Have courage, pray fervently, pope tells churches facing persecution
IMAGE: CNS photo/Max Rossi, Reuters By Carol Glatz VATICAN CITY (CNS) — No matter how much suffering Christians face in the world, God never forgets those who trust in and serve him, Pope Francis told leaders of Eastern Catholic churches. The courage to “knock at the door” of God’s heart …
Throwback Thursday: On the eve of the Miracle of the Sun in Fatima
Fatima- 100 Years ago in this small village in Portugal, The Blessed Virgin Mary appeared six times to three young children; when in the same continent World War I was consuming life and land; Portugal was in political chaos, refugees were pouring into Europe. A week ago 134 pilgrims from …
Devotion to Padre Pio evident in thousands who turn out to venerate relics
IMAGE: CNS photo/Karen Callaway, Chicago Catholic By Joyce Duriga CHICAGO (CNS) — When the relics of St. Pio of Pietrelcina — commonly known as Padre Pio — stopped at two Chicago churches, more than 19,000 people turned out to venerate them, organizers said. The relics, which included a lock of …
Death penalty is ‘contrary to the Gospel,’ pope says
IMAGE: CNS/Paul Haring By Cindy Wooden The death penalty, no matter how it is carried out, “is, in itself, contrary to the Gospel,” Pope Francis said. Marking the 25th anniversary of the Catechism of the Catholic Church at the Vatican Oct. 11, Pope Francis said the catechism’s discussion of the …
Pope tops 40 million followers on Twitter, 5 million on Instagram
By Matthew Fowler VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis’ @Pontifex Twitter accounts reached more than 40 million followers just a few months before the fifth anniversary of when Pope Benedict XVI launched the initiative. The papal Twitter accounts, in nine different languages, have grown by over 9 million followers in …
Nothing is in vain, nothing is resistant to love, pope says at audience
IMAGE: CNS/Paul Haring By Carol Glatz VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Christians are never pessimistic, resigned or weak, thinking life is an unstoppable train careening out of control, Pope Francis said. Throughout history, every day is seen as a gift from God and “every morning is a blank page that Christians …
Bishop says Trump proposals do not reflect U.S. immigrant tradition
By WASHINGTON (CNS) — The Trump administration’s newly released immigration policy proposals “do not provide the way forward for comprehensive immigration reform rooted in respect for human life and dignity, and for the security of our citizens,” said Bishop Joe S. Vasquez of Austin, Texas. “They are not reflective of …
When disaster and devastation strikes: A 1 minute video of our Brothers and Sisters in Puerto Rico
Though it’s been several weeks since devastating hurricanes swept through the United States, and the Caribbean, our brothers and sisters in Puerto Rico face a harrowing road to recovery. Here’s a minute video from Catholic News Service.
Special Fatima Events this Weekend
A variety of events for the final day of the Fatima Centennial are scheduled around the archdiocese on Friday (the 100th anniversary of the final apparition) and Saturday. Here are those we know about: FRIDAY: 8 a.m.: Worldwide Eucharistic Children’s Holy Hour Parishes and schools around the world will participate in the …
Vatican releases pope’s schedule for visit to Myanmar, Bangladesh
By Carol Glatz VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis’ trip to Myanmar and Bangladesh will offer moments to recognize each nation’s struggle for independence, underline interreligious respect and encourage the local minority Catholic communities. Pope Francis will visit Myanmar Nov. 27-30, just months after the Holy See announced it had …