Difficult Litany

The disease of racism compounds the suffering of African-Americans. “As a Black man living in America,” Jesuit Patrick Saint-Jean leads a cry for breath, recognition and respect.

We must listen to and see the reality of Black America. "Perhaps all white people need to find a way to better train their ears and eyes to adequately see and hear black people." @PatrickSaintJe4. Read more here: https://t.co/nBJHyIbAvT#GeorgeFloyd #Racism #BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/fEK6Lh16PQ

— The Jesuit Post (@TheJesuitPost) May 30, 2020

Unity in Diversity

The de facto motto of the the United States long was “out of many, one.” Humans everywhere have great difficulty holding together unity and diversity. The Christian Solemnity of Pentecost recognizes unity in diversity is a divine gift. Cooperating with that gift is ever the goal.

At mass in the Basilica of St. Peter Pope Francis indicated three enemies of unity. Video is included.

#PopeFrancis urges Christians to ask the Holy Spirit to free us from the paralysis of selfishness to dedicate ourselves to serving others and doing good. #Pentecost https://t.co/kJODq0hLm5

— Vatican News (@VaticanNews) May 31, 2020

Faith, Science, Pandemic

Faith and science together help “to build a humane world for all human beings.” Example: the Big Bang theory (mentioned by Pope Francis in his address containing the previous quotation), stating that the universe is not static, was first put forward by a “thoroughly committed” and “exemplary priest in every way.”

Faith continues to shape other scientists. Journalist Elana Schor wrote about 3 U.S. government scientists and how faith shapes their scientific work.

New: Faith's relationship to science has faced its share of strain during the pandemic -- but for some experts leading the U.S. coronavirus response, the two have coexisted harmoniously.

A deeper look at faith's influence on 3 of those gov't scientists. https://t.co/qBKGsH4isT

— Elana Schor (@eschor) May 28, 2020

Passed First Human Trial

A vaccine for the novel coronavirus passed it first human trial. The speed to produce it is unprecedented. The vaccine “has just entered phase two of its clinical trials.” Science editor Nsikan Akpan at National Geographic tells the story and “how mRNA vaccines work.”

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Wiki-image Yellow Column by “Arntor | CC BY-SA 4.0"

Prayer Vigil Saturday Evening

Choose to participate at 8 p.m. in one of three time zones named at the web site.

It has been a long, hard winter.

But as people of faith & good will, we believe not only will it pass, but that we can be stronger together.

This Saturday, join the millions in the Ignatian family around the world for an #IgnatianPentecost Prayer Vigil.https://t.co/2f4xfLDWs4 pic.twitter.com/BpBm4wX4To

— Society of Jesus (@TheJesuits) May 25, 2020

Retreating with Art

Jesuit Christopher Alt tells the story of a retreat he designed using art. He recalled the retreat during our pandemic time; with the help of his Jesuit brothers anyone may retreat with it using the video and sketchbook linked in the tweet. One may spread the retreat over 7 days. Its second part is a “museum experience.”
Two versions: English; Spanish.

“Pentecost is an invitation to see that creation never was “finished,”  nor was it a one-time event that happened once-and-for-all 'in the beginning.'” A reflection on the process of creation that continues now. https://t.co/NhjL3gkU8q pic.twitter.com/FR8Wjfiags

— The Jesuit Post (@TheJesuitPost) May 28, 2020

Podcast

Inside the Vatican Podcast” highlights both the Vatican and the world.

On the latest episode of @InsdeVaticanPod, @gerryorome and @ColleenDulle discuss the death of the former superior general of the Jesuits, Adolfo Nicolás. https://t.co/WSs1Bf4Miy

— America Magazine (@americamag) May 28, 2020

Expanding Horizons of Concern

Assistant Director of the Office of Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation Kathleen Bonnette recalled in America Magazine that St. Augustine of Hippo experienced a military siege (today read pandemic siege). During it he had written letters containing spiritual advice. “Augustine declined to send [those] letters...because he was concerned about the physical risk to the letter bearer.” Ms. Bonnette noted more features of Augustine’s spirituality that help us negotiate our pandemic siege.

