Pope Francis: Without liturgy, Christianity is without the whole of Christ

by Courtney Mares Vatican City, Feb 3, 2021 / 04:10 am MT (CNA).- Pope Francis said on Wednesday that it is essential for Christians to participate in the liturgy and the sacraments to encounter the Real Presence of Jesus. “Every time we celebrate a baptism, or consecrate the bread and …
Obituary: Sister Anne Denise Blake, SNDdeN

Sister Anne Denise Blake, SNDdeN August 14, 1929 – January 5, 2021 By her own account, Anne Denise’s introduction to the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur was an artistic rendering of St. Julie’s mantra How good is the good God. There it was, front and center, in her freshman …
Being Pro-Life: Life in Art

This issue is about art and beauty, and there is a lot of both in the pro-life movement. There is the beauty of the image of an unborn child viewed on an ultrasound machine. While it is difficult to get reliable statistics on how many women in crisis pregnancies change …
Pope Francis adds feast of Martha, Mary, and Lazarus to Church calendar

by Hannah Brockhaus Vatican City, Feb 2, 2021 / 06:00 am MT (CNA).- Pope Francis on Tuesday added the memorial of Sts. Mary, Martha, and Lazarus to the General Roman Calendar, giving the siblings the combined feast day of July 29. A decree from the Congregation for Divine Worship said …
A Beautiful Witness

The generosity of thousands of Catholics within the Archdiocese of Cincinnati to the Catholic Ministries Appeal (CMA) did not falter amid the difficulties brought on by COVID-19. And Matt Reinkemeyer, director of development operations with the archdiocesan stewardship department, doesn’t see that generosity wavering as the 2021 campaign kicks off. …
Pope Francis Prayer intentions for February

Violence Against Women We pray for women who are victims of violence, that they may be protected by society and have their sufferings considered and heeded.
Pope Francis proclaims World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly

by Courtney Mares Vatican City, Jan 31, 2021 / 06:30 am MT (CNA).- Pope Francis announced Sunday the establishment of an international day to honor grandparents and the elderly to take place each year in July. “The Holy Spirit … arouses thoughts and words of wisdom in the elderly today: …
Why the Mexico City Policy is so significant

by Matt Hadro Washington D.C., Jan 29, 2021 / 06:30 am MT (CNA).- On Thursday, President Joe Biden struck down bans on U.S. funding of international pro-abortion groups—an act that could have far-reaching consequences. Biden on Thursday issued a sweeping presidential memorandum on “Protecting Women’s Health at Home and Abroad,” …
Pope Francis encourages catechists to lead others to a personal encounter with Jesus

by Courtney Mares Vatican City, Jan 31, 2021 / 08:00 am MT (CNA).- Pope Francis said Saturday that catechists have the vital responsibility of leading others to a personal encounter with Jesus through prayer, the sacraments, and Scripture. “The kerygma is a person: Jesus Christ. Catechesis is a special space …
Pope Francis meets with Cardinal Cupich after Biden inauguration statement dispute

by Courtney Mares Vatican City, Jan 30, 2021 / 08:00 am MT (CNA).- Pope Francis met with Cardinal Blase Cupich on Saturday, 10 days after the cardinal publicly criticized the U.S. bishops’ official statement on the inauguration of President Joe Biden. The private audience occurred in the Apostolic Palace on …