Advent: a time of hope and preparation. 6 keys to live it

The season of Advent marks the four weeks leading up to the ChristmasIt is an opportunity to reflect, reconnect with our faith and live the expectation of Christ made man with an open heart.

But how can we truly take advantage of this time without getting carried away by the distractions of consumerism, social commitments or everyday worries? Below, we share with you some keys to live Advent with depth and meaning.

The meaning of Advent

The word Advent comes from the Latin adventuswhich means coming. During these weeks, the Church invites us to prepare our hearts for two important events:

The celebration of the birth of JesusWe remember the mystery of the Incarnation, when God became man for love of us.
The second coming of ChristWe renew our hope in his glorious return at the end of time.

Advent is not only a countdown to Christmas, but a call to conversion and spiritual preparation. This is a time to pause, meditate and reorient our lives towards God.

Keys to live Advent with faith

1. Set aside a daily time for prayer

Take a few minutes each day to be alone with God. You can read the readings of the day, meditate on the biblical passages that announce the coming of Jesus, or pray the Holy Rosary. If you have an Advent calendar, use it to deepen the daily liturgy.

TipCreate a space at home for prayer with a candle or a picture of Jesus' birth. Lighting a candle each week of Advent can help you remember the meaning of waiting. Remember the Advent wreath.

2. Practice charity

Advent is a time to look beyond ourselves and share with others, especially those who need it most. Consider how you can be an instrument of love:

Donate food or clothing to the underprivileged.
Spend time listening to or accompanying lonely or sick people.
Participate in a solidarity campaign of your parish.

3. Live the liturgy

Attending Sunday Mass is essential to nourish our faith. During this time, pay special attention to the liturgical signs: the readings, the prayers and the color purple, which symbolizes penance and hope.

4. Reduce material distractions

It's easy to get caught up in the shopping, decorations or holiday dinners. While these elements have their place, make sure you don't lose sight of the true meaning of this time.

Establish a budget for gifts, prioritizing creativity over material.
Organize family gatherings where the focus is on sharing quality time, not just the food or gifts.
Reflect on the question: How am I preparing my heart to receive Jesus?

5. Approach the sacrament of Confession.

Advent is a perfect time to reconcile ourselves with God. Examine your conscience and receive the sacrament of Confession. Cleansing our hearts helps us welcome the Baby Jesus with peace and joy.

6. Cultivate hope

Advent reminds us that waiting makes sense because we are waiting for something great: God's love made flesh. Even in the midst of difficulties, this is an opportunity to renew our hope and trust that God never abandons us.

TipReflects on the virtues of Mary and St. Joseph, read about the characters of Bethlehem. They lived the wait with faith and humility. How can you imitate their example?

Conclusion

Advent is a time to pause and look at what is essential. Beyond lights, gifts and celebrations, we are invited to prepare our hearts for an encounter with Christ. Let this time transform us, bring us closer to God and make us true witnesses of his love.

May this Advent be for you and your family a journey filled with faith, hope, and charity, so that you may truly experience Christmas and the birth of Jesus!

Religious persecution and intolerance in the 21st century

The persecution The religious persecution suffered by many Christians has been provoked by public authorities, by non-Christian groups or by other Christians of different faiths throughout the history of the world. Christianity.

Perhaps part of the answer lies in the following reflections:

Pursuit

Persecutions of any kind are deplorable acts, especially those of a religious nature, because they limit the freedom of human beings in their relationship with God. Unfortunately, universal history has shown us that religious persecutions have their origin in ancient times.

In the case of the recent history of Spain, cited as a reference in numerous works, a detailed study published in 1961 by Antonio Montero Moreno, identified a total of 6,832 religious victims murdered in the Republican territory, of which 13 were bishops; 4,184, diocesan priests; 2,365, religious; and 283, nuns. In a study published in 2001, the researcher and priest Ángel David Martín Rubio lowered the total number of members of the clergy murdered during this period in the Republican zone to 6,733.

Intolerance

We know that intolerance is the inability to accept other people's ideas, beliefs or practices when they are different from one's own and that the intolerant person is characterized by maintaining his or her opinion, without paying attention to others.

We also know that when the emotional or passionate component is added, intolerance becomes fanaticism or that, when there is an excessive attachment to following fundamental texts to the letter out of their context, we fall into fundamentalism.

As human attitudes, all of them violate people's dignity, with the most common reasons being race, sex or religion.

Finally, we know that tolerance is an acquired habit and, therefore, a competence that humans can develop voluntarily, since our natural instinct would lead us down the path of intolerance and aggression.

