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The Ziegeleisee in Böckingen, Heilbronn, Germany, view in spring. In the centre a landing mute swan (Cygnus olor).
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NASA’s Artemis II crew shared brief remarks with friends, family, and colleagues after they landed at Ellington Airport near NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston on Saturday, April 11, 2026, after a nearly 10-day journey around the Moon and back to Earth.
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New York City Democratic Mayor Zohran Mamdani condemned two NYPD officers after a chaotic arrest video out of Brooklyn went viral online.
The post Mamdani Condemns NYPD Officers After Chaotic Arrest Video Goes Viral appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.
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Is Starmer really a ‘kir’?
The post Iranians Have an Obscene Nickname for British PM Starmer: REPORT appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.
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DNI Tulsi Gabbard has criminally referred Ukraine impeachment ‘whistleblower’ Eric Ciaramella and former intelligence community IG, Michael Atkinson to the Justice Department.
The post Tulsi Issues Criminal Referral For Eric Ciaramella, the ‘Whistleblower’ Who Sparked Trump Ukraine Impeachment, and Former Intel Community IG appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.
Read MoreBlessed are you, loving Father,
Ruler of the universe:
You have given us Your Son as Your Leader,
And have made us temples of Your Holy Spirit.
Fill our family with Your light and peace.
Have mercy on all who suffer,
And bring us to everlasting joy with You.
Father,
We bless Your Name for ever and ever.
Amen.
Read MoreA reading from the Book of the Acts of the Apostles
Acts 5:27-33
When the court officers had brought the Apostles in
and made them stand before the Sanhedrin,
the high priest questioned them,
"We gave you strict orders did we not,
to stop teaching in that name.
Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching
and want to bring this man’s blood upon us."
But Peter and the Apostles said in reply,
"We must obey God rather than men.
The God of our ancestors raised Jesus,
though you had him killed by hanging him on a tree.
God exalted him at his right hand as leader and savior
to grant Israel repentance and forgiveness of sins.
We are witnesses of these things,
as is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey him."
When they heard this,
they became infuriated and wanted to put them to death.
From the Gospel according to John
3:31-36
The one who comes from above is above all.
The one who is of the earth is earthly and speaks of earthly things.
But the one who comes from heaven is above all.
He testifies to what he has seen and heard,
but no one accepts his testimony.
Whoever does accept his testimony certifies that God is trustworthy.
For the one whom God sent speaks the words of God.
He does not ration his gift of the Spirit.
The Father loves the Son and has given everything over to him.
Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life,
but whoever disobeys the Son will not see life,
but the wrath of God remains upon him.
This means, then, that this final judgement is already in progress, it begins now over the course of our lives. Thus judgement is pronounced at every moment of life, as it sums up our faith in the salvation which is present and active in Christ, or of our unbelief, whereby we close in upon ourselves. But if we close ourselves to the love of Jesus, we condemn ourselves. Salvation is to open oneself to Jesus, it is he who saves us. If we are sinners — and we all are — we ask him for forgiveness and if we go to him with the desire to be good, the Lord forgives us. But for this we must open ourselves to Jesus’ love, which is stronger than all else. Jesus’ love is great, Jesus’ love is merciful, Jesus’ love forgives; but you have to open yourself and to open oneself means to repent, to accuse oneself of the things that are not good and which we have done. The Lord Jesus gave himself and he continues to give himself to us, in order to fill us with all of the mercy. (Pope Francis, General Audience, 11 December 2013)
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The Holy Father spent several days touring Algeria and meeting with Catholics and religious leaders before heading south to the Cameroonian capital of Yaoundé.
