YOU HAVE A FRIEND IN JESUS
 
VATICAN CITY --- Zenit News reported that Pope Francis on May 14, 2018, spoke in simple terms of Jesus and Friendship in his homily at Mass in Casa Santa Marta in the Vatican. As reported in Vatican News, he reminded the congregation that friendship with Jesus isn’t by chance but is the Christian’s destiny. Today is the Feast of Saint Matthias, who was chosen “by lot” by the disciples to replace Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus.  Matthias was chosen from a small group who had been followers since the early days of Christ’s ministry.
 
For the rest of us, Jesus offers his friendship not “by lot” but as a gift. And he continues His offer even when we betray Him “with our sins, with our whims” and “faithful to His friendship”.
 
The Holy Father affirmed that all Christians receive this friendship, although the disciples received in in “stronger” measure. The Pope referred to the gospel reading for the day (JN 15:9-17) in which Jesus tells the disciples that they are not slaves or servants, but friends. And he awaits those who avoid Him, always there with His friendship. Pope Francis concluded by urging Christians to ask Jesus for the grace to stay in His love and friendship.

‘CAUTIOUSLY OPTIMISTIC’ PRO-LIFERS ATTEND IRISH RALLY AHEAD OF VOTE

DUBLIN, IRELAND --- The Catholic News Agency reported that less than two weeks before a historic vote on whether to allow increased access to abortion in Ireland, thousands of people gathered last Saturday for a final pro-life rally in the capital city of Dublin. The atmosphere among the crowds was “cautiously optimistic,” Paul MacAree, a radio producer for EWTN Ireland, told CNA. Recent polls have shown that as much as 18 percent of Ireland’s Catholic-majority population is still undecided on their referendum vote. “We’ve got about a 78 percent Catholic population, but unfortunately the Catholic population is very poorly catechized when it comes to understanding these issues,” MacAree said. On May 25, Irish citizens will vote whether they want to repeal the country’s eighth amendment, which recognizes the equal right to life of the mother and the unborn child. Under current law, the practice of abortion in Ireland is illegal, unless the mother’s health is endangered. Pro-life Irish citizens are encouraging a “no” vote on the referendum.
PRAY FOR IRELAND