Local woman, nephew and friends are inspired after Pope Francis’ death altered their travel plans.
Hope remains for locals visiting Rome during time of remembering Pope Francis
Vatican drivers, staff to swear oath of secrecy ahead of conclave
While members of the College of Cardinals famously take an oath, so do Vatican staff members, including the elevator operator, doctors and attendants, who will be assisting with the everyday tasks and needs of the cardinals during the conclave which begins May 7.
Build communion with diversity, abbot tells cardinals before conclave
Abbot Donato Ogliari of St. Paul Outside the Walls in Rome was invited by the cardinals to offer a spiritual meditation April 29 at their general congregation meeting before the conclave begins May 7. The rules for preparing a conclave require the cardinals to invite a cleric known for his “sound doctrine, wisdom and moral authority” to offer meditation.
Where — and when — to watch for white smoke
The conclave is set to begin May 7, but the public only knows its end by iconic white smoke billowing out of the Sistine Chapel’s chimney.
The best place to watch for the smoke is in St. Peter’s Square itself, but the Vatican will also livestream the smoke on its YouTube channel, Vatican Media Live.
Beauty and mystery in ‘The Mystical Theology’
The works of art hanging over ornate altars and displayed in crowded halls are of great theological significance and have even inspired revolutions in artistic expression. To the casual observer, however, some of the lessons of these masterpieces remain mysterious as they become less well known over the passage of centuries.
Detroit author shows a ‘Catholic love story is the best love story’ in debut novel
Local author Rebecca W. Martin has debuted her first novel, “Love in the Eternal City” (Chrism Press), a Catholic romance that not only tells the love story between a Swiss Guard and an American expat, but also serves as Martin’s own love letter to the city of Rome.
Waiting to be discovered: Rome cloister’s frescoes celebrate the rosary
Very much on the beaten path of tourists and pilgrims to Rome, a frescoed ode to the rosary is visited by as few as a dozen people a day.
‘Women’s Cry,’ a photo exhibit, opens in St. Peter’s Square
Nestled in the arms of Bernini’s colonnade around St. Peter’s Square, 26 photos of women and girls make up an art exhibit meant to open people’s eyes and hearts to the suffering and resilience of women.