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Catholic News Agency
Catholic survey shows ‘shocking’ impact of church closures during COVID pandemic
By Daniel Payne CNA Staff, Dec 12, 2023 / 14:00 pm A survey released this month by a British Catholic organization demonstrates what the group says were the “shocking” effects of COVID-19-related church closures in that country. Catholic Union, a lay organization that bills itself as “dedicated to the defense of …
December 14 – St. John of the Cross
Dec. 14 is the liturgical memorial of Saint John of the Cross, a 16th century Carmelite priest best known for reforming his order together with Saint Teresa of Avila, and for writing the classic spiritual treatise “The Dark Night of the Soul.” Honored as a Doctor of the Church since …
Why Sweden honors St. Lucy, a beloved Italian saint
By Francesca Pollio Fenton CNA Staff, Dec 13, 2023 / 04:45 am St. Lucy’s Day, also known as Lucia Day, is a traditional Swedish celebration filled with children in costumes, elaborate processions, and Swedish treats — all honoring the beloved saint. St. Lucy, whose feast day is celebrated by the Catholic …
Vatican: Small part of cremated ashes can be kept in personal place in certain cases
By Tyler Arnold Washington, D.C. Newsroom, Dec 12, 2023 / 11:36 am Under certain circumstances, it may be permissible for a Catholic to keep a small portion of a deceased loved one’s ashes in a personal place of significance if some conditions are met, according to the Vatican’s Dicastery for the …
U.S. shrine re-creates Our Lady of Guadalupe apparition with giant sculptures
by Katie Yoder Washington, D.C. Newsroom, Dec 12, 2022 / 14:30 pm A Catholic shrine is re-creating “Tepeyac Hill” — where Our Lady of Guadalupe appeared nearly 500 years ago to St. Juan Diego — in the United States. The new hill, located in Oklahoma City, was dedicated Sunday in …
December 12 – Our Lady of Guadalupe
In 1531 a “Lady from Heaven” appeared to Saint Juan Diego, a poor Indian from Tepeyac, a hill northwest of Mexico City. She identified herself as the Mother of the True God and instructed him to have the bishop build a church on the site. As a sign for the …
Fact or fiction? Nine popular myths about Our Lady of Guadalupe
by David Ramos Mexico City, Mexico, Dec 10, 2021 / 08:00 am In the 500 years since Our Lady of Guadalupe appeared, the image of Our Lady has become the subject of several popular myths and legends, especially in Mexico, where she appeared. Fr. Eduardo Chávez was the postulator for …
After pro-life loss in Ohio, Bishop Earl Fernandes announces several initiatives to promote life
By Joe Bukuras CNA Staff, Dec 8, 2023 / 16:00 pm Following last month’s referendum in Ohio that enshrined a right to abortion in its constitution, Columbus Bishop Earl Fernandes announced several pro-life and spiritual initiatives that the prelate hopes will make abortion “unthinkable.” The amendment to the constitution, for which a …
Pope Francis appoints Brazilian native as Boston’s new auxiliary bishop
By Jonathan Liedl CNA Staff, Dec 9, 2023 / 10:26 am Pope Francis has appointed a priest born and ordained in Brazil to serve as the next auxiliary bishop of Boston, the Vatican announced on Saturday. Father Cristiano G. Borro Barbosa, 47, will join Cardinal Seán O’Malley and four other auxiliaries …
Hard-living Irish musician Shane MacGowan received last rites before he died, family says
By Matt McDonald CNA Newsroom, Dec 1, 2023 / 14:15 pm Irish songwriter and former Pogues lead singer Shane MacGowan received last rites before he died Thursday, his family said. “Prayers and the last rites were read during his passing,” the family said in a written statement Nov. 30. MacGowan, 65, is best …
