A first Communion Mass at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church in Abbeville, La., was disrupted May 11 after a teenager attempted to enter the church with a rifle.
University of Mary’s community for student moms celebrates its first graduate
When Katie Chihoski walked the graduation stage at the University of Mary April 27, she was holding both her hard-earned bachelor’s degree in social work and her 18-month-old daughter Lucia.
Catholic groups call for cease-fire in Gaza, release of Israeli hostages
More than 2,500 Catholic bishops, priests, women religious, academics, laypeople and Catholic groups have called for a cease-fire in Gaza in a letter to U.S. President Joe Biden and other world leaders.
Union with God in ‘The Living Flame of Love’
“The Living Flame of Love” is a poem written by the 16th-century Spanish mystic with beautiful, fiery imagery to describe a soul’s perfect union with God. St. John wrote both the poem and a commentary on it for Doña Ana de Peñalosa, a widow who went to him for spiritual direction in Granada.
‘Tortured Poet’ Taylor Swift offers troubled tales of our time
Taylor Swift grapples with the weight of her words in her latest offering “The Tortured Poets Department,” a 31-track double album that explores heartbreak, fame and longing.
Pope calls for peace in Gaza and Ukraine, laments plight of children in war in CBS interview
Pope Francis sat down exclusively with “CBS Evening News” anchor Norah O’Donnell on April 24 for an interview ahead of the Vatican’s inaugural “World Children’s Day.” The CBS interview marks the first time a pope has given an in-depth, one-on-one interview to a U.S. broadcast network, according to the network.
Abortions soar to highest number in over a decade post Dobbs, study finds
A recent study from the Guttmacher Institute, an organization that supports abortion access, found that the number of abortions in 2023 has increased to the highest number and rate in the United States in over a decade.
Catholic identity at heart of Catholic University’s new ‘Lead with Light’ brand
The Catholic University of America launched a new “Lead with Light” brand March 18 to emphasize the institution’s focus on Christ and bringing his light to the world through vibrant community life and academic excellence.
Eucharistic Revival’s ‘Invite One Back’ initiative helps parishes reach lapsed Catholics
The bishops launched resources in early March as part of the “Invite One Back” initiative, equipping clergy and parish leaders to invite those who have stopped attending Sunday Mass to fill the pews once again.
Body of preterm baby found in Virginia pond prompts prayers, resource reminders
Bishop Michael F. Burbidge of Arlington, Va., expressed “great sorrow” after the body of an unborn baby was found in a pond in Leesburg, Virginia, on March 11. He called on the faithful to pray for everyone involved in the incident, offered burial services and also drew attention to the resources the diocese offers to women in crisis pregnancies.
Oregon bishop bars blessings for same-sex couples in diocese to prevent confusion, scandal
On Feb. 9, Bishop Liam S. Cary of Baker, Ore., said he has asked the priests of his diocese “not to bless known co-habiting couples, of the same sex or both sexes” because he does not believe that blessings for couples in such situations could be carried out in a “scandal-free” manner in his diocese.
Friar who said Ash Wednesday Mass for Roumie, Wahlberg shares how to meet God in Lent’s ‘desert’
Father Mark-Mary Ames of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal had an atypical Ash Wednesday this year after celebrating an early morning Mass for actors Jonathan Roumie and Mark Wahlberg.