April 25, St. Mark the Evangelist: life and gospel

Each April 25, the Catholic Church dresses up to celebrate the feast day of St. Mark's, one of the four evangelists who, inspired by the Holy Spirit, wrote down the life, Passion, Death and Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.

The figure of St. Mark is central to understanding the essence of our faith. His Gospel, considered by scholars to be the oldest of the four, is a vibrant, direct and action-packed account that invites us to discover the identity of Jesus as the Son of God.

In this article we want to approach the life of this early saint; to explore the characteristics of his sacred text in the light of the Magisterium of the Church and the teachings of St. Josemaría. We will reflect on how his figure today is driving the formation of priests worldwide.

Who was St. Mark?

To meet St. Mark's, we must immerse ourselves in the early stages of the Church history, as the Acts of the Apostles and some letters of the New Testament tell us. Also known as John Mark, he was not part of the group of the twelve Apostles, but his life was linked to the two pillars of the Church: St. Peter and St. Paul.

The ecclesial tradition places us in Jerusalem. Mark's mother, Mary, was a well-to-do woman of the first Christian community, and her house served as a meeting place for the first faithful. It is very likely that in that same house the Last Supper was celebrated and that it was the place where the disciples took refuge in fear after the crucifixion. And then they would gather there united in waiting for the coming of the Holy Spirit in Pentecost.

Paul and Barnabas's traveling companion

At the beginning of the expansion of Christianity, St. Mark's accompanied his cousin, St. Barnabas, and St. Paul on the first missionary journey to Cyprus. Although Mark decided to return to Jerusalem-an episode that caused some friction and anger on the part of St. Paul-the grace of God brought about reconciliation. And years later, we see a mature Mark again accompanying Paul during his captivity in Rome.

The "interpreter" of St. Peter

But the deepest link between St. Mark's was with the Apostle Peter. The first Pope affectionately calls him "my son Mark" in his first letter (1 Peter 5:13). The unanimous tradition of the Church, gathered together in the documents of the Holy See and in the writings of the Fathers of the Church such as Papias of Hierapolis and St. Irenaeus, confirms that Mark was Peter's interpreter. His Gospel is nothing more than the written account of the oral catechesis and the preaching of St. Peter's to the Christians of Rome.

This closeness to the original and primary source means that reading St. Mark is, in essence, listening to the living voice of St. Peter recalling the gestures, the looks and the miracles of St. Peter. Jesus of Nazareth.

What are the characteristics of the Gospel according to Mark?

The story that gives us St. Mark's is the shortest of the four Gospels (it consists of 16 chapters), but what it lacks in length, it makes up for in intensity. It is a Gospel written primarily for Christians coming from paganism, specifically from Rome. Therefore, it omits long genealogies or exhaustive explanations of Jewish laws, focusing more on action.

A vivid, direct and urgent account

One of the most frequently repeated words in the original Greek text is euthys, which means "immediately" or "at once". The Gospel moves at a rapid pace. Jesus Christ He heals, preaches, casts out demons, walks on water, and heads resolutely towards Jerusalem to consummate his sacrifice at the end of his life. the Cross.

San Marcos wants the reader to ask a fundamental question from the very first verse: "who is this man?". Through what theologians have called the messianic secret, Jesus often asks those he heals or the demons themselves not to reveal his identity. Why? Because Jesus does not want to be mistaken for a political leader or an earthly messiah. His true identity as the Son of God is only fully understood at the foot of the Cross. In fact, it is a Roman centurion (a pagan) who is the first to confess it after his death: "truly this man was the Son of God"." (Mk 15:39).

The humanity of Christ

Another poignant aspect of the work of St. Mark's is how he details the humanity of Jesus. He describes a Christ who has compassion on the multitude (Mk 6:34), who is indignant at the hardness of heart (Mk 3:5), who embraces and blesses the children (Mk 10:16), and who feels awe and anguish in the garden of Gethsemane (Mk 14:33). This approach, so human and so divine, is an inexhaustible source for the prayer personal.

St. Josemaría's teaching: living the Gospel

The sensitivity proposed by the CARF Foundation, inspired by the priestly formation and the teachings of St. Josemaría Escrivá (founder of Opus Dei), knowing and living the Word of God is vital.

