Author: Pilgrim Kompass Team

Welcome to Timor-Leste, a land filled with anticipation and joy as we await the historic visit of Pope Francis. Cardinal Virgilio do Carmo da Silva, Archbishop of Dili, shares his thoughts on how the Pope’s visit will inspire hope and strengthen the faith of the local community. Excitement Across Timor-Leste The Catholic faithful of Timor-Leste have long awaited the arrival of Pope Francis. The news of his upcoming visit in 2024 brought an overwhelming sense of joy and anticipation to the nation. This visit holds special significance as Pope Francis will be the first Pontiff to visit Timor-Leste as a…

Welcome to the Journey of Faith! As we embark on Pope Francis’ 45th Apostolic Journey abroad, we are filled with excitement and anticipation. Cardinal William Goh, Archbishop of Singapore, shares reflections on the establishment of his Archdiocese in 1972, emphasizing how the Pope’s visit will deepen unity among Catholics in the country. Written by Cardinal William Goh The story of the Church in Singapore is a fascinating tale intertwined with the nation’s development. From its humble beginnings as an island of fishermen to a bustling port city, Singapore has seen the growth of Catholicism alongside its own progress. In 1821,…

We all live in a network. Interconnected. In the digital ecosystem, journalists and communicators are eager to be heard. How can they achieve this? This is the new challenge that beckons YouTubers, Tictakers, Instagrammers, and all those who identify as “influencers.” Summoned to devote time to “listen,” journalists and communicators intertwined their experiences at the national communications workshop meeting, organized by the Episcopal commission for the media of the Peruvian Episcopal Conference. All in pursuit of reaching those still residing in digital peripheries, in lands devoid of a mission. Why is it crucial to dedicate time to “listen”? Following the…

Exciting news from the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith! The Archbishop of Mérida-Badajoz, Monsignor José Rodríguez Carballo, has received approval for the proposed declaration “nihil obstat” regarding the sanctuary of Chandavila. This sanctuary, with its rich history of simplicity, devotion, and few words, continues to offer a place of inner peace, consolation, and conversion for all who visit. Cardinal Prefect Victor Manuel Fernandez penned a letter approved by Pope Francis on August 22 in response to a letter from the Archbishop dated July 28. The letter discusses the events of 1945 in Chandavila, where two young girls claimed…

The Pope’s Historic Apostolic Journey: A Detailed Look Matteo Bruni, the director of the Vatican Press Office, recently shared details with the media regarding the Pope’s upcoming apostolic trip from 2nd to 13th September. This journey, spanning across Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, East Timor, and Singapore, marks the longest trip of his pontificate. Addressing concerns about the Pope’s health, Bruni assured that there is no reason for worry. Indonesia The Pope’s itinerary in Indonesia begins with his arrival at Jakarta’s “Soekarno-Hatta” International Airport on the 3rd, where he will be officially welcomed. Over the next few days, he is scheduled…

It is with a heavy heart that we share the news of the passing of Ada Miotti Parolin, the beloved mother of Cardinal Pietro Parolin, at the age of 96. The funeral for Ada will take place on the morning of 3 September in Schiavon, Vicenza, where she will be laid to rest. Pope Francis extends his condolences and prayers to Cardinal Parolin and his family during this difficult time. Ada Miotti Parolin peacefully entered into eternal rest on Saturday, 31 August, leaving behind a legacy of faith and love. Her children, Mariarosa and Giovanni, along with their families, remember…

Welcome to Pope Francis’s Pilgrimage As Pope Francis embarks on his 45th Apostolic Journey, he sets the tone by seeking spiritual guidance and protection from the Virgin Mary, Salus Populi Romani. On the eve of his departure, he visited the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome to pray before her icon, entrusting his upcoming trip to Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste, and Singapore to her care. As he knelt in prayer before the sacred image, the Pope demonstrated his unwavering faith and devotion, seeking divine assistance for the journey ahead. The gesture serves as a powerful reminder of the…

Tragedy struck when the body of 23-year-old Hersh Goldberg was discovered alongside five other hostages in Gaza. Rachel, his mother, had reached out to Pope Francis in a heartfelt video message and later had the chance to meet him at the Vatican. By Roberto Cetera Rachel Goldberg Polin, the resilient mother of a hostage held by Hamas, expresses her gratitude to Pope Francis for his tireless efforts to secure the release of 240 hostages. My encounter with Rachel took place shortly after 7 October. Through a mutual Israeli friend, we arranged to meet at her home, where I met her…

Welcome to a Journey Through the Catholic Church in Singapore As anticipation grows for Pope Francis’s upcoming Apostolic Journey to Asia and Oceania, let’s take a moment to delve into the rich history of the Catholic Church in Singapore. Written by Lisa Zengarini The story of the Church in Singapore intertwines with its neighboring Malaysia, where the first missionaries arrived from Portugal in the 16th century following the Portuguese influence. One notable figure, Saint Francis Xavier, set foot in Melaka in 1545, marking the beginning of a long history of Catholic presence in the region. Embracing Diversity and Overcoming Challenges…

Welcome to a journey through the history of the Catholic Church in Singapore, as we anticipate Pope Francis’ upcoming visit to the country as part of his Apostolic Journey to Asia and Oceania. By Lisa Zengarini The roots of the Church in Singapore trace back to the arrival of missionaries in neighbouring Malaysia in the 16th century, following the Portuguese explorers. Saint Francis Xavier landed in Melaka in 1545, leading to the establishment of a suffragan diocese under the Archdiocese of Goa. However, Catholicism faced temporary suppression during the Dutch occupation of Malaysia. Portuguese and French Influence Catholicism was restored…