It is frequently noticed that the Hispanic community prefers religious and prayer practices filled with lively songs and prayers where, in common, people respond, repeat or acclaim in unison, such as, for example, it is seen in the charismatic prayer groups. This has caused that the media identify this participating and festive style as the...Read More

Ss. Peter and Paul are early leaders of the church. St. Peter, born with the name Simon, was a fisherman and an Apostle of Christ. Jesus named him Peter, which means rock, because Peter would be the foundation or “rock” of the church. St. Peter was a miracle worker who became the first pope. He...Read More

CAPE TOWN, South Africa – The African continent and the Catholic Church there have undergone tremendous changes since the 1994 Synod of Bishops on Africa, yet poverty, justice and reconciliation remain major issues for this October’s synod.Read More

Ss. Joachim and Anne are the parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the grandparents of Jesus Christ. The two saints were elderly when their only child, Mary, was born. It is believed that Ss. Joachim and Anne gave Mary to the service of the temple when Mary was 3 years old. St. Joachim is...Read More

The Redemptorists of the Baltimore Province lost money after entrusting part of their endowment to Bernard Madoff, according to a Feb. 13 letter published on the Redemptorists’ Web site by Redemptorist Father Patrick Woods, provincial superior.Read More

St. Maximilian Kolbe was born in Poland Jan. 7, 1894. Although he was a rather mischievous child, his life changed when he had a vision of the Virgin Mary when he was 12. He took his final vows for the Conventual Franciscan Order Nov. 1, 1914. He received a Doctor of Theology in 1922, taught...Read More

VATICAN CITY – While it may be “a nearly invisible dot on the world map,” the Vatican plays an enormous role in fostering world peace, solidarity and hope, Pope Benedict XVI said.Read More

St. Cosmas and twin brother St. Damian were physicians who would not accept payment. Through their charity, many converted to Christianity. The brothers were tortured and beheaded for their faith circa 287-303. St. Cosmas and St. Damian are patron saints of apothecaries, barbers and physicians.Read More