The Vatican will receive representatives of the Priestly Society of St. Pius X (SSPX) following the traditionalist group’s announcement that it plans to consecrate new bishops without permission from Rome — a move that could incur automatic excommunication of all bishops involved and deepen the group’s rupture with the Catholic Church. The Vatican meeting will … Read more
Pope Leo XIV on Thursday voiced deep concern at a “lack of progress in protecting children from danger” as he met with the organizing committee of the initiative “From Crisis to Care: Catholic Action for Children.” Addressing participants gathered to advance proposals stemming from last year’s International Summit on Children’s Rights, convened by Pope Francis, … Read more
St. Bernward Feast date: Nov 20 Saint Bernward served as the thirteenth Bishop of Hildesheim, Germany during the middle of the tenth century. His grandfather was Athelbero, Count Palatine of Saxony. After having lost his parents, Bernward was sent to live with his uncle Volkmar, who was the Bishop of Utrecht. His uncle enlisted the assistance of … Read more
St. Peter Canisius Feast date: Dec 21 An important figure in the Catholic counter-reformation that responded to the 16th century spread of Protestantism, the priest and Doctor of the Church Saint Peter Canisius is remembered liturgically on Dec. 21. His efforts as a preacher, author, and religious educator strengthened the Catholic faith in Germany, Austria, … Read more
The English saint, proclaimed a doctor of the Church by Pope Leo XIV in November 2025, is honored every Oct. 9.
The Roman Martyrology commemorates St. Jane (or Joan) de Valois (1464-1505), Queen of France, foundress of the Order of the Most Holy Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, renowned for her piety and special participation in the sufferings of the Cross. She was canonized by Pope Pius XII in 1950.
A week of spiritual exercises for Pope Leo XIV and the Roman Curia at the start of Lent will take on a distinctly monastic character, with the retreat returning to the Apostolic Palace but relocating to the Renaissance-era Pauline Chapel, decorated with frescoes by Michelangelo. In previous years, the retreat was held in the palace’s … Read more
The Vatican has published the schedule of liturgies that Pope Leo XIV will celebrate in February, March, and the beginning of April, a period that includes the start of Lent and the preparation for Holy Week and Easter. According to the calendar published by the Office of Liturgical Celebrations, the pontiff will begin his pastoral … Read more
St. Raphael Kalinowski Feast date: Nov 19 Saint Raphael was born in 1835 as Joseph, son of Andrew and Josepha Kalinowski in present day Lithuania. Saint Raphael felt a call to the priesthood early in his life, but decided to complete his education. He studied zoology, chemistry, agriculture, and apiculture at the Institute of Agronomy … Read more
Dedication of the Churches of Peter and Paul Feast date: Nov 18 This feast celebrates the dedications of two of the four major basilicas of Rome. Saint Peter’s Basilica was originally built in 323 by the emperor Constantine. The basilica was constructed over the tomb of Peter the Apostle, the Church’s first Pope. After standing … Read more