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.
Fire chaplain helped save religious artifacts from burning cathedral
PARIS (CNS) — A hero emerging from the Notre Dame Cathedral fire April 15 is Fr. Jean-Marc Fournier, chaplain of the Paris Fire Brigade, who is credited with saving a reliquary containing the Crown of Thorns and the Blessed Sacrament from the burning cathedral.
Be servants to one another, pope tells prisoners before washing feet
ROME (CNS) — Jesus’ gesture of washing His disciples’ feet, an act once reserved to servants and slaves, is one that all Christians, especially bishops, must imitate, Pope Francis told hundreds of inmates and prison employees on Holy Thursday.
Jesus’ Passion spurs intimate look at premature death, its risks
Jesus was no stranger to suffering, both mental and physical, but none of life's woes moved Him to expedite His death beyond God's timeline.
Pope to priests: Best place to be is among the people
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Just as Jesus always sought to be with the people to serve, teach and heal them, so, too, must priests always be in the midst of God’s people, “pouring ourselves out” for them, Pope Francis said.
Hope from the ashes: Notre Dame fire showed that beauty still matters, say experts
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — As people in Paris and around the world watched in horror as flames consumed the roof of Notre Dame Cathedral, the blaze also stirred genuine emotions that could come only from witnessing the loss of beauty, art historian Elizabeth Lev said.
Pope’s Way of Cross will shine light on women ‘crucified’ by traffickers
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Countless women and girls are being “crucified” by human traffickers, who trick them into slave labor or prostitution, and by those who seek out their services and exploit them, said the missionary nun who wrote the meditations for Pope Francis’ Way of the Cross service.
Foot-care ministry offers physical relief, friendship to the homeless
PORTLAND, Ore. (CNS) — Rodger placed his backpack next to a chair, sat down and unlaced worn-out shoes.
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God’s glory is shown on the cross, pope says at audience
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The glory of God is not manifested with fanfare and applause but displayed through the love of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, Pope Francis said.