Fire destroys rectory at St. Anthony Shrine in Emmitsburg; one seriously injured Migrant morality: Pope doubles down on message of acceptance Archbishop Lori announces August appointments, including new pastors and administrators Carmelites find St. Teresa of Ávila’s body still incorrupt after opening coffin for study of relics New study says Shroud of Turin bloodstains are ‘consistent with Jesus Christ’s tortures’ Local News Deacon Stretmater, father of 11 who ministered at Howard County parish, dies at 101 Jay Sorgi March 12, 2026 The word “presence” defined the way Deacon Daniel Stretmater ministered, living a life to evoke Christ’s presence through everything he did in his 101 years of life, including actively serving for a quarter-century at St. Louis in Clarksville. Franciscan Center unveils new partnership to help with water, energy bills Catholic Review Staff March 11, 2026 Continuing its mission to provide outreach to the economically disadvantaged, Baltimore’s Franciscan Center began a new partnership March 5 to provide assistance with water and energy bills. Mount St. Mary’s alumnus David Ginty wins world’s largest brain research prize Catholic Review Staff March 11, 2026 Dr. David Ginty, a 1984 graduate of Mount St. Mary’s University in Emmitsburg, has been named a recipient of The Brain Prize, the world’s largest neuroscience research award. Maryvale grad Allie Weis running Boston Marathon to benefit cancer research Gerry Jackson March 11, 2026 Allie Weis will compete in her first Boston Marathon April 20, running the 130th edition of the iconic event to raise funds for cancer research in honor of her late mother. More Local News World News Pope Leo XIV meets with evacuated Tehran cardinal as U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran continue Courtney Mares March 12, 2026 Pope Leo XIV met privately March 11 with the cardinal archbishop of Tehran after the Belgian-born prelate was evacuated from Iran amid U.S. and Israeli military strikes on the country. ‘Rebirth’ art project offers counternarrative for Father Rupnik accusers, abuse survivors Sarah Mac Donald March 12, 2026 A major new artwork dedicated to the victims of spiritual and sexual abuse in the church is to be displayed at locations where disgraced priest artist Father Marko Rupnik’s mosaics are still exhibited. Sen. Hawley introduces bill to revoke FDA approval of abortion pill Kate Scanlon March 12, 2026 Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., announced March 11 he has introduced legislation in the Senate that would ban mifepristone, a drug commonly, but not exclusively, used for first trimester abortion. Amid deadly Midwest storms, a chapel is left undamaged, and faith, hope remain strong Gina Christian March 12, 2026 Catholic parish and school communities in the Midwest are among those working to clean up after deadly storms and tornadoes tore through a number of states March 6 and 10 — but, said two Catholic schools, faith, prayer and hope remain strong. More World News Commentary Question Corner: Can you use a deconsecrated altar for other purposes? Jenna Marie Cooper March 11, 2026 while a church building that could no longer be used for its original purpose might in some cases lawfully be sold and re-purposed as something like a museum or private residence, this relegation or re-purposing would not affect the status of the altar it once contained. Yes and no George P. Matysek Jr. March 11, 2026 In the Gospel of St. Matthew, Jesus tells us to let our “yes” mean “yes” and our “no” mean “no,” warning that anything more is from the evil one. Scripture scholars explain that he was condemning the misuse of oaths and calling his followers to live in truth. But I couldn’t help thinking that he was also calling us to something deeper: an integrity of heart. John Allen, nonpareil Vaticanista George Weigel March 11, 2026 John Allen was the best Anglophone Vaticanista ever, a man of great kindness who graciously helped everyone on that beat who had the sense to counsel with him. More than a Cup of Coffee (and accepting Lenten interruptions) Rita Buettner March 7, 2026 As we were walking, I saw a man who looked like he was on his way to work. He was carrying a paper coffee cup—a beacon to me on my hunt for coffee. Fear: Destroyer of Lenten works Elizabeth Scalia March 7, 2026 It is human to be afraid. But this year, in our Lenten disciplines, let us place all of the fears we’re conscious of — or will admit to — into the vast depths of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Christ, who said, “Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom” (Lk 12:32). More Commentary Featured Video Our Lady of Mount Carmel’s bid to become the first team to earn back-to-back Baltimore Catholic League Tournament and Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association A Conference basketball titles started quickly and promptly hit a snag against St. Frances Academy March 4 at Loyola University Maryland’s Reitz Arena.
