The Sacrament of Reconciliation is about an encounter with God’s mercy and forgiveness. It’s not something to be scared of… no matter how long it’s been or how big your sins.

By Andrés Henríquez ACI Prensa Staff, Feb 13, 2024 / 10:00 am On Feb. 14 of each year, the Roman Martyrology commemorates the anniversary of the martyrdom of St. Valentine of Rome, who is considered the patron saint of lovers and married couples. Coincidentally, Feb. 14 this year is also Ash Wednesday, the …

By Francesca Pollio Fenton CNA Staff, Feb 12, 2024 / 17:45 pm The Catholic prayer app Hallow aired its first-ever commercial during Super Bowl LVIII, which saw the Kansas City Chiefs win their second consecutive championship on Feb. 11. Immediately following the airing of the ad, Hallow saw the biggest spike …

By Kate Quiñones CNA Staff, Feb 11, 2024 / 08:00 am If you’re giving up sweets for Lent, you may not be happy to learn that this year Ash Wednesday falls on Valentine’s Day. But while the day typically marked by heart-shaped candies, Hallmark cards, and giant teddy bears may seem …

By Matt Hadro Washington D.C., Mar 8, 2019 / 12:25 am (CNA).- With the Lenten season here, Catholics immerse themselves in 40 days of abstaining from sweets, technology, alcohol and other luxuries. But did you know that Catholic monks once brewed beer specifically for a liquid-only Lenten fast? Back in …

When my husband and I started a family, I was hopeful we could live differently from the status quo, more reflective of love and peace. There will always be work, laundry, dinnertime and taking care of each other; but it’s easy to lose sight of the point in these routine …

As most Catholics are well aware, Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the liturgical season of Lent. And, of course, almost everyone associates Lent with giving something up, even if they do not understand the penitential importance of the season. “I gave that up for Lent” is a common refrain, …

By Matthew Santucci Rome Newsroom, Feb 1, 2024 / 14:30 pm Pope Francis has centered his Lenten message for 2024 on the Book of Exodus, choosing “Through the Desert God Leads Us to Freedom” as its main theme to encourage the faithful that the season is a journey from bondage to …

By Courtney Mares Rome Newsroom, Dec 29, 2023 / 07:00 am Attention Catholic artists: The Vatican has announced an art competition in which your paintings can be displayed inside of St. Peter’s Basilica along with the works of Renaissance masters Michelangelo and Gian Lorenzo Bernini. The contest winner will get to …