On the day the church celebrated vocations, the church beatified Giuseppe Toniolo. He is proof that not just those in religious orders are call to be saints. Toniolo was an economist from the Italian city of Treviso father of seven children. Born in Treviso in 1845 the now-blessed Giuseppe Toniolo became known for his work ...read more

Sunday, April 29 is the World Day of Prayer for Vocations. Pope Benedict XVI wrote this letter about this year’s day of prayer. Dear Brothers and Sisters, The 49th World Day of Prayer for Vocations, which will be celebrated on 29 April 2012, the Fourth Sunday of Easter, prompts us to meditate on the theme: ...read more

Today Pope Benedict XVI marks seven years in St. Peter’s chair. Instead of receiving gifts, the Vatican gave a gift by launching a new widget. By using this interface it will be possible to access some of the most important content from the Vatican’s website on one’s own website. This new widget can be very ...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

This week is a big week for Pope Benedict XVI. On Monday he turns 85 years old. Then on Thursday he marks seven years as pope. Join us this Sunday, April 15 for a special look at his papacy: his travels, his teachings, and the bridges he has sought to build. Seven Years with Pope ...read more

There was more to celebrate this past weekend than just the Resurrection of our Lord! As reported on Perspectives yesterday, Pope Benedict XVI has given his approval for Fr. Felix Varela to be given the status of “venerable,” following a unanimous recommendation from the Vatican’s Congregation for Saints’ Causes. This means that Varela is now ...read more

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