News in Activities

Francis: “The Church is a big and varied orchestra”

Francis: “The Church is a big and varied orchestra”

by: Domenico Agasso - Vatican Insider in Activities,

At today’s General Audience in St. Peter’s Square, Francis said: “Never gossip about one another, never argue. Uniformity kills life” Finally,the Pope said: “the Church is Catholic because it is the “House of Harmony”, where unity and diversity merge together to become a strength.” The Pope used the image of a symphony to illustrate the meaning of harmony. In a symphony, different instruments are played simultaneously; each musician has their own unique timber and the notes of their particular instrument are composed for one common piece of music.

“Richest of Poor Men” Francis of Buenos Aires meets his namesake in Assisi

“Richest of Poor Men” Francis of Buenos Aires meets his namesake in Assisi

by: Fr. Thomas Rosica - Salt + Light in Activities,

Francis’ striking symbolism is becoming substance. Francesco seeks a simpler church, more closely identified with the poor.  He is undoubtedly aware of the scandals, the corruption, the hypocrisy, the challenges, the leaks and the lobbies, and the things that need to be fixed inside the Vatican.  But many around the world, inside and outside the Church, from the left, right and centre of the Church are witnessing something new happening.

African Catholics stress importance of Bible in faith life

African Catholics stress importance of Bible in faith life

by: EWTN News/CNA in Activities,

Catholic African leaders met in Malawi earlier this week for an assembly dedicated to the Bible and to increasing the place of scripture in the lives of the continent’s faithful. “The Word of God serves as a guide for faith and human activities and gives believers a style of life guided by the Holy Spirit in order to live the mystery of Jesus Christ according to Christian vocation,” the assembly observed. 

State-backed faith schools a 'precious' right, says Archbishop

State-backed faith schools a 'precious' right, says Archbishop

by: John Bingham - The Telegraph in Activities,

The Archbishop of Westminster, the Most Rev Vincent Nichols, will issue an impassioned defence of faith schools after a high profile legal challenge to their admissions policies. He will accuse opponents of church schools, led by secular and humanist campaign groups, of attempting to “sow division” in the community.

Love and faith among pilgrims at Lourdes

Love and faith among pilgrims at Lourdes

by: Scottish Catholic Observer in Activities,

Lourdes attracts pilgrims from all over the world and in these challenging times of practise it is always rewarding to be a part of the Universal Church and witness the number of young people who are actively engaged.

Landmark law to slash food costs for India's poor

Landmark law to slash food costs for India's poor

by: Swati Deb, UCANews in Activities,

India’s Lower House has passed a bill to dramatically lower the price of staple foods for around 800 million poor people across the country. Food Minister K V Thomas admitted there are challenges ahead. “We will need to improve the public distribution system,” he said.

A dirty war with innocents caught in the middle

A dirty war with innocents caught in the middle

by: UCA News in Activities,

Estrella said the incident has instilled fear in her local community. She said her son, her nephew and the entire Agusanon tribal community have become victims of the government’s war against communist insurgents. 

'Ciao Michele, it's Pope Francis'

'Ciao Michele, it's Pope Francis'

by: The Telegraph - Josephine McKenna in Activities,

An Italian man whose brother was shot dead in June has spoken of his shock when he answered the phone to Pope Francis, calling this week to offer his condolences. Michele Ferri is the brother of 51-year-old Andrea, a petrol station manager who was allegedly gunned down by two men including one young employee he treated like a son.

Jersey Shore Nuns Find Salvation in Surf, T-Shirts

Jersey Shore Nuns Find Salvation in Surf, T-Shirts

by: The Wall Street Journal - Jo Piazza in Activities,

Each summer, teaching nuns from the Sister Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary recuperate from months spent in the classroom at their Jersey Shore retreat. Along a certain stretch of the Jersey Shore, the t-shirts seen advertising Nuns’ Beach seem to be just another bit of satirical beachwear targeted at the tourist trade.

Group calls for the spiritual preservation of the Santiago pilgrimage trail

Group calls for the spiritual preservation of the Santiago pilgrimage trail

by: UCA News in Activities,

The experience of the Way is a treasure of great value that includes the propagation and celebration of the faith, the exercise of charity, familiarity with the artistic styles of the history of the Church in Spain, appreciation of local customs and more. Seeing only its touristic and ecological value strips it of 'authentic meaning'

The Way of the Cross during World Youth Day 2013 in Rio

The Way of the Cross during World Youth Day 2013 in Rio

by: Via Crucis Rio WYD in Activities,

Held before a crowd estimated at 1.5 million on "Popeacabana" beach, while on-demand video is pending, here's the English translation of the Pope's concluding reflection at this WYD Friday's traditional Way of the Cross (ritual text), the talk given as "three questions" from Francis in lieu of his customary "three words":