The Word of God as Sign of Social Development -  That in less developed parts of the world the proclamation of the Word of God may renew people’s hearts, encouraging them to work actively toward authentic social progress.
The End of War -  That by opening our hearts to love we may put an end to the numerous wars and conflicts which continue to bloody our world.

In the 7th century, Theothekno, bishop of Palestine, preached a homily on the feast of Mary’s Assumption, August 15:
“Rejoice with the Mother of God,
with angels and saints,
and celebrate this great feast:
the Assumption of the Virgin Mary.
“On earth she was a fruitful virgin,
in heaven she intercedes for all;
through this blessed woman,
the Spirit’s gifts still flow upon us,
and her words teach gentle wisdom.
“At her assent the earth blossomed;
she sought good things for the poor.
Now in heaven her care is undiminished,
near her Son she seeks the good of us all.”

In the words of Pope John Paul II, Mother Teresa marked the history of our century with courage. She served all human beings by promoting their dignity and respect, and made those who had been defeated by life feel the tenderness of God.
August 26, 2010 is the 100th Anniversary of the birth of Mother Teresa.  The anniversary gives us time to pause and remember this truly remarkable woman whom the Church declares as Blessed.
Mother Teresa was born Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu in Skopje, Macedonia, on August 26, 1910. Her family was …

“Come,” Edith gently whispered, taking her sister Rosa’s hand, “let us go for our people!” These were Edith Stein’s last words as the Nazis, enraged at the Dutch bishops’ condemnation of their genocide, took into custody all Catholic converts from Judaism. Born Jewish, but non-practicing from her teens, Edith’s search for truth led to a doctorate in philosophy, a brilliant career as professor and author and, finally, to the Autobiography of Saint Teresa of Ávila, which she read in one sitting, then declared, “That is the Truth!” Baptized on January …

Dear Brothers and Sisters!
We are already in the heart of the summer, at least in the northern hemisphere. This is the time in which the schools are closed and in which most vacations are concentrated. Even the pastoral activities of the parishes are reduced, and I myself have suspended audiences for a period. It is therefore a favorable moment to give first place to what is effectively the most important thing in life, that is to say, listening to the Word of God. This Sunday’s Gospel (July 18, 2010) always …

Landmines are “inhumanly insidious because they continue to cause harm even long after the cessation of hostilities.”* The U.S. bishops have long supported elimination of landmines as they are indiscriminate, morally unacceptable weapons that do not distinguish between soldier and civilian, or between times of war and times of peace.
In a November 30, 2009 message, Pope Benedict XVI asked all states “to recognize the deplorable humanitarian consequences of anti-personnel mines.” He called on the international community to keep on funding mine clearance and assisting victims.
Landmines laid years ago continue to …