When I visited the Jasna Góra Monastery in Częstochowa, Poland — a shrine dedicated to the Virgin Mary — I was struck by a series of paintings depicting the stations of the cross by the late Polish painter Jerzy Duda-Gracz.
Author: Christine
No One Has ‘Exclusive Right’ to God’s Voice, Pope Says at Synod Opening
Members of the Synod of Bishops must engage in genuine dialogue with those holding differing views, avoid pushing personal agendas and remain open to changing their minds about what is best for the church, Pope Francis said.
Vance and Walz Debate Abortion, Immigration, Gun Policy and Democracy
At the first and only debate Oct. 1 between Gov. Tim Walz, D-Minn., and Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, the vice presidential nominees of their respective parties, the candidates sparred with each other on topics including abortion, immigration, gun policy relating to preventing school shootings, and democracy, with each one all the while seeking to defend his own running mate while critiquing his opponent’s.
Since Oct. 7 Attacks and Start of War, Pope Calls Gaza Every Day, Lifting Up Suffering Community
Since Hamas’ attack on Israel Oct. 7, 2023, and the immediate start of the Israel-Hamas war, Pope Francis has provided daily spiritual solace to Gaza Strip’s only Catholic parish.
‘You Speak With a Heart’ for Human Dignity, Archbishop Tells Ukraine’s Zelenskyy
The head of Ukrainian Catholics in the U.S. told OSV News he personally thanked Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for speaking “with a heart” and being “a source of encouragement” worldwide.
Seven Things to Know About the Second and Final Session of the Synod on Synodality
The second meeting of the 16th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops begins Oct. 2 at the Vatican. Like last year’s meeting, it’s a four-week-long gathering of 368 voting delegates — with scores more of nonvoting participants — from six continents to address the theme “For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, Mission” and experience synodality, a posture of listening, accompaniment and communion in the church.
Georgia’s Abortion Ban Struck Down Again; Abortions Can Now Be Performed Up to 22 Weeks
Judge Robert McBurney of Superior Court of Fulton County in Atlanta ruled Sept. 30 that Georgia can no longer enforce its so-called “heartbeat law” on abortion, a six-week abortion ban that went into effect after Roe v. Wade was overturned in 2022.
Relief Efforts Underway in Western North Carolina; Flooding Caused by Helene Devastates Region
Relief efforts are under way to help communities across western North Carolina reeling from the impacts of Tropical Storm Helene.
Long Island Diocese Reaches Proposed $323 Million Bankruptcy Settlement Over Abuse Claims
The Diocese of Rockville Centre, New York, has reached a preliminary settlement in what it called the “difficult ordeal” of its long-running — and at points contentious — bankruptcy case, while assuring the faithful that “no parishes are closing as a result of this process.”
Pope Francis Urges Bishops to Expose Abuse and End Cover-Ups During Belgium Mass
Calling on the world’s bishops not to cover up any instance or form of abuse, Pope Francis said the evil of abuse must be exposed.