MARFAM FAMILY WEEKLY E-NEWSLETTER 7 MAY 2025.

It is impossible to tell at this stage which of the cardinals will be elected as the new pope as the conclave is only starting on this day 7th May and the outcome is not likely to be known for a week at least.    But the question “who will guide us” is of course the relevant one, for this season in the Church’s year as well as in the process of the election of a new pope.   The Holy Spirit is the person of the Trinity particularly in the forefront  right now.  

Pope Francis still remains as an active part of my spiritual journey. In the MARFAM THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY there are daily references to his writings from Amoris Laetitia & Laudato Si mainly, as has been done for the last number of years and will most likely continue into the immediate future.  These link with the scripture readings of the day and are used as a catechesis on Catholic Social Teaching, in particular as family catechesis, an essential part of the ministry to families. The Jubilee document Spes non Confundit as well as his reflection on the Sacred Heart as the love of Jesus are unique to this time for me.  The aspects of hope and love together too with joy were very important for Pope Francis himself and St Francis, his patron and role model who is also at the heart of Laudato si, the encyclical on ecology.  LS week is coming up from 24- 31 May, and is being commemorated as the 10th anniversary of the publication of that document with the current contextual theme of “Raising Hope.”  

As we await the outcome of the cardinals’ work in the conclave, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, I believe that the hope that is raised by many Catholics and followers of Pope Francis, with his concern for all of creation, is that Care of our Common Home and each individual domestic church as the little church of the home will be strengthened and peace will reign in our world of families of so many kinds. .

Some of us may have noticed that there are significant world-wide commemorations too of the ending of World War 2, now 80 years ago.   Much has happened in our world in those 80 years and is continuing at an ever-increasing pace. It is estimated that more than 70 million people died in that war in various circumstances.  The UN was founded raising hopes that wars could end.  So far this has not been the case.  Pope Francis is remembered for his concern for the poor and marginalized but his Fratelli Tutti document, containing another important message should be highlighted too and his message engraved on our collective conscience.  “War is always a defeat.  Never again war.” In 1945 there was little if no awareness of the harm that war does to the whole of creation. Even now the destructive power of the weapons of war are not considered sufficiently in preserving our planet. 

Much depends on the outcome of the conclave and how the wisdom of the Holy Spirit is listened to and heard.   In memory of Pope Francis may the Spirit of God fill this world with love, beauty, peace and joy.     TR FAMILY WEEKLY 7 MAY 2025

SACBC PRAYER FOR THE CONCLAVE.

Father Most Holy,  guide the Cardinals in their sacred duty.

Grant them the Faith they need to discern Your Holy Will

Creator of all that was, is and is to come –

You alone know the heart of the one You will choose as the next successor of St Peter.

Open their hearts to Your inspiration.

Open our hearts to receive, with faith and obedience the one raised to the Chair of Peter

May Your Holy Will be done, now and forever.  Amen.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY 7 MAY. HOPE FOR THE YOUTH OF TODAY

May 7.  Parents in the groups expressed concerns that so many of the youth were making friends with other youth and attending services in Pentecostal churches, because they seemed more lively.  One mom said, “In a way I think it is OK if they go there to pray and worship and for fellowship but what worries me is that there is no true communion. Jesus did say, ‘I am the bread of life’ and I believe we need to be fed with his body and blood.”  “Not having been able to go to Mass and receive communion during the time of Covid was sad and hasn’t helped.”  “But for our family, prayer and faith sharing at home has helped us, especially these days a focus on nature and climate change has been good.”

Reflect, share and act. Scripture. Jesus said to the crowds, “I am the bread of life.   I have come down from heaven not to do my own will but to do the will of him of who sent me.  This is the will of my Father, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.  John: 6:35-40.  Pope Francis:    One Person of the Trinity entered into the created cosmos, throwing in his lot with it, even to the cross.   From the beginning of the world, and throughout the incarnation the mystery of Christ is at work in a hidden manner in the natural world as a whole. LS 99. JUBILEE. Signs of hope are needed by the young. They often see their dreams and aspirations frustrated. We must not disappoint them, for the future depends on their enthusiasm. It is gratifying to see the energy they demonstrate, by rolling up their sleeves and volunteering to help when disasters strike and people are in need. Yet it is sad to see young people who are without hope, who face an uncertain and unpromising future, who lack employment or job security, or realistic prospects after finishing school. Without the hope that their dreams can come true, they will inevitably grow discouraged and listless. Escaping into drugs, risk-taking and the pursuit of momentary pleasure does greater harm to them in particular, since it closes them to life’s beauty and richness, and can lead to depression and even self-destructive actions. The Church must make greater efforts to reach out to them. SNC12.  Pray.  Mary, Mother of the Holy Family and model for all families, parents and children, pray for us.