Focus

The works of mercy in baffling times

Jan 08, 2016

"This is the time for mercy." The present moment is the right time, a "favorable time," to practice the works of mercy -- "to heal wounds" and discover how to forgive and be reconciled with "everyone."
Pope tells Roman Curia to Pope tells Roman Curia to "return to the essentials"

Jan 08, 2016

Pope Francis has urged the Roman Curia to “return to the essentials” and follow a path of gratitude, conversion, renewal, penance and reconciliation as indicated by the Year of Mercy.
The Feast of the Epiphany is a time to proudly rejoice in Jesus

Jan 07, 2016

There can be a dangerous trap for our faith when we celebrate the Three Kings visiting the baby Jesus.
Inspirational Catholics to cheer us this January

Jan 07, 2016

The start of the year is a good opportunity to take stock of our faith
Most Americans say Islamic State atrocities are genocide

Jan 06, 2016

Most Americans support a broad recognition of Islamic State atrocities against Christians and other minorities as genocide, a recent survey says.
Mother Teresa: 2016’s Saint of Mercy

Jan 05, 2016

It’s official: Blessed Mother Teresa will be canonized in 2016. On Dec. 17, Pope Francis approved the second miracle attributed to her intercession.
Toddler becomes first casualty of refugee crisis in 2016

Jan 05, 2016

A toddler has become the first known victim of the refugee crisis this year, when the dinghy he was in with 30 other migrants capsized off the shore of a remote Greek island.
Scottish aristocrat to take Vatican backed Passion play to notorious Italian prison

Jan 05, 2016

Sir Jack Stewart-Clark has won the Vatican’s approval to take a play dramatising the last days of Christ to a notorious Italian jail.
A bloody secret still haunts the diamond industry

Jan 04, 2016

Imagine being woken up in the middle of the night by a dark figure in your room. He presses a gun to your head and demands that you get up.
The New Year is a good time to contemplate the Four Last Things

Jan 01, 2016

Today is the last day of the old year and my thought are turning to what Catholics call “The Four Last Things”.