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Wiki-image  St. Augustine of Hippo by “Nheyob | CC BY-SA 4.0"

Global Prayer on Vigil of Pentecost

The global Ignatian family—millions of people “in more than 100 countries”—will pray on the vigil of Pentecost, 31 May. People may choose to participate at 8 p.m. in one of three time zones named at the web site.

Have you ever been part of a world-wide prayer vigil? Join the global Ignatian family on May 30 as we welcome the Holy Spirit. #TogetherAMDG #IgnatianPentecost check us out at https://t.co/bmpwO5F5TS and choose your time.

— Thinking Faith (@ThinkingFaith) May 28, 2020

Healthy Look of Public Places

The pictures taken during the 1918-20 pandemic indicate how people adapted to protect others and themselves. Places of worship are public places. Dr. Anthony Fauci was asked about Christian communion and safety.

Read @MikeOLoughlin's interview with Dr. Anthony Fauci on what he thinks we need to do before we can safely open churches again. https://t.co/7N2iAOARD8

— America Magazine (@americamag) May 28, 2020

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Wiki-image 1918 Precautions taken in Seattle, WA by “Unknown author | PD-US" 

Sensitive to Holy Spirit

The first reading at mass today can speak to contemporary experience. The passage is a window on St. Paul’s continual sensitivity to the Holy Spirit. Even in a legal setting—which lost its decorum to mob-action—Paul remained attentive. Holy Spirit abides daily, even in the stresses of pandemic.

In today's first reading, Paul calls himself a Pharisee, the son of Pharisees. His letters reveal a man who is totally Jewish and who lived according to Jewish practice according to the Pharisaic understanding before encountering Jesus: https://t.co/iCeEd3N4xw pic.twitter.com/nSBscSmnRH

— Thinking Faith (@ThinkingFaith) May 28, 2020

Learning from St. Ignatius of Loyola

When people freely isolate themselves, they fare better than when circumstances limit their freedom. Retreat—which one may not immediately classify as isolation—is freely chosen. Dealing with shifting moods on retreat happens. Knowing the end-date of retreat is one help.

Pandemic isolation is less easy to choose, yet people choose it to respect the lives of others and self.  Jesuit David Lonsdale recalled that St. Ignatius of Loyola experienced both “necessary” and “voluntary self-isolation”. His “reflections on his experience of isolation…can offer us valuable help in our present circumstances.”

In a time of pandemic, when many of us are struggling to find hope, or to live in charity with ourselves and others, the prayer of ‘Contemplation for love of God’ in the #SpiritualExercises can help as an effective response. https://t.co/sg0GUkpI9u #coronavirus #AMDG

— Thinking Faith (@ThinkingFaith) May 27, 2020

Francis on Prayer

Flowers of rebirth" are the fruit of praying. Flowers grow slowly. Slow growth demands patience. Recovery from the pandemic does, too.

#PopeFrancis continues his catechesis on #prayer, turning his thoughts to the prayer of the righteous. #GeneralAudience https://t.co/AZEdgVANqF

— Vatican News (@VaticanNews) May 27, 2020

To Close May

#PopeFrancis will lead a worldwide prayer of the #Rosary on Saturday, 30 May, at 5:30 PM Rome time, to pray for help amidst the #coronavirus pandemic.https://t.co/ZFkCg3f9qA

— Vatican News (@VaticanNews) May 26, 2020

Ecumenism: Renewed Call

Twenty-five years ago Pope St. John Paul II noted in an encyclical letter that “the Catholic Church committed herself irrevocably to following the path of the ecumenical venture.” Pope Francis remembered that in a letter written Sunday. “Unity comes about in journeying; the Holy Spirit does this on the journey,” Francis wrote. 

#PopeFrancis sends a letter to mark the 25th anniversary of Saint #JohnPaulII’s encyclical “Ut unum sint”, and calls for a renewed commitment to ecumenism.https://t.co/L7z7Lxzi0r

— Vatican News (@VaticanNews) May 25, 2020

Communications Is Sharing

Pope Francis focused on story telling in his 2020 World Communications Day Message. “A good story can transcend the confines of space and time. Centuries later, it remains timely, for it nourishes life.”

