St. Maximilian Kolbe: The Priest Who Gave His Life at Auschwitz

There are lives that seem destined to show that the Gospel can be lived out to the very end. The life of St. Maximilian Maria Kolbe It is one of them.

A Conventual Franciscan priest, a great apostle of the Virgin Mary, a missionary, a journalist, and a martyr of charity, he went down in history for voluntarily offering his life to save that of another prisoner at the concentration camp in Auschwitz during the World War II. His act remains one of the greatest examples of Christian love in the 20th century.

But to reduce his legacy solely to that final heroic act would be to focus on only a small part of an extraordinary life.

Who was Saint Maximilian Kolbe?

Saint Maximilian Maria Kolbe was born on January 8, 1894 in Zduńska Wola (Poland) under the name of Raimundo Kolbe. From childhood, he stood out for his deep religious sensibility.

A deeply rooted tradition in his life tells that, while still a boy, he had a spiritual experience in which the Virgin Mary showed him two crowns: one white, a symbol of purity, and the other red, a symbol of martyrdom. When asked which one he would choose, he replied: «Both». Years later, that response would take on a prophetic meaning.

He joined the Order of Friars Minor Conventual and took the name of Maximiliano María, reflecting his deep devotion to the Virgin Mary.

A Devotee of the Immaculate Conception

To speak of St. Maximilian Kolbe is to speak of absolute trust in Mary Immaculate.

While studying in Rome, he founded the in 1917 Militia of the Immaculate, an evangelization movement whose goal was to bring all people closer to Christ through the Virgin Mary. For him, Mary was never the end goal, but rather the surest path to encountering Jesus Christ.

His spirituality was deeply shaped by three convictions:

These ideas shaped his entire ministry.

A pioneer in evangelization through the media

Decades before the internet and social media, St. Maximilian realized that communication would be a crucial tool for spreading the Gospel.

He founded the magazine The Knight of the Immaculate Conception, founded a major Catholic publishing house and converted the convent of Niepokalanów at one of Europe's largest religious publishing centers. From there, he printed hundreds of thousands of copies each month and even used the radio to spread the Christian message.

World War II and Auschwitz

When Germany invaded Poland In 1939, the Niepokalanów convent opened its doors to welcome thousands of refugees, including many Jews.

Maximiliano refused to abandon his community and continued to carry out his priestly ministry until he was arrested by the Nazi authorities in 1941 and deported to the concentration camp at Auschwitz.

There he continued to serve as a priest: he heard confessions, offered comfort, and provided spiritual strength to the other prisoners amid inhumane conditions.

Bloque en el que fallece San Maximiliano Kolbe
The building where Saint Maximilian Kolbe died

A Martyr of Charity

In July 1941, a prisoner managed to escape from Auschwitz. In retaliation, the Nazis selected ten men to be starved to death. One of them burst into tears as he thought of his wife and children.

Then one of the most moving gestures in contemporary history took place. Saint Maximilian stepped forward and asked to take the place of the condemned man. He identified himself as a Catholic priest, and his request was granted.

For two weeks, he kept the other prisoners in the bunker company with prayers, hymns, and words of hope until the August 14, 1941, after receiving a lethal injection.

His sacrifice is an extraordinary embodiment of Jesus’ words: «No one has greater love than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends.» (John 15:13).

Canonization of Saint Maximilian Kolbe

St. Paul VI beatified him in 1971. Later, St. John Paul II He was canonized by the October 10, 1982, proclaiming him martyr of charity, an expression that perfectly sums up the meaning of his entire life: to love to the utmost.

He referred to him as «a saint of our difficult century.» Franciszek Gajowniczek (1901–1995), an army sergeant and member of the Jewish resistance in Poland, repeated until the end of his life that it was thanks to him that he had been spared from becoming one of the victims of the Holocaust.

¿What can St. Maximilian Kolbe teach us today? His message remains highly relevant today.

  1. Holiness is built through small decisions. Before the heroism at Auschwitz, there were years of daily devotion: prayer, study, work, service, and trust in God.
  2. Evangelism requires creativity. Kolbe understood that communication was a prime arena for proclaiming the Gospel. Today, that challenge continues in the digital world.
  3. Mary always leads us to Christ. His deep devotion to Mary was never mere sentimentality, but rather a concrete way of living the Gospel to the fullest.
  4. Love is stronger than hate. In a place where evil seemed to have triumphed, he responded with total devotion. His life shows that Christian love can transform even the darkest situations.

The figure of St. Maximilian Kolbe reminds us of the immense mission of the priesthood: to bring hope where it seems there is none.

His example continues to inspire seminarians, diocesan priests, and religious priests around the world to live out their ministry with dedication, courage, and a deep union with Christ.

In the CARF Foundation We know that the comprehensive formation—human, spiritual, and academic—of future priests is an investment for the entire Church. Well-formed priests can become, like St. Maximilian, instruments of hope for thousands of people, wherever God calls them.