![Bishop Báez on Nicaragua: ‘The people’s wounds will be scars healed by the love of God’ – #Catholic – Amid the fierce persecution against the Catholic Church by the regime of Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega and his wife and vice president, Rosario Murillo, exiled Nicaraguan Bishop Silvio Báez denounced the “false peace” that “dictators seek to impose through fear and weapons.”In the homily delivered during a Mass he celebrated on Sunday, April 12, at St. Agatha Church in Miami, Baez, who has been living in exile since 2019, warned that the wounds inflicted on the Nicaraguan people will remain but that "they will be scars healed by the love of God — wounds glorious forever, wounds of love destined for eternity. So too will be the wounds and sores of our people. One day, they will just be historical scars reminding us of a painful past of injustice and oppression, so that we may never repeat it,” he underscored.A message of hopeThe Nicaraguan prelate reflected on the Gospel passage in which the risen Jesus shows his wounds so that the apostle Thomas may touch them and believe. Báez affirmed that “just like the glorious wounds of Jesus, so too one day will be the wounds we endured as we alleviate and heal, with respect and mercy, the wounds of others.”“And those very wounds — scarred over yet eloquent — will spur us to build the future, acting as artisans of peace, ready to foster processes of healing and reconciliation with ingenuity and boldness,” the prelate continued.Báez denounces ‘false peace’The bishop also referred to the vigil for peace led by Pope Leo XIV on April 11 at the Vatican and pointed out that “peace is not merely the absence of war. Political systems that impose themselves upon people through terror, stripping them of their freedom, are enemies of peace.”“Even if they speak of peace, if they repress, control, imprison, and force people into exile, they are enemies of peace. For peace is not a mere balance of forces, nor is it synonymous with the tranquility of cemeteries. We must not grow accustomed to the false peace and deceptive normality that dictators seek to impose through fear and arms, solely to preserve their privileges,” he continued.For the fourth consecutive year, the Nicaraguan dictatorship has banned thousands of processions and public events during Lent and Holy Week, permitting only a few on the streets and always under police surveillance.Currently, 309 religious including bishops, priests, and nuns have been forced to leave the country, while the regime has confiscated at least 39 properties belonging to the Catholic Church and has banned the ordination of priests in several dioceses.A call to be builders of peaceThe prelate emphasized that “we, the disciples of Jesus, having received his peace are called to be builders of true peace: a peace that springs from justice, is lived out in freedom, and bears the fruit of reconciliation.”The bishop expressed the hope “that the mercy of the Lord, welcomed into our hearts, may make us mature believers, earnest builders of peace in the world, and people capable of bending down with mercy [to heal] the wounds of our brothers and sisters.”“Our lives may not be easier, but they will be fuller, more vibrant, and more filled with light and love,” he said.This story was first published by ACI Prensa, the Spanish-language sister service of EWTN News. It has been translated and adapted by EWTN News English.](https://unitedyam.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/bishop-baez-on-nicaragua-the-peoples-wounds-will-be-scars-healed-by-the-love-of-god-catholic-amid-the-fierce-persecution-against-the-catholic-church-by-the-regime-of-n.webp "Bishop Báez on Nicaragua: ‘The people’s wounds will be scars healed by the love of God’ – #Catholic – Amid the fierce persecution against the Catholic Church by the regime of Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega and his wife and vice president, Rosario Murillo, exiled Nicaraguan Bishop Silvio Báez denounced the “false peace” that “dictators seek to impose through fear and weapons.”In the homily delivered during a Mass he celebrated on Sunday, April 12, at St. Agatha Church in Miami, Baez, who has been living in exile since 2019, warned that the wounds inflicted on the Nicaraguan people will remain but that \"they will be scars healed by the love of God — wounds glorious forever, wounds of love destined for eternity. So too will be the wounds and sores of our people. One day, they will just be historical scars reminding us of a painful past of injustice and oppression, so that we may never repeat it,” he underscored.A message of hopeThe Nicaraguan prelate reflected on the Gospel passage in which the risen Jesus shows his wounds so that the apostle Thomas may touch them and believe. Báez affirmed that “just like the glorious wounds of Jesus, so too one day will be the wounds we endured as we alleviate and heal, with respect and mercy, the wounds of others.”“And those very wounds — scarred over yet eloquent — will spur us to build the future, acting as artisans of peace, ready to foster processes of healing and reconciliation with ingenuity and boldness,” the prelate continued.Báez denounces ‘false peace’The bishop also referred to the vigil for peace led by Pope Leo XIV on April 11 at the Vatican and pointed out that “peace is not merely the absence of war. Political systems that impose themselves upon people through terror, stripping them of their freedom, are enemies of peace.”“Even if they speak of peace, if they repress, control, imprison, and force people into exile, they are enemies of peace. For peace is not a mere balance of forces, nor is it synonymous with the tranquility of cemeteries. We must not grow accustomed to the false peace and deceptive normality that dictators seek to impose through fear and arms, solely to preserve their privileges,” he continued.For the fourth consecutive year, the Nicaraguan dictatorship has banned thousands of processions and public events during Lent and Holy Week, permitting only a few on the streets and always under police surveillance.Currently, 309 religious including bishops, priests, and nuns have been forced to leave the country, while the regime has confiscated at least 39 properties belonging to the Catholic Church and has banned the ordination of priests in several dioceses.A call to be builders of peaceThe prelate emphasized that “we, the disciples of Jesus, having received his peace are called to be builders of true peace: a peace that springs from justice, is lived out in freedom, and bears the fruit of reconciliation.”The bishop expressed the hope “that the mercy of the Lord, welcomed into our hearts, may make us mature believers, earnest builders of peace in the world, and people capable of bending down with mercy [to heal] the wounds of our brothers and sisters.”“Our lives may not be easier, but they will be fuller, more vibrant, and more filled with light and love,” he said.This story was first published by ACI Prensa, the Spanish-language sister service of EWTN News. It has been translated and adapted by EWTN News English.")
