Author Archive
Dialogue begins with empathy, not contempt, pope says
IMAGE: CNS photo/Paul Haring By Junno Arocho Esteves VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Christians who preach the Gospel must see people who do not know Christ as children of God and not as nonbelievers worthy of hostility and contempt, Pope Francis said. The example of St. Paul’s mission in Greece and …
Blind seminarian in Oregon ‘sees’ beyond external trappings
IMAGE: CNS photo/Katie Scott, Catholic By Katie Scott ST. BENEDICT, Ore. (CNS) — Although Tony Del Castillo cannot see, a friend’s question years ago helped him perceive people with clarity and to look beyond an individual’s quirks, foibles and facades. "God used her to open up my eyes in a …
Everyday Heroes: Teen who gave life to save classmates long known as hero
IMAGE: CNS photo/Knights of Columbus By Joseph Pappalardo Even before he died saving his classmates from a shooter at his school, 18-year-old Kendrick Castillo was known for going out of his way to help others. Last May, the nation learned about this young man from Colorado, who gave his life …
Refusing God’s generosity is a sin, pope says
IMAGE: CNS photo/Vatican Media By Junno Arocho Esteves VATICAN CITY (CNS) — In life, Christians face the choice of either being open to encountering God’s generosity or closed in on their own interests, Pope Francis said. The banquet that Jesus often refers to in his parables "is an image of …
Update: USCCB president disinvites Bishop Bransfield from fall assembly
IMAGE: CNS photo/Bob Roller By Dennis Sadowski WASHINGTON (CNS) — Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, in consultation with the members of the USCCB Administrative Committee, has taken the highly unusual step of disinviting a fellow bishop from the conference’s fall general assembly. The …
All of life should be journey toward God, pope says at memorial Mass
IMAGE: CNS photo/Vatican Media By Carol Glatz VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Jesus invites everyone to always go to him, which, Pope Francis said, also means no longer making life revolve around oneself. "What direction is my journey going? Do I only try to make a good impression, to protect my …
Celebrating Mass in catacombs, pope recalls all persecuted Christians
IMAGE: CNS photo/Vatican Media By Cindy Wooden ROME (CNS) — In what he said was his first visit to the catacombs, Pope Francis celebrated Mass for the feast of All Souls with special words of remembrance for Catholics who still today must worship in secret. The website of the Catacombs …
Polish actress read saint’s diaries to prepare for film role
IMAGE: CNS photo/courtesy Kondrat-Media By Mark Pattison WASHINGTON (CNS) — Kamila Kaminska, the Polish actress who played St. Faustina Kowalska in the new movie "Love and Mercy: Faustina," read the diaries her fellow countrywoman wrote to help prepare for the role. "It was an amazing experience," Kaminska told Catholic News …
Pray for the dead, gain indulgences for them, cardinal urges Catholics
IMAGE: CNS photo/Vatican Media By Cindy Wooden VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The early November feasts of All Saints and All Souls are reminders that God’s church exists both on earth and in heaven and that all the faithful, living and dead, can and should pray for each other, a top …
In war, human dignity must be protected, pope tells military chaplains
IMAGE: CNS photo/Vatican Media By Junno Arocho Esteves VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Military chaplains are called to educate the consciences of members of the armed forces so that even in war, the opposing side is not viewed merely as "an enemy to be destroyed," Pope Francis said. Meeting with participants …