What is celebrated today, the 15th day of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary?
Assumption Day: "The stupendous reality of Mary's Assumption manifests and confirms the unity of the human person and reminds us that we are called to serve and glorify God with our whole being, soul and body," Pope Francis.
Importance of the Mystery of the day of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary
The Virgin Mary is full of grace. The intensity and nature of her graces are different throughout her life; one is the grace at her Conception, another at the Encarnacionanother in the Assumption of Mary into heaven. In the latter, the Virgin Mary receives the fullness of holiness.
The celebration of the Feast of the Assumption of Mary is an ancient feast celebrated in Jerusalem since the 6th century in honor of the Mother of God, probably recalling the consecration of a church in her honor.
This feast, a century later, spread throughout the East under the name of the Dormition of St. Mary and celebrates her passing from this world and Mary's assumption into heaven.
The dogma of the Assumption
Pope Pius XII, in 1950, declared the Assumption of Mary a dogma of faith. The Virgin Mary, by a special privilege of Almighty God, did not experience corruption: her body, glorified by the Holy Trinity, was united to the soul, and Mary was assumed into heaven, where she reigns alive and glorious, together with Jesus, to glorify God and intercede for us.
In the Apocalypse we can read the passages that relate the Assumption of the Virgin Mary into heaven: "A great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, the moon at her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars (Rev 12:1).
And we, prompted by the liturgy at the vigil Mass of this feast, acclaim Our Lady with these words: Gloriosa dicta sunt de te, Maria, quæ hodie exaltata es super choros angelorum.Blessed are you, Mary, for today you have been raised above the choirs of angels and, together with Christ, you have attained eternal triumph.
The day of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary in Christian life
The Church looks to Mary to contemplate in her what the Church is in her mystery, in her "pilgrimage of faith," and what she will be at the end of her journey, where she awaits, "for the glory of the Most Holy and indivisible Trinity," "in communion with all the saints" she whom she venerates as the Mother of her Lord and as her own Mother.
The Assumption of Mary, Our Lady proposes to us the reality of this joyful hope. We are still pilgrims, but Our Mother has preceded us and is already pointing out to us the end of the path: she repeats to us that it is possible to arrive and that, if we are faithful, we will arrive. Because the Blessed Virgin is not only our example: she is the help of Christians. And at our request -Monstra te esse Matrem-She does not know how, nor does she want to refuse to care for her children with maternal solicitude. It is Christ who passes, 177.
Mary fulfilled in an exemplary way the will of God in her life and that is what led her to reach the glory of God. The Assumption of the Virgin is an example for all Christians.
On Earth we all want to reach God. This is our hope. The Virgin Mary has already achieved this. What she has achieved encourages us. Mary had enormous trust in God and her heart was full of God.
With the collaboration of:
Opusdei.org
Prayer for priestly and religious vocations
The Fourth Sunday of Easter is known as the Sunday of the Good Shepherd. The Gospel presents Jesus Christ as the shepherd who calls and gathers his sheep, knows them by name, cares for them, guides and leads them to fresh pastures, searches for the lost sheep and, in his Paschal immolation, gives his life for his sheep.
Pope Francis' message for the 57th world day of prayer for vocations
On March 3, we also celebrated the World Day of Prayer for Religious Vocations. In it, Pope Francis reminds us that, in the saving task born of the paschal mystery, the Good Shepherd needs collaborators.
In his universal prayer intention, the Pope Francis asks to pray for priests "that with the sobriety and humility of their lives, they may engage in active solidarity, especially towards the poorest".
Through humble human instruments, the Lord must continue preaching, sanctifying, forgiving sins, healing physical and moral wounds, comforting the sad, teaching the ignorant and accompanying those who feel alone and abandoned.
They are the different vocations that the Spirit raises up in his Church to continue fulfilling the mission of the Good Shepherd, living like him in chastity, poverty and obedience, at the service of the People of God.
With this prayer for the vocations we thank God for the life and witness of so many priests and consecrated men and women who in pastoral ministry, in prayer, in the work and silence of the cloister, in service to the poor and marginalized, in accompanying the sick and elderly and in the Catholic school are generously spending their lives in the service of God and their brothers and sisters.
