How we got the Stations of the Cross

(3) On the Path of Christ's Passion - by Deacon TomTOMMCDONALD: Some popular devotions arise as a substitute for something else. The scapular is a cut-down habit. The rosary is a simplified Psalter. The Hours of Our Lady is a smaller Liturgy of the Hours. And the Way of the Cross is a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. The idea that the Stations of the Cross developed as European versions of a Via Dolorosa in Jerusalem when pilgrims could no longer safely travel due to the crusades it not quite right...

The ‘Snow White’ reboot was a box-office bomb in Week 1, and things went straight downhill in Week 2...

(3) "Snow White" and America's niche-culture wars - by tmattMATTINGLY: The math is bright red: The “Snow White” reboot was a box-office bomb in week one and things went straight downhill in week two. It’s possible that, if Disney gets honest about the production and promotion costs, this movie could be the biggest and most painful elite Hollywood bust of all time. This Forbes piece may have been the most optimistic take out there

If your screen causes you to sin, cut it off...

Spiritually Toxic News - The Catholic ThingDESOUZA: Is it a sin to follow the news? Or to read commentators upon the news? Or to listen to podcasts that comment upon the commentators? Or to watch the YouTube videos of those picking apart the podcasts? It’s Lent, the season for more than the usual number of Confessions. And this Lent, as has increasingly been the case over the last half-dozen years or so, more and more penitents are confessing that they are following the news.

Pope Francis Appoints Bishop Michael McGovern to Lead Archdiocese of Omaha

Pope Francis Appoints Bishop Michael McGovern to Lead Archdiocese of Omaha| National Catholic Register: Pope Francis on Monday appointed Bishop Michael McGovern of Belleville, Illinois, to lead the Archdiocese of Omaha, Nebraska, after he accepted the resignation of Omaha Archbishop George Lucas. McGovern, 60, has led the Diocese of Belleville since April 2020. The Chicago native will be installed as archbishop of Omaha in the Cathedral of St. Cecilia on May 7.

Pope’s Sunday Angelus: Jesus Heals Our Wounds So We Can Love Others

Pope Francis in Sunday Angelus: Jesus heals our wounds so we can love others | Catholic News AgencyMILLARE: Pope Francis on Sunday encouraged Christians to continue their Lenten journey as a time of healing and faith in Jesus Christ. The Vatican released the Holy Father’s Sunday Angelus message while the 88-year-old pontiff continues his convalescence in his Casa Santa Marta home after being discharged from Rome’s Gemelli Hospital a week ago.

Missionaries of Mercy Gather in Rome as Pope Francis Praises Their ‘Ministry of Forgiveness’

Pope%20Francis%20hails%20Missionaries%20of%20Mercy%20as%20bearers%20of%20God%u2019s%20forgiveness%20during%20Rome%20jubilee%20%7C%20Catholic%20News%20Agency: As hundreds of Missionaries of Mercy gathered in Rome this weekend, Pope Francis commended their distinctive ministry of forgiveness and reconciliation that continues to flourish worldwide. Approximately 500 priests are participating in a special jubilee dedicated to their role as part of the broader 2025 Jubilee of Hope.

Nunciature in El Salvador Issues Correction for Liturgical Abuses at March 24 Mass for St. Óscar Romero Anniversary

Nunciature in El Salvador issues correction for liturgical abuse | Catholic News Agency: The apostolic nunciature in El Salvador issued a correction for the irregularities that occurred March 24 during a Mass marking the 45th anniversary of the assassination of St. Oscar Romero, who served as archbishop of San Salvador during that country’s civil war.

Religion trends are full of puzzles. Why are some Catholic churches growing? Why are others in rapid decline?

Crossroads -- Religion trends are full of puzzlesMATTINGLY: It’s a question that I hear several times a year: If Protestants join Eastern Orthodox parishes, did they “convert” to Orthodoxy? To state the matter another way, did they “change religions”? That question is at the heart of a new Pew Research poll that we discussed during this week’s “Crossroads” podcast, along with yet another recent Pew poll that led to this New York Times headline...

7 Amazing New Testament Women

7 Amazing New Testament Women - St. Paul CenterHARROLD: One notable aspect of the Christian moral revolution was its insistence that women are equal to men in dignity and worth. The earliest Christians took seriously the declaration in the book of Genesis that both men and women are created in God’s “image and likeness” (Gen 1:27). As the Gospel spread around the Mediterranean world, so did the biblical truth that men and women “are all one in Christ Jesus”...

Genuine Courage: Not as the World Gives

Genuine courage: Not as the world gives | Catholic CultureMIRUS: When Cardinal McElroy denounced President Donald Trump’s immigration policies at a conference on “Catholic Teaching and Work with Migrants”, he made a particularly awkward statement. He said that we have a choice between treating those at the borders with dignity and launching “a crusade which comes from the darkest parts of our American psyche and soul and history.” Perhaps Cardinal McElroy has forgotten that the word “crusade” refers literally to an endeavor that is “marked by the cross”.

Restoring the Soul of the Republic: Why This Is the Catholic Moment

The Catholic Role in the American Founding | Catholic CultureLAWLER: Picture a medieval city in Europe, with the cathedral at its center, the people gathered outside on the piazza. Or think of ancient Rome, where leaders gathered at the Forum to discuss public affairs or offer sacrifices to their gods. In early New England villages, the church on the town green also served as the meetinghouse. In these communities, political debates were never far removed from religious principles.

Why does the Church celebrate Jubilee years?

Why the Catholic Church Celebrates Jubilee Years: Restoration, Renewal, Mercy and FreedomSTAUDT: The concept comes from the Old Testament, marking the completion of seven cycles of sabbath years, a time of rest given to the land every seven years. In the fiftieth year, not just the land but all of society would experience liberation and rest, marking a renewal of the freedom God gave his people in bringing them out of the slavery of Egypt. John Bergsma explains the importance of the biblical Jubilee in his book...

12 Proposals For Catholic Renewal In a Post-Institution Age

12 Proposals For Catholic Renewal In a Post-Institution Age - Catholic Missionary Disciples - College Station, TXLEJEUNE: There is a large and growing distrust with institutions in the US. In fact, it has reached record lows according to Gallup. Trust in “the church or organized religion” is at 31%. Read another way, 7 out of 10 Americans distrust organized religion, including the Catholic Church. But, other institutions lack the trust of the masses as well. Congress, news organizations, big businesses, the criminal justice system, banks, the Supreme Court, and public schools have even lower levels of trust than religion does...

5 Takeaways on ‘Our Father’ and the Prodigal Son for the 4th Sunday of Lent This Sunday

This%20Sunday%2C%20%u2018Our%20Father%u2019%20and%20the%20Prodigal%20Son%3A%205%20Takeaways%20for%20the%204th%20Sunday%20of%20Lent%20%u2013%20Benedictine%20College%20Media%20%26%20CultureHOOPES: Think of the Prodigal Son parable as a story about the Our Father Prayer. We say the Our Father so often that we can forget just how powerful it is. The parable of the Prodigal Son can remind us. The Lord’s Prayer reminds us that we live in a wonderful place: Our Father is in heaven and has made us citizens of his kingdom, where his name is hallowed and his will is done, and we hope for his reign to be fully established here on earth

Sydney Archbishop Credits Cardinal Pell’s Intercession for Miraculous Survival of Arizona Toddler

Archbishop%20credits%20Cardinal%20Pell%u2019s%20intercession%20for%20miraculous%20survival%20of%20Arizona%20toddler%20%7C%20Catholic%20News%20Agency: Archbishop Anthony Fisher of Sydney this week credited the apparently miraculous survival of an Arizona toddler to the intercession of Cardinal George Pell. According to the newspaper The Australian, Fisher said at a book event on March 26 that he had learned that an 18-month-old boy had been discharged from a hospital in Phoenix after going 52 minutes without breathing following a fall into a pool.

Mothering Sunday, the Marko Rupnik Mess, and My Life’s Ambition

Mothering%2C%20a%20mess%2C%20and%20a%20life%u2019s%20ambitionCONDON: We’re basically in the Lenten home stretch. This weekend is Mothering Sunday — which originates in the U.K. and is distinct from and predates the knockoff Hallmark version in May by several centuries. For those who aren’t familiar, the tradition of the day is to make a pilgrimage to your “mother church,” the church of your baptism, in preparation for Easter. You should call your mother on the day too, of course. That’s just good manners.

Flannery O’Connor knew the grandmother and the serial killer

David Mills: Flannery O'Connor knew the grandmother and the serial killer | Pittsburgh Post-GazetteMILLS: She’s not to everyone’s taste. Tuesday was the 100th birthday of the writer Flannery O’Connor. She’s got her own volume in the Library of America series, the writer’s equivalent of the Hall of Fame, but you’re more likely to read her in a classroom than a book club. Her stories appeared not only in the more literary magazines...

Mel Gibson’s ‘The Resurrection of the Christ’ to Begin Shooting in Italy This August

Mel%20Gibson%u2019s%20%u2018The%20Resurrection%20of%20the%20Christ%u2019%20to%20begin%20shooting%20in%20Italy%20this%20August%20%7C%20Catholic%20News%20Agency: Mel Gibson’s sequel to “The Passion of the Christ” — “The Resurrection of the Christ” — is set to begin production in Italy this August, according to Manuela Cacciamani, CEO of Rome’s Cinecittà Studios.

Saint Mary's 2025 commencement speaker choice receives pushback

Saint Mary's 2025 commencement speaker choice receives pushback - The Observer: The selection of former president of Ireland Mary McAleese as the commencement speaker for the Saint Mary's College class of 2025 was announced to students via email March 6. Since then, both Belles for Life and The Loretto Trust have made statements calling for McAleese's offer to be rescinded, with the former calling her invitation “a grave scandal to the Catholic faith.”

Switching My Religion: 20% Around The Globe Have Left Their Childhood Faith

Switching My Religion: 20% Around The Globe Have Left Their Childhood FaithLISI: An estimated one-fifth of adults around the world have left the faith group in which they were raised — with Christianity and Buddhism experiencing especially large losses from this “religious switching,” a new study reveals. The figures — compiled by the Pew Research Center following surveys of nearly 80,000 people in 36 countries...

