March 2020 Newsletter
Apostolic Exhortation "Querida Amazonia"
The Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation on the Amazon Region was published last month. The document traces new paths of evangelization and care for the environment and the poor. Pope Francis hopes for a new missionary thrust, and encourages the role of the laity within the ecclesial community. The Synod was held in Rome from 6-27 October, 2019.
Specifically, the document sets forth the Pope’s four great dreams for the Amazon: a region that “fights for the rights of the poor”, that “preserves its distinctive cultural riches”, that “jealously preserves its overwhelming natural beauty” and lastly, that the Christian communities might be “capable of generous commitment, (which we find) incarnate in the Amazon region, and giving the Church new faces with Amazonian features.”.
In a statement following the release of the exhortation, Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles and president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops commented that “He (the Pope) also calls all of us in the Americas and throughout the West to examine our ‘style of life’ and to reflect on the consequences that our decisions have for the environment and for the poor. Along with my brother bishops here in the United States, I am grateful for the Holy Father’s wisdom and guidance and we pledge our continued commitment to evangelizing and building a world that is more just and fraternal and that respects the integrity of God’s creation.”
The entire document can be read and also downloaded in PDF format at: https://www.opusdei.org/en-us/article/querida-amazonia/
On The Calendar
March 13th: Anniversary of the Election of the Pope (2013)
March 19th: Feast of St. Joseph, members of the Work renew their commitment to seek sanctity and carry out apostolate in the middle of the world. Cooperators can receive a Plenary Indulgence!
March 23rd: Anniversary of the Death of Blessed Alvaro (1994)
March 25th: Feast of the Annunciation
March 28th: Anniversary of St. Josemaria’s Ordination (1925), Prayer for Priests!
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The purpose of a retreat is to help you turn a few days into an important turning point in your life, one that leads to your own happiness and directly affects the happiness of the people whom you love most.
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“Your work must become a conversation with Our Father in heaven.” St. Josemaria Escriva
