Reliving our first euphoric encounter with Christ is the means to draw back from the despondency and despair with which the Evil One and the world attempt to derail our mission as Christians. Through the life of the Apostles, especially St Peter, we see that continually keeping in mind that initial experience of Jesus is what keeps us firm and determined along our path.
D. Stephen Lee Bun Sang, Bishop of Macau, announces the creation and appointment of the members of the first three-year term of the Advisory Group on Educational Affairs of Macau under the Diocesan Catholic Education Commission, effective from 1st May 2022 until 30th April 2025.
D. Stephen Lee Bun Sang, Bishop of Macau, announces the appointment for the next three-year term the members of the Diocesan Catholic Education Commission, effective from 1st May 2022 until 30th April 2025.
D. Stephen Lee Bun Sang, Bishop of Macau, announces the appointment of members to the Diocesan Commission for Life, effective from 1st May 2022 until 30th April 2025.
“…while being holy, spiritual, and good, the Old Law was still imperfect because in itself it did not give the strength and the grace of the Spirit for its observance.” Man had to wait for the Messiah who would hand down a law that included “the strength and the grace of the Spirit” as part of the “package.”
Shame can deal a debilitating blow that can invalidate our very existence. Yes, Jesus defeated death, but Peter’s shame remained due to his betrayal of Our Lord. He felt unworthy to be one of Jesus’ disciples, let alone their leader. Peter is a perfect example. Jesus, therefore, not only offered His forgiveness to Peter, but also restored his identity, not only as “fisher of men,” but also as shepherd of the Church: “Tend my sheep, feed them!”
Long-term spiritual retreats are increasingly sought after by local Catholics, leading the Macau Diocesan Retreat House to welcome three to five retreatants every month, in order to support those who intend to deepen their faith through silence and solitude.
We celebrated the Feast of Divine Mercy three days ago. The second Sunday of Easter has been celebrated by the Church since April 2000 as Divine Mercy Sunday. In these times, more than ever, Our Lord’s call echoes throughout the world through St Faustina: “Mankind will not have peace until it turns with trust to My mercy” (Diary, 300).
The modern Catholic has lost the significance of the act of kneeling before the Lord. Let us recapture its true meaning and allow this gesture of sacrifice and adoration lead us to the heart of our redemption.
Having missed the departure of his ship to India, Joao boarded two smaller vessels to chase the ocean-bound fleet. It was in this, somewhat, ridiculous way that João de Brito definitively left Portugal.