Easter in Lent: a homily for 2021
The Resurrection that we especially celebrate every Sunday, the Resurrection that we live every day, is meant to be a light in a world of darkness
Are increased vaccinations a genuine sign of hope this Easter?
WASHINGTON (CNS) — It’s been said before, in different ways, in different contexts: “the beginning of the end,” “light at the end of the tunnel,” “our long national nightmare is over,” and so on. But, as the coronavirus pandemic enters its second year, the increasing number of vaccinations may qualify as an authentic sign of […]
Pope asks Filipinos to celebrate the gift of faith and pass it on
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — As bishops across the Philippines opened “holy doors” at their cathedrals, Pope Francis sent a video message encouraging Filipino Catholics to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the arrival of Christianity in their country by continuing to be faithful, generous missionaries of the Gospel. “Be grateful for the gift of faith. Thank […]
Papal visit to North Korea can bring peace, say Catholic leaders
South Korean Church launches prayer movement for a papal visit to improve chances of unification
Vatican II, sacramental theology and same-sex blessings
Looking at a controversial Roman document from another angle
Stolen Umbrellas: Fumbling into the Kingdom of God
G.K. Chesterton once said that his umbrella helped reveal to him why he knew the Catholic Church was for him. He said that whenever he went to non-Catholic churches, he would customarily leave his umbrella by the back door during the worship service. In these churches, his umbrella would always be there waiting for him […]
Pope Francis at the Regina Coeli: ‘Never tire of seeking the risen Christ’
Pope Francis said Monday that Christians should “never tire of seeking the risen Christ.” Speaking before the recitation of the Regina Coeli April 5, the pope noted that Easter Monday is known in Italy as Lunedì dell’Angelo, or the Monday of the Angel. Referring to the Gospel reading (Matthew 28:1-15) in which Mary Magdalene and […]
The Importance of Renewing Our Baptismal Vows at Easter
For most of us—with the exception of some converts—baptism is a sacrament most of us never remember experiencing. Baptism is a crucially important sacrament. It’s the only sacrament mentioned explicitly in the Nicene Creed. Christ’s specially appointed forerunner was John the Baptist. And the first thing Christ did in His public ministry was get baptized. […]
Pope Francis presides at Way of the Cross in a near-empty St Peter’s Square (Vatican News)
Members of an Umbrian scout group and a Roman parish (Holy Martyrs of Uganda) wrote the meditations for the Via Crucis led by the Pope on Good Friday evening.
Build fraternity and unity, Cardinal Cantalamessa urges in Good Friday homily (Cantalamessa.org)
As is customary, the Pope presided at the Celebration of the Lord’s Passion in St. Peter’s Basilica, and the Preacher of the Papal Household preached the homily. “What is the most common cause of he bitter divisions among Catholics?” he asked. “The divisions that polarize Catholics stem from political opinions that grow into ideologies after […]