BLOG: Fr. Raphael Ma, CR
[The following article was written by the Supreme Knight of the Knights of Columbus Carl Anderson, and originally appeared in the Monday March 26th edition of Zenit.] Twenty-five years ago, Pope John Paul II inaugurated the celebration of World Youth Day — to be celebrated on Palm Sunday each year. He understood — as does ...read more
I met the Pope on Friday. The president of Guatemala was in Italy and, as per protocol, he also stopped by the Vatican to see Benedict XVI. Because I speak Spanish and Italian, I was included in the press pool that was allowed into the San Damaso Library for the visit. The pool of journalists ...read more
The last two weeks have been difficult ones for faithful Catholics as the clergy sexual abuse scandal has stained headlines and the Church worldwide. There is no denying that crimes of abuse are appalling and must be dealt with properly.  However, media outlets are now taking reports of abuse as an opportunity to abase our ...read more
Pope Benedict XVI celebrated Palm Sunday with thousands of faithful in St. Peter’s Square on Sunday.  Palm Sunday is also the weekend that World Youth Day is celebrated at the diocesan level, and this year marked the 25th anniversary of the event established by Venerable John Paul II.  The anniversary was the focus on his ...read more
Vatican Press Office director Fr. Federico Lombardi, SJ, released a message on Saturday addressing media reports regarding clergy sexual abuse.  Entitled “Vigil of Holy Week,” we offer you the full text of the message below: The question of the sexual abuse of minors by members of the Catholic clergy has continued to receive wide coverage ...read more
With the approach of Holy Week, Christians are seeking out ways to more fully enter into the solemn commemoration of Christ’s last days on earth before His death. Many Catholics, out of devotion to the person of Christ, have sought to imitate the sacred Seder Meal (Passover) that Christ celebrated with His disciples on the ...read more
Although Cardinal William Joseph Levada’s March 8th address in Ottawa was titled “Why is the Catholic faith worth passing on?”, the focus of his question was, more pointedly, “Why is the Catholic faith worth passing on on university campuses?” Answered by no less than the prefect of the Vatican’s doctrinal office, the short version was ...read more
Salt + Light Television is pleased to bring viewers the live online webcast of the Episcopal Ordination of Monsignor Donald Bolen this evening. Our webcast begins with a pre-recorded interview with Bishop-Elect Bolen at 8pm ET/6pm MDT, followed by ordination coverage at 8:45pm ET/6:45pm MDT. Over my years as a priest, I’ve been called to ...read more
As many of our parish priests can attest to Holy Week marks one of the busiest times of the year — and of course this is no different for the Bishop of Rome. Tomorrow, March 25th, marks the beginning of a number of major events that Pope Benedict is participating in, including a meeting with ...read more
As Salt + Light prepares to travel to Saskatoon, Saskatchewan for the Episcopal Ordination of Monsignor Donald Bolen, we invite you to share with us your thoughts and prayers for him. As laity, we can only imagine both the great responsibility and humility that comes with this call of leadership and service. But as faithful ...read more