St. Thérèse teaches simplicity, love, trust, pope says in document October 16, 2023By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service Filed Under: Feature, News, Saints, Vatican, World News St. Thérèse of Lisieux, long one of Pope Francis’ favorite saints, teaches Christians “the little way” of love, self-giving, concern for others and complete trust in the mercy of God, the pope said in a new document.
Synod focus on ‘inclusion’ key for people with disabilities, member says October 16, 2023By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service Filed Under: Feature, News, Synodality, Vatican, World News In many places in the world, including in Rome, people with disabilities cannot enter Catholic churches because of the architectural barriers, but even when they do, “we are not asked anything and we are not asked to participate either,” said Enrique Alarcón García.
Synod looks at Catholics’ shared mission, but also exclusion of women October 13, 2023By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service Filed Under: Feature, News, Synodality, Vatican, World News The life of women in the Catholic Church “is full of scars” and alternating experiences of being encouraged or rejected, the president of Latin America’s religious superiors told members of the assembly of the Synod of Bishops.
Synod members from around the globe unite in praying for peace October 12, 2023By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service Filed Under: Conflict in the Middle East, Feature, News, Synodality, World News Synod participants who have known war and conflict firsthand led the assembly of the Synod of Bishops Oct. 12 by praying for peace between Israel and Palestine, throughout the Middle East and across the globe.
Synod elects members to oversee synthesis report October 12, 2023By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service Filed Under: News, Synodality, Vatican, World News With 364 members and dozens of special guests having the right to speak at the assembly of the Synod of Bishops, accurately synthesizing the discussion will be a major undertaking.
Synod guest shares how process reduces anger, builds community October 11, 2023By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service Filed Under: Feature, Immigration and Migration, News, Synodality, Vatican, World News Luca Casarini, a longtime and well-known Italian activist, is a special guest at the assembly of the Synod of Bishops; he’s encouraged to speak, but has no vote. And he said he is learning a lot.
Pope condemns terrorism, expresses concern for civilians October 11, 2023By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service Filed Under: Conflict in the Middle East, Feature, News, Vatican, World News Pope Francis condemned Hamas’ terrorist attacks on Israel and pleaded with the militants to free their hostages unharmed, but he also expressed concern about Israel’s tightening siege on Gaza and its impact on innocent civilians.
Love, forgiveness liberate, break cycles of violence, pope says October 11, 2023By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service Filed Under: Feature, News, Saints, Vatican, World News The life of St. Josephine Bakhita, a former slave from Sudan who became a nun, demonstrates how love liberates people from oppression and frees them to forgive their oppressors and break cycles of hatred and violence, Pope Francis said.
Synod focus on welcoming is what Jesus would do, synod member says October 10, 2023By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service Filed Under: Feature, News, Synodality, Vatican, World News Finding better ways to live “like Jesus did” — reaching out, welcoming, healing and including others — was the focus of Sister Liliana Franco Echeverri’s small group discussions Oct. 9-10 at the assembly of the Synod of Bishops, she said.
Mary shows Christians they are all brothers, sisters, pope says October 9, 2023By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service Filed Under: Feature, News, Vatican, World News Mary is not only an “advocate,” helping Christians in need, she also is a “facilitator,” who helps them recognize that as her children, they are all brothers and sisters, Pope Francis said.
Synod call to communion can help a fractured world, theologian says October 9, 2023By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service Filed Under: Feature, News, Synodality, Vatican, World News The Catholic Church is called to be an instrument of communion with God and unity among all people, but it requires grace and “learning to ‘bear with’ reality, gently, generously, lovingly and courageously for the peace and salvation of the whole world,” a theologian told the assembly of the Synod of Bishops.
Pope names first woman secretary of dicastery for religious October 9, 2023By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service Filed Under: Feature, News, Vatican, World News Consolata Missionary Sister Simona Brambilla will be secretary of the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, the Vatican announced Oct. 7.
