Myrtle Stanley, former director of what is now archdiocesan Missions Office, dies at 96 Radio Interview: Holier matrimony St. Francis’ relics open to public for first extended veneration in 800 years Pope Leo XIV tells priests not to use AI to write homilies or seek likes on TikTok The Olympics and why Catholic Church cares about sports Local News Myrtle Stanley, former director of what is now archdiocesan Missions Office, dies at 96 Katie V. Jones February 23, 2026 Myrtle Stanley, former director of the Archdiocese of Baltimore’s Office of the Propagation of the Faith (now the Missions Office), died Feb. 6. She was 96. Radio Interview: Holier matrimony Catholic Review Staff February 23, 2026 Exploring the beauty and challenge of Catholic marriage, this week’s episode of “Catholic Review Radio” features author and homeschooling mother Caitrin Bennett discussing her award-winning book, “Holier Matrimony: Married Saints, Catholic Vows and Sacramental Grace.” ‘High-adventure faith’ at retreat center in Emmitsburg Jay Sorgi February 23, 2026 Damascus, an Ohio-based ministry that says it serves more than 50,000 with its camps and missionary outreach, has purchased the Summit Lake Christian Retreat Center in Emmitsburg from a Baptist group, and will operate summer camps for Catholic youths from sixth graders to seniors in high school. Archbishop Lori cancels Rite of Election liturgies in anticipation of winter storm George P. Matysek Jr. February 21, 2026 In anticipation of an impending winter storm Feb. 22, Archbishop William E. Lori has canceled the Rite of Election liturgies that had been planned for that afternoon at the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen in Homeland and the Basilica of the National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Emmitsburg. More Local News World News At Curia retreat, Bishop Varden warns of Gospel’s use ‘as a weapon in culture wars’ Junno Arocho Esteves February 23, 2026 The Lenten season is a reminder that Christians are called to bear witness to Christ through authentic witness, not self-righteous indignation, Norwegian Trappist Bishop Erik Varden told the pope and Vatican officials. Pope renews ‘heartfelt appeal’ for ‘immediate ceasefire’ in Russia-Ukraine war OSV News February 23, 2026 Pope Leo XIV has renewed his “heartfelt appeal” for an “immediate ceasefire” in Russia’s war against Ukraine and again urged dialogue “be strengthened to pave the way toward peace.” Bishops urge prudence, prayer, invoke Guadalupe’s protection as violence erupts in Mexico Junno Arocho Esteves February 23, 2026 Mexican bishops called on the faithful to follow safety protocols as violence broke out in several states following the military’s killing of a powerful cartel boss. St. Francis’ relics open to public for first extended veneration in 800 years Courtney Mares February 23, 2026 For the first time in eight centuries, the mortal remains of St. Francis of Assisi are being exposed for an extended period of public veneration, drawing hundreds of thousands of pilgrims from around the world to pray before “the Little Poor Man of Assisi.” More World News Commentary Today is a good day to begin again Rita Buettner February 22, 2026 Lent isn’t about winning. It’s about taking small steps that we hope lead to big ones. If we’re doing this right, Lent will not be easy. But we are trying. Caring for creation this Lent Archbishop Mitchell T. Rozanski February 21, 2026 Like the popes and bishops speaking up to protect God’s creation, our Catholic faith calls all of us to bring our values to public life, too. You can join churches and millions of Americans in conserving resources, advocating for change and supporting initiatives to give our children a cleaner, healthier world. Adoption is choosing life Katie Yoder February 19, 2026 Birth mothers embody this radical, self-sacrificial love by wanting what is best for their children even if that means placing them with another family. Adoptive parents participate in it by loving another’s child as their own. Question Corner: Why doesn’t the Church require more demanding fasting for Lent? Jenna Marie Cooper February 18, 2026 A more demanding common discipline would require far more exceptions, which could make it difficult for the majority of the Church to observe them together as one spiritual family. Remembering Angelo Gugel George Weigel February 18, 2026 He was a quiet man who sought no attention and knew he was serving a saint. May he rest in peace, reunited with his old master at the Throne of Grace. More Commentary Featured Video A look at Pope Leo’s Ash Wednesday 2026.
