Mercy puts a credible face on God
Among the Ten Commandments, one begins with the word “remember”: “Remember to keep holy the Sabbath day.” There are commandments of mercy written into our very DNA. We know them, but need to remember them more explicitly. What are they?
Pain, suffering draw us closer to the one who suffered for us
It is all but impossible to discuss the multi-dimensional aspects of assisted suicide and euthanasia without a discussion of suffering. Suffering is the underlying factor around which the discussion on euthanasia ultimately takes place.
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.
With God, there’s more than enough for all
Body and Blood of Christ (Year C) May 29 (Genesis 14:18-20; Psalm 10; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26; Luke 9:11b-17)
God has always been at work in the most unlikely places and individuals. The strange story of Abram (Abraham before his name change) receiving a blessing from King Melchizedek of Salem stirs up a lot of questions.
The Oblates: 200 years at the edges
What we cease to celebrate we will soon cease to cherish. This year marks the 200th anniversary of the founding of the religious congregation to which I belong, the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate. We have a proud history, 200 years now, of ministering to the poor around the world. This merits celebrating.
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.
Those exploiting cheap labour are ‘leeches,’ Pope says
VATICAN CITY – Human traffickers and unjust business owners who become wealthy by exploiting others for cheap labour commit a mortal sin, said Pope Francis.