The Choice Flame Newspaper

15/04/2026

GOSPEL OF THE DAY-15TH APRIL

John 3:16-21
Jesus said to Nicodemus:
‘Yes, God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son,
so that everyone who believes in him may not be lost
but may have eternal life.
For God sent his Son into the world
not to condemn the world,
but so that through him the world might be saved.
No one who believes in him will be condemned;
but whoever refuses to believe is condemned already,
because he has refused to believe in the name of God’s only Son.
On these grounds is sentence pronounced:
that though the light has come into the world
men have shown they prefer darkness to the light
because their deeds were evil.
And indeed, everybody who does wrong
hates the light and avoids it,
for fear his actions should be exposed;
but the man who lives by the truth comes out into the light,
so that it may be plainly seen that what he does is done in God.’

15/04/2026

SAINT OF THE DAY -15TH APRIL
Saint Benedict Joseph Labre
"The Beggar of Rome"

Born on March 25, 1748, in the small village of Amettes in northern France, Benedict Joseph Labre was the eldest of eighteen children. From a young age, he showed deep piety and a burning desire for God. Educated by his uncle, a parish priest in the nearby village of Erin, young Benedict felt a strong calling to religious life. He tried to enter the strictest orders of his time—the Trappists, the Carthusians, and the Cistercians—but each time he was gently refused, as the monks discerned that God had a different path prepared for him.

In 1770, at the age of twenty-two, Benedict set out on a great pilgrimage across Europe, visiting the most important shrines and sanctuaries. His journey eventually led him to Rome in 1774, where he would spend the rest of his life as a pilgrim and recluse. Known to all as “the Beggar of Rome,” he lived in great poverty, sleeping in the ruins near the Colosseum or in doorways, owning nothing but the ragged clothes on his back. He survived on the scraps of bread and charity given to him by the people of Rome.

Despite his extreme poverty and humble appearance, Benedict radiated a profound holiness that drew admiration from many. He was especially devoted to the Blessed Sacrament and was a familiar figure at the Forty Hours’ devotion in the churches of the Eternal City. He spent long hours in silent prayer before the Eucharistic Lord, his heart completely united with God.

On April 16, 1783, while kneeling in prayer before the altar of the Blessed Sacrament in the Church of Santa Maria dei Monti in Rome, Saint Benedict Joseph Labre collapsed and died peacefully at the age of thirty-five. His reputation for sanctity spread quickly, and crowds flocked to venerate him. He was beatified in 1860 and canonized a saint in 1883 by Pope Leo XIII.

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**Prayer to Saint Benedict Joseph Labre**

O Saint Benedict Joseph Labre, holy beggar and pilgrim of the Eucharist,
you who left behind all earthly comforts to follow Christ in perfect poverty and humility,
pray for us that we may learn to detach ourselves from the things of this world
and seek first the Kingdom of God.

Through your powerful intercession, help us to love the Blessed Sacrament with the same burning devotion you showed,
and to find joy in simplicity, prayer, and total surrender to God’s will.

May we, like you, become living signs of God’s presence among the poor and forgotten.
Amen.

Saint Benedict Joseph Labre, pray for us!

14/04/2026

Pope Leo XIV Visits Ancient Hippo Site, Honors Legacy of St. Augustine

Returning to the historic lands associated with his spiritual father, Pope Leo XIV visited the archaeological site of Hippo Regius in Annaba, a place closely linked to the ministry of Saint Augustine of Hippo.

During the visit, the Pope laid a wreath of flowers in remembrance and planted an olive tree as a symbolic gesture of peace, reflecting on the enduring spiritual legacy of St. Augustine in the region.

Credit: Vatican News

14/04/2026

Pope Leo XIV continued his Apostolic Journey in Algeria on Tuesday, April 14, with a reflective visit to the archaeological site of Hippo Regius in Annaba, retracing the footsteps of Saint Augustine of Hippo.

During the visit, Pope Leo XIV laid a wreath of flowers and paused for private prayer among the remains of the ancient city. He also planted an olive tree as a gesture of peace, while a choir from Annaba’s Music Institute performed musical pieces inspired by St. Augustine’s writings on peace and fraternity.

The Pope, the first pontiff to visit Algeria, reflected on his long-standing spiritual connection to St. Augustine, noting in earlier remarks that he had previously visited Annaba in 2004 and 2013 as a “spiritual son of Saint Augustine.”

Pope Leo XIV continued his Apostolic Journey in Algeria on Tuesday, April 14, with a reflective visit to the archaeological site of Hippo Regius in Annaba, retracing the footsteps of Saint Augustin…

14/04/2026

Pope Leo XIV has convoked an Extraordinary Consistory of Cardinals to be held on June 26 and 27 in Vatican City, ahead of the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul. The gathering will conclude with a Eucharistic celebration presided over by the Pope.

In a letter addressed to members of the College of Cardinals, the Pope called for deeper reflection on the Church’s mission of evangelization, with particular attention to themes drawn from Evangelii gaudium.

He emphasized that the mission of the Church is not centered on self-preservation or institutional expansion, but on “the communication of the love with which God loves the world.” The Pope also warned against reducing evangelization to proselytism or a purely administrative logic of maintenance.

https://choiceflame.com.ng/2026/04/14/pope-leo-xiv-calls-extraordinary-consistory-on-churchs-mission-of-evangelization/

14/04/2026

Following the passing of Peter Nworie Chukwu, the Holy See has appointed the Auxiliary Bishop of Diocese of Enugu, Ernest Anaezichukwu Obodo, as the Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Abakaliki.

