It's about time (spring time means life) that this weekly blog gets out of hibernation. It's long overdue. Three months is too much. Ash Wednesday is long gone. This should rise from ashes. To  this end, I say, Mea culpa, mea culpa, mea maxima culpa! I know it is not enough but hope you know what I mean. 

Every week, I'm going to feature the Holy Father's address at his Wednesday's March 10, 2021 general audience but especially, today as he emotionally shared his experience at his historic visit to Iraq many of us followed. Click here for EN and here for SP. He was the first Pope to visit Iraq, once the cradle of civilization, Ancient Mesopotamia, Ancient Babylon, Ur of the Chaldees (birthplace of Father Abraham), Ancient Nineveh and much more. 

I was particularly struck by the words of the Prophet Daniel 3: 25, 34-43, which as history tells may have happened in Iraq. "We ask you to receive us with humble and contrite hearts." This is one of the most humble realization of the people of God. If you are wondering the inaudible prayers recited by the presider/celebrant during offertory at the presentation of the gifts, "With humble and contrite heart may we be accepted by you, O Lord, and may our sacrifice in your sight this day be pleasing to you." 

In anticipation of the Solemnity of Saint Joseph in a year dedicated to him, Patron of the Universal Church, we join together in reciting the novena to St. Joseph. Click here for EN and aqui for SP. I also want to share the Holy Father's apostolic letter Patris Corde (With a Father's heart) released on December 8, 2020 that proclaimed the Year of Saint Joseph. Click here for EN and aqui  for SP. Amen.