An Intercessor in Heaven: The Joy and Sorrow of Losing Unborn Babies
The Blessed Mother loves our little ones. On International Day of the Unborn Child, a look at a new book that portrays the Blessed Mother leading unborn children who die into heaven.
French Musical ‘Bernadette of Lourdes’ to Take the American Stage
‘Bernadette of Lourdes’ tells the saint’s story in a new way. ‘Universal story’ will arrive in the U.S. this summer, coinciding with the Eucharistic Congress: ‘Everything started with this little 13-year old girl, who was sick, uneducated, poor and had no prospects and who was, nevertheless, chosen. This is the story that we wanted to […]
US bishops call for Holy Week prayers to end Israel–Hamas war (USCCB)
The president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and the chairman of the bishops’ Committee on International Justice and Peace called on the faithful, as well as all people of good will, to pray during Holy Week for an end to the Israel–Hamas war. “Thousands of innocent people have died in this conflict, […]
Papal preacher concludes Lenten sermons on Christ’s ‘I am’ statements—after questioning whether Jesus said them (CWN)
Cardinal Raniero Cantalamessa, OFM Cap, the preacher of the papal household since 1980, reflected on Christ’s words, “I am the way, the truth, and the life,” on March 22, in his fifth and final Lenten sermon to Pope Francis and the Roman Curia.
‘Service,’ ‘public’: papal encouragement for Italy’s public broadcasting network (Vatican Press Office)
Pope Francis reflected on the words “service” and “public” as he received managers and staff of RAI, the Italian public broadcaster, on the 100th anniversary of the founding of its radio network and the 70th anniversary of the founding of its television network. During the gathering, which took place in Paul VI Audience Hall, the […]
Synodal standoff: German bishops and Vatican commit to resolution roadmap (National Catholic Register)
Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Holy See’s Secretary of State, and the heads of five Vatican dicasteries met on March 22 with seven officials of the Bishops’ Conference of Germany—one month after leading Vatican cardinals wrote that a German vote in favor of synodal council would be null and void. The Holy See and the German […]
On Palm Sunday, Pope prays that people open hearts to God, quell all hatred (CNS)
Pope Francis presided at Palm Sunday Mass in St. Peter’s Square on March 24; there was no homily. Cardinal Claudio Gugerotti, prefect of the Dicastery for Eastern Churches, was the principal celebrant. At the conclusion of the Mass, Pope Francis delivered a brief address and led the recitation of the Angelus. During his address, the […]
Poland marks 80 years since Ulma family’s martyrdom for sheltering Jews
Cardinal Marcello Semeraro, prefect of the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints, celebrates Mass, attended by Poland’s president, to mark the 80th anniversary of the martyrdom of the Blessed Ulma family, who were murdered by Nazi German troops for sheltering Jews. Read all
At the start of Holy Week, Cardinal Bo laments ‘devastating toll of conflict’
MUMBAI, India – Cardinal Charles Bo of Yangon says Christians mark Holy Week reflecting on the “devastating toll of conflict even in the birthplace of Jesus, Ukraine, and our own soil.” The President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Myanmar and President of Federations of Asia Bishops Conferences said in a message, “let us raise […]
African women push for greater representation in the Church management
YAOUNDÉ, Cameroon – “Why don’t we have women Cardinals in the Church?” quipped Sister Josée Ngalula, the first–ever African woman to be a member of the International Theological Commission. It was a witty remark – one that centered the conversation on how women can have a greater say in the Vatican. This was the major […]