Vatican Stats: Baptisms, Seminarians Decline; First Communions, Confirmations Rise; 1.4 Billion Catholics Worldwide

Vatican statistics: Baptisms down, but first Communions, confirmations up - OSV News: The number of Catholics and permanent deacons in the world rose in 2023, while the number of seminarians, priests, men and women in religious orders, and baptisms all declined, according to Vatican statistics. However, the Vatican’s Statistical Yearbook of the Church said, 9.1 million people received their first Communion in 2023, up from 8.68 million people the previous year, and almost 7.7 million people were confirmed, up from 7.4 million people in 2022.

Does the Vatican have group chats? What about cyber-security and the ‘pontifical secret’?

Does the Vatican have group chats?: Americans are talking about confidential communications this week, after cabinet secretaries, the vice president, and other senior Trump administration officials came under fire for including a journalist in a group chat that debated, planned, and provided updates on a March 15 bombing run against Houthi targets in Yemen.

Intrinsically Evil Acts and Repentance

Intrinsically Evil Acts and Repentance | Catholic CulturePOKORSKY: We tend to measure the morality of our behavior against the effects of our actions. The criteria seem reasonable, but some evil actions (such as dishonest stock trading) pay rich rewards. Among the most neglected concepts in Catholic moral theology are intrinsically evil acts that offend God. An “intrinsically evil act” is evil in itself...

How to Face Death with Joy — From a Guy Who Stares at a Graveyard Every Morning

New%20Advent%3A%20How%20to%20Face%20Death%20with%20Joy%20%u2014%20From%20a%20Guy%20Who%20Stares%20at%20a%20Graveyard%20Every%20MorningSTEFANICK: What if your greatest weakness could become your greatest witness? In this powerful, funny, and deeply moving conversation, we sit down with Fr. Augustine Wetta — a Benedictine monk, author, and high school chaplain — who’s living with early onset Parkinson’s. Doctors told him he’d be “non-functional” by now ... but he’s still preaching, writing, and cracking jokes.

Spiritual Indifference and the Road to Calvary

Spiritual Indifference and the Road to Calvary | Knowing Is DoingTORRE: In a particularly striking conversation between Jesus and his disciples, the disciples ask Jesus why he uses parables (stories) to explain what he is trying to convey to the followers around him. The disciples were enamored with Jesus’ methods probably because they were accustomed to the methods of the Scribes and Pharisees. Nevertheless, Jesus explains to the disciples that the premise behind the use of parables is to help them understand the keys to the kingdom...

The Hiddenness of God and Seeking Signs

The Hiddenness of God and Seeking Signs - Word on FireKACZOR: In the movie The Man with Two Brains, Steve Martin plays a widower who is considering getting remarried. His beautiful but greedy girlfriend Dolores artfully conceals her cruelty. One day, Martin stands before a portrait of his dead wife, Rebecca, and begs, “Rebecca, if there is anything wrong with my feelings for Dolores, just give me a sign.” Immediately, lights blink, winds whip, and an earthquake erupts...

Spring is calling. Answer, before it’s too late...

Spring: Make Life Seasonal Again - LifeCraftCUDDEBACK: Nature, and I mean the wonderful world bursting into bloom and the human nature throbbing within us, is always on our side. It never stops calling us to richer, fuller life. We can listen to our flesh. It has something to say. Yes, we are careful to discipline it, especially in Lent, lest its inclinations run amok and lead us astray. But Aslan is not a tame lion. Nor should we live in the cage in which our hyper-technologized, anti-natural, navel-gazing, comfort-seeking culture tends to trap us.

The politics of grievance has emerged with a vengeance again

Against the politics of grievanceWEIGEL: “Woke,” shorthand for what was once known as “political correctness,” helped fuel a grievance-based progressive politics that did immense damage to the American body politic, while filling young minds with a surfeit of historical nonsense. The New York Times 1619 Project, which falsified the story of the United States by reading our entire national history through the lens of America’s original sin, slavery, was wokery’s Platonic form. It poisoned school curricula and underwrote the race-baiting politics that followed the murder of George Floyd...

This is the age of crashing Hollywood empires — like Snow White, Star Wars, Indiana Jones and other pop-culture Marvels

(3) Age of the crashing Hollywood empires - by tmattMATTINGLY: As a rule, I am not a fan of sequels — other than movies that complete a cycle of stories that exist in some existing form of literature (think “The Lord of the Rings”). I am also not a fan of live-action remakes of classic animated films. In other words, I don’t get to go to the movies much these days. Let me stress that I will pay to see “Casablanca,” “Young Frankenstein,” or “Lawrence of Arabia” on a big screen. If “Interstellar” shows up on an IMAX screen within 100 miles of me, I will be there.

Why Men and Women’s Brains Are Wired Differently — And How It Affects Us All

Why%20Men%20and%20Women%u2019s%20Brains%20Are%20Wired%20Differently%20%u2014%20And%20How%20It%20Affects%20Us%20AllBONACCI: My brother, a medical doctor, says that I got my MD from Google University. He is not wrong. I’m a theologian, not a doctor. But, like Pope St. John Paul II before me, I have been fascinated with God’s creation of male and female. In particular, as we have been exploring over these past few columns, the differences in the lived experience of being male or female and the questions around how much of that difference...

Pope Francis: ‘Even if We Hit Rock Bottom, God Lets Us Start Over With Him’

Pope Francis: Even if we hit rock bottom, God lets us start over with Him - Vatican News: Pope Francis releases his catechesis for the weekly General Audience, which was not held as he recovers from bilateral pneumonia, and recalls that it is never too late to consign everything to God and start anew in our journey.

10 Quotes on the Annunciation from Pope St. John Paul II

10%20Quotes%20on%20the%20Annunciation%20from%20Pope%20Saint%20John%20Paul%20II%20%u2013%20TOM%20PERNAPERNA: Today is the last solemnity in the Lenten season until we get to the Solemnity of All Solemnities on April 20. Still, today’s solemnity sets the course for what we will celebrate on Easter Sunday. It is a day when the Church gathers to pray and remember when Christ became incarnate within the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It is this day when the Angel Gabriel appears to Our Lady and although confused at first by the angel’s announcement, she boldly proclaims her Fiat – her yes, be it done unto me according to thy word.

Pope Came so Close to Death on Feb. 28 That His Medical Team Considered Stopping Treatment, Says Lead Physician

Pope Francis came so close to death that his medical team considered stopping treatment: The medical staff looking after Pope Francis considered stopping his treatment so he could die, according to the lead doctor, while the 88-year-old pontiff was hospitalized with a drawn-out respiratory illness. Professor Sergio Alfieri told Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera the most critical moment came on February 28 when the pope had a breathing crisis and inhaled his own vomit.

How to Act When so Many Flaunt Their Cruelty

David Mills: How to act when so many flaunt their cruelty | Pittsburgh Post-GazetteMILLS: My young friends told me the same story as the novelist: People don’t see them when they’re behind the counter. They might greet the customer by name and he’d looked confused or even annoyed, till something in his brain would click and he realized he was speaking to someone he knew. They were the help, and invisible. Writing novels not paying the bills, Camilla Grudova worked as a server at the same arts center where her own book had been launched and she’d been a celebrity.

Trump Administration Aims to Freeze $120 Million in Grants to Planned Parenthood, WSJ Reports

Trump administration aims to freeze family-planning grants, WSJ reports | Reuters: U.S. President Donald Trump's administration is planning to freeze federal family-planning grants worth about $120 million this year, the Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday, citing people familiar with the matter.

10 Quotes on the Annunciation from Pope St. John Paul II

10%20Quotes%20on%20the%20Annunciation%20from%20Pope%20Saint%20John%20Paul%20II%20%u2013%20TOM%20PERNAPERNA: Today is the last solemnity in the Lent season until we get to the Solemnity of All Solemnities on April 20. Still, today’s solemnity sets the course for what we will celebrate on Easter Sunday. It is a day when the Church gathers to pray and remember when Christ became incarnate within the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It is this day when the Angel Gabriel appears to Our Lady and although confused at first by the angel’s announcement, she boldly proclaims her Fiat – her yes, be it done unto me according to thy word.

The ‘Humble, Hidden Event,’ and Wishin’ for a Commission

The%20%u2018humble%2C%20hidden%20event%2C%u2019%20and%20wishin%u2019%20for%20a%20commissionJDFLYNN: Today’s the Solemnity of the Annunciation, and you’re reading The Tuesday Pillar Post. Pope Benedict XVI talked about the Annunciation as a “a humble, hidden event.” “No one saw it, no one except Mary knew of it — but at the same time it was crucial to the history of humanity,” Benedict taught. “When the Virgin said her ‘yes’ to the angel's announcement, Jesus was conceived, and with him began the new era of history...

‘Evangelium Vitae’ Was John Paul II’s Battle Cry Against the Culture of Death

%u2018Evangelium%20Vitae%u2019%20Was%20John%20Paul%20II%u2019s%20Battle%20Cry%20Against%20the%20Culture%20of%20Death%7C%20National%20Catholic%20RegisterDESOUZA: The publication of Evangelium Vitae (The Gospel of Life) 30 years ago marked a high-water mark of the pontificate of St. John Paul the Great. Signed on the Solemnity of the Annunciation (March 25, 1995), the 11th of his 14 encyclicals was a publishing sensation. Paperback copies of the text appeared at supermarket checkouts...

Why J.R.R. Tolkien Made March 25 the Day the Ring Was Destroyed

Why Tolkien Made March 25 the Day the Ring Was Destroyed| National Catholic RegisterPEARCE: It is unlikely that many people will think that Frodo Baggins, the diminutive hero of The Lord of the Rings, has much to do with the season of Lent. What has a hobbit to do with the habit of fasting? What has The Lord of the Rings to do with the Lord who died for us on the cross? What on earth has Middle-earth to do with the reason for the Lenten season?

