Woodworker creates ministry building caskets out of reclaimed lumber
FRONT ROYAL, Va. – Above the hum of the table saw, one story was told, then another.
In Lebanon, Muslims and Christians visit Marian shrine at Harissa
HARISSA, Lebanon – High on a summit overlooking the Mediterranean, Our Lady of Lebanon stands majestically with her arms outstretched, welcoming her children.
New Polish saint calls people to 'contemplate God's mercy,' bishops say
WARSAW, Poland – The founder of the first Polish male religious order, who will be canonized in Rome June 5, calls people "to contemplate God's mercy and proclaim that God's heart is open to all," said Poland's bishops.
Deacons gather in Rome, share reflections on ministry, challenges
ROME – Thousands of permanent deacons and their wives began their Year of Mercy celebration by cutting straight to the heart of what it means to be a deacon, how the ministry impacts their families and the challenge of explaining their vocation to others, including bishops and priests.
In Eucharist, find strength to share bread, faith with others, pope says
ROME – A Corpus Christi procession should honor Christ's gift of himself in the Eucharist, but also should be a pledge to share bread and faith with the people of the cities and towns where the processions take place, Pope Francis said.
Vatican bank supervisory members step down over management differences
VATICAN CITY – Two members of the Vatican bank's board of supervisors handed in their resignation over a difference in opinion concerning the bank's management.
Prayer is no magic wand; it strengthens faith in tough times, pope says
VATICAN CITY – Prayer is not a magic wand that fulfills your desires, but it is what helps you keep the faith when you don't understand God's will, Pope Francis said.
Vine and branches: Chaplains work to uproot radicalization in prisons
VATICAN CITY – With visits to detention facilities and washing the feet of the detainees, Pope Francis has placed renewed emphasis on the work of mercy of visiting prisoners.
Catholic values drive Baltimore Ravens’ coach on and off the field
BALTIMORE – The accomplishment of winning the Super Bowl in 2013 as the head coach of the Baltimore Ravens gave John Harbaugh a crowning achievement in football, but he relied on his Catholic faith to guide him and his players through a series of potentially spirit-crushing events during the past year.
Pope gets media's attention as he rebrands church, papacy, says priest
BROOKLYN, N.Y. – Pope Francis has rebranded the Catholic Church and the papacy, and the media have taken notice.
Focus on mercy is Catholic-Lutheran common ground, says Kasper
VATICAN CITY – The ecumenical commemoration of the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation in 2017 can be a time to celebrate the fact that Christians are no longer "on the path of separation, but that of unity," said Cardinal Walter Kasper, former president of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity.