FAITH/STORIES
The world Synod of Bishops on the family is not a parliament where participants will negotiate or lobby, Pope Francis said, but it must be a place of prayer where bishops speak with courage and open themselves to “God who always surprises us.”
Pope's Homily at Opening Mass of the Synod of Bishops
The front of St. Peter’s Basilica was lined with green and scarlet as the Synod Fathers gathered around the altar for the opening mass of the Ordinary Synod of Bishops on the Family on Sunday presided over by the Holy Father, Pope Francis.
Fidelity, truth, love must guide church outreach to families, Pope says
By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY — In a world filled with challenges to marriage and family life, the Catholic Church is called “to carry out her mission in fidelity, truth and love,” Pope Francis said at the Mass opening the world Synod of Bishops on the family.
Synod fathers can learn from familial bond
By Michael Swan, The Catholic RegisterMISSISSAUGA, ONT. - The Church must rediscover its role in helping and supporting families at this fall’s Synod on the Family, one of the leading Asian cardinals told The Catholic Register.
Divorced, remarried Catholics at the forefront of this year’s Synod
By Evan Boudreau, The Catholic RegisterTORONTO - Robert Mickens is expecting Pope Francis to “rattle cages” during the Synod of Bishops on the Family by challenging the world’s bishops to face and address the problems within the Church.
Back to the synod: Year given for 'discernment' also brought debate
By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY - Pope Francis planned two gatherings of the Synod of Bishops to focus on the family and urged participants to use the year between the assemblies as a time for "true spiritual discernment" with both study and prayer.
Lesson for synod seen in joy evident at World Meeting of Families
By Rhina Guidos, Catholic News ServicePHILADELPHIA - It's difficult to forget Pope Francis' passionate Sept. 26 speech, his gestures and the tone of his voice when he addressed the value of the family in Philadelphia.
Respect and listen to your Guardian Angel
Pope Francis says God has given everybody a Guardian Angel to accompany us and offer advice and protection, an Angel to whom we should listen with meekness and respect. He was speaking during his homily at Mass on Friday (2nd October) celebrated in the Santa Marta Residence.
Vatican says Pope's meeting with Kentucky clerk is not endorsement
By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY - Pope Francis' meeting with Kim Davis, the county clerk from Kentucky who was jailed for refusing to issue marriage licenses, does not equate support for her "position," a Vatican spokesman said.
Joy of the Lord our strength
By Vatican RadioThe joy of the Lord is our strength, and in Him we discover who we really are: this was the focus of Pope Francis’ reflection following the readings of the day at Mass in the chapel of the Casa Santa Marta on Thursday morning, the feast of St. Therese of Lisieux. The Holy Father focused especially on the need to cultivate nostalgia – deep yearning – for God in the Christian life.
Sistine Chapel the recording studio for papal choir's latest CD
By Carol Glatz, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY - One of the oldest choirs in the world recorded a CD of its repertoire of sacred music surrounded by the famed frescoes of Michelangelo, Perugino, Pinturicchio and Botticelli.
Theme for 2016 communications day to focus on mercy, dialogue
By Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY - For World Communications Day 2016, Pope Francis has chosen the theme "Communication and Mercy: A fruitful encounter."
Expert: Healing possible for victims, perpetrators of domestic violence
By Laura Ieraci, Catholic News ServicePHILADELPHIA - Help and healing is possible for Catholic families suffering with violence in the home, said psychologist Christauria Welland.