VATICAN CITY (CNS) — When millions of visitors flock to the Sistine Chapel each year, their seemingly invisible breath and sweat are slowly leaving a mark on this Renaissance masterpiece, according to Vatican Museums officials. After 30 years since the chapel’s last big renovation, the director of the Vatican Museums, Barbara Jatta, said the impact…
WASHINGTON – On the weekend of March 14-15, Catholics in many dioceses across the United States will be asked to help some of the most poor and vulnerable people. The U.S. bishops’ annual Catholic Relief Services Collection helps those in need in the United States and worldwide by benefiting six agencies and offices affiliated with…
Reading 1 Daniel 9:4b-10 “Lord, great and awesome God,you who keep your merciful covenant toward those who love youand observe your commandments!We have sinned, been wicked and done evil;we have rebelled and departed from your commandments and your laws.We have not obeyed your servants the prophets,who spoke in your name to our kings, our princes,our…
WASHINGTON – As reports emerge regarding the escalation of hostilities in the Middle East, Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, urgently called upon the United States, Iran, and the broader international community to return to dialogue and pursue every avenue toward a just and lasting peace. Echoing the heartfelt…
ROME (CNS) — Life is a journey that requires trust and reliance on Jesus, who sometimes asks his disciples to leave everything behind, Pope Leo XIV said. While it may be tempting to flee from the uncertainty of heading into the unknown, it is precisely in this “dizzying vertigo” that people of faith will find…
Reading 1 Genesis 12:1-4a The LORD said to Abram:“Go forth from the land of your kinsfolkand from your father’s house to a land that I will show you. “I will make of you a great nation,and I will bless you;I will make your name great,so that you will be a blessing.I will bless those who…