Family prayer: how to learn to pray

Best of all, these times of intimacy bring us closer to each other and to God. "Let us pray that each of us may find consolation in a personal relationship with Jesus, and from his heart, learn to have compassion for the world," Pope Leo XIV prays in English in his first contribution to 'The Pope videoa monthly reflection published by the Global Network of Prayer of the Pope. Summer is always a good time to pray as a family; to pray together.

Importance of prayer in the family

Having the opportunity to grow up in a home where prayer is part of everyday life is a beautiful blessing. Its importance lies in the example of parents to children. Learning to pray in all seasons of life together with the family strengthens the union and family ties.

Family prayer springs from listening to Jesus, from reading and being familiar with the Word of God. "Faith reaches its greatest fruitfulness when it is lived in interaction with others, and in the first place with our spouse and our children, who, in fact, form our first community of life, our domestic Church." (Cic, 1655).

Living the faith in a concrete way in the home implies that there are moments of family prayer, moments of living the sacraments together, especially at Sunday Mass, which can become an authentic ritual to be enjoyed together.

It is not necessary to pray long prayers or make ostentatious acts. To pray as a family, prayers in church, made with devotion and constancy, can be enough, adding the family intentions. Simple gestures of piety, such as blessing the table, praying before going to bed or when traveling, reaffirm the Lord's presence in the home.

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The union of family prayer

Praying as a family is the very foundation that holds the family together. because the family that prays together stays together. This spiritual principle, which involves prayer within the family, is a very important factor of change that helps to overcome difficult times. A family that focuses on taking time for prayer has a foundation that may be shaken at times, but will withstand whatever comes against it. Families who have their eyes constantly and sincerely fixed on the Lord, with devotion and humility, experience his great providence.

Jesus Christ taught us that "when two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them". (Matthew 17,19). Praising God, thanking Him and asking Him for His gifts is an essential part of a person's life. Christian family.

God wants a unity derived from Him. That is why Paul admonishes the church to be one. (1 Corinthians 1:10) And that is also why Jesus teaches that husband and wife are one flesh. (Matthew 19:5) These commandments of God call for total surrender. The family is a community of faith, hope and charity. That is why we can call it the domestic Church. The Christian family is a communion of persons, reflecting the communion that exists in God between the Father, the Son and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Families praying together they establish trust among themselves, learn to pray in community and come to an agreement through Jesus. This custom helps to bring unity to domestic life.

The family is a small church and our ministry begins at home. To care for it is to care for each member of the family, to show them God's way, to guide them to grow in the Lord, and to prepare them for adult life. Prayer is an important element in this process. A family that prays united with the heart for each other will pray with the heart for the world.

When God dwells in a family, happiness abounds in all its members.

Family recollection helps everyone

Education in the faith and the catechesis of children place the family in the sphere of the Church as a true subject of evangelization and apostolate. This year Pope Francis wants to strengthen the family, especially for this reason he named 2021 as the Year of the Family. And in CARF we have reflected on the challenges of the family in the 21st century in the Virtual Reflection Meetings.

Families, and more specifically parents, are free to choose for their children a particular model of religious and moral education, according to their own convictions. But even when they entrust these tasks to ecclesiastical institutions or to schools run by religious personnel, it is necessary that their educational presence remain constant and active.

For his general audience on 26/08/2015 Pope Francis chose to speak about family prayer. He explained that it is in the family that we learn to pray and to ask for the gift of the Holy Spirit. He said that the Gospel meditated on in the family is like good bread that nourishes the heart and asked parents to teach children to make the sign of the Cross.

How to pray as a family

An important part of how family prayer begins with shared reading and meditation of the Word of GodThe Word of God, a very good opportunity to create a family communion around Christ. Living the Word of God entails putting it into practice for the good of spouses and children, through the personal practice of virtues, tolerance and forgiveness. Faith, source of love, gives us the full reason to love our family by respecting it and being generous towards it.

The Bible tells us about these families of the early Christians, the domestic Church, St. Paul says (1 Cor 16:19)to which the light of the Gospel gave new impetus and new life. Pope Francis calls it a "home of mission".a home that fulfills the Lord's commission (Mt 28:19) spreading the Gospel of the family around him.

Example in the sentence

As far as children are concerned, the best way for parents to pass on the faith to their children is to live it themselves. There is no better catechesis for a child than the image of his or her parents united in prayer; such an image is more edifying, profound and lasting than words. Children need to see their parents praying at home. It is vital that family prayer be with devotion, that it not be limited to words, but that it be transformed into deeds and testimonies of faith, so that the children learn to make gestures, to repeat some simple formulas, some songs, to be in silence speaking to God.

The child learns to place our Lord in the line of the first and most fundamental affections, says St. Josemaría; he learns to treat God as Father and our Lady as Mother; he learns to pray, following the example of his parents. When one understands this, one sees the great apostolic task that parents can carry out, and how they are obliged to be sincerely pious, to be able to transmit, rather than teach, this piety to their children, which begins with family prayer.

