Chi Rho Letters - Pentecost Sunday

May 24, 2026 7:53 pm

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May 24, 2026 - Volume II, Issue 13


"If the lungs of prayer and the Word of God do not nourish the breath of spiritual life, we risk suffocating in the midst of a thousand daily cares. Prayer is the breath of the soul and of life."

Pope Bendict XVI




Editor’s Note

Happy Pentecost Sunday! This Sunday marks the 50-day end to the Easter season and is marked by Christ breathing on the Apostles, giving them the gift of the Holy Sprit. These are the Chi Rho Letters.


One of my best friends threw a hot dog at Pope Leo XIV...


Reflection on Substack


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Courtesy: Leona Horner


Headlines

San Diego’s bishop responds after violence at an Islamic center.


Baltimore puts forward a nearly $170 million abuse settlement.


A Tulsa deacon pleads guilty after $1.4 million goes missing from parish funds.


Five ways to make Sacred Heart consecration more than a beautiful image on the wall.


St. Francis has a few timeless thoughts on how to build a life.


Pope Leo XIV will personally introduce his first encyclical, and AI is on the docket.


A look at the low-profile group supporting 44% of U.S. dioceses.


The hidden detail making sacred texts easier to read.


Clickbait: One of the nation's newest priests gave up millions from selling cosmetics.



Pope Leo's Preaching

Summary excerpt from Pope Leo XIV’s general audience given May 20, 2026


Dear Brothers and Sisters, as we continue our series of catecheses on the Second Vatican Council, today we consider the Dogmatic Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, Sacrosanctum Concilium. This document teaches that the liturgy immerses us in the mystery of Christ’s passion, death, resurrection and glorification. Through liturgical rites and prayers, and by the power of the Spirit, Jesus exercises his priesthood and sanctifies the Church, his spouse, uniting her to his own oblation to the Father. Indeed, Christ is present in the word that is proclaimed, in the sacraments, in the ministers, in the community, and most of all in the Eucharist. Let us allow ourselves to be shaped from within by the rites, symbols, gestures and above all by the living presence of Christ in the liturgy, which we will have further opportunity to explore.



Sunday Readings

Pentecost Sunday - Link

Reading 1: Acts 2:1-11

Psalm: Psalm 104:1, 24, 29-30, 31, 34

Reading 2: 1 Corinthians 12:3b-7, 12-13

Sequence: Veni, Sancte Spiritus

Gospel: John 20:19-23


Collect

O God, who by the mystery of today’s great feast

sanctify your whole Church in every people and nation,

pour out, we pray, the gifts of the Holy Spirit

across the face of the earth

and, with the divine grace that was at work

when the Gospel was first proclaimed,

fill now once more the hearts of believers.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,

who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

God, for ever and ever.


Morning Prayer | Evening Prayer



More Headlines

Global Church, War, and Persecution


Church Governance and Accountability


Eucharistic, Liturgical, and Spiritual Life


Papal Watch


Pro-Life News


Technology and Public Life


Feel Good Stories



Contemplative Corner

How to Build a Prayer Routine That Works

This Pentecost reflection by the Sisters of Charity invites us to listen for the Holy Spirit not only in wind and flame, but in the quieter movements of the soul. Through silence, ordinary moments become places of encounter, where the “flutter” of divine life reminds us that God dwells within us and draws us back to love.


Read: Reflection for the Feast of Pentecost, 2023



Collection Plate

Catholic Relief Services - Focus on Middle East Conflict - Link

As conflict and displacement continue to affect communities across the region, Catholic Relief Services is working with trusted local partners to provide lifesaving assistance and support families forced from their homes. With your gift, families across the Middle East will continue to receive vital relief and care as they seek refuge and relief. Please give now to support families across the Middle East.



The Liturgical Week Ahead

Coloring indicates Liturgical Color, links provided to USCCB site.


May 25, 2026 | Monday | Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church

Genesis 3:9-15, 20 or Acts 1:12-14 | John 19:25-34

Readings | Morning Prayer | Evening Prayer


May 26, 2026 | Tuesday | Memorial of Saint Philip Neri, Priest

1 Peter 1:10-16 | Mark 10:28-31

Readings | Morning Prayer | Evening Prayer


May 27, 2026 | Wednesday | Wednesday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time; Optional Memorial of Saint Augustine of Canterbury, Bishop

1 Peter 1:18-25 | Mark 10:32-45

Readings | Morning Prayer | Evening Prayer


May 28, 2026 | Thursday | Thursday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time

1 Peter 2:2-5, 9-12 | Mark 10:46-52

Readings | Morning Prayer | Evening Prayer


May 29, 2026 | Friday | Friday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time; Optional Memorial of Saint Paul VI, Pope

1 Peter 4:7-13 | Mark 11:11-26

Readings | Morning Prayer | Evening Prayer


May 30, 2026 | Saturday | Saturday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time; Optional Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Jude 17, 20b-25 | Mark 11:27-33

Readings | Morning Prayer | Evening Prayer I



Community Prayer Intentions

For Strength and Comfort:

  • Families of Servicemembers
  • Those affected by the Iranian and Ukrainian wars
  • Families experiencing losses
  • Myers Family
  • Demers Family
  • Pope Leo XIV


Eternal Rest:

  • Noel Demers
  • Emma Niese
  • Those killed in the wars in Iran and Ukraine
  • Fr. Wilber Thomas
  • Pope Benedict XVI
  • Pope Francis


Saints in Progress, pray for us:



Thank you!

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–☧ Rob

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