Conversations about the role of women in the church and their ministerial functions are still being held at the highest levels of the Vatican.

Father Schmitz offered his wisdom on a number of topics — especially evangelization and the importance of Eucharist.

Hundreds of priests, around 100 bishops and several cardinals concelebrated the morning Mass in Lucas Oil Stadium July 18 — a liturgy that kicked off the first full day of National Eucharistic Congress that had officially opened the evening prior with a revival centered around a beautiful Holy Hour.

Children of Vatican employees began their summer holidays at a new outdoor sports area and pool as part of an annual summer program.

Silence filled Lucas Oil Stadium as tens of thousands of people dropped to their knees to adore Jesus Christ in the Blessed Sacrament as the long-anticipated National Eucharistic Congress officially got underway on the evening of July 17 in Indianapolis.

– Alleged victims of Father Marko Rupnik welcomed the decisions of the Knights of Columbus and Lourdes sanctuary regarding the ex-Jesuit’s mosaics, saying they are “grateful.” “Words are not enough to show solidarity with the victims; actions are needed,” one of the women told OSV News.

The streets outside Lucas Oil Stadium and the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis were abuzz with excitement July 17 as Catholics of all ages and walks of life gathered for the 10th National Eucharistic Congress, the first such congress in 83 years.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a direct appeal July 15 to the Texas Supreme Court seeking to revive his effort to shut down Annunciation House in El Paso, Texas, a Catholic nonprofit serving migrants, after a state judge earlier the same month dismissed his lawsuit.

A judge ruled July 12 that the Washington state attorney general does not have legal authority to enforce a subpoena for clergy abuse records against the Archdiocese of Seattle, specifically noting that the religious exemption in the state Charitable Trust Act stands.

As an anticipated 50,000 Catholics descend upon Indianapolis July 17-21 for the 10th National Eucharistic Congress, among them will be a multitude of permanent deacons — men whom Pope Francis has called “the guardians of service.”