St. Josemaría also emphasizes the uniqueness of each family and promotes using one's own creative methods to pray as a family and give thanks to God. In this way, family members become accustomed to praying at all times, and will have tools for their spiritual and emotional health.

In the family, faith must not remain an empty word or a posture, but must become a source of transformation that leads to desiring and doing good to others.

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How to pray as a family with 2-7 year olds

For the young child, family prayer is often the occasion for tender intimacy with his parents. Seeing them leave their busy lives to prepare to meet God shows you the importance of this relationship. To initiate a moment of prayer with your child, Invite him to sit quietly and look at you, without speaking, while you light a candle in front of an image. This gesture associated with silence will give a certain solemnity to this moment. It will naturally lead the child to interiority. Afterwards, the child can begin to review his day, confide a problem or give thanks for the joys received.

How to pray as a family with 8-13 year olds

Catechesis completes the spiritual experience in the family, but this age group has a particular tenderness in this very familiar moment. The child is receptive and willing, we are also talking about an age of grace from a spiritual point of view. The rite is of great importance, praying an Our Father with him is a way of teaching him that beyond the family group there are many other people who pray. But encourage him also in his completely personal relationship with God. Reading the gospel will teach you that you can entrust your joys, sorrows and even your anger to God.

How to pray as a family for 14-16 year olds

With teenagers, praying as a family becomes more difficult. Their faith is more intimate and they do not like to manifest it.The influence of their friends often prevails over that of the family. The time has come to take care of their choices rather than impose our own.

Let us have the humility to accept that our children may not join in, or that they may do so in a way that is different from our way of praying. They will be able to pray or sing in chapel with their age group, participate in a meeting of young Christians, etc. Whether they tend toward mysticism or reject everything outright, they will have known the joy of prayer, and will be able to return to it at any time in their lives. P. "We are responsible for what we sow, not what grows!" Jean-Noël Bezançon.

A corner at home for prayer

Finding a place in your home for recollection helps to turn your home into a "domestic church". Above all, to face these difficult times that we are living in the world today. It is convenient to find a place in our home to establish a climate of family prayer. This corner facilitates recollection and calls for prayer. It is a powerful tool for family prayer, although it is not exclusively reserved for collective prayer because each individual can find there the calm and silence necessary to get closer to God during the day.

The permanence of this place in the house reminds everyone, throughout the day, of the role of prayer in our life, its vital importance. The family prayer corner can have a light permanently lit in front of the crucifix or image of Our Lady to remind us of God's reassuring presence.

We can also decorate it with fresh flowers and add written family petitions. Especially when we have small children these activities can make them feel part of this corner and family prayer time.

In spite of the complicated time in the family (...) Prayer allows us to find peace for the necessary things. Pope Francis, 2015.

Examples of family prayers

Pope Francis composed this prayer on the occasion of the Feast of the Holy Family. This year 2021, the pope also invites us to pray a novena as a family.

Jesus, Mary and Joseph
in you we contemplate
the splendor of true love,
to you, with confidence, we turn.
Holy Family of Nazareth,
also make our families
place of communion and cenacle of prayer,
authentic schools of the Gospel
and small domestic churches.
Holy Family of Nazareth,
that there will never again be episodes in families
of violence, closed-mindedness and division;

that whoever has been injured or scandalized
be soon comforted and healed.
Holy Family of Nazareth,
that the forthcoming Synod of Bishops
to raise everyone's awareness
of the sacred and inviolable character of the family,
of its beauty in God's plan.
Jesus, Mary and Joseph,
hear, receive our plea.

Praying the Holy Rosary as a family

Parents can help their children discover the beauty of this simple prayer, perhaps by teaching them to pray first one mystery, then two, and by explaining the meaning of this beautiful prayer addressed to the Mother of God and Mother of the Church.

"Would that the beautiful custom of praying the Rosary as a family would be revived!"

The Church has been willing to grant innumerable graces and indulgences when praying the Holy Rosary in the family. Let us take the necessary means to encourage this prayer so pleasing to the Lord and to his Blessed Mother, and which is considered "a great public and universal prayer for the ordinary and extraordinary needs of the holy Church, of the nations and of the whole world". It is a good support on which the family unit relies and the best help to face its needs.

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July 25th St. James the Apostle: why celebrate?

Who was James the Apostle

The St. James the Apostle is the eldest son of Zebedee and Mary Salome. Brother of John, the Evangelist. They lived in the city of Bethsaida, by the Sea of Galilee, where they had a small fishing business.

The name Santiago comes from the words Sant Iacob, from the Hebrew Jacob. During battles the Spaniards used to shout out Saint Jacob, help us and by saying it fast and repetitively it sounded like Santiago.

After witnessing the miraculous catch of fish, hearing Jesus say to them, "From now on you will be fishers of men," James left his nets, his father and his fishing company and set out to follow Jesus Christ.

James the Greater was one of the twelve disciples. Together with Peter and John, they accompanied Jesus in very important moments of his life. Such as the Transfiguration of the Lord, which we remember in the fourth of the Luminous MysteriesThe miraculous catch of fish and Jesus' prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, among others.

