Marian image from Constantinople venerated in St. Peter’s Basilica (Vatican News (Italian))
On December 31 and January 1, the icon of the “Madonna who comes from the sea” was venerated in St. Peter’s Basilica. According to Vatican News, in 1453, the year in which Constantinople fell to the Turks, the Marian image was placed on a merchant vessel that was shipwrecked off the coast of Salerno, Italy. […]
Christian photographer may not legally refuse to take photos of same-sex wedding, court rules (Law & Crime)
Emilee Carpenter, a photographer in New York, challenged the constitutionality of the state’s Human Rights Law. “The court’s decision continues down a dangerous path of the government compelling artists to speak messages that violate their religious beliefs—or imposing steep fines, closing their businesses, or throwing them in jail,” photographer Emilee Carpenter’s attorney said following a […]
Peace prevails when it becomes part of personal behavior, Iraqi Catholic leader says (Chaldean Patriarchate)
Cardinal Louis Raphaël I Sako, who became Patriarch of the Chaldean Catholic Church in 2013, reflected on peace in his new year’s message. The church (CNEWA profile) is among the Eastern Catholic churches in full communion with the Holy See.
Spain experiences ‘surge of evangelicals, fueled by Latin Americans’ (AP)
In Spain, “the momentum — in terms of church attendance and energy — is going . . . toward the burgeoning ranks of Pentecostal and other evangelical congregations,” the Associated Press reports. “Many of those congregations rent space in industrial buildings on the outskirts of cities and towns — often filling them with zealous worshippers […]
Leading African prelate urges the Church in Africa to side with those who suffer (Vatican News)
SECAM, referred to in the article, is the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar. Its president, Cardinal Philippe Ouédraogo, said that “for 2022, I wish for our continent good economic recovery, free of the debts that have been strangling it. “I think of the refugees and displaced persons, victims of fratricidal wars and […]
Papal representative tells Mexican Church leaders to listen to abuse victims (Crux)
Archbishop Franco Coppola, apostolic nuncio to Mexico from 2016 to 2021, made his remarks as he departed for his new post as apostolic nuncio to Belgium and Luxembourg.
Dublin archbishop: ‘Radical change is coming in the Church’ (CNS)
“With a powerful commitment from clergy and lay faithful, across the full range of the life and ministry of parish communities, we are going to experience a renewal of energy and the adoption of new forms of outreach and ministry,” said Archbishop Dermot Farrell of Dublin. ““Pope Francis is offering us a way of being […]
In message to Pope, Italy’s president reflects on the ‘3 main social challenges of our time’ (Presidency of the Republic)
Italian President Sergio Mattarella has written a message to Pope Francis on the occasion of the World Day of Peace. On December 16, the Pontiff received President Mattarella in the Apostolic Palace, and a Vatican spokesman offered a remarkable tribute to Mattarella and his relationship with the Pope.
World Braille Day: Sr Veronica, ‘Where my sight cannot reach, my other senses can’
On World Braille Day, Sr. Veronica shares her story as a visually-impaired religious sister from Kenya, and describes how every challenge should be accepted as a portion of Christ’s cross to be bourne in service to others. Read all
Pope’s World Day of Sick message: Nearness, charity for those who suffer
Pope Francis releases his message for the 30th World Day of the Sick, and urges Catholics and Church-run institutions to continue efforts to heal and soothe the wounds of those suffering illness. Read all