We could deduce up to this point that the origin of the problem is personalThe "own" of each one of us, and that it depends on the education received in our family, social and cultural environment.

Francis also asked that "no one be considered a second-class citizen," especially Christians, who represent 1% of the population in the Muslim country, and the Yazidis, a minority persecuted by the Islamic State.

Consequences of religious persecution and intolerance

According to the latest report of Aid to the Church in Need, presented at the end of 2014, a total of 55 countries in the world (28%), have suffered in the last two years a marked worsening or deterioration of religious freedom.

In 14 of the 20 countries that suffer persecution for professing the Catholic religion, it is linked to the islamism In the other 6, the persecution is linked to authoritarian regimes, most of them communist.

According to the report of the NGO Open Door (World Watch List WWL Report), more than 100 million Christians are persecuted in the world today.

Spain has had its own experience of this phenomenon: 1,523 martyrs beatified as a result of the religious intolerance of the 1930s, of whom 11 have already been canonized.

Warnings

Two observations are in order:

a) Pope Francis does so on the "false tolerance of those who want to force others to live privately and not publicly the ethical principles consistent with the truth found". (20 Jun.14).

In a word, he warns against wolves in sheep's clothing, who propose to remove crucifixes or religious symbols from public life or who, in the name of a false tolerance with other religions, promote the expropriation of the Cathedral of Cordoba, to give a simple example of the present time.

b) It is also good to warn about the false accusations of discrimination that the architects of the fallacy promote when they put on the same level of equality the dignity of the person and his behavior, accusing as discriminatory the censure that can be made of certain behaviors.

To exemplify this phenomenon we can say that when a child is censured for going out drinking and coming back in the early hours of the morning, his personal dignity is not being violated nor is he being discriminated against, only his behavior, which is educable and modifiable, is being censured.

If promiscuous behavior is censured, it is also not discriminated against because this behavior can be modified by the child, keeping intact his or her personal dignity, which must be treated with the utmost charity and understanding.

Action plan

Pope Francis stresses that "the problem of intolerance must be faced as a whole". "the good of the whole society is at risk and we all have to feel involved". (Oct 2013).

In a word, we cannot stand idly by, we have to act, we have to fight, with the instruments available, which for a Christian are, among others, prayer, being committed to just causes and active participation, otherwise the place, our place, will be taken by others.

Guide to the Novena of the Immaculate Conception

What is the meaning of the Immaculate Conception of Mary?

Before we dive into the novena to the Immaculate Conception, it is essential to understand the meaning of the Immaculate Conception.

The doctrine of the Immaculate Conception was proclaimed as dogma by Pope Pius IX on December 8, 1854, by means of the papal bull Ineffabilis Deuswhich declares that the Virgin Mary was free from original sin from the first moment of her conception through the merits of her son Jesus Christ.

Spain played a decisive role in the proclamation of the dogma of the Immaculate Conception, mainly due to the deep devotion that the country has always had towards the Virgin Mary, especially under the invocation of the Immaculate Conception.

"The Blessed Virgin Mary was preserved immune from every stain of original guilt from the first moment of her conception by the singular grace and privilege of almighty God, in view of the merits of Christ Jesus, Savior of the human race," Bull. Ineffabilis Deus.

Our Lady wanted to accompany this proclamation, before and after, in the apparitions to St. Catherine Labouré in Rue du Bac in Paris, to Alphonse Ratisbonne in Rome, to St. Bernadette in Lourdes, and to the little shepherds in Fatima.

Saint Catherine Labouré (1830 - Rue du Bac, Paris): During the apparitions to Catherine, Our Lady presented her with the design of the Miraculous Medal, which included the image of the Immaculate Conception surrounded by the inscription "O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to you".
Alphonse Ratisbonne (1842 - Rome): In the vision of Ratisbonne, he experienced a profound conversion to Catholicism after seeing the Virgin Mary in the church of St. Andrew in Rome under the invocation of the Miraculous Medal.
Saint Bernadette (1858 - Lourdes): At Lourdes, the Virgin Mary identified herself as the Immaculate Conception during the apparitions to St. Bernadette Soubirous.
Saints Jacinta and Francisco and the Venerable Sister Lucia (1917 - 1917 - 1917) Fatima): at FatimaThe Virgin Mary urged prayer and devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary as the means to obtain peace.

