“The increasing growth and vitality of the church will depend on nurturing strong families and communities of faith, courage and charity — for which we pray on this World Day of Prayer for China through the patronage of Our Lady Help of Christians.”
Under surveillance, government pressure, China needs prayers, observers say
Fifty years later, N.Y. priest still draws on Vietnam combat experience to minister to others
Fifty years after the U.S. withdrew its troops from Vietnam, a New York priest told OSV News his combat experience there continues to shape his pastoral ministry.
In sharing story of own leg amputation, Trenton bishop bolsters 11-year-old who had faced similar surgery
“When she learned (about) Bishop O’Connell … she realized that she was not alone and was so excited when he shared his story and photos with her,” Emma’s mom said.
900 civilians died in Nigeria’s Imo state in just 29 months, most of them were Christians, human rights group say
In just 29 months, from January 2021-May 2023, “security forces and allied militias killed 900 unarmed citizens, wounded 700, arrested 3,500, extorted 1,400, disappeared 300.”
Photos of the week May 19, 2023
Photos featured this week include Pope Francis meeting with representatives of the World Union of Catholic Women’s Organizations, a candlelight procession in St. Peter’s Square and a cute fawn sleeping in a Wisconsin cemetery.
Retired priests serving as senior parish priests help with Mass, ministry but also find ‘spiritual home’ in retirement
Retired priests willing to serve regularly help parishes by celebrating Mass, providing sacraments and completing other tasks.
Gaza Strip Catholic priest brings comfort to traumatized community, with special focus on young people
Most of the Gaza population is made of youth, and most of them have never been involved in violent acts. But they pay the price of trauma for violence between Israel and Palestine over the years. Father Gabriel Romanelli, who serves Gaza Holy Family Parish, is on a mission to change it.
US Ukrainian Catholics greet Zelenskyy-Pope Francis meeting with elation and concern
Ukrainian Catholics in the U.S. are hailing a surprise meeting between Pope Francis and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy with a mixture of elation and wariness.