The Acts of the Apostles relate that James was the first apostle martyred, beheaded by order of Herod Agrippa around the year 43 in Jerusalem.

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Santiago came to Spain to proclaim the Gospel. The Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela is its main sanctuary, where the relics of the apostle are kept. Thousands of people make pilgrimages there every year, eager to walk the Camino de Compostela. Santiago apostle is represented dressed as a pilgrim or as a soldier mounted on a white horse in fighting attitude.

In 1982, when St. John Paul II visited this Spanish Cathedral, he called on Europe to revive "those authentic values" proclaimed by St. James.

The apostle St. James is also known for having paved the way for the Virgin Mary to be recognized as the "Pillar" of the Church.

Pope Francis, in February 2014, reflecting on armed conflicts, noted that James gives us simple advice: "Draw near to God and He will draw near to you."

The importance of St. James the Apostle in Spain

Although since the ninth century the kings of the reconquest recognized St. James the Apostle as their patron saint, it was not until the seventeenth century when the patronage of Spain was granted to the saint.

Pope Urban VIII, in 1630 declared, under the reign of Philip IV, that St. James the Apostle was officially recognized as the sole patron saint of Spain (which since 1627 he shared with St. Teresa of Jesus).

This decision was made in conjunction with the recognition by the Church that his remains were buried in Compostela and also establishing that the feast of St. James the Apostle would be celebrated every July 25.

Since 1646, by Philip IV, the Vow of St. James was institutionalized, which consisted of an offering by the kings, princes and the archbishop of Compostela to the Virgin of Santiago de Compostela. Santiago Cathedral every July 25th. This offering still takes place today, albeit in a symbolic way, at one of the parts of the Mass of the celebration on the Apostle's Day.

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"The Camino de Santiago awakens one of the deepest desires of man's heart, the yearning to purify oneself, to improve; in short, the desire for God." St. Josemaría Escrivá Image by Almudena Cuesta.

When is St. James' Day?

It is the 25th of July when the festivity of the apostle Santiago and the day of Galicia is celebrated. This is a Christian celebration that takes place in many Spanish towns and places around the world.

However, since the end of the Dictatorship in Spain, the Apostle's Day is not a holiday throughout the country, but only in the autonomous communities that so decide each year when setting their holiday calendar, with the exception of Galicia, which celebrates its big day, so it is a holiday every year.

What do we celebrate and why on Santiago Apostle's Day?

On this day we celebrate the death of the saint, his death by martyrdom, an end that together with his character as a disciple very close to Jesus Christ gives him his name of apostle and saint. There are data and references that point to the year 44 as the date of the martyrdom of Santiago, although the choice of July 25 does not seem to be based on any historical data.

In any case, the celebration of St. James' Day is a very ancient celebration, a feast established in Rome around the tenth or eleventh century when we have news of its celebration in the Roman basilica of St. Peter.

In addition, on the day of St. James plenary indulgences can be obtained, that is, the possibility of obtaining forgiveness of sins for the pilgrims or faithful. In order to gain the Jubilee, and obtain the plenary indulgence, three conditions must be fulfilled:

  1. Visit the tomb of St. James the Apostle in the cathedral. 
  2. Saying a prayer.
  3. Receiving the sacrament of Confession fifteen days before or fifteen days after visiting the tomb and receiving communion.

Where is Santiago Apostle's Day celebrated?

Today, in the XXI century, the feast of St. James Day is celebrated more than ever in Galicia in the city of Santiago de Compostela. It represents the religious and forgiveness aspects that unite and congregate pilgrims from all corners of the world in the different areas of the city.

During the 25th, the celebration of La Holy Mass solemn ceremony in the cathedral, in which the king or a delegate of the Royal Household makes the traditional offering to the apostle Santiago.

Within the current celebration are the magnificent fireworks that take place in the Plaza del Obradoiro during the night of the 24th, which in recent years has been accompanied by projections and audiovisual shows on the facades of the cathedral and other historic buildings in the square.

"...from James we can learn many things: the readiness to welcome the Lord's call even when he asks us to leave the boat of our human securities, the enthusiasm in following him along the paths he points out to us beyond our illusory presumption, the readiness to bear witness to him with courage, if necessary even to the supreme sacrifice of life. (...) Following Jesus like James, we know, even in the midst of difficulties, that we are on the right path."
Benedict XVI, General Audience June 2006

How the Camino de Santiago came about

The apostle Santiago is one of the most important saints of Christianity. After the discovery of his tomb around the year 813, where his remains rest, many Christians from the north of the country began to pilgrimage to what is now Santiago de Compostela to show his devotion.

This custom became a tradition, expanding the phenomenon of the Camino de Santiago throughout Europe, so that the city became one of the most important centers of pilgrimage in Christianity, along with Rome and Jerusalem.

In addition, pilgrims to Compostela could obtain general forgiveness for all their sins, a forgiveness that could be extended to the whole year when the feast fell on a Sunday, that is, when it was a Compostelan Holy Year.