Telling a good story builds on one of the pope’s favoured, frequent words: encounter. Dr. Paolo Ruffini reflected on the pope's in a video.

As #PopeFrancis recalls #WorldCommunicationsDay, the Prefect of the Dicastery for Communication reflects on the Church’s role in building a new communications model founded on encounter.https://t.co/HiIVrGqKYi

— Vatican News (@VaticanNews) May 24, 2020

Anniversary Looks to Future

Today’s Vatican News editorial notes that celebrations of the pope’s integral ecology encyclical “help bring out what the document has set in motion in communities throughout the world. They also help us reflect on its relevance in the here-and-now, as the world fights against the Covid-19 pandemic.”

On the 5th anniversary of #PopeFrancis' encyclical, our Editorial Director calls Laudato si' a road map for building more just societies that are capable of safeguarding human life and all Creation. #LaudatoSi5 https://t.co/Lp8ziDt36Y

— Vatican News (@VaticanNews) May 24, 2020

Ending but Not Too Late

Today we come to end of Laudato si' week - how have you marked it? We've got an archive full of articles about Pope Francis' encyclical, so why not explore it today? https://t.co/tuchr5axhS pic.twitter.com/HyA0KxgyHQ

— Thinking Faith (@ThinkingFaith) May 24, 2020

“Ascension Withdrawal” & Maturity

For the Solemnity of the Ascension Jesuit Peter Gallagher reflected that both aspects in the title are interrelated. Joy is also present.

Peter Gallagher’s homily for the Ascension this year included Mary. One conviction: “Supported by the grace of God, inspired by the example of Mary, we allow ourselves to be carried up into the divine presence.”

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Wiki-image Ascension of Jesus Christ 04 ies.jpg by “Frank Vincentz | CC BY-SA 3.0"

Bring Them Along

One help to praying that St. Ignatius of Loyola counselled was: engage with anyone present in a scripture that focuses one’s prayer. The Ascension of Jesus involves his disciples. It helps prayer to bring them along, particularly if we are grieving.

What Jesus’ ascension can teach us about coping with grief https://t.co/BkCqddTjqk

— America Magazine (@americamag) May 21, 2020

Mindfulness: New and Old

Y ale Medicine posted some physicians recommend the practice of mindfulness to help “patients cope with illness and the anxiety related to it.” A program developed in 1970 undergirds this contribution to health care.

People of faith recognize familiar elements in the practice that are older than 50 years. Jesuit Chris Krall noted 16^th-Century Christian foundations.

Modern neuroscience advocates the use of imagination and attention to bodily sensations as treatments for the long-term effects of trauma, but this approach is nowhere near as novel as it might sound, argues Chris Krall SJ. https://t.co/PblXQA5jmJ #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek #AMDG pic.twitter.com/VwkXYoQ6VD

— Thinking Faith (@ThinkingFaith) May 23, 2020

Care, Worship, Name

The Global Catholic Climate Movement sponsored a webinar during Laudato Si! Week. Cardinal Peter Turkson participated. Daughters of St. Paul Sister Bernadette Mary Reis summarized his contribution. The post includes an audio-link to the cardinal’s 9-minute presentation.

Cardinal Peter Turkson explains how care for Creation is connected with worship, and St Francis of Assisi’s vision of Creation. #LaudatoSi5 https://t.co/Q5XrvaHH7B

— Vatican News (@VaticanNews) May 22, 2020

Through Lens of “Rapidification”

Jesuit Fr. Federico Lombardi looked ahead in his latest post in the “Living Beyond the Crisis” series. Has quarantine given us new appreciation of time?

Father Federico Lombardi looks ahead to the future that awaits us after the #coronavirus crisis: rediscovering the Lord’s time is a source of meaning for the rest of our existence.https://t.co/2MPCwLPVeT

— Vatican News (@VaticanNews) May 22, 2020

Largest Lockdown

India began the largest lockdown in March in order to mitigate the novel coronovirus. In his third report, America Magazine’s Kevin Clarke looked at how the lockdown and the public health system complicated the struggle with the virus for Catholics hospitals.

