Only risen Christ can bring peace to world at war, pope says at Easter

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — As the machine of warfare continues to churn out more dangerous weaponry, only the power and joy of Christ’s resurrection can fill hearts with comfort and peace, Pope Francis said before giving his Easter blessing.

Sri Lanka Easter attacks draw international condemnation, prayer for victims

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (CNA) — Religious and civil leaders have responded with condolences, prayer and calls for justice after several explosions at churches and hotels in Sri Lanka killed more than 200 people and injured hundreds more on Easter Sunday.

At Easter the stones of sin, despair, are rolled away, pope says at vigil

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — As individuals and as a Church, it can be tempting to dwell on mistakes, failures and sins that block the fullness of life, but Easter is the proclamation that the Lord is victorious and His love will triumph, Pope Francis said.

‘The Organ Lives!’ — Notre Dame’s Monstrous Organ Survives Fire

The world was obviously taken aback when news broke with terrifying videos of smoke and fire coming from the beloved Notre Dame Cathedral.

NAU students bring cross to secular world with public stations through campus

FLAGSTAFF — Northern Arizona University students walking to class turned their heads the afternoon of April 19 to see a gathering of nearly 100 Catholic students and community members singing solemnly, with two students carrying a large wooden cross.

College student’s doughnut outing led to love and joining Catholic Church

ARLINGTON, Va. (CNS) — In 1957, Sarah Wessel’s great-grandmother, Isabella Brooks, hand-stitched a wedding gown for her daughter Mary Ann Kelsey.

‘Their Calvary was lengthy’: Pope’s Stations recall those exploited

ROME (CNS) — Recalling Jesus’ death on the cross, Pope Francis led thousands on Good Friday in reflecting on the crosses of loneliness, fear and betrayal that crucify countless men, women and children in the world.

Jesus humbled Himself in washing feet, Bishop Nevares tells parishioners at Gila River mission

SACATON — Jesus’ humility was on full display with the act of washing the Twelve Apostles’ feet during the Last Supper, said Auxiliary Bishop Eduardo A. Nevares at the Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord’s Supper April 18 at St. Anne Native American Mission on the Gila River Indian Reservation.

On Good Friday, papal preacher says cross brings hope to the oppressed

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The cross serves as a warning to the powerful and a message of hope for the poor and oppressed, said the preacher of the papal household.

Bishop urges abuse survivors to turn to Jesus for healing at biannual liturgy

Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted urged survivors of sexual abuse by clergy and others — both within and outside the Catholic Church — to trust the love of Jesus for their ultimate healing and their leading away from the path of pain and anguish.