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Prayer to ask for the intercession of the apostle on St. James' Day

Almighty and merciful God,
that you chose twelve apostles to evangelize the whole world.
Among them, three were favored in a special way by Your Son Jesus Christ,
who deigned to include the Apostle Santiago in this select number.

 Through her intercession may we be worthy to obtain the glory of Heaven,
where You live and reign forever and ever. Amen.

St. James the Apostle and Our Lady of Pilar

This saint is closely related to Zaragoza since it is known that Santiago Apostle "arrived with his new disciples through Galicia and Castile, to Aragon, where the city of Zaragoza is located, on the banks of the Ebro.

On the night of January 2, 40, Santiago was with his disciples by the Ebro River when "he heard the voices of angels singing Ave Maria, Gratia Plena and saw the Virgin Mother of Christ appearing, standing on a marble pillar".

The Blessed Virgin, who was still living in mortal flesh, asked the Apostle that a church be built for her there, with the altar around the pillar where she was standing, and promised that "this place will remain until the end of time so that the virtue of God may work portents and wonders through my intercession with those who in their needs implore my patronage".

The Virgin disappeared and the jade pillar remained there. The apostle Santiago and the eight witnesses of the prodigy immediately began to build a church on that site. The Basilica of the Virgin of Pilar in Zaragoza. 

In honor of the apostle, one of the towers of the Pilar, the high gate of the Plaza, bears the name of Santiago. In addition, Zaragoza is also one of the stops on the Camino de Santiago and has a church named after the apostle: the Church of Santiago el Mayor, where Holy Mass is celebrated on St. James' Day.

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St. Mary Magdalene: Witness of the Resurrection

Every July 22nd, the Catholic Church celebrates with special devotion the feast day of saint Mary Magdaleneone of the closest disciples to Jesus and the first person to witness his Resurrection. Her figure, often shrouded in historical confusion, has been vindicated by the Magisterium as a key woman in the beginnings of Christianity.

Who was this saint? What do we know about her life before she followed Christ? Why has she come to have such a prominent place in the tradition of the Church?

Who was Mary Magdalene?

The Gospel identifies it as Mary, who was from Magdalaa small town located on the shores of Lake Galilee. Hence the name Magdalena.

According to Luke 8:2Jesus had expelled from it seven demonsThis expression can allude to a situation of profound physical, spiritual or moral suffering. Be that as it may, what we know with certainty is that, from that encounter with Jesus, his life changed radically.

Thereafter, it becomes disciple and faithful follower of Jesus, accompanying him and other women during his public ministry. Many of them helped with their goods to support the mission.

Mary Magdalene thus represents the figure of the believing woman who, after experiencing divine mercy, leaves everything to follow the Master.

María Magdalena Resurrección y Jesús
Mary Magdalene, before the Resurrection, prostrate before the cross of Jesus in The Passion of Christ.

A life transformed by the love of Jesus

We hardly have any concrete data on Mary Magdalene's life before she met Jesus, but what the Gospels show us is sufficient to understand the depth of her commitment to the Lord.

Tradition has linked Mary Magdalene with the sinful woman who anoints the feet of Jesus with perfume in the house of Simon the Pharisee (cf. Lk 7:36-50), although modern biblical studies tend to distinguish them as different persons.

Nevertheless, the gesture of love and repentance made by that woman shows similarities with the way in which Mary Magdalene responded to the grace received: with total, unreserved dedication. For this reason, he has become a model of sincere conversion, grateful love and radical discipleship.

Faithful disciple to the Cross

While many disciples were fleeing in fear after Jesus' arrest, Mary Magdalene remains at the foot of the Cross. The Gospels explicitly mention her as a witness to the Crucifixion and death, together with Mary, the mother of Jesus, and other women. This fidelity at the moment of pain and apparent failure proves her unconditional love and deep faith, even though she did not yet fully understand the paschal mystery.

After the death of Jesus, Mary is also mentioned as one of the women who went to the tomb, at dawn on Sunday, carrying perfumes to anoint the body of the Lord without realizing that his word had already been fulfilled and that the Resurrection was a fact.

First witness of the Resurrection

It is at that moment that one of the most beautiful and significant episodes of the Gospel takes place: Mary Magdalene is the first to see the risen Christ (cf. Jn 20:11-18). Filled with sorrow for the loss of her Master, she weeps outside the empty tomb until Jesus appears to her, although she does not recognize him at first. It is when he calls her by name - Mary - that her eyes are opened and she recognizes the Lord.

This encounter with the Risen One marks a turning point: Jesus entrusts him with to announce the good news to the apostles. Once again it is significant that the Lord wants a woman (at that time they were of little consideration) to be in charge of the proclamation to his disciples.

For this reason, the patristic tradition has given him the title of Apostle to the Apostlesbecause it was sent by Christ Himself to bear witness to His victory over death.

María Magdalena Resurrección y Jesús
Scene of The Passion of ChristMary Magdalene mourns the death of Jesus at the foot of the cross.

A place of honor in the Church

Pope St. John Paul II recalled it in his apostolic letter Mulieris Dignitatem as an example of the essential role of women in the life of the Church. And in 2016, Pope Francis elevated his liturgical memorial to the status of partythe same rank as the celebrations of the apostles.The report also emphasizes its relevance as a model of discipleship.

