Rivalry over material possessions has made us forget. . . So we no longer pursue plainness and simplicity of life. We no longer value stillness, which helps to free us from past defilement, but prefer a whole host of things which distract us uselessly from our true goal. Rivalry over material possessions has made us forget [...]
The icon of "Christ the Judge" Christ the Judge This month we highlight a famous and brilliantly executed icon dating from the 6th or 7th century. The icon was preserved during the time of the iconoclastic heresy simply due to the remote location of Saint Catherine’s Monastery at the base of Mount Sinai. Some [...]
Pope Francis greets one of eight poor people at his general audience in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican Dec. 17, the pope's 78th birthday. A group of the poor were invited to the audience in celebration of the pope's birthday. (CNS photo/Paul Haring) The Pope has asked a Polish archbishop to be his [...]
A group of faithful with the icon of Divine Mercy during exposition of the relics of St. Padre Pio and St. Leopold Mandic (Galazka photo) The Pope’s crusade to extend mercy to everyone on the earth who seeks it, through the ministry of the Church, comes in the era of the Divine Mercy devotion [...]
The long line of pilgrims on the path dedicated to them as they move toward the entrance of St. Peter's Basilica through the Holy Door The Jubilee Year opened December 8, and continues through November 20, the Feast of Christ the King The Holy See has designated a number of special days throughout the [...]
Interview with an exorcist: “The best way of dealing with the devil is to fall in love with God” Fr. Peter Glas Fr. Peter Glas, a native of Poland, is a priest and exorcist in the Diocese of Portsmouth in southern England. He was ordained in 1989 and is a noted member of the [...]
"The Compassion," by William-Adolphe Bouguereau, 1897 ...except when it is an expression of love. Then it can sanctify, not destroy us If there is one thing we all dread, it is suffering. A newborn baby will already respond with screams to any discomfort. Many human beings spend much of their lives trying not only [...]
An interview of Bishop Athanasius Schneider about the SSPX, women and footwashing, the consecration of Russia, anti-pastoral bishops, and more We do not endorse unreservedly every statement of Bishop Athanasius Schneider, auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Mary Most Holy in Astana, Kazakhstan. However, Schneider’s voice has become an influential one in the Church, especially in [...]
Pope Francis' visit to the Great Synagogue of Rome. Pope Francis' speech to the Jewish Community of Rome. An American Catholic offers a reflection on the recent statement on Catholic-Jewish relations from the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of Christian Unity Initial news headlines on the recent document issued by the Vatican Commission [...]
Pope Francis enters the Great Synagogue of Rome (Galazka photo) Pope Francis visited the Jewish synagogue of Rome on January 17. He emphasized the “rich, common spiritual heritage” of Jews and Christians While the Catholic Church affirms that salvation comes through Jesus, it also recognizes that God is faithful and has not revoked [...]