St. Josemaría insistently recommended the reading and meditation of the Holy Gospel. In his work, we are invited not only to read the sacred pages as if we were reading an ancient history book, but to live them. As he often taught: «I advise you, in your prayer, to intervene in the passages of the Gospel, as one of the characters (Friends of God, point 253)».

Read the Gospel of St. Mark's In this light, our perspective changes completely. We become one of the crowd pressing against Jesus by the Lake of Gennesaret; we are the blind Bartimaeus crying out from the roadside for mercy; or those apostles who, in the midst of the storm at sea, awaken the Master with great fear and wavering faith. Through the writings of St. Josemaría we see how this familiarity with Christ's life is a support for understanding and living the holiness in the midst of the world.

St. Mark, in taking up Peter's catechesis, gave us a practical manual for meeting Jesus Christ in our daily lives, in our daily occupations, inviting us to be bearers of his message in our own families and workplaces.

April 25 celebration and tradition

The April 25, the liturgy of the Universal Church summons us to celebrate the feast of St. Mark's. It is a day of joy that, in addition to paying homage to the evangelist, The liturgical texts approved by the Holy See and promoted by the Spanish Episcopal Conference for this day emphasize the importance of the transmission of the faith. The liturgical texts approved by the Holy See and promoted by the Spanish Episcopal Conference for this day emphasize the apostolic responsibility that all the baptized share.

In the Liturgy of the Hours, the Church prays asking God that, just as he gave St. Mark the grace to preach the Gospel, we too may profit from his teachings to follow faithfully in the footsteps of Christ. It is a propitious day for renew our love by the Sacred Scriptures. As Pope Francis reminded us, carrying a small Gospel in our pocket and reading a fragment of it every day is a highly recommended spiritual practice to allow ourselves to be transformed by the gaze of Christ.

The winged lion: symbol of St. Mark

When speaking of this saint, we must mention his iconographic representation: the winged lion. This image, deeply rooted in the history of Christian art and inspired by the visions of the prophet Ezekiel and the book of Revelation, has a precious theological significance.

Christian tradition, especially since St. Jerome (4th century), assigned the lion to St. Mark, because his Gospel begins with the figure of St. John the Baptist crying out in the desert. «The voice of one crying in the wilderness: prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight» (Mk 1:3). The ancient exegetes associated that powerful and solitary voice in the steppe with the roar of the lion, the king of the jungle and the desert.

In medieval bestiary and patristic exegesis, it was believed that lion cubs were born dead and their father awakened them to life on the third day with his roar. This became a perfect symbol for the Gospel of Mark, which strongly underlines the majesty and victory of Christ (the Lion of Judah) over death with his glorious Resurrection.

The wings that accompany the lion represent the divine nature and heavenly inspiration of the sacred writings. They indicate that the evangelist's message is not purely human, but flies from above, connecting the earth with divinity.

This iconography adorns thousands of churches around the world, the most famous being St. Mark's Basilica in Venice, the city of which he is the undisputed patron saint and where his relics rest.

Objective of the CARF Foundation: to bring the Gospel to the whole world

The work written by St. Mark's concludes with the great missionary mandate of Jesus: «Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to all creation» (Mk 16:15). This verse is not just a brilliant closing to his book; it is the continuous heartbeat of the Church and is, in a very direct way, one of the raisons d'être of the CARF Foundation (Roman Academic Center Foundation).

So that the Gospel written by St. Mark may continue to resonate strongly today, so that it may continue to touch hearts in the great de-Christianized cities and in the most remote missions and the most abandoned and poorest countries, the Church needs to holy priests, It needs well-trained, wise shepherds with the "smell of sheep". It needs men who, as Mark himself did with St. Peter, sit at the feet of the wisdom of the Church and then carry that truth in an accessible and passionate way to all corners of the planet.

At the CARF Foundation we work tirelessly to support the solid and integral formation of seminarians, diocesan priests, We are also helping religious men and women from all over the world, especially from those places where the Church suffers persecution or lacks resources. By facilitating their studies at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross in Rome or at the Ecclesiastical Faculties of the University of Navarra in Pamplona, we are investing directly in the expansion of the Word of God.

A priest well trained in biblical theology, who understands the literary, historical and spiritual depths of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. St. Mark's, He is a priest capable of sustaining the faith of thousands of souls. Like Mark's mother, he placed his house at the disposal of the Apostles, the benefactors of the CARF Foundation contribute their resources available to the future pastors of the diocesan Church.