St. Maximilian Kolbe in the encyclical Magnifica humanitas by Louis XIV

The witness of St. Maximilian Kolbe continues to enlighten the Church even today. In his first encyclical, Magnifica humanitas (2026), Pope Leo XIV lists him among the «martyrs of brotherhood and justice», alongside St. Óscar Romero and Blessed Enrique Angelelli. The Pontiff presents these saints as men who, even under inhumane conditions, were able to defend the dignity of every person through the power of the Gospel.

The reference is no coincidence. In a document dedicated to reflecting on human dignity and the challenges of our time, Leo XIV holds up St. Maximilian Kolbe as an example of how the true greatness of the human being lies not in power or technology, but in the capacity to give oneself out of love. His life reminds us that Christian brotherhood reaches its highest expression when we are capable of giving our lives for others, following the example of Christ.

Carta Encíclica de Su Santidad León XIV Magnifica Humanitas
Signature of the encyclical letter of His Holiness Leo XIV, Magnifica Humanitas.

Prayer to Saint Maximilian Kolbe

Saint Maximilian Maria Kolbe,
a faithful priest and martyr of charity,
Teach us to love without limit,
to place our complete trust in the Virgin Mary
and to dedicate our lives to serving others.
That, following your example,
Let us learn to respond to evil with good
and proclaim Christ with courage.
Amen.

Prayer 1 for Receiving a Favor

O Lord Jesus Christ, who said, "No one has greater love than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends," through the intercession of Saint Maximilian Kolbe, whose life is an illustration of that love, we implore you to grant our petitions...

(Submit your request here)

Through the Militia of the Immaculate, which Maximilian founded, he spread a fervent devotion to Our Lady throughout the world. He gave his life for a complete stranger and loved his persecutors, thereby setting an example of selfless love for all people—a love inspired by a true devotion to Mary.

Grant us, O Lord Jesus, that we too may give ourselves entirely and without reservation to the love and service of our Queen of Heaven, so that we may better love and serve our neighbor in imitation of your humble servant, Saint Maximilian. Amen.

Pray three Hail Marys and one Glory Be.
__________

Prayer 2 for Receiving a Favor

Oh, Saint Maximilian Mary! Faithful follower of the Little Poor Man of Assisi,
You who, inspired by the love of God, spent your life in the diligent practice of heroic virtues and in the holy works of the apostolate, turn your gaze upon us, your devotees, who place our trust in your intercession.

You, who, radiant with the light of the Immaculate Virgin, drew countless souls to the ideals of holiness, calling them to every form of apostolate for the triumph of good and the spread of the Kingdom of God, obtain for us the light and strength to do good by drawing many souls to the love of Christ.

You, who—in perfect imitation of the divine Savior—have attained such a high degree of charity that you offer, as a sublime testimony of love,
You gave your life to save that of a brother in prison; intercede before the Lord for the grace we confidently ask of you:

(Submit your request here)

And, inspired by the same zeal for charity, may we too, through faith and good works, bear witness to Christ before our brothers and sisters, so that, together with you, we may attain the beatific vision of God
in the light of eternal glory. Amen.

St. Ignatius of Loyola: The Saint Who Taught Us How to Discern the Voice of God

On July 31, the Church celebrates St. Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Society of Jesus and one of the great masters of the spiritual life. His legacy goes far beyond the creation of a religious order: he left the Church a method for learning to discover God’s will in the midst of daily life.

In a world full of noise, difficult decisions, and uncertainty, Ignatian discernment remains a path to inner freedom. It is not a method for predicting the future or a technique for solving problems, but rather a path of prayer that helps us recognize how God acts in each person’s heart.

Who was Saint Ignatius of Loyola?

St. Ignatius of Loyola was born in 1491 in Loyola. During his youth, he dreamed of military glory and life at court. Everything changed in 1521, when a cannonball seriously wounded him during the defense of Pamplona.

His long convalescence marked a turning point in his life. With no chivalric novels to entertain him, he began reading the life of Christ and some biographies of the saints that happened to fall into his hands. Those readings sparked a crucial question in him: Why did some thoughts leave him with a deep sense of joy, while others brought only fleeting satisfaction?

Without realizing it, I was embarking on the path that would give rise to the spiritual discernment I would later express in the Spiritual Exercises.

What is discernment according to St. Ignatius?

The word «discernment» may seem complex, but St. Ignatius understood it in a very concrete way: learning to distinguish between the inner movements that draw us closer to God and those that lead us away from Him.

During his recovery, he discovered that imagining military exploits gave him only fleeting satisfaction, whereas contemplating the life of Christ or the example of the saints left him with a lasting peace. That experience became the starting point for all his spiritual teaching.

Years later, Pope Francis recounted this very episode to illustrate how Ignatius learned to distinguish between fleeting joy and authentic consolation, which endures and directs one’s entire life toward God.

Audiencia general del papa Francisco en la Plaza de San Pedrod
Pope Francis's General Audience in St. Peter's Square.

Consolation and desolation: two key aspects of Ignatian spirituality

One of St. Ignatius’s best-known teachings is the distinction between spiritual consolation and desolation. Consolation is not simply a matter of feeling good. It is an inner experience that strengthens faith, increases hope, inspires us to love more deeply, and draws us closer to God even in the midst of difficulties.

