Here is this week's installment of "Five Faith Friday" which contains five, faith-based things I found interesting and am sharing on Friday.
How I Feel About the Pope's Recent Comments --
Confused and I'd love to see the Vatican come out and clarify the Pope's remarks. That being said, Church teaching isn't changed based on statements the Pope made during an interview. In fact, the Church's teaching on marriage has never changed and never will change. It can't. Jesus's teachings, which the Church follows, will be the same until the end of time. As Bishop Tobin said, "The Church cannot support the acceptance of objectively immoral relationships. Individuals with same-sex attraction are beloved children of God and must have their personal human rights and civil rights recognized and protected by law. However, the legalization of their civil unions, which seek to simulate holy matrimony, is not admissible." I'd encourage everyone to read the Church's teaching on chastity and homosexuality (see 2357, 2358, and 2359). In regards to same-sex unions, read "Considerations Regarding Proposals To Give Legal Recognition to Unions Between Homosexual Persons" or at least the 1 paragraph conclusion by Pope Benedict (while still Joseph Ratzinger) under Pope JP2. What can we do about it? Pray and do penance for the Holy Father and the Church. It's like the old saying, "If you don't vote, you can't complain" but instead, "If you don't pray and do penance, you can't complain."
What Fact I Found Interesting --
Ten years ago, the average age of a woman entering a convent was 40. Today, it is 24. After 50 years of declining membership, in 2018 the United States gained more religious sisters than it lost. Check out this article from secular outlet Huffington Post around "Behold, the Millennial Nuns". God is on the move!
Which Short Video I Found Powerful --
Boun Chaun. It's only 6 minutes long but is the story of Boun Chaun, a former Communist director general who became a Christian and lost everything he once had. The other title you could give this video is, "Risking His Life for the Bible" as you'll see why in the playing of the video. Pray for the martyrs and our Christian brothers and sisters facing religious persecution.
What Prayer I Prayed --
Sub Tuum Praesidium. It is the oldest known prayer to the Blessed Virgin Mary and was found on an Egyptian papyrus from the 3rd century in ancient Greek. Here's how it goes: "We turn to you for protection, Holy Mother of God. Listen to our prayers and help us in our needs. Save us from every danger, O Glorious and Blessed Virgin."
Which Conference I'm Looking Forward To --
The Virtual Catholic Apologetics Conference. It's the largest Catholic apologetics conference ever. And it's 100% free!!!! Not only that, but you have the best apologists presenting including Scott Hahn, Trent Horn, Jimmy Akin, Father Gregory Pine, Andrew Swafford, Matt Fradd, and more. It's happening today and this weekend so sign up now!
BONUS: What Book Club Looks Fantastic --
Read Between the Wines: “He Leadeth Me” by Walter Ciszek. It is a 4 week virtual book club (every Tuesday in November) hosted by The Miraculous Medal Shrine. Registration is required in order to receive the zoom invite.
Have a wonderful weekend and may God bless you and your family!
David Yingling started his weekly “Five Faith Friday” emails when the Coronavirus forced an end to his in-person “Pints & Prayers” gatherings, which he describes as “Men striving to deepen their faith over a cold one.” He’s a member of St. Jane Frances de Chantal Parish in Easton.
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