Here is the article Father Malone is referring to, by @ClarkeAtAmerica https://t.co/GyBDawPbiQ

— America Magazine (@americamag) May 22, 2020

Effective

Microcredit extends very small loans to impoverished borrowers who do not qualify for conventional loans. Microcredit does help the lives of poor people. Vatican News highlighted the “largest interest-free microfinance organization in the world.”

The magic of Akhuwat, founded in 2001 in Pakistan by Dr. Muhammad Amjad Saqib, lies not in interest rates but compassion, solidarity and equality.https://t.co/wVTKyVkhJg

— Vatican News (@VaticanNews) May 22, 2020

Definition and Reminder

A social encyclical is a pastoral instrument of modern popes. One defintion: "A large-scale, detailed letter sent out by the pope to everyone in the world, treating social issues (usually economic ones) with a combination of critique and counsel, defining paramount principles, pointing out urgent problems suggesting a direction for solutions" [Source]. Laudato Si! is rarely heralded as social. Yet, “Pope Francis himself says that Laudato si is also a social encyclical.”

Msgr. Pierre Cibambo with @iamCARITAS Internationalis says we should always remember that Laudato sì has both an ecological and a social message. #LaudatoSi5 https://t.co/SbQYe4TAO6

— Vatican News (@VaticanNews) May 22, 2020

“Fundamental anti-values”

The world after the pandemic needs other values, said Jesuit Cardinal Michael Czerny in an interview. Laudato Si! articulates that faith can do justice to “three fundamental and intertwined relationships.” The encyclical had already inspired initiatives before its 5^th birthday.

In an interview to mark #LaudatoSiWeek, @jesuitczerny urges us to let the encyclical shape the way we think about the #coronavirus crisis and find solutions to the fault lines it is highlighting. https://t.co/pschRFfsV8 pic.twitter.com/WHV6p2BZAN

— Thinking Faith (@ThinkingFaith) May 22, 2020

Laudato Si! & Covid-19

Celia Deane-Drummond selected key lessons that Pope Francis’ encyclical relevant to the pandemic.

If the link in the Tweet below fails, access here article through this link.

As we celebrate #LaudatoSiWeek, Celia Deane-Drummond of @CampionOxf's Laudato Si’ Research Institute explains why the encyclical is more relevant than ever.
“Four Lessons from Laudato Si’ amidst COVID-19 Pandemic”:https://t.co/GeTBvzz1MQ pic.twitter.com/vKFufuB4lP

— Thinking Faith (@ThinkingFaith) May 21, 2020

Objection

The 2-state brokering between Palestinians and Israelis is in greater jeopardy. The Vatican weighed in.

The Vatican objects to Israeli plan to annex Palestinian territory https://t.co/6aXGC4YvR3

— America Magazine (@americamag) May 21, 2020

Global Impact

America Magazine’s Kevin Clarke continued his reports on Covid-19 affecting other parts of the world. Following is a look at Lebanon.

“We are dealing with one crisis at a time,” says Dr. Rita Rhayem from @Caritaslb “and right now we’re thinking about coronavirus, and once this pandemic is over, we are going to have to face the huge reality of the economic crisis.” https://t.co/43mjlGcp96 via @americamag

— Kevin Clarke (@ClarkeAtAmerica) May 21, 2020

Easter Joy

The fact that the Easter festival has been given 50 days indicates the magnitude of celebrating it with joy. After 5 weeks human celebration easily begins to flag. The pandemic unites people more closely with the first disciples than one might think: they were joyless before the Risen One visited them.

Editor in Chief of America Media Jesuit Matt Malone notes that faith flowing from Easter infuses people with new purpose.

Easter joy gives us the faith to stand in our present, on the bedrock of the past, and face our future: a future of our choosing yet also chosen for us, @Americaeditor writes in his 'Of Many Things' column. https://t.co/L53BskDSJl

— America Magazine (@americamag) May 20, 2020

Upcoming

Some locales celebrate the Solemnity of the Ascension on 21May; more will celebrate on 24May. Thinking Faith offers archived resources: one surveys the Gospel of Matthew, in which Jesus’ closing words to his disciples speak to contemporary people; and 

"Ignatius was no sentimentalist. If he used kingly language to speak of Jesus it was quite simply because he knew Jesus as a King." Why does @DamianHoward8 think this is key our understanding of the #Ascension? https://t.co/B519mOfJZM

— Thinking Faith (@ThinkingFaith) May 20, 2020

Without Are Within

Tuesday Christiane Amanpour opened her segment: “When you think about doctors without borders or Medecins Sans Frontieres, you probably think of war-torn countries. …But right now, they are helping with coronavirus in the United States. And few parts need it more than the Navajo Nation.”