The richness brought to the Church by the gift of priestly ministry and consecrated life in its many charisms and institutions is incalculable.
It commits us to think that behind every priestly vocation, there is another call from the Lord to each one of us, Christians, asking for personal effort to ensure the means for their formation and our prayer for their vocation.
The CARF Foundation and its mission towards priests
At the CARF Foundation each year we have more than 800 priests, seminarians and religious who need our help for their formation. They come from more than 100 countries and are being trained in prestigious institutions in Pamplona and Rome in order to help their communities to live a better and fuller life.
The CARF Foundation and its benefactors understand the importance of prayer. Although they don't ask for it, they need your prayers for comfort and to continue their mission. Therefore, on the website you can personalize your prayer for them.
You can also help the Foundation to encourage the habit of praying for vocations among your friends and acquaintances. You can order online a pack to pray for priests that will facilitate this mission.
The church and priests need more committed people like you. With your effort and joy, we can increase the number of scholarships and benefit more priests to make this world a better place.
All the scholarships we offer are destined to a particular priest and you will always have access to his image, names and surnames so that you can put a face to your donation and pray for him and him for you and your family throughout the year.
On this Day and always, may we accompany them with affection and prayer so that they may be faithful to the call they have received and that the Lord may grant us many, holy and generous vocations for the glory of God and the good of the Church.
We must pray for priestly vocations.
Prayer for priestly vocations.
Lord Jesus, present in the Blessed Sacrament, that you wanted to perpetuate yourself among us through your Priests, make their words yours alone, that their gestures are your gestures, may his life be a true reflection of yours.
Let them be the men who speak to God about men. and speak to the men of God. They should not be afraid of service, serving the Church as she wants to be served. May they be men, witnesses of the eternal in our time, walking along the paths of history with your same step and doing good to all.
Be faithful to their commitments, zealous of their vocation and dedication, clear mirrors of one's own identity and may they live with the joy of the gift received. I ask this through your Mother Holy Mary: She who was present in your life will always be present in the life of your priests, Amen.
With the collaboration of: Mr. Juan José Asenjo Pelegrina
10 Minutes with Jesus and the CARF Foundation; synergy that transforms
10 Minutes with Jesus and the CARF Foundation have joined forces to carry the message of the Gospel to thousands of people through digital media and to support the formation of future priests. Find out how you can be part of this evangelizing mission.
What is 10 Minutes with Jesus?
10 Minutes with Jesus is a daily prayer initiative that offers reflections on the Gospel of the day. This project was born with the aim of providing a space for prayer and meditation accessible to all, especially to young people and adults who are looking for a moment of peace and spiritual connection in the midst of their daily routines. Each reflection lasts approximately ten minutes and is designed to be listened to through a variety of different digital channels.
Since its launch, 10 Minutes with Jesus has experienced exponential growth. What started as a local idea has transcended borders, reaching thousands of people. in different countries and in several languages. This diffusion has been made possible thanks to the dedication of the priests involved (among them they call themselves Ignotos so as not to give their names and thus avoid any prominence), and to the effective use of digital platforms such as YouTube, WhatsApp, Telegram, and other means of communication.
Channels to Listen to 10 Minutes with Jesus
10 Minutes with Jesus has become an essential tool for the daily prayer of the people of thousands of people around the world. Thanks to the versatility and accessibility of the digital platforms, this initiative has been able to reach a wide and varied audience.
YouTube is one of the most popular and effective channels for listening to 10 Minutes with Jesus. The free platform enables users to subscribe to the official channel and receive notifications each time a new audio video is posted. This ensures that listeners are not lose any reflection and can easily integrate them into their daily routine. In addition, YouTube offers a visual experience that complements the audio content. The videos often include inspirational images and biblical quotations that enrich the reflection.
But what really stands out is the functionality of the button. Super Like. Thanks to the Super Like at YouTubelisteners can make donations directly to the Foundation. CARF, thus supporting the formation of future priests, which is essential for carrying out this evangelization project.
There are also other ways to access the 10 Minutes with Jesus daily reflections. The The best known is WhatsApp, which allows you to receive the reflections directly on your phone mobile, facilitating daily access. Another messaging platform that offers a channel specific for reflections is Telegram.
