Faith

Confession brings the joy of God's love, Pope says

March 22, 2018

VATICAN – God always loves and always remains faithful to his children, despite their sin and idolatry, Francis said.

Present in the Eucharist, Jesus transforms those who receive him, Pope says

March 21, 2018

VATICAN – Despite the chill and gusts of wind in St. Peter's Square, Pope Francis welcomed the beginning of spring with an impromptu lesson about gardening and how to grow into being better Christians.

Robert Kinghorn: Young evangelists heed cries of the poor

March 20, 2018

Recently I found myself in the basement of a downtown church surrounded by a confirmation class of children, teachers and parents. The church sits in an area where the outreach of the Church on the Street is most challenging, and the class had responded to the call of Pope Francis in The Joy of the Gospel: “We cannot passively and calmly wait in our church buildings; we need to move from a passive ministry of mere conservation to a decidedly missionary pastoral mission.”

The crucifix is for contemplation, not decoration, says Pope

March 19, 2018

VATICAN – On Sunday Pope Francis said that the crucifix is not just something decorative to hang on the wall or wear, it is an important sign of our beliefs – and should be truly looked at and prayed before as the source of our salvation.

Many admire Padre Pio, but few imitate him, Pope says

March 17, 2018

SAN GIOVANNI ROTONDO, Italy – Many people admire St. Padre Pio, but too few imitate him, especially in his care for the weak, the sick and those who modern culture treats as disposable, Pope Francis said during Mass at Padre Pio's shrine.

Pope Francis: How many people go beyond the mindless recitation of the Lord's Prayer?

March 14, 2018

VATICAN – Forgiving those who have caused pain or offense is not easy, Pope Francis said.

Salvation of souls the primary purpose of pastoral care, Doctrine of Faith prefect says

March 13, 2018

VATICAN – Promoting and defending Catholic teaching is itself a pastoral practice, said Archbishop Luis Ladaria Ferrer, S.J., the Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.

Confessors should seek to bring penitents closer to Jesus, Pope says

March 9, 2018

By truly listening to the penitent during confession, "we listen to Jesus himself, poor and humble; by listening to the Holy Spirit, we put ourselves in attentive obedience, becoming listeners of the Word" in order to know what God wants to be done, he said.

Mary Marrocco: Lent is an opportunity to go beyond the noise

March 9, 2018

What’s the best way to wake a sleeper? Throw cold water? Tickle the feet or play loud music?

Don't hold grudges; forgiveness comes from forgiving others, Pope says

March 6, 2018

VATICAN – Christians must let go of resentments and forgive those who have wronged them so that they may experience God's forgiveness, Pope Francis.