While faith cannot change anything in moments of great darkness such as the one Israelis and Palestinians are currently living through in the Israeli-Hamas war, it can, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa said, create “a small light” which will give “orientation.”
News
Pope: Gifts and parties are OK, but don’t forget Jesus at Christmas
Exchanging Christmas gifts and organizing holiday parties are all well and good, but Christians should contemplate the scene of Jesus’ birth to recover what is truly important during the Christmas season, Pope Francis said.
Prayer vigil puts spotlight on those mourning during season of joy
A coalition of religious and community-service groups in Southwest Baltimore plans to continue its anti-violence conversation with a prayer vigil and walk two days after Christmas.
New Texas law criminalizing unauthorized migrants’ entry into state called inhumane
Gov. Greg Abbott, R-Texas, signed an immigration bill into law Dec. 18 that makes it a state crime for unauthorized migrants to cross into Texas from Mexico. Catholic organizations including the Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops have opposed the legislation.
‘We have nothing except our church — faith is stronger than war,’ says young Gaza Christian
The world has become small and dangerous for the 600 Palestinian Gaza Christians sheltering at the Holy Family Parish church compound in Gaza City almost since the start of the Israeli-Hamas war Oct. 7.
Bishop urges Mexicans to avoid indifference, not ‘get used’ to massacres
A Mexican bishop has called for people not to be indifferent after the massacre of a dozen young people at a Christmas party in one of the country’s most violent states.
Experts: Vatican declaration on blessings walks a fine line on marriage, pastoral care
A new declaration from the Vatican on pastoral blessings does not change the Catholic Church’s teaching on marriage, Catholic experts told OSV News, but seeks to extend the church’s accompaniment to those in irregular situations.
Seek the City initiative advances with visioning workshops
The Seek the City to Come initiative is making strides in reshaping and revitalizing the Catholic presence in Baltimore. Now in its second year, the initiative continues to engage the diverse voices of the city’s 61 parishes to collaboratively shape the future of the Catholic Church.
‘I AM HERE’ campaign invites all to discover Christ’s real presence in Eucharist
This Advent, the Archdiocese of Detroit also wanted people to know they weren’t spiritually alone, no matter how isolating post-pandemic, 21st-century life might seem.
Israeli army denies targeting Gaza church where Pope Francis says ‘unarmed civilians’ were ‘targets’
Following a series of attacks on Christians in the Gaza Strip by Israeli forces Dec. 16, including the killing of a mother and daughter at a Catholic church, the Israeli Defense Forces said that it “takes claims regarding harm to sensitive sites with the utmost seriousness.”
An iconic cockerel is once again watching over Notre Dame in Paris on top of its cross
A new version of an iconic cockerel, or rooster, is once again watching over Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, symbolizing resilience amid destruction after a devastating April 2019 fire.
Court sets deadline for claims in archdiocesan bankruptcy reorganization
In a court hearing Dec. 18, Judge Michelle M. Harner said she would make an order setting May 31 as the “bar date” in the Archdiocese of Baltimore’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization case.