Leap year’s extra day has a Catholic origin
IMAGE: CNS photo/Rosanna Aguilera, San Angelo Standard-Times via Reuters By Donis Tracy BOSTON (CNS) — The extra day we get approximately once every four years is a way to adapt the calendar year to the astronomical year. But did you know the present system of calculating the leap years was …
Houston Catholic recalls standing her ground on train by staying seated
IMAGE: CNS photo/courtesy of Gertrudejane Holliday Stone By Jo Ann Zuniga HOUSTON (CNS) — Gertrudejane Holliday Stone, a parishioner at St. Mary of the Purification Church in Houston, was a Freedom Rider even before the term was coined. In an interview during Black History Month, the octogenarian recalled when she …
Post-hurricane partnership is rejuvenating homes, communities in Bahamas
IMAGE: CNS photo/Tom Tracy By Tom Tracy FREEPORT, Grand Bahama (CNS) — In response to the most damaging storm in the modern history of the Bahamas, a regional office of Caritas International has moved forward in its two-year commitment to promote housing refurbishment and mental wellness in the islands. Category …
Question of Faith: Catholic Masons?
Question: I know of Freemasons who are also practicing Catholics. I always thought that this was forbidden, but I was told that these men had permission from their pastors to join. Is it permissible for a Catholic to become a Mason? Is this addressed in canon law? Answer: The Church …
Priest’s pro-life, spiritual Lenten campaign aimed at Latino Catholics
IMAGE: CNS photo/Life Savers By Sydney Clark WASHINGTON (CNS) — As a new Lenten season begins, Father Jorge Obregon from Houston is encouraging young Latino Catholics to participate in a new spiritual campaign titled Life Savers. "I hope this can get to as many Spanish-speaking people starting in Spain and …
Being Pro-Life: Pro-Life Internationally
A few months ago I was contacted by a man in active pro-life ministry in Hong Kong who regularly listens to my “Being Pro-Life” podcast and offered to participate in it. I was intrigued by the idea of what the big pro-life issues are across the world, so I went …
In prepared speech, pope warns clergy on pitfalls of bitterness
IMAGE: CNS photo/Vatican Media By Junno Arocho Esteves VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Confronting and not giving in to bitterness helps priests realize that they are not all-powerful beings but sinners who have been forgiven and called by God, Pope Francis said. Bitterness is "a subtle enemy" that hides and "robs …
Pope skips penance service with Rome clergy due to mild cold
IMAGE: CNS photo/Remo Casilli, Reuters By Junno Arocho Esteves VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis did not attend a traditional penitential service with priests of the Diocese of Rome due to a mild cold, the Vatican said. In a statement Feb. 27, Matteo Bruni, director of the Vatican press office, …
Pope: Lent is a time to reflect on God’s love, not ‘useless sermons’
IMAGE: CNS photo/Paul Haring By Junno Arocho Esteves ROME (CNS) — Ashes not only symbolize humanity’s frail mortality but are also a reminder of God’s infinite love of people, whom he created from dust, Pope Francis said. While men and women are just "dust in the universe" compared to the …
Ash Wednesday Evening Masses: Quick Guide
Ash Wednesday Masses AFTER 6:00 p.m. 6:15 p.m. St. John Fisher Newtown, 3227 Church St., Cincinnati OH 45244 Wright State University Campus Ministry, 3650 Colonel Glenn Hwy, Fairborn OH 45324 6:30 p.m. Church of the Resurrection Bond Hill, 1619 California Ave., Cincinnati OH 45237 Immaculate Conception, N Main & Walnut, …