This official recognition aims to recover and cleanse the image of Mary Magdalene, often distorted by popular or literary interpretations that have unfairly portrayed her as a prostitute or fallen woman, when in reality she was a brave girl.

Devotion and legacy

The figure of St. Mary Magdalene has been the object of devotion since the first centuries of Christianity. In Western tradition, especially in France and Spain, there are numerous churches, monasteries and shrines dedicated to her name. She has also inspired Christian art, which usually depicts her with a bottle of perfume in her hand, symbolizing her love for the Lord and the moment when she anointed him.

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Penitent Magdalene, El Greco 1557.

Its history is a constant invitation to hope, forgiveness and fidelity. In a world that often judges and condemns without mercyMary Magdalene reminds us that the love of God can transforming even the deepest wounds into a source of grace.

St. Mary Magdalene is much more than a secondary character in the Gospels. She is the woman renewed by the love of Christ, model of a faithful disciple and first herald of the Resurrection.

As his life challenges us, let us think: do we have the same passionate love for the Lord? Do we know how to stand firm by the Cross? Are we witnesses of the Risen Lord in the midst of the world?

What is the sacrament of Confirmation?

Confirmation unites the Church more intimately and enriches it with a special strength of the Holy Spirit, and thus those who receive it are obliged to spread and defend the faith through word and deed, as true witnesses of Christ.Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1285.

Why do we receive Confirmation?

The Sacrament of Confirmation, together with the sacrament of the Baptism and the sacrament of the Eucharist make up the whole of the the sacraments of Christian initiation. These are sacraments whose reception is necessary for the fullness of the grace we receive and are intended for all Christians, not just a select few.

It is conferred when the candidate has reached the use of reason, there is no obligatory age, but its character of initiation must be taken into account. To receive Confirmation, prior instruction, a true intention and the state of grace are required.

The term indicates that this sacrament ratifies the baptismal graceIt strengthens our relationship with the Church and gives us a special strength from the Holy Spirit to defend the faith and confess the name of Christ.

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The power of the Holy Spirit

Confirmation, like Baptism, imprints on the Christian's soul a spiritual sign or indelible character; this is why this sacrament can only be received once in a lifetime. Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1302-1305.

Like every sacrament, Confirmation is the work of God, who is concerned that our life be shaped in the image of his Son, to make us capable of loving like him, infusing us with the Holy Spirit.

This Spirit acts with his power in us, in the whole person throughout life. When we welcome him into our hearts, Christ himself becomes present and takes shape in our lives.

What are the effects?

The effect of the sacrament of Confirmation is the special outpouring of the Holy Spirit, as it was once granted to the Apostles on the day of Pentecost. Pope Francis tells us that it is the Spirit who moves us to come out of our selfishness and to be a gift to others.

For this reason, Confirmation confers growth and depth to baptismal grace

Who can receive it?

"Confirmation is received only once, but its spiritual strength is sustained over time and encourages spiritual growth with others." Pope Francis.

Every baptized person, not yet confirmed, can and should receive the sacrament of Confirmation. The sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist form a unity, therefore, the faithful have the obligation to receive this sacrament in a timely manner, for Without Confirmation and the Eucharist, the sacrament of Baptism is certainly valid and efficacious, but Christian initiation remains incomplete.

In other cultures this sacrament is administered immediately after Baptism and is followed by participation in the Eucharist, a tradition that emphasizes the unity of the three sacraments of Christian initiation.

In the Latin Church this sacrament is administered when "the age of reason" has been reached. However, in danger of death, children must be confirmed even if they have not yet reached the age of reason.

There is a preparation for the sacrament that helps to feel part of the Church of Jesus Christ. Each parish is responsible for the preparation of the confirmands.

To receive Confirmation it is necessary to be in a state of grace. It is advisable to go to confession and make a good examination of conscience before the sacrament. In this way, to be purified in attention to the gift of the Holy Spirit.

It is necessary to prepare oneself with a more intense prayer to the Holy Spirit in order to receive his strength and graces with docility and availability. For Confirmation, as for Baptism, it is advisable that the candidates seek the spiritual help of a sponsor.

Sacrament Liturgy

"It is necessary to receive the Holy Spirit in recollection and prayer." Pope Francis.

The rite has several liturgical gestures that express the depth of this sacrament of Christian initiation. Before receiving the anointing that confirms and reinforces the grace of baptism, the candidates are called to renew the baptismal promises and make profession of faith.

After a prayerful silence, the Bishop extends his hands over the confirmands and invokes the outpouring of the Spirit upon them. The Spirit enriches the members of the Church with his gifts, thus building unity in diversity.

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Consecration of Holy Chrism

It is an important moment that precedes the celebration, but in a certain way is part of it, is the consecration of the holy chrism.

It is the bishop who, on Ash Wednesday, during the Chrism Mass, consecrates the holy chrism for his entire diocese. The holy chrism is composed of olive oil and balsam and the anointing of the confirmandi with it is a sign of his consecration.

