NEWS

TLDR The Archdiocese of Colombo, Sri Lanka, plans to initiate the canonization process for the victims of the 2019 Easter Sunday terrorist attack, seeking to declare them “martyrs of faith.” On April 21, exactly five years after the attack, a petition will be submitted to the Vatican for consideration by the Dicastery for the Causes […]

TLDR A recent report highlights worsening religious freedom in Hong Kong due to Chinese government actions, including tightening control and suppressing dissent. The report, titled “Hostile Takeover: The CCP and Hong Kong’s Religious Communities,” raises concerns about the targeting of Christians, particularly Catholics, and efforts to align religious practices with Communist values. Key points include:

TLDR: Archbishop Peter Chung Soon-taek of Seoul ordained 16 new priests and 25 new deacons for the archdiocese. These ordinations took place in Myeongdong Cathedral on Feb. 1 and Feb. 2, in preparation for World Youth Day 2027 in South Korea. The number of priests in the archdiocese now stands at 985, with the potential

TLDR: Hundreds of thousands of Indian Catholics in Kerala petitioned Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to address crises facing the Christian community. The petition, presented by the Syro-Malabar Catholic Congress, highlights issues such as delays in social security payments and challenges faced by farmers. The government has promised to consider their demands, with hopes for positive

TLDR A group of 90 Catholic priests, scholars, and authors are urging bishops and cardinals to reject a recent Vatican declaration permitting the pastoral blessing of same-sex couples. They argue that the declaration contradicts Scripture and Church tradition, causing scandal. The scholars contest the distinction made between liturgical and pastoral blessings, claiming it’s impossible to

TL;DR Candlemas Day, observed on February 2, is a revered celebration across the United States and Latin America, marking the presentation of Jesus in the temple and the purification of the Virgin Mary. This festival, deeply rooted in Christian tradition, is known by several names, including the Festival of Light, Festival of Candles, and Presentation

TL;DR Pope Francis continued his catechetical series on vice and virtue by delving into the distinction between love and lust. He emphasized that Christianity does not condemn the sexual instinct. Drawing inspiration from the Song of Songs, he described love as a selfless act that respects and seeks the happiness of the other. The Pope

TLDR The Diocese of Madison is on the path to having a cathedral once again as the Holy See approves the proposal to designate St. Bernard Church in Madison as the new cathedral. Bishop Donald J. Hying highlights the significance of a cathedral in the diocese’s mission and identity. This decision follows years of discussion

TL;DR The Karenni ethnic minority, home to Myanmar’s largest Catholic population, continues to practice their faith amidst ongoing conflict with the Tatmadaw (Burmese junta forces). This conflict, which dates back to 1948, has made Myanmar the site of the world’s oldest continuous conflict. Despite repression and challenges, the Catholic minority holds on to their beliefs.

TL;DR More than 2.7 million people gathered in Barquisimeto, Venezuela, to celebrate the Divine Shepherdess Virgin in a grand procession. The event, marked by peace and religious devotion, traces its origins back to 1703 in Seville, Spain. The Virgin Mary, depicted as a shepherdess protecting her flock, symbolizes her role in safeguarding her Son’s followers.