Benedictine sisters in Missouri have released a CD for Christmas. Proceeds will go towards a new priory church, as the one they are using is becoming too small. The prioress of the community, Mother Cecelia, said five years ago there were 18 sisters in the Benedictines of Mary, Queen of the Apostles community. Now that Read more
The Holy See says the international community must “embrace an ethic of responsibility”. It says it is essential to create “a climate of trust, and to strengthen cooperative security through multilateral dialogue.” The comments were made at a meeting of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Monseigneur Antoine Camilleri, Undersecretary for Relations with States said Read more
The Bible used to be as much a part of a sleepover in a hotel as the nightstand they were tucked into. There was one in every room. The Gideon Bible was the version often provided. They have been supplied free of charge to guest rooms by Gideon International since 1908. These days, according to a Read more
Child soldiers are what Pope Francis calls a “scandal”. “We must do everything possible so that the dignity of children may be respected, and end this form of slavery,” he says. “Whoever you are, if you are moved as I am, I ask you to join me in this prayer intention: that the scandal of Read more
A plenary indulgence opportunity is available for the next 12 months. It will mark the 100th anniversary of Our Lady’s appearance at Fatima, Portugal. Pope Francis has granted the opportunity from 27 November 2016 until 26 November 2017. Read more
Christmas cards showing a different reality from the traditionally peaceful Nativity scene are on offer from Doctors of the World. In one scene, a missile flies over the Holy Family. The humanitarian group’s website says they want the cards “to remind people that war has forced millions from their homes this year, and they need Read more
Catholic schools in England and Wales are “beacons of diversity” with one in three pupils registering in a recent census as not Catholic. The school rolls also have 21% more pupils from ethnic minority backgrounds compared to other schools. These insights follow a change in the annual Catholic Education Service Schools’ census. This year for Read more
Suicide and depression and being turned into “sacrament dispensing machines” are part of an ongoing struggle for many Irish priests. Diocesan priests in Ireland are ““often pitied, patronised, reviled, insulted, disrespected, ignored and resented.” These words came from Fr Brendan Hoban at last week’s annual meeting of the Association of Catholic Priests (ACP). Abuse scandals Read more
Pro-life websites that spread “propaganda” and “misinformation” about abortions may soon be criminalised in France. The French National Assembly has moved to punish offenders with up to two years in prison and a €30,000 fine. The bill has now been moved to the Senate where it will be further debated. The bill aims to extend Read more
Cuba and the post-Fidel Castro Catholic church could begin a new relationship. The late Cuban leader had a volatile connection with the Catholic church. Major changes to Cuba’s one-party Communist system are predicted. Castro’s brother, Raul, has led Cuba since 2006 when illness forced Fidel to retire. He has released dozens of political prisoners under Read more