VATICAN CITY – In a brief outdoor ceremony, Pope Francis administered the sacrament of confirmation to 16-year-old Giuseppe Chiolo, who had come to the Vatican by ambulance from Florence.
Benedictine abbots elect head of Conception Abbey abbot primate
By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News ServiceROME – A room with a view of the dome of St. Peter's Basilica from a monastery atop the Aventine Hill is very nice, but Abbot Gregory Polan knows he will miss his brother monks at Conception Abbey in Missouri very, very much.
15 years after 9/11, are congregations prepared for disasters?
By Adelle M. Banks, Religion News ServiceIn late August, as the 15th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks loomed, religious leaders tuned into a webinar to prepare themselves for a possible future disaster.
Veteran religion reporter looks for the Bible in public life
By Emily McFarlan Miller, Religion News ServiceCHICAGO – Kenneth A. Briggs has been on the “Godbeat” for years, as a religion reporter for Newsday, as religion editor at The New York Times and now as a contributor to the National Catholic Reporter.
Religions must take lead in protecting creation, Pope says
By Junno Arocho Esteves, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY – Religions can play an important role in protecting the environment and defending human rights in their countries, their communities and their schools, Pope Francis said.
Peace in the heart leads to peace in the world, Pope says
By Junno Arocho Esteves, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY – Peace cannot be achieved by huge protests or international conferences unless it begins in people's hearts, Pope Francis said.
Benedictines keep spiritual oases alive in hectic world, Pope says
By Carol Glatz, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY – The world's Benedictines offer precious gifts by providing quality education, quiet refuge in a hectic world and loving hospitality to anyone in need, Pope Francis said.
New Smithsonian museum features stories of African-American faith
By Adelle M. Banks, Religion News ServiceWASHINGTON – Long before the grand opening neared for the Smithsonian’s new museum devoted to African-American history, Amirah Muhammad had a difficult decision to make.
St. Teresa of Calcutta will always be 'Mother' Teresa, Pope says
By Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY – With a large tapestry bearing the portrait of the woman known as the "Saint of the Gutters" suspended above him, Pope Francis proclaimed the sainthood of Mother Teresa of Calcutta, hailing her courage and love for the poor.
St. Teresa reliquary reflects her life, her works, priest says
By Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY – At every canonization ceremony, people connected to the new saint carry to the altar a relic – often a bone shard from the new saint's body. The relic presented at the Mass for St. Teresa of Calcutta was a few drops of her blood.
In moment of doubt, Mother Teresa saved my vocation, says priest
By Junno Arocho Esteves, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY – An Indian priest now working in the United States credits Blessed Teresa of Calcutta with saving his vocation.