BLOG: Fr. Raphael Ma, CR
Pilgrims carry a statue of Christ on a donkey during a Palm Sunday procession outside the Metropolitan Cathedral in Caacupe, Paraguay April 13, 2014. Also known as Passion Sunday, this first day of Holy Week commemorates Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem before his crucifixion. (CNS photo/Jorge Adorno, Reuters) ...read more
A penitent wearing a colorful mask made of plastic straws joins others with costumes depicting Roman Centurions during an April 4 Lenten festival on the Philippine island of Marinduque. The festival, locally known as “Moriones,” is an annual ritual in the predominantly Catholic country for residents to remember the suffering of Christ during Lent. (CNS ...read more
(Guest host Sebastian Gomes interviews Fr. Peter Galadza of the Sheptytsky Institute about the ecumenical implications of finding a common date for Easter between the churches of the east and west.) In May of 2014, Pope Tawadros II of the Coptic Orthodox Church in Alexandria, Egypt sent a letter to Pope Francis. In it he ...read more
Residents watch a re-enactment of the crucifixion at a procession during Holy Week in Larantuka, Indonesia, March 30, 2010. (CNS photo/Beawiharta, Reuters) ...read more
What is an annulment? Why is it not the same as divorce? Join Deacon Pedro again this Friday as he explores the beautiful teachings of the Catholic Church with regards to Marriage. This week, he speaks with Canon Lawyer, Fr. Alex Laschuk, of the Marriage Tribunal of the Archdiocese of Toronto about annulments and they outline ...read more
A priest of the Diocese of Derry, Ireland reflects on our contemporary understanding of “equality” and the resulting social consequences. How are you going to spend the next five minutes of your time?  You could browse social media or check your email, but how about meeting a fascinating person and learning something relevant that will ...read more
Some of the Salt + Light team are in the Holy Land on pilgrimage. We are also preparing something special for you to watch in the near future. Stay tuned! In the meantime, here is the text of a reflection that was recorded in Jerusalem: Jerusalem is one of the oldest cities in the world, ...read more
March 16, 2016 Although a small number of people attempt to drag Ireland back to unrest and violence, people from across our communities are strongly committed to building bridges towards lasting peace. Following the example of Patrick, I call on Irish people, at home and abroad: open yourselves up to a personal friendship with Christ and to an ...read more
People follow a float in a Holy Week procession in Granada, Spain, March 31, 2010. (CNS photo/Pepe Marin, Reuters) ...read more
Two weeks ago,a few of us at Salt and Light went on a pilgrimage in the Holy Land to follow in the footsteps of Jesus. In Galilee, we made our way to the place where the Holy Family’s life began, in Nazareth, where God became incarnate through His mother. It is in this city located in the north ...read more