You will also find 10 Minutes with Jesus on Spotify and other podcast platforms, ideal for those who prefer to listen to reflections while on the move.
Who are the priests of 10 Minutes with Jesus?
Behind every daily 10 Minutes with Jesus reflection is a dedicated team of priests who are well trained and committed to their pastoral mission. These priests not only share their theological and spiritual knowledge, but they also offer a close and accessible accompaniment of the faithful.
The formation of priests is crucial for the Church and for initiatives such as 10 minutes with . The CARF Foundation is dedicated to ensuring that priests receive an education that is The priest is an integral member of the community, embracing both theological and human aspects. A well-formed priest is able to communicate effectively with the faithful and adapt to the new forms of evangelization, as demonstrated by the priests participating in 10 Minutes with Jesus.
St. Josemaría Escrivá, founder of Opus Dei, emphasized the importance of formation spiritual and academic formation of priests. In his teachings, he commented that the spiritual and academic The priest's training is not limited to theological knowledge, but must encompass all the aspects of human life, so that he can be a true shepherd of souls. These words resonate in the mission of the CARF Foundation and in the dedication of the priests who participate in 10 Minutes with Jesus.
Inspiring Stories from 10 Minutes with Jesus listeners
The influence of "10 Minutes with Jesus" is reflected in the numerous testimonials from listeners. who have found comfort, inspiration, and a deeper connection to their faith through these daily reflections. A young professional commented: "Since I started listening to 10 Minutes with Jesus, every morning I feel my day begin with purpose and peace. These reflections help me to focus and remember the importance of my faith in every aspect of my life. life".
10 Minutes with Jesus and the CARF Foundation have created a powerful alliance that not only leads to the message of the Gospel to thousands of people around the world, but it also supports the formation of priests, which are fundamental for evangelization. The active participation of the faithful, either by listening to the reflections, or by making donations through the Super Like on YouTube, or by collaborating with the Foundation, is essential to continue this transformative mission.
The synergy between these two initiatives demonstrates that evangelization can be adapted to the needs of the modern times and reach people through digital media. By joining this mission, you not only enrich your spiritual life, but you also contribute to the formation of priests. Be part of this incredible transformation and help bring God's word to every corner of the world. corner of the world!
5 requirements and steps to become a priest in Spain
There are some steps to follow to become a priest in Spain from the moment you feel the call and vocation, until you are formed and receive the sacrament of priestly ordination.
In persona Christi
«...The priesthood is conferred by a particular Sacrament, by which the priests are priests, By the anointing of the Holy Spirit, they are sealed with a special character, and are configured with Christ in such a way that they can act in the person of Christ». (Cf. Second Vatican Council, Decree Presbyterorum Ordinis n. 2.)
How to become a priest?
To be priest first we have to feel the restlessness inside our hearts, if we understand that we have the vocation to continue on the path that God asks of us, we must go deeper into it.
Vocation and discernment
The vocation is the call. All people have a universal call to be holy, but each person in a different way. Vocations include consecrated life, priesthood, singleness and marriage.
The discernment is the lifelong process of ascertaining God's will through prayer and prayerfulness. spiritual guidance. This process requires a lot of patience.
Requirements to become a priest in Spain
In the Roman Catholic Church, it is a requirement to be a man. Everyone will have the freedom to begin a life consecrated to God.
Comply with the specific requirements of the Spanish Episcopal Conference.
Comply with the special requirements of each diocese. The bishops of each diocese are responsible for the formation and admission of future priests.
Studying at the seminary.
Receive the Sacrament of Priestly Ordination
Regarding the mission of a priest "Precisely because he belongs to Christ, the priest is radically at the service of men: he is a minister of their salvation, of their happiness, of their authentic liberation" Benedict XVI.
Steps to become a priest in Spain
Be priest Being a priest is not a decision to be taken lightly. It is a path that takes years to complete and therefore requires strength of heart and firm beliefs.
It is essential to participate in your parish and, in a word, to be an active part of the Church. It is also important to foster a deep habit of prayer and a balanced devotional life. This process goes hand in hand with a sense of vocation and discernment.
