News

Pope-emeritus Benedict XVI said that he prays every day for the Christians of the Middle East.

CWN - The retired Pontiff met on November 29 with the patriarchs of the Eastern churches in communion with the Holy See, who were in Rome for a meeting of the Congregation for the Eastern Churches.

Chaldean Catholic Patriarch Louis Sako told the AsiaNews service that he had invited the former Pope to visit Iraq. He reported that the former Pontiff declined, and described himself as “a monk who has decided to spend the rest of his time in prayer and rest.”

The Chaldean leader did disclose, however, that he had also issued an invitation to Pope Francis. He said that the current Pontiff “smiled and promised a visit.”

Additional sources for this story
Some links will take you to other sites, in a new window.

Catholic World News

Forum 18 News

04 December 2022

Joachim and Anna Rejoice

Today the bonds of childlessness are loosed, * for God has heard Joachim and Anna * and He promises manifestly that they, against all hope, would give birth to the Maiden of God * from whom the Uncircumscribed One Himself would be born, becoming man, * and he commanded the Angels to cry out to her: * “Rejoice, O Full of Grace, the Lord is with you!” (Troparion - Tone 4)

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Today the whole world celebrates * the conception of Anne which was brought about by God, * for she gave birth to the one who, beyond understanding, * gave birth to the Word. (Kontakion - Tone 4)

Saint Nicholas of Myra

The truth of your deeds has revealed you to your flock, * as a rule of faith, an image of meekness, and a teacher of abstinence. * Therefore, you attained the heights through humility, * and riches through poverty. * O Father and Hierarch Nicholas, * pray to Christ God that our souls may be saved. (Troparion, Tone 4)

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

In Myra, You were shown to be a servant of the sacred things, O Holy Nicholas, * for, fulfilling the Gospel of Christ, you, O Venerable, laid down your life for your people, * and saved the innocent from death. * Therefore, you were sanctified as a great initiate of the grace of God. (Kontakion, Tone 3)