The exiled auxiliary bishop of Managua pointed out that the wounds suffered today will be a reminder of a painful past, but like the wounds of the risen Christ will be made glorious.
St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in East Bristol has stood in the community for over 130 years.
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![Knights of Columbus affirms ‘solidarity’ with Pope Leo XIV as Trump escalates criticism #Catholic The Knights of Columbus issued a statement that affirms the Catholic fraternal organization’s solidarity with Pope Leo XIV as President Donald Trump criticized the Holy Father a second time on Truth Social.“The Knights of Columbus has always stood in solidarity with the Holy Father, recognizing in him a spiritual father who calls the world not to division but to unity, not to conflict but to peace,” Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly said in the statement.“In this moment, we reaffirm that commitment with clarity and conviction,” he said.Trump escalated his criticism of the Holy Father late Tuesday evening in a second post on Truth Social, which criticized the pontiff’s staunch opposition to war.Whether one agrees or disagrees with Leo’s policy views, Kelly said, “the Holy Father’s prophetic voice deserves to be heard with respect and engaged seriously.”“Pope Leo XIV has consistently called for peace, dialogue, and restraint in a world marked by war and suffering,” he said. “The Holy Father’s words are not political talking points — they are reflections of the Gospel itself.”Kelly noted that many Catholics and others “have been deeply disappointed by the disparaging comments directed at Pope Leo XIV” by Trump, and that Leo “is not a politician — he is the vicar of Christ, entrusted with proclaiming the Gospel and shepherding souls.”In his statement, Kelly acknowledged that faithful Catholics can hold differing views on foreign policy and that Catholics should engage in the public square. He said nations can safeguard security “in accordance with the demands of justice and the pursuit of peace.”“The Church does not ask Catholics to withdraw from civic life but to engage with and elevate it — bringing to our civic dialogue the light of truth, respect for the dignity of every human person, and a steadfast concern for the common good," he said.Kelly also encouraged prayers for the pope, the president, and other politicians.“As Knights, we are called to be men of unity, as followers of Christ and patriotic citizens,” he said. “I encourage all Knights of Columbus to pray for the Holy Father, to pray for civic leaders, and to pray for peace and those working to achieve it.”“And let us recommit ourselves to charity in our public discourse,” he added. “May we be known not for echoing the divisions of our time, but for healing them. In a moment of tension, the path forward is not louder conflict but deeper fidelity — to truth, to charity, and to the Gospel.”Trump goes after Leo againTrumpʼs social media post said: “Will someone please tell Pope Leo that Iran has killed at least 42,000 innocent, completely unarmed, protesters in the last two months, and that for Iran to have a nuclear bomb is absolutely unacceptable."During the protests, Leo did call for peace, saying in January that “ongoing tensions [in Iran and Syria] continue to claim many lives.”“I hope and pray that dialogue and peace may be patiently nurtured in pursuit of the common good of the whole of society,” he said at the time.Leo has also strongly opposed nuclear weapons, saying in June 2025: “The further proliferation of nuclear weapons in the Middle East, as well as this escalation of violence, imperils the fragile stability remaining in the region.”While Trump cited numbers exceeding 40,000 people, estimates about the number of people killed in anti-regime protests and unrest in Iran varies a lot, ranging from several thousand to more than 30,000. Most protesters were unarmed, but Iran’s government claims some were armed and killed about 500 security personnel. Trump said the United States tried to arm the protesters, but those guns did not get to the right people.Vance, bishops offer more commentsCatholic bishops and leaders have responded to Trump’s attack on Pope Leo, and elected officials also have made statements.Archbishop Alexander Sample of Portland, Oregon, said he is deeply concerned and troubled by Trump’s social media rhetoric, especially during Holy Week and Easter, which he says falls short of the moral standard expected of both the presidency and a professed Christian. The archbishop criticized Trump’s attacks on Pope Leo, saying the pope’s calls for peace and dialogue arise from his pastoral mission, not political ideology.Sample said the Church’s role is to proclaim peace, human dignity, and the Gospel, citing Jesus’ teaching: “Blessed are the peacemakers.”The Ancient Order of Hibernians condemned attacks and mockery directed at Pope Leo XIV and the papacy, affirming that respect for the Holy Father is essential to Catholic faith.Vice President JD Vance, a convert to Catholicism, said at a Turning Point USA event that Pope Leo XIV should “be careful when he talks about matters of theology.”“One of the issues here is that if youʼre going to opine on matters of theology, youʼve got to be careful,” he said. “Youʼve got to make sure itʼs anchored in the truth.”Republican U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana said: “Any religious leader can say anything they want, but obviously, if you wade into political waters, I think you should expect some political response.”Pope Leo XIV has responded to Trump’s public criticism by saying he has “no fear of the Trump administration” and will continue to speak out boldly with the message of the Gospel.](https://unitedyam.