Handing on the Faith As I was writing my reflection on the Working Document for the Continental Stage last month, I mulled over multiple ways to describe this synod process. In that post, I called it a “conversation.” TheWorking Document represented the participants of the Diocesan Phase, in conversation with the regional assemblies of the ...read more

On Monday, December 12, Pope Francis celebrated Mass and gave a homily on the feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Guadalupe. Pope Francis spoke about celebrating Guadalupe at a difficult time for humanity. Read the full text of his homily below:   Homily of His Holiness Pope Francis Holy Mass Blessed Virgin Mary of ...read more

  Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees. Say to those who are of a fearful heart, “Be strong, do not fear! Here is your God. He will come and save you.” Isaiah 35:1-10 James 5:7-10 Matthew 11:2-11 “What did you go out into the wilderness to look at? What did you ...read more

You’re a little late to the party, but by the time you arrive, you see the perfect gift wrapped and gingerly placed in front of you. The place is a bit of a mess, but no one cares, and the joy in the air is palpable. People are smiling, crying, and laughing, all because of ...read more

In mid-November, my husband Richard and I and our four girls went to visit Madonna House in Combermere, Ontario. Any chance we get to visit Madonna House as a family, we take it! Madonna House is special to us.  This was not our usual pilgrimage, however. We had camera equipment in the trunk and I ...read more

On December 8, we celebrate Mary and how she was free from original sin from the moment of her conception. The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception is an important feast day around the world. Many countries like the Philippines, Italy, Malta, Portugal, and Colombia made this day a public holiday. In the United States, it ...read more

Pope Francis continues his catechesis on discernment and decision-making by discussing “some important aspects that help us read the time after the decision as a possible confirmation of its goodness.” He says that a decision is good if it “is seen as a possible sign of response to the Lord’s love and generosity,” it gives ...read more

  “The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.’” Isaiah 11:1-10 Romans 15:4-9 Matthew 3:1-12 “That’s just how we’ve always done things. It’s a good idea, but we’re so set in our ways!” “That’s just the way the world is. I wish it were ...read more

Join us in prayer for the intentions entrusted to us by Pope Francis. For December 2022, we join the Holy Father in praying for: Volunteer not-for-profit organizations We pray that volunteer non-profit organizations committed to human development find people dedicated to the common good and ceaselessly seek out new paths to international cooperation. Click the ...read more

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — While some people want to “reform” the Catholic Church and others want “to put the brakes on the synod process,” those involved in preparing the continental phase of the synod process want “to mend” the church under the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the pope, said Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich of ...read more