BLOG: Lent and Easter
From the Office of Readings for Holy Saturday; From an ancient homily for Holy Saturday Something strange is happening – there is a great silence on earth today, a great silence and stillness. The whole earth keeps silence because the King is asleep. The earth trembled and is still because God has fallen asleep in ...read more
After presiding over the Celebration of the Lord’s Passion in St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Francis now heads to Rome’s Colosseum to pray the traditional Way of the Cross. This year, the meditations for the Stations of the Cross were prepared by Lebanese young people, at the request of Benedict XVI. Before his resignation, the Pope ...read more
In a solemn liturgy that began with Pope Francis prostrating himself before the Cross, the Celebration of the Lord’s Passion was held today in the Vatican’s St. Peter’s Basilica. Following tradition, the Good Friday homily was given by the Preacher to the Papal Household, Fr. Raniero Cantalamessa, OFM Cap. The Capuchin father’s message is titled, ...read more
On Holy Thursday, the Church reenacts two of Jesus’ most powerful examples of service: the washing of the feet of his disciples, and his Last Supper with the apostles. It’s also a day when, in many dioceses around the world — including the diocese of Rome — the sacramental oils of catechumens, of the infirm, ...read more
Fr. Tom Rosica, CSB and Sebastian Gomes are working with Fr. Federico Lombardi, SJ (above) in the Holy See Press Office during the papal transition.  In his weekly editorial, Fr. Lombardi reflects on the great challenges during these uncertain times, especially regarding the mainstream media.  In the end, he reminds us that authentic media and communications maintain a ...read more
For one last time before retirement, Benedict XVI is ushering the Church into Lent. Today the Holy Father will preside at mass to mark Ash Wednesday, during which he will bless and distribute ashes to the penitent faithful. Unlike past years, the liturgy will not be held at the Basilica of Santa Sabina, southeast of ...read more
This article was first published in L’Osservatore Romano, no. 21, on Wednesday, May 23, pg. 9. It is written by Salt + Light’s very own Sebastian Gomes. Click here to see all his blog posts. When our most distant ancestors awoke on the first Easter morning, they could not have imagined what took place during ...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
“Do not be afraid!  I know that you are seeking Jesus the crucified.  He is not here, for he has been raised just as he said!” (Matt 28:5-6) Join Salt + Light TV or online as we bring you LIVE coverage of the Easter Sunday Mass and the Urbi et Orbi Blessing from St. Peter’s ...read more
Archbishop Terrence Prendergast of Ottawa, Canada tells us that Christians are to see themselves as “raised with Christ.” More than that, they are called to spread the mystery of Easter to the world. Published below is his complete Easter message. On behalf of His Grace, Archbishop Prendergast and our entire team at Salt and Light ...read more