Religious quotes and news – July 27, 2025
Snippets of religious statements and highlights of events from around the world
Improving our hospitality
In his Angelus message last Sunday at Castel Gandolfo, Pope Leo reflected on the Gospel reading about Jesus, Mary and Martha. He encouraged us to follow Mary’s example by slowing down and listening so that we do not “fail to choose the better part”. He suggested we should improve the way we give hospitality as it “includes both welcoming others and allowing ourselves to be welcomed”, since “we have much to receive, not only to give”. It’s about recognising how every genuine encounter is freely offered, “whether it is an encounter with God, with others or with nature”.
Demonising immigrants
Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David, president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, in an address to a conference held in Manila, the Philippines, criticised populist leaders around the world “who capitalise on resentment” to migrants. “It’s like Hitler is resurrected.”
“Now, in America, who are they demonising? Immigrants. Can you imagine their own president almost equating immigration with criminality? Is he forgetting that America is a nation of immigrants, that there are no natives in America aside from American Indians?
“Sometimes, it is enough for people, or some leaders, to demonise a sector. Let’s not get carried away by resentment.”
Prayer and humility
Fr Jeffrey Kirby wrote about prayer in Cruxnow.com: “The path of prayer is the path of humility. The Catechism teaches: “To overcome these obstacles, we must battle to gain humility, trust, and perseverance.” This way gives the answer to all the objections and hesitations to prayer. It is humility. It is acknowledging God’s greatness and accepting his will. This is the path of prayer.”
(Compiled by Fr Joe Borg)