A sign in St. Peter's Square calls for the consecration of Russia and Ukraine to Mary, before the start of Pope Francis' Angelus at the Vatican March 13, 2022. The Vatican said Pope Francis will consecrate Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary March 25.

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.

Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk of Kyiv-Halych, head of the Eastern-rite Ukrainian Catholic Church, and Cardinal Konrad Krajewski, the papal almoner, attend an interreligious prayer service in the Latin-rite cathedral of Lviv, Ukraine, March 10, 2022.

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

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.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov attends a news conference following talks with his Kyrgyz counterpart, Ruslan Kazakbayev, in Moscow March 5, 2022. Russian authorities released a statement March 8 saying that Lavrov spoke over the phone with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state, about the ongoing hostilities in Ukraine.

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.

People sort donations from Vatican employees for Ukraine outside the Governatorato, a building housing the Vatican's governing offices, at the Vatican March 7, 2022.

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.

A mosaic in the Church of the Transfiguration on Mount Tabor in Israel illustrates the transfiguration of Jesus as told in Luke’s Gospel.

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.

Pope Paul VI observes that while peace is “extremely difficult,” it isn’t impossible.

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. 

In Sandro Botticelli’s The Temptation of Christ, Satan transports Jesus to the pinnacle of the Temple of Jerusalem and told Jesus He should throw Himself down as God promised Him no harm.

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.

Passersby are reflected in the doorplate of the Russian Embassy to the Holy See on Via della Conciliazione, the main road leading to the Vatican, Feb. 25, 2022. Pope Francis visited the Russian Embassy to the Holy See the same day to express his concern about the war in Ukraine.

Pope Francis visits Russian Embassy to express concern over war

VATICAN CITY -- As Russia continued its assault on Ukraine and Russian troops pressed toward the capital, Kyiv, Pope Francis left the Vatican Feb. 25 to pay a visit to the Russian ambassador to the Holy See.

Pope Francis is pictured during his general audience in the Paul VI hall at the Vatican Feb. 23, 2022.

Pope Francis calls for day of prayer, fasting for peace in Ukraine

VATICAN CITY -- As the threat of war loomed over the world, Pope Francis called on people to pray and fast for peace in Ukraine on Ash Wednesday.

A Roman Missal is seen on the altar during a traditional Tridentine Mass.

Pope Francis has issued decree confirming FSSP in its use of 1962 liturgical books

VATICAN CITY -- Pope Francis has issued a decree confirming that the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter (FSSP) can continue to use the liturgical books in force in 1962, according to the traditionalist group.

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