Desolation, on the other hand, manifests itself as inner darkness, discouragement, loss of hope, or a drift away from prayer. Saint Ignatius observed that both states are part of the spiritual journey. The important thing is not to avoid them, but to learn to recognize them so that we can make free choices oriented toward the good.

Spiritual Exercises: A School for Discovering God's Will

The best-known fruits of St. Ignatius's experience are the Spiritual Exercises, a work that for nearly five centuries has helped millions of people deepen their relationship with Christ. It is not simply a book to read. It is a journey of prayer, silence, self-examination, and contemplation of the Gospel that seeks to order one’s life according to God’s will.

The ultimate goal is to learn to respond freely to the question that every Christian asks himself or herself at some point: «Lord, what do you want from me?».

Discernment and Vocation

Every vocation arises from a call from God, but it also requires a heart willing to listen. That is why discernment plays an essential role in the formation of those who feel called to the priesthood, to consecrated life, to marriage, or to any form of Christian commitment.

Listening to God’s voice requires silence, prayer, spiritual guidance, and a solid foundation that enables us to distinguish between our own desires, external pressures, and the work of the Holy Spirit.

St. Ignatius understood that major decisions cannot be made solely on the basis of the emotion of the moment. They require an inner freedom that only God can grant.

A highly relevant lesson for priestly formation

Ignatian spirituality remains particularly valuable for the formation of priests and seminarians. A good pastor must not only know the Church's doctrine. He or she also needs to learn to listen, walk alongside others, and help them discover God's will in their own lives.

That is precisely why human, spiritual, intellectual, and pastoral formation is so important. The Church needs priests who are capable of discerning and of teaching others to discern.

This is also one of the core missions of the CARF Foundation: to work toward ensuring that seminarians, diocesan priests, and religious from around the world receive a comprehensive formation that enables them to better serve the Church and the people God places in their path.

Finding God in All Things

Perhaps the phrase that best sums up the spirituality of St. Ignatius is one of the best-known in the Ignatian tradition: finding God in all things. This does not mean that everything is the same or that any decision automatically leads to God. It means learning to discover God’s presence at work, in the family, in one’s studies, in service to others, and even in the midst of difficulties.

This perspective transforms ordinary life into a place of encounter with Christ and turns each day into a new opportunity to respond to his call.

Iglesia de San Ignacio de Loyola
Church of St. Ignatius of Loyola in Rome.

St. Ignatius Continues to Teach Us How to Listen to God

More than five centuries after his conversion, St. Ignatius of Loyola continues to help millions of Christians make decisions with freedom, peace, and confidence. His legacy reminds us that God continues to speak to the human heart. But to hear His voice, we need silence, prayer, formation, and a sincere desire to seek the truth.

In a society full of distractions and constant haste, Ignatian discernment remains an invitation to pause, look inward, and humbly ask, «Lord, what do you want from me?» It is a question that can change a life. Just as it forever changed the life of that wounded soldier who went on to become one of the Church’s greatest saints.

What is discernment? Words from Pope Francis on discernment.

Dear brothers and sisters:

Today we are beginning a new series of catechesis: we have finished the Catechesis on Old Age, we are now beginning a new series on the topic of discernment.

Discernment is an important process that concerns everyone, because choices are an essential part of life. Discerning decisions. We choose our food, our clothes, a course of study, a job, and a relationship. Through all of these, we shape our life’s journey, and our relationship with God is also made concrete.

In the Gospel, Jesus speaks of discernment using images drawn from everyday life; for example, he describes the fisherman who selects the good fish and discards the bad ones; or the merchant who knows how to identify, among many pearls, the one of greatest value. Or the man who, while plowing a field, finds something that turns out to be a treasure (cf. Mt 13,44-48).

In light of these examples, discernment emerges as an exercise in intelligenceand also of skill and also from will, to take advantage of the right moment: these are the conditions for making a good choice. It takes intelligence, skill, and also determination to make a good choice. 

And there is also a necessary cost for discernment to be effective. To do his job as well as possible, the fisherman takes into account fatigue, long nights at sea, and the discarding of part of the catch, accepting a loss of profit for the sake of those for whom the catch is intended. The pearl merchant does not hesitate to spend everything to buy that pearl; and so does the man who has stumbled upon a treasure. These are unexpected and unforeseen situations in which it is essential to recognize the importance and urgency of a decision that must be made. 

Everyone must make their own decisions; no one else can make them for us. At any given moment, adults—who are free—can ask for advice or think things over, but the decision is their own; you can’t say, «I’ve lost this because my husband, my wife, or my brother decided it»: no! You have to decide for yourself; everyone has to decide for themselves, and that’s why it’s important to know discern: To make good decisions, you have to know how to discern.

The Gospel points to another important aspect of discernment: involves emotions. The one who has found the treasure has no trouble selling everything, so great is his joy (cf. Mt 13,44). 

