Category Archives: Porta Fidei

The Holy Father wraps up his letter: 15. Having reached the end of his life, Saint Paul asks his disciple Timothy to “aim at faith” (2 Tim 2:22) with the same constancy as when he was a boy (cf. 2 … Continue reading →

In observing the Year of Faith, the pope urges believers to put their faith into action. 14. The Year of Faith will also be a good opportunity to intensify the witness of charity. As Saint Paul reminds us: “So faith, … Continue reading →

We stand on the shoulders of saints–women and men who have given the example that assists their little sisters and brothers in faith: 13. One thing that will be of decisive importance in this Year is retracing the history of our … Continue reading →

The CDF assignment: 12. In this Year, then, the Catechism of the Catholic Church will serve as a tool providing real support for the faith, especially for those concerned with the formation of Christians, so crucial in our cultural context. … Continue reading →

Pope Benedict places a lot of faith in the Catechism. 11. In order to arrive at a systematic knowledge of the content of the faith, all can find in the Catechism of the Catholic Church a precious and indispensable tool. … Continue reading →

Pope Benedict offers a lengthier exposition in section ten: 10. At this point I would like to sketch a path intended to help us understand more profoundly not only the content of the faith, but also the act by which … Continue reading →

Liturgy is intended to be a major focus on the Year of Faith: 9. We want this Year to arouse in every believer the aspiration to profess the faith in fullness and with renewed conviction, with confidence and hope. It … Continue reading →

A message to bishops, and from there, the whole Church: 8. On this happy occasion, I wish to invite my brother bishops from all over the world to join the Successor of Peter, during this time of spiritual grace that … Continue reading →

7. “Caritas Christi urget nos” (2 Cor 5:14): it is the love of Christ that fills our hearts and impels us to evangelize. Today as in the past, he sends us through the highways of the world to proclaim his … Continue reading →

Lumen Gentium rejected a notion of a clergy-first institution. One of the consequences of starting with the People of God is that naturally the duties and responsibilities of that people are also emphasized. Every believer is called to witness to … Continue reading →

Pope Benedict values the input of his predecessors. 5. In some respects, my venerable predecessor saw this Year as a “consequence and a necessity of the postconciliar period”,[Paul VI, General Audience (14 June 1967): Insegnamenti V (1967), 801] fully conscious … Continue reading →

Given the perception of a serious opportunity for spreading the faith, Pope Benedict declared the current Year of Faith: 4. In the light of all this, I have decided to announce a Year of Faith. It will begin on 11 … Continue reading →

What is the Gospel call to faith? 3. We cannot accept that salt should become tasteless or the light be kept hidden (cf. Mt 5:13-16). The people of today can still experience the need to go to the well, like … Continue reading →

Pope Benedict’s personal assessment comes to the fore here, as one might expect when the references are his own homilies. Let’s read: 2. Ever since the start of my ministry as Successor of Peter, I have spoken of the need … Continue reading →

Before much more of the Year of Faith proceeds, it may be worthwhile to look at Pope Benedict’s document from last Fall declaring the observance. Possibly it gives us an opportunity to review the Holy Father’s intent and to assess initiatives large and … Continue reading →