Focus on Faith

The message, released at the Vatican March 19, the feast of St. Joseph, was dedicated to the saint and “the dream of vocation.”

Fifth Sunday of Lent
First reading: Jer 31:31-34
Second reading: Heb 5:7-9
Gospel: Jn 12:20-33

Dedicating the next year to the pastoral care of families will be an important initiative, particularly at a time of pandemic and its consequences, said Cardinal Kevin Farrell.

Since the pandemic started, religious orders have adapted how they do formation, welcome new candidates and also reach out to potential vocations.

Like St. Joseph who had other plans for his life, but lovingly embraced his role as Jesus’ foster father, a priest assigned to a new parish cannot impose his own ways on that community, Pope Francis said.

While the Catholic Church cannot bless unions that are not sacramental marriages, the church will always welcome and accompany everyone, no matter their situation in life, said the prefect of the Dicastery for Laity, the Family and Life.

Although Western and Eastern Christians celebrate Easter on different dates most years, since the Second Vatican Council, the Vatican has been open to a common date for Easter.

The patron of Ireland, this bishop was born in Roman Britain, kidnapped at 16 by Irish raiders and sold into slavery in Ireland.