Francisco and Jacinta: brother and sister saints who were seers at Fatima
Official portrait of Francisco and Jacinta Marto, designed by Silvia Patricio. Courtesy of the Fatima Shrine. / null ACI Prensa Staff, Feb 20, 2024 / 04:00 am (CNA). Every Feb. 20, the Catholic Church celebrates Sts. Francisco and Jacinta Marto, two of the little shepherd seers of Fatima. Both were born in Aljustrel, a small […]
‘Deadly desert’: Vatican newspaper draws attention to plight of migrants in Niger (L’Osservatore Romano (Italian))
With the headline “Deserto mortale” [Deadly desert], the Vatican newspaper devoted prominent front-page coverage in its February 19 edition to the plight of migrants in the West African nation of Niger (map). A coup last July precipitated the Nigerien crisis, and the coup leaders legalized migrant smuggling. “In this strip of desert land, many migrants […]
European bishops announce Lenten initiative for peace, Synod (CCEE)
The Council of the Bishops’ Conferences of Europe (CCEE) has announced a “Eucharistic chain” Lenten initiative in which special Masses are celebrated in the various European nations for the October Synod assembly and for peace in the Holy Land and Ukraine. “We want to unite our voice, to that of the Pope, so that the […]
Vatican commissions street artist to illustrate Pope’s Lenten message (Aleteia)
The Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development has commissioned the street artist Maupal (Mauro Pallotta) to create weekly illustrations of the Pope’s Lenten message. Dr. Muriel Fleury, who leads the dicastery’s Communication and Restitution Section, said that the graffiti artist would “break away from a classical presentation” and help viewers “see things we wouldn’t necessarily […]
World Day of Social Justice: Why are we here if not to serve humanity?
On World Day of Social Justice, the CIDSE Secretary General reminds us that every decision we take and every new policy that is implemented have an impact on the lives and livelihoods of others, and that the crises we face today are interconnected. Read all
The keeper of the Vatican’s secrets is retiring. Here’s what he wants you to know
VATICAN CITY — The Vatican has been trying for years to debunk the idea that its vaunted secret archives are all that secret: It has opened up the files of controversial World War II-era Pope Pius XII to scholars and changed the official name to remove the word “Secret” from its title. But a certain […]
Trump’s language of evil
“When presumably educated, responsible politicians sound as if they are preaching from a bar stool,” Phyllis Zagano writes, “what can the rest of us do to remove angry denigration from whatever other pulpit we might be near?”
Francis, the comic strip
Francis, the comic strip: A bishop can’t get too careless with blessings.
Closure of sister-run La Reina Catholic school near LA sparks organized pushback
A Jan. 24 announcement that the Sisters of Notre Dame plan to close a high-performing all-girls Catholic school in Thousand Oaks, California, has generated an impassioned pushback by students, parents and alumnae.
Day 51: Israel’s Worship of God (2024)
As we finish our reading of Exodus, Fr. Mike recaps the events of Israel and how God shaped his people in worship. Today’s readings are Exodus 39-40, Leviticus 27, and Psalm 83. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children – parental […]