The validity of an eternal message

As we celebrate April 25, we not only remember a saint of the past. We celebrate that his work, inspired by the Holy Spirit, lives on. The lion of St. Mark continues to roar. He continues to awaken consciences, he continues to comfort the sick, he continues to offer hope to the hopeless.

The challenge that the feast of this evangelist leaves us is twofold. On the one hand, on a personal level, we are called to rediscover his Gospel. We invite you today to pick up your Bible and read, at least, the first chapter of San Marcos. Make a resolution to accompany Jesus, to let yourself be challenged by his authority and compassionate love.

On the other hand, at the community and ecclesial level, we are called to support the task of evangelization. No one evangelizes alone. Just as Mark needed Barnabas, Paul and Peter, so we are called upon to support them. today's priests they need you.

Your support is the engine of the Gospel today

The best tribute we can pay to St. Mark's on his feast day is to make sure that the story of Jesus that he wrote so faithfully never ceases to be told. How can you make this possible? Supporting the training of those who devote their lives to preaching this Word.

From the CARF Foundation, We encourage you to join our large family of partners, benefactors and friends. Each donation, The money, no matter how small, is transformed into hours of study, books and food for a seminarian or priest who will celebrate the Eucharist and read the Gospel in his parish tomorrow. Browse our website and discover how your generosity can have an eternal impact on the formation of tomorrow's pastors. And follow our social networks at @fundacioncarf to meet the faces of those you are helping to prepare to «go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel.».

May St. Mark intercede for the Church, for the Pope, for all priests and religious, and for all of us who are part of the charism promoted by the CARF Foundation, so that the roar of faith may never be extinguished in our hearts.

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The royals‘ headdress charity market that promotes the formation of priests

The recent charity market of the CARF Foundation proved that elegance and social commitment are a binomial that works well. The event, which was held from March 4 to 6 and 11 to 13, in the evenings from 5 to 8:30 pm, was not only a success among benefactors, friends and members of the Foundation. The flea market is always promoted by the Social Action Board, and became a showcase of sophistication thanks to the designer's exclusive headdresses and pamelas. Maria Nieto -famous for dressing the Queen Letizia,as reported by the Servimedia agency, whose creations were the main attraction of the event.

Numerous benefactors and friends of the Foundation gathered to purchase everything from haute couture accessories to treasures. vintage, turning every purchase into a gesture of hope.

marcadillo solidario fundación carf mochila vasos sagrados — Nieves Herrero during her visit to the flea market.

Nieves Herrero at the charity flea market

The event had an exceptional sponsor: the journalist Nieves Herrero. During his visit, Herrero highlighted the relevance of the foundation's work with a phrase that sums up the spirit of the event:

«Training priests is a good for everyone.».

One of the most touching moments was when he discovered the backpack of sacred vessels. This kit, with a cost of 700 euros, is the most valuable graduation gift for seminarians returning to their dioceses of origin, always in countries with scarce economic resources.

The backpack is designed to enable them to celebrate Holy Mass and administer the sacraments with complete dignity, even in the most remote and under-resourced regions of the planet.

Mochila de vasos sagrados de la Fundación CARF en la que se muestra encima de una mesa todo el contenido de la mochila — Backpack of sacred vessels from the CARF Foundation.

The backpack, a much appreciated gift

This gift, valued at 700 euros, is considered one of the most appreciated by newly ordained priests. It contains everything necessary to be able to celebrate Holy Mass and administer the sacraments with dignity, even in places where material means are scarce.

Detailed contents of the CARF Foundation's backpack of sippy cups:

Sacred vessels: chalice, paten and ciborium/bibb for the reservation and distribution of the Eucharist.
Liturgical elements: vases (made of clear glass for wine and water), altar cross and candles.
Ornament: stole (sign of Jesus and priestly authority) of various liturgical seasons.
Table linen: altar (silk) and other necessary cloths (purifier, pallia).
Additional: includes containers for the oil of the sick and holy water sprinkler.

Elite training for global impact

This mission is carried out through prestigious academic centers where those who, in the future, will take their pastoral work to the most needy corners of the world are trained.

Beyond fashion, the objective of this flea market is to raise funds for the comprehensive training (human, intellectual and spiritual) of priests and religious. The beneficiaries study in centers such as:

University of Navarra (Spain).
Pontifical University of the Holy Cross (Rome).

A day in which fashion became a vehicle for hope, and where every purchase was also a gesture of support for a cause that transcends borders.

Thanks to the generosity of the attendees, these future pastors will be able to take their work to the most needy corners of the world, with first class academic and spiritual preparation.

Liturgical objects in the backpack of sacred vessels

José Luis Solís, a priest of the Mexican diocese of Celaya, recalls when «some parish priests asked me to help them celebrate the Eucharist in remote places in their parishes. »To get close to those places, whose landscape was beautiful and where there was a great silence, it was sometimes necessary to mount on horseback or donkey or keep walking to get to the site and celebrate mass,» he continues. Once there, the priest opened his backpack, unfolded its contents and began the Eucharist, which was attended by faithful from all the surrounding villages. «I thank the foundation and pray to God for the fruits of this work,» he concludes.

Ceremonial clothing and accessories

On the other hand, the flea market also offered ceremonial and everyday clothing, as well as accessories, in an atmosphere marked by generosity and closeness. The funds raised were donated to the work of the CARF Foundation for the comprehensive training -The intellectual, human and spiritual development of diocesan priests, seminarians and religious men and women from all over the world.

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Marta Santínjournalist specializing in religion.

A legacy of solidarity that will give the Church a future

Thinking about the future of the Church means asking the simple question: who will support all this when we are gone? To think of the Church in this way is an act of love. that you can shore up with your will or with a joint and several bequest.

During our life we received much more than we usually remember. We received a faith passed on in the family, priests who accompanied us at important moments, parishes that were open when we needed them. None of this came out of the blue. Behind it were people who cared for the future of our children. the Church, so that it would remain alive, well-structured and present in every generation.

Ana and Álvaro's generosity

In the documentary Witnesses, Álvaro and Ana tell how they learned about the CARF Foundation. through a relative who decided to include it in his will. That decision surprised them at first, but it led them to learn more about it and understand what was behind it.

They found that the CARF Foundation helps finance the integral formation of seminarians and diocesan priests from all over the world in academic institutions in Rome and Pamplona (the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross and the Ecclesiastical Faculties of the University of Navarra).

The aim is to support young people who, in many cases, come from dioceses with very few financial resources and who need solid support in order to be well trained before returning to serve their communities.

Both Ana and Álvaro understood that including the CARF Foundation in a will or legacy of solidarity was not a symbolic gesture, but a real way to ensure that this work would continue to be perpetuated over time.

Turning one life's effort into a future for others

As Alvaro says in the documentary: «It is a brilliant opportunity to prepare a home for yourself in heaven; to think that, with your patrimony and the effort of a lifetime, you can help to train so many priests».

Beyond the spiritual expression, the idea is very practical. After years of work, savings and effort, part of this heritage can continue to make an impact after we are gone. It can become integral formation for priests who will attend parishes, accompany families and be present at key moments in the lives of many people.

A decision compatible with love for the family

Include the CARF Foundation in the will. does not mean neglecting and disregarding the loved ones. In the case of Spanish law, it is allowed to allocate a part of the inheritance (that of free disposal) to a solidary cause, always respecting the legitimate part of the heirs.

It is a decision that can be taken with advice and serenity. It does not require large assets or unassuming commitments. For many benefactors it is simply the natural continuation of a life in which they have already collaborated with the Church in various ways.

Many people who have collaborated during their lifetime with donations or occasional support see in the a natural continuation of this vital commitment.

iglesia futuro legados testamentos solidarios — Seminarians attend a theology class at the University of Navarra's Ecclesiastical Faculties.

Your legacy of solidarity looks beyond today

Each generation has the opportunity to renew the generosity of the last. Through the CARF Foundation, your legacy becomes a direct support to seminarians and diocesan priests around the world: young people who wish to give themselves to God and serve the universal Church, but who need concrete help in order to be formed.

Just as in the past there were people who ensured the continuity of the Church's mission, patrons and major donors, today you can do the same. Convert a portion of the your life's effort to consolidate the integral formation of seminarians and diocesan priests in order to bring the Gospel to every corner of the world.

A Christian (and a non-believer, too) takes nothing to heaven, but can leave much good on earth. Your legacy can become formation, service and continuity. It can be the most valuable inheritance: the one that sustains the Church and the Church itself. allows many people to continue to encounter God through well-formed priests who strive to be saints and to help others.

