France

From monumental cities like France’s second-largest, Marseille, to smaller towns in Normandy, people are rejoicing as their local Catholic heritage rises from an often dire state.

“La nuit des églises” has become a must-go-to event in recent years for many French Catholics and those wanting to experience the beauty of the country’s Christian heritage.

Calling on Catholics to pray for the victims of a stabbing at a local playground, French Bishop Yves Le Saux of Annecy said the horrific attack was an indication of growing societal violence.

Kamil Cierniak lived with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a terminal illness, for 26 years. Despite the disease, he studied in multiple departments of Krakow’s universities in Poland. In 2015 Kamil was asked to become a director of the documentary on the international pilgrimage of the Order of Malta to Lourdes sanctuary.

Notre Dame Cathedral will get its spire back by the end of 2023, more than four years after it was devastated by a fire. But to reopen the beloved symbol of France by Dec. 8, 2024, three conditions need to be met.

In focus: Assistance for pregnancy help centers, hate crimes up in Canada, possible eucharistic miracle in Hartford

Both St. Bernadette and the shrine have been the focus of numerous films, but the 2019 documentary ‘Lourdes’ — set to debut in U.S. theaters Feb. 8-9 — takes a closer look at some of those who journey to the shrine seeking relief.

France’s Catholic bishops have set up what they believe to be the world’s first major national church court, replacing a previous network of local tribunals, although sexual abuse cases involving children will still be referred to the Vatican.