in the front seat

Pope Francis addressed the European Union yesterday.  In a well-crafted speech he challenged Europe to combat the divisiveness of individualism and polarization and remember its founding motto, "Unity in Diversity". The European Union formed by coming together to combat threats and build a better society. Recent crises have left nations pursuing policies of privatization of resources, placing the desires of individuals over the common good of all people, and those that create a moral vacuum filled only by extremism. The future of Europe – added Pope Francis - depends on the recovery of the vital connection between openness to God and the practical and concrete ability to confront situations and problems Christianity is not "a threat to secular Europe but rather an enrichment". In returning to its Christian culture, Europe will regain its "soul" and arise from its "loneliness" Ultimately, what is good for Europe is also good and true for...

Pope Francis addressed engaged couples about their commitment to eachother and the natural fear of vowing to remain togheter forever.  Instead of addressing, his session functioned as a question and answer meeting.  During which he offered some advice: Pray for your spouse Pray with your spouse. This can often be difficult as we tend to feel vulnerable. By beginning with formal prayers (those we memorize or learned as a child) we can later add deeper thoughts and feelings. Pray for love.  One simple suggestion was when praying the "Our Father" we say "give us this day our daily love ".  Jesus said "bread" to indicate what is needed. In marriage, love is needed. Originally posted on " Together for Life online "

Pope Francis has called for a day of prayer and fasting for peace in the Middle East.  Perhaps we could recite and reflect on this prayer. World Peace Prayer Lead us from death to life, from falsehood to truth, from despair to hope, from fear to trust. Lead us from hate to love, from war to peace. Let peace fill our hearts, let peace fill our world, let peace fill our universe. Amen. Thanks to Mike Amodei at Ave Maria Press who created a simple activity for a classroom.  It can also be uses by anyone reflecting on peace. Pray for World Peace | Ave Maria Press