Be not afraid: A priest shares his thoughts on the gift of confession

Father John “Rob” Jack, who teaches systematic theology at the Athenaeum of Ohio/Mount St. Mary’s Seminary of the West, is well known for encouraging and hearing confession at every parish he travels to and in his many parish missions, recorded talks, and programs for Sacred Heart Radio. He shared the …
Pope Francis prays for a renewal of the Sacrament of Reconciliation

by Hannah Brockhaus Vatican City, Mar 3, 2021 / 05:00 am MT (CNA).- Pope Francis’ prayer intention for the month of March is for a renewed experience of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. In his video for the prayer intention, created by the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network, the pope asked for …
The Good Friday tradition of the ‘Last Words of Christ’

By CNA Staff CNA Staff, Mar 2, 2021 / 06:30 pm MT (CNA).- The tradition of reflecting on the last words of Christ from the cross is a Good Friday practice popular in many places across the globe. Some sources trace the tradition back to Peruvian Jesuit priest Francisco del …
How to obtain a plenary indulgence during Holy Week

By CNA Staff CNA Staff, Mar 2, 2021 / 12:43 am MT (CNA).- A plenary indulgence is a grace granted by the Catholic Church through the merits of Jesus Christ, Mary and all the saints to remove the temporal punishment due to sin. The indulgence applies to sins already forgiven. …
Columbus diocese announces strategic planning initiative

Columbus, Ohio, Mar 1, 2021 / 08:01 pm MT (CNA).- The Diocese of Columbus announced Monday a strategic planning initiative meant to discern the future of the local Church, encouraging evangelization and missionary discipleship. “This really is our plan – all of us together,” Bishop Robert Brennan of Columbus said …
Pope Francis appoints new bishop of US Virgin Islands

by Courtney Mares Vatican City, Mar 2, 2021 / 07:00 am MT (CNA).- Pope Francis appointed Mgsr. Jerome Feudjio on Tuesday to lead the Diocese of St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Originally from Cameroon, Feudjio has served as a priest of the U.S. Virgin Islands’ diocese for more …
Biden mentions Our Lady of Guadalupe, shows rosary beads, in meeting with Mexican president

by Matt Hadro Washington D.C., Mar 2, 2021 / 09:00 am MT (CNA).- President Joe Biden cited Our Lady of Guadalupe and displayed his rosary beads in a conversation with the president of Mexico on Monday. In the virtual conversation with Mexico’s President López Obrador, Biden—a Catholic—claimed a devotion to …
March 2: St. Angela of the Cross

St. Angela of the Cross is the Foundress of the Institute of the Sisters of the Company of the Cross. Born on January 30, 1846 in Seville, Spain, and given the baptismal name “Maria of the Angels” Guerrero Gonzalez, the future Saint was affectionately known as “Angelita”. Her father worked …
Benedict XVI addresses resignation conspiracy theories, Iraq, and Biden in new interview

Vatican City, Mar 1, 2021 / 02:30 am MT (CNA).- Benedict XVI addressed conspiracy theories about his resignation as pope, Pope Francis’ trip to Iraq, and Joe Biden in an interview with an Italian newspaper published on Monday. The pope emeritus told Corriere della Sera that he stood by his …