Gunfire targets Missouri convent (Pillar)

Gunshots have pierced the walls of a Benedictine abbey in rural Missouri several times in recent weeks. Although there have been no injuries, Abbess Cecilia found holes in her bedroom walls. The community of Benedictines of Mary, Queen of Apostles have no idea who has targeted them.

Pope leads Via Crucis with young people in torch-lit St. Peter’s Square

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — For the second year in a row, Pope Francis led the Way of the Cross from St. Peter’s Square rather than Rome’s Colosseum because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Torches dotted a long pathway winding from the stage set in front of St. Peter’s Basilica leading down the square, surrounding the […]

Gratitude, solidarity with Asians expressed at vigil amid rise in attacks

For Serapia Kim, the sight of so many people of so many ethnicities in the parking lot of Incarnation Church in Glendale Wednesday night spoke more loudly than any prayer or speech. “We need to know that we’re here for each other,” she said looking out at the properly distanced crowd gathered for the March […]

Cardinal, at pope’s Good Friday service, decries divisions within church

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — As Pope Francis presided over the Liturgy of the Lord’s Passion, the preacher of the papal household called on bishops and all Catholics to examine their consciences for ways they may be harming the unity of the Catholic Church. Pope Francis presided over the liturgy April 2 at the Altar of […]

With a father’s heart

In this Special Year dedicated to St Joseph, “L’Osservatore Romano” dedicates a monthly column to Pope Francis’ Apostolic Letter “Patris Corde”. It aims to provide accompaniment and reflection to readers as they strive to deepen their understanding of what the Pope wants to communicate to us “with the heart of a father”.

Way of the Cross: suffering seen through the eyes of children

The briefing for the Vatican’s worldwide telecasts of Holy Week and Easter celebrations offers background information on the liturgies, especially this year’s Way of the Cross meditations authored by children. More than 170 broadcast networks and outlets globally will be linked for the celebrations.

On Good Friday: Where has Friendship Gone?

On this Good Friday, I am taken back to a cold, gray morning a few weeks ago. I stood alone at the curb at Dallas Fort Worth Airport, shivering in a light jacket, and feeling hemmed in by the endless concrete of the terminal and the parking garage on each side of me. Other travelers, […]