Forgiveness Education is Mental Health Education Grounded in Love of God and Neighbor

(photo: Bishop Timothy Dolan, OSV News, Gregory A. Shemitz, 2025) Bishop Dolan is a vocal advocate for the work of the Catholic Church to promote mental health in all of its communities. He founded the International Association of Catholic Health Ministers after experiencing the suicide of his brother, and several family members before him. OSV … Continue reading Forgiveness Education is Mental Health Education Grounded in Love of God and Neighbor

Vatican Convenes “Ministry of Hope” Catholic Forum on Mental Well-Being

(photo: Catherine Scott, 2012) Today Vatican News is reporting that the Vatican is convening the "Ministry of Hope" Catholic Forum on Mental Well-Being. The aims of the three-day convening are: Strengthen the Church's pastoral engagement with mental wellbeing. Foster listening, reflection, and collaboration among those accompanying individuals and communities facing psychological, social, and spiritual distress. … Continue reading Vatican Convenes “Ministry of Hope” Catholic Forum on Mental Well-Being

Resurrection Saves from Sadness & Despair

(art: Resurrection, woodcut print, 15th century C.E.) In his General Audience today, Pope Leo XIV explored the topic of personal sadness and explained how the resurrection of Jesus Christ can give us a hope that replaces despair. The pope's address is part of the the cycle of catechesis that will continue throughout the entire Jubilee … Continue reading Resurrection Saves from Sadness & Despair

Pope Leo XIV: 2025 Jubilee Year is Time for Forgiveness and Reconciliation

Prior to his death, Pope Francis declared 2025 to be a Jubilee Year, A Jubilee Year is an "event of great spiritual, ecclesial, and social significance in the life of the Church." The concept of "Jubilee" has its origins in the Book of Leviticus (chapter 25) as a special year of reconciliation, pilgrimage, and coming … Continue reading Pope Leo XIV: 2025 Jubilee Year is Time for Forgiveness and Reconciliation

5th Anniversary of Historic Vatican Forgiveness & Reconciliation Encyclical

(art: Duccio di Buoninsegna, 1255–1319) Today marks the 5th anniversary of the Vatican's historic encyclical concerning forgiveness and reconciliation in societal relationships, Fratelli Tutti. The work was composed by Pope Francis, who quoted St. Francis of Assisi in opening the work with the words, "fratelli tutti," meaning "all brothers and sisters." The publication date of … Continue reading 5th Anniversary of Historic Vatican Forgiveness & Reconciliation Encyclical

Pope Leo Explains the Resurrection as Cause and Model for Forgiveness

(photo: Edgar Beltran, 2025) Pope Leo XIV had important things to say about forgiveness in his General Audience on Wednesday of this week. His remarks linked forgiveness to the example of Jesus Christ when he appeared to the disciples after his resurrection (John 20:19-31), and how Jesus appears without anger or desire for revenge, but … Continue reading Pope Leo Explains the Resurrection as Cause and Model for Forgiveness

Connecting with Nature Helps Forgiveness

(photo: Pope's Worldwide Prayer Network, 2025) The Vatican News reports that Pope Leo XIV has announced a prayer intention for this month of September "for our relationship with all of creation." In his explanation available via video. Pope Leo XIV specifically recognizes the “the beauty of creation” as a revelation of God and “as the … Continue reading Connecting with Nature Helps Forgiveness