A quick guide to fasting in Lent February 18, 2026By Michael R. Heinlein OSV News Filed Under: Commentary, Feature, Lent Lent begins Feb. 18 this year. During this holy and penitential season, fasting is required of adult Catholics between the ages of 18 and 59. The required days of fasting are Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.
Bishops, pro-life leaders slam Notre Dame pro-abortion appointment as ‘slap in face,’ ‘betrayal’ February 18, 2026By Gina Christian OSV News Filed Under: Colleges, News, Respect Life, World News The naming of a pro-abortion faculty member as head of a Catholic university research institute is “a direct slap in the face to the Church’s moral tradition,” an Illinois bishop said, while several recipients of the school’s top pro-life award have called it a “betrayal.”
USCCB calls for adoration hours, works of mercy to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary February 18, 2026By OSV News OSV News Filed Under: Bishops, Eucharist, Feature, News, World News As the U.S. prepares to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has encouraged Catholics to participate in initiatives including a collective 250 Hours of Adoration and 250 Works of Mercy. To celebrate the occasion, “America 250,” the initiatives encourage prayer for the unity and healing of the U.S., according to a resource guide the USCCB has
Baltimore chapter of Young Catholic Professionals celebrates successful first year February 18, 2026By Katie V. Jones OSV News Filed Under: Feature, Local News, News, Young Adult Ministry A national organization based in Texas, Young Catholic Professionals offers adults in their 20s and 30s opportunities to network, socialize and share their faith at various events throughout the year. In Baltimore, Principe and his team host one event each month.
Home viewing roundup: What’s available to stream and what’s on horizon February 18, 2026By John Mulderig OSV News Filed Under: Movie & Television Reviews Capsule reviews of theatrical movies available now for streaming or scheduled for broadcast on network or cable television as well as notes on TV programming for the same week.
Leo’s Lenten lessons February 18, 2026By Michael R. Heinlein OSV News Filed Under: Commentary, Lent Pope Leo XIV’s first Lenten message is a great gift for those looking for a roadmap to the season.
The No. 1 person former President Obama most wants to meet? It’s Pope Leo XIV February 17, 2026By Simone Orendain OSV News Filed Under: News, Racial Justice, Vatican, World News Former President Barack Obama said in a YouTube interview posted Feb. 14 he wants to meet Pope Leo XIV.
From Foreheads to Crowns: How Ash Wednesday looks different worldwide February 17, 2026By Josephine Peterson Catholic News Service Filed Under: Lent, News, World News, Worship & Sacraments Catholics going to Mass on Ash Wednesday will leave church marked, but whether the ashes appear as a bold cross on the forehead or sprinkled atop the head depends largely on where in the world they worship.
Commission issues ‘painful’ abuse report on Polish diocese, a first in the crisis-hit nation February 17, 2026By Katarzyna Szalajko OSV News Filed Under: Child & Youth Protection, News, World News A newly released clerical sexual abuse report in Poland’s Diocese of Sosnowiec is being described by investigators as a necessary step toward accountability, while Church leaders call it a painful but essential moment in rebuilding trust after years of scandals.
Stepping up to Lent February 17, 2026By Jaymie Stuart Wolfe OSV News Filed Under: Commentary, Lent Everything we love, cherish and enjoy — the best and most meaningful experiences we remember all our lives — require people who are willing to spend their resources, share their talents and work their tails off to make them happen.
‘Remember you are dust’: Why people fill the pew on Ash Wednesday February 17, 2026By Kimberly Heatherington OSV News Filed Under: Feature, Lent, News, World News, Worship & Sacraments Why do so many people make an extra effort to get to church on Ash Wednesday — the first of Lent’s 40 days — when it is not a holy day of obligation, and they are not required to receive ashes?
Data on sweeping immigrant detentions underscores U.S. bishops’ concerns, says policy expert February 17, 2026By Gina Christian OSV News Filed Under: Bishops, Immigration and Migration, News, World News Data showing most individuals in immigration detention do not have violent criminal records highlights ongoing concerns expressed by the nation’s Catholic bishops over the Trump administration immigration crackdown, said an official with the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.
