In the Old Testament, the Jewish people were instructed to take a Sabbatical Year every seventh year. The Book of Leviticus, chapter 25, explains that no planting was to happen – no crops grown – to give the land a rest. Since the Lord rested on the seventh day, all of creation was also to … Read More
A Time for Renewing Faith, Hope, & Love
Andrea JLast Updated: March 10th, 2021Church News, News, Pope Francis
In a bulletin sent out on February 12 in preparation for the upcoming liturgical season, Pope Francis invites us all to a time of renewal this Lent. In his 2021 Lenten Message, entitled “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem” (Mt 20:18), the Holy Father calls Lent “a time for renewing faith, hope, and love.” … Read More
The Church’s Response to Medjugorje Apparitions – Updated Timeline
Ann VucicLast Updated: September 11th, 2020Church News, Medjugorje, Pope Francis
Timeline of the Church’s response to Medjugorje1981: Apparitions of Medjugorje begin 1984: Local bishop, diocese of Mostar forms a commission to investigate the events in Medjugorje. 1986: Bishop submits a negative decision about Medjugorje to the Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith (CDF), which at the time was led by Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger (later, Pope … Read More
Timeline of Church’s Response to Medjugorje
St. Mary Magdalene’s Feast Day
Vatican releases Pope’s long-expected encyclical on the environment and the care for our common home, Laudato Si
Pope Francis: Pilgrimage is a symbol of life
(VIS) – As in previous years, the Pope has sent a message to participants in the 37th nocturnal pilgrimage on foot from Macerata to Loreto, Italy, gathered in the Helvia Recina stadium of Macerata during the night of 6 June to attend the opening Mass celebrated by Cardinal George Pell. This time, due to his … Read More
With Pope as spiritual director, here are 10 things he suggests for Lent
Every year Catholics try to answer the age old question: What should I do for Lent? Well, who better to pick for as your Lenten spiritual director than Pope Francis? He has some great ideas for you! Here we selected 10 of his best tips: 1. Get rid of the lazy addiction to evil “[Lent] … Read More
Pope Francis and priests that leave, marry and desire to come back
(CNA/EWTN News).- While addressing the priests of the Diocese of Rome on Thursday, Pope Francis also responded to a question about married priests, underscoring that the Church has great concern for priests who leave ministry to get married and later want to return, but that on the other hand he does not know if the … Read More
What is a Cardinal of the Church anyway?
Definition & Explanation: Cardinal comes from the Latin word meaning “hinge”. A cardinal is a dignitary of the Roman Catholic Church and counselor of the pope.* Relations of the cardinals to the bishops The cardinals were, therefore, from a very early period, assistants of the pope in his liturgical functions, in the care of the … Read More
Ratzinger’s Request: Simply call me ‘Father Benedict’
According to the journalist, Benedict explained that when he initially stepped down he wanted to be called “Father Benedict” rather than Pope Emeritus or Benedict XVI, but “I was too weak at that point to enforce it.” At least part of the reason for wanting his new title to simply be “Father” rather than Pope … Read More