The End of My Planned Parenthood

Planned Parenthood Closing Manhattan Clinic | National ReviewLOPEZ: My Planned Parenthood is closing. It’s been put on the market. The asking price is $39 million. In truth, there is no price tag to capture the infinite worth of the lives that have been lost there. Lives were ended. Hearts were broken. Immiseration was compounded. My Planned Parenthood was once named after Margaret Sanger, the founder of Planned Parenthood. For decades, many on the right pointed out that the woman was a eugenicist...

Solemnity of the Annunciation: ‘The Word Became Flesh and Dwelt Among Us’

Daily Bible Reading - March 25, 2025 | USCCB: The angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin’s name was Mary. And coming to her, he said, “Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you.” But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.

8 Things to Know and Share About the Annunciation

8 Things to Know and Share About the Annunciation| National Catholic RegisterAKIN: We are celebrating the solemnity of the Annunciation. This day celebrates the appearance of the Angel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary to announce of the birth of Christ. What’s going on and why is this day important? Here are eight things you need to know. First, what does the word “Annunciation” mean? It's derived from the same root...

‘It’s all legal!’: How the nuncio installed Detroit’s archbishop by his own decree

%u2018It%u2019s%20all%20legal%21%u2019%3A%20How%20the%20nuncio%20installed%20Detroit%u2019s%20archbishop%20by%20his%20own%20decree: When Archbishop Edward Weisenburger was formally installed as Archbishop of Detroit last week, the liturgy included an interesting hiccup: There was no papal bull in the building to actually make Weisenburger the archbishop. While Pope Francis’ selection of Weisenburger as archbishop was announced by the Vatican in February, the pope soon after became dangerously unwell...

Indianapolis Archdiocese: Lab Results Indicate Discolored Host Was ‘Not Miraculous’

Indianapolis%20Archdiocese%3A%20Lab%20results%20indicate%20discolored%20host%20was%20%u2018not%20miraculous%u2019%20%7C%20Catholic%20News%20AgencyQUINONES: Following an investigation into a possible Eucharistic miracle at a local parish, the Archdiocese of Indianapolis announced Monday that scientific analysis indicated that the cause was natural, not miraculous. Last month, a post on X drew attention to what the post called a “‘potential’ Eucharistic miracle” after a parish in southern Indiana discovered a host with red spots on it, which the parish sacristan thought could be blood.

Ukrainian Military Chaplain Brings Christ’s Light to War’s Dark Trenches

Ukrainian%20Military%20Chaplain%20Brings%20Christ%u2019s%20Light%20to%20War%u2019s%20Dark%20Trenches%7C%20National%20Catholic%20RegisterTURLEY: On Feb. 24, an interfaith prayer service was held at London’s Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral of the Holy Family to commemorate the third anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. There were prayers, hymns and addresses from various British Christian leaders. But one contribution was especially moving: a personal testimony from Ukrainian Catholic Father Taras Mykhalchuk, pastor of Sts. Peter and Paul Garrison Church in Lviv...

The Living Water Jesus Gives

The Living Water Jesus Gives | Parishable ItemsFELTES: Jesus tells the woman at the well, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again; but whoever drinks the water I shall give will never thirst; the water I shall give will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” What is this water he speaks of? The Samaritan woman, initially either humoring him, mocking him, or believing him, replies to Jesus...

All salvation is local. If you do not repent, you will perish...

All Salvation is Local - The Catholic ThingPAULSCALIA: The famous Speaker of the House Tip O’Neil is often credited with the saying, “All politics is local.” Now, I’m not particularly interested in the political part of that statement. But I am interested in how it applies to my line of work. You could say that all salvation is local. It happens in particular souls. And you don’t get any more local than that.

‘The Chosen: Last Supper’ Debuts in Dallas Ahead of Nationwide Theatrical Release

%u2018The%20Chosen%3A%20Last%20Supper%u2019%20premieres%20in%20Dallas%2C%20bringing%20Holy%20Week%20to%20the%20big%20screen%20-%20OSV%20NewsBRISCOE: The wait is almost over for The Chosen fans. The highly anticipated fifth season of the groundbreaking series — “The Chosen: Last Supper” — premiered at a special red-carpet event in Dallas, ahead of its nationwide theatrical debut on March 28. With cast and crew in attendance at the B&B Theatres Red Oak 12, the event marks the beginning of an eight-episode journey through Holy Week, one of the most pivotal and dramatic chapters in the life of Jesus.

Saved in 50 Seconds: The Story of Franciszek Gajowniczek, the Man Spared by St. Maximilian Kolbe at Auschwitz

Saved in 50 Seconds: The Story of Franciszek Gajowniczek, the Man Spared by St. Maximilian Kolbe at Auschwitz| National Catholic RegisterKUNERT: On July 29, 1941, at the roll-call square in Auschwitz, a piercing cry tore from Franciszek Gajowniczek’s throat: “I pity my wife and children!” Prisoner No. 5659 had been selected, along with nine others, for death by starvation — a punishment for another prisoner’s escape from the camp. Moments later, an extraordinary event unfolded. From the ranks of prisoners stepped Conventual Franciscan Father Maximilian Kolbe...

What John Paul II Thought About ‘Feminism’ [WSJ Paywall]

What%20John%20Paul%20II%20Thought%20About%20%u2018Feminism%u2019%20-%20WSJGRESS: Regarding Erika Bachiochi’s “John Paul II, the Feminist Pope” (Houses of Worship, March 14): When one thinks of a feminist, such names as Margaret Sanger, Betty Friedan and Gloria Steinem come to mind, not John Paul II. For 26 years, he was the iconic symbol of the patriarchy, enduring feminists’ rage, as expressed by Sinead O’Connor tearing up his image on “Saturday Night Live.” His love for women nevertheless urged him to find common ground...

The Tomb of Christ and the Atomic Moment

The tomb of Christ and the atomic momentSCALIA: In Lent, we expect the sojourn through the desert, encountering spiritual heat, thirst, mirages that disappear as we draw near to them. Sometimes, we find ourselves encountering Christ there and sometimes we meet ourselves as moments of our past rise up out of the desert sands, gleaming in harsh light like a burnished sphynx, impossible to ignore. This year Lent has brought me, most unexpectedly, into the very tomb of Christ...

The Lord Sees Your Fig Tree — 5 Takeaways for the Third Sunday of Lent

This%20Sunday%2C%20The%20Lord%20Sees%20Your%20Fig%20Tree%3B%20Five%20Takeaways%20for%20the%20Third%20Sunday%20of%20Lent%20%u2013%20Benedictine%20College%20Media%20%26%20CultureHOOPES: Jesus gives us a harsh warning followed by unimaginable comfort in the Gospel this Sunday. Here are five takeaways for the Third Sunday of Lent, Year C taken from from This Sunday columns at this site and the Extraordinary Story podcast. Jesus shares two examples from the news. First, he refers to a cruel act by an oppressive government. It seems that Pilate had insurrectionist Galileans killed while they were going to the Temple for sacrifice. This act is often suggested to be the reason that Herod and Pilate were “at enmity” with each other.

Humanities Syllabus for March: Confronting Evil and Death

Humanities Syllabus for March: Confronting Evil and DeathCONLEY: As we continue our journey through this season of Lent, we follow Jesus on our pilgrimage into the desert to confront the enemy and his many temptations. Even as we focus on truth, goodness, and beauty, we necessarily come up against evil, seeking to prevent us from receiving and living out these gifts. In this place of exile, we reach the fruits of the Christian life only by embracing the Cross, the true victory over the enemy.

Why ‘Nosferatu’ Earned a Place on the Vatican’s Film List

Why%20%u2018Nosferatu%u2019%20Earned%20a%20Place%20on%20the%20Vatican%u2019s%20Film%20List%7C%20National%20Catholic%20RegisterLAMBERT: The original Nosferatu (1922) remains a pillar in the history of cinema, a silent masterpiece that laid the groundwork for its genre. A century later, it continues to captivate audiences, earning it a place on the Vatican’s list of significant films. With renewed attention following its 2024 remake, now is a fitting time to revisit the silent-era classic that reminds us — even in the darkest tales — the light is never truly overcome.

In First Public Appearance for Weeks, Pope Francis Greets Crowds From Gemelli Hospital Balcony, Returns to Vatican

In first public appearance for weeks, Pope Francis greets crowds from Gemelli Hospital balcony | Catholic News Agency: Shortly before returning to his home in the Vatican on Sunday, Pope Francis made a brief appearance from a fifth-floor balcony of the Gemelli Clinic in Rome to a crowd of faithful gathered outside the hospital. The moment marked his first public engagement in weeks. Waving and giving a “thumps-up” before blessing the faithful gathered outside Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, the pontiff briefly thanked one well-wisher for bringing flowers for the occasion.

Pope Francis to Be Discharged From Gemelli Hospital on Sunday; Two-Month Convalescence to Follow Return to Vatican

Pope Francis will be discharged from Gemelli Hospital on Sunday, Vatican says | Catholic News Agency: Pope Francis will be discharged from Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on Sunday, the Vatican said on Saturday afternoon, with the Holy Father leaving the facility after spending more than a month there amid a health crisis. Hospital officials said on Saturday that the pope will continue convalescing at his apartment in Casa Santa Marta for at least two months.

St. Enda, Acting, and a Few Good Men

Enda, acting, and a few good menCONDON: Happy Friday friends, And a happy feast of St. Enda, the father of Irish monasticism, to all who celebrate. Enda was, according to the Martyrology of Oengus, a warrior prince of Ulster who was converted to Christianity by his sister Fanchea, an abbess and herself a saint. Pious legend has it that — before setting off to battles of conquest following the death of his father — Enda visited his sister in her monastery, where she begged him to renounce war.

Archbishop Naumann of Kansas City Settles Lawsuit Against Satanist Group Over Alleged Stolen Eucharist

Kansas City archbishop settles lawsuit against Satanist group over alleged stolen Eucharist | Catholic News Agency: Archbishop Joseph Naumann of Kansas City, Kansas, on Thursday settled a lawsuit against the leaders of a Kansas Satanist group after the defendants testified under oath that the hosts and wine they plan to desecrate in a Satanic ritual are not “Catholic in origin.”

