What does it mean when a priest says a Mass is being offered for a person? As part of the prayers of the Mass, the priest may offer a Mass for a particular intention, which is often for the repose of a deceased person’s soul, though Masses can be offered …

The new permanent deacon class will be ordained on April 23 at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Peter in Chains in downtown Cincinnati. As a one of the 14 men in this class (and four others from the Diocese of Covington), I know the reasons that called each of us …

by Diego Lopez Marina Lima, Peru, Apr 18, 2022 / 14:59 pm The fast-food chain Burger King in Spain has withdrawn and apologized for an offensive ad campaign that sparked outrage among Catholics during Holy Week. “We apologize to all those who have felt offended by our campaign aimed at …

March 2 Ash Wednesday Readings: Jl 2:12-18, 51:3-4, 5-6ab, 12-13, 14 and 17, 2 Cor 5:20—6:2, Mt 6:1-6, 16-18 Invitation to Prayer: “Take care not to perform righteous deeds in order that people may see them; otherwise, you will have no recompense from your heavenly Father.” (Mt 6:1) Reflection: Ash …

by Joe Bukuras, Shannon Mullen Cambridge, Massachusetts, Apr 16, 2022 / 09:03 am One convert’s journey to Catholicism began with an invitation to an ice-cream social. Another says he instantly believed in the Real Presence the moment someone explained what the round object was that everyone was staring at during eucharistic …

by Katie Yoder Washington, D.C. Newsroom, Apr 14, 2022 / 10:22 am The Thursday before Easter, Catholics around the world practice an ancient Lenten tradition — a Holy Thursday devotion — known as the “Seven Churches Visitation.” What is the Seven Churches Visitation? During Holy Week, Catholics are invited to …

by Katie Yoder Washington, D.C. Newsroom, Apr 9, 2022 / 06:00 am The U.S. bishops recently welcomed a relic of Blessed Carlo Acutis. It is the teenager’s pericardium, or the sac that protected his heart. “I now bring to you the relic of the pericardium, which is the membrane that …

by CNA Staff CNA Staff, Mar 31, 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. …

St. Julie Billiart, co-foundress of the Congregation of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, came to her religious vocation late in life, at the age of 51. She was born in 1751, the fifth of seven children. As a child, she developed a great love for Jesus in the …

April 1 is the feast of a little-known saint whose story demonstrates the power of the Church as the home of forgiveness, redemption and mercy. St. Mary of Egypt was a prostitute for 17 years before she received the Eucharist and chose the life of a hermit. Born in 344 …