hand and heart

The recent post office troubles have impacted our regular fundraising efforts. Please consider supporting the Register and Catholic journalism by using one of the methods below:

  • Donate online
  • Donate by e-transfer to accounting@catholicregister.org
  • Donate by telephone: 416-934-3410 ext. 406 or toll-free 1-855-441-4077 ext. 406
Pope Francis is pictured in an Aug. 26, 2018, photo praying as he visits the Chapel of the Apparitions at Ireland's Knock Shrine. Pope Francis delivered a special virtual message recognizing the shrine as an International Marian and Eucharistic Shrine during Mass March 19, 2021.

Pope Francis elevates Ireland's national Knock Shrine to international status

DUBLIN -- Pope Francis has elevated the National Sanctuary of Our Lady of Knock to the status of an International Shrine of Eucharistic and Marian Devotion.

The Suffering Servant delighted in his ability to strengthen and encourage his fellow exiles with the right words. He was able to do this because he also had the ability to listen carefully to the voice of God that came to him each day.

God's Word on Sunday: Suffering Servant challenges us to listen

Passion (Palm) Sunday, March 28 (Year B) Isaiah 50:4-7; Psalm 22; Philippians 2:6-11; Mark 14:1-15:47

Words can wound or heal, tear down or build up, strengthen or weaken and give hope or break spirits. Everything depends on what is spoken and the manner in which is delivered. It has nothing to do with eloquence or rhetorical skill. The words must be suitable to the person and situation and delivered with care and compassion.

Priests in St. Peter's Basilica process to the altar where St. John Paul II is buried at the Vatican in this Feb. 13, 2020, photo. Dozens of priests concelebrate an early morning Mass at the tomb every Thursday.

Vatican ends practice of private Masses in St. Peter's Basilica

VATICAN CITY -- The Vatican is putting an end to the practice of priests going into St. Peter's Basilica early every morning to celebrate their own Mass at a side altar with just an altar server.

A same-sex couple is pictured in a file photo exchanging rings during a ceremony in Salt Lake City. The Vatican's doctrinal office says in a new note that any form of blessing of same-sex unions is "illicit," but that the negative judgment is on the blessing of unions, not the people, who must be respected.

Vatican says no blessing of gay unions

VATICAN CITY -- While homosexual men and women must be respected, any form of blessing a same-sex union is "illicit," said the Vatican Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.

God's Word on Sunday: God’s promise is already within us

God's Word on Sunday: God’s promise is already within us

Fifth Sunday of Lent, March 21 (Year B) Jeremiah 31:31-34; Psalm 51; Hebrews 5:7-9; John 12:20-33

God gave both bad news and good news to the people of Israel.

Father Jiha Lim listens to a penitent’s confession March 7, 2021, at St. Aloysius Church in Great Neck, N.Y., during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Vatican says general absolution still is permissible where infections continue to rise.

Vatican says general absolution still permissible during pandemic

VATICAN CITY -- Offering general absolution to the faithful without having them personally confess their sins first may still be done in places seeing serious or increasing levels of coronavirus infections, a Vatican official said.

Sister Nuria Calduch-Benages, an Old Testament scholar, and professor at Rome's Pontifical Gregorian University, is pictured in an undated photo. Pope Francis named her to be secretary of the Pontifical Biblical Commission.

Pope Francis names woman Scripture scholar as secretary of biblical commission

VATICAN CITY -- Pope Francis has named Sister Nuria Calduch-Benages, an Old Testament scholar and professor at Rome's Pontifical Gregorian University, to be secretary of the Pontifical Biblical Commission.

Pope Francis speaks with journalists aboard his flight from Baghdad to Rome March 8, 2021. At right is Matteo Bruni, director of the Holy See Press Office.

Returning from Iraq, Pope Francis talks about 'risks' taken on trip

ABOARD THE PAPAL FLIGHT FROM IRAQ -- The Catholic Church's commitment to dialogue with other churches and with other religions flows from the Gospel, but Pope Francis said he knows some Catholics disagree.

Pope Francis participates in a memorial prayer for the victims of the war at Hosh al-Bieaa (church square) in Mosul, Iraq, March 7, 2021.

Life triumphs over death as Christians rebuild in Iraq, Pope Francis says

QARAQOSH, Iraq -- Amid the rubble and bombed out remains of four churches destroyed by Islamic State militants, Pope Francis paid tribute to Iraqi Christians who endured persecution and even death.

God's Word on Sunday: Reflecting on past paves way for renewal

God's Word on Sunday: Reflecting on past paves way for renewal

Fourth Sunday of Lent, March 14 (Year B) 2 Chronicles 36:14-17a, 19-23; Psalm 137; Ephesians 2:4-10; John 3:14-21

There is a pattern that is often repeated in the narratives of the Old Testament. The people of God fall into sin that is marked by idolatry, corruption and injustice. God sends prophets to warn them and turn their hearts back to the Lord. The warnings are usually ignored and then followed by disaster for the nation, usually at the hands of an oppressor.

Pope Francis talks with religious leaders during an interreligious meeting on the plain of Ur near Nasiriyah, Iraq, March 6, 2021.

Hostility, violence are 'betrayals' of religion, Pope Francis says in Iraq

UR, Iraq -- Traveling to the birthplace of Abraham, Pope Francis urged believers to prove their faith in the one God and father of all by accepting one another as brothers and sisters.

Page 52 of 378