IMAGE: CNS photo/Alexandre Meneghini, Reuters By Cindy Wooden VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Ukrainian Catholic leaders gave a very cautious welcome to news that Pope Francis would meet in Cuba with Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill of Moscow. “I do not expect … Continue reading
Author Archives: Editor
Vast distances create trials and joy for Catholics in mission dioceses
IMAGE: CNS photo/Chaz Muth By Chaz Muth DRIGGS, Idaho (CNS) — Father Adrian Vazquez bolted out of his rectory in St. Anthony on a cold November morning, brushed a thin layer of snow off of his Subaru Outback, started the … Continue reading
Mission dioceses welcome the stranger, disenfranchised
IMAGE: CNS photo/Chaz Muth By Chaz Muth RALEIGH, N.C. (CNS) — When Aida Sarkisian and her family left their home in Iraq for the U.S., it wasn’t because they wanted to. It was because their survival depended on it. The … Continue reading
Papal commission on sex abuse votes that member take leave of absence
By Carol Glatz VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The papal commission on child protection voted that one of its members — a survivor of abuse and victims’ advocate — take a leave of absence and consider other ways to contribute to … Continue reading
Vatican updates papal itinerary for Cuba, Mexico visit
IMAGE: CNS photo/Henry Romero, Reuters By Cindy Wooden VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis is scheduled to have more than two hours alone with Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill of Moscow in Cuba in addition to signing a declaration with the … Continue reading
Pope says he goes to Mexico as a 'missionary of mercy, peace'
By Junno Arocho Esteves VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis said his reasons for going to Mexico are “easy and simple.” “I want to come as a missionary of mercy and peace,” the pope said in a video message to … Continue reading
GREAT FAST 2016 – Archbishop William’s Message
Dear people, religious, and clergy, The journey through the Great Lenten Fast is begun. The six week period of fasting with the Liturgies of Saint Basil the Great, Liturgies for All Souls Saturdays, and the Liturgies of the Pre-Sanctified Gifts opens up our hearts and minds to our spiritual need for growth to be able to celebrate Holy and Great Week. Pope Francis reminds us during the Year of Mercy that we are called through works of mercy to go beyond the minimum of the Lenten prayers and services by serving the needs of our families, neighbors, and the poor and those imprisoned.
During the Year of Mercy, we are reminded of Jesus’ words that the Father desires mercy before sacrifices. All our Lenten devotions and fasting are meaningless if our hearts are not filled with love and mercy for others. Lenten prayer, together with being a servant to the needs of others, can lead us to holiness.
Jesus’ words were inspired by the prophets of Old Testament and the Book of Psalms. The prophets called the people of God to do more than the minimum required by the law. The prophetic message inspired from the Book of Psalms calls everyone to pray with a humble heart: Continue reading
Open God's heart with prayer, pope tells Padre Pio Prayer Groups
IMAGE: CNS/Paul Haring By Cindy Wooden VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Praying is not like taking an aspirin, something one does just to feel a little better, Pope Francis told thousands of members of Padre Pio Prayer Groups from around the … Continue reading
From gangs to God: In Ciudad Juarez, youth express hopes for papal visit
IMAGE: CNS photo/David Maung By David Agren CIUDAD JUAREZ, Mexico (CNS) — Esteban Alanis, 23, once ran with a local gang known as “Los Parqueros,” which would accost people for their cash and cellphones in a working-class neighborhood of southeast … Continue reading
Orthodox say pope-patriarch meeting not an 'all-clear' sign
By Cindy Wooden VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Russian Orthodox officials said the planned meeting between Pope Francis and Patriarch Kirill of Moscow is not a signal that decades of tension have been resolved, but emphasizes the need to work together … Continue reading
