This week we focus on the details of the upcoming Holy Week liturgies. Catholic News Service has details on how Pope Francis and the Diocese of Rome are helping Christians in two areas where Christians have been hit hard with persecution: Iraq and Nigeria. VATICAN CITY (CNS) — As Holy Week and Easter approached, Pope ...read more

So far in part 1, we looked at questions people have regarding fasting and abstinence, in part 2 we looked at suffering and in part 3 we looked at what Scripture has to tell us about why Jesus had to suffer.  I think when people think of Lent, that’s what they think about: fasting, abstinence ...read more

The Church celebrates the Chrism Mass on the threshold of the Sacred Triduum, on the day when, by a supreme priestly act, the Son of God made man offered himself to the Father to redeem all humanity. On Holy Thursday morning at 9:30 Rome time, Pope Francis presided at the Chrism Mass in St. Peter’s ...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

Below find the full text of Pope Francis’ homily given today at the Casal del Marmo juvenile prison in Rome. This is moving, Jesus washes the feet of his disciples. Peter understands nothing. He refuses but Jesus explains to him. Jesus, God did this, and He Himself explains it to the disciples… ‘Do you realize ...read more

Vatican Connections Holy Week edition is here! We walk you through the Holy Week liturgies that will happen at the Vatican and tell you about the new Holy Week tradition Pope Francis has started. We also have details about the Pope’s meeting with his predecessor, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. Enjoy. ...read more

Below please find the official text of Pope Francis’ homily for Chrism Mass on Holy Thursday 2013. Dear Brothers and Sisters, This morning I have the joy of celebrating my first Chrism Mass as the Bishop of Rome. I greet all of you with affection, especially you, dear priests, who, like myself, today recall the ...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

In one of the most moving liturgies of the year, the Church marks the start of Holy Week with Palm Sunday Mass in St. Peter’s Square. Published below is the full text of Pope Francis’ homily. 1. Jesus enters Jerusalem. The crowd of disciples accompanies him in festive mood, their garments are stretched out before ...read more