CLEAN and GREEN [Bro. Agustinus Giwal Santoso, Indonesia]   Basic Character Building I have been brought up to love plants since the days of my elementary school. Living in the family of a farmer enabled me to learn the skills of sowing, planting and caring for them. Those skills are beneficial assets for my life now, even though farming activity was seen as a forced labour. Fortunately, it has turned out to be an interesting habit as it is done day ....

My Journey as an FIC Brother. (Bro. Remy Nyukorong) “Our Founders were committed people, filled with the Spirit of Jesus. They were seized by his person and his message. They sense a vocation and a mission to spread his Good News…” (FIC Constitutions, # 9). How it all Began: My Story As with many vocations, mine began within my family. I was blessed to be born to wonderful parents, Stephen and Monica, who loved God, loved each other, loved me, and raised ....

Message of His Holiness Pope Francis for Lent 2021. “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem” (Mt 20:18) Lent: a Time for Renewing Faith, Hope and Love Dear Brothers and Sisters, Jesus revealed to his disciples the deepest meaning of his mission when he told them of his passion, death and resurrection, in fulfilment of the Father’s will. He then called the disciples to share in this mission for the salvation of the world. In our Lenten journey towards ....

MESSAGE OF HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS FOR THE XXIX WORLD DAY OF THE SICK 2021.   “You have but one teacher and you are all brothers” (Mt 23:8).A trust-based relationship to guide care for the sick Dear brothers and sisters, The celebration of the XXIX World Day of the Sick on 11 February 2021, the liturgical memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Lourdes, is an opportunity to devote special attention to the sick and to those who provide them with assistance and care ....

Maastricht is a beautiful City: A reflection during my stay in Maastricht. [Bro. Wensislaus Parut, student in Rome]   I am grateful that in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, I had the opportunity to stay in Mastricht, the birthplace of our Congregation, during the summer holidays. I am thankful to God and the General Council for the opportunity to visit the historical places of  our Congregation. Before this, my knowledge of the place was limited to reading books and ....

Pope: Patience is a hallmark of consecrated men and women. Pope Francis celebrates a Vigil Mass on the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, which is observed as the World Day of Consecrated Life. In his homily, the Pope invites religious men and women to be patient and courageous in order to keep advancing, exploring new paths, and responding to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. By Vatican News staff writer At the Mass for the Presentation of the Lord, Pope Francis ....

Pope Francis proclaims World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly. By Courtney Mares Vatican City, Jan 31, 2021 / 06:30 am MT (CNA).- Pope Francis announced Sunday the establishment of an international day to honor grandparents and the elderly to take place each year in July. “The Holy Spirit … arouses thoughts and words of wisdom in the elderly today: their voice is precious because it sings the praises of God and guards the roots of peoples. They remind us ....

Pope Francis on Feast of Presentation: Learn from the patience of Simeon and Anna By Courtney Mares Vatican City, Feb 2, 2021 / 02:00 pm MT (CNA).- On the feast of the Presentation of the Lord, Pope Francis pointed to Simeon and Anna as models of having a “patience of heart” that can keep hope alive during difficult times. “Simeon and Anna cherished the hope proclaimed by the prophets, even though it is slow to be ....