Story & photos by Susie Bergman Say the words “Fat Tuesday” or “Mardi Gras” to most people, and they may smile sheepishly at the Christian holiday that has become synonymous with beads, booze and debauchery. But not all of them. In Mercer County, Matthew Hess has been on a mission …

From the Cathedral Basilica of St. Peter in Chains:

Lent is one of the most important times of year for Christians, when we take our faith seriously and work on converting our hearts. Many people focus on giving up pleasures, but I say don’t waste your time.

145 feet to the tip of the spire 1 vaulted, hand-stenciled wood ceiling 42 all-volunteer choir members 4 CDs of choir music available 10 clerestory windows originally plain glass. Patterned glass made in America added in the 1960s. 2 major stained-glass windows made in Germany More than 12 smaller windows …

by Bonny Van Sam Wittmann is not a typical high school junior. He’s an exceptional artist who has drawn the connection between his art and his faith, thanks to a class assignment. “The project was a study of drawing hands from life,” explained Renee Merland, chair of the visual arts …

Kurt Vonnegut’s 2005 New York Times bestselling book, A Man Without a Country, changed my life. Without this book, I don’t know that I would have published two books, recorded an album, painted original works (that only my mother could love), written poetry or even if I would be writing …

As the great poet Huey Lewis said, “The power of love is a curious thing. It makes one man weep, another man sing; changes a hawk to a little white dove. More than a feeling, it’s the power of love!” Indeed, Huey, love is a powerful thing. Not only can …

“Very simply, The Angelico Project is a lay Catholic initiative to evangelize souls through truth, goodness and beauty by promoting the arts, thought and cultural events,” said Nancy Carolyn Smith, a sculptor and one of three co-executives of the new organization. According to Maureen Teller, a former professional dancer and …

We experience and express progress in our spiritual lives when we develop an ever-increasing capacity to live for others. We develop that capacity by using the gifts God gives us to live a life of service. “Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever …

Chicago, Ill., Feb 9, 2020 / 04:26 pm MT (CNA).- In most stores in the weeks leading up to St. Valentine’s day, you’re likely to find a plethora of pink and red cards, heart-shaped boxes of Russell Stover chocolates, and decor with nearly-naked chubby cherubs shooting hearts with bows and …