FAITH/STORIES
Five wounds of Christ: Pope urges recovery of traditional devotion
By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News Service
VATICAN – Pope Francis seems to be fixated on the wounds of Christ. And he has suggested that other Catholics might want to be as well.
March 22, 2018
Confession brings the joy of God's love, Pope says
VATICAN – God always loves and always remains faithful to his children, despite their sin and idolatry, Francis said.
Present in the Eucharist, Jesus transforms those who receive him, Pope says
By Catholic News Service
VATICAN – Despite the chill and gusts of wind in St. Peter's Square, Pope Francis welcomed the beginning of spring with an impromptu lesson about gardening and how to grow into being better Christians.
Robert Kinghorn: Young evangelists heed cries of the poor
By Robert KinghornRecently I found myself in the basement of a downtown church surrounded by a confirmation class of children, teachers and parents. The church sits in an area where the outreach of the Church on the Street is most challenging, and the class had responded to the call of Pope Francis in The Joy of the Gospel: “We cannot passively and calmly wait in our church buildings; we need to move from a passive ministry of mere conservation to a decidedly missionary pastoral mission.”
The crucifix is for contemplation, not decoration, says Pope
By Catholic News Agency
VATICAN – On Sunday Pope Francis said that the crucifix is not just something decorative to hang on the wall or wear, it is an important sign of our beliefs – and should be truly looked at and prayed before as the source of our salvation.
March 17, 2018
Many admire Padre Pio, but few imitate him, Pope says
SAN GIOVANNI ROTONDO, Italy – Many people admire St. Padre Pio, but too few imitate him, especially in his care for the weak, the sick and those who modern culture treats as disposable, Pope Francis said during Mass at Padre Pio's shrine.
Vatican invites youth to participate in pre-synod meeting via Facebook
By Catholic News Agency
VATICAN – As the pre-synod gathering on youth approaches, Vatican organizers are inviting young people around the globe to join in the discussion through Facebook groups in six different languages.
Vatican office altered photo of Benedict's letter on Francis's theology
By Catholics News Agency
VATICAN – A Vatican office has acknowledged blurring portions of a letter written by Benedict XVI regarding Pope Francis' philosophical and theological formation, the Associated Press reported Wednesday.
Pope Francis: How many people go beyond the mindless recitation of the Lord's Prayer?
By Catholic News Service
VATICAN – Forgiving those who have caused pain or offense is not easy, Pope Francis said.
Salvation of souls the primary purpose of pastoral care, Doctrine of Faith prefect says
By Catholic News Agency
VATICAN – Promoting and defending Catholic teaching is itself a pastoral practice, said Archbishop Luis Ladaria Ferrer, S.J., the Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.
Pope Francis' theology contradicts "foolish prejudice" against him, Pope Emeritus says
By Catholic News Service
VATICAN – On the eve of the fifth anniversary of Pope Francis' election, retired Pope Benedict XVI defended the continuity of the church's teaching under his successor and dismissed those who criticize the Pope's theological foundations.
Confessors should seek to bring penitents closer to Jesus, Pope says
By Catholic News Service
By truly listening to the penitent during confession, "we listen to Jesus himself, poor and humble; by listening to the Holy Spirit, we put ourselves in attentive obedience, becoming listeners of the Word" in order to know what God wants to be done, he said.
Mary Marrocco: Lent is an opportunity to go beyond the noise
By Mary MarroccoWhat’s the best way to wake a sleeper? Throw cold water? Tickle the feet or play loud music?