The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington, DC, is expanding its ministry and support for 139 parishes and regional initiatives to help those in need by accepting donations in cryptocurrency. These donations will be facilitated through Engiven, an enterprise donation platform that uses blockchain technology to enable non-profits to receive cryptocurrency donations. Engiven has already helped Read more
World
The last diplomat from the Vatican leaves Nicaragua
Thursday, March 23rd, 2023The Holy See reported on Saturday that the Vatican’s diplomatic headquarters in Nicaragua was forced to close. “Yesterday, March 17, the chargé d’affaires of the apostolic nunciature in Nicaragua, Monsignor Marcel Diouf, left the country for Costa Rica. The closure of the diplomatic headquarters of the Holy See occurred as a result of a request Read more
“Bangkok Document” urges active involvement addressing key issues
Monday, March 20th, 2023
Churches in Asia synodal document calls people to address pressing issues in the region. The “Bangkok Document” released by the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC) highlights refugees, migrants, indigenous peoples, climate change, family matters, women, and youth. The 40-page document was presented by the federation’s leaders during an online ceremony on March 15, following Read more
Catholics urged to avoid religious hypocrisy and pride
Monday, March 20th, 2023
During a special 24-hour event called “24 Hours for the Lord”, Pope Francis has urged the faithful to avoid religious hypocrisy and to being overly spiritual. In his sermon, the pope criticised those who consider themselves better than others because they follow religious rules but lack a genuine relationship with God. “Let us not hide Read more
Pope John Paul II abuse cover-up divides Poland
Monday, March 20th, 2023
Claims Pope John Paul II knew of child sex abuse cases in the Catholic Church during his tenure as Archbishop of Krakow in Poland, but did not take action, have created divisions in Poland. The accusations on Polish TV channel TVN24 have sparked a national debate. Some defend the late pontiff’s legacy, while others demand Read more
Liturgical elements must foster prayer, sense of communion
Monday, March 20th, 2023
Liturgical elements – aesthetic and artistic features surrounding the liturgy must foster prayer and a sense of communion, says Pope Francis. In a written message, he says: “The space, light, acoustics, colours, images, symbols (and) liturgical furnishings constitute fundamental elements of that reality, that event, human and divine at the same time, which is precisely Read more
Covid reduces volunteers numbers in Dutch church
Monday, March 20th, 2023
Findings of a Dutch survey show the Covid pandemic’s impact has had lasting effects on parish life in the Netherlands. The Katholiek Nieuwsblad survey was conducted three years after the initial lockdown in the Netherlands. It has confirmed the decline in church attendance from pre-pandemic levels. The decline, already predicted by many, shows between 2019 Read more
Humanitarian needs in Syria soar in the wake of earthquakes and 12 years of war
Monday, March 20th, 2023On the anniversary of 12 years of war in Syria, World Vision says the country is at rock bottom as it struggles with years of conflict and the devastation wrought by recent earthquakes. The organisation says the recent earthquakes have only added to the complex layers of suffering for the Syrian people and many children Read more
NY deacon gets 16 years for ‘enticing’ minors via Grindr
Monday, March 20th, 2023A deacon of the Diocese of Brooklyn, New York has been sentenced to 16 years in prison after he admitted to prosecutors that he engaged in sexual acts with minors he met on the hook-up app Grindr. Rogelio Vega, 52, was sentenced on March 15, two years after he was arrested in an NYPD sting Read more
Possible threat to Vienna places of worship
Monday, March 20th, 2023Austrian police warned Wednesday of a possible “Islamist-motivated attack” in Vienna against churches and other houses of worship, citing undisclosed information received by the country’s intelligence service. Police in Vienna tweeted that they had heightened security in front of certain buildings and increased the presence of officers in the Austrian capital. “There is a nonspecific Read more