The Viking Apocalypse: How Monastery Massacres Led to Miracles of Grace

The Viking Apocalypse: How Monastery Massacres Led to Miracles of Grace| National Catholic RegisterCRAUGHWELL: The Vikings were arguably the most destructive force in early medieval Europe. Libraries burned. Rare works of art looted and lost forever. Towns and villages wiped off the landscape. Lives destroyed. And the future of England, Ireland, and France — the primary targets of the Norsemen — placed in severe jeopardy...

St. Mary’s College in South Bend Should Not Confer An Honorary Degree On Mary McAleese

SMC Should Not Confer An Honorary Degree On Mary McAleese: Former Irish President Mary McAleese once expressed her regret over sending her son to a Catholic school because of the Church’s teaching on homosexuality. In 1981 she publicly described the “failure to provide abortion as a human rights issue.” In 2018, she voted to repeal Ireland’s eighth amendment. Now, in May, she will be receiving an honorary degree and delivering the commencement address at Saint Mary’s College, the University of Notre Dame’s all-female sister school.

Planned Parenthood to Shutter Manhattan Facility: A Witness to Answered Prayers

Planned Parenthood to Shutter Manhattan Facility: A Witness to Answered Prayers| National Catholic RegisterBRUNO: When the news broke this morning, as reported in the Gothamist, that Planned Parenthood of Greater New York would close its flagship Manhattan facility at 26 Bleecker Street, citing financial pressures and mounting maintenance costs, I almost fell out of my chair. This was no ordinary closure to me or to the countless others who've stood on those sidewalks in prayer. This was a moment of Divine intervention — a testament to the power of grace.

Why Saints, Not Superman, Are the Real Heroes

Why Saints, Not Superman, Are the Real Heroes| National Catholic RegisterDEMARCO: Throughout history, there have been many and varied proposals as to what constitutes a superman. The common denominator that gives meaning to the word is the human being at his absolute best. This is an intriguing thought and has captured the imagination of all those who aspire to the highest. Jacques Maritain has made the case that Aristotle was the first to propose...

‘A Scandalous Message’: St. Mary’s College Faces New Backlash Over Controversial Commencement Speaker

%u2018A%20Scandalous%20Message%u2019%3A%20St.%20Mary%u2019s%20College%20Faces%20New%20Backlash%20Over%20Controversial%20Commencement%20Speaker%7C%20National%20Catholic%20RegisterLIEDL: An all-women’s Catholic college that was recently the center of controversy for attempting to admit male students who identify as female is facing a fresh round of concern over its commitment to Catholic teaching. This time, St. Mary’s College in northern Indiana is being criticized by alumnae and current students for its plan to give a platform to a former Irish politician who is now devoted to overturning Church teaching as this spring’s commencement speaker.

Stranded Astronaut in Space Proclaims Gospel Before Historic Rescue Back to Earth

Stranded Astronaut in Space Proclaims Gospel Before Historic Rescue Back to Earth| National Catholic RegisterMURPHY: It all sounds like the plot of the next space blockbuster movie, but for the two astronauts who have been stuck in space for nine months, living suspended in space is a very real thing. Millions across the country and around the globe have heard about these astronauts stranded at the International Space Station for the same time it takes a baby to form in the womb.

Pope’s Vocation Day Message on Solemnity of St. Joseph: ‘Our Mission Is to Be Christ’s Presence to All’

Pope%u2019s%20Vocation%20Day%20message%3A%20Our%20mission%20is%20to%20be%20Christ%u2019s%20presence%20to%20all%20-%20Vatican%20News: As he recovers from bilateral pneumonia at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, Pope Francis has released his message for the 62nd World Day of Prayer for Vocations, which falls this year on May 11. Entitled “Pilgrims of Hope: The Gift of Life,” the Pope’s message recalls that every vocation—be it to ordained ministry, consecrated life, or the laity...

When attacking antisemitism, don’t fudge Church teaching

When%20attacking%20antisemitism%2C%20don%u2019t%20fudge%20Church%20teaching%20%7C%20Catholic%20CultureTHOMASMIRUS: Cardinal Timothy Dolan has written an opinion piece for The Free Press, “The Evils of Antisemitism”, in which he speaks out against the proliferation of anti-Jewish hatred in some quarters today. Such a moral stand well befits a prince of the Church. It should be a no-brainer for Catholics that hatred and violence against Jews (or anyone else) is evil...

Ite ad Ioseph

Ite ad IosephJDFLYNN: In the Church’s calendar, St. Joseph has two feasts, and three if you count the Feast of the Holy Family, the Sunday after Christmas. Devotion to St. Joseph is prominent in the Church today — note the pope’s apostolic letter on the man, the popularity of a 33-day consecration to the Lord’s foster father, and the profusion of kids named Joseph you’ll find at the parish Sunday donuts. But it hasn’t always been thus...

Major League Baseball vs. America: Pleasant summer evenings at the ballpark once seemed timeless. Now they’re endangered...

Will Bardenwerper: Major League Baseball vs. America | Pittsburgh Post-GazetteBARDENWERPER: Perhaps no decision in decades has so fundamentally altered America’s game like Major League Baseball’s elimination of 42 minor league affiliates before the 2021 season. Pulling out of 25% of its minor league towns would reportedly cut costs on what some considered to be an anachronistic player development system. Never mind that Juan Soto, with his $765,000,000 contract, will make in ten at-bats roughly the $700,000 MLB will save annually for each minor league team they cut.

Dying to Protect the Seal of the Confessional

(3) Dying to Protect the Seal of the ConfessionalTOMMCDONALD: Every year on March 17th all the world dresses in sober colors, dies their beer a golden-yellowish, and recalls the great Polish saint and martyr Jan Sarkander. Eternally overshadowed by St. Patrick, St. Jan has the great misfortune of sharing a feast day with an Irishman. (My people do have a habit of taking over a room.) And yet we shouldn’t forget this good and holy martyr, who died, at least in part, for a cause that continues to vex us: government encroachment on the seal of the confessional.

Wichita Catholic Church Vandalized With Hate Speech; Federal Authorities Investigating

Wichita Catholic Church Vandalized With Hate Speech; Federal Authorities Investigating| National Catholic RegisterMCKEOWN: Police have arrested a 23-year-old man suspected of heavily vandalizing and defacing the interior of a Catholic parish in Wichita, Kansas, over the weekend. According to the Wichita Police Department, officers responded to a reported burglary at St. Patrick parish on the morning of March 15. Once inside, the officers discovered extensive vandalism...

100 Must-See Movies for Catholics, from Cameron DeLaFleur and Joe Wilson

(3) "Official" list of 100 "must see" films for CatholicsMATTINGLY: If I haven’t said this before, let me stress this fact about the next few days: I cannot sleep on airplanes. Not a wink. Also, the cheap seats in a packed, modern, long-range jet (steerage class for the 21st Century) contain zero room for a gravity challenged (think about it), 70something guy to work on a laptop computer. During the long flight Down Under, I barely had room for a can of Coke Zero, a paperback book and a yellow highlighter pen.

Does the Way of the Cross foster reverence for the Holy Eucharist?

Does the Way of the Cross, foster reverence for the Holy Eucharist? | Knowing Is DoingTORRE: At some point in life, a person will witness a series of events that will leave him asking a simple rhetorical question: “Did I just see that?” The encounter may spawn further questions or leave the person confused about what he just witnessed or look for answers. Imagine if the event you encounter was the celebration of the Mass and the actual incident involved an extraordinary minister of the Holy Eucharist...

Why Every Catholic Should Know the Act of Contrition by Heart

Why Every Catholic Should Know the Act of Contrition by Heart| National Catholic RegisterKIRBY: Throughout the Christian way of life, and especially in Lent, believers are called to examine their consciences and repent of their sins. The deeper the repentance, the greater the conversion of heart, and the greater the resolution of amendment. As Christians, we are confident to confess our sins and ask God for his mercy, since God always rallies our cause and is eager to accept our sorrow and give us a new beginning in Jesus Christ.

Vatican Releases First Photo of Pope Francis Since Entering Hospital

First Photo of Pope Francis Since Entering Hospital| National Catholic Register: The Vatican has released the first photo of Pope Francis since he entered the Gemelli Hospital in Rome on February 14. “This morning, Pope Francis concelebrated Holy Mass in the chapel of the tenth-floor apartment at the Gemelli Polyclinic,” according to a statement from the Vatican Press Office. In the photo, the Holy Father can be seen seated before the altar of the chapel where he concelebrated the Eucharist, in what is the first image of the Pontiff since he was admitted to the hospital, first suffering from bronchitis and then pneumonia.

Vatican Announces New Program of Committees and 2028 Meeting ‘to Help Churches Walk in a Synodal Style’

Pope Francis approves 2028 Catholic assembly to evaluate synod outcomes | Catholic News AgencyWIMMER: The Vatican announced Tuesday that Pope Francis has approved a special ecclesial assembly for October 2028 to evaluate how Catholic communities worldwide have implemented the recently concluded Synod on Synodality recommendations. Cardinal Mario Grech, secretary-general of the synod, detailed the plans in a letter to bishops worldwide...

‘Traditionis Custodes’: Pope Francis Restricted Older Liturgical Forms. Will Those Restrictions Last?

Does%20%u2018Traditionis%20custodes%u2019%20have%20a%20future%3FCOPPEN: No one — not even a liturgist — can unerringly predict the future. How many Catholics attending Mass in 1962 knew that the Roman Missal issued that year would be the last of its kind? How many Catholics at the start of 2007 sensed that restrictions on the 1962 missal, in place since the reform of 1970, were about to be lifted? And how many Catholics suspected that use of the 1962 missal would be curtailed once again in 2021?

This artist probably isn't the first painter who wanted to kill a pope, but he may be the one who came the closest

(3) Surreally: A Painter Attempts to Assassinate a PopeTOMMCDONALD: On November 27th, 1970, Pope St. Paul VI got off his plane at the Manila International Airport in the Philippines as part of a papal tour that also included Iran, Pakistan, Samoa, Australia, Indonesia, Hong Kong, and Sri Lanka. He was the first pope to visit the Philippines. The usual dignitaries and clergy were present, but one man was not who he seemed to be. Although dressed as priest, Mendoza was, in fact, an aspiring artist...

