life, make him blessed upon the Earth” and that “the Lord not hand him over to the powers of his enemies.” 

“Look down, in your mercy, upon your servant, Leo, whom you have appointed to preside over your Church; and grant, we beseech you, that both by word and example, he may edify all those under his charge; so that, with the flock entrusted to him, he may arrive at length unto life everlasting.”

Washington D.C., Aug 5, 2025 / 19:37 pm (CNA).

Pope Leo XIV extolled the work of the Knights of Columbus in a prerecorded message for the Catholic fraternal organization’s 143rd Supreme Convention, which is being held in Washington, D.C., Aug. 5–7.

“I commend your efforts to bring together the men in your communities for prayer, formation, and fraternity, as well as the many charitable efforts of your local councils throughout the world … which brings hope and healing to many and continues the noble legacy of your founder,” Leo said in his message. 

The Holy Father specifically commended the Knights of Columbus for their “generous service to vulnerable populations, including the unborn, pregnant mothers, children, those who are less fortunate, and those affected by the scourge of war.”

Leo tied his message to the convention’s theme “Heralds of Hope,” which was chosen to reflect the 2025 Jubilee Year of Hope, which was promulgated by Pope Francis.

The pontiff said that the Jubilee Year of Hope “encourages the universal Church and indeed the entire world to reflect on this essential virtue, which Pope Francis described as the desire and expectation of good things to come despite or not knowing what the future may bring.”

“As Catholics, we know that the source of our hope is Jesus Christ, and he has sent his followers in every age to bring the good news of his saving paschal mystery to the entire world,” the Holy Father said. “The Church has always been called to be a sign of hope through the proclamation of the Gospel in words as well as in actions.” 

Leo added that during the holy year, Catholics “are called to be tangible signs of hope to those of our brothers and sisters who experience hardships of any kind,” noting that the founder of the Knights of Columbus, Blessed Michael McGivney, “understood this well.”

“He saw the many needs of immigrant Catholics and sought to bring relief to the poor and suffering through his faithful celebration of the sacraments as well as through fraternal assistance … which continues on to this day,” the pontiff said.

Leo said the convention theme is an invitation to members of the Knights of Columbus “to be signs of hope in your local communities, parishes, and families.” 

Standing ovation

Leo’s message was received with a standing ovation from the attendees, and Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly called the pontiff’s remarks “deeply encouraging.”

“The Knights of Columbus, each of us, is proud to stand with His Holiness Pope Leo XIV,” Kelly said.

“In his first homily, he called Catholics to missionary outreach and at his Mass of inauguration, it felt like he was speaking directly to the Knights of Columbus,” Kelly continued. “He centered his message on love and unity and he urged us to build fraternity — charity, unity, fraternity, these are the principles that define us, and the Holy Father has told us to take them to everyone we encounter.”

During his speech and report to the convention, Kelly spoke about the charitable work of the Knights of Columbus, including efforts in war-torn countries like Ukraine and relief provided to people suffering from natural disasters. He also spoke about the growth of the Knights, the organization’s support for clergy formation, and its outspoken support for the unborn. 

At the conclusion of the report, attendees recited a prayer for Pope Leo XIV, asking God to “preserve him, give him a long life, make him blessed upon the Earth” and that “the Lord not hand him over to the powers of his enemies.” 

“Look down, in your mercy, upon your servant, Leo, whom you have appointed to preside over your Church; and grant, we beseech you, that both by word and example, he may edify all those under his charge; so that, with the flock entrusted to him, he may arrive at length unto life everlasting.”

ACI Prensa Staff, Aug 5, 2025 / 16:16 pm (CNA).

Pope Leo XIV encouraged the participants of the Medjugorje youth festival to unite the flames of their hearts so that this fire may illuminate their journey toward God.