Focus

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  The powerfully creative force called forgiveness

  May 02, 2016

  In the heat of the moment, with tempers flaring and family members shouting out every ill-chosen word, the power of forgiveness probably is the farthest thing from anyone's mind.

  
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  In letter to CDF, theologians and bishops call for reform of Vatican doctrinal investigations

  May 02, 2016

  A group of prominent global Catholic theologians, priests and bishops who have been criticized by the Vatican's chief doctrinal office have come together to call for a new process for theological investigations in the church that would be marked by openness and transparency instead of deep secrecy.

  
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  How can we implement Amoris Laetitia?

  May 02, 2016

  In a recent interview, Cardinal Andre Vingt-Trois of Paris explains to Frederic Mounier how can we implement Amoris Laetitia.

  
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  Comforting the sorrowful

  Apr 22, 2016

  We hear in Isaiah 40:1: “‘Comfort, give to my people,’ says your God.”

  
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  Comforting the afflicted in practical ways

  Apr 22, 2016

  Bad news is hard to hear, like the very bad news that one’s long-held job is about to be lost to the forces of downsizing or outsourcing.

  

• Food for Thought

  Apr 22, 2016

  Father Jim Gardiner, a Franciscan Friar of the Atonement, says that when comforting the sorrowful, we should note that those we are trying to comfort

  
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  Chicago archbishop says Pope makes clear doctrines are to serve people

  Apr 15, 2016

  Chicago Archbishop Blase Cupich (pic right) welcomed Pope Francis’ reflection on marriage and family life, saying that while not changing any church doctrine, the apostolic exhortation “makes clear that doctrines are at the service of the pastoral mission.”

  
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  Admonish the sinner, but show love, too

  Apr 15, 2016

  When one thinks about the spiritual work of mercy "admonish the sinner," the picture of John the Baptist in the desert -- the fiery prophet we see in Matthew 3:1-10 calling for people to repent their evil ways and to produce good fruit as a sign of repentance -- comes to mind.

  
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  When admonishment is merciful and compassionate

  Apr 15, 2016

  The inmates Pope Francis visited in a Mexican prison Feb 17 were encouraged by him to consider “the possibility of writing a new story” in their lives and to believe “that things can change.”

  
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  Food for Thought

  Apr 15, 2016

  Many of us are reluctant to point out a person's transgressions, let alone sins, making the spiritual work of mercy, the one that tells us to admonish the sinner, difficult to carry out.