7 Inspiring Bible Verses for Athletes

7 Inspiring Bible Verses for Athletes - St. Paul CenterHARROLD: One of the many ways in which Christianity diverged from the religions of the ancient world was through its affirmation of the goodness of the body. While pagan philosophers like Plato viewed the body as a prison which the soul needed to escape, Christians made the startling claim that God Himself had taken on a body. In no way, therefore, could human flesh be regarded as something evil.

What to Do When the Conclave Comes

What to do when the conclave comes | Catholic CultureLAWLER: When the Pope, any Pope, goes into the hospital, the reaction around Rome is unseemly yet predictable. The rumor mill begins to churn overtime. False reports abound. And thoughts turn toward the conclave. Journalists begin compiling their lists of the papabili, lists that may or may not be accurate. Cardinals who have avoided publicity suddenly become available for interviews, or issue major public statements...

The Pandemic and Pope Francis

The pandemic and Pope Francis | Catholic CultureWOLFGANG: The pandemic began five years ago today. For me, at least. And by “pandemic,” I really mean the lockdown. I think that is what most of us mean when we talk about that era. At the close of business on Thursday March 12, 2020 Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont issued “Executive Order #7,” forbidding gatherings of 250 or more people. My organization, Family Institute of Connecticut...

St. Josemaría Escrivá’s ‘The Way’ Tops Amazon Charts Thanks to Hallow’s Lent Challenge

Saint%20Josemar%EDa%20Escriv%E1%u2019s%20%u2018The%20Way%u2019%20tops%20Amazon%20charts%20thanks%20to%20Hallow%u2019s%20Lent%20challenge%20%7C%20Catholic%20News%20Agency: This Lent, sales of “The Way” by Saint Josemaría Escrivá have skyrocketed thanks to Hallow’s Lent Pray40 Challenge, with listeners diving deeper into the writings of the Spanish-born saint in his most well-known book.

Pope Francis’ Distinctive Eucharistic Piety

Pope%20Francis%u2019%20Distinctive%20Eucharistic%20Piety%7C%20National%20Catholic%20RegisterDESOUZA: Pope Francis will mark the 12th anniversary of his election in a hospital, and that hospitalization casts light on the distinctive Eucharistic piety of the pontificate — one that emphasizes Eucharistic adoration rather than the Holy Mass itself. During his hospitalization, the detailed daily medical bulletins noted that Pope Francis received Holy Communion each day and usually spent time praying in the hospital chapel, likely before the Blessed Sacrament.

‘Ireland Is Not Lost Forever’: Bishop Brings Ashes and Good News of Jesus Christ to City Streets

%u2018Ireland%20Is%20Not%20Lost%20Forever%u2019%3A%20Bishop%20Brings%20Ashes%20and%20Gospel%20to%20City%20Streets%7C%20National%20Catholic%20RegisterTURLEY: On Ash Wednesday, Bishop Alphonsus Cullinan of Waterford and Lismore, Ireland, took to the streets of Waterford City, offering ashes to anyone who wished to receive them. In a country where faith is often seen as fading, the response was anything but indifferent. Given Ireland’s current drive for an ever more secular country, was he surprised by the reaction?

Latin and the Big Questions

Latin and the Big Questions - The Catholic ThingDANGALLAGHER: William Sitwell, praising the decision of the British Department of Education to cease funding the Latin Excellence Programme (LEP), recently wrote in London’s The Telegraph that “the loss of Latin from schools is a triumph, not a tragedy,” explaining that “the ancient language has little relevance in today’s society.” nNo one in America would have been more eager to join Sitwell than John Dewey...

Satanist Event at State Capitol Aims to Keep Kansas ‘Pro-Choice’ on Abortion

Satanist%20Event%20Hopes%20to%20Keep%20Kansas%20%u2018Pro-Choice%u2019%20on%20Abortion%20%u2013%20Benedictine%20College%20Media%20%26%20CultureHOOPES: An event at the Kansas Capitol in Topeka that organizers are calling a “Black Mass” is being organized in support of pro-choice views on abortion. That is what Michael Stewart, the organizer of the event, told the Topeka Capital-Journal. “This is a specific response to our legislatures continuing to pander to groups like the Kansas Catholic Conference and to Kansans for Life, where they keep trying to come back and attack abortion rights, much less other rights,” Stewart told the paper.

Amsterdam Unwraps Papal ‘Birthday Gift’ as St. Nicholas Basilica Is Named Co-Cathedral

Pope names Amsterdam's St. Nicholas Basilica a co-cathedral: The elevation Mass of St. Nicholas Basilica in Amsterdam to co-cathedral attracted a large crowd of attendees and dignitaries from home and abroad to the Dutch capital on March 8. It was presented as a “birthday gift” from Pope Francis to the city that celebrates its 750th anniversary in the midst of the Jubilee Year.

Joy Has Its Roots in the Shape of the Cross

Letter from the Prelate (10 March 2025) | Joy - Opus DeiOCARIZ: Joy, in general, is the effect of the possession and experience of something good. Depending on the type of goodness, joy has a greater or lesser intensity and permanence. When the joy is not the consequence of some particular experience of a good, but the consequence of one’s whole existence, it is usually called happiness. In any case, the deepest joy and happiness is that which is principally rooted in love.

Sin Makes You Stupid — Lent Makes You Smart

Sin%20Makes%20You%20Stupid%20%u2014%20Lent%20Makes%20You%20Smart%7C%20National%20Catholic%20RegisterMILLS: “I had to learn the hard way that sin makes people stupid,” my friend said. Most of us had to. I did. It makes us stupid about the world and especially about ourselves, and that’s a useful thing to know, but not all that useful in practice, because sin hides itself really well. It’s a useful thing to know because it helps us understand our problems better than most of us do, and gives us a key to understanding our past...

This Sunday, think about this: Someday, you may be transfigured too

This%20Sunday%2C%20We%20Will%20Be%20Transfigured%2C%20Too%3A%205%20Takeaways%20for%20the%20Second%20Sunday%20of%20Lent%20%u2013%20Benedictine%20College%20Media%20%26%20CultureHOOPES: By bringing us the story of the Transfiguration near the beginning of Lent, the Church shows us what we are aiming for at the end of Lent: a sacramental transformation. One day, we will be transfigured like what we see in the Gospel. We will be citizens of heaven, according to St. Paul, and we will be “like the stars” as the Old Testament reading puts it. But we will only arrive at this remarkable place if we act now to make it possible.

Do we need a ‘Dallas Charter’ to deal with theft and embezzlement in the Church?

Does%20the%20Church%20need%20a%20%u2018Dallas%20Charter%u2019%20on%20money%3FJDFLYNN: Since the Church’s sexual abuse scandal emerged in 2002, observers and commentators have made it a cliche to say that the next Catholic scandal in the Church will be financial, and that the scope of financial misconduct in the Church will be found eventually widespread and mostly unaddressed. Readers of The Pillar, who read regularly about financial crime in parishes and dioceses across the U.S. might find themselves arguing that the cliche is wrong...

Keep Moving, Real Time, and School Ties

Keep moving, real time, and school ties: It’s still Lent, if you’ve already forgotten and find yourself eyeing the salami in the fridge at 10.30am wondering if that’s what will make you feel a little bit better about the rest of the day. Something I have always been told about entering the season fully and properly, and not settling into a period of more-or-less muted everyday life, is the spirituality of moving...

Are We to Be Minds with Thumbs or Bodies That Create?

Are We to Be Minds with Thumbs or Bodies That Create? - Word on FireENGELLAND: On the subway, there was a lion of a man, tall and large, who had the bearing and beard of a Viking warrior. Yet there was also something small and soft about him. He had a bulging belly, his visage was bathed in blue light, and he spent the whole trip flexing only two parts of his body—his thumbs. At one time, such a man would have spent his days tilling the fields and, oh, what a farmer he would have been. How glad he would be to sink his teeth into bread...

Demographics and the Steubenville Test Case

Demographics and the Steubenville test caseCONDON: According to the bishop responsible for its care, the Diocese of Steubenville has enough money and enough priests to continue its mission. Bishop Ed Lohse of Kalamazoo, who is apostolic administrator of the Ohio diocese, issued his verdict on the financial and ministerial health of the local Church in a report published Tuesday...

‘Don’t Forget to Pray For Me’: Pope Francis Marks 12th Anniversary of Pontificate at Gemelli Hospital

Papal%20anniversary%3A%20For%2012%20years%20he%u2019s%20said%2C%20%u2018Don%u2019t%20forget%20to%20pray%20for%20me%u2019%20-%20OSV%20NewsWOODEN: As Pope Francis prepared to spend the 12th anniversary of his election at Rome’s Gemelli hospital, people at the Vatican and around the world were responding to his most frequent personal request. “From the beginning of his pontificate, we have heard Pope Francis ask us to not forget to pray for him, and that is what we are doing,” said Cardinal José Tolentino de Mendonça, prefect of the Dicastery for Culture and Education, as he led thousands of people praying the rosary for the pope March 10 in St. Peter’s Square.

9 Things to Know About Mark Carney, Canada’s Globalist New Prime Minister

9%20Things%20to%20Know%20About%20Mark%20Carney%2C%20Canada%u2019s%20Globalist%20New%20Prime%20Minister%7C%20National%20Catholic%20RegisterMCFEELY: On March 9, Mark Carney was elected to replace outgoing Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as the new leader of Canada’s governing Liberal Party. He won by an overwhelming margin, securing more than 85% of the total votes cast by party members. As a result of the victory, Carney will become Canada’s prime minister as soon as he is sworn into office on Friday by Canadian Governor General Mary Simon.

A New History of Redemption

A New History of Redemption - The Catholic ThingMAIER: The late great Henry Ford famously argued that “history is bunk.” The past, so the reasoning goes, is a millstone around humanity’s neck, a depressing, Old World obstacle to progress. And that’s clearly one of the conceits buried deep in the American psyche. We Americans are different. We’re a “city upon a hill,” the kind mentioned in the Sermon on the Mount. We’re an entirely “new order of the ages” – words, in their original Latin, that are stamped right on our nation’s Great Seal...

