In his homily during the Easter Vigil, Pope Benedict spoke of the fundamental goodness of creation; of matter; of Being itself. Just as in the beginning God said “Let there be light!” so again He says on Easter morning, “Let there be light!” – the resurrection of Christ – “God’s new day.” The Holy Father ...read more

The Mass of the Lord’s Supper recalls the institution of the Eucharist and the giving of a new commandment: “Love one another.  As I have loved you, so you also should love one another.” (Jn 13:34)  In his homily from the Basilica of St. John Lateran in Rome, Pope Benedict commented on the events which ...read more

In his homily during the Chrism Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica this morning – at which sacramental oils are blessed and priestly ordination promises are renewed – Pope Benedict XVI encouraged and challenged the Catholic priests of the world: “Does our consecration extend to the daily reality of our lives – do we operate as ...read more

When John Paul II visited Mexico on his first Apostolic Journey in 1979, he had to apply for a visitor’s visa as a private citizen and paid fines for wearing his clerical attire in public. When Pope Benedict XVI landed in Mexico last week, he was visiting a very different Mexico. First and foremost Pope ...read more

In his homily during the Palm Sunday Mass in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Benedict highlighted the great joy around Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem – “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the kingdom of our father David that is coming! Hosanna in the highest!” (MK 11:9-10)  The Holy ...read more

Join us in prayer for the intentions entrusted to us by Pope Benedict XVI. For April 2012, we join the Holy Father in praying for: Vocations. That many young people may hear the call of Christ and follow him in the priesthood and religious life. Christ, Hope for Africans. That the risen Christ may be ...read more

For many of us, it feels as if we were celebrating World Youth Day in Madrid just yesterday. Another World Youth Day is already upon us, although not on the same scale. Every two to three years, World Youth Day is celebrated with a week-long international gathering in a different host city. That particular city ...read more

The fruits of a papal visit are often not noticeable until after the banners and altars have come down.  In Cuba it didn’t take long to see the gifts of the papal visit. Catholic News Service reported this week on the impact the Pope’s overnight stay in El Cobre. The preparations alone meant that infrastructure ...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