It and numerous other peoples contend with the pandemic without vital resources to do so. Catholic aid agencies continue helping.

Humanitarian assistance is not a job that can be phoned in during a stay-at-home lockdown. “You have to be face-to-face,” Jennifer Overton says. “We can’t forget about all the people that are vulnerable and all the people that are counting on us." https://t.co/5eHlOpKnjs

— America Magazine (@americamag) May 20, 2020

“Enjoy Silence”

Three questions and two minutes with Jesuit Fr. Adolfo Nicolás, who died today.

In 2016, I asked Adolfo Nicolas, SJ, what he would tell someone just starting out in the life of prayer. His answer: "Enjoy silence." Here is two minutes with a great Jesuit priest and spiritual master. https://t.co/iKdi3lbZc9

— James Martin, SJ (@JamesMartinSJ) May 20, 2020

Today’s 2nd Reading

The figure of St. Paul dominates the latter portion of the Acts of the Apostles. Mission dominated his life.

Paul's masterful speech at the Areopagus, which we hear in today's first reading, has been called the climax to Acts of the Apostles and been recognised by the Church as a model of mission. https://t.co/YESKaLUoYV pic.twitter.com/rGkIdqhkqp

— Thinking Faith (@ThinkingFaith) May 20, 2020

In Memoriam

Jesuits and their friends and colleagues mourn the death of their former General Superior.

The prayer card for Fr. Nicolás, @TheJesuits' 30th Superior General, who died today at age 84. Please remember him in your prayers. https://t.co/cth276exHr pic.twitter.com/DeFxMNQodn

— Jesuit News (@jesuitnews) May 20, 2020

Still Around

From one place to others the coronavirus spread into a pandemic. While it shows signs of easing in Europe it grips other countries, many with fewer resources.

Global report: Covid-19 grips world despite lockdown easing in Europe https://t.co/D33hOZgSTV

— The Guardian (@guardian) May 19, 2020

More on Anniversary Week and Year

Also contains audio of Fr Joshtrom Kureethadam’s remarks.

Fr Joshtrom Kureethadam, an official at the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, reflects on the upcoming 5th anniversary of #PopeFrancis' encyclical Laudato Si'. #LaudatoSi5 https://t.co/TNCdn5tql5

— Vatican News (@VaticanNews) May 19, 2020

Pope Francis at Tomb of Pope St. John Paul II

Pope Francis celebrates St. John Paul II centenary: ‘God sent his people a prophet.’ https://t.co/DZwAJfPhyj

— America Magazine (@americamag) May 18, 2020

"You are ignoring us”

The “‘structural collapse’ of the Amazon Region” is more possible, say the bishops of that region. Pan-Amazonian Ecclesial Network’s Cardinal-President, Cardinal-Vice President, and its Secretary signed a statement made public “early Monday morning.” While many in the world consider how the world can be different after the pandemic, in the Amazon region much of the same activity seems to continue apace.

The Bishops of Latin America call for urgent action to avoid a humanitarian and environmental tragedy in the #Amazonia region.https://t.co/wzqhpQYcIB

— Vatican News (@VaticanNews) May 18, 2020

Kinship of Poetry and Religion

Poetry strings words in ways that pack more meaning. In turns poetry touches deeper parts of humans. Mid-20^th-Century poets included sisters and nuns. Nick Ripatrazone has written about some of them in America Magazine. He used their verses to illustrate. The contribution of Mr. Ripatrazone reminds that God may be found in every created thing.

