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Pope Francis said on Wednesday that it is a loss to civilization when dogs and cats replace children in society, encouraging couples to “take the risk” to become parents. The Pope said during his Wednesday audience, quote, “Yes, dogs and cats take the place of children. Yes, it’s funny, I understand, but it is the reality, and this denial of fatherhood and motherhood diminishes us, takes away humanity.” The Pope also prayed and asked St. Joseph to intercede for couples who wish to have a child.
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/250016/pope-francis-general-audience-society-loses-when-dogs-and-cats-take-the-place-of-children
For the second year in a row, authorities in the Philippines have canceled the country’s “Black Nazarene” procession, an annual event where millions of Catholics accompany a revered statue of Jesus through the streets of Manila. For centuries, the Black Nazarene, a statue of a dark life-size Jesus carrying his cross, has symbolized passion, struggle, and faith for Filipino Catholics. The faithful usually carry a replica of the statue through Manila on January 9, but the festival was halted for a second year due to COVID-19 concerns.
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/250026/black-nazarene-philippines-covid
Following a fire in a Philadelphia apartment building that killed at least 13 on Wednesday, the city's archbishop offered condolences and prayed for those who died. The fire occurred at a public housing block owned by the Philadelphia Housing Authority. There are believed to have been 26 people in the building when the fire started around 6 am, and seven children are known to be among the dead.
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/250023/archbishop-offer-condolences-to-those-mourning-after-philadelphia-fire
Today is the Feast of the Epiphany of Our Lord. The word “epiphany” comes from the Greek epiphainen, a verb that means "to shine upon," "to manifest," or “to make known.” The visit of the Magi to the child Jesus is emphasized on Epiphany Day.
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/saint/the-epiphany-of-our-lord-672
Today the Church also celebrates St. Andre Bessette. Born Alfred Bessette to a poor Quebec family in 1845, he joined the Congregation of Holy Cross in Montreal and performed the most humble jobs and daily tasks as a porter. For 25 years, he welcomed many sick and heartbroken visitors to a chapel that he built, inviting them to pray to St. Joseph.
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/saint/st-andre-bessette-732