Two days after funerals were held for 40 people killed in Nigeria during Mass on Pentecost, two more churches in the country, one Catholic and one Baptist, were attacked on June 19. At least three people were killed and more than 30 kidnapped.
International News
Coptics Celebrate the Memory Of Holy Family’s Flight to Egypt
Last week, Coptic Christians in Egypt celebrated the memory of the Holy Family’s Flight into Egypt, when Mary, Child Jesus, and Joseph fled to Egypt to take refuge from the persecution of King Herod, during which they visited more than two dozen places, from Arish through the Delta and Cairo, to Assiut in Upper Egypt.
Nigerian Priest Says He Shielded Parishioners Like Chicks During Massacre
Father Andrew Adeniyi Abayomi was in the sacristy of St. Francis Xavier Church after Mass when parishioners began running in different directions.
Vatican Releases Suggestions for Lengthier, Revamped Marriage Preparation
Saying “superficial” marriage preparation programs leave many couples at risk of having invalid marriages or unprepared to cope with the struggles that arise in every marriage, Pope Francis endorsed suggestions for a yearlong “marriage catechumenate” drafted by the Dicastery for Laity, the Family and Life.
Vatican Cardinal: Subordination of Women to Men is ‘Fruit of Sin’
The prelate was addressing the World Observatory for Women, promoted by the World Union of Catholic Women’s Organizations (UMOFC).
Pope Names U.S. Jesuit to be Rector of Gregorian University in Rome
Pope Francis has named a U.S. Jesuit, Father Mark A. Lewis, to be the next rector of the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome.
Philippine Clergy Welcome Assurances From President-Elect
Catholic clergy in the Philippines have welcomed an assurance from President-elect Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to “work closely” with the church for the common good.
Bishop Expresses Hope That New Somali President Will Unite Country
Catholic Bishop Giorgio Bertin, apostolic administrator of Mogadishu, Somalia, welcomed the country’s new president and expressed hope that the new leader would unite the nation threatened by war and a severe drought.
Ukrainians Meet Pope Francis to Bridge ‘Ambiguous’ Communication Gap
A prominent Ukrainian academic, who recently met with Pope Francis at the Vatican, said the pontiff has tasked a handful of cardinals to study the topic of “just war” in light of the current conflict with Russia.
Martyred Nuns Beatified in Poland
Beatifying 10 Polish nuns killed by Russian soldiers at the end of World War II, it is difficult not to think of the suffering being endured by the people of Ukraine today and the need for peace in the world, said Cardinal Marcello Semeraro, prefect of the Dicastery for Saints’ Causes.