Canonization of Bartolo Longo – A Saint for those Afflicted by the Occult
Saint Bartolo Longo, (1841–1926), the great Rosary advocate, was canonized by Pope Leo XIV today, Sunday, October 19, in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican.
Our Lady at Fatima described herself as the Lady of the Rosary, and certainly Bartolo can be described as a great 19th century “Herald of the Rosary,” and one who was responsible for the growth and flourishing of the Rosary Shrine at Pompeii, Italy.
An Optimistic Time for the Church
I was in Rome several weeks ago. There I felt a sense of optimism and the hope that we Catholics should always feel. I attribute this to several factors: firstly, this is a Holy Year of Hope, which Pope Francis declared this last year. Since it began many have made their way to Rome to enter the Holy Doors at the major Basilicas. Secondly, the Conclave and the election of Pope Leo XIV have added to the enthusiasm as he is bringing a youthful energy to the Papacy bringing even more people to the seat of our Faith. Holy years are always a time of renewal. They provide a unique opportunity to avail ourselves of the spiritual benefits such as the attainment of a plenary indulgence when we visit jubilee churches. These are special and exceptional gifts that the Church grants, but the full intention is for us to embrace full amendment of life, without which there is no long-term benefit. Dioceses all over the world have designated pilgrimage sites: the Blue Army Shrine is a designated place of pilgrimage in the Diocese of Metuchen. A pilgrimage to Rome however is special as it is the seat of the Church and for those able, it is a must do journey.
Confronting the Technological Revolution
After his election to the papacy last month Pope Leo XIV gave insight to his selection of the name he chose. He referred, as I expected, to Pope Leo XIII’s focus on the well-being of working-class people in the rapidly changing socio-political environment of the late 19th century. Just as Pope Leo XIII saw the dangers that the Industrial Revolution posed and the looming specter of the Marxist ideology, which was looking to control the working class, Pope Leo XIV has stated he sees the dangers of out-of-control technology in the present day as a great threat to our humanity. Both of his immediate predecessors, Pope Francis and Pope Benedict XVI, also referred to the potential dangers in these technologies.
Habemus Papam!
On Easter Monday we woke to the news that the Holy Father, Pope Francis had died. Although not surprising after his long illness it still was unexpected news that morning. Immediately we said a prayer for the repose of his soul. The seat was vacant as the world mourned his passing. Dorothy and I travelled back […]
