During an Oct. 3 prayer service, Archbishop William E. Lori reminded those gathered at the Shrine of St. Anthony in Ellicott City that while the service commemorated the death of St. Francis of Assisi 800 years ago, the evening was really about hope.

In this Oct. 4, 2026, episode of Catholic Review Radio, host Rita Buettner explores the life, legacy and enduring spirituality of St. Francis of Assisi as the Church marks the 800th anniversary of his death. Through conversations with Conventual Franciscan Father Michael Heine, provincial of Our Lady of the Angels Province, and Conventual Franciscan Father Gary Johnson, vicar provincial, listeners gain fresh insight into one of Christianity’s most beloved saints.

Taking only three months to complete, the Sacred Space Project gave the 40-year-old parish much needed updates, including new flooring, better lighting and new paint, according to Father Kline, pastor. Adjustments to the sanctuary’s framing and platform were also completed.

The breakfast, sponsored annually by PIE to support Catholic students in the Archdiocese of Baltimore, invites local business leaders to network, hear about the impact on students and schools, and – the organizers hope – contribute to the cause.

Behind prison walls, unexpected encounters are changing lives. For incarcerated men and women seeking hope and the ministers who accompany them, prison ministry is a powerful source of faith, healing and human connection.

Deacon Carlos Morales, whose ministry included work as a university dean of students, radio host and author, and who accompanied thousands of people in their faith, died of liver cancer Sept. 22 in Edgewood. He was 82.

A funeral Mass for Conventual Franciscan Brother Vincent Joseph Vivian will be offered Oct. 2 at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of the Angels Care Center in Enfield, Conn. Brother Vincent died Sept. 26. He was 78.

Archbishop Lori announces clergy appointments, including administrators, special ministry and deacons.

The Archdiocese of Baltimore is preparing for a milestone not seen in more than half a century: the ordination of 12 new priests in a single year.

The Culture of Life Studies Program is hosting its annual pro-life essay contest, open to students in grades 5-12, through Nov. 7.