Deacon Stretmater, father of 11 who ministered at Howard County parish, dies at 101 Jay Sorgi March 12, 2026 The word “presence” defined the way Deacon Daniel Stretmater ministered, living a life to evoke Christ’s presence through everything he did in his 101 years of life, including actively serving for a quarter-century at St. Louis in Clarksville.
Franciscan Center unveils new partnership to help with water, energy bills Catholic Review Staff March 11, 2026 Continuing its mission to provide outreach to the economically disadvantaged, Baltimore’s Franciscan Center began a new partnership March 5 to provide assistance with water and energy bills.
Mount St. Mary’s alumnus David Ginty wins world’s largest brain research prize Catholic Review Staff March 11, 2026 Dr. David Ginty, a 1984 graduate of Mount St. Mary’s University in Emmitsburg, has been named a recipient of The Brain Prize, the world’s largest neuroscience research award.
Maryvale grad Allie Weis running Boston Marathon to benefit cancer research Gerry Jackson March 11, 2026 Allie Weis will compete in her first Boston Marathon April 20, running the 130th edition of the iconic event to raise funds for cancer research in honor of her late mother.
Pope Leo XIV meets with evacuated Tehran cardinal as U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran continue Courtney Mares March 12, 2026 Pope Leo XIV met privately March 11 with the cardinal archbishop of Tehran after the Belgian-born prelate was evacuated from Iran amid U.S. and Israeli military strikes on the country.
‘Rebirth’ art project offers counternarrative for Father Rupnik accusers, abuse survivors Sarah Mac Donald March 12, 2026 A major new artwork dedicated to the victims of spiritual and sexual abuse in the church is to be displayed at locations where disgraced priest artist Father Marko Rupnik’s mosaics are still exhibited.
Sen. Hawley introduces bill to revoke FDA approval of abortion pill Kate Scanlon March 12, 2026 Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., announced March 11 he has introduced legislation in the Senate that would ban mifepristone, a drug commonly, but not exclusively, used for first trimester abortion.
Amid deadly Midwest storms, a chapel is left undamaged, and faith, hope remain strong Gina Christian March 12, 2026 Catholic parish and school communities in the Midwest are among those working to clean up after deadly storms and tornadoes tore through a number of states March 6 and 10 — but, said two Catholic schools, faith, prayer and hope remain strong.
Question Corner: Can you use a deconsecrated altar for other purposes? Jenna Marie Cooper March 11, 2026 while a church building that could no longer be used for its original purpose might in some cases lawfully be sold and re-purposed as something like a museum or private residence, this relegation or re-purposing would not affect the status of the altar it once contained.
Yes and no George P. Matysek Jr. March 11, 2026 In the Gospel of St. Matthew, Jesus tells us to let our “yes” mean “yes” and our “no” mean “no,” warning that anything more is from the evil one. Scripture scholars explain that he was condemning the misuse of oaths and calling his followers to live in truth. But I couldn’t help thinking that he was also calling us to something deeper: an integrity of heart.
John Allen, nonpareil Vaticanista George Weigel March 11, 2026 John Allen was the best Anglophone Vaticanista ever, a man of great kindness who graciously helped everyone on that beat who had the sense to counsel with him.
More than a Cup of Coffee (and accepting Lenten interruptions) Rita Buettner March 7, 2026 As we were walking, I saw a man who looked like he was on his way to work. He was carrying a paper coffee cup—a beacon to me on my hunt for coffee.
Fear: Destroyer of Lenten works Elizabeth Scalia March 7, 2026 It is human to be afraid. But this year, in our Lenten disciplines, let us place all of the fears we’re conscious of — or will admit to — into the vast depths of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Christ, who said, “Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom” (Lk 12:32).
