John Freund, CM
Author
Prayers growing on trees
The Sisters of Charity Prayer Tree represents a unique way to tell the story of human trafficking and encourage prayer for its abolition. Click the graphic and then on the signs hanging from the branches to learn more about the issues and words to promote prayerful...
Pope asks permission for a Bishop
Francis named Bishop Nunzio Galantino the new secretary of the Italian bishops' conference while allowing him to serve part-time while remaining in his diocese. John Allen writes in a column in the National Catholic Reporter.... "A typical Francis footnote is that he...
Stop! Look! Go! – Recipe for Gratefulness
A blessed New Year to you and to all those close to your heart! Let’s open our eyes and recognize 2014 for what it really is: A wonderful tree heavy with harvest -- every day of all four seasons. And let’s practice the trick for harvesting this abundance of gifts. The...
The Francis list of resolutions
The Philippine blog Rappler compiles 10 of the Pope's most memorable quotes in the form of New Year's resolutions. This is the Pope Francis list. 1. Don't gossip. 2. Finish your meals. 3. Make time for others. 4. Choose the 'more humble' purchase. 5. Meet the poor 'in...
Francis – Fraternity and Peace
“In this, my first Message for the World Day of Peace, I wish to offer to everyone, individuals and peoples, my best wishes for a life filled with joy and hope. In the heart of every man and woman is the desire for a full life, including that irrepressible longing for fraternity which draws us to fellowship with others and enables us to see them not as enemies or rivals, but as brothers and sisters to be accepted and embraced.”
Pope: Mary mother of all
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis welcomed the new year Wednesday with a solemn morning mass in St. Peter’s Basilica, calling the faithful to look to Mary as a Mother to all and messenger of hope. In his homily for this, the Solemnity of the Mother of God, Pope Francis...