In order to become a priest, different sources of knowledge can help in making a decision. Along the way candidates will receive help from their formators and spiritual directors. "
"It is a matter of guarding and cultivating vocations, so that they may bear mature fruit. They are a "diamond in the rough" that must be worked with care, patience and respect for the conscience of the people, so that they may shine in the midst of the people of God.". Pope Francis
Join the Seminar
One of the most important steps to being a priest in Spain is to enter the seminary. Seminaries, such as the Sedes Sapientiae International Seminary in Rome and the Bidasoa International Seminary in Pamplona, form and house seminarians who come from all over the world, sent by their bishops, to study the last four years until their ordination to the diaconate.
Upon their return to their dioceses and after the corresponding practices, they will be ordained as priests.
Attend a Pontifical University
In some cases, and whenever the bishop of the diocese deems it necessary, seminarians may be formed in a more specialized and international center of studies, such as the pontifical universities. These are institutions that provide academic knowledge and where the universality of the Church is lived in the path of the Church. formation of priests.
The study centers promoted by the CARF Foundation are corporate tasks that Opus Dei places at the service of the bishops of the entire world.
All ecclesiastical studies pursued in pontifical institutions qualify for priestly ministry anywhere in the world, provided that the proper license is obtained.
Being called to holy orders
After completing seminary, a bishop may call you to holy orders and ordain you into ministry. The sacrament of priestly ordination consists of consecration to the ministry of service to the Church and to God, which requires full dedication and free disposition to God.
The sacrament of Orders grants the authority to exercise ecclesiastical functions and ministries. It is divided into three degrees of commitment:
TheepiscopateConfers the fullness of the order and makes the candidate the legitimate successor of the apostles and entrusts to him the offices of teaching, sanctifying and ruling.
ThepresbyterateThe candidate configures the candidate to Christ the priest and good shepherd. He is able to act in the name of Christ the head and to administer divine worship.
ThediaconateThe ordination of the candidate confers the order for service in the Church, through divine worship, preaching, guidance and above all, charity.
"The priest is not a psychologist, nor a sociologist, nor an anthropologist: he is another Christ, Christ himself, to attend to the souls of his brothers." It is Christ who passes by, 79
The work of the CARF Foundation
In the CARF Foundation we want all vocations to reach the priesthood. Therefore, we invite Christians to have a greater commitment and financially support candidates who wish to properly complete their priestly formation.
A solid priestly formation will enable them to better assist all people in the exercise of their ministry. pastoral work.
Testimonials
Sedes Sapientiae and Bidasoa residents spend up to six years in formation to serve the Church on five continents. They have already asked themselves the question of how to become a priest. They have gone through all the steps to become priests in Spain and around the world. Would you like to know their testimonials? We tell you about it on the CARF Foundation website.
Seminarians preparing to become priests are responding to God's call by dedicating their lives to the work of the Church. Just getting to the door of the seminary has already been a struggle and a commitment for all of them.
Infographic: Requirements to become a priest in Spain
Frequently asked questions about becoming a priest in Spain
What are the requirements to become a priest? To be a man, to be free for the consecrated life and to comply with the norms of the Episcopal Conference and the corresponding diocese. It is obligatory to study in the seminary and receive the sacrament of Holy Orders.
What steps should I take if I feel a vocation? He should confirm that concern through discernment (prayer and spiritual direction) and actively participate in his parish. It is not a light decision; it requires strength and patience.
Where and how long do you study? Formation takes place in seminaries (including international seminaries such as Sedes Sapientiae or Bidasoa) and, if the bishop so indicates, in Pontifical Universities. The process lasts for years, and can last up to six years of total formation.
What does it mean to act In persona Christi? It means that the priest, sealed by the Holy Spirit, acts as "another Christ" and not merely as a psychologist or sociologist. He is a minister dedicated to the salvation and happiness of souls.
What are the degrees of the sacrament of Orders? There are three degrees of commitment:
Diaconate: Service, preaching and charity
Presbyterate: Divine worship and function of Good Shepherd.
Episcopate: Fullness of the order, teaching and government (successor of the apostles).
Table of Contents
The 5 leadership lessons of John Paul II
Andreas' loneliness on Christmas Eve
On Christmas Eve 1986, Andreas Widmer made his first service as a Swiss Guard in the service of Pope John Paul II, his boss.
