(CNS Photo: Pope Francis leads the Angelus from the window of his office overlooking St. Peter’s Square Dec. 8, 2017.) Advent is a time of expectation and preparation for the Prince of Peace. But 2017 has not been a year of peace inside the Catholic Church. Backlash to Francis’ leadership and teachings from a boisterous Catholic ...read more

? Join us in prayer for the intentions entrusted to us by Pope Francis. For December 2017, we join the Holy Father in praying for: The Elderly – That the elderly, sustained by families and Christian communities, may apply their wisdom and experience to spreading the faith and forming the new generations. Daily Offering Prayer God, ...read more

Last week we learned about Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist. Zechariah was a good and righteous man (Luke 1:6) and was a priest (Luke 1:5) at the Temple in Jerusalem (Luke 1:8). He was probably educated and respected as a leader in his community. When the Archangel Gabriel told him that his elderly wife, ...read more

This week, on a special edition of the SLHour, we speak with Cardinal Kevin Farrell, President of the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life and we learn about the newest album from the Boys of St. Paul’s Choir. Author Chris Sparks asks why we are still Catholic and we meet singer/songwriter Meredith Augustin. Email us your ...read more

Pope Francis addressed participants in an Interreligious and Ecumenical Meeting for Peace on Friday, which took place in the Archbishop of Dhaka’s residence on the second day of the Pope’s Apostolic Journey to Bangladesh. Please find below the official English translation of the Pope’s speech: Distinguished Guests, Dear Friends, Our meeting, which brings together representatives ...read more

Pope Francis spoke to several bishops of Bangladesh on Friday at the Archbishop of Dhaka’s residence during his Apostolic Journey to Bangladesh. Please find below the official English translation of the Pope’s speech: Dhaka, Home for Retired Priests Friday, 1 December 2017 Your Eminence, Dear Brother Bishops, How good it is for us to be ...read more

Pope Francis traveled to the Suhrawardy Udyan Park in Dhaka on Friday, December 1, 2017. Upon his arrival, and after greeting the faithful from the Popemobile, at 10.00 local time (5.00 am, Rome time) the Pope celebrated Mass during which he orders 16 priests. Here below is Pope Francis’ homily preached at the Ordination mass for ...read more

Upon arrival in Bangladesh, Pope Francis paid a courtesy visit to the President of the Republic of Bangladesh, Mr. Abdul Hamid at 5.30 pm local time. Upon arrival, the Pope was welcomed by the Military Secretary who accompanied him at the entrance of honor where the President awaited him. In the Credentials Hall there was ...read more

On Thursday morning, after having leaving the Archbishop’s Residence, Pope Francis travelled to St. Mary’s Cathedral in Yangon for Mass with young people. Before entering the Cathedral, the Pope greeted the faithful gathered outside from the Popemobile. At 10:45 am local time (4:45 pm Rome time), Pope Francis presided at the Eucharist on the liturgical ...read more

Pope Francis on Wednesday met with the 22 Catholic Bishops of Myanmar and reflected with them on the joys and challenges of their ministry in the nation. The meeting took place in Yangon’s Cathedral Complex. Please find below the Pope’s prepared speech to Myanmar Bishops: Your Eminence, My Brother Bishops, For all of us, this has ...read more