What Good News

‘God has called together the assembly of those who in faith look on Jesus, the author of salvation and the principle of unity and peace.’ (Vatican II, Lunen Gentium)

Quod Eva tristis abstulit, tu reddis almo germine. (What sad Eve lost, you restore by your dear Son.) (From the Marian hymn ‘O gloriosa Domina’)

Appointed archbishop of San Salvador, Oscar Romero spoke out for human rights and against violence. He was assassinated during Mass on 24 March 1980. Pope Francis canonised him in 2018.

St Toribio of Mongrovejo was born near Valladolid. Named bishop of Lima in 1580 he was an exemplary bishop, travelling all over the diocese, calling synods, defending the local population. He died in 1606.

Pope Leo: ‘We are surrounded by so many words, but many of them are empty. The Word of God however comes to meet our thirst for meaning, for truth in our lives.’ (11-2-2026)

Pope Leo writes: ‘To serve the proclamation of the Gospel of the family to new generations, we must evoke the beauty of the vocation to marriage in the midst of fragility, trusting in the grace of God.’ (10th anniversary Amoris Laetitia)

'How does this story prepare us for the celebration of the Easter mystery?' Fr Adrian Graffy reflects on the gospel for the 5th Sunday in Lent. @whatgoodnews dioceseofbrentwood.net/reflection/i-r…

‘Wait for me, says the Lord, for the day when I arise. At that time I will change the speech of the peoples to a pure speech, that all of them may call on the name of the Lord and serve him with one accord.’ (Zechariah 3)

Mass in Nazareth Basilica on the Solemnity of St Joseph

‘Joseph teaches us that faith in God includes believing that God can work through our fears, our frailties, and our weaknesses. God always sees the bigger picture.’ (Pope Francis)

St Cyril of Jerusalem (c. 313–386) was a bishop and Doctor of the Church, known for his Catechetical Lectures. He taught the faith to new Christians, defended Christ’s divinity, and endured exile for his beliefs, leaving a lasting legacy in Christian teaching.

Next Sunday the gospel is the Raising of Lazarus in John 11. For information go to whatgoodnews.org ‘Faith Talks’ and scroll to ‘Great Johannine Gospels’. Enjoy!

‘I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.’ (John 10:10)

‘If I am worthy, I am ready to give up my life most willingly for his name. I want to spend myself in Ireland even in death, if the Lord should grant me this.’ (The Confession of St Patrick)

Pope Leo says: ‘One might ask: do those who bear serious responsibility in armed conflicts have the humility and courage to make a serious examination of conscience?’

‘You were darkness once, but now you are light in the Lord. Be like children of light, for the effects of light are seen in complete goodness and right living and truth.’ (Ephesians 5)

Celebrating 800 years since the death of St Francis of Assisi, we cherish his love for Creation, ‘brother Sun and sister Moon’ and the fullness gifted to us, and we maintain his love for sisters and brothers, of all peoples, of all faiths.

St Euphrasia of Constantinople (4th–5th century) entered a monastery in Egypt as a young woman. Renowned for humility and obedience, she chose the hardest tasks. Tradition says she carried heavy stones during construction as an act of penance, prayer, and joyful service.

On Sunday we have the gospel of the Man Born Blind. Prepare by listening to commentary. Go to whatgoodnews.org ‘Faith Talks’. Scroll down to ‘Great Johannine Gospels’.

‘They will come back to live in my shade. They will grow wheat again. They will blossom like the vine. Their wine will be as famous as the wine of Lebanon.’ (Hosea 14)