Shayne Smith was born into a world of organized crime. He and his three brothers endured abuse at the hands of their step-father and ultimately took after him as full members in a motorcycle gang. Robbery and violent crime became their full-time jobs.  But then, Smith and his brothers chose …

At the Angelus prayer, Pope Leo XIV calls for the good of the Venezuelan people to prevail, for the rule of law to be upheld, and for the human and civil rights of all to be respected. Vatican News Pope Leo XIV expressed his concern on Sunday over recent developments …

By Francesca Pollio Fenton Jan 4, 2026 / 04:00 am Have you ever walked past a door and seen what appears to be random letters and numbers written at the top? These letters and numbers actually have a great significance. Traditionally on the feast of Epiphany, Catholics bless their homes by …

As the holiday lights begin to dim and the New Year settles in, a centuries-old tradition marks the transition from Christmas to the vibrant spirit of Carnival. Twelfth Night, falling on January 5 or 6, 2026, is the official herald of the King Cake season. The Meaning of Twelfth Night Twelfth Night …

by David Cooley Sacred music holds a central place in Catholic worship. An integral element of the liturgy, it elevates the soul toward God, fosters communal unity, and deepens the faithful’s encounter with divine mysteries. Rooted in Scripture and Church tradition, it beautifies prayer, promotes contemplation, and distinguishes itself from …

By Madalaine Elhabbal Jan 2, 2026 / 20:17 pm The existence of hell as an option for human beings at the end of life is proof of God’s goodness, according to Father Mike Schmitz. “At the end of our lives, he simply gives us what we’ve actually chosen,” Schmitz said during …

By Gigi Duncan Jan 3, 2026 / 10:05 am SEEK 2026 has drawn more than 26,000 attendees across three U.S. cities this year, setting an attendance record and marking a 24% increase over last year, organizers said. Attendees have gathered through Jan. 5 in Columbus, Ohio; Denver; and Fort Worth, Texas, for …

By Daniel Payne Jan 3, 2026 / 11:05 am A U.S. indictment brought against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro accuses the politician of running a corrupt government facilitating drug trafficking and conspiracy, among other crimes. Maduro was captured by American forces on Jan. 3 after U.S. strikes in the nation’s capital of Caracas. In a …

As the Church celebrates the Second Sunday of Christmas, Jenny Kraska offers her thoughts on the day’s Gospel reading. By Jenny Kraska The Gospel of Matthew tells us that “…Magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, ‘Where is the newborn king of the Jews?’” (Mt 2:1-2). These Wise Men …

As Tamara (pseudonym) drove to her abortion appointment, the radio played an ad for Pregnancy Center Plus (PCPlus). Her eyes welled with tears. In that moment, she changed course and drove directly to PCPlus. She was 12-weeks pregnant, her boyfriend had recently died in a car crash, and she was …