FBI leader who oversaw Catholic investigation tapped to lead Virginia public safety department
By Daniel Payne CNA Staff, Dec 9, 2025 / 11:45 am The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) special agent who oversaw the Virginia office responsible for a highly controversial investigation into local Catholics will lead the state’s safety office under its new Democratic governor. Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger nominated Stanley Meador as …
Pope Leo meets with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy
Pope Leo XIV welcomes Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to the papal residence at Castel Gandolfo to discuss the war in Ukraine and the return of Ukrainian children taken to Russia. Vatican News Pope Leo XIV welcomed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the papal residence in Castel Gandolfo on the morning …
He’s Here: Hope Made Flesh
In a visually saturated world, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and become desensitized to beauty. Visio Divina, Latin for “divine seeing,” encourages us to slow down and engage in visual contemplation, using art as a profound tool for connecting with the Divine. A Guide to Visio Divina Begin by making …
Seminarian Spotlight: Zach Jarrell’s Pastoral Internship Year
From Mount Saint Mary’s Seminary and School of Theology: God willing, I will be ordained a deacon at the end of this school year, a big step on the road to the priesthood. That milestone feels both exciting and humbling, and it’s possible because of the people and experiences that …
Why is the Immaculate Conception patroness of the United States?
By Kate Olivera CNA Newsroom, Dec 8, 2025 / 04:00 am Mary, under her title of the Immaculate Conception, has been patroness of the United States since the mid-19th century. But her protection of the nation dates back to its earliest history. One of the first Catholic churches in what is …
‘Sons of Thunder’ vocations group teaches boys how to be Catholic men
By Francesca Pollio Fenton CNA Staff, Dec 7, 2025 / 06:00 am A little over a year ago, Father Matthew Gonzalez, a priest in the Archdiocese of Newark, New Jersey, had the idea to create a group for boys in grades eight to 12 that focuses on vocations and what it …
Do Not Be Afraid
Three years ago, I was blessed with the opportunity to make a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. While in Bethlehem, I was deeply moved by a reflection on Luke’s Gospel. Standing in the fields where the shepherds once stood, I imagined myself alongside those shepherds, encountering the angels. As I …
Leadership Change at St. Vincent de Paul Society, Dayton District
After eight years of serving as executive director of St. Vincent de Paul in Dayton, Michael Vanderburgh’s last day was yesterday. We are grateful for his servant leadership as he shepherded the organization through unimaginable challenges from the Memorial Day tornadoes to a global pandemic. Through it all, he prioritized …
Make Jesus the Standard of Christmas
At the time of this writing, my family of seven plus two mutts are in an Airbnb in our own town. Two weeks ago, a small leak in our bathroom turned into the space being gutted from water damage. We were assigned project managers, contractors, and an adjuster to boot. …
Lord’s Day Reflection: George Bailey meets John the Baptist
As the Church marks the Second Sunday of Advent, Jenny Kraska offers her reflection on the Gospel reading for the day. By Jenny Kraska At this time of year, I love to watch It’s a Wonderful Life – one of my favorite Christmas movies. No matter how many times I’ve seen it, …
