Three Decades of Dialogue: Catholic and Assyrian Churches Stepping Towards Unity

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Thirty years ago, the Common Christological Declaration between the Catholic Church and the Assyrian Church of the East marked a milestone in ecumenical dialogue. Signed by Pope John Paul II and Catholicos-Patriarch Mar Dinkha IV on November 11, 1994, this document reaffirmed shared beliefs about Christ’s nature and paved the way for unity between these ancient Churches. Celebrations of this historic event, as well as the progress made since, took place recently in Rome, with Pope Francis and His Holiness Mar Awa III, the current Catholicos-Patriarch, emphasizing the ongoing journey toward full communion.

CHURCH FATHERS (53) Bede, the Venerable: Centering history before and after Christ

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Saint Bede, known as the Venerable, serves as a bridge between faith and history. A prolific scholar and devout monk, his works spanned Sacred Scripture, Church history, and liturgical theology, emphasizing the centrality of Christ in all things. Bede’s masterpiece, Ecclesiastical History of the English Peoples, not only secured his legacy as the “Father of English Historiography” but also highlighted the universal dimension of the Church, rooted in catholicity and apostolicity.

Jesus’ Contemplative Heart

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In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus introduces us to the humble faith of two poor widows whose generous hearts show true trust in God’s providence. From the widow of Zarephath who gave Elijah her last bit of bread to the widow at the temple who offered her final coins, we’re reminded that God values not the size of our gifts, but the love behind them. Through them, we learn that the true act of giving is when we offer God our whole selves in trust and humility.

Absolute Devotion

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Today’s Gospel shines a light on two widows whose lives serve as examples of absolute devotion. One, exploited by the society around her, is still able to give everything she has to God, trusting that He will provide. Jesus calls out the social injustices against these widows, contrasting their deep faith and humility with the empty piety of the powerful. Through her humble offering, the widow demonstrates the purest faith: a well-discerned, intentional choice to give everything, trusting in God’s provision.

Appointment of Patriarch and discovery of ancient church

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The discovery of a 4th-century church in Artaxata by a team of Armenian and German archaeologists coincides with Pope Francis appointing Patriarch Raphaël Bedros XXI Minassian of the Armenian Catholic Church to the Dicastery for the Oriental Churches. This unearthed octagonal structure, likely one of Armenia’s earliest churches, dates back to a period shortly after Armenia embraced Christianity in 301 AD, making it the oldest Christian kingdom.

CELEBRATING THE 2025 JUBILEE YEAR

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Pope Francis invites us to celebrate the 2025 Jubilee Year, themed “Spes non confundit”—Hope does not disappoint (Rom 5:5). This Jubilee is a time for spiritual renewal, drawing us closer to God and to one another. Through prayer, mercy, and simplicity, we are called to embrace hope as an anchor for our souls. Let this Jubilee be a pilgrimage of transformation, bringing joy, reconciliation, and a profound commitment to serving those in need.

CHRISTIAN LOVE IS BORN OF AN AUTHENTIC ENCOUNTER WITH GOD

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This Sunday’s Gospel centers on love as the heart of Christian life. Jesus reminds us that loving God and our neighbor fulfills all other commandments. Christian love isn’t simply a feeling but a deep commitment to treat others with the same grace God shows us. As Pope Benedict XVI explains, love matures from desire (eros) to friendship (philia) to self-sacrifice (agape), mirroring Christ’s love for humanity.

CHURCH FATHERS (51) Maximus the Confessor: Suffering for Christ

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Saint Maximus the Confessor, a profound Eastern Church Father, suffered torture, exile, and mutilation for defending Christ’s dual wills—human and divine. He believed that true freedom and union with God come through aligning one’s will with God’s, a unity embodied in Christ’s acceptance of suffering. Through his writings, Maximus provides guidance on overcoming human passions and the ascetical struggle of Christian life.