When you are about to turn 100 there’s a tendency for people to fuss over you and ask silly questions.
When people began asking 99.9-year-old Fr. Michael Lapierre what it felt like to turn 100, he told them “I don’t have a choice.” On May 2, Canada’s oldest Jesuit will take his 100th birthday in stride.
Latin Patriarch urges Christians to help light of peace emerge from war
By Judith Sudilovsky, Catholic News ServiceJERUSALEM - Christians in the Middle East are called to help the light of peace emerge from the violence and anguish of war in much of the region, drawing inspiration from the resurrected Jesus, Latin Patriarch Fouad Twal said in his Easter homily.
The Last Supper and the ritual of family meals
By Evan Boudreau, The Catholic RegisterDuring Holy Week, Catholics are called to reflect on the Last Supper, when the apostles came together like a family to break bread with Jesus for the final time. It was from that simple meal, with bread at its centre, that Christ gave mankind the Eucharist.
Oils consecrated at chrism Mass central to Church’s sacraments, rituals
By Tom Tracy, Catholic News ServiceMIAMI - Some of the Church’s most ancient traditions and rituals are witnessed during Holy Week, including the preparation, blessing and distribution of oils central to the Catholic Church’s sacraments and rites.
In Holy Year, Pope wants to share experience of mercy he had as teen
By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY - Pope Francis' decision to convoke a special Holy Year of Mercy has its roots in the event that led a teenage Jorge Mario Bergoglio to the priesthood.
Catholic men urged to evangelize 'home front,' then go out to community
By Andy Telli, Catholic News ServiceFRANKLIN, Tenn. - The Catholic Church needs men to fully commit to their faith, and men have all they need from God "to be a force" for the church, a former major league baseball player told a men's conference in Franklin.
What does the Pope want: ‘All I want is to go out for a pizza!’
By David Gibson, Religion News ServiceThe “Pope of the Interview” strikes again: Pope Francis has given a lengthy — and fascinating — interview to a Mexican television station, which broadcast it on March 13 to mark the second anniversary of his election.
Pope plans to canonize St. Therese's parents during Synod
By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY - Pope Francis is expected to canonize Blessed Louis and Zelie Martin, the parents of St. Therese of Lisieux, during the world Synod of Bishops on the family in October.
Marriage is two imperfect people who refuse to give up
By Ramon Gonzalez, Canadian Catholic NewsST. ALBERT, ALTA. - Divorce statistics aside, Christians still see marriage as a tremendous gift in their lives.
Journeying with a friend on the path to death can be life-giving
By Lasha Morningstar, Canadian Catholic NewsEDMONTON - Jo-Anne Paquette’s three-month journey with Martha Shephard as she died from a brain tumour was both physically draining and a spiritual gift for Paquette.
Relics and artifacts can help us ‘find Jesus’
By David Gibson of Religion News Service and Michael McKinleyWhy are we so fascinated with any historical artifact — relics, as some call them — associated with Jesus?