St. Maximilian Kolbe, founder of the Militias of the Immaculate Conception and martyr in Auschwitz, developed the theology of the created Immaculate Conception and the uncreated Immaculate Conception. The first refers to the original grace conferred on the Virgin Mary at the moment of her conception, assuring her immunity to original sin from the first moment of her existence. The second refers to the Holy Spirit, as the eternal immaculate conception proceeding from the Love between the Father and the Son, and which, as the spouse of the Virgin, confers on Mary to be the mediator of all Graces. His legacy highlights the importance of the Immaculate Conception in Catholic spirituality and the unconditional surrender to the divine will.

In 1954 Pope Pius XII proclaimed a Marian Year in the universal Church, to celebrate the centenary of the dogmatic definition of the Immaculate Conception.

Devotion to the Immaculate Conception of Mary offers all of us a model of holiness in the figure of Mary. By honoring her purity and drawing inspiration from her life as an example of obedience and surrender to God's will.

The custom of the novena to the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary

The ninthfrom Latin novemconsists of praying for nine consecutive days to entrust an intention or ask for a particular grace to God through the Blessed Virgin Mary. This custom of praying the novena to the Immaculate Conception is a way to prepare ourselves interiorly for the feast of the Immaculate Conception during the nine previous days. You can attend mass, pray the Holy Rosary or other Marian devotions, the most important thing is to live it personally.

The Immaculate Conception is such a great mystery that nine days are not enough to contemplate it! However, the time dedicated to the novena to the Immaculate Conception allows our hearts to prepare to joyfully celebrate the first great Marian feast of the liturgical year. This novena to the Immaculate Conception, which has been encouraged and blessed by the Church, is prayed, each year throughout the world, from November 30 to December 8.

Nine ideas to live the novena of the Immaculate Conception

To live this novena, we suggest that you meditate daily on the Gospel. St. Josemaría advised you to put more effort into assiduous conversation with our Lady, with a delicate care in the prayerWe are also trying to live small details of affection with her.

"One always goes to Jesus and returns to him through Mary". (St. Josemaría, The Way, 495).

We recommend the following guide with the help of some ideas that come from St. Josemaría's and Pope Francis' affection for our Lady, can help you prepare for the days leading up to the feast of the Immaculate Conception.

Day 1 - The Annunciation: We reflect on the moment when the angel Gabriel announced to Mary that she would be the Mother of the Savior.

Day 2 - The Visitation: we meditate on Mary's visit to her cousin Elizabeth and the joy she brought with her.

Day 3 - The Nativity of Mary: We celebrate the birth of the Virgin Mary and her importance in the history of redemption.

Day 4 - The Presentation of Mary in the temple: we consider the act of presenting Mary in the temple as a symbol of consecration.

Day 5 - The Perpetual Virginity of Mary: we reflect on Mary's commitment to perpetual virginity.

Day 6 - Mary, Mirror of Justice: we contemplate Mary as a model of virtue and justice.

Day 7 - Mary, Refuge of Sinners: we approach Mary in search of refuge and forgiveness.

Day 8 - Mary, Queen of Heaven and Earth: we recognize Mary's kingship in the divine family.

Day 9 - Immaculate Conception: We celebrate the central dogma, Mary's conception without original sin.

May this novena to the Immaculate Conception be a path of grace and blessings for all!

What is plenary indulgence and how to obtain it?

Plenary indulgence is an extraordinary gift of the Catholic Church, which allows for the complete remission of the temporal punishment that remains after sins have been forgiven in the sacrament of confession.

Since 1983 the Code of Canon Law (can. 992) and the Catechism of the Catholic Church (n. 1471), define indulgence as follows:

"An indulgence is the remission before God of the temporal punishment for sins, already forgiven, as to guilt, which a faithful willing and fulfilling certain conditions obtains through the mediation of the Church, which, as the administrator of redemption, distributes and applies with authority the treasure of the satisfactions of Christ and the saints."

St. Josemaría also emphasized the spiritual depth of indulgences when he stated: "indulgences are a manifestation of God's infinite mercy" (The Way, 310).

Difference between plenary and partial indulgence

Plenary and partial indulgence are expressions of God's infinite mercy. Although they differ in scope, both encourage us to seek holiness through faith, prayer and works of charity.

The plenary indulgence is an extraordinary gift, since it completely removes the temporary grief that remains after the sorry of sins in the sacrament of confession. It is an act of love that allows us to present ourselves before God purified free of any stain that keeps us away from His presence.