The term used by the evangelist Matthew It points to a very special joy that no human reality can provide; and in fact, it reappears in very few other passages of the Gospel, all of which refer to an encounter with God. 

It is the joy of the Magi when, after a long and arduous journey, they see the star again (cf. Mt 2:10); it is the joy of the women returning from the empty tomb after hearing the angel’s announcement of the resurrection (cf. Mt 28.8). It is the joy of those who have found the Lord. Making a good decision—the right decision—always leads you to that ultimate joy; perhaps along the way you’ll have to endure a little uncertainty, reflect, and search, but in the end, the right decision will bring you joy.

In the Final Judgment, God will grant us discernment—great discernment. The images of the farmer, the fisherman, and the merchant are examples of what happens in the Kingdom of Heaven, a Kingdom that is revealed in the ordinary actions of life, which require us to take a stand. 

That is why it is so important to know how to discern: major choices can arise from circumstances that at first glance seem minor, but which turn out to be decisive. For example, let’s consider Andrew and John’s first encounter with Jesus, an encounter that arose from a simple question: «Rabbi, where do you live?»—«Come and see» (cf. Jn (1:38–39), says Jesus. A very brief exchange, but it is the beginning of a change that, step by step, will shape his entire life. Years later, the evangelist would continue to recall that encounter that changed him forever; he would also remember the time: «It was about four in the afternoon» (v. 39). It was the moment when time and eternity met in his life. 

And in a good, right decision, God’s will meets our will; the present path meets the eternal one. To make the right decision, after a process of discernment, is to bring about this encounter: the temporal with the eternal.

Therefore: knowledge, experience, affection, and will are some of the essential elements of discernment. Throughout these catechesis sessions, we will explore others that are equally important.

Discernment—as I have said—involves a effort. According to the Bible, the life we are to live is not laid out before us, all wrapped up and ready to go: No! We have to make decisions all the time, based on the realities we face. God invites us to evaluate and choose: He has created us free and wants us to exercise our freedom. Therefore, discernment is arduous.

We've often had this experience: choosing something that seemed good to us, but turned out not to be. Or knowing what was truly best for us and not choosing it. 

Unlike animals, humans can make mistakes; they may choose not to make the right choice. The Bible demonstrates this from its very first pages. God gives man a clear instruction: if you want to live, if you want to enjoy life, remember that you are a creature, that you are not the standard of good and evil, and that the choices you make will have consequences—for you, for others, and for the world (cf. Gn 2:16–17); you can turn the earth into a magnificent garden, or you can turn it into a desert of death. 

A fundamental lesson: it is no coincidence that this is the first dialogue between God and man. The dialogue goes like this: the Lord gives the mission—“You must do this and that”—and man, with every step he takes, must discern what decision to make. Discernment is that reflection of the mind and heart that we must engage in before making a decision.

Discernment is exhausting but essential to life. It requires that I know myself, that I know what is good for me here and now. Above all, it requires a a filial relationship with God. God is our Father, and He never leaves us alone; He is always ready to guide us, encourage us, and welcome us. 

But He never imposes His will. Why? Because He wants to be loved, not feared. And God also wants us to be children, not slaves: free children. And love can only be lived in freedom. 

To learn how to live, we must learn how to love, and to do that, we need to discern: What can I do now, faced with this choice? May it be a sign of greater love, of greater maturity in love. 

Let us ask the Holy Spirit to guide us! Let us call upon Him every day, especially when we have to make decisions. Thank you.

Why Discernment Is Essential in the Formation of a Priest

Pope Francis defined discernment as an act that concerns every person, because every life is marked by decisions that shape one’s own path. It is not merely a matter of choosing between good and evil, but of recognizing, with God’s help, what is the most faithful response to the call He addresses to each of us. Discernment is, ultimately, learning to interpret one’s own life in the light of the Holy Spirit.

This ability is especially important in the formation of a priest. Before accompanying others on their journey of faith, the seminarian must learn to listen to God’s voice in his own life. The priestly vocation does not arise from a passing impulse or a personal project, but from the encounter between human freedom and God’s loving initiative. That is why it requires time, prayer, silence, and spiritual guidance to help interpret what is happening in the heart.

Discernment, explains Pope Francis, involves the whole person: memory, intellect, will, and emotions. Knowing oneself is an indispensable prerequisite for recognizing how the Lord acts and for preventing noise, haste, or one’s own interests from obscuring His voice.

In this process, prayer plays an irreplaceable role. It is not merely a moment of personal reflection, but the space where the future priest cultivates a friendship with Christ. The deeper that friendship is, the easier it becomes to recognize what leads to the Gospel and to distinguish it from what leads away from it. Discernment does not seek automatic answers, but rather an inward gaze capable of discovering God’s presence even in the most ordinary circumstances.

St. Ignatius of Loyola understood this truth from his own experience. He discovered that not all thoughts leave the same mark on the heart: some produce an immediate satisfaction that soon fades, while others generate a deep peace, a lasting joy, and a greater desire to love and serve. Learning to recognize these inner movements remains one of the most valuable teachings of Ignatian spirituality and a fundamental tool for the formation of those who will become pastors of the Church.