With the renewal of the promises of Baptism and the profession of faith by the confirmands, the liturgy of the sacrament begins. The Bishop extends his hands over all the confirmands, a gesture which, since the time of the Apostles, is the sign of the gift of the Spirit. The bishop thus invokes the outpouring of the Spirit:

"Almighty God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who didst regenerate, by water and the Holy Ghost, these thy servants, and didst deliver them from sin: hear our prayer and send upon them the Holy Spirit the Paraclete; fill them with the spirit of wisdom and understanding, with the spirit of counsel and might, with the spirit of knowledge and godliness; and fill them with the spirit of thy holy fear. Through Jesus Christ our Lord."Ritual, 25.

Anointing with oil

Through the anointing with oil on the forehead, the confirmand receives "the mark", the seal of the Holy Spirit.. The anointing of the holy chrism after a sacrament is the sign of a consecration. A visible sign of the invisible gift we are receiving.

Those who are anointed participate more fully in the mission of Jesus Christ and in the fullness of the Holy Spirit that he possesses, so that their whole life may give off Christ. the anointing of the perfumed oil or chrism, which indicates how the Spirit enters into the deepest part of us, beautifying us with so many charisms.

Thus, the sacrament is conferred with the anointing of the holy chrism on the forehead and pronouncing these words: "Receive by this sign the gift of the Holy Spirit". An indelible character that configures us more fully to Jesus and gives us the grace to spread the good odor of Christ throughout the world.

"Receive by this sign the gift of the Holy Spirit."Paul VI, Apostolic Const. Divinae consortium naturae.

Kiss of peace

It concludes the rite of the sacrament. It signifies and manifests ecclesial communion with the bishop and with all the faithful. This incorporation into the ecclesial community is manifested in the sign of peace with which the rite concludes. The Bishop says to each confirmand: "Peace be with you".

These words remind us of Jesus' greeting to his disciples on Easter night and express the union with the Pastor of that particular church and with all the faithful. Moment that we remember during the

"Apostle is the Christian who feels grafted into Christ, identified with Christ, by Baptism; enabled to fight for Christ, by Confirmation; called to serve God by his action in the world, by the common priesthood of the faithful, which confers a certain participation in the priesthood of Christ, which - being essentially distinct from that which constitutes the ministerial priesthood - enables one to take part in the worship of the Church, and to help men on their way to God, by the witness of word and example, by prayer and atonement. St. Josemaría Escrivá, Christ Is Passing By, 120.

Meaning of the sacrament in the Bible

Thus, it possesses an intrinsic unity with Baptism, although it is not necessarily expressed in the same rite.  With it, the candidate's baptismal patrimony is completed with the supernatural gifts characteristic of Christian maturity.

In the Old Testament, the prophets announced that the Spirit of the Lord would rest upon the expected Messiah "The Spirit of the Lord Yahweh is upon me, because Yahweh has anointed me. To preach good news to the poor he has sent me." Isaiah 61 1-2

Then God says to all the people, "I will infuse my spirit in you and cause you to conduct yourselves according to my precepts." Ezekiel 36:27.

The Baptism of Jesus was the sign that he was the one who was to come, the Messiah, the Son of God. Having been conceived by the work of the Holy Spirit, his whole life and his whole mission are realized in total communion with the Holy Spirit that the Father gives him "without measure".

At several points in the New Testament, Jesus promised this union with the Spirit. He did so first on the day of Easter and then on the day of Pentecost.

Filled with the Holy Spirit, the Apostles begin to proclaim the wonders of God and Peter declares that this outpouring of the Spirit is the sign of the messianic times. The Acts of the Apostles recounts that those who believed in the apostolic preaching and were baptized received in turn the gift of the Holy Spirit through the laying on of hands and prayer.

It is this imposition of hands that has been rightly considered by Catholic tradition as the primitive origin of the sacrament of Confirmation, which perpetuates in the Church the grace of Pentecost.

"Don't just speak to the Paraclete, hear Him!"St. Josemaría Escrivá.

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Virgen del Carmen, July 16: traditions in her honor

The Virgin of Mount Carmel is one of the most beloved and venerated invocations in the Catholic Church. Her feast day, celebrated every July 16, stands out for its customs and traditions that vary in each region, but share a deep love and devotion to this Marian invocation. She is venerated as the patron saint of sailors and her influence extends across continents and cultures.

St. Josemaríathe founder of Opus Dei, had a deep devotion to Our Lady of Mount Carmel. In one of his homilies, he said: "Let us go to Our Lady of Mount Carmel with complete confidence, for under her mantle we find refuge and protection". This testimony resounds in the hearts of many of the faithful who see in Our Lady of Mount Carmel a protective Mother.

History and origin of the devotion

The devotion to Our Lady of Mount Carmel has its roots on Mount Carmel in Holy Landwhere the first Christian hermits are said to have lived. These hermits, inspired by the prophet Elijah, worshipped Mary as the Carmel Flower. The Carmelite order, founded in the 12th century, adopted Our Lady of Mount Carmel as its patroness and spread her devotion throughout the world.

peregrinación a tierra santa

Today, Pope Francis has also spoken about the importance of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, highlighting her role as guide and protector of sailors and fishermen. In a general audience, he commented, "Our Lady of Mount Carmel is a star that guides those who seek peace and security in their faith."

