Daily Meditations of Pope Francis

This morning on Facebook, News.va announced the creation of a microsite dedicated to all the daily homilies and mediations by Pope Francis during Mass at Domus Sanctae Marthae (Santa Marta Chapel).  Recently, Father Lombardi, the Director of the Holy See Press Office, announced that the Holy Father's daily homilies would be shared with the world, but they would be summarized.  Once you read his explanation, you will fully understand and agree.

Anyways, go experience the messages from the Holy Father now.
http://www.news.va/en/sites/reflections

YIC

One Sister Can Change The World

"One Sister Can Change The World" is the motto of the Imagine Sisters movement.  Their goal is to encourage women to consider religious life by sharing experiences of sisters.  They also exist to share with the world that "nuns are awesome!"  I first discovered them on Facebook and have seen the wonderful work they have been doing.

The One Rose Invitation was inspired by St. Therese, the patron saint of Imagine Sisters, who said, "After my death I will let fall a shower of roses."

A campaign they had last October was the "One Rose Invitation".  They asked everyone to think of a young woman who they thought would make an excellent sister.

Then, on the feast of St. Therese, a single red rose would be given to that woman as a symbol of an invitation to consider a religious vocation.  You can read about the success of the campaign here.

Another success of the Imagine Sisters is their t-shirt sales.  Yes, t-shirts!  Currently, all their shirts are sold out at the time of this post.  However, on their Facebook page, you can vote for the next colors.

In the coming months, they will be producing a short movie called "Light of Love" that will include interviews with sisters about their choosing such a wonderful vocation.  Learn more about the movie and even donate at lightoflovefilm.com.

YIC

The Pope has his own app?

Yes!  Pope Francis does have his own smartphone app!

The official Vatican media outlet News.va created an excellent app for both the iPhone and Android phones.  The app allows you to stay updated on all official papal related news and events.  It also enables you to watch select live events and includes a huge media gallery.  As an added distraction, the app also embeds live webcams from throughout the Holy See. (I will be spotlighting those separately in the near future.)  Download to your smartphone now!

YIC

First Spotlight: The Labouré Society

The first post on any blog should always set the tone of future posts.  I have several Catholic resources I plan to spotlight, but it was quite easy for me to choose the first one.  Just yesterday, I discovered that most persons discerning a religious or priestly vocation must be debt free, and around 42% of aspirants have loan debts averaging over $40K.  Can you imagine your deciding to become a sister, priest, or a brother and you can not due to such a "cross"?

Well, my thinking of that leads me to the first website I would to spotlight.

The Labouré Society www.labouresociety.org "The Labouré Society exists to provide financial assistance and spiritual support to men and women, who must resolve student loans in order to pursue their vocation to priesthood and/or religious life in the Catholic Church. The Labouré Society assists vocations to the diocesan priesthood and religious life that are in communion with the Catholic Church."

Please check them out and spread the word.  If you are able to assist financially, then even better.

I hope you enjoyed my first spotlight.  If you know of any Catholic sites or technology resources you would like me to spotlight, please let me know in the comments.

YIC