Ukraine president speaks with the Pope
News in brief.
Ukrainian president speaks with the Pope. Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Tuesday that he had spoken with Pope Francis about the conflict in Ukraine, thanking the pope for his prayers and asking for his intervention in helping to establish humanitarian corridors for civilians. He said that “the mediating role of the Holy See in ending human suffering would be appreciated”. Read more.
42 Ukrainian refugees welcomed in Antwerp monastery. The Capuchin Abbey in Antwerp is providing temporary accommodation for 42 Ukrainian refugees. The abbey prior says they have received an outpouring of help from local people, who are providing support, including activities and play space for the many children that form part of the group. The city of Antwerp is building an emergency container village to accommodate up to 1000 refugees. Read more.
Composer John Rutter’s Prayer for Ukraine. English composer, John Rutter has set a Ukrainian prayer to music. He said: ‘How can a composer respond to a global tragedy? By writing music is the most obvious thing. Like everybody, I’ve been shocked and dismayed by the events of recent days, and the first thing I wanted to do was write some music that would respond in my own way.” Read more and listen to the composition.
Spotlight on Lausanne
Reformed Church of St. Francis (Église Réformée Saint-François). This gothic-style church is a landmark on the Lausanne skyline and was originally founded in the 13th century by Franciscans. It became a Protestant church during the Reformation, and thus its interior remains relatively simple in style. John Lisle, one of the parliamentarians who signed the execution warrant for the English King Charles I, was shot in the churchyard in 1664 by an assassin avenging the English king.
Three things about Francis of Paola (2 April)
Founder of the Order of Hermits of Saint Francis of Assisi (the Minim friars) in the 15th century, the order continues to this day, mainly in Italy, Spain, Latin America, and the Philippines.
"Minim" refers to living as the smallest or least, embracing humility, simplicity and plainness.
Members of the Minims follow a "Lenten" diet, abstaining from all meat and animal products including eggs and dairy.