Why the Vatican is rebutting ‘fake news’ about an attempt to visit the Pope

Why%20the%20Vatican%20is%20rebutting%20%u2018fake%20news%u2019%20about%20an%20attempt%20to%20visit%20the%20popeBELTRAN: Cardinal Michael Czerny, S.J., has publicly defended a prominent Argentine left-wing activist over accusations that he attempted to gain unauthorized access to Pope Francis’ hospital room at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital. In a March 6 letter, Czerny, prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, expressed his gratitude to Juan Grabois, an Argentine political activist and a consultant to the dicastery...

Have the U.S. bishops united behind Cardinal McElroy?

Have the U.S. bishops united behind McElroy?CONDON: The installation of Cardinal Robert McElroy as the eighth Archbishop of Washington went off with a bang on Tuesday. The basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception was full, and the entrance processional snaked around the nave, as thousands of Catholics and hundreds of clerics from across the country arrived in fleets of buses to see the cardinal take possession of the capital see...

St. Gregory the Great, One of the Only Popes Called ‘Great,’ Receives His Reward

(3) One of the greats receives his eternal rewardSEWELL: Today in Papal History marks the death of Pope Gregory I, known better to those in his hometown of Rome as San Gregorio Magno – St. Gregory the Great. Only three other popes in the history of Christendom bear that moniker – Pope St. Leo I, Pope St. Nicholas I, and (according to a growing number these days) Pope St. John Paul II – so just what sort of greatness are we talking about with Gregory?

Demythologizing Some Recent Catholic History

Demythologizing some recent Catholic historyWEIGEL: On Saturday, October 3, 2015, I was present when a group of Synod fathers met to discuss their concerns about procedures for the Synod that would begin the following week. Most urgently, the “rulebook” circulated by the Synod general secretary, Cardinal Lorenzo Baldisseri, did not seem to make provision for votes on propositions by the Synod fathers — the method previous synods had used to register the bishops’ considered judgments...

Should parents tell their children if they were conceived through IVF? If so, how?

How Should Parents Tell Their Children That They Were Conceived Through IVF?| National Catholic RegisterBRUGGER: Before considering the competing reasons, it is worth considering a complication that will likely arise for people who come to realize both that they were created through IVF and that IVF is gravely wrong. They will almost certainly wonder: “Should I never have existed? Did God not intend for me to be here?” This question applies not just to IVF but to every out-of-wedlock pregnancy — whether from rape, incest, adultery, or premarital sex...

Lent is for Learning to Taste Things

Lent is For Learning to Taste Things - LifeCraftCUDDEBACK: It might seem we cannot change how things taste to us. But our wants, which determine our pleasures and pains, come under our control. It is our challenge and our glory to strive to bring our wants and tastes into conformity with the truth. Such is the ultimate self-help and self-improvement. A striking principle of Aristotle’s ethics is that you know a man by what brings him pleasure and pain...

‘We Shattered Attendance Records’: Youth Pack Pews in Numbers ‘Never Seen Before’ for Ash Wednesday Masses in France

Packed Pews: Youth Flock to Ash Wednesday Masses in France| National Catholic Register: Is being Catholic becoming “hip” in France? This is what social media and field reports from many French parishes have suggested, against all odds, following the start of Lent, March 5. In particular, an unprecedented surge in attendance for Ash Wednesday Masses this year was reported by Catholic weekly Famille Chrétienne that mentions a phenomenon “never seen before.” From major cities to rural parishes, priests and parishioners...

The Structure of Catholic Revolutions?

The structure of Catholic revolutions? | Catholic CultureLAWLER: The Structure of Scientific Revolutions, by Thomas Kuhn, had an enormous influence on academic discourse in the 1960s and 1970s, introducing the concept of the “paradigm shift” into common usage. Kuhn argued persuasively that scientific progress occurs not steadily, but in leaps and bounds, as new discoveries and/or new theories force researchers to abandon old assumptions and look at the world in entirely new ways. The new paradigm is accepted if it explains that world more successfully—in other words, if it produces better results. Hold that thought.

The Church Isn’t a Utopia, But It’s Right Where God Wants You

New%20Advent%3A%20The%20Church%20Isn%u2019t%20a%20Utopia%2C%20But%20It%u2019s%20Right%20Where%20God%20Wants%20You: It’s no secret — within the Church we encounter many problems: scandals, division, human failure. If you’ve ever felt frustrated or even disillusioned, you’re not alone. A lot of people look at the mess and think, why stay? In this episode, I sit down with Monsignor James Shea to break down what so many people get wrong about the Church’s struggles — and why the mess isn’t a reason to leave, but actually a reason to stay...

The Bible, the Liturgy, and The Lord of the Rings

New Advent: The Bible, the Liturgy, and The Lord of the RingsHAHN: In this new episode of The Road to Emmaus, I am joined by Dr. Ben Reinhard, professor of English at Franciscan University of Steubenville. We’ll discuss the power of narrative, how storytelling forms right morals, Tolkien's Catholic genius, and the liturgical imagination. They also unpack the impact and significance of the Liturgy and its relationship with imagination, applying that into what is present and also lost in our modern world...

9 Ways to Overcome Your Anxiety About Confession

xMAURAMCKEEGAN: “I think that Confession must be a very real trial to anyone as sensitive as you are,” Caryll Houselander writes in a letter to a teenage girl struggling with nervous illness after a difficult childhood. “No one likes it; the toughest old Catholics of my acquaintance get a sort of squiggle in their insides even over the most paltry recitation of their sins.” Caryll’s own lifelong battle with nervous illness made her particularly sensitive to the needs of others...

The Blizzard, the Volcanoes, and Our Brother Sylvester

The blizzard, the volcanoes, and our brother SylvesterJDFLYNN: It might already be getting warm where you live, but today is the 137th anniversary of one of America’s most important weather events, the legendary “Blizzard of ‘88” — which crippled the eastern seaboard for days, and led to the creation of America’s urban subway systems. The blizzard has fascinated me since I was a kid. It dumped feet of snow from Virginia to the Canadian Maritimes. But the real issue wasn’t the snow, it was wind...

Science Can’t Explain This Woman's Superpower

New%20Advent%3A%20Science%20Can%u2019t%20Explain%20This%20Woman%27s%20Superpower: A woman’s remarkable ability to smell Parkinson’s disease has led to groundbreaking research — and could revolutionize early diagnosis...

In Syria: Real Massacres, Phantom Killings, Constant Threats

In Syria: Real Massacres, Phantom Killings, Constant Threats| National Catholic Register: Christians are the most persecuted religious group on the planet. More than a dozen die each day for their faith. Although the deadliest place of all for Christians has been and still is Nigeria, some online observers might have concluded, erroneously, that last week it was Syria. The overthrow of the longtime Assad dictatorship to power only three months ago brought an Islamist government to power in Damascus that has struggled to address the country’s many problems.

Are we the cause of our own sins?

Are we the cause of our own sins? | Knowing Is DoingTORRE: If you were to ask someone if he is the cause of his own sins, you would think that the answer might seem obvious. Unfortunately, in an age where associating a person with any form of sin would be considered harsh, judgmental, or worse hateful, he may argue on the contrary due to his personal interpretation of what sin means to him. As outlandish as this scenario may sound, it has become more commonplace...

Video: Marko Rupnik Confronted at Rome Airport Baggage Claim by Italian Journalist

New Advent: Video: Marko Rupnik Confronted at Rome Airport Baggage Claim by Italian Journalist: Turn on the Closed Captions (“CC”) button to see English subtitles for journalist Roberta Rei’s questions...

The Chained Nun of Jerusalem: A Mystery Uncovered After 1,600 Years

Chained in faith: 5th-century female skeleton may be world's 1st self-mortifying Christian nun | The Times of Israel: Some 1,600 years ago, a mysterious woman was bound with four heavy metal rings around her neck and others around her arms and legs. Iron plates on her stomach completed what was effectively an armored structure. When the woman died, she was buried under the altar of a church some three kilometers northwest of Jerusalem’s Old City...

The Luminous Mysteries: The Wedding Feast at Cana

The Luminous Mysteries: The Wedding Feast at CanaTSAKANIKAS: Standard opening to each mystery [modified]: This series offers brief meditations on each of the Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary. The third Luminous Mystery is about the “Coming of the Kingdom and Call to Conversion” which is central to the Lenten season of penance and seeking the Kingdom of God. Penance is not an end in itself, nor are the sufferings of Lent. The end and goal of Lent and its penances is deeper interior union with Christ...

Mercy in a Merciless Time

(3) Mercy in a Merciless Time - by Dcn. Thomas L. McDonaldTOMMCDONALD: If there is one terrible disease of our time–particularly among the young–it is despair. Not everyone suffers it, but everyone is touched by it, and it is caused in large part by this unforgiving and cold technocracy we’ve allowed to choke out light and life like weeds in overgrown garden. We’ve let technology, which can indeed be a blessing and a gift, to insulate us from one another, and particularly from the stranger...

Passing the Marshmallow Test

Passing the Marshmallow Test | Parishable ItemsFELTES: A young child is brought into an empty room and seated at a table. On the table is a plate with a single yummy marshmallow. An adult explains that if the child waits fifteen minutes to eat the treat, one more yummy marshmallow will be given. Will the child eat one treat now or enjoy two treats later? Versions of this experiment are known as the Marshmallow Test. Studies of the Marshmallow Test have varied in their findings about how much this predicts...

Pope to Remain Hospitalized, But ‘Doctors Have Decided Today to Lift Their Guarded Prognosis’

Pope%u2019s%20condition%20continues%20to%20improve%20-%20Vatican%20News: The Holy See Press Office says that recent improvements in the Pope’s health situation “have been further consolidated”, but notes that he will need to remain in hospital for some time still. The Pope participates via video-link in both the morning and the afternoon sessions of the Curia’s spiritual exercises.

Is there really a limit on the number of cardinals in a conclave?