Your life sustains and edifies the Church

Divine Mercy: the call to God's love and forgiveness

Every year, on the second Sunday of Easter, we celebrate Divine MercyThis is a holiday that highlights God's unconditional love and infinite compassion towards humanity.

St. Faustina Kowalska: Apostle of Mercy

Saint Faustina Kowalskaborn as Helena Kowalska on August 25, 1905, in Głogowiec, Poland, is known as the apostle of the Divine Mercy.

From a very young age he felt an intense call to religious life, and after several obstacles -including the poverty of his family- he finally entered in 1925 to the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy in Warsaw, where she took the name of Sister Maria Faustina of the Blessed Sacrament.

A life marked by prayer and sacrifice

During her religious life, Faustina performed humble tasks as a cook, gardener and doorkeeper. But behind this outward simplicity, she lived a profoundly mystical life. Her union with Christ was such that, according to her spiritual diary, she received invisible stigmata, mystical ecstasies and visions of Jesus himself. She often offered her physical and spiritual sufferings for the salvation of souls.

Jesus began to communicate with her intensively in 1931. In a key vision, he asked her to paint an image of Him as she saw Him in the apparition: with two rays coming out of His heart - one white, symbolizing the water of Baptism, and the other red, representing the blood of the Eucharist - with the phrase. Jesus, in You I trust. This image became the central symbol of the devotion to the Divine Mercy.

Image of St. Peter's Square at the Vatican during the canonization of St. Faustina Kowalska.

The Diary: Divine Mercy in my soul

At the request of her confessor, Blessed Michael Sopoćko, Faustina. wrote his spiritual experiences in a diary which was later published under the title Divine Mercy in my soul. This text, now translated into dozens of languages, is considered a jewel of 20th century Christian spirituality.

In it, Jesus reveals not only the content of his merciful love, but also concrete practices to promote this devotion: the Feast of Mercythe Chaplet of Divine Mercythe prayer to the three in the afternoon (the Hour of Mercy), and the dissemination of the image mentioned above.

Some phrases that stand out from these revelations are:

- "Mankind will not find peace until he turns with confidence to My mercy."

- "I desire to grant unimaginable graces to the souls who trust in My mercy."

- "The fountain of My mercy was opened wide by the lance on the Cross for all souls. I have excluded no one."

Institution of the feast by St. John Paul II

Pope St. John Paul II, deeply influenced by devotion to Divine Mercy, canonized St. Faustina on April 30, 2000. During the ceremony, he officially proclaimed the second Sunday of Easter to be the feast of St. Faustina. Divine Mercy Sunday for the whole Church.

In 2002, the Pope established that those who participated in this feast could obtain plenary indulgences, even those who, for justified reasons, could not physically attend the celebrations.

The image of the Divine Mercy

One of the most recognized manifestations of this devotion is the image of the Merciful Jesus, based on a vision of St. Faustina Kowalska. In it, Jesus appears with one hand raised as a sign of blessing and the other touching his chest, from which emanate two rays: one red, symbolizing blood, and the other white, representing water. This image bears the inscription: Jesus, in You I trust and has spread all over the planet.

jesus-divina-misericordia-kowalska — Image of the merciful Jesus. Source: Wikipedia

Associated devotional practices

The faithful are encouraged to participate in various practices during this festivity:

a) Confession and CommunionTo prepare oneself spiritually through the sacrament of reconciliation and to receive the Eucharist.

b) Prayer of the Chaplet of Divine MercyA special prayer that is prayed using a common rosary, focused on imploring God's mercy.

c) Meditation at 3 p.m.The Hour of Mercy: known as the Hour of Mercy, it commemorates the hour of Jesus' death on the cross, a propitious moment for prayer and reflection.

d) Novena to the Divine MercyThe prayers are a series of prayers that begin on Good Friday and culminate on Divine Mercy Sunday.

Global impact and current events

Since its institution, Divine Mercy Sunday has gained significant relevance in the life of Catholics around the world. Numerous parishes and religious communities organize special masses, processions and charity activities in honor of this feast.

Pope Francis continued to promote this devotion, stressing the importance of mercy in Christian life and in the mission of the Church. On several occasions, he urged the faithful to be instruments of God's mercy in their communities.

Divine Mercy Sunday is an invitation to all believers to trust fully in God's love and forgiveness.

Through the teachings of St. Faustina Kowalska and the support of the Church, this feast reminds us that, no matter our faults, we can always turn to the infinite mercy of Jesus.

