DR Congo: Church prays for peace in country’s East
As violence flares up in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, the nation’s Catholics are invited to pray at the end of every Mass for peace in areas devastated by armed groups, especially the M23 rebel movement in North Kivu Province. Read all
Abortion is a satanic perversion of both motherhood and medicine
The noble professions of motherhood and medicine, both being uniquely sacred in the creation, defense, and nurturing of human life, should be at the forefront in the effort of healing our national sin.Read More
State in India passes law against Christian ‘magical healing practices’
MUMBAI, India – India’s northeastern state of Assam is accusing Christians of “fraudulent magical healing practices,” a move Church leaders call “misguided and misleading.” On Feb. 10, the Assam Cabinet approved the Assam Healing (Prevention of Evil) Practices Bill, 2024, which establishes imprisonment and fines for engaging in illegal practices “under the guise of treatment […]
In wake of Youth Day attacks, Cameroon bishop says God is ‘close to the broken–hearted’
YAOUNDÉ, Cameroon – In a heartfelt homily on Sunday, Bishop George Nkuo of Kumbo in Cameroon reminded the faithful of God’s constant presence and care in times of trouble amid a new spat of violence. He urged all parties to renounce violence and seek peace in the Anglophone regions of Cameroon, where a secessionist uprising […]
Carnival parade tells story of Brazilian folk saint and spurs controversy
SÃO PAULO – The 2024 Carnival’s champion of the second most important league of samba schools in Rio de Janeiro, Unidos de Padre Miguel, paid tribute to Father Cícero Romão Batista, the greatest of all folk saints in Brazil. While the parade’s theme was able to move many participants and spectators, not everybody liked the […]
Pope bolsters synod process ahead of major fall meeting
ROME – With his lengthy and debated Synod of Bishops on Synodality set to wrap later this year, Pope Francis took several steps this weekend to bolster the process in the lead up to a meeting that will bring four years of global consultation to a close. On Saturday, he announced the dates of this […]
Pa. Catholic university’s plan to lease public library space sparks debate
Opponents to an agreement that allows Gannon University to run an education and research center in a county-run library question whether it’s appropriate for a private entity to operate in a public space.
Every bishop should decarbonize his diocese — and other Catholics can help
The near-total lack of U.S. Catholic decarbonization commitments is a failure to live the church’s evangelical mission. It is a social sin of omission that compromises moral commitments, including to protect human life.
Grim anniversaries in the war in Ukraine
This coming Saturday, Feb. 24, marks the second anniversary of Russia’s second invasion of Ukraine in this century.
Day 50: Sacrificial Offerings (2024)
Fr. Mike encourages us to look at how we can increase our generosity to God and neighbor, inspired by the sacrificial offerings of Israel. Our readings for today are Exodus 37-38, Leviticus 26, and Psalm 82. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable […]