The Arlington Catholic Herald

National

FOCUS names Jonathan Reyes as new CEO

By Francesca Pollio Fenton

FOCUS, one of the largest Catholic outreach and missionary organizations in the world, announced Oct. 7 that Jonathan Reyes will serve as the organization’s next chief executive officer, effective Nov. 16.

10/7/26

Reading Time 3 min

FOCUS names Jonathan Reyes as new CEO

By Francesca Pollio Fenton

10/7/26

Reading Time 3 min

Local

Hispanic Heritage Mass draws 3,000

By Mary M. Shaffrey

Nearly 3,000 Catholics braved the elements to celebrate Hispanic heritage with Mass and a festival at St. Anthony of Padua Church in Falls Church Oct. 4.

10/7/26

Reading Time 2 min

Hispanic Heritage Mass draws 3,000

By Mary M. Shaffrey

Nearly 3,000 Catholics braved the elements to celebrate Hispanic heritage with Mass and a festival at St. Anthony of Padua Church in Falls Church Oct. 4.

10/7/26

Reading Time 2 min

Pope Leo XIV

Pope warns that ‘watering down’ Christianity’s demands won’t make it more attractive

By Victoria Cardiel

VATICAN CITY — Pope Leo XIV called on Christians to be capable of “viewing the world in a positive light,” while urging them to be actively committed to transforming society according to the spirit of the Gospel, without watering down the Christian message.

10/7/26

Reading Time 3 min

Pope warns that ‘watering down’ Christianity’s demands won’t make it more attractive

By Victoria Cardiel

10/7/26

Reading Time 3 min

Parishes

Four-legged friends get blessed

Catholic Herald Staff Report

Across the Arlington diocese, the pews gave way to parking lots as dogs, cats, horses and other beloved companions gathered for the annual blessing of animals in honor of St. Francis of Assisi.

10/6/26

Reading Time 1 min

Four-legged friends get blessed

Catholic Herald Staff Report

Across the Arlington diocese, the pews gave way to parking lots as dogs, cats, horses and other beloved companions gathered for the annual blessing of animals in honor of St. Francis of Assisi.

10/6/26

Reading Time 1 min

Pope Francis

Vatican to publish Pope Francis’ personal diary

By ISABELLA REED

An upcoming publication titled “The Private Diary of Pope Francis” promises a rare look into the inner spiritual life of the late pontiff. Scheduled for publication Nov. 24.

10/6/26

Reading Time 1 min

Vatican to publish Pope Francis’ personal diary

By ISABELLA REED

An upcoming publication titled “The Private Diary of Pope Francis” promises a rare look into the inner spiritual life of the late pontiff. Scheduled for publication Nov. 24.

10/6/26

Reading Time 1 min

Local

State’s first Columbiettes reach milestone

Special to the Catholic Herald

The Potomac Columbiettes Auxiliary No. 9259 of St. Francis of Assisi Church in Triangle celebrated their 15th anniversary Sept. 20 with a Mass and reception.

10/5/26

Reading Time 1 min

State’s first Columbiettes reach milestone

Special to the Catholic Herald

The Potomac Columbiettes Auxiliary No. 9259 of St. Francis of Assisi Church in Triangle celebrated their 15th anniversary Sept. 20 with a Mass and reception.

10/5/26

Reading Time 1 min

Local

Hispanic Heritage Mass draws 3,000

By Mary M. Shaffrey

Nearly 3,000 Catholics braved the elements to celebrate Hispanic heritage with Mass and a festival at St. Anthony of Padua Church in Falls Church Oct. 4.

10/7/26

Reading Time 2 min

Four-legged friends get blessed

Catholic Herald Staff Report

Across the Arlington diocese, the pews gave way to parking lots as dogs, cats, horses and other beloved companions gathered for the annual blessing of animals in honor of St. Francis of Assisi.

10/6/26

Reading Time 1 min

State’s first Columbiettes reach milestone

Special to the Catholic Herald

The Potomac Columbiettes Auxiliary No. 9259 of St. Francis of Assisi Church in Triangle celebrated their 15th anniversary Sept. 20 with a Mass and reception.

10/5/26

Reading Time 1 min

Columns

God is not dead

By Fr. Richard Miserendino

Proposed Virginia constitutional amendments threaten life, marriage

By Bernadette Pate

One more page

By Christina Capecchi

Not a project

By Elizabeth Foss

National

FOCUS names Jonathan Reyes as new CEO

10/7/26

Reading Time 3 min

Archbishop Fulton Sheen declared ‘blessed’

9/24/26

Reading Time 3 min

US bishops launch task force amid rise of artificial intelligence

9/17/26

Reading Time 2 min

Catholics process in Washington in solidarity with migrants

9/17/26

Reading Time 3 min

Battle for life at Virginia’s border

9/17/26

Reading Time 2 min

Global

Pope warns that ‘watering down’ Christianity’s demands won’t make it more attractive

By Victoria Cardiel

10/7/26

Reading Time 3 min

Vatican to publish Pope Francis’ personal diary

By ISABELLA REED

An upcoming publication titled “The Private Diary of Pope Francis” promises a rare look into the inner spiritual life of the late pontiff. Scheduled for publication Nov. 24.

10/6/26

Reading Time 1 min

St. Francis’ charism ‘continues to bear fruit even today,’ Pope Leo says

By Marco Mancini

VATICAN CITY — Pope Leo XIV reflected on the Gospel parable of the tenants and the enduring witness of St. Francis of Assisi Oct. 4, saying that "the charism of St. Francis continues to bear fruit even today" eight centuries after the saint's death.

10/5/26

Reading Time 3 min

Pope Leo XIV’s prayer intention for October

By Francesca Pollio Fenton

Pope Leo XIV’s prayer intention for October is for mental health ministry. “Melancholy, bad character, confusion of senses — today, we understand that behind these old labels lies a deep, silent suffering not only of those affected by mental disorders but also of their loved ones and their communities.”

10/2/26

Reading Time 2 min

Arts

Art

The Kid’s Connection 10/01

The Kid’s Connection will capture the attention of your little ones. Click here to download the latest issue and please let us know on our social media if your kids succeed in solving it! We’d love to hear about it.

10/1/26

Reading Time 1 min

Art

St. Francis at the Walters

By Nora Hamerman

In honor of the 800th anniversary of the death of St. Francis of Assisi Oct. 4, 1226, The Walters Art Museum in Baltimore is again exhibiting the most precious relic of the saint in America: the Saint Francis Missal.

9/30/26

Reading Time 3 min

Arts

JPII Shrine hosts Mother Teresa relics

Special to the Catholic Herald

The Saint John Paul II National Shrine in Washington is hosting an exhibit celebrating the life and mission of Mother Teresa, titled “Works of Love are Works of Peace.”

9/30/26

Reading Time 1 min