As Jesus said to St. Faustina: "the greater the sinner, the greater the right he has to My mercy".

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Legacy of Solidarity turns your inheritance into integral formation for priests

Talking about leaving part of a will and making a solidarity bequest to a foundation or non-profit organization is never easy. It confronts us with profound, transcendent decisions that invite us to think about the future, when we are no longer around. However, more and more generous people are discovering that making a solidarity will is a concrete way of continue to do good in this world, when earthly life is over.

The generous life of a maiden aunt

That is precisely what Álvaro and Ana experienced fifteen years ago. They learned about the CARF Foundation through a maiden aunt who decided to make a solidarity will in favor of the foundation, which surprised the family. Why did their aunt decide to include the foundation in her inheritance? Moved by interest and curiosity, they began to inquire.

They found that the CARF Foundation support for the integral formation of seminarians and diocesan priests and religious men and women, They understood that this decision was neither improvised nor symbolic: it was a concrete and effective way of sustaining the Church in the future, beyond their own lives. They understood that this decision was neither improvised nor symbolic: it was a concrete and effective way of sustaining the Church in the future, beyond their own lives.

This experience marked them both. Today they explain it clearly in this video: «a legacy or a solidarity will is a serene and conscious way of to give continuity to all the effort of a lifetime; To transform heritage into vocations; to turn an inheritance into a better future for the Church in needy countries. It is a brilliant opportunity to prepare a home in heaven.

His words summarize the profound meaning of this decision: the legacy of solidarity does not subtract from the family, it adds to the world.

The world needs well-trained priests

G.P.M. and M.M. are a married couple who learned about the CARF Foundation 25 years ago through priest friends. «What strikes us most is the work of fundraising, their difficulties and perseverance and the miracles that God performs when money is needed to complete study grants for so many seminarians, priests and religious,» they say.

And it is that, for them, the world needs well-trained priests. «For this reason, we have decided to make a solidarity will in favor of the CARF Foundation. because we see the need for priests in the world and so that no vocation is lost for economic reasons,» they explain.

We could have looked for a notary on our own, but through the CARF Foundation, everything was made easier.

Finally, they encourage other people to make a solidarity will to «collaborate with this good, providential and faith-filled work of some people, for the good of all humanity. Any other bequest would have seemed vain to us. And, in addition, pray for the living and deceased benefactors every day, which we need.

Of the same opinion is J.M., retired engineer. He got to know the CARF Foundation more closely in 2014 during a trip to the Holy Land and «I became interested in its work when I was struck by the enthusiasm of its collaborators,» he says.

He explains that his will is in favor of the CARF Foundation for the following reasons «the worldwide impact of the people trained in Pamplona and in Rome. In addition, I have friends who collaborate financially to help poor people with a vocation to the priesthood to improve their formation and study, because they need financial help. Other more generous people even donate houses to the CARF foundation,” he says.

J.M. encourages more people to make a solidarity will or a financial contribution in favor of the CARF Foundation since their contribution «helps vocations to the priesthood to study in Europe and then return to their countries and give back the formation received».

Testamento solidario, figuras clave para hacer un legado a favor de la Fundación CARF

What is a legacy or joint and several will?

Making a joint and several will is a simple, accessible and inexpensive procedure that allows you to decide how your assets will be distributed. Any person can can include a non-profit entity as an heir or legatee, allocating a specific part of its estate to a cause it considers valuable.

In the case of the CARF Foundation, this legacy of solidarity will keep alive the effort to achieve a better world for Christians and non-believers alike, because the priest is no respecter of persons or creeds when it comes to helping another human being anywhere in the world.

Many of these seminarians and priests come from dioceses in Africa, Asia or Latin America that do not have sufficient resources for their studies. But the life of each Christian sustains and edifies the church.

A joint and several bequest can take different forms: a specific amount of money, a percentage of the inheritance, real estate, securities or investment funds or movable property. It is a free and flexible decision, which can be modified at any time while the person is alive.

On the other hand, entities such as the CARF Foundation are exempt from inheritance tax, which means that one hundred percent of the bequest goes entirely to the chosen purpose.

An inheritance that becomes a mission

Alvaro and Ana express it with emotion: «to think that you can help form priests who will take the faith and the sacraments to so many places... it is worth it».

Many generous people find that this decision does not compete with their love for their children or relatives. On the contrary, it complements it.

