Search Results
In our Catholic tradition, the month of March is customarily observed with special devotion to St. Joseph, and on the 19th of this month we will celebrate the Solemnity of St. Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Last year, Pope Francis announced a special Year of St. Joseph to take place from Dec. 8, 2020, through Dec. 8, 2021. During this year, we have the opportunity to reflect on St. Joseph’s humility, courageous faith, and guardianship of Mary and Jesus. His role in salvation history is tremendous and it is important we observe this year with reverence.
The goal of our temporal life on earth is eternal life in heaven after death. For as Jesus said, “What profit is there for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life?” (Mk 8:36). What we believe and how we act in this life will determine whether we go to heaven or not. So, the most important thing to know in this life is how to merit eternal life in heaven.
WASHINGTON — Comboni Sister Alicia Vacas Moro, a Spanish missionary sister and registered nurse, was one of 14 women to receive this year's International Women of Courage Award, an annual honor from the U.S. Department of State for women who have demonstrated leadership in their human rights work.
VATICAN CITY — Despite years of suffering due to war and terrorism, the people of Iraq continue to look to the future with hope, Pope Francis said.
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio — Two days after the desecration of 16 statues on the grounds of the Basilica of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Youngstown, Ohio, parishioners who were gathered for Mass Feb. 28 expressed deep sorrow but also forgiveness for the perpetrator.
SEOUL, South Korea — A radio drama on St. Andrew Kim Taegon, the patron saint of South Korea, has become widely popular among Catholics in the country.
Most Reverend Michael F. Burbidge, Bishop of Arlington, has announced the following clergy appointment, effective March 8, 2021:
The Belgian missionary priest served in the Congo and the United States. br />br />
The prior 12 months have changed the world, and with it, all of our lives. In reflecting on the time from March 2020 to now, I was tempted to describe this period as “The year lost to COVID-19” but that would be hyperbole. This has been a year of contrasts and counterpoints. I watched my children miss spending time with their friends, only to see their relationships grow stronger as they learned to be not just siblings, but friends. I observed the Easter Triduum on a smartphone but a few months later was able to watch our oldest daughter receive her first Communion at our parish. I’ve seen outrage, shock and violence shake our communities, but also have witnessed incredible outpourings of generosity and sincere care for neighbors. It has, in short, been a year mixed with contradiction. But we have persevered to the best of our ability. And in the coming months, we will need to maintain that resolution. What are the ways in which we can persevere?
Immeasurable riches
The fourth Sunday of Lent is also called Laetare Sunday, a name taken from the first words of the traditional entrance antiphon for this Sunday, “Rejoice, O Jerusalem.” This Sunday is intended by Mother Church to be a moment of encouragement near the halfway point of the Lenten season traditionally marked by a variety of penitential practices that can weigh us down along the way. To mark this day at Mass, the altar may be decorated with flowers, more robust music sung and rose-colored vestments worn. Laetare Sunday is an invitation to rejoice because we have progressed through a good portion of our Lenten observances and our Easter celebrations are drawing near.