On the other hand, the partial leniency remits only a part of this sorrow, but it is no less significant. It is an important step that motivates us to continue advancing in our spiritual journey, offering our prayers, sacrifices and good works as concrete signs of repentance and faith.

Pope Francis, explained it clearly during his General Audience, March 9, 2016 that. "the plenary indulgence is a gift that helps us to grow closer to God and to live a holier life.". This is why we must remember that plenary indulgences are an invitation to walk towards holiness with hope and trust in divine mercy.

Every time we have recourse to indulgences, we renew our commitment to conversion, we confirm that God's love is always ready to welcome us and to give us a new opportunity. What greater consolation can we have than to know that, through these practices, we draw closer to the Father's loving heart?

Requirements to obtain a plenary indulgence

Pope Benedict XVI, in his Message for Lent 2008, affirmed: "The indulgence cannot be understood as a kind of 'discount' on the punishment due for sin, but as an aid to a more radical conversion". Indulgence is a sincere opportunity to commit ourselves to the path to holiness and to renew our relationship with God.

Sacramental confession: this sacrament allows us to be in a state of grace and to be reconciled with God. In the act of confessionWe find the loving embrace of the Father who is always ready to forgive us.
Eucharistic communion: receive the Eucharist with devotion. As we approach the altar, we find the strength to live in holiness.
Prayer for the Pope's intentions: praying an Our Father and a Hail Mary unites us to the universal Church. This simple act invites us to think beyond our own needs and to pray for the common good.
Total detachment from sin: This step does not demand perfection, but a sincere desire to reject sin, even venial sin. It is a call to examine our heart and to live according to God's will.
Carry out the indulgenced work: for example, pray the Rosary in community, to read Sacred Scripture for at least half an hour or to adore the Blessed Sacrament or carry out works of mercyboth spiritual and corporal.

Meeting these requirements is a reminder that God's grace is always available to those who seek it in humility and sincerity.

When can a plenary indulgence be obtained?

There are particularly significant moments for obtaining plenary indulgences:

In the Holy Year or Jubilee: an exceptional opportunity to receive abundant graces. It is celebrated every 25 years or in special circumstances designated by the Pope.
November 1, All Saints Day: by visiting a cemetery and praying for the deceased, we remember those who have preceded us in faith and offer our prayers for their souls.
November 2, All Souls Day: a day dedicated to intercede for the souls in purgatoryshowing our charity and union with the communion of saints.
During the Easter: a time of special spiritual intensity, where the Stations of the Cross and the celebrations of the Passion of Christ unite us deeply with the mystery of the Redemption.
The first Sunday after Easter, Feast of the Divine Mercy: instituted by St. John Paul II, this celebration highlights the infinite mercy of God, a privileged moment to obtain indulgences.
September 15, Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Sorrows (in 2024): one day for to accompany the Virgin in her sorrow and deepen the mystery of redemptive suffering.
In liturgical acts such as the Stations of the Cross: Participating with devotion in this representation of the Passion of Christ invites us to unite ourselves to His sacrifice and renew our conversion.

In addition to these specific dates, the Pope may designate other special occasions to obtain indulgences. Each of these opportunities brings us closer to the merciful heart of God and invites us to live our faith.

Plenary indulgence and medal of St. Benedict

At specific moments, the Church grants the possibility of gaining plenary indulgences related to the use of the St. Benedict medalThe usual conditions are met: confession, communion, prayer for the Pope's intentions, detachment from sin and the performance of an indulgenced work.

Among the most notable occasions for gaining a plenary indulgence linked to the medal of St. Benedict are:

On the feast of St. Benedict (July 11)by participating in liturgical or devotional acts in honor of this saint, bearer of faith and protector against evil.
By using the medal of St. Benedict with devotionThe prayer of exorcism inscribed on it, an act that reaffirms our trust in God's grace to protect us from evil and renew our faith.
Receiving the blessed medal of St. BenedictIn the context of a religious ceremony, where the intention to live according to the principles of the Gospel that St. Benedict promoted is manifested.

Reverso y anverso de una medalla de San Benito. — Reverse and obverse of a medal of St. Benedict.

By knowing the meaning and beauty of the gift of plenary indulgence, we come closer to the infinite mercy of God. In this journey of faith, the work of the CARF Foundation is fundamental, as with your support it trains priests and seminarians for the Catholic Church, who will be the ones to guide and accompany us in our relationship with God. Supporting the CARF Foundation means that more Christians can come closer to God's redeeming grace throughout the world.

The 28th CARF Foundation Charity Market is back!