Each vocation accompanied, each well-trained priest, has an impact for decades on tens of thousands of people: rural communities, parishes in poor neighborhoods, missions in isolated territories... To include the CARF Foundation in the solidarity will is to bet on this silent chain of favors and good. It is to trust that the work of a lifetime - savings, patrimony and effort - can continue to bear fruit in the form of sacraments, spiritual accompaniment, education in the faith and hope for entire communities.

It is not about large fortunes

Today, Alvaro and Ana invite others to reflect with serenity. «It's not about great fortunes, but about great decisions. It's about asking yourself: what do I want to remain when I'm gone? What footprint do I wish to leave?».

Therefore, the CARF Foundation (click on the link) offers personalized and confidential information for those who wish to learn more about how this type of donation and assistance works, resolve legal doubts or receive practical guidance.

Transforming a legacy of solidarity into hope is within anyone's reach. And as Ana and Álvaro remind us, «it's worth it».

Letter to a baptized 'atheist'

Dear... atheist:

Allow me to write a few lines, after having read an article of yours published in a parish magazine. And allow me to express myself freely, after a good number of years of priestly work, and after years, during my university studies, of having lived in a “God-seeking atheism”.

Finding God by reading books

I congratulate you for the sincerity with which you express yourself, and I recommend that you continue to maintain the deep desire to find God by reading books like the one you now have in your hands, which has already done a lot of good to a good number of people.

His words: «I am an atheist as a curse and because I don't feel able to stop being one», lead me to think that has not given up his determination to one day receive faith in Jesus Christ, God and true man (I presume you are baptized). If so, I suggest you do not try to “rationalize” the concept you may have made of the God you are looking for.

He came to earth to be closer to us, to transmit to us the love of father and mother with which he created us, and to make it easier for us to meet him face to face. And to tell us that he will always accompany us in all the situations in which we do ourselves so much harm, because of our sins. For this reason I recommend that you read, step by step and without interruption, the Four Gospels and the Acts of the Apostles.

And read them asking Jesus to increase your Faith, asking the Holy Spirit to accompany you in the reading. And read, letting what you read enter your intelligence and your heart drop by drop: the Grace of God will do its work and will open the eyes of the spirit to end up making an Act of Faith in the real presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist.

Let me ask you a question: Do you go into a church from time to time and approach the tabernacle and ask the Lord to give you the faith to believe that He is there? Do not expect an immediate response, a strong or dazzling feeling. The Lord speaks slowly, in silence, in half-light, so that we may use freedom and love, and continue to seek Him and speak with Him.

I would like to add this prayer of a soldier in the second world war. He left it written before receiving the order to assault an enemy trench. After the assault, he died.

When man discovers God at the limit

"Listen, oh God! In my life I have never once spoken to You, but today I feel like having a party. Since I was a child I have always been told that You do not exist... And I, like an idiot, have believed it. I have never contemplated your works, but tonight I have seen from the crater of a pomegranate the sky full of stars and I have been fascinated by their brightness.

I do not know, O God, if You will give me Your hand, but I tell You that You understand me... Is it not a strange thing that in the midst of a dreadful hell the light has appeared to me and I have discovered You? I have nothing more to say to you. I am happy, for I have met you.

At midnight we have to attack, but I'm not afraid, You see us. They have given the signal! I have to go. How nice it was with you!

I want to tell you, and You know it, that the battle will be hard: perhaps tonight I will come knocking at your door. And though I have not been your friend until now, when I come, will you let me in? But what is the matter with me? shall I cry? My God, look what has happened to me. Only now have I begun to see clearly... My God, I'm leaving... It will be hard to come back. Strange, now I'm not afraid of death!".

The concrete path: prayer and reading of the Gospel

Such a cry can spring from the heart of any man who, walking on earth, has ever raised his gaze to Heaven. With his groans, with his smiles, with his weeping at the portal of Bethlehem, the Lord continues to knock at the doors of the hearts of all his children, of all his daughters, in the whole world, whether they have heard of him, or whether they have never heard the name by which the Archangel called him: Jesus.

I accompany you with my prayers to the Blessed Virgin Mary., I will not fail to greet her from time to time, and with a special remembrance at Holy Mass, and I remain at your disposal if you see fit.

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Ernesto Juliá, (ernesto.julia@gmail.com) | Previously published in Religion Confidential.