Is there really a limit on the number of cardinals in a conclave?CONDON: With Pope Francis’s stay in a Roman hospital now approaching one month, and with little sign of him being able to return to the Vatican before Easter, speculation has grown among commentators about the possibility of an imminent conclave. Public discussion of papabile candidates for a potential election has gathered pace, even if such discussion is for the moment premature. But alongside that, questions have started to be raised about who would do the electing, if-and-when the See of Peter would fall vacant.

9 Things You Need to Know About the Mysterious Temptation of Jesus

9 Things You Need to Know About the Mysterious Temptation of Jesus| National Catholic RegisterAKIN: This Sunday the gospel reading speaks of a mysterious event, just after Jesus' baptism, in which he was tempted by the devil in the wilderness. How could Jesus — the All-Holy Son of God — be tempted? Why did this event happen, and what was going on? Here are 9 things you need to know about Jesus’ “temptations” ... and ours.

Vatican: Pope Francis Resting Well, Regular Updates to Slow as Recovery Progresses

Pope Francis resting following a calm night - Vatican News: The Holy See Press Office has reported that, "overnight was quiet and the Pope is resting." The message came on Sunday morning, 9 March, regarding Pope Francis, who has been receiving care at Rome's Gemelli Hospital since 14 February.

Praising Pro-Life Efforts, Pope Francis Addresses Pilgrims From Hospital

Hospitalized Pope Francis sends encouragement to Movement for Life | Catholic News AgencyWIMMER: As Pope Francis continues to receive treatment at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital and his condition remains stable, the pontiff remains involved with Church affairs. On Saturday, Pope Francis addressed pilgrims of the Movement for Life in a statement issued from his hospital room, which Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state, delivered during a Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica on March 8.

New movie ‘The Last Supper’ depicts Jesus’ last days told through the eyes of his followers

New%20movie%20%u2018The%20Last%20Supper%u2019%20depicts%20Jesus%u2019%20last%20days%20told%20through%20the%20eyes%20of%20his%20followers%20%7C%20Catholic%20News%20Agency: “The Last Supper” is a new movie depicting the ultimate act of divine love and sacrifice told through the eyes of those who walked alongside Jesus Christ. Mauro Borrelli, a Catholic, served as the film’s writer and director and award-winning Christian artist Chris Tomlin was the film’s executive producer, marking Tomlin’s first time stepping into theatrical filmmaking.

When will we fully embrace the Council?

When will we fully embrace the Council? | Catholic CultureLAWLER: How long will it take before the Catholic world enthusiastically accepts the teachings of the Council? This year the Church celebrates the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicea. The Orthodox Patriarch of Constantinople has invited Pope Francis to join in an ecumenical celebration in May, and the Pope—before his recent illness—happily accepted. Yet to this day one can detect the lingering influence of the Arian heresy...

Biblical Hope in the Face of Suicide

Biblical Hope in the Face of Suicide - St. Paul CenterHARROLD: According to the World Health Organization, levels of anxiety and depression have risen by 25% globally since the COVID-19 pandemic. In many countries, suicide rates are also on the rise, particularly among men. In 2023 alone, nearly 40,000 American men took their lives—one death every 13 minutes. Against this alarming backdrop, Christianity offers a message of hope...

Struggling with Anxiety in Confession? Caryll Houselander Can Help...

xMAURAMCKEEGAN: In the mid-20th century, a British woman went to Confession one day in a (not unusual for her) state of exhaustion and depression. “What will help you,” the priest said to her in the confessional, “will be a book by Caryll Houselander called This War is the Passion. You probably won’t understand all of it, but read such-and-such pages.” Unbeknownst to him, the woman on the other side of the screen was Caryll Houselander herself...

Did St. George really exist? And why did he hurt that poor dragon?

(3) Did St. George Exist? - by Dcn. Thomas L. McDonaldTOMMCDONALD: Historians have an unfortunate habit of killing the best stories in their search for the truth. Truth is divine. Historical truth is important. But a good story is a treasure, and a brave soldier venturing forth the slay the dragon and save the princess is just about the best and oldest story there is. It has deep roots in the rich, primal soil of our psyches. It tells us something vital that we need to know...

Lenten tension, velvet gloves, and watching ‘with love’

Lenten%20tension%2C%20velvet%20gloves%2C%20and%20watching%20%u2018with%20love%u2019CONDON: It’s Lent, again, obviously. And Lent isn’t a season one can reasonably say one looks forward to, exactly. Prayer, penance, fasting, and almsgiving are the most salutary of disciplines, but they aren’t any reasonable person’s idea of a good time. I was struck Wednesday, as I often am, by the Gospel reading in which Christ explicitly admonishes us to hide our penance, anoint our heads, and not trumpet our offerings, spiritual and material, before us like the hypocrites do...

Pope spends quiet night in hospital, marks 3 weeks since hospitalization

Pope%20Francis%u2019%20health%20latest%20news%3A%20Live%20updates%20%7C%20Catholic%20News%20Agency: Pope Francis spent a quiet night at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital and woke up shortly after 8 a.m., the Holy See Press Office says in a brief update on Friday, marking three weeks since the Holy Father was hospitalized.

Vatican Suppresses Miles Christi Order in Argentina

Vatican suppresses Argentine Miles Christi order: The Vatican has suppressed an Argentine religious order founded by a priest who sexually abused adult members, and abused the confessional to cover his tracks.

This Sunday, the Three Temptations and the Triduum: 6 Takeways on Lent’s First Sunday

This%20Sunday%2C%20The%20Three%20Temptations%20and%20the%20Triduum%3A%206%20Takeways%20on%20Lent%u2019s%20First%20Sunday%20%u2013%20Benedictine%20College%20Media%20%26%20CultureHOOPES: This Sunday, Lent begins with the story of Jesus’s showdown with Satan in the desert; it will end with his surrender on Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday. Here are five takeaways for the First Sunday of Lent, Year C from This Sunday columns at this site and the Extraordinary Story podcast. First: Compare the first Temptation, to turn stones to bread, with Holy Thursday, when Jesus turns bread into his body and blood...

Why the Pope Loves Pizza and Hates TV: 12 Things to Know About Francis

Why the Pope Loves Pizza and Hates TV: 12 Things to Know About Francis| National Catholic RegisterMATTMCDONALD: A selective life story of Pope Francis was published in January. While largely focused on events, Hope: The Autobiography also includes moral and spiritual reflections. Some have noted that much of the information is already well-known. However, for those less familiar with Pope Francis, the book offers interesting insights, not only from what he says but in what he leaves unsaid. Here are some key takeaways...

What Should You Be Doing for Lent? Here’s How to Figure It Out...

Know%20thyself%3A%20a%20Lenten%20education%20%u2013%20Catholic%20World%20ReportDEAVEL: “What are you doing for Lent?” It’s a good question. Parents often ask their children. Friends ask each other. If we haven’t been preparing ourselves during the “pre-Lent” period found in many Catholic rites, we may well be asking ourselves this right now as Ash Wednesday looms. Is it the right question, though? It does not seem that it is the wrong question...

What are you reading for Lent this year? Here are some recommendations from Son Rise regular guests...

Lenten%20Reading%20Recommendations%20from%20Son%20Rise%20Regular%20Guests%20%u2013%20Sacred%20Heart%20Radio%20%u2013%20Cincinnati%2C%20Ohio: Every year, we ask some of our regular radio friends to share Lenten reading recommendations to help give you ideas as you put together your own plan for Lent. Here are some of their ideas...

Standing With Mary at the Foot of the Cross

Standing With Mary at the Foot of the Cross - Archdiocese of DenverAQUILA: Every Lent leads to the same mystery: the Crucifixion, Death and Resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Every Lent prepares the Church and all her members to experience and participate more profoundly in the Paschal Mystery. It is a season of purging our souls of sin and disordered attachments to become more like Jesus. We believe with St. Paul that “If we have died with Christ, we will also live with him” (Rom 6:8). It is a season where we set our gaze on the cross of Christ and place our hope in his resurrection.

What Near-Death Survivors Can Teach Us About Heaven and Hell

New Advent: What Near-Death Survivors Can Teach Us About Heaven and HellSTEFANICK: Chris Stefanick sits down with John Burke, who’s interviewed over 1,500 people who have had near-death experiences. These are real accounts that will challenge your thinking and open your eyes to the truth of eternity. From the overwhelming beauty of Heaven to the shocking, heartbreaking reality of Hell, these stories will shake you to your core.

Lent Begins with My Spouse

Lent Begins with My Spouse - LifeCraftCUDDEBACK: This title can sound like a joke on my wife. It is not. (More truly it could be a joke on me.) Marriage is at the center of the life-drama of anyone who is married. It is always a fitting place to begin again, to start afresh. Especially in Lent. A classic principle regarding Lenten practices is to focus on what needs changing in our life. In other words, it is a perfect time to resolve...

Visa Program Used by Thousands of Catholic Nuns Set to End Next Thursday

Visa program used by thousands of nuns set to end: A change to U.S. visa policy is set next week to make it more difficult — if not impossible — for many religious sisters to enter the U.S., and could soon keep contemplative nuns and others from gaining permanent residency in the country.

Don’t give Trump a pass on IVF

Don%u2019t%20give%20Trump%20a%20pass%20on%20IVF%20%7C%20Catholic%20CultureLAWLER: Whether or not President Trump discusses in vitro fertilization in his State of the Union address tonight, IVF is a topic that should be on the minds of pro-life Americans. That Trump has promised to broaden access to IVF should be no surprise; he made that promise during his campaign. What is a surprise is that some prominent pro-lifers have urged us not to complain. On balance Trump has been good for the pro-life movement, they argue; we should not weaken him by criticism.

Vatican Says Maria Valtorta’s Alleged Visions ‘Cannot Be Regarded as Having a Supernatural Origin’

Under new norms, DDF weighs in on alleged mysticBELTRAN: The Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith said in a Tuesday press release that the writings of Italian writer Maria Valtorta should not be regarded “as having a supernatural origin,” and that passages suggesting the contrary should be taken as literary devices used by the author.

