IMAGE: CNS photo/Gregory A. Shemitz, Long Island Catholic By WASHINGTON (CNS) — The Vatican recently published a circular letter, “On the bread and wine for the Eucharist,” sent to diocesan bishops at the request of Pope Francis. Dated June 15 — the feast of the Body and Blood of Christ …

IMAGE: CNS photo/courtesy of Agape Association of El Salvador By Rhina Guidos SONSONATE, El Salvador (CNS) — His Boston Red Sox baseball hat is almost as big a part of him as his brown Franciscan habit. Anywhere Franciscan Father Flavian Mucci goes in El Salvador, he’s known not only for …

By Carol Glatz VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis has approved a fourth pathway to possible sainthood — giving one’s life in a heroic act of loving service to others. In a new apostolic letter, the pope approved new norms allowing for candidates to be considered for sainthood because of …

By Jean Gonzalez ORLANDO, Fla. (CNS) — United by the words of the prophet of social justice, Catholic Church leaders urged black Catholics to become active, just disciples of Christ. More than 2,000 converged on Orlando July 6-9 for the 12th National Black Catholic Congress where speakers — clergy, lay …

IMAGE: CNS photo/John G. Mabanglo, EPA By Carolyn Mackenzie WASHINGTON (CNS) — Political polarization in America has recently peaked, according to surveys conducted by Pew Research Center and Gallup, among others. In a time where such polarization threatens civility in public discourse, Catholic leaders in interviews with Catholic News Service …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Tyler Orsburn By Jose Montoya WASHINGTON (CNS) — Since the 13th century, the Escolania de Montserrat has sung daily for pilgrims at Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey in Catalonia, Spain. This summer they brought their sacred music — some of it dating back to the Middle Ages — …

By Junno Arocho Esteves VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Men and women who carry the heavy burden of life’s troubles can find relief in Christ, who does not take away the load, but carries it as well, Pope Francis said. “He waits for us, he always waits for us, not to …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Bob Roller By Carol Glatz VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Bishops should look at ways to help verify and guarantee the validity and worthiness of the bread and wine used for the celebration of the Eucharist, the Vatican said in a recent document. Because bread and wine for the …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Bob Roller By Laura Dodson ORLANDO, Fla. (CNS) — Theirs was a monumental responsibility: shepherding lay leaders, cardinals, archbishops, bishops, religious, deacons, musicians, event staff and a legion of volunteers at the historic “Convocation of Catholic Leaders: The Joy of the Gospel in America” July 1-4 in Orlando. …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Leonardo Munoz, EPA By Junno Arocho Esteves VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis will beatify a priest and a bishop martyred in Colombia when he visits the country in September, a Vatican spokesman said. In an email to Catholic News Service July 7, Vatican spokesman Greg Burke confirmed …