Coronavirus draws prayers to saints who cared for plague victims

WASHINGTON (CNS) — The Catholic Church has had a long tradition of calling on saints and praying for their intercession in sickness and difficult times.

Bishops around country consecrate U.S. to Mary amid COVID-19 pandemic

WASHINGTON (CNS) — Bishops throughout the United States reconsecrated the country to Mary as the nation continues to struggle in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.

Maronite bishop says he learned a lot from his COVID-19 experience

WASHINGTON (CNS) — Bishop Gregory J. Mansour, who heads the Maronite Catholic Eparchy of St. Maron in Brooklyn, New York, is pretty sure he came down with symptoms of COVID-19 from helping a man who had fallen and was coughing on a Brooklyn street.

Don’t look at me … And other advice from a parent with young kids...

On a recent Sunday, my 4-year-old and 2-year-old were “having a moment” during Mass. Either they both wanted me to pick them up at the same time or they were fighting over one of their Church-approved books. Whatever the cause, I’d taken them outside to sit on a bench in the Church courtyard until they calmed down.

Memories of St. John Paul II on his 100th birthday

Do I remember St. John Paul II? Yes, I remember him well. I write of him as the centennial of his birth May 18, 1920, approaches. It would be impossible to list all my lasting memories of him in one article. So that is not my goal.

St. Joan of Arc’s mission as portrayed by artist Louis Maurice Boutet de Monvel

On the ground floor of the National Gallery of Art in Washington, hang six exquisite paintings on the short life of St. Joan of Arc by artist Louis Maurice Boutet de Monvel. Best known as an illustrator for children’s books, Boutet de Monvel was commissioned to paint this series when his children’s picture book on the saint brought him international recognition.

Pentecost: Know forgiveness, know peace; no forgiveness, no peace

“Peace be with you,” Jesus says in the Gospel reading for Pentecost Sunday (Jn 20:19). Peace — as in harmony, or even as in a lack of noise — is not exactly plentiful these days. Certainly not in an election year, when cacophony seems to be the (dis)order of the day.

Polish historian questions German researcher’s claims about wartime pope

OXFORD, England (CNS) — A top Polish historian has questioned claims by German researchers that newly opened Vatican archives contain information damning the role played by Pope Pius XII during World War II.

High court rules against Trump administration’s plan to end DACA

WASHINGTON -- In one of the most anticipated cases of the term, the Supreme Court June 18 ruled against efforts by the Trump administration...

Christians called to intercede for, not condemn, others, pope says

True believers do not condemn people for their sins or shortcomings but intercede on their behalf with God through prayer, Pope Francis said.