That is why the Church places such great importance on the integral formation of seminarians. Excellent academic preparation alone is not enough; it is also necessary to educate the heart so that the priest may freely listen to God’s will and, later on, help others discover it. A pastor who has learned to discern will be able to accompany a young person seeking his vocation, a married couple facing difficulties, or someone who wishes to rediscover his or her faith.

The CARF Foundation’s mission fits precisely within this framework. By supporting the human, spiritual, intellectual, and pastoral formation of seminarians, diocesan priests, and religious from around the world, it helps ensure that the Church has well-prepared pastors who are capable of faithfully proclaiming the Gospel and accompanying each person in discerning God’s call to their lives.

July 29: Saints Martha, Mary, and Lazarus. Who They Were and What They Teach Us as Christians

Every July 29, the Church commemorates Saints Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, three siblings from Bethany who held a very special place in Jesus’ life. The Gospels show that the Lord not only visited their home on occasion, but returned there time and again. There he found rest, friendship, conversation, and a family atmosphere where he was welcomed with affection.

It is no coincidence that the Pope Francis decided in 2021 to extend this liturgical celebration to all three brothers. The house in Bethany represents one of the most beautiful aspects of the Gospel: that of a family that makes room for Christ in its daily life.

For the CARF Foundation, contemplating Martha, Mary, and Lazarus It means looking to the source of many vocations. Wherever Christ finds an open home, faith, the desire to serve, and the willingness to follow God’s call also flourish.

El papa Francisco se dirige a la Plenaria de la Congregación para el Culto

Who were Martha, Mary, and Lazarus?

The three brothers lived in Bethany, a small town located on the eastern slope of the Mount of Olives, very close to Jerusalem. Their home is mentioned several times in the Gospels as one of the places where Jesus was welcomed with trust.

The Evangelist San Juan He sums up this relationship with an extraordinary phrase:

«Jesus loved Martha, her sister, and Lazarus» (John 11:5).

Few people are described so explicitly in the Gospel. They were not merely disciples among many others. They were friends of the Lord.

Each of them has a distinct personality: Martha comes across as an active, generous, and helpful woman. Mary stands out for her ability to listen to Jesus and remain at his feet. Lazarus, for his part, plays a central role in one of the most impressive miracles recounted in the Gospel: his resurrection.

Together, they paint a very complete picture of Christian life: service, prayer, and absolute trust in God.

Santa Marta, María y Lázaro

Why does the Church celebrate all three brothers together?

For centuries, the General Roman Calendar commemorated only Saint Martha on July 29.

However, on January 26, 2021, the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, at the request of Pope Francis, decreed that the liturgical commemoration should also include Mary and Lazarus.

The decree explains that the three brothers offer a unique witness to their friendship with Christ and recalls that: "At the home in Bethany, the Lord Jesus experienced a warm, family-like atmosphere and friendship."

The decision highlights that the holiness It is not always lived out individually. Often it flourishes within a family where each member responds to God through their own vocation.

This message is particularly relevant today. In a society marked by individualism, Betania reminds us that faith also grows within the community, within the family, and through small, everyday gestures.

Faith is opening the doors to Christ, to welcome him into their own home, to share a meal with him, to let him into the very depths of their souls. That is what the family in Bethany—Martha, Mary, and Lazarus—did

Marta: Serve with joy and peace

One of the best-known passages appears in the Gospel of Saint Luke.

While Mary sits listening to Jesus, Martha busies herself preparing everything needed to welcome the Teacher.

At one point, she expresses her weariness: «Lord, don’t you mind that my sister leaves me to do all the work by myself?»

Jesus’ response has often been interpreted as pitting action against contemplation. However, Church tradition and the meditations published by Opus Dei remind us that Christ does not criticize Martha’s work.

What it corrects is the restlessness that causes you to lose your composure.

Marta loves the Lord deeply and wants to offer Him the very best. Her service springs from her love for Him, but she needs to learn that her actions only find their full meaning when they flow from her encounter with God.

This teaching remains highly relevant today.

Many Christians are consumed by work, family responsibilities, or daily worries. Martha reminds us that any task can become a form of prayer when it is done out of love and with inner peace.

Holiness does not consist in doing extraordinary things, but in performing ordinary tasks with love.

María: Learning to Listen Before Acting

If Martha represents service, Mary symbolizes listening.

The Gospel depicts her sitting at Jesus’ feet, a posture typical of a disciple who wishes to learn from her Teacher. Christ then states that Maria has chosen «the best part.».

Not because the work is unimportant, but because every Christian mission begins first with listening. Before proclaiming the Gospel, we must allow the Gospel to transform our hearts. Before teaching, we must learn.

This teaching is especially important for those who feel a calling to serving the Church.

At the CARF Foundation, we are well aware of this reality. The spiritual, personal, intellectual, and pastoral formation of the future priests It begins, in fact, by cultivating a deep relationship with Jesus Christ.

Lazarus: Trusting Even When It Seems Too Late

The course of the disease and resurrection The story of Lazarus is one of the highlights of the Gospel of St. John.

