Iowa priest-photographer surprised by appeal of viral cattle cross image
IMAGE: CNS photo/courtesy Father Michael Schueller By Dan Russo BANKSTON, Iowa (CNS) — It wasn’t a miracle, but the scene that unfolded on Dan and Judy Gotto’s farm in Bankston shortly before Christmas became a beautiful testament to faith. On Dec. 23, 2019, members of the family had carefully laid …
Don’t let the devil light ‘fire’ of war in your heart, pope says
IMAGE: CNS photo/Vatican Media By Carol Glatz VATICAN CITY (CNS) — People cannot call themselves Christians if they sow the seeds of war, Pope Francis said. Finding fault and condemning others is "the temptation of the devil for making war," the pope said in his homily during morning Mass in …
Pope sets special day to honor, study, share the Bible
IMAGE: CNS photo/Paul Haring By Carol Glatz VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The newly established "Sunday of the Word of God" is an invitation to Catholics across the world to deepen their appreciation, love and faithful witness to God and his word, Pope Francis said. By papal decree, the third Sunday …
Amid threat of war, world must not give up hope, pope tells diplomats
IMAGE: CNS photo/Reuters By Junno Arocho Esteves VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Hope is the virtue needed to approach the coming year, especially when the looming threat of war surrounds a humanity scarred by violence, Pope Francis said. During his annual address to diplomats accredited to the Vatican, the pope said …
Hope and Healing: Project Rachel Provides Post-Abortive Support to Women and Men
by Katie Sciba She was 19 years old when she found out she was pregnant. Afraid of disappointing her parents, Sarah* and her boyfriend decided to abort their child. “We were in quick and then the baby was gone,” she said, “and it was something I never talked about.” Sarah …
Update: USCCB president urges world leaders to pursue dialogue, seek peace
IMAGE: CNS photo/Kevin Lamarque, Reuters By WASHINGTON (CNS) — Hours after Iran launched more than a dozen ballistic missiles at two Iraqi bases, Archbishop Jose H. Gomez, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, issued a statement calling for urgent prayers "that our world’s leaders will pursue dialogue and …
Minn. Catholic, Lutheran bishops’ open letter backs refugee admission
IMAGE: CNS photo/Bob Roller By Joe Ruff MINNEAPOLIS (CNS) — The Catholic and Lutheran bishops of Minnesota, in an open letter, urged support and prayers for those seeking shelter and protection. The open letter was first published Dec. 23 in the Minneapolis Star Tribune — just before the Christmas Day …
Life’s trials train Christians to be sensitive to others, pope says
IMAGE: CNS photo/Paul Haring By Junno Arocho Esteves VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Christians survive trials and tribulations with the help of their faith in Christ and pay it forward by being compassionate toward others who suffer, Pope Francis said. "A ‘tried’ Christian can certainly become closer to those who suffer …
Obituary: Sister Marie Shields, SNDdeN
Cincinnati OH – January 7, 2020 – Sister of Notre Dame de Namur Marie Shields died December 31, 2019 in Cincinnati, OH, at the age of 81. A native of Chicago, IL, she was in her 64th year of religious life. In 1958, Sister Marie began 14 years of teaching …
Prayer vigil pushes for peaceful solution in Iran crisis
IMAGE: CNS photo/Tyler Orsburn By Mark Pattison WASHINGTON (CNS) — The gathering outside the White House after dark Jan. 6 to protest U.S. aggression toward Iran was not nearly as big as a parade two days earlier protesting against the warlike moves. It certainly was not as loud. But, in its …