“Faith grows when it is lived and shaped by love… that is why our families, our homes, are true domestic churches”.
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Dotty Robinson echoed her daughter’s description of “good spirits all over”.
But many Americans who camped out to catch a glimpse of Francis credited him with rejuvenating a Church still reeling from the scandals, declining attendance records and falling numbers joining the priesthood.
When Gosar speaks of all hell breaking loose must be talking about how his impertinence and hypocrisy were noted by many people, including that well-known “shark” and talk show host Stephen Colbert.
Behind the large altar constructed for the mass, atop the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, sat the “Amor” statue, a Spanish take on the landmark statue found in Philadelphia’s Love Park made in honor of Pope Francis’s native language.
The New Yorkers I spoke to are still feeling the after effect of his holiness.
Catholics, as well as non-Catholics who are simply fans of the Pope, have taken heart from the messages delivered by Francis during his visit.
“This land has been blessed with tremendous gifts and opportunities”, the pope said. “How many stars have we seen that go out and fall”. “A Christianity which does little in practice, while explaining its teachings, is dangerously unbalanced”, the pope said.
Chaput was appointed bishop of Rapid City, S.D., and also became the second Native American to be ordained a bishop in the United States. Father Ruiz says the pope thinks of himself as a servant of god, not as a rock star.
That’s one way to get the Pope’s benediction. “But it was exciting watching him pass by”.
Pope Francis met with five victims of sexual abuse Sunday morning for about an hour, expressing “regret that a few bishops failed in their responsibility to protect children”.
“To be here to experience the World Meeting of Families with our own family, then with our Catholic family and brothers and sisters from around the world is really overwhelming”, Sharon Phelan said. I have come so that we can pray together and offer our God everything that causes us pain, but also everything that gives us hope, so that we can receive from him the power of the resurrection.
Her 13-year-old son, Angel, said he was sorry to see the end Sunday of what he called “probably one of the best days of my life”. He said that New York was “a bit exuberant” while “Philadelphia was very demonstrative”.
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PHILADELPHIA Chuck Keating prepared for weeks for Pope Francis’ arrival in Philadelphia, but what followed was something he could have never anticipated.