When Jesus receives the news that his friend is seriously ill, he does not set out immediately for Bethany.

From a human perspective, He seems to have arrived too late, and Lazarus has already died. Martha goes out to meet Him with words that are at once full of faith and sorrow: «Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died.» Despite her suffering, Martha continues to trust in Him. Then Jesus utters one of the Gospel’s greatest declarations: «I am the resurrection and the life.»

The subsequent resurrection of Lazarus foreshadows Christ’s ultimate victory over death. But it also teaches another lesson: God never ceases to act, even when we think all is lost. How many times have we experienced similar situations?

Family problems, personal crises, illness, a lack of hope... Lazarus reminds us that despair never has the last word. It always belongs to God.

Resurrección de Lázaro, José de Ribera
The Raising of Lazarus, José de Ribera

Bethany: A Home Open to the Lord

Rather than focusing on each of the three siblings individually, it is better to consider them as a family. What is truly extraordinary about Bethany is not just the generosity of Martha, Mary, or Lazarus after Lazarus was raised from the dead. What makes this home special is that Jesus always finds its doors open to him.

The Gospels portray Bethany as a home where Christ is welcomed with simplicity and friendship. Its inhabitants are not known for performing great deeds or delivering memorable speeches; they simply allow the Lord to be a part of their daily lives. That is precisely why this home continues to serve as a model for all the families Christian.

What Families Are Taught Today

The liturgical commemoration of Saints Martha, Mary, and Lazarus does not belong solely to the past. Their example continues to offer very concrete answers to the challenges of our time. They remind us that service is never a waste of time when it springs from love, that prayer is not a privilege reserved for a select few but the source of all Christian life, and that trust in God can remain steadfast even in the midst of suffering.

Their story also shows that friendship with Jesus can transform an ordinary home into a holy place. In that atmosphere of faith lived out with simplicity, the family remains the primary setting where the Gospel is passed on and where new generations learn to discover God’s presence in everyday life.

That is why, as we reflect on the witness of Saints Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, it is also a cause for gratitude to think of so many anonymous families who, through their daily example, continue to make it possible for the Gospel to reach new generations and for the Church to continue receiving new vocations in the service of God and others.

Opening the door of our home and our hearts to Christ every day transforms family life from within. Wherever He is welcomed with joy, Faith is strengthened, generous vocations are born, and the Church finds the support it needs to continue proclaiming the Gospel to the world.

Leer el evangelio

Building from the Heart of Cities: The Proposals of Leon XIV in Spain

Leo XIV’s apostolic visit to Spain in June 2026 was not merely a diplomatic or liturgical event, but a call for profound renewal within the Church and civil society. 

Under the slogan «Look up!», he called on educators to be «new threads for weaving new networks» in the art of social dialogue, which involves encounter and listening, dialogue and respect. In the words of Benedict XVI, has pointed out that «faith is love, and that is why it creates poetry and music. Faith is joy, and that is why it creates beauty» (Catechesis May 21, 2008). And León XIV has wondered whether Europe could be itself without the influence of faith. 

It is precisely in his address to the authorities that Leo XIV reveals to Europe—through its great history of mediation among languages, religions, and forms of knowledge, and of uniting historical action with the clarity of moral reason—the calling to «appreciate complexity and study it» with a vision for the future. This task involves overcoming polarization through discernment, «learning to move forward alongside others, to grow together,» rejecting ghosts, enemies, and prejudices, as well as naive enthusiasm and fruitless fears, and fostering critical thinking and the pursuit of the common good.

Spain’s contribution is framed in reference to the saints who have cultivated a «mysticism with open eyes»: St. John of the Cross, with his journey from the dark nights to the light; Saint Teresa of Ávila, following the path of the «inner castle» toward the heart itself, to discover how the universe becomes a home; St. Ignatius of Loyola, with his emphasis on discernment. Even today, eternity can permeate daily life, uniting, in the pursuit of holiness, the prayer and social responsibility. 

In the capital, Louis XIV addressed Parliament as a servant of the human person and a defender of human dignity. He recalled that a just society is measured by its ability to protect life in its most fragile state: «from conception to its natural end.» He warned that the law loses its meaning if it becomes a commodity or if it ignores those who lack the strength to make their voices heard. He defended the family and the freedom to choose the type of education for their children. 

In the ecclesial sphere, the Pope described the gathering at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium as a «great goal scored by the Church of Madrid.» There, he presented one of his central theological themes: the Church as a «family that learns the art of polyphony,» where unity is not uniformity, but rather a harmony that values the diversity of charisms and the relationships among «real, flesh-and-blood people.» He praised the volunteers for embodying the «leaven of selflessness.» In a society tempted by profit, Leo XIV defended selfless dedication as the hallmark of the «City of God» that must permeate public life.

The Catalan phase focused on beauty as a means of evangelization. In the basilica of the Sagrada Familia, Pope Leo XIV described Gaudí’s temple as a «work in progress» that symbolizes the Christian life itself: an unfinished project that requires the cooperation of everyone as «living stones.» He affirmed that art and beauty are «eminent channels of evangelization» in this age of the image.

