Why is the practice of religion such a universal phenomenon throughout the history of cultures? Do religions still have a role to play in the secularized countries of the 21st century? Are religions currently evolving in pluralistic societies? An exhibit at the Canadian Museum of Civilization, entitled God(s): a User’s Guide, provides the inspiration for ...read more

Pilgrims attending this year’s International Eucharistic Congress in Dublin, Ireland will experience the Congress in a completely new way with the aid of technology. The Congress organizers recently launched a free iPhone and iPad App designed exclusively for Congress pilgrims. Dominican Friar Luuk Dominiek Jansen designed the App to include a pilgrim guide, a pastoral ...read more

This past Sunday was the World Day of Prayer for Vocations. For many of us, the image of a priest or religious comes to mind when we say ‘vocation’ but there’s also the permanent diaconate. Meet these great men, who’ve said yes to the call to serve. Host Pedro Guevara Mann explores the permanent diaconate. ...read more

A trip to Israel is more than a vacation. It’s a tour through biblical history, as well as an inner journey to meet Jesus. The people and places of the Holy Land testify to Him as a living Gospel account. On Catholic Focus, we take a pilgrimage to Israel. There, we go behind the scenes ...read more

Stories are powerful. They inspire us, imbue us with values, and foster a sense of continuity with the past. In fact, I always marvel at how Jesus used parables to reveal realities that could hardly be fathomed by those who heard them. I’ve heard it said that we become the stories we tell ourselves. I’ll ...read more

Why is the practice of religion such a universal phenomenon throughout the history of cultures? Do religions still have a role to play in the secularized countries of the 21st century? Are religions currently evolving in pluralistic societies? An exhibit at the Canadian Museum of Civilization, entitled God(s): a User’s Guide, provides the inspiration for ...read more

This evening, Pope Benedict XVI said farewell to Cuba at José Martí International Airport, Havana, Cuba as he concluded his 6 day apostolic visit to Mexico and Cuba. Find the full text of the Holy Father’s farewell address below. I thank God for allowing me to visit this beautiful Isle which left so deep a mark ...read more

Memorable quotes from Day 3 of Pope Benedict’s apostolic voyage to Cuba. “The truth is a desire of the human person, the search for which always supposes the exercise of authentic freedom. Many, however, prefer shortcuts, trying to avoid this task. Some, like Pontius Pilate, ironically question the possibility of even knowing what truth is ...read more

Today Pope Benedict XVI celebrated Holy Mass at “Plaza de la Revolución” in Havana, Cuba to commemorate the Jubilee Year devoted to Our Lady of Charity of El Cobre. Please find the full text of his homily below. Dear Brothers and Sisters, “Blessed are you, Lord God…, and blessed is your holy and glorious name” ...read more

Earlier today in Santiago de Cuba, Cuba, Pope Benedict XVI visited the Shrine of the “Virgen de la Caridad del Cobre”. At the shrine he made the following address. Dear Brothers and Sisters, I have come as a pilgrim to the house of the blessed statue of Our Lady of Charity, la Mambisa as you ...read more