Myrtle Stanley, former director of what is now archdiocesan Missions Office, dies at 96 Katie V. Jones February 23, 2026 Myrtle Stanley, former director of the Archdiocese of Baltimore’s Office of the Propagation of the Faith (now the Missions Office), died Feb. 6. She was 96.
Radio Interview: Holier matrimony Catholic Review Staff February 23, 2026 Exploring the beauty and challenge of Catholic marriage, this week’s episode of “Catholic Review Radio” features author and homeschooling mother Caitrin Bennett discussing her award-winning book, “Holier Matrimony: Married Saints, Catholic Vows and Sacramental Grace.”
‘High-adventure faith’ at retreat center in Emmitsburg Jay Sorgi February 23, 2026 Damascus, an Ohio-based ministry that says it serves more than 50,000 with its camps and missionary outreach, has purchased the Summit Lake Christian Retreat Center in Emmitsburg from a Baptist group, and will operate summer camps for Catholic youths from sixth graders to seniors in high school.
Archbishop Lori cancels Rite of Election liturgies in anticipation of winter storm George P. Matysek Jr. February 21, 2026 In anticipation of an impending winter storm Feb. 22, Archbishop William E. Lori has canceled the Rite of Election liturgies that had been planned for that afternoon at the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen in Homeland and the Basilica of the National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Emmitsburg.
At Curia retreat, Bishop Varden warns of Gospel’s use ‘as a weapon in culture wars’ Junno Arocho Esteves February 23, 2026 The Lenten season is a reminder that Christians are called to bear witness to Christ through authentic witness, not self-righteous indignation, Norwegian Trappist Bishop Erik Varden told the pope and Vatican officials.
Pope renews ‘heartfelt appeal’ for ‘immediate ceasefire’ in Russia-Ukraine war OSV News February 23, 2026 Pope Leo XIV has renewed his “heartfelt appeal” for an “immediate ceasefire” in Russia’s war against Ukraine and again urged dialogue “be strengthened to pave the way toward peace.”
Bishops urge prudence, prayer, invoke Guadalupe’s protection as violence erupts in Mexico Junno Arocho Esteves February 23, 2026 Mexican bishops called on the faithful to follow safety protocols as violence broke out in several states following the military’s killing of a powerful cartel boss.
St. Francis’ relics open to public for first extended veneration in 800 years Courtney Mares February 23, 2026 For the first time in eight centuries, the mortal remains of St. Francis of Assisi are being exposed for an extended period of public veneration, drawing hundreds of thousands of pilgrims from around the world to pray before “the Little Poor Man of Assisi.”
Today is a good day to begin again Rita Buettner February 22, 2026 Lent isn’t about winning. It’s about taking small steps that we hope lead to big ones. If we’re doing this right, Lent will not be easy. But we are trying.
Caring for creation this Lent Archbishop Mitchell T. Rozanski February 21, 2026 Like the popes and bishops speaking up to protect God’s creation, our Catholic faith calls all of us to bring our values to public life, too. You can join churches and millions of Americans in conserving resources, advocating for change and supporting initiatives to give our children a cleaner, healthier world.
Adoption is choosing life Katie Yoder February 19, 2026 Birth mothers embody this radical, self-sacrificial love by wanting what is best for their children even if that means placing them with another family. Adoptive parents participate in it by loving another’s child as their own.
Question Corner: Why doesn’t the Church require more demanding fasting for Lent? Jenna Marie Cooper February 18, 2026 A more demanding common discipline would require far more exceptions, which could make it difficult for the majority of the Church to observe them together as one spiritual family.
Remembering Angelo Gugel George Weigel February 18, 2026 He was a quiet man who sought no attention and knew he was serving a saint. May he rest in peace, reunited with his old master at the Throne of Grace.