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/knights-of-columbus-affirms-solidarity-with-pope-leo-xiv-as-trump-escalates-criticism-catholic-the-knights-of-columbus-issued-a-statement-that-affirms-the-catholic-fraternal-organiz.jpg "Knights of Columbus affirms ‘solidarity’ with Pope Leo XIV as Trump escalates criticism #Catholic The Knights of Columbus issued a statement that affirms the Catholic fraternal organization’s solidarity with Pope Leo XIV as President Donald Trump criticized the Holy Father a second time on Truth Social.“The Knights of Columbus has always stood in solidarity with the Holy Father, recognizing in him a spiritual father who calls the world not to division but to unity, not to conflict but to peace,” Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly said in the statement.“In this moment, we reaffirm that commitment with clarity and conviction,” he said.Trump escalated his criticism of the Holy Father late Tuesday evening in a second post on Truth Social, which criticized the pontiff’s staunch opposition to war.Whether one agrees or disagrees with Leo’s policy views, Kelly said, “the Holy Father’s prophetic voice deserves to be heard with respect and engaged seriously.”“Pope Leo XIV has consistently called for peace, dialogue, and restraint in a world marked by war and suffering,” he said. “The Holy Father’s words are not political talking points — they are reflections of the Gospel itself.”Kelly noted that many Catholics and others “have been deeply disappointed by the disparaging comments directed at Pope Leo XIV” by Trump, and that Leo “is not a politician — he is the vicar of Christ, entrusted with proclaiming the Gospel and shepherding souls.”In his statement, Kelly acknowledged that faithful Catholics can hold differing views on foreign policy and that Catholics should engage in the public square. He said nations can safeguard security “in accordance with the demands of justice and the pursuit of peace.”“The Church does not ask Catholics to withdraw from civic life but to engage with and elevate it — bringing to our civic dialogue the light of truth, respect for the dignity of every human person, and a steadfast concern for the common good,\" he said.Kelly also encouraged prayers for the pope, the president, and other politicians.“As Knights, we are called to be men of unity, as followers of Christ and patriotic citizens,” he said. “I encourage all Knights of Columbus to pray for the Holy Father, to pray for civic leaders, and to pray for peace and those working to achieve it.”“And let us recommit ourselves to charity in our public discourse,” he added. “May we be known not for echoing the divisions of our time, but for healing them. In a moment of tension, the path forward is not louder conflict but deeper fidelity — to truth, to charity, and to the Gospel.”Trump goes after Leo againTrumpʼs social media post said: “Will someone please tell Pope Leo that Iran has killed at least 42,000 innocent, completely unarmed, protesters in the last two months, and that for Iran to have a nuclear bomb is absolutely unacceptable.\"During the protests, Leo did call for peace, saying in January that “ongoing tensions [in Iran and Syria] continue to claim many lives.”“I hope and pray that dialogue and peace may be patiently nurtured in pursuit of the common good of the whole of society,” he said at the time.Leo has also strongly opposed nuclear weapons, saying in June 2025: “The further proliferation of nuclear weapons in the Middle East, as well as this escalation of violence, imperils the fragile stability remaining in the region.”While Trump cited numbers exceeding 40,000 people, estimates about the number of people killed in anti-regime protests and unrest in Iran varies a lot, ranging from several thousand to more than 30,000. Most protesters were unarmed, but Iran’s government claims some were armed and killed about 500 security personnel. Trump said the United States tried to arm the protesters, but those guns did not get to the right people.Vance, bishops offer more commentsCatholic bishops and leaders have responded to Trump’s attack on Pope Leo, and elected officials also have made statements.Archbishop Alexander Sample of Portland, Oregon, said he is deeply concerned and troubled by Trump’s social media rhetoric, especially during Holy Week and Easter, which he says falls short of the moral standard expected of both the presidency and a professed Christian. The archbishop criticized Trump’s attacks on Pope Leo, saying the pope’s calls for peace and dialogue arise from his pastoral mission, not political ideology.Sample said the Church’s role is to proclaim peace, human dignity, and the Gospel, citing Jesus’ teaching: “Blessed are the peacemakers.”The Ancient Order of Hibernians condemned attacks and mockery directed at Pope Leo XIV and the papacy, affirming that respect for the Holy Father is essential to Catholic faith.Vice President JD Vance, a convert to Catholicism, said at a Turning Point USA event that Pope Leo XIV should “be careful when he talks about matters of theology.”“One of the issues here is that if youʼre going to opine on matters of theology, youʼve got to be careful,” he said. “Youʼve got to make sure itʼs anchored in the truth.”Republican U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana said: “Any religious leader can say anything they want, but obviously, if you wade into political waters, I think you should expect some political response.”Pope Leo XIV has responded to Trump’s public criticism by saying he has “no fear of the Trump administration” and will continue to speak out boldly with the message of the Gospel.")
Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly is asking Catholics to pray for the pope and the president, as President Trump again criticized Leo’s comments about the Iran war.
Reflecting on the visit to Algeria, the pope described it as “a wonderful opportunity to continue building bridges and promoting dialogue.”
Celestron Weatherproof Telescope Cover CelestronTorrance, California Celestron’s Weatherproof Telescope Cover protects the company’s scopes as large as 11 inches from the effects of the elements. The aluminum-laminated cover measures 57.9 by 70.1 inches (147 by 178 centimeters) and weighs just 1.3 pounds (0.6 kilogram). $59.951-310-803-5955www.celestron.comShop now at High Point Scientific The Martians Liveright PublishingNew York,Continue reading “New astronomy products to spring for this month”
The post New astronomy products to spring for this month appeared first on Astronomy Magazine.
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The Amazing Story of St. Dymphna, the city that welcomed and embraced her, and Hope for Healing #Catholic – 
“The slain Dymphna was heavily mourned, respectfully buried, and long remembered in the Geel community, both for her stoic demise and for her generosity in building a hospice. After a long period of being venerated, she was canonized in 1247…”
Inspired by Dymphna, Belgium town welcomes mentally ill
BISHOP KEVIN J. SWEENEY
Our Catholic Faith, especially the stories and impact of the lives of the saints, never ceases to amaze me! Last October, in the place of my weekly column, I introduced the presentation of a “new ministry resource,” a group that was being formed in our diocese called the St. Dymphna and Our Lady of Hope Society. As part of the introduction, I said that,
“The St. Dymphna and Our Lady of Hope Society (is) a group of the faithful, as “pilgrims of Hope” within our diocese (who) have discerned the call to offer this pro-life ministry of accompaniment and offering of resources to brothers and sisters who are struggling with mental illness, addiction, or isolation.
I was grateful when the St. Dymphna and Our Lady of Hope Society let me know (reminded me) that the Feast of St. Dymphna is on May 15. As is the case with many, many Saints, the Feast of St. Dymphna is not included in the liturgical calendar of Feasts (and Memorials) celebrated on an annual basis in the United States. I was grateful that the members of the society reminded me that the Feast of St. Dymphna was only a few weeks away and offered some suggestions as to how we might pray, celebrate, and raise awareness of St. Dymphna on her Feast Day.
As I thought about the upcoming Feast Day and the suggestions offered by the society, I began to do some research online. As with most subjects, there is a great amount of information available on the internet about St. Dymphna. The story of St. Dymphna, of her life and death, is not an “easy read.” The article I quote above begins, “The story of Dymphna — the patron saint of the mentally ill — involves such horrors as incest and decapitation. However, her legacy launched a community of unprecedented and unrivaled compassion for the mentally ill.” The article goes on to tell the story of the town of Geel, Belgium, where St. Dymphna was martyred and is buried. It also tells the truly amazing story of how it became a therapeutic community that continues to welcome and assist those who struggle with mental illness to the present day.
