Benedict surpasses record of oldest pope (Rome Reports) As of Sept. 4, Benedict XVI becomes the oldest pope in history. He breaks the previous record held by Pope Leo XIII, who lived 93 years, four months and three days. However, Leo XIII holds the record of the longest reigning pope, because Benedict is pope emeritus….
National Catholic Prayer Breakfast to honor AG Barr (CNA) The 2020 National Catholic Prayer Breakfast (NCPB) will be streamed online on Sept. 23 the organization announced on Wednesday. The event will honor Attorney General William Barr. Former presidents and vice presidents have made appearances at the gathering—Vice President Mike Pence addressed the annual event in 2017, and former President George W. Bush spoke at the breakfast each year from 2005 to 2008…
Cardinal: mission work will be needed when churches reopen (CNS) Many Catholics in Europe will not return to Mass or parish activities once the COVID-19 restrictions are lifted, which demonstrates the urgency of a new evangelization based on Catholics actually living their faith, said Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich…
Helping blind Catholics during the pandemic (Currents) Being blind has always been a part of Donna Slivoski’s life, just like her faith. She’s a parishioner at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Windsor Terrace, Brooklyn. Like many Catholics, the way she practices her faith has had to change during the pandemic. However, Donna faces unique challenges. For example, church livestreams don’t work as well for her, especially the adoration of the Blessed Sacrament…
Late Jesuit shapes famed sculptor’s spirit, art (Catholic Register) St. Padre Pio built a hospital, performed miraculous healing acts, heard over five million confessions and manifested the stigmata. But the Italian priest, who died in 1968 at age 81, knew his highest purpose would be accomplished following his departure from Earth. “After my death, I will do more,” he said. “My real mission will begin after my death.” This quote strikes a deep chord with Timothy Schmalz, the renowned Canadian sculptor whose works include Homeless Jesus. On April 30, his spiritual mentor, Fr. Peter Larisey, died from COVID-19 at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto at age 91…
