Franciscans in the Holy Land ask support through Good Friday collection April 12, 2025By Catholic News Service Catholic News Service Filed Under: Conflict in the Middle East, Giving, News, World News While pilgrimages to the Holy Land have been few and far between in the past 18 months, hundreds of Franciscan friars celebrate Mass at the sites associated with the life of Jesus each day and continue to support the local Christian populations.
Pope praises Salesians’ passion, dedication to ministry April 7, 2025By Catholic News Service Catholic News Service Filed Under: News, Vatican, Vocations, World News The multicultural composition of the Salesian order is a gift that the priests and brothers should use in their service to the church and the world, and particularly to young people in need, Pope Francis said.
Jubilee renewal of faith builds confidence in God’s presence, pope says April 4, 2025By Catholic News Service Catholic News Service Filed Under: News, Vatican, World News Saying “yes” to God’s plan for one’s life does not mean everything will be easy, but it does mean knowing that God is there and will help, Pope Francis said.
Radio Interview: Lent and Fasting March 3, 2025By Catholic News Service Catholic Review Filed Under: Feature, Lent, Local News, News, Radio Interview Catholic Review Editor Christopher Gunty talks with Deacon Greg Kandra of the Deacon’s Bench blog about his new book, “A Handy Little Guide to Fasting” from OSV Books. They discuss the essential practices of Lent for Catholics – prayer, fasting and almsgiving – and how to enhance your spiritual life in this penitential season.
Although pope is improving, he will not lead Ash Wednesday services February 28, 2025By Catholic News Service Catholic News Service Filed Under: Feature, Lent, News, Vatican, World News While Pope Francis’ condition has continued to improve, the Vatican announced that he will not lead his traditional Ash Wednesday services in Rome March 5.
Pope gives Sister Petrini two assistants for running Vatican City February 27, 2025By Catholic News Service Catholic News Service Filed Under: News, Vatican, World News The office governing Vatican City State was set to have a new president March 1 and, while in the hospital, Pope Francis changed the office’s statutes to give the new president two top-level assistants.
Vatican publishes partial list of papal liturgical events during Lent February 12, 2025By Catholic News Service Catholic News Service Filed Under: Lent, News, Vatican, World News The Vatican released a partial schedule of Pope Francis’ liturgical celebrations in March and early April, including a group Lenten retreat for the pope and top members of the Curia for the first time in five years.
Vatican office clarifies rules for transferred holy days of obligation January 29, 2025By Catholic News Service Catholic News Service Filed Under: News, Vatican, World News, Worship & Sacraments When a holy day of obligation falls on a Sunday and so is transferred to another day, the Catholic faithful are encouraged to attend Mass, but they are not obliged to do so, the Vatican said.
Cardinal blesses livestock and pets at Vatican celebration January 17, 2025By Catholic News Service Catholic News Service Filed Under: News, Vatican, World News While many people around the world seek a blessing for their animals around the Oct. 4 feast of St. Francis of Assisi, in Italy the traditional date to pray for the protection of one’s pets and livestock is Jan. 17 — the feast of St. Anthony the Abbot.
Vatican publishes list of papal liturgies for January, February January 11, 2025By Catholic News Service Catholic News Service Filed Under: News, Vatican, World News Pope Francis is scheduled to complete the Christmastime liturgies by baptizing babies in the Sistine Chapel Jan. 12, the feast of the Baptism of the Lord.
Holy Door is symbol of God’s arms open to all, cardinal says December 30, 2024By Catholic News Service Catholic News Service Filed Under: Jubilee 2025, News, Vatican, World News A Holy Door is an image of God, who awaits the return of his children with open arms, said the archpriest of Rome’s Basilica of St. John Lateran.
FEMEN activist stages protest in Vatican Nativity scene December 30, 2024By Catholic News Service Catholic News Service Filed Under: News, World News A member of the protest group FEMEN was arrested after she jumped the barricade around the Vatican Nativity scene, took off her shirt and tried to grab the statue of the baby Jesus.
