The Joy Of Evangelization

Dear brothers and sisters, on this World Mission Day my thoughts turn to all the local Churches. Let us not be robbed of the joy of evangelization! I invite you to immerse yourself in the joy of the Gospel and nurture a love that can light up your vocation and your mission. I urge each of you to recall, as if you were making an interior pilgrimage, that "first love" with which the Lord Jesus Christ warmed your heart, not for the sake of nostalgia but in order to persevere in joy. The Lord’s disciples persevere in joy when they sense his presence, do his will and share with others their faith, hope and evangelical charity.

Let us pray through the intercession of Mary, the model of humble and joyful evangelization, that the Church may become a welcoming home, a mother for all peoples and the source of rebirth for our world.

-Pope Francis, Message For World Mission Day 2014

Fourth Luminous Mystery: The Transfiguration

And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain apart. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his garments became white as light.

Matthew 17:1-2

According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, “For a moment Jesus discloses his divine glory, confirming Peter's confession. He also reveals that he will have to go by the way of the cross at Jerusalem in order to ‘enter into his glory’ (Luke 24:26)” (CCC, 555).

While meditating on the Transfiguration, say one Our Father, ten Hail Mary’s, and a Glory Be (see "How to Pray the Rosary" if you are unfamiliar with any of these prayers).

Come Celebrate The Feast With Us

The Church’s Mission For The Family

At a moment of history in which the family is the object of numerous forces that seek to destroy it or in some way to deform it, and aware that the well-being of society and her own good are intimately tied to the good of the family, the Church perceives in a more urgent and compelling way her mission of proclaiming to all people the plan of God for marriage and the family, ensuring their full vitality and human and Christian development, and thus contributing to the renewal of society and of the People of God.

-Saint John Paul II, Familiaris Consortio

Continue to join us in praying for the Synod on the Family, which concludes this Sunday. May the Holy Spirit be present there, and may the Church be courageous and merciful in proclaiming the Gospel of the family.

Saint John Paul II, Pray for Us!

Third Luminous Mystery: Proclamation Of The Kingdom

The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent, and believe in the gospel.

Mark 1:15

According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, “Everyone is called to enter the Kingdom. First announced to the children of Israel, this messianic kingdom is intended to accept men of all nations” (CCC, 543).

While meditating on the proclamation of the Kingdom of God, say one Our Father, ten Hail Mary’s, and a Glory Be (see "How to Pray the Rosary" if you are unfamiliar with any of these prayers).

Preparing For The Feast

We are nearly a week away from the inaugural opening of our permanent exhibit, A Gift of Love: The Life of Saint John Paul II. The Catholic News Service published a great article about the exhibit and about our mission here at the Saint John Paul II National Shrine. 

We plan to open the exhibit on October 22, because it is the day that the Church celebrates the feast of John Paul II. We encourage you to join us for the special day if you can! The schedule of events is on our website.

Regardless of whether you can make it or not, please consider joining us in our novena to St. John Paul II that begins today and ends on his feast.

Saint John Paul II, Pray for Us!