Bishop Barron offered the following intervention at the Vatican during the 2018 Synod on Young People, the Faith, and Vocational Discernment.
Jesus’ encounter with two erstwhile disciples on the road to Emmaus provides a beautiful template for the Church’s work of accompaniment across the ages.
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| Sr. Constance Veit, LSP |
Each October we observe Respect Life Month in dioceses around the United States.
This year’s theme is “Be Not Afraid,” but of what, or whom, are we supposed to not be afraid?
Pondering this question, I recalled an experience I had while attending the Convocation of Catholic Leaders in Orlando last summer.
Pope Francis talked often about the family during his visit to the United States. Of course, his primary reason for traveling to our country was to attend the World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia.
It’s obvious that Pope Francis really understands the realities of family life. He threw away his script at the Festival of Families in Philadelphia and talked candidly about family life. He said, “Families have difficulties. Families — we quarrel, sometimes plates can fly, and children bring headaches. I won’t speak about mothers-in-law,” he said.
“However, in families, there is always light” because of the love of God’s son, Jesus Christ,” he added.
As one of those mothers-in-law — and having one myself — I know there can be challenges. But I also remember that Pope Francis praised grandparents who bring so much wisdom and a sense of history to family life.
We laugh when women running for beauty crowns are asked about their goals in life and they say, “World peace.” We think it sounds silly to wish for such a lofty goal. How could one person make such a difference in the world — and achieve world peace, no less?
But upon reflection, I don’t think it’s an unattainable goal. Each of us can do our part to work for world peace. And I believe it’s tied in with respecting life, something to ponder as we conclude October as Respect Life Month.
