Iraqi police intercepted terrorists planning to assassinate him, pope says

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — On Pope Francis’ 88th birthday, two major newspapers on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean published two different excerpts from his new book on hope. The New York Times published the pope’s words on the importance of humor as a “guest essay” in its opinion section, …
Los Angeles priest experienced miracle that paved way for Pier Giorgio Frassati’s canonization

By Kate Quiñones CNA Staff, Dec 16, 2024 / 17:50 pm When a seminarian was injured while playing basketball in 2017, he had no idea it would one day contribute to the cause for canonization of Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati. Father Juan Gutierrez, 38, then a seminarian at St. John’s Seminary in Camarillo, …
Obituary: Deacon Harry S. Walker

Deacon Harry S. Walker, a deacon of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, died on December 11, 2024 at the age of 93. Deacon Walker was ordained September 28, 1991 by Archbishop Daniel E. Pilarczyk. He served the Archdiocese as a permanent deacon for 33 years. Upon ordination, he was assigned to …
Out and About in the Archdiocese for December 2024

1) All Saints Day at Royalmont Academy in Mason celebrated All Saints Day with costumes and presentations in grades PreK through eighth. May the example of these saints inspire our students. As the school’s chaplain, Father Jesus, reminds them: we are all saints in the making! 2) SUA and St. …
The hidden message in ancient ‘O Antiphons’ of Advent

By Katie Yoder Washington, D.C. Newsroom, Dec 4, 2022 / 07:00 am An emeritus Texas bishop is highlighting an Advent message hidden in the O Antiphons — prayers that are recited or chanted in an ancient tradition leading up to Christmas. “Composed in the sixth or seventh century, the seven O …
Bethlehem’s ‘Milk Grotto’: A pilgrimage site of hope for families seeking miracles

By Marinella Bandini Bethlehem, Dec 15, 2024 / 06:00 am Just a short walk from the Grotto of the Nativity in the Holy Land is the only white-stone grotto in the entire area of Bethlehem. Commonly known as the “Milk Grotto,” its color and name are tied to a legend going …
Saints and Miracles

When someone asks for the intercession of a candidate for sainthood, such as healing from illness, if the prayer is answered, how can it be proven that the miracle was through that saint’s intercession? The Church believes that those in Heaven, because they are close to Christ, can intercede for …
Cardinal Cupich asks Catholics ‘to receive holy Communion standing’ in Chicago Archdiocese

By Tyler Arnold Washington, D.C. Newsroom, Dec 13, 2024 / 17:45 pm Cardinal Blase Cupich of the Archdiocese of Chicago in a letter published this week in the archdiocesan newspaper urged Catholics to stand while receiving holy Communion and not make gestures that draw attention to oneself. In the letter, published in the Chicago …