The nearly 400-year-old sculpted canopy towering over the main altar of St. Peter’s Basilica will be surrounded by scaffolding for most of 2024 as it is washed, repaired and restored.
Author: Christine
Speak Up in the Second Round of the Synod
After the first session of the Vatican’s Synod on Synodality — which we as a Church prepared for in our parishes, nationally, and internationally — concluded in October 2023, there are many questions that the Church needs to focus on as we prepare for the second session of the Synod on Synodality, which will be held in October 2024 at the Vatican.
Obituaries, Week of January 13, 2024
Father Paul Chenot, CP, Sister Mary Dowden, RSM
Helping Us Move Past Our Sinful Lives
Over 55 years ago, when I was on retreat at Weston, the Jesuit philosophate and theologate in Cambridge, Massachusetts, I was surprised to hear music at a liturgy that I had not heard before. Liturgical folk music had been around for the several years since Vatican II had concluded, but it seemed to me to lack the vibrancy one might like.
John the Baptist Fulfills His Evangelical Mission
Whoever said the Holy Mass doesn’t come straight from the Bible? Today’s Gospel from John includes five words right out of the mouth of John the Baptist, words that the faithful hear every time the Eucharist is celebrated: “Behold the Lamb of God.”
French Bishops’ Conference Supports ‘Fiducia’ After Some Voiced Doubts
Days after nine French prelates announced they would not authorize blessings to same-sex couples as requested by a recent Vatican declaration, the Permanent Council of the French Bishops’ Conference has said instead that such blessings should be given as a sign of “unconditional and merciful welcome.”
Pope’s Envoy Speaks to Ukraine Official About Kidnapped Children
Pope Francis’ personal peace envoy on Ukraine spoke by telephone Monday with a top Ukrainian official to discuss ongoing efforts to return children abducted by Russia amid the ongoing war sparked by its invasion of Ukraine nearly two years ago.
Compromise Is an Essential Element of Politics & Immigration
Because the issue of migration evokes disparate responses from different parts of the electorate, it never will be resolved unless there are compromises, which are an essential element of our political system. After many years of experience in dealing with migration as a social policy issue, I would like to offer some ideas of how this politically charged social problem might be resolved.
Diocesan Assignments – January 13, 2024
Rev. Sergio Dall’Agnese, C.S., to administrator of St. Joseph Patron of the Universal Church, Bushwick, effective Dec. 1. Rev. Eric B. Vega, M.Afr., to temporary administrator, while remaining parochial vicar of Our Lady of Light, St. Albans, effective Dec. 1.
Relocation of Palestianians Cannot Be A Solution to Gaza Crisis, US Officials Say
As U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has insisted that Palestinians must not be pressured into leaving Gaza and must be allowed to return to their homes once conditions allow, Christians in the Holy Land worry the Israeli statements may threaten other small communities in the Holy Land, including theirs.