All these sisters—Mary Madeleva, Mary Bernetta Quinn, Jessica Powers, Mary Gilbert, Maura Eichner and Mary Agnes—reveal a notable midcentury Catholic literary renaissance: women religious poets publishing widely.https://t.co/yXM2iyEoXw

— America Magazine (@americamag) May 18, 2020

Centenary of Birth

Today marks the centenary of the birth of St. Pope John Paul II. Vatican News reported tributes “are pouring in” from around the world.

Tributes are pouring in to celebrate the 100th birth anniversary of Pope Saint #JohnPaulII, including from the Chief Rabbi of Poland and the US Ambassador to the Holy See. https://t.co/oFT0SdKd9x

— Vatican News (@VaticanNews) May 18, 2020

Coping Assistance

Many regions observe May to deepen awareness of mental health. Does religion have its role to play in mental health? Jesuit Dr. Roger Dawson examined the process of coping and religion’s role. He concluded that “religion can meet important needs for intimacy, meaning, self-actualisation and spiritual fulfilment. Those are outcomes that every mental health professional can appreciate and will want to promote.”

Perhaps more people than ever will be thinking about this question during #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek (18-24 May) this year. @drrogerdawson asks: is religion good for your mental health? https://t.co/YoZ8AVAjer pic.twitter.com/ozy5dHCSLh

— Thinking Faith (@ThinkingFaith) May 18, 2020

Interested in more resources?

We are here for you: if you're struggling to find peace of mind and heart in this time of crisis, find prayerful support in resources for #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek from @ThinkingFaith, @prayasugo and @JesuitsBritain. https://t.co/VwVLl2RjeY pic.twitter.com/1W9KME6cVR

— Thinking Faith (@ThinkingFaith) May 18, 2020

Kids’ Dreaming

N atGeo writer Rebecca Renner chatted with a neuroscientist about kid’s and their dreams during this time. Anxiety drives many of them. Parents help by reassuring children and give them control by encouraging them to draw their dreams.

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Wiki-image Yellow Column by “Arntor | CC BY-SA 4.0"

Conversion is “Hard Work”

In the recent issue of the Plough Quarterly digital issue, entitled “Regeneration,” Bill McKibben focused on that aspect of conversion. His subtitle: “With Covid-19, we’re glimpsing the kinds of transformation we need to tackle climate change.” Both disease and climate are interrelated.

What do humans want to happen? For example: “in those cities where the sky is suddenly clear and blue, people might decide that they’d like to keep it that way instead of reverting immediately to the previous haziness.” Will people make that and other things happen? Or “will we pick up where we left off?”

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Wiki-image Drought by “www.tomascastelazo.com / Wikimedia Commons | CC BY 3.0"

Perceiving with Hearts

During this pandemic-caused deprivation of Eucharistic communion every reminder that God in Christ by Holy Spirit sustains every person is welcome. The Eucharist is no commodity; it is divine Presence. America Magazine contributor Father Terrance W. Klein observed that “our bishops cannot claim greater authority over the Eucharist than [their predecessors] the apostles did.” Indeed, no one can.

What is God doing for our good during this time? Fr. Klein asked,  Are believers in “a sacramental wilderness because here [God] intends to speak to our hearts?”

We are in a sacramental desert, but we can still perceive the Holy Spirit https://t.co/BXq3NE4dyq

— America Magazine (@americamag) May 17, 2020

Loving Is Mission

The Fourth Gospel exploits words and their connotations. Loving and being loved is mission. Holy Spirit guides and shines light to participate in the mission inaugurated by Jesus.

#PopeFrancis dedicates his catechesis on the Sixth Sunday of Easter to the gratuitousness of God’s love and to the gift of the Holy Spirit. #ReginaCoeli https://t.co/kAECEybxrS

— Vatican News (@VaticanNews) May 17, 2020

Laudato Si! Week

Reminder: it began yesterday.

We're celebrating Laudato Si' week from 16-24 May, so if you've never actually read Pope Francis' encyclical, now's the time! https://t.co/jxO0BPqpdZ pic.twitter.com/o673842gkQ

— Thinking Faith (@ThinkingFaith) May 16, 2020

Now an Anniversary Year

Not only is this #LaudatoSi week, but now there will be a special year, beginning May 24. https://t.co/JAVri2wxtt

— Barb Fraze (@bfraze) May 16, 2020