The first meeting between the two took place as St. John Paul II was walking out the door of his papal apartment and on his way to celebrate midnight mass. Who would have thought the young Widmer that Karol Wojtyla would at that first moment make an indelible impression on him!
It was the pontiff's great ability to be in what he was doing that made him aware of the personal circumstances the young, novice Swiss guard was going through. Circumstances that caused him uneasiness, until St. John Paul II initiated the conversation.
Widmer was young, longing for his family at the height of the Christmas and was feeling a bit depressed and lacking in confidence. He had not discussed this feeling with anyone.
John Paul II approached him and said: "It is clear that this is your first Christmas away from home! I appreciate very much the sacrifice you are making for the Church. I will pray for you tonight at Mass." None of his colleagues and friends had noticed his anguish that night.
It had to be the leader of 1.2 billion Catholics who took notice, and gave him a lesson in the leadership of one who is willing to serve.
Encouraged people to think big
And to keep his eyes raised and set in the distance. "John Paul always had the perspective of my whole life when he spoke to me. I am convinced that this is a natural consequence of his long years of dedication to the university as chaplain.
On one occasion he stopped to talk to me. He wanted to know how I was doing and whether I liked being a Swiss guard very much or not. I told him about my occupations and concerns, all of which were focused on the short term.
He helped me move from a short-term vision to a long-term vision for the rest of my life. According to Widmer the pontiff always pushed him to reach for higher goals and not to stay ensconced in mediocrity. "He pushed me to think big."
St. John Paul II was totally involved in every conversation.
"Every time I talked to Juan Pablo, Even when I just stopped by to say hello, he made me feel like I was the reason he got up that morning."
Let's go back to Widmer's first meeting with his new boss on that Christmas Eve. Widmer admits that he felt sad and determined to leave the service. He thought at the time that he had made a tremendous mistake by signing up for the Swiss Guard Corps.
When the pope left his apartment, he could have simply walked past. "But he didn't just walk by. He stopped and realized that I was troubled and the real reason for my circumstances. He had the fine ability to notice things at the precise moment, to pick up on the true feeling of the people he came across."
John Paul made people feel special because he was present. This is a common trait in a leader who inspires people.
"People who tell me that they work for leaders who inspire them almost always comment that their boss makes them feel like they are the most important person at that moment in that room and that their boss genuinely cares about their well-being."
He showed people that he believed in them
"Juan Pablo had more faith in me than I had in myself," Widmer said. "That boosted my self-esteem and allowed me to achieve more than I would have thought possible. He believed in me before I believed in myself."
Leaders who inspire believe in people, often even more than they believe in themselves and more strongly. We have the example of millions of young people around the world whose self-esteem grew because John Paul II inspired them by believing in their potential and left them with the message "Do not be afraid."
He saw work as an opportunity and not a burden.
According to Widmer, "John Paul II spoke of work not as a burden but as an opportunity to become what we are called to be. He firmly believed that it is the work what makes us truly human.
John Paul believed that when we work we not only "make more"; in his encyclical letter Laborem Exercens the pope wrote: "Work is a fundamental dimension of Man's existence on earth".
Celebrated and encouraged entrepreneurship
John Paul II celebrated the phenomenon of entrepreneurship because creating something from nothing is a fundamental aspect of all spirituality.
"Just as those who believe have Faith in their Creator, so too must the entrepreneur have Faith in their vision, Faith in the team's ability to execute the vision, and Faith that what they set out to bring to fruition is intensely connected to something greater than themselves."
John Paul II convinced Widmer that entrepreneurship was a great path on which to build his life, a path on which he could utilize his giftsThe goal is to develop their talents, talents and ideas to their full potential and thus participate in the work of creation.
Three 3 foundations that support the Catholic Church and its relevance 1
Learn about the importance of foundations that help the Catholic Church and how the CARF Foundation contributes by promoting education and priestly formation. Learn why it is crucial to support these initiatives.
The importance of foundations in support of the Catholic Church
Catholic Church aid organizations and foundations not only support Christian formation, but also contribute to various charitable works, extending their impact to needy areas around the world.
Through funding educational, pastoral and infrastructure projects, these foundations ensure that the mission of the Catholic Church continues to flourish and reach out to all corners of the world, especially those most in need.
To support the CARF Foundation is to promote priestly vocations around the world.
