This prayer was written by Cardinal Carlo Maria Martini, S.J. It was published in the book Due Pellegrini per la Giustizia (Centro Ambrosiano: Edizioni Piemme, 1992) and translated here by Fr. Thomas Rosica, CSB. Lord Our God,We Praise you and we bless you for Jerusalem,Because you have given this city to usAs the symbol of the ...read more

Yesterday Pope Francis called for a day of fasting and prayer for peace in Syria, in the entire Mideast region, and throughout the whole world to be held this coming Saturday, September 7, 2013. Speaking ahead of the traditional Angelus prayer with pilgrims gathered in St Peter’s Square, Pope Francis said, “On [Saturday] the 7th ...read more

  The following message was released by  the U.S. Bishops’ conference and Bishop Stephen E. Blaire, Bishop of Stockton Chairman, Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development United States Conference of Catholic Bishops September 2, 2013 Every human being enjoys a basic right to be respected, not because of any title, position, prestige, or accomplishment ...read more

Pope Francis poses with youths during a meeting with young people from the northern Italian diocese of Piacenza-Bobbio in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican Aug. 28.  CNS photo/L’Osservatore Romano ...read more

Vatican Connections is on summer hiatus, returning on September 27. One feature of every Vatican Connections is the “Roman Profile” segment. Below is a Roman Profile post, featuring Cardinal Celso Costantini. Watch for the full, television version of this Roman Profile, featuring and interview with Costantini biographer Monsignor Bruno Pighin, during the new season of ...read more

The “Floating Bible” is seen on a display inside the Coptic Orthodox Church of the Virgin Mary in the Maadi suburb of Cairo. The Bible was found floating in the Nile River outside the church March 12, 1976. Despite being waterlogged, it was open to the page of Isaiah 19:25, a passage that in part ...read more

Below is the prayer written by Pope John Paul II to St. Augustine on the occasion of 1,650th anniversary of the saint’s birth. O great Augustine, our father and teacher, who knows the shining paths of God and also the crooked paths of men, we admire the marvels that divine Grace has worked in you, ...read more

In light of the 20th anniversary of World Youth Day Denver, which drew more than 750,000 people to the Mile High City, I’m sharing the following photos from Catholic News Service with you. Many priests, religious and lay people attribute their vocations to an experience they had at Denver. In fact, reflecting 20 years later ...read more

Children gather with parish priests for a photo on the steps of Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in the village of Fufengxian, in China’s Shaanxi province, in late July. The Catholic parish was marking its 17th anniversary in a region known for its apple groves. Photo & description: Catholic News Service ...read more

After the recitation of the Angelus, Pope Francis renewed his call for peace in Syria. “It is not confrontation that offers hope to resolve problems, but rather the ability to meet and dialogue.” The Holy Father called on the International Community to do everything in its power to help the “beloved Syrian nation” find a ...read more