Protector and patroness of sailors

The Virgen del Carmen is venerated as the patron saint of sailors, a devotion that has deep roots and a rich history. Every July 16, in various coastal towns, maritime processions are held in honor of the Virgin. These festivities are not only a show of faith, but also a tradition that unites entire communities in an act of devotion and hope.

The maritime processions are impressive spectacles where the boats are decorated and carry the image of the Virgin along the coast, symbolizing her constant protection over the sailors.

The maritime procession is accompanied by the blessing of the waters and is a much awaited event in the life of the fishing communities, where, for example, several localities in the province of Cadiz celebrated with great fervor and participation. The same happens in many other places, but as an example we can mention the love of Galicia by the Virgen del Carmen.

Drivers, carriers, armed forces, police, firefighters, prison services, even a multitude of countries - throughout Latin America, Spain and Italy - have entrusted themselves to the protection of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.

The scapular, faith and protection

The history of the Virgin of Mount Carmel is also linked to the scapulara symbol of protection and Marian devotion. On July 16, 1251, Our Mother appeared to St. Simon Stock, superior general of the Carmelites, and gave him the scapular, promising her protection to those who wore it with faith, and said: "Whoever dies with it will not suffer eternal fire".

Pope Pius XII alludes to this fact when he says: "It is not a matter of little importance, but of the attainment of eternal life in virtue of the promise made, according to tradition, by the Blessed Virgin".

Also recognized by Pius XII, there is a tradition that Our Lady, to those who die with the Holy Scapular and expiate their sins in Purgatory, with her intercession will make them reach the heavenly homeland as soon as possible, or, at the latest, on the Saturday following their death. The scapular of Carmel is a sacramental.

Today, the use of the scapular is a very widespread devotion among the devotees of the Virgin of Mount Carmel. This small garment, reminiscent of the Carmelite habit, is worn around the neck and symbolizes that yoke which Jesus invites us to carry, but which Mary helps us to carry. Those who wear it commit themselves to live a life of prayer, devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and commitment to the Church.

Recent Popes have demonstrated a deep devotion to the Scapular, reflecting their love and faith in this powerful intercessor. St. John Paul II lived it throughout his life. "It was no secret that he wore the scapular all his life and spoke of it as an expression of his particular love for the Virgin Mary," (Fr. Miceal O'Neill, Carmelite).

How to prepare for the party?

The novenas in honor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel are common in many Catholic parishes. Where missions are also organized to visit the sick and needy, bringing the consolation and blessing of the Virgin.

If you are going to pray the novena on your own, start with a novena calendar to Our Lady of Mount Carmel that includes daily readings, prayers and reflections that bring you closer to the spirituality of this Marian devotion. The novena to Our Lady of Mount Carmel is an opportunity to strengthen your faith, pray for your personal intentions and prepare to celebrate the feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel with devotion, and never forget to pray for priests and their holiness.

Participating in this novena to Our Lady of Mount Carmel will allow you to arrive on July 16 with a renewed heart full of hope. Take this opportunity to deepen your relationship with Our Lady of Mount Carmel and prepare to live the feast in a meaningful way.

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Celebrate with us the feast of Our Lady!

July 16 is much more than a date on the calendar: it is a day of deep devotion and celebration in honor of the Virgin Mary. Virgin of Carmen. On that day, Catholics from all over the world unite in churches, where solemn Masses become a moment of union in prayer to ask for the protection and guidance of the Virgin of Mount Carmel.

Throughout the day, floral offerings are made, processions and liturgical events that fill the streets and churches with an atmosphere of faith and hope. Therefore, July 16 is an opportunity to reflect, celebrate and act. We invite you to unite your prayer to a concrete action through your support to the CARF Foundation. Your donation is a tangible way to live your faith, extending the love of Our Lady of Mount Carmel to those who need it most.

In the words of St. Josemaría, "Our Lady of Mount Carmel is a mother full of mercy who calls us to follow her Son with generosity and love. He also affirmed that "few Marian devotions are so deeply rooted among the faithful and have so many blessings from the Popes.

This July 16, celebrate with us leaving your mark helping to sow the world of priests and the smile of God on Earth. Happy feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel!

Oración de San Simón Stock a la Virgen del Carmen

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A vocation to return to the heart of South Africa

Today we tell you about the vocation as a priest in South Africa of seminarian Sthabiso Zibani, who struggles to renew the faith in his diocese despite the wounds of the past.

He is the fourth of five siblings and the son of two high school economics teachers. His parents formed a family where the Catholic faith first took hold through his mother's side, and was later embraced by his father, years after their marriage.

Seminarian Sthabiso's vocation as a future priest grew in a home with roots well supported by the Gospel and Zulu culture, where life revolved around three pillars: home, school and church.

