Chi Rho Letters - 7th Sunday of Easter - Sign up for Chi Rho Letters | Weekly Catholic Reflections from the Modern Desert

Chi Rho Letters - 7th Sunday of Easter

May 16, 2026 5:15 pm

May 17, 2026 - Volume II, Issue 12

"Christ has no body but yours,

No hands, no feet on earth but yours..."

St. Teresa of Avila

Editor’s Note

Happy 7th Sunday of Easter! Christ ascended into Heaven on Thursday, and today, we reflect on how the Apostles devoted themselves to prayer and preaching after Christ's Ascension. These are the Chi Rho Letters.

Where do we find Jesus? Many people look to signs and wonders to find Him...

Reflection on Substack

Now, onto the Headlines -

Pope Leo XIV continues to define the early contours of his pontificate, reaching out to Egypt’s Coptic Christians, rejecting the death penalty in the fight against organized crime, and praying at the very place where St. John Paul II was shot on the feast of Our Lady of Fátima.

In Church governance, the Vatican’s warning to the SSPX sets up one of the week’s most consequential canon law stories, especially as The Pillar considers who exactly would be excommunicated if illicit consecrations move forward. Pope Leo XIV also made two notable appointments: Bishop Steven Lopes will now lead Catholics of Anglican tradition in Australia, while Capuchin Franciscan Father Emilio Biosca Agüero has been named to lead the Diocese of Venice, Florida. Elsewhere, a New Mexico diocese faces a federal land seizure effort tied to the border wall, The Pillar reports new details in the Shaleta embezzlement case, a Chicago priest has been removed over inappropriate conversations, Providence announced parish closures and mergers, and a Polish archdiocese is testing a new priest appointment model.

Pro-life headlines include the USCCB backing efforts to block funds from abortion providers, Moms.gov promoting life-affirming pregnancy resources, Canada’s March for Life drawing thousands, and new legislation seeking to support parents grieving miscarriage or stillbirth. Around the world, the Church is also watching the expulsion of a West Bank priest, discrimination against Christian sanitation workers in Pakistan, Myanmar’s deepening crisis, and the Vatican’s call for migration policies that keep families together.

In Technology, Catholic experts warn about “technomancers,” AI worship, and the spiritual dangers emerging online. EWTN looks at the Church’s response to AI so far, including how Pope Leo XIV has framed artificial intelligence as a new kind of industrial revolution. Other stories ask what the Church teaches about UFOs and alien life, and how sacred art, beauty, and even regular engagement with the arts may shape the way Catholics think about health, aging, and human flourishing.

In Liturgy, Devotion, and Spiritual Formation, Catholic mental health initiatives launch on St. Dymphna’s feast day, Philadelphia seeks volunteers for the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage, and Aleteia looks at why Mary stands at the center of the Ascension icon. Other pieces connect Mary and the Eucharist through devotion, introduce Blessed Imelda as a patron for First Communicants, offer Scripture for anxious students, and encourage a slower, more prayerful approach to summer.

In the Contemplative Corner, Paul Rose offers a simple way to begin the practice of daily prayer, and in the Collection Plate, we turn to Catholic Relief Services again with their work with families suffering from conflict and displacement in the Middle East.

Please know of my prayers for you this week, and please pray for me.

Pope Leo's Preaching

Summary excerpt from Pope Leo XIV’s general audience given May 13, 2026

Dear brothers and sisters, in our catechesis today we contemplate Mary, whom the final chapter of the Dogmatic Constitution Lumen Gentium recognizes as model, perfect member, and as mother. Docile to the Father’s will, her son’s work of redemption and the promptings of the Holy Spirit, Mary is the model of what the Church is meant to be. Her unconditional “yes” shows us how to be members of the Church. As our mother by grace, she is the one to whom we can turn with filial trust, in the certainty of being heard, protected, and loved. In a special way, Mary cooperated in the work of salvation, through obedience, faith, hope, and ardent charity, to restore through her Son, the supernatural life of souls. Let us be challenged by Mary’s example of humility, active faith and obedience. Let us generously respond in love, magnifying God in our hearts, and receiving strength from the sacraments. Let ask Mary to help us be faithful disciples of her Son.

Sunday Readings

Seventh Sunday of Easter - Link

Reading 1: Acts 1:12-14

Psalm: Psalm 27:1, 4, 7-8

Reading 2: 1 Peter 4:13-16

Gospel: John 17:1-11a

Collect

Graciously hear our supplications, O Lord, so that we, who believe that the Savior of the human race is with you in your glory, may experience, as he promised, until the end of the world, his abiding presence among us. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever.

Morning Prayer | Evening Prayer

Headlines

Papal Watch

Church Governance & Canon Law

Pro-Life News

Contemplative Corner

How to Build a Prayer Routine That Works

The Liturgy of the Hours can seem intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. Paul Rose, host of the Sing the Hours podcast, breaks down simple 5, 10, and 15 minute prayer routines you can begin today. Whether you’re completely new to the Divine Office or have struggled to stay consistent, this is a practical guide to starting small and building a rhythm of daily prayer. You don’t have to pray every hour perfectly. Just start somewhere. Join the Church’s daily prayer and discover how even a few minutes can transform your day.

Watch: The Easiest Prayer Routine (And It Works) (w/ Paul Rose)

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 18, 2026 | Monday | Monday of the Seventh Week of Easter; Optional Memorial of Saint John I, Pope, Martyr

Acts 19:1-8 | John 16:29-33

Readings | Morning Prayer | Evening Prayer

May 19, 2026 | Tuesday | Tuesday of the Seventh Week of Easter

Acts 20:17-27 | John 17:1-11a

Readings | Morning Prayer | Evening Prayer

May 20, 2026 | Wednesday | Wednesday of the Seventh Week of Easter; Optional Memorial of Saint Bernardine of Siena, Priest

Acts 20:28-38 | John 17:11b-19

Readings | Morning Prayer | Evening Prayer

May 21, 2026 | Thursday | Thursday of the Seventh Week of Easter; Optional Memorial of Saint Christopher Magallanes, Priest, and Companions, Martyrs

Acts 22:30; 23:6-11 | John 17:20-26

Readings | Morning Prayer | Evening Prayer

May 22, 2026 | Friday | Friday of the Seventh Week of Easter; Optional Memorial of Saint Rita of Cascia, Religious

Acts 25:13b-21 | John 21:15-19

Readings | Morning Prayer | Evening Prayer

May 23, 2026 | Saturday | Saturday of the Seventh Week of Easter - Mass in the Morning

Acts 28:16-20, 30-31 | John 21:20-25

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!

If you enjoyed this send this to a friend or an enemy (since we are called to love our enemies). If a friend or enemy sent this to you and you enjoyed it, please consider subscribing!

Check me out on Facebook, TikTok, and Substack!

–☧ Rob

Comments