At the Abbey of Montserrat, the message turned toward inner reconciliation. As he contemplated the Virgin and Child, Leo XIV urged the faithful to «lay aside the armor» of judgment, criticism, and aggression. He proposed the «unarmed and disarming power of love» as the only force capable of healing the wounds caused by injustice and division. 

The highlight of the trip, given its prophetic significance, was the visit to the Canary Islands. At the heart of migratory routes, Pope Leo XIV described the archipelago as a «place where the Risen One reveals Himself» through hospitality. He was unequivocal in affirming that «no human being is an island» and that the secret of the heart lies in the call to encounter.

In light of the tragedy of the small boats, Peter’s successor, Leo XIV, strongly condemned those who «speculate on despair» and turn the suffering of others into a business, warning them that they will have to answer to divine justice. To the migrants, he assured them: «Your life is not to be discarded; your dignity has not been washed away by the waters.».

A great lesson from the Canary Islands for the universal Church was the invitation to allow oneself to be evangelized by the little ones and the poor. The Pope asked Catholics to view integration not merely as a social task, but as a spiritual encounter in which one recognizes the «mysterious wisdom of God written in the flesh» of those who suffer.

Throughout his visit, Leo XIV showed a special fondness for the forgotten. Speaking to inmates at Brians 1 Prison (Barcelona) and later in his messages, he insisted that «life’s mistakes do not define one’s identity,» and that the past should not condemn the future. In hospitals and among the elderly, he proposed something akin to a “teaching on fragility,” in which old age and illness remind us of our mutual dependence and our need for God. 

As he bid farewell at the port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, and referring to the heart of Christ—which is the heart of the Gospel—Leo XIV called on everyone to open themselves to «this sea of love.» He repeated the motto «Lift up your eyes!»—pointing precisely to the Crucified One, who is the source of forgiveness, reconciliation, and peace.

The Pope's Visit Leo XIV He encourages young people to always seek the truth, rejecting other paths: «If it leads you away from God, it is not the truth!» He challenges them to be agents of social change as «the spark of a new humanity,» capable of changing history through love. 

Ramiro Pellitero, Professor Emeritus at the School of Theology at the University of Navarra.

Published in "Religión Confidencial," June 17, 2026. Another version of this text was published under the title "Learning to Move Forward and Grow Together" in "Omnes,", omnesmag.com, July 1, 2026

Look Up

Last June, that invitation traveled through three Spanish cities, centered on three themes: beauty, hospitality, and unity. In Barcelona, the beauty of the Sagrada Familia—which Gaudí built as a prayer in stone—showed that beauty is yet another path to God. In the Canary Islands, hospitality was directed toward the most vulnerable among us, seeking Christ in the eyes and hands of others. In Madrid, unity was presented as a sign of communion and a catalyst for a reconciled world. Three cities, three gestures, a single movement: look up.

Pope Leo XIV called on us to rise up. Saint Josemaría had shown us, nearly a hundred years earlier, where to look. And the Risen Christ, high on the Cross and from the tabernacle, continued to draw everything to Himself.

The Spiritual Legacy of Leo XIV's Journey

The call from Leo XIV The goal of forming individuals capable of engaging in dialogue, exercising discernment, and serving the common good resonates deeply with the mission of the CARF Foundation. For decades, this institution has promoted the formation of priests, seminarians, and religious from around the world through scholarships at the University of Navarra and the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross (Rome).

The goal is for them to return to their dioceses with a solid human, intellectual, and spiritual foundation to respond to the pastoral challenges in their countries. In a context marked by polarization and the search for role models, the formation of those called to serve the Church constitutes a concrete contribution to the culture of encounter, dialogue, and the promotion of the dignity of every person—values that Pope Leo XIV has repeatedly emphasized during his apostolic visit to Spain.

León XIV: An Ode to Families

Faced with a Parliament that promotes destruction and distorts the truth about the family, advancing laws contrary to what Natural Law considers a family—a man and a woman, united until death, and open to life— Leo XIV, during his visit to Spain, made an explicit and very clear reference to the family willed by God when He created man and woman.

The Family, the Natural Foundation of Society and the Common Good

Leo XIV spoke of the family as the foundation of all civil society and as the leaven for the emergence of a nation. In short, the family is the true foundation of all human coexistence on earth (the phrases in italics are from his address to Parliament). 

After emphasizing that: «The common good is, in a certain sense, «the social form of human dignity» (cf. *Magnifica humanitas*, 59). It does not consist in the mere sum of particular interests, but rather in the «set of conditions of social life that enable associations and each of their members to achieve their own perfection more fully and more easily» (Gaudium et spes, 26), writes:  

«In this context, the family—the primary human reality and the natural foundation of the community—is of particular importance.».

A society in which families are falling apart; spouses have laws allowing them to formalize a breakup at any time; marriages are not open to life; parents neglect their children’s human, moral, and religious education; and same-sex unions are recognized as «legal marriages,» etc.—is a society headed for death and extinction.

