VATICAN CITY — Increasing vocations to the priesthood, improving the way laypeople and priests work together and ensuring that service, not power, motivates the request for ordination … Read More
Author Archives: Patricia Kasten
When three days become one
Welcome to the longest Welcome to the longest day. No, that’s not a reference to Monday. We have begun the triduum — triduum is a Latin word, … Read More
Why our Easter date differs from the Orthodox one
Question Why don’t Eastern Orthodox churches always celebrate Easter on the same day that we do in the Catholic Church? And what about Easter Week celebrations? Are … Read More
Students learn Christian symbolism in tradition of decorating Easter eggs
BISMARCK, N.D. — The University of Mary’s Marek Dojs sees a lot of symbolism in decorating Easter eggs in the Pysanky Slavic style, and as he teaches … Read More
Let the children come to me: Pope’s Via Crucis meditations written by kids
VATICAN CITY — Knowing that Rome, like all of Italy, would be under varying degrees of lockdown during Holy Week and Easter, Father Luigi D’Errico asked youngsters … Read More
Jesus lies in Mary’s arms again
As we enter the solemn days of Holy Week, our thoughts turn to Christ’s Passion. They also turn to Mary, standing at the cross (Jn 19:25). Depictions … Read More
Now what do I do with the old palms?
Question I have some old palms and was trying to figure out how to dispose of them since I missed bringing them to church to burn for … Read More
Pope approves pay cuts for cardinals, top management, religious at Vatican
VATICAN CITY — With the need to reduce costs and make sure employees are not laid off, Pope Francis has approved pay cuts for cardinals, clergy, religious … Read More
Pro-lifers say if ERA ever ratified, it would invalidate Hyde Amendment
WASHINGTON — If the Equal Rights Amendment were to become part of the U.S. Constitution, its opponents say, it will actually harm women’s interests and invalidate pro-life … Read More
Jesuits pledge $100 million to benefit descendants of enslaved people
WASHINGTON — The Jesuit order is pledging to raise $100 million for descendants of enslaved people once owned and sold by their order as a way to … Read More