5 ways to solemnly celebrate Good Friday
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 …
Lenten Reflections 2026
April 3 – Good Friday of the Lord’s Passion Readings: Isaiah 52:13—53:12, Psalm 31:2, 6, 12-13, 15-16, 17, 25, Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9, John 18:1—19:42 Invitation to Prayer: “We had all gone astray like sheep, each following his own way.” Isaiah 52:13—53:12 Reflection: What better describes our current digital age than …
Forensic Aspects of the Passion of Christ
by Deacon Michael Trimpe In my career as a forensic scientist at the Hamilton County Coroner’s Crime Laboratory, I often thought of the pain and suffering our Lord Jesus Christ experienced during His Passion. We know His manner of death was authorized by Pontius Pilate to be crucifixion. But what …
Obituary Reverend William H. Cross
Reverend William H. Cross, Jr., died on Sunday, March 29, 2026, in Cincinnati, Ohio. He was born on October 19, 1946, in Cincinnati. He was baptized at St. Peter in Chains Cathedral, Cincinnati. He did his preparatory studies at St. Gregory Seminary and studied theology at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary …
New DNA research confirms Shroud of Turin’s passage through the Middle East
The Holy Shroud of Turin passed through the Middle East, reveals new DNA research in the scientific article authored by Dr. Gianni Barcaccia, Professor of Genetics and Genomics at the University of Padua, along with other researchers. The scientists confirm the presence of a genome predominantly from the Middle East …
Praying the Steps at Holy Cross Immaculata on Good Friday
Praying the Steps at Holy Cross – Immaculata Parish on April 3, 2026 . Where do I start the steps? There are three phases of the Good Friday steps. The most popular phase begins on St. Gregory and ends at Holy Cross-Immaculata Church – Phase One: from Riverside Drive (at …
Return to Confession.. but what do I do?
How to return to confession If you have been away from the church, or if you have been reluctant or unable to see a priest for confession, you are invited to experience the reconciling peace of Christ through the grace of this sacrament, also called the sacrament of reconciliation. Peace …
Space and humanity at a crossroads: A new frontier of the common good
On the occasion of the launch of the NASA Artemis II mission on April 1, 2026, the Caritas in Veritate Foundation has released a video featuring reflections and perspectives on space exploration and the principles that should govern humanity’s relationship with it. Archbishop Ettore Balestrero, in an interview with Vatican …
Apostleship of the Sea: 20,000 sailors stranded near Strait of Hormuz ‘living in constant anguish’
The logjam of vessels unable to pass through the Strait of Hormuz has created a challenging situation for the Apostleship of the Sea, which provides pastoral care for sailors. Commercial vessels are pictured off shore in Dubai on March 11, 2026. | Credit: AFP via Getty Images By Victoria Cardiel …
Holy Week Traditions: What is Tenebrae?
Tenebrae (“shadows” or “darkness”) is a Holy Week service that is at least 1,000 years old. Originally held in after midnight but later held at a variety of times, Tenebrae would be sung each day of the Triduum in a church lit only by 15 candles. These were extinguished one …
