NATION/WORLD

St. Patrick's modern-day successor as archbishop of Armagh used his message for the March 17 feast to recall that St. Patrick was first brought to Ireland as a slave by traffickers.

Catholic schools play an important role in the New Evangelization, wrote Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted in his new apostolic letter, Evangelizing through Catholic Schools, promulgated on March 3 of this year.

No matter how Catholics choose to up their prayer during Lent's 40 days, they have ample opportunities to do so.

Fasting, which has deep roots in many religious traditions, is meant to draw participants into deeper prayer and also link them with those in need.

MOSUL, Iraq (CNA/EWTN News) — After years of darkness, hope has returned to Telekuf-Tesqopa. Located just 17 miles from Mosul, the village is rebuilding after being liberated from ISIS.

WASHINGTON (CNA/EWTN News) — Anti-Catholic state laws from the 19th century are today being used by secularists to fight public funding of all religious organizations, warned a religious freedom advocacy group.

In more ways than one, Ash Wednesday — celebrated March 1 this year — leaves a mark. "In terms of liturgical significance, it's very minor, but people observe it as overwhelmingly important," Thomas Humphries said. It draws Catholics to churches in droves even though it is not a holy day of obligation.

"Losing a loved one is always a difficult time for a family. Losing a loved one who was also a public figure at the center of a national controversy brings additional challenges. It also brings additional consolations," a McCorvey family statement said.

"Who would have ever imagined — 80 pages, Patti Gallagher — that what I would record in this notebook would have any significance to over 120 million Catholics all over the world?" Mansfield, now 70, said.

"We've always had God at the top and we let him decide," added Yvette, 93.