Familia unida viendo el atardecer

León XIV Emphasizes the Irreplaceable Role of the Family in Building Nations

Speaking to families and reminding them that Jesus continues to pray to the Father for families, Leo XIV wrote a year ago: «That prayer of the Lord gives full meaning to the luminous moments of our mutual love as parents, grandparents, sons, and daughters. And this is what we want to proclaim to the world: we are here to be «one» just as the Lord wants us to be «one»—in our families and in the places where we live, work, and study: different, yet one; many, yet one; always one, in every circumstance and at every stage of life.».

«Brothers and sisters, if we love one another in this way, on the foundation of Christ, who is the "Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end" (cf. Rev 22:13), we will be a sign of peace for everyone, in society and in the world. We must not forget: the future of nations is born within families» (June 1, 2025),

"»In the home, generations intertwine, and a living memory is passed down, giving continuity to society.". Human beings are meant to live for many years; this means they become part of a story that they do not build from scratch, but into which they are immersed from childhood. Everything learned through family life serves as nourishment that enables every man and every woman to find their place in the world in which they are to live.

Who doesn't remember the deep joy of a grandmother as she took part in the Baptism of his first great-great-grandchild? If governments enact laws that seek to destroy the family, political power ceases to be about «service» and «seeking the common good,» and instead becomes a tyrannical dictatorship, an “abomination of abominations.”. «Where the family is supported, the spiritual and social stability of nations is also strengthened.».

El Congreso recibe al Papa León XIV
Congress Hears from Pope Leo XIV | Europa Press.

Governments must learn to use all the resources at their disposal in the best possible way, with the «common good» of all people in mind, and that «common good» necessarily involves helping families with whatever they may need: housing, employment, medical care, etc.

If there is peace in families, there will be peace throughout society. If families pray together, society will pray together—in parishes, religious brotherhoods, and processions—and we will all walk in union with Jesus Christ and His Most Holy Mother. How joyful I have felt on more than a few occasions when entering a home to bless it, seeing a crucifix in every room, and a picture of the Blessed Virgin in the family’s gathering place—She who is the Queen of Families!

The Christian Family: The First School of Coexistence, Love, and Service

«The family will always be the first school of humanity, where—before anywhere else—we learn the basic principles of living together: welcoming new life, caring for others, forgiving, serving, and belonging.».

By forgiving us for the mistakes we may make, our parents are teaching us a lesson in love and understanding—one that helps us learn to forgive, to ask for forgiveness; in short, to live in harmony with everyone around us. We learn to serve others and not to become trapped within ourselves, endlessly dwelling on what might hurt us in the actions of others. In a truly Christian family, selfishness and individualism simply fade away.

Madre y bebé, educación en la familia cristiana

And it’s not just about asking for forgiveness and forgiving; in families, we learn to care for others—parents, siblings, close and distant relatives—by reaching out to meet their needs. We put an end to all selfishness and learn to serve by loving our parents, our siblings, and our relatives: their triumphs are our triumphs; their sorrows and pains are our sorrows and pains; their joys are our joys.

The family is the cradle of new life. Older brothers welcome those who come after them with open hearts; older sisters joyfully shoulder the spirit and burden of motherhood that a mother—especially in families with six, seven, eight, nine… children—does not always have the strength to bear.

The right of parents to raise their children in accordance with their beliefs

And finally, remember «the fundamental and inalienable right» of parents to «choose the type of education and training their children receive, in accordance with their own moral, cultural, and religious convictions.».

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

The Unicaja Foundation Renews Its Commitment to the Training of Seminarians and Priests

At the CARF Foundation, we are very grateful to Unicaja Foundation, as yet another academic year contributes to our mission of supporting the Comprehensive formation of seminarians and diocesan priests from countries with fewer resources.

Thanks to this partnership, young men with a vocation to the priesthood and priests who need to further their training will be able to continue their academic, personal, spiritual, and pastoral formation at the Ecclesiastical Faculties of the University of Navarra and at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross in Rome. 

An educational program that transforms people and communities

The support provided by the Unicaja Foundation benefits more than just those who receive this educational opportunity. Every seminarian and priest who completes his training returns to his diocese to put his knowledge to work in the service of the Church and the people in his community.

It is an investment in the future of thousands of the faithful who, thanks to better-trained priests, will be able to receive higher-quality pastoral, human, and spiritual care. A chain of generosity that multiplies its fruits where they are needed most. 

Colaboración de Fundación Unicaja con Fundación CARF

The CARF Foundation's Commitment to Vocations

For more than 35 years, CARF Foundation It works to ensure that no vocation is lost due to a lack of financial resources. With the help of benefactors, companies, and committed institutions, it enables seminarians, diocesan priests, and men and women religious from more than 130 countries to receive an excellent education so they can later serve in their local churches. 

The support of organizations such as Unicaja Foundation It is essential to continue advancing this mission and to provide training opportunities for those who will play a leading role in the future of the Church throughout the world.

We at the CARF Foundation would like to express our most sincere gratitude for your trust and for joining us for yet another year in this project dedicated to supporting vocations.