The volunteering of the Social Action Board of the CARF Foundation. (PAS) is organizing its traditional charity market to raise funds for the formation of seminarians and diocesan priests and religious men and women from all over the world.

The flea market, now in its 28th edition, will be held from November 26 to 30 on the premises of the parish of St. Louis of the French, on the 9 Padilla St.Madrid, every day from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm.

The PAS volunteers have been organizing this flea market for many years, whose main objective is to cooperate with the diocesan Church around the world.

Thanks to the sale of furniture restoredantiques, antiques, some works of art, garments, etc. vintageThe project, which includes handmade baby clothes, household goods and decorative items, is used to finance study aids and, above all, to contribute to the cost of the backpacks of sacred vessels that seminarians who graduate and return to their countries receive.

Where and when?

???? Dates: November 26 to 30
???? Location: Padilla, 9 - Madrid
⏰ Hours: 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Come and contribute to a great cause! Help the CARF Foundation continue to form committed priests, while finding special gifts for your loved ones, we are waiting for you!

The most traditional charity flea market in the Salamanca neighborhood

The charity flea market, one of the most traditional in the Spanish capital, is once again being held in the rooms of the parish of San Luis de los Franceses in the Salamanca district. "This year is the twenty-eighth edition, a great success," say Carmen and Rosana, PAS coordinators.

Thanks to the work of PAS volunteers, the flea market has a wide variety of furniture, dresses and baby clothes handmade by the volunteers themselves, you can also find artwork, vintage cutlery, among other things.

The proceeds go to cover the formation expenses of seminarians, diocesan priests and religious sisters and brothers around the world. In addition, it also helps us to cover the expenses of the sacred vessel backpacks that each seminarian receives at the end of his studies in Rome and Pamplona (Sedes Sapientiae and Bidasoa seminaries).

From early in the morning, many antique dealers, faithful to their annual appointment and aware of the value and quality of the objects on sale, will come to the premises of Padilla Street, 9.

The team behind the charity market

Rosana Diez-Canseco and Carmen Ortega, as presidents of the board of trustees, have led a team, mostly female, whose work reaches its peak at the flea market, but which is carried out throughout the year. Month after month, the volunteers receive and catalog the objects to be offered for sale, restore the furniture, knit the baby clothes and embroider the albs that will also be given to the seminarians.

Rosana y Carmen, de izquierda a derecha, sonríen en un local lleno de ropa. — women's clothes flea market

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The backpacks of sacred vessels with a custom-made alb.

These backpacks contain everything needed to celebrate Mass anywhere in the world: a small silk altar cloth, chalice, paten, ciborium, two cruets, stole, hyssop, chrism oil, cincture, a custom-made alb and even two candles and a crucifix.

Emmanuel, Paul, Modest, Halalisane, Thomas, John... are some of the names of the 19 seminarians who will graduate this year from the Bidasoa International Seminary (Pamplona) and who are studying at the University of Navarra.

Mochila de vasos sagrados con todo lo necesario para celebrar la Santa Misa — Backpack of sacred vessels with everything necessary to celebrate Holy Mass.

All of them will receive, from the PAS leaders, their backpacks with liturgical objects and the albs sewn to measure for each of the seminarians.

With this help, they will be able to celebrate the Eucharist and the sacraments with dignity, whether in a remote village in Latin America or in Africa where the presence of priests is scarce.

The backpack and all its contents, which cost 600 euros, is made by Granda, a renowned artisan workshop of liturgical objects located in Madrid. The charity market is one of the events that help us cover this cost.

Every year some 300 seminarians are trained between Pamplona and Rome. And approximately 1,700 diocesan priests at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross, in Rome, and in the Ecclesiastical Faculties of the University of Navarra, in Pamplona, in addition to a hundred people in consecrated life.

Praying for priests: why and how to pray

Praying for priests is a mission of love and responsibility. Pope Francis reminds us that a priest does not do it alone; he needs the support and prayers of all of us. In his exhortation Evangelii Gaudium (The Joy of the Gospel) and in many homilies, the Pope stresses that the path of the priesthood is deeply linked to all Christians.

The priestly vocation involves great sacrifices and challenges, and priests face difficulties that can weaken their mission if they do not receive the necessary support. That is why our prayers are an act of love and commitment, a way of caring for those who, in turn, care for us and bring us closer to God.

Rezar por los sacerdotes — *Women and men should always be praying for priests.*

Why should we pray for priests?

