Pope commemorates 500 years of Christianity in Philippines (Vatican News) Pope Francis on Sunday joined the Church in the Philippines in commemorating 500 years of Christianity in the Southeast Asian nation. He celebrated Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica with several representatives of the Filipino Church, including Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, formerly the Archbishop of Manila…
The archbishop who fears for Joe Biden’s soul (The Atlantic) Archbishop Naumann is worried about the message Biden communicates to other Catholics when he takes Communion while continuing to support abortion rights: “Whether he intends it or not, he’s basically saying to people, ‘You can be a good Catholic and do similar things,’” Naumann told me…
St. Peter’s to end private Masses, restrict Mass in extraordinary form (CNA) A new letter from the Vatican Secretariat of State has banned the private celebration of Masses at side altars in St. Peter’s Basilica, effective March 22. The regulation might seem tailored to meet COVID restrictions, as Italy prepares to tighten its pandemic measures once again. However, the new rule appears to be permanent. The letter stresses that Lent is a time to focus on the Word of God and celebration of the Eucharist. It says the changes are intended to ensure “the Holy Masses in St. Peter’s Basilica take place in a climate of recollection and liturgical decency…”
Catholic parishes roll up their sleeves as COVID vaccination sites (CNS) One year ago, many Catholic parishes were starting to close their doors, temporarily, at the start of the pandemic. Now, some of them are opening their parking lots or church halls as venues for people in their local communities to receive COVID-19 vaccinations…