The CARF Foundationis a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the integral formation of priests and seminarians throughout the world. Founded on February 14, 1989, it has established itself as a reference in the field of education for priests and religious and support for the Catholic Church around the world, especially in countries without resources.
The mission of the CARF Foundation is centered on the conviction that a solid and adequate formation of priests is fundamental for the social, spiritual and moral growth of society.
Through its financial aid programs, the CARF Foundation, thanks to its benefactors and friends, facilitates access to an education of excellence in prestigious institutions such as the University of California (U.S.A.) and the University of California (U.S.A.). Pontifical University of the Holy Cross in Rome and the University of Navarra in Spain.
Supporting institutions like the CARF Foundation not only has a direct impact on the lives of seminarians and diocesan priests and religious men and women, but also impacts the dioceses around the world in which they serve.
The Pope Benedict XVI stressed the importance of the formation of priests in his encyclical Deus Caritas EstThe formation of priests is a task of great importance for the life of the Church. Priests must be true men of God, with a solid intellectual and spiritual formation". This commitment to an integral formation is precisely what the CARF Foundation strives to provide to its beneficiaries.
The CARF Foundation has achieved a significant global impact. With more than 35 years of experience, it has collaborated in the formation of more than 30,000 priests, seminarians and religious from 131 countries.
This support translates into thousands of people who have returned to their countries of origin and who highlight how the support of the CARF Foundation has allowed them to access training that would otherwise be unattainable, making it possible to bring this knowledge and dedication to their communities. This generates a positive multiplier effect.
There are also many other foundations that do commendable work in support of the Catholic Church. Foundations such as Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) and the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) also play a crucial role in evangelization and supporting vulnerable communities.
These organizations, like the CARF Foundation, rely on the generosity of individual donors to carry out their mission.
Supporting ACN means supporting persecuted Christians
Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) is an international pontifical charity dedicated to supporting persecuted Christians in need throughout the world.
ACN was founded in 1947 and its mission is to provide pastoral and humanitarian aid to Christian communities suffering persecution or economic hardship.
The organization works in more than 140 countries and supports the Catholic Church in a variety of areas, including:
Reconstruction of churches and monasteries: in regions devastated by conflict or natural disasters.
Support of priests and religious: providing financial support for those who dedicate their lives to the service of the Church and its communities.
Formation of seminarians: financing the education and formation of future priests in areas where resources are scarce.
Emergency programs: providing immediate assistance in humanitarian crisis situations.
ACN's work is vital to ensure that Christian communities can maintain their faith and hope, even in the most difficult circumstances.
Pope Francis has highlighted the importance of supporting persecuted Christians, stating: "Today there are more martyrs than in the first centuries. This is not an exaggeration. Today, more Christians are persecuted, tortured and killed because of their faith in Jesus.".
Pontifical Mission Societies is to support the evangelizing Church.
PMO is a global network of Catholic organizations that support the evangelizing mission of the Church throughout the world.
OMP was founded in 1822 and is dedicated to promoting mission awareness and raising funds to support missions in areas where the Church is still developing. Key areas of support include:
Evangelization and catechesis: financing educational and evangelization programs to spread the Catholic faith.
Infrastructure construction: helping to build churches, schools and community centers in regions where the Church is growing.
Formation of local leaders: providing resources for the formation of catechists, lay leaders and seminarians.
Social and charitable assistance: supports projects that improve the living conditions of needy communities, such as health clinics, food programs and community development.
PMS works closely with local dioceses and religious congregations to ensure that resources reach where they are most needed, thus strengthening the Church's presence and mission around the world.
Saint Josemaría Escrivá de BalaguerThe founder of Opus Dei, emphasized the importance of evangelization and the role of religious education, saying: "It is in education, in teaching, that the men of tomorrow are forged.". This principle guides many foundations such as OMP in their missionary and educational work.
The crucial role of foundations in the support of the Church
Whether it is ACN, OMP or the CARF Foundation, they represent a fundamental pillar in the support and growth of the Catholic Church. These foundations not only provide the necessary resources for the formation of priests and infrastructure construction, but also offer spiritual and moral support to many dioceses facing real adversity.
By donating to these foundations, benefactors are directly supporting the Catholic Church and the promotion of the Catholic faith in every corner of the world.