St. Josemaría Escrivá taught that the priest, although a man among men, is Christ himself! Through our prayer, we can be his shield and strength. Priests are spiritual directors and living examples of love and dedication to Christ, but they also need our prayers to remain firm in their vocation. Praying for them is an act of empathy and deep support, a gesture of love that accompanies and strengthens them in their daily mission of service. And the prayers go back and forth, since all priests pray daily in the Liturgy of the Hours for all human beings all over the planet.

3 reasons to pray for priests

To offer them spiritual support in their mission: the prayer of the Christian Church is a powerful force that sustains priests in their mission. As Pope St. John Paul II expressed it in his Letter to Priests in 1979, there is a profound connection between the ministerial priesthood and the common priesthood of the faithful. While priests guide and form God's people, the faithful participate through their own lives and prayers. By praying for them, we strengthen their vocation and help them bring Christ to all.
That they may be instruments of grace and find strength in their vocation.The priesthood is a gift offered for the sake of communion (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1533). Through the sacraments, especially the Eucharist and ConfessionGod's grace reaches out to all Christians, nourishing and guiding their lives. However, priests also need constant support to remain faithful to their vocation in the midst of challenges and trials. Divine grace is that force that drives and sustains the Christian journey, acting in the depths of the soul in the face of difficulties. As we pray for them, we ask that this grace envelop them, strengthen them and fill them with joy so that they may fulfill their mission faithfully; in turn, they contribute to the holiness and growth of the whole Church.
Protection against temptations and spiritual wear and tear: St. John Mary Vianney, patron of priests, expressed with great clarity the importance of priestly work: "Without the priest, the Passion and Death of our Lord would be of no use. It is the priest who continues the work of redemption on earth". To pray for them is to help them resist the trials and renew their commitment to holiness, which requires God's help and the support of the whole community.

How to pray for priests?

Praying for priests is a simple and profound way of accompanying them in their mission. There are many ways to do this; an easy option within everyone's reach is to include them in our daily intentions: to dedicate a prayer for them, every day, as a pearl of love that enriches the Church.

You can also offer a rosario or the celebration of the Mass on their behalf; or participate in a ninth especially dedicated to his holiness and strength.

In addition, in moments of silence and meditation, they ask God to give them strength and wisdom to face the challenges of loneliness or misunderstandings. These prayers sustain them spiritually and remind them that they are not alone on their journey.

What is the prayer of the faithful for priests?

The prayer of the faithful is a punctual moment of the Holy Mass. Mass in which, united as one heart, we raise petitions to God for different intentions, among them, do not forget the sanctity of life and the mission of priests. In this prayer we pray for those who have dedicated themselves to the service of the Church.

This prayer is invaluable because we recognize that priests, like all human beings, need God's grace and strength to be faithful and helpful. It is a sign of gratitude, for in praying for them, we also recognize their sacrifice and dedication. This joint prayer reflects the desire of all to see priests as models of Christ who, like the good shepherd, cares for his flock with tenderness and courage.

What is intercessory prayer for priests?

Intercessory prayer is a prayer in which we ask God for the good of others, in this case, for priests.

Intercession in times of crisisWhen the Church or priests are going through difficult times, praying makes a difference. Pope Francis has emphasized the importance of not judging priests harshly, but praying for them. In his homily delivered on June 23, 2014, the Pope stated, "Do not judge, because, if you do, when you do something wrong, you will be judged. It is a truth that is good to remember in everyday life, when we feel the urge to judge others, to criticize others, which is a form of judging. On the contrary, we should be men and women of prayer, intercede for others, especially in times of crisis, when they need more of God's grace and support.
Daily intercession: Including priests in our daily prayers is a simple practice. This intercession can be integrated into the rosary, offering each mystery for their vocation, or in our morning and evening prayers, asking God to sustain and enlighten them.

Pray for priests

Prayer brings an incalculable richness to the Church through the gift of priestly ministry and consecrated life in its many charisms and institutions. We thank God for the life and witness of so many priests and people of consecrated life.

Download the image and pray for the priests.

In the CARF Foundation we work with dedication to support the integral formation of diocesan priests from all parts of the world. This effort is possible thanks to the generosity of benefactors and friends and, above all, to the constant prayers of those who value the priestly mission.

The benefactors of the CARF Foundation form a group of committed Christians who, in addition to financial support, unite in prayer, not only for the vocations of future priests, but also for those who are already developing their mission.

We pray that all of them, present and future, receive the necessary grace to carry out their vocation, overcoming challenges and living joyfully their service to the diocesan Church and the world.