CAPE TOWN, South Africa – Soccer fans know all about the World Cup, the quadrennial competition taking place in South Africa that is sending people around the globe into a frenzy while boosting – or deflating – national pride.Read More
St. Benedict Joseph Labre was born in March 1748 in France. He tried to join the Trappists, Carthusians and Cistercians, but he was rejected by all three orders. For years, the impoverished saint wandered around Europe, spending his time in adoration in cathedrals. St. Benedict Joseph Labre begged and would give anything extra to others...Read More
VATICAN CITY – Placing a woolen band around the shoulders of 38 new archbishops, Pope Benedict XVI told them it was a Gospel “yoke” - not a heavy burden, but a sign that by remaining united with the church in faith, they will have the strength to face whatever challenges come their way.Read More
St. Pascal Baylon was born on May 24, 1540, in Spain. He was devoted to the Eucharist as a child, and he eventually became a Franciscan lay brother, usually serving as a cook. A man of great humility, St. Pascal Baylon was very charitable toward the poor. In France he defended the presence of Jesus...Read More
A couple of weeks ago I met with diocesan directors of Hispanic Ministry of Washington, D.C., Arlington, Va., Wilmington, Del., and Richmond, Va. We had a lively conversation about the challenges and opportunities of ministering today to Hispanic Catholics. We discussed some recent research done on the topic, especially one provided by the Pew Research...Read More
St. Methodius of Constantinople was born in Sicily in the eighth century. He built a monastery on an island named Chinos. The saint then worked with the patriarch of Constantinople to help oversee the diocese. Together, the two men worked against the iconoclasts, who did not believe in the use of images in worship. St....Read More
WASHINGTON - Six organizations that perform or promote abortion received at least $967 million in federal funding in fiscal years 2002 through 2009, according to a new report from the Government Accountability Office.Read More
St. Elizabeth of Portugal, a princess, was born in 1271 in Aragon, Spain. She was the daughter of King Pedro III of Aragon and the great-niece of St. Elizabeth of Hungary. She received excellent religious instruction as a child and married the king of Portugal when she was 12. In 1323 her husband and her...Read More
St. Alphonsus Maria De Liguori was born Sept. 27, 1696, near Naples, Italy. He received a doctorate in law at age 16 and had his own practice by age 21. When he realized his call to the religious life, he studied theology and was ordained at the age of 29. This preacher and home missioner...Read More
VATICAN CITY – When the inside history of U.S.-Vatican relations is finally written, one of the more surprising chapters might be the role played by the Knights of Columbus.Read More
St. Bartholomew was one of the Twelve Apostles and a friend of St. Philip, who brought him to Jesus. Local tradition says that he preached in Ethiopia, India and Armenia, possibly leaving his writings behind. The saint died for his faith when he was flayed alive in Armenia. St. Bartholomew is patron saint of Armenia.Read More