A Multitude of Events Today From the Vatican: Consecration of the Vatican State, New Encyclical Lumen Fidei, and Sainting of John XXIII and John Paul II

Hello Everyone,

I awoke late today with a nice weekend off ahead of me from work, only to find a number of great events happening today through our "Motherland", the Vatican State. These three major happenings are going around the Catholic Blogosphere like wild fires!

1) The Holy Father, alongside our Holiness Emeritus Benedict XVI, decided to consecrate the Vatican State to my favourite saint of all, the almighty angel warrior and commander of the armies of angels, St. Michael the Archangel!!! Considering the spiritual assault that the Evil One is launching on our souls and world in increasing intensity, it is highly appropriate to invoke the intercession of the very warrior who bested the traitor in war, banished to the depths of Hell in defeat. Beato Micaheli Archangelo, Ora Pro Nobis!!!

Coverage here: http://www.news.va/en/news/benedict-xvi-joins-pope-francis-in-consecrating-va

2) Pope Francis decided to consecrate two Vatican II popes today: John Paul II and John XXIII, the latter being the one who declared the council and oversaw its first year. Personally, I am not pleased at certain aspects of this move, and think this is a political move by the purely-Vatican II Pope with regards to worshipping the council (vs. respecting the council), not to mention that John XXIII only has one miracle, not two having the state of ``Blessed``. However, the Pope CAN declare sainthood without the requisite two miracles. Now, may you turn your attention to the excellent and precise commentary of the situation below, by Traditionalist icon and online priest, Fr. John Zuhlsdorf of WDTPRS, for the most Catholic interpretation of the events. (Psssst ..... take his word over mine)

Coverage here: http://www.news.va/en/news/pope-francis-signs-canonization-decrees-for-john-x
Fr. Z`s insightful analysis here: http://wdtprs.com/blog/2013/07/wherein-fr-z-explains-what-is-really-going-on-with-the-canonizations-of-john-xxii-and-john-paul-ii/
3) Now, saving the best for last, The NEW ENCYCLICAL, CLOSING OFF THE THEOLOGICAL VIRTUE SERIES OF BENEDICT XVI IS HERE!!!! LUMEN FIDEI IS RELEASED!!!!!! Definitely going to read it. The four hands of the two Popes, Benedict Emeritus XVI and Francis, penned this encyclical.

Coverage here: http://www.news.va/en/news/the-light-of-faith
THE ENCYCLICAL!!! http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/francesco/encyclicals/documents/papa-francesco_20130629_enciclica-lumen-fidei_en.html
Some key points already highlighted on News.VA: http://www.news.va/en/news/the-light-of-faith-points-to-ponder

Happy reading. Pax Tibi Christi, Julian Barkin.