Catholic Fire

Vatican City, 17 December 2013 (VIS) – Today Pope Francis celebrates his 77th birthday and congratulations have arrived in the Vatican from all over the world. However, also in his city of birth, Buenos Aires, citizens are celebrating the birthday of their former archbishop: the parishioners of the diaconate of Boca-Barrajas, one of the most popular and troubled areas of the city, will spend the day in Plaza Constitucion where a “missionary tent” has been erected to welcome the “invisible” inhabitants of the capital. The area hosts a large railway station and the principal bus terminal, where the “street people” of the city gather - migrants, the unemployed, the homeless, prostitutes – and where every year the then Archbishop Bergoglio used to celebrate Mass for the victims of human trafficking. In Italy, the Constitutional Court sent a telegram to the Pope, through the secretary of State, Archbishop Pietro Parolin, congratulating him for his “profound and intense pastoral work in...

at this week's Catholic Carnival, which is being hosted by the sanguine Sarah who has been enjoying the beautiful spring weather in Ohio. A few of my favorite posts there include: Esther's post on How to Avoid Purgatory , in which she provides a list of ways to avoid or lessen our time there. Christine's new music video I Want to Be Like You . Matthew's post So thankful for what I have , in which he shares his recollection of an encounter with a homeless man after work late one night. Sarah's post Causing My Own Sleep Deprivation -- Reflections on Eucharistic Adoration as an absolutely essential part of this busy mom's crazy schedule. Heidi's post Thanks, Mom! Here's a writing contest you can win! Is there a woman in your life who has been like a mother to you ... though she is not the woman who gave birth to you? It could be a godmother, favorite aunt or teacher, sister, or friend. But don't stop there, go here to read all of the great posts!