God's Word on Sunday: God’s graces come in a timely fashion
Fourth Sunday of Lent, March 27 (Year C) Joshua 5:9a, 10-12; Psalm 34; 2 Corinthians 5:7-21; Luke 5:1-3, 22-32
The journey of the Israelites to the promised land should have taken a few months, but it stretched into 40 years.
Cardinal Czerny meets refugees in Slovakia, Ukraine
VATICAN CITY -- Continuing the mission entrusted to him by Pope Francis, Cardinal Michael Czerny visited Slovakia and a Ukrainian border town to convey the pope's closeness to victims of Russia's war against Ukraine.
Marian icon comforts amid horror of war
As Ukrainians turn to their faith amid the ongoing tragedy of Russia’s invasion of their nation, many who follow both the Orthodox and Catholic traditions will look to an unusual icon of Mary as a symbol of the solace they seek.
Pope Francis to consecrate Russia, Ukraine to Mary
VATICAN CITY -- Pope Francis will consecrate Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary during a penitential prayer service in St. Peter's Basilica March 25, the Vatican said.
Papal envoy sets off for besieged Ukrainian cities with 'Gospel weapons'
LVIV, Ukraine-- "I've come with the three most sophisticated Gospel weapons: prayer, fasting and alms," Cardinal Konrad Krajewski told reporters in Western Ukraine March 10 as he prepared to head toward Kyiv and other cities under Russian bombardment.
God's Word on Sunday: God is defined by His faithful presence
Third Sunday of Lent, March 20 (Year C) Exodus 3:1-8a, 13-15; Psalm 103; 1 Corinthians 10:1-6, 10-12; Luke 13:1-9
After his flight from Egypt, Moses had settled down to a quiet life as a shepherd, but God had other plans for him.
Vatican secretary of state speaks with Russian foreign minister
VATICAN CITY -- In a telephone call with Russia's foreign minister, the Vatican secretary of state "conveyed Pope Francis' deep concern about the ongoing war in Ukraine," the Vatican said.
Vatican mobilizes humanitarian efforts to aid Ukraine
VATICAN CITY -- As the Russian military continues to bombard Ukraine, the Vatican is mobilizing efforts to provide humanitarian assistance to those suffering.
God's Word on Sunday: We need to be faithful to God’s promise
Second Sunday of Lent, March 13 (Year C) Genesis 1 5:5-12, 17-18; Psalm 27; Philippians 3:17-4:1; Luke 9:28b-36
Covenants were serious affairs in the ancient world and were sealed in blood. God had promised Abram (he had not received his name change yet) land and many descendants. He would become the father of a great nation. God told him that his descendants would be more numerous than the stars in the sky.
Mary Marrocco: Surest way to peace lies in inward renewal
One chilly morning, I boarded a city bus. All four linked cars were empty aside from me and the driver, who was making occasional cheery remarks over the loud-speaker. The usually-locked door between driver and passenger was propped open.
God's Word on Sunday: Be thankful for God’s loving care
First Sunday of Lent (Year C) March 6 (Deuteronomy 26:4-10; Psalm 91; Romans 10:8-13; Luke 4:1-13)
What is the proper attitude for the beginning of the Lenten journey? The reflex response would be “repentance” but we might ask if there is a response that is deeper and more helpful.