"Our father was a late convert, but his witness left a deep impression on me. We grew up in a typical Catholic and Zulu family: love and respect for God, for each other and for strangers, whom we considered our neighbors."

Between dreams and renunciations: the awakening of a priestly vocation

His parents encouraged both him and his siblings to explore their talents, and he soon became a restless and curious child: he tried soccer, cricket, debating clubs, choir... And, like any youngster his age, he also experienced a secret love. "A girlfriend my parents never knew about," he confesses with a shy smile. But inside him, from a very young age, there burned a question that he could not silence: the call to become a priest.

"I knew I would not marry the girl I loved deeply. So I released my girlfriend and answered the call. I entrusted myself to Christ to give me the strength to love radically, beyond romantic interests and professional ambitions," he recounts.

vocación sacerdote Sthabiso Sudáfrica seminarista
A memento of Sthabiso's parents on their wedding day.

His decision was not an easy one: to respond to his vocation, he left his engineering studies, his comforts and everything he knew, to embrace a path that no one in his family had traveled before.

Vocation: a path guided by love and faith

When speaking about his priestly vocation, Sthabiso lowers his voice a little. He acknowledges that his discernment has been inspired by many people, but primarily by his family, and especially by his father: "In my family I learned and observed the paternal love we received. Many would be surprised to learn that my own father is an inspiration for priestly life. Although he is not a priest, I see in him the priestly virtue of self-sacrifice, even now, at the dawn of old age".

Svocación sacerdote Sthabiso Sudáfrica seminarista
Sthabiso visiting the house of the little shepherds in Fatima.

After his father, it was his parish priests who helped him discover God's will in his life. But, above all, Christ: "The Good Shepherd sees the lame sheep that I am and comes for me. He picks me up and carries me on his shoulders. It is because of him that I want to be a priest: so that more lame sheep may find refuge on those same shoulders".

The Diocese of Eshowe accepted his application and has accompanied him ever since. He spent a year at St. Ambrose House of Formation for aspirants in the Archdiocese of Durban and another year at St. Francis Xavier Orientation Seminary.

After this period of training in South Africa, Sthabiso was admitted to the Bidasoa international seminar (Pamplona), where today he continues his adventure towards the priesthood, walking with a serene and constant step.

The cultural contrast has been enormous, and the Spanish language is still hard for him: "during classes and homilies, sometimes I get lost. But I owe it to God that I made it this far," he says, without a hint of complaint.

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In his homeland, Sthabiso is happy.

Open wounds and hope: the reality of the Church in South Africa

The Diocese of Eshowe is home to approximately 2.8 % of the region's population. Founded in 1921, it experienced a steady growth in Catholic faithful until the 1980s, when the numbers began to decline.

"There are many factors that contribute to this. The most important, I suppose, being the political instability of that time, the stench of which still lingers in today's society."

With the serenity with which he observes his country from a distance, Sthabiso does not hide the pain he feels about the current situation of the Church in South Africa. Today, Christianity is going through a profound identity crisis: colonialism left open wounds, and the Catholic Church is perceived by some as part of that past.

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A selfie with a group of colleagues.

"Most people feel that colonialism robbed them of their identity and, as a result, they blame the Catholic Church and other Christian denominations. This has given rise to a strong presence of identity and cultural politics that intentionally exclude God and the Church," he recounts with regret, but without losing hope.

Between mysticism and crisis

Added to this is the influence of Western mysticism, mixed with ancestral African religions, and a deep economic crisis caused, in part, by political corruption. All this pushes many to work even on Sundays, leaving community life behind.

"A good lesson we could learn from Europe is respect for historic religious sites... Our old churches are deteriorating. Alas, if people no longer go to church, the temples will fall into oblivion... little by little," he laments.

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Sthabiso, in his cassock, poses smiling with his sister.

Faith, modesty and authenticity: the future in the hands of young people

However, there is one spark of hope that burns brightly: the youth. "The most lively part of the Church in South Africa is undoubtedly the youth," he says with conviction.

Far from being swept along by the ideologies of the world, many young people are looking for deep reasons to believe, to live and to hope.

"It is precisely because of the identity crisis that young people are investigating thoroughly. And even though many are barely making ends meet, they still have hope that God will give them a solution."

Most of the Catholic faithful in his country, especially the young, live modestly, both in the way they present themselves to the world and in their liturgies. For this young South African seminarian, the future of the Church is based on authenticity: simplicity, truth and fidelity.

Today, in a language he is still learning and in a culture very different from his own, Sthabiso is taking silent but firm steps towards ordination. He has been in Spain for barely a year and will soon begin his second year of the Bachelor of Theology.

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Sthabiso participates in the pastoral work of the Church.

The dream of returning to heal with the love of Christ

His longing is to return one day, as a priest, to the wounded heart of his native land. That is why every class, every prayer, every effort has a clear addressee: the men and women of his beloved Eshowe, thirsty for an authentic faith. "I thank God for my vocation and I desire with all my heart to respond with all my love to this call."

For, in the end, the shepherd's heart is measured by the wounded sheep he hopes to meet and embrace with the very love of Christ.

Marta Santín, journalist specializing in religion.