Pope: Priests can be blinded by complex theology, ‘bubbly’ spirituality
IMAGE: CNS/Paul Haring By Junno Arocho Esteves VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Priests must identify with people who are excluded and not be blinded by complex theology, an excessively “bubbly” and watered-down spirituality, and worldliness that is more and more accessible in the digital age, Pope Francis said. Priests can also …
Crowd outside Supreme Court rallies against federal contraceptive mandate
IMAGE: CNS photo/Joshua Roberts, Reuters By Kurt Jensen WASHINGTON (CNS) — In the end, the women religious decided it would be good to sing after all. That wasn’t on the agenda for the sunny 90-minute rally in front of the Supreme Court March 23 in support of the plaintiffs in …
The sacred triduum: Holy Thursday through Easter
The Paschal Triduum is a three-day period beginning with Holy Thursday evening and culminating in the celebration of Easter. According to the General Norms for the Liturgical Year and the Calendar, the Triduum, which means three days, goes from Thursday evening with the Mass of the Lord’s Supper until Evening Prayer on …
Tradition of “praying the steps” continues in 2016
Each year countless people come from all across the region to “pray the steps” at Holy Cross-Immaculata church in Mount Adams. The parish put out the following press release this week to assist those interested in participating in the experience. For Immediate Release March 23, 2016 On Good Friday, March …
Throwback (Holy) Thursday: Clergy gather at Chrism Mass
In every diocese around the globe this week, a Chrism Mass was (or today will be) celebrated. At this Mass, priests, deacons, religious and laity all gather with their bishop, generally at his cathedral, where he will bless the holy oils that will be used throughout his diocese for the coming …
DePaul Cristo Rey joins new all-Christian athletic conference
DePaul Cristo Rey High School announced March 21 that the school will join the newly formed Ohio Valley Christian Conference (OVCC) for all sports beginning with the 2016-17 school year. The Bruins had been members of the Ohio Valley Athletic League since the school opened in 2011. The new league …
Amid prayer and fear, Muslim refugee family thanks pope for help
IMAGE: CNS/Paul Haring By Cindy Wooden ROME (CNS) — Walking in a crowded Rome neighborhood with his prayer beads wrapped around one hand, Hassan said, “You must write: Big thanks to the pope because he helps my kids — really.” Hassan and his family, who are Muslim, are being hosted …
Holy Week is memorial of God’s infinite mercy, pope says at audience
IMAGE: CNS/Paul Haring By Junno Arocho Esteves VATICAN CITY (CNS) — God’s love is limitless and the church’s Holy Week services offer Christians a deeper understanding of his infinite mercy, Pope Francis said. The Easter Triduum is a memorial to a love story “that gives us the certainty that we …
Ultimate relief from mandate may lie beyond the courts, say plaintiffs
IMAGE: CNS photo/Anne-Marie Welsh, Dioc By Kurt Jensen WASHINGTON (CNS) — On the eve of the March 23 oral arguments before the Supreme Court in Zubik v. Burwell, best known as the Little Sisters of the Poor case, two plaintiffs appealed the case in the court of public opinion, and …
Pope to celebrate Holy Thursday with young refugees
IMAGE: CNS photo/ Tony Gentile, Reuters By Cindy Wooden VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis will celebrate the Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord’s Supper with young refugees in Castelnuovo di Porto, about 15 miles north of Rome. “Washing the feet of the refugees, Pope Francis is asking for respect …