Pope Francis: ‘Every vocation is animated by hope’
By AC Wimmer CNA Newsroom, Mar 19, 2025 / 09:25 am Writing from Gemelli Hospital, Pope Francis emphasized the role of hope in vocational discernment in his message for the 62nd World Day of Prayer for Vocations released by the Vatican on Wednesday. “Vocation is a precious gift that God sows …
Powerful reflections from saints on Lent: fasting, penance, and conversion
By Diego López Marina ACI Prensa Staff, Mar 19, 2025 / 07:00 am Lent is not only a time of self denial but also of transformation. Six saints and blesseds have offered the following profound reflections on how to live this time authentically through fasting and conversion of heart. St. Augustine …
CNA explains: What’s ahead for the U.S. visa program for religious sisters, workers
By Madalaine Elhabbal Washington, D.C. Newsroom, Mar 18, 2025 / 12:35 pm Though Congress extended the visa program used by religious sisters ahead of its deadline last Friday evening, they and other “non-minister religious workers” still face unprecedented challenges in immigrating or remaining in the U.S. to serve their communities. Concern …
Catholic priest in Gaza reports explosions near parish
By Victoria Cardiel ACI Prensa Staff, Mar 18, 2025 / 17:10 pm Father Gabriel Romanelli, the pastor of Holy Family Parish in Gaza, reported that following the breakdown of the truce between Israel and Hamas, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have launched new attacks very close to his parish. The priest told Vatican …
‘Go to Joseph’: What popes from Blessed Pius IX to Pope Francis have said about St. Joseph
By Courtney Mares Rome Newsroom, Mar 19, 2025 / 04:00 am The proclamation of the Year of St. Joseph by Pope Francis in December 2020 coincided with the 150th anniversary of the saint’s proclamation as patron of the universal Church by Blessed Pius IX on Dec. 8, 1870. “Jesus Christ Our …
Listening to God with Joseph
In a visually saturated world, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and become desensitized to beauty. Visio Divina, Latin for “divine seeing,” encourages us to slow down and engage in visual contemplation, using art as a profound tool for connecting with the Divine. A Guide to Visio Divina Begin by making …
March 19: St. Joseph
St. Joseph is honored with feast days throughout the Liturgical Year. This feast encourages us to look at Joseph’s role as husband and head of the Holy Family. Most of what we know about the life of St. Joseph comes to us from Scripture and legends that have sprung up …
Making Catholic Memories: St. Joseph Cream Puffs
When we first started having children and began discussing names, we always seemed to lean towards family names for the middle name. By the time our third came along, we began to focus on choosing saints names. It seems slightly embarrassing to admit it, but it wasn’t until we were …
Pope’s clinical condition continues to show slight improvements
The Holy See Press Office reports on the Pope’s health condition, noting slight improvements in his respiratory and motor functions. Vatican News 3/18/2025 3:30 p.m. Last night, Pope Francis did not require mechanical ventilation. This was one of the updates shared by the Holy See Press Office with journalists on …
8 Catholic universities get ready to compete in NCAA men’s basketball tournament
By Francesca Pollio Fenton CNA Staff, Mar 18, 2025 / 15:10 pm The NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament kicks off March 18 and this year’s tournament includes eight Catholic universities competing for the championship title. They are: Creighton University, Gonzaga University, Marquette University, Xavier University, St. John’s University, Saint Mary’s College, Saint …
