Maronite patriarch says Christians still important to Middle East during visit to Archdiocese of Cincinnati
Christians continue to play an important cultural and spiritual role in the countries of the Middle East and the exodus of so many refugees fueled by the plagues of war and terrorism needs to be reversed for the sake of the region’s future. That was the heart of the message …
New book with retired Pope Benedict due in early September
By Cindy Wooden VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Retired Pope Benedict XVI has given another interview to the journalist and author Peter Seewald, and a German publisher announced it would be released worldwide Sept. 9. Titled “Letzte Gesprache,” (which translates as “last conversations”), the book includes an in-depth conversation with the …
Fortnight for Freedom Central: Daily reflections, prayers and actions
Each year since 2012 dioceses around the country have arrange special events to highlight the importance of defending religious freedom. The Fortnight for Freedom is from June 21—the vigil of the Feasts of St. John Fisher and St. Thomas More—to July 4, Independence Day. To help local Catholics become more …
Relics of Sts. Thomas More, John Fisher draw crowds in Minnesota
IMAGE: CNS photo/Jim Bovin, Catholic Spirit By Maria Wiering ST. PAUL, Minn. (CNS) — Hundreds of Catholics crowded into the Cathedral of St. Paul to venerate the relics of two English saints who are known as icons of religious liberty because of the circumstances of their martyrdom. Relics of St. …
Where silence should reign: Pope will pray, not speak, at Auschwitz
IMAGE: CNS/EPA By Cindy Wooden VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Tears and not words. Prayers and not greetings. During his trip to Poland for World Youth Day, Pope Francis will go to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Nazi death camp. He said he wants to go alone and say nothing. When Pope Francis speaks, …
Mercy isn’t an abstract word, it’s a way of life, pope says
IMAGE: CNS/Paul Haring By Junno Arocho Esteves VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Mercy is not an abstract concept but a lifestyle that invites Christians to make an examination of conscience and ask themselves if they place the spiritual and material needs of others before their own, Pope Francis said. A Christian …
Throwback Thursday: Catholics fight for conscience rights in 1853
The ongoing legal disputes between the federal government and Little Sisters of the Poor and other Catholic groups opposed to providing contraceptives as part of their health insurance plans isn’t unique in American, or even local history. According to the book Faith and Action: A History of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, …
Blessed Romero relics will be part of religious freedom Mass in L.A.
IMAGE: CNS photo/Octavio Duran By Rhina Guidos WASHINGTON (CNS) — Relics of Blessed Oscar Romero, including a handkerchief with blood from the day he was assassinated, will briefly be part of the U.S. Catholic Church’s Fortnight for Freedom observance July 1 in Los Angeles. A handkerchief with blood from the …
Military chaplaincy has long history in U.S. armed forces
IMAGE: CNS illustration/Liz Agbey By Chaz Muth COLUMBIA, S.C. (CNS) — When Father Adam Muda arrived at the U.S. Army Chaplain Center and School at Fort Jackson earlier this year, he noticed prominent signs for a museum that showcased the history of what he was about to become. The U.S. …
Pallium Mass is celebration of unity and trust, archbishop says
IMAGE: CNS/Paul Haring By Cindy Wooden ROME (CNS) — New archbishops naturally wonder if they are the right person for the job, but reassurance comes from concelebrating Mass with Pope Francis, the pope who appointed them, said Archbishop Bernard A. Hebda of St. Paul and Minneapolis. Celebrating the feast of …