In his first Easter message to the city and the world, the pontiff urged those with weapons to lay them down. Pope Leo XIV delivers his Easter message “to the city [of Rome] and the world” from the loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican on April 5, 2026. …

The legend of the “Colomba di Pasqua” (“Easter dove”) dates to the sixth or seventh century and includes a queen, a feast, and a group of Irish monks. Credit: GK1982/Shutterstock By Hannah Brockhaus April 5, 2026 at 6:00 AM ET The quintessential Easter treat in Italy is a dove-shaped sweet bread …

February 18 – Ash Wednesday Readings: Joel 2:12-18; Psalm 51:3-4, 5-6ab, 12-13, 14 and 17; 2 Corinthians 5:20—6:2; Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18 Invitation to Prayer: “We are ambassadors for Christ, as if God were appealing through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.” (2 Corinthians 5:20) Reflection: I …

by John Stegeman Based on the Combined Rite of Election and Calling to Continuing Conversion this year, 1,096 people intend to proceed to the Sacraments of Initiation. It will mark the highest number of people joining the local Church in more than 15 years. Of the total, 556 are catechumens …

Join us live from St. Peter’s Square for Easter Sunday Mass, presided over by Pope Leo XIV, followed by the traditional Urbi et Orbi Blessing from the Central Loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica. Easter Sunday Mass celebrates the Resurrection of the Lord, the heart of the Christian faith and the …

A traditional, religious Easter (Pascha) basket is assembled by lining a wicker basket with a white, often embroidered, cloth to hold foods blessed for Easter Sunday. It features paska bread, eggs (pysanky), butter (often lamb-shaped), meats (sausage/ham), cheese, salt, horseradish, and a white candle, covered in cloth. Prepare the Basket …

Mary Magdalene and the red egg is one of the most beloved Easter traditions in many Christian cultures. It’s a powerful legend that connects the message of the Easter with a simple symbol of new life. The Tradition Explained According to Christian tradition, after the Resurrection of Jesus, Mary Magdalene …

On Good Friday, we encounter not only the suffering of Jesus, but also the lives of those who stood near the Cross. Three men—very different in background and circumstance—met Jesus in His final hours. Each encounter became a moment of grace, repentance, and transformation. Saint Dismas — The Good Thief …

As the Church mourns, Catholics are also called to solemnly observe this holy day.   Credit: Lars Hallstrom/Shutterstock By Francesca Pollio Fenton April 3, 2026 at 4:00 AM ET Good Friday is considered for many one of the holiest days of the liturgical year. Part of the Triduum, Good Friday is …

The Good Friday Reproaches are a series of antiphons, known also as “Popule Meus” (“My People”), and come from the opening lines of the Latin text of the recitation. Cardinal Claudio Gugerotti bows in prayer during the liturgy of the Lord’s passion on Good Friday, April 18, 2025, in St. …