Every morning, I invite you to join me on Radio du Clocher to restore the voice of the Church to the center of society. On this November 19, we ask the Lord for the grace of true repentance, while the Church honors Saint Tanguy and current events, from Catholic cinema to a wounded Africa, remind us of the battles of our time.
Saint Tanguy: Penance, Mercy, and Christian Brittany
Saint Tanguy, a 6th-century monk, remains a powerful figure in Catholic Brittany. Born into the nobility of Trémazan, his story revolves around a tragedy: deceived by his stepmother, he kills his sister Haude, whom he believes guilty. The saint then picks up her head, forgives him, and reveals her innocence. Tanguy is shattered, repents, and Saint Pol de Léon guides him toward monastic life.
The Abbey at the End of the World
Converted, he founded the Abbey of Saint-Mathieu at the tip of Finistère, a spiritual beacon for the entire region. Breton places of worship – Kersaint, Trémazan, Le Conquet – keep his memory alive. This entire tradition reminds us that grace surpasses sin, transforming a murderer into a saint.
The Gospel of the Day (Lk 19: 11-28): God Demands We Make His Gifts Bear Fruit
Christ Corrects Temporal Illusions
At the gates of Jerusalem, Jesus explains that His Kingdom is not political but spiritual. The nobleman who leaves "to receive kingly power" represents Christ ascending to the Father. The minas entrusted to the servants symbolize the graces received.
Faithful Servants and Negligent Servant
The first two serve God without fear and are rewarded. The third hides his mina out of fear: he loses everything. The Gospel reminds every baptized person of their responsibility and also announces the rejection of the Messiah by a part of the people.
Catholic News of the Day
1. "The Light of the World": An Ambitious Catholic Film
The creators of Sacré Cœur are preparing The Light of the World, retracing the Passion from the Transfiguration. Funding has already exceeded €100,000, despite media pressure. Total budget: 7 million. Cinemas are still screening Sacré Cœur despite threats.
2. The AFC Book Fair
On November 29, the AFC (Associations Familiales Catholiques) are organizing their 10th Book Fair in Paris: fifty authors, a literary prize, a children's area, and the presence of important figures. The AFC represent 51,000 families and are recognized as a public utility organization.
3. 60 Years of Reconciliation Between Poland and Germany
The historic 1965 letter is being commemorated: "we forgive and ask forgiveness." Pope Leo XIV (Note: This appears to be an error; the Pope in 1965 was Paul VI) hailed the event. Masses, exhibitions, and a congress are being held in Wrocław.
4. Nigeria: Kidnapping of Fr. Bobbo Paschal
A new attack in the Archdiocese of Kaduna: kidnappings, one death, a climate of insecurity, Boko Haram still active. Nigeria remains one of the most dangerous countries for Christians.
5. Germany: Catholic Resistance Against LGBT Ideology
Passau, Regensburg, and Cologne are refusing a document imposing "sexual diversity" in Catholic schools. The bishops denounce a break with doctrine. The fracture between modernist dioceses and those faithful to Rome is becoming glaring.
6. Armenians of Artsakh: Families Rebuilt in Svarants
Uprooted families are receiving new homes near the border. The village is being rebuilt: houses, land, tools, a school. The trauma remains, but these projects are restoring a future.
History: The Election of Clement VII (1523)
A Historic Conclave
Giulio de' Medici becomes Clement VII after one of the longest conclaves. Powerful but confronted with European wars, he attempts to balance France and the Empire.
Sack of Rome, English Break, Patronage
The Sack of Rome in 1527 devastates the city. A prisoner, Clement pays an enormous tribute. He later refuses Henry VIII the annulment of his marriage, leading to the Anglican break. A great patron, he commissions Michelangelo's The Last Judgment and protects Indians against forced conversions. His pontificate paves the way for the reform of Paul III and the future Council of Trent.