With regard to online resources, one that I would highly recommend is the website of the International Association of Catholic Mental Health Ministers. On the “Resources” section of the website, under “Worship and Liturgy” and “Prayer,” you can find prayers and novenas, asking the intercession of St. Dymphna. You may also see there are some (older) traditions that recognize May 30 as St. Dymphna’s Feast Day. The “Worship and Liturgy” section of the website speaks about the Feast Day and May as Mental Health Awareness Month.
The month of May provides opportunities to have a special Mass for people living with mental illness and for intercessory prayers and homilies that focus on mental health and how the Church is called to accompany people who live with mental illness. Saint Dymphna is a patron saint for those who live with a mental health challenge or disorder, and her feast day is May 30 (or May 15). In addition, May is Mental Health Month in the United States, and Mental Health Awareness Week is commemorated in Canada and Europe in May. Worship and Liturgy Resources
For more information on May as Mental Health Awareness Month, see also: The National Council for Mental Wellbeing.
I hope that many readers are already aware that the five Latin Rite Dioceses of our State, along with the Byzantine Eparchy of Passaic, and the New Jersey Catholic Conference will be sponsoring a Mental Health Conference: “From Isolation to Belonging: Mental Health and the Catholic Church” on Saturday, May 2. For more information and to register, you can go to our Diocesan website or click New Jersey Catholic Conference.
We will be sending information to our pastors and parishes for those who may be interested in having a special Mass, prayer service, or a prayer of the faithful during the month (May) that can be one of the “busiest” months for parish life, with First Holy Communions, Confirmations, graduations, Mother’s Day, and many other activities.
I am happy to let you know that, in collaboration with the St. Dymphna and Our Lady of Hope Society, St. Mary’s parish in Pompton Lakes will be offering a special Mass on the Feast of St. Dymphna, Friday, May 15, for Those Living With and Supporting Those Living with Mental Illness. For more information, see the flyer included with this article below. The Mass will also be livestreamed on St. Mary’s YouTube channel and Facebook page.
Mental illness should not lead to a life of isolation. That is an imperative born of faith. In a recent address to the Pontifical Academy for Life, our Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, emphasized our common responsibility to reach out to the vulnerable. The Holy Father notes, “We need to rediscover the fundamental attitude of care as support and closeness to others, not only because someone is in need or is sick, but because they experience vulnerability, the vulnerability that is common to all human beings.” There should be no stigma attached to seeking personal health care for those struggling with mental illness, nor in caring for those who suffer from mental illness.
In our efforts to accompany those who bear the cross of emotional and mental anguish, we recognize our shared mortality and our hope for the fullness of life as God’s children. For those of us who have been impacted by a loved one who has struggled with mental illness, we know that it can be a very long and painful journey. Those who suffer personally from mental illness and those who care for them share a profound experience of the mystery of the Lord’s cross, the mystery of suffering. These Easter days and this beautiful Easter Season remind us that, as people of Faith, Hope, and Love, we know that the mystery of the cross, of pain, suffering, and isolation will lead us to the joy and peace of Easter. If we are united with Him in His suffering, we will be “…united with Him in the resurrection.” (Rom. 6:5)
The gift of our Catholic Faith can give us the Grace and strength to persevere in times of trial and accompany one another on the journey. I am grateful for the ministry of the St. Dymphna and Our Lady of Hope Society, and I am glad that they reminded me that the Feast of St. Dymphna was drawing near. As I mentioned above, I was amazed to learn more about the story of St. Dymphna’s life and death, but I was also amazed to learn of the impact that she has had and continues to have on the town of Geel in Belgium. I encourage you to read the full article, quoted above from “ncronline.” I also want to give credit and offer thanks to the Hallow app, because it was a link to the Hallow app’s webpage on St. Dymphna that led me to the “ncronline” article.
We believe that God “works in mysterious ways.” Let us continue to pray for all those who suffer, especially those suffering with mental illness, as we ask the intercession of our Lady of Hope and of St. Dympna, knowing that our Risen Lord can give us the gifts of His healing and peace. St. Dymphna, patroness of those who suffer mental affliction, pray for us. St. Dymphna, beloved child of Jesus and Mary, pray for us.
– “The slain Dymphna was heavily mourned, respectfully buried, and long remembered in the Geel community, both for her stoic demise and for her generosity in building a hospice. After a long period of being venerated, she was canonized in 1247…” Inspired by Dymphna, Belgium town welcomes mentally ill BISHOP KEVIN J. SWEENEY Our Catholic Faith, especially the stories and impact of the lives of the saints, never ceases to amaze me! Last October, in the place of my weekly column, I introduced the presentation of a “new ministry resource,” a group that was being formed in our diocese called the