Pope Francis meeting with the Assumptionist bishop of Istanbul, Bishop Pelâtre
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Although Pope Francis addressed the delicate issue of Muslim-Christian relations during his recent visit to Turkey in an attempt to foster greater understanding and tolerance, the main purpose of the historic visit was to meet Patriarch Bartholomew I in Constantinople now called Istanbul. What is significant is that this visit occurred in advance of an historic pan-orthodox Council that will take place again in Istanbul in 2016.

Patriarch Bartholomew is the spiritual leader of the world's 250 million Orthodox Christians, whose Church broke with Rome in 1054 in a schism that divided the Christian world.

Mr. Vinnie Sullivan-Jacques, Assistant Director of Campus Ministry

(reprinted with permission from the student newspaper, Le Provocateur)

By Madeline McLean ‘16

“Reach out your hand if your cup be empty, if your cup is full may it be again, let it be known there is a fountain, that was not made by the hands of men.” The lyrics of the Grateful Dead’s song “Ripple” were recited by Vinnie Sullivan-Jacques during his talk on Monday September 29. These song lyrics helped, along with many other people and events, to shape Sullivan-Jacques’ path.

Participants in annual inter Assumption meeting of young religious (Oblates, AAs. Little Sisters of the Assumption, and Religious of the Assumption)

On the occasion of fifty years in Brazil, one of the four sisters who founded this mission recounts the major milestones of this adventure, from the beginnings to our day: a continuous presence in a country that suffered under a brutal dictatorship before stabilizing as an emerging power.  This mission was a commitment on the part of the Oblates to the marginalized at a time when the post-conciliar Church was calling for a preferential option for the poor.

By Sr. Marie de la Compassion Le Féron d’Eterpigny

(The Oblates of the Assumption were founded by Fr. d’Alzon in 1865 as missionaries to assist in the recently founded missions of the Near East – Bulgaria and Turkey. Next year they will be celebrating the 150^th anniversary of their founding.)

For many people, Thanksgiving is the most truly American of our national holidays, encompassing in its simple and beautiful traditions the highest  ideals and greatest aspirations of our country. We believe that these ideals include the need to give thanks to our Creator and so we pray:

O Loving God, your gifts to us are countless and your goodness is without limit. As we come in thanksgiving to You, teach us to use wisely the riches of land and sea and to be forever grateful for all the blessings which come from You. Open our hearts to notice the needs of others that we may give as freely as we have received from You.

With grateful hearts we also thank You this Thanksgiving Week for the many ways you sustain and nourish us, through the gift of life itself, our faith, family and friends with surprises of joy, growth and unconditional love. We make this prayer through Jesus Your Son and the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.