The Evangelical to Anglican to Catholic Pipeline

The Evangelical to Anglican to Catholic Pipeline - Episode 35 - The Coming Home Network: It doesn’t happen to everyone, but it’s happened to enough people to warrant a discussion. Why do so many people who come from Evangelical backgrounds feel drawn to explore history and liturgy through the Anglican tradition? And why do so many of those same people feel ultimately drawn to the Catholic Faith? Matt Swaim talks to Andrew Petiprin, who grew up Evangelical, became an Anglican priest, and then later entered the Catholic Church...

Pure Murder: A Review of Gladiator II

Pure Murder: A Review of Gladiator II | The Heights ForumMEHIGAN: I never want to see this movie again. Granted, this might sound a bit harsh coming from a Classics undergrad who spent most of his Classics Club movie nights rewatching the first installation of this movie franchise—yet I remain steadfast: I never want to see this movie again. I have no issue with some of the creative liberties and historical inaccuracies...

Lent and the Purification of Memory

Lent and the purification of memoryWEIGEL: On December 20, 2002, I was at lunch in the papal department when the wide-ranging conversation John Paul II always encouraged took an unexpected turn, with the pope asking me how President Ronald Reagan was doing. As it happened, I had recently run into Reagan’s former attorney general, Edwin Meese, and had asked the same question. The answer was a sad one.

Vatican’s Ash Wednesday Morning Update: ‘Pope Has Another Restful Night in Rome’s Gemelli Hospital’

Pope has another restful night in Rome's Gemelli Hospital - Vatican News: Pope Francis rested well overnight and woke up slightly after 8 a.m. this morning, according to a statement published on Wednesday morning by the Holy See Press Office. The Pope, this morning continued his treatment and respiratory physiotherapy. As planned, he transitioned from non-invasive mechanical ventilation at night to the high-flow oxygen therapy through nasal cannulas. Though within a complex framework, the Pope's situation this morning seems stable.

Ash Wednesday: ‘Remember, Man, You Are Dust and to Dust You Will Return’

10 important things to know about Ash Wednesday | Catholic News Agency: Ash Wednesday begins the holy season of Lent, which is structured to spiritually prepare to walk with the Lord through his passion and celebrate his resurrection on Easter Sunday. Below are 10 important things to know about Ash Wednesday and its significance.

Are you considered old or young in America? Enter your age here and find out...

See%20Who%20is%20Older%20and%20Younger%20than%20You%20%u2013%20FlowingData: As you get older, it might start to feel like everyone is getting younger around you. At what point are you older than the majority? Based on data from the American Community Survey, the chart below shows the percentage and number of people who are older and younger than you, given an age and categorized by sex.

A People Defined by Sacrifice

A People Defined by Sacrifice| National Catholic RegisterWEIGEL: On Feb. 24, the Permanent Synod of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church released a remarkable public statement. Issued under the authority of Major Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk, who was targeted for immediate assassination if Russian troops entered Kyiv three years ago, it could only have been written by men who read the signs of the times — not through the “art of the deal,” but through the prism of deep faith...

Vatican’s Tuesday Morning Update: Pope ‘Sleeps Well’ After Suffering Two More Episodes of ‘Acute Respiratory Insufficiency’

Pope slept well overnight after two respiratory insufficiencies - Vatican News: “The Pope slept through the night and now continues to rest,” said the Holy See Press Office on Tuesday morning. The Press Office has reported that the Pope is continuing his respiratory therapy and physiotherapy, and has resumed high-flow ventilation (i.e., not mechanical ventilation), using a nasal cannula for oxygen. Tuesday morning was devoted to rest and prayer...

Baby Cakes, the News, and Saving Lives

Baby Cakes, the news, and saving livesJDFLYNN: Today is Mardi Gras, Fat Tuesday, Shrove Tuesday, Pancake Day, and the final day of Fastelavn, or if you prefer, Carnival. Tomorrow begins Lent: We’ll go into the desert with Jesus, who himself went into the desert like his ancestors did, wandering 40 years while they waited for God to bring them into his promise. Before Lent begins, I’ll give you the take that might prove my most controversial yet. Ready? Here it is. King cake is terrible.

8 Ways to Share Your Catholic Faith on Ash Wednesday

8 Ways to Share Your Catholic Faith on Ash Wednesday - Catholic Missionary Disciples - College Station, TXLEJEUNE: Ash Wednesday will soon be here and it is a good day to share your Catholic faith with others. In fact, Ash Wednesday Masses generally have more people attend that even Christmas and Easter — which shows a high level of engagement. Below are some suggestions on how to evangelize on Ash Wednesday. When asked, explain why you have ashes on your forehead. It is nearly inevitable that if you get your ashes early enough in the day...

‘Seven Last Words’: Are You Ready For The 40 days of Lent?

New%20Advent%3A%20%u2018Seven%20Last%20Words%u2019%3A%20Are%20You%20Ready%20For%20The%2040%20days%20of%20Lent%3FHAHN: The final words of Jesus Christ on the Cross are among the most profound and sacred moments in all of Scripture. In this introductory episode, we look at the theological weight these seven statements carry, which reveal Jesus’ heart, His mission, and His fulfillment of salvation history.

Full Text: Msgr. James Shea at the 2025 National Catholic Prayer Breakfast

Full Text: Msgr. James Shea at the 2025 National Catholic Prayer Breakfast| National Catholic RegisterJAMESSHEA: Your Eminence, your Excellencies, my brother priests, beautiful religious who are here with us, dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, I feel like the luckiest man in the world. I was so scared to get up here and give this talk. I've been really nervous about it for the 20th anniversary of the National Catholic Prayer Breakfast, with all of you amazing people...

Your fraternal correction could save a soul...

Holy Guides Are Needed | Parishable ItemsFELTES: Lovingly correcting someone who is in moral or religious error is a good thing to do. As St. James writes in his New Testament Letter, “If anyone among you should stray from the truth and someone bring him back, he should know that whoever brings back a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.” Like a father who disciplines every son he acknowledges and delights in...

When diocesan abuse policies violate canon law

When diocesan abuse policies violate canon law | Catholic CultureLAWLER: In the past week, two important reports have called attention to the lingering, devastating fallout from the sex-abuse scandal. The fundamental problem today is the same problem that gave rise to the scandal in the first place: too many bishops are not acting like bishops. First let me call your attention to an essay in First Things by Michael Mazza, with the provocative title...

Vatican’s Monday Evening Update: Pope Suffers Two More Episodes of ‘Acute Respiratory Insufficiency,’ Resumes ‘Mechanical Ventilation’

Pope suffers two episodes of acute respiratory insufficiency - Vatican News: On Monday evening, the Holy See Press Office released the following update on Pope Francis’ health: “Today, the Holy Father suffered two episodes of acute respiratory insufficiency, caused by a significant accumulation of endobronchial mucus and consequent bronchospasm. Two bronchoscopies were therefore performed, with the need to remove large secretions.

Pope Francis Teaches about Hope and Mercy [Paywall]

Pope Francis Teaches about Hope and Mercy | National ReviewLOPEZ: The more things change, the more they stay the same. The celebrity death-match nature of the never-ending reality TV show that is our daily news and national politics had become so chaotic that I thought that was no longer true. That is, until a papal deathwatch united us — just as John Paul II’s last days once had. It doesn’t seem as crass an observation now that Pope Francis is rallying. Regardless of one’s politics or opinion of him specifically...

Pope Rests Well, Drinks Coffee and Reads Newspapers As Pneumonia Treatment Progresses

Pope Rests Well, Drinks Coffee and Reads Newspapers As Pneumonia Treatment Progresses| National Catholic RegisterWIMMER: Pope Francis spent a restful night at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital and has begun his daily treatments after waking Monday morning, having breakfast with coffee, and reading newspapers as part of his normal routine, according to Vatican sources. The Pope’s condition remains stable, with Vatican sources reporting that his bilateral pneumonia is neither worsening nor causing immediate concern. No special examinations beyond routine daily tests are currently scheduled.

20th-Century Mystic Wanda Boniszewska Bore the Stigmata for Priests

20th-Century Mystic Wanda Boniszewska Bore the Stigmata for Priests| National Catholic RegisterGRONDELSKI: What is distinctive about her? Two things. Sister Wanda was said to have had mystical visions, which she wrote down. She also was said to have borne for some period of her life (at least in the 1930s) stigmata — wounds in her hands, feet and side, and marks of scourging. They manifested themselves irregularly, but usually on Thursdays and Fridays, and particularly during Lent.

Meet Jerusalem’s ‘Jesus Guy’ Who Calls the Church of the Holy Sepulchre Home

Meet%20Jerusalem%u2019s%20%u2018Jesus%20Guy%u2019DAVILLEZ: Carl James Joseph was born in Detroit. But for the past 17 years he has lived in the Holy Land. He is not a typical expat. He didn’t go to Jerusalem for work, and he doesn’t live among other expats in a tony Tel Aviv neighborhood. Instead, James Joseph, 64, has spent most of the past decade living in the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, in Jerusalem, built in the place where Jesus was laid to rest after the crucifixion, and where he rose form the dead.

Why Are Protestant Bibles Smaller?

Why%20Are%20Protestant%20Bibles%20Smaller%3F%20%u2013%20St.%20Paul%20CenterHARROLD: How many books are in the Bible? Well, it depends on who you ask! While Protestants and Catholics agree on the 27 books of the New Testament, there is disagreement over the canon of the Old Testament. During the Reformation, the Protestant reformers removed seven books from the Old Testament — Wisdom, Sirach (or Ecclesiasticus), Tobit, Judith, Baruch, 1 and 2 Maccabees...

Saturday Morning Update: ‘After a Quiet Night, the Pope Is Resting’ Following Bronchospasm and Emergency Ventilation

Pope resting after quiet night - Vatican News: The Holy See Press Office said on Saturday morning that Pope Francis slept well and spent the first part of the morning resting. "After a quiet night, the Pope is resting", read the brief Holy See Press Office statement. The Pope has not experienced any further crises following yesterday’s bronchospasm. This morning he had breakfast, enjoyed a coffee, and read the newspapers. His condition remains complex, and the prognosis is still guarded