As Ukrainians turn to their faith amid the ongoing tragedy of Russia’s invasion of their nation, many who follow both the Orthodox and Catholic traditions will look to an unusual icon of Mary as a symbol of the solace they seek.
International News
Church Leaders Urge Russian Patriarch to Speak with Putin
Catholic and Orthodox leaders in Europe have appealed to Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill of Moscow, urging him to convince Russian President Vladimir Putin to put an end to the bloodshed in Ukraine.
Bishop in Ukraine Fears Russia Could Brand Priests, Nuns as Spies
Church leaders in embattled Ukraine have warned that foreign missionaries could be targeted by attacking forces, while many could be branded “NATO spies” if Russia occupies the country.
Social Media Can Help Promote Peace in Ukraine, Vatican Prelate Says
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine last week marks the first major military confrontation in the digital era, where images and videos shared in real-time offer the world a whole new insight into the reality of war, and the spread of misinformation.
Cardinal Joins Biden, and Later Archbishop Gudziak, In Praying for Ukraine
As Pope Francis and Catholics throughout the world did on Ash Wednesday, March 2, Washington Cardinal Wilton D. Gregory prayed and expressed solidarity with the people of Ukraine as they are enduring a brutal Russian military invasion of their country.
Only In Print: Rice Bowl Almsgiving on the Rebound after COVID Crimp
The 2022 Rice Bowl Lenten almsgiving program, sponsored by Catholic Relief Services, is underway with local organizers and participants hoping to improve on last year’s rebound from a pandemic-induced slump in 2020.
Catholic Relief Services Seeks Safety and Prosperity in El Salvador
Catholic Relief Services, which operates several programs in El Salvador, is worthy of support, said retired Auxiliary Bishop Octavio Cisneros and an engineer from that country who now lives in Queens. Their observations coincide with the start of the 2022 Rice Bowl Lenten almsgiving program sponsored by CRS.
Only In Print: Diocese of Brooklyn Delegation Sees Humanitarian Work at the Texas-Mexico Border
The a four-person delegation from the Diocese of Brooklyn joined an “immersion” trip to tour the collaborative work shared by Sister Norma Pimentel and Catholic Extension to help thousands of asylum seekers stuck at the U.S./Mexico border.
Top Vatican Official Calls Russian Invasion of Ukraine ‘Unjustified’ and ‘Senseless’
Argentine Cardinal Leonardo Sandri, the head of the Vatican’s office for Eastern Churches, called Russia’s military action against Ukraine an “unjustified invasion” and a “senseless war.”
Pope Francis’ Ash Wednesday Homily: Those Who Seek Worldly Rewards Never Find or Foster Peace
Prayer, charity and fasting have a medicinal power to purify oneself, help others and change history, Pope Francis wrote in a homily read by Cardinal Pietro Parolin.