Faith

Sacraments are gifts, not for sale, Pope says at Mass

November 9, 2018

VATICAN – The sacraments are gifts from God that are given freely and are not a way for the church to fill up its coffers to cover expenses, Pope Francis said.

The meaning of life is found in self-giving service, Pope says in memorial Mass for cardinals, bishops

November 5, 2018

VATICAN – For every Christian, but especially for those called to ministry, God's gift of life is a call to serve others, Pope Francis said at a memorial Mass for bishops and cardinals who have died in the past year.

New Vatican body to take over Catholic charismatic activities

November 2, 2018

VATICAN – The two international bodies that had been supporting and coordinating the international activities of charismatic Catholics will become one new organization.

Feast of All Souls a time to remember, to hope for eternal life, Pope says

November 2, 2018

ROME – The Mass for the feast of All Souls is "realistic, concrete" in calling Catholics to remember the people and events of their past, to consider how they live today and to hope for eternal life with God and their loved ones who preceded them, Pope Francis said.

Sainthood is a choice, 'either holiness or nothing', Pope Francis says

November 1, 2018

VATICAN – Saints are not just the well-known men, women and young people on the liturgical calendar, Pope Francis said on the feast of All Saints.

'Every Christian vocation is spousal', just like marriage, Pope says

October 31, 2018

VATICAN – The Sixth Commandment's mandate against adultery is a call to fidelity that applies not only to married couples, but to all Christians called to love others through their vocation, Pope Francis said.

Mary Marrocco: Living and loving in the face of death

October 30, 2018

“I have been half in love with easeful Death.” So wrote poet John Keats two centuries ago. For him it was sorrowful, yet his succinct sentence could well describe our current perspective in this country.

Pope closes synod with apology to young people who felt ignored by the Church

October 29, 2018

VATICAN – Speaking on behalf of all adult Catholics, Pope Francis formally closed the Synod of Bishops by asking young people for forgiveness.

God's word on Sunday: God reveals path out of darkness

October 27, 2018

30th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Oct. 28 (Year B) Jeremiah 31:7-9; Psalm 126; Hebrews 5:1-6; Mark 10:46-52

Holiness comes from practicing the faith, not pious talk, Pope says

October 25, 2018

VATICAN – Following the Francigena Way, an ancient pilgrims' path, a group of about 300 synod participants and young people from Rome parishes headed to St. Peter's Basilica to pray at the apostle's tomb.