The appointment ensures the continuity of pastoral and administrative leadership in the diocese following the vacancy created by the late bishop’s death. Bishop Obodo is expected to oversee the affairs of the diocese temporarily, guiding its spiritual and administrative needs in accordance with Church directives.

14/04/2026

Pope Leo XIV has chosen “Even Just One of These Children” as the theme for the 112th World Day of Migrants and Refugees, scheduled to be held on September 27, 2026.

In a statement released on April 9, the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development explained that the theme underscores the urgent need to protect and welcome migrant and refugee children, who remain among the most vulnerable in today’s global migration landscape.

The theme draws inspiration from the Gospel of Gospel of Matthew, where Christ teaches: “Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me” (Mt 18:5). Through this message, the Pope highlights the Church’s deep concern for minors forced to migrate due to conflict, poverty, or instability.

https://choiceflame.com.ng/2026/04/14/pope-leo-xiv-announces-theme-for-2026-world-day-of-migrants-and-refugees/

14/04/2026

Pope Leo XIV Visits Basilica of Our Lady of Africa, A Symbol of Faith and Unity in Algiers

Pope Leo XIV concluded his day in Algiers with a visit to the iconic Basilica of Our Lady of Africa, a historic site overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and long regarded as a symbol of spiritual encounter and coexistence.

Perched on a hill above the city, the basilica stands on what was once a quiet, windswept cliff. In the mid-19th century, during the early years of French presence in Algeria, reports of Marian apparitions by two women at the site inspired the decision to build a shrine. Construction began in 1858 and was completed in 1872, resulting in a striking architectural blend of Roman and Byzantine styles that crowns the Algiers skyline.

At the heart of the basilica is a dark-toned statue of Virgin Mary, venerated as Our Lady of Africa, with arms outstretched in a gesture symbolizing openness to all people.

An inscription near the altar captures the enduring spirit of the site: “Notre Dame d'Afrique, priez pour nous et pour les Musulmans” (“Our Lady of Africa, pray for us and for the Muslims”). Over the years, the basilica has drawn not only Christians but also Muslims—many of whom affectionately refer to Mary as “Lalla Meriem.”

From sailors seeking protection before voyages to the sick leaving testimonies of healing, the basilica has grown beyond its identity as a Catholic place of worship into a powerful meeting point of faiths, embodying a legacy of prayer, hope, and interreligious harmony.

https://choiceflame.com.ng/2026/04/14/pope-leo-xiv-visits-basilica-of-our-lady-of-africa-a-symbol-of-faith-and-unity-in-algiers/

14/04/2026

Warm Welcome for Pope Leo XIV in Rain-Soaked Arrival in Annaba

Pope Leo XIV arrived in Annaba to a heartfelt reception, undeterred by the rain. He was greeted by two young girls dressed in traditional attire, who presented him with flowers in a gesture of local hospitality.

Also present to welcome the Pope were the Bishop of Constantine-Hippo and senior Algerian officials, including the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Culture, highlighting the significance of the visit at both religious and state levels.

Credit: Vatican News

14/04/2026

A visiibly emotional Pope Leo XIV paused in silent prayer at the ancient ruins of Hippo Regius in Annaba, a site deeply tied to the legacy of Saint Augustine of Hippo.

Referring to himself as “a son of Saint Augustine,” the Pope reflected on the profound spiritual connection he shares with the great Doctor of the Church, who served as bishop in Hippo for over three decades until his death.

The quiet moment of prayer marked one of the most personal highlights of his apostolic journey to Africa, as he stood in the very place where one of Christianity’s most influential figures lived, taught, and shaped the faith.

Credit: CNA

14/04/2026

Pope Leo XIV began his Apostolic Journey to Africa with a visit to the Grand Mosque of Algiers, emphasizing the importance of dialogue, mutual respect, and the shared search for God.

Welcomed by the Mosque’s Rector, Mohamed Mamoun al Qasim, the Pope expressed gratitude for the warm reception and described the mosque as a sacred space where people gather to pray and seek the presence of the Most High.

Reflecting on his spiritual connection to Algeria, the Holy Father recalled the legacy of St. Augustine of Hippo, calling the nation “the land of my spiritual father.” He stressed that seeking God must also lead to recognizing the dignity of every human person, which forms the foundation for peaceful coexistence and unity.

The Pope also highlighted the mosque’s broader role as a center for both spiritual and intellectual life, noting that the pursuit of knowledge helps deepen understanding of humanity and creation.

Pope Leo XIV began his Apostolic Journey to Africa with a visit to the Grand Mosque of Algiers, emphasizing the importance of dialogue, mutual respect, and the shared search for God. Welcomed by th…

14/04/2026

Pope Leo XIV paid a private visit to a community of the Missionary Augustinian Sisters in Algiers, where he honored the enduring witness of martyrdom and encouraged renewed commitment to peace, dignity, and respect for differences.

The visit, which followed his stop at the Mosque of Algiers, took place at the Centre for Welcome and Friendship located in Bab El Oued. There, the Pope was warmly received by the Sisters and joined them in prayer, expressing gratitude for their continued mission of service, education, and hospitality.

A central moment of the visit was the remembrance of two members of the community, Sr. Esther Paniagua Alonso and Sr. Caridad Álvarez Martín, who were among the 19 martyrs of Algeria killed during the civil war in the 1990s. The Pope reflected on their sacrifice as a powerful example of Christian witness, rooted in faith even to the point of martyrdom.

Pope Leo XIV paid a private visit to a community of the Missionary Augustinian Sisters in Algiers, where he honored the enduring witness of martyrdom and encouraged renewed commitment to peace, dig…