VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Like keeping a bicycle upright when riding it, a balanced life of faith is possible only in motion, Pope Francis said. “If you stop, it does not stay up,” he said Nov. 8 at his weekly general audience,
St. Charles de Foucauld was known to remain in prayer "at Jesus' feet, before the Tabernacle," for hours a day, "sure that the evangelizing force resides there and feeling that it is Jesus who will bring him close to so many distant
Inspired by the dignity of each human being as revealed by Jesus, Christians are called to fight "every form of slavery," whether physical, social or spiritual, Pope Francis said.
Continuing his weekly catechesis on zeal for evangelization, the pope discussed the life of
Pope Francis dedicates his general audience talk June 28 to St. Mary MacKillop and her dedication to the poor, to formation and education.
It was the pope's first general audience since being released June 16 from Rome's Gemelli hospital where he underwent abdominal
Before beginning his general audience talk, the pope walked with his cane to a large reliquary containing the relics of St. Thérèse that was placed on a table near where he sits to deliver his catechesis. He placed a large white rose
The most powerful and effective method of evangelization is to live according to what one teaches and preaches, Pope Francis said.
"I can recite the Creed by heart, I can talk about everything we believe in, but if your life is not consistent
St. Francis Xavier offers the faithful, especially young people who are itching to make a difference in the world, a wonderful example of how to find courage in prayer and spread the joy of the Gospel, Pope Francis said.
"Look at Francis Xavier,
The prayers of nuns and monks are like "oxygen" for all members of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis said. "Their prayer is the invisible force that sustains the mission," he told people at his weekly general audience April 26. As part of
Martyrdom is primarily an act of love, not heroism, and while it often comes in the midst of persecution, it should motivate Christians to seek peace and reconciliation, Pope Francis said.
Sharing the Gospel requires literally "going out," witnessing to the joy of faith in person and not just sitting at home, being "keyboard warriors" who argue with others online, Pope Francis said.
"One does not proclaim the Gospel standing still, locked in an