I. Scripture Reading — Psalm 51:1–4, 10–12 (RSV-CE) Have mercy on me, O God, according to thy steadfast love;according to thy abundant mercy blot out my transgressions.Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,and cleanse me from my sin! For I know my transgressions,and my sin is ever before me.Against thee, thee only, have I sinned,and done … Read more
As the Basilica of St. Peter approaches the 400th anniversary of its consecration, the Vatican has announced a slate of liturgical and cultural initiatives — including opening parts of the basilica complex that have never been accessible to the public and rolling out a new digital entry system designed to better manage crowds. St. Peter’s … Read more
Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state, announced on Feb. 17 that the Holy See “will not participate in the Board of Peace,” an initiative promoted by U.S. President Donald Trump to address various conflicts around the world, such as the one in Gaza. The Holy See “will not participate in the Board of Peace … Read more
St. Anysius Feast date: Dec 30 Saint Anysius was a Martyr of Greece. She was a wealthy woman of Salonika, in Thessaly, who used her personal funds to aid the poor. A soldier accosted her in the street and tried to drag her to a pagan sacrifice. Anysius resisted and was killed when the soldier … Read more
I. Scripture Reading — Joel 2:12–13 (RSV-CE) “Yet even now,” says the Lord,“return to me with all your heart,with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning;and rend your hearts and not your garments.”Return to the Lord, your God,for he is gracious and merciful,slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love,and repents of evil. II. Meditation — … Read more
A federal district judge granted a preliminary injunction Feb. 12 that will allow clergy, religious and Catholic social justice advocates to enter a Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility west of Chicago on Ash Wednesday to provide ashes and holy Communion.
It is also the day before Ash Wednesday, called Mardi Gras or Fat Tuesday. Traditionally, it is the last day for Christians to indulge before the sober weeks of fasting that come with Lent. Formally known as Shrove Tuesday, Mardi Gras has long been a time of extravagant fun for European Christians. In many southern … Read more
Pope Leo XIV has eliminated the Pontifical Committee for World Children’s Day, established by Pope Francis in November 2024. In a decree published on Feb. 13, the Holy Father reaffirmed the importance of the Church giving special attention to children, in continuity with the intention expressed by his predecessor. However, with the aim of “fostering … Read more