Question Corner Q: Why is Mary’s perpetual virginity so important to us Catholics? I’ve had discussions with my Protestant friends about this, and while they believe Mary was a virgin when Jesus was born, they don’t understand why we’re so “hung up on” the idea that Mary remained a virgin for the rest of her […]
Mark milestone in Mary’s life with prayer and charity
By Catholic Stewardship Consultantswww.CatholicSteward.com In the rich tapestry of feasts within the Catholic Church, the feast of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary holds a special place. Celebrated on Nov. 21, this feast honors the young Mary’s dedication to God in the temple. It is a day to reflect on her unique role in […]
U.S. marks 5 years since consecration to Mary amid COVID
By Kimberley Heatherington OSV News Five years ago — on May 1, 2020, during the first terrifying stages of the COVID-19 pandemic — the bishops of the United States turned to Mary for protection. Archbishop Jose H. Gomez of Los Angeles — then president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops — led a “Renewal […]
Hawaii Catholic Harold’s Quiz: May 10, 2024
It is May, my Quizmates, the month of Our Blessed Mother! And so for you, a Marian quiz. Ave Maria, Regina coeli, Mater sanctissima! 1) MUSIC Which of these is not the title of a Marian hymn? a) “Sing of Mary, Pure and Lowly” b) “Salve Regina” c) “O Most Gracious Virgin” d) “My Hawaiian […]
Common questions about Mary, answered
By Robert Fastiggi OSV News During a visit to Naples in March 2015, Pope Francis spoke to a gathering of priests, seminarians and religious women. In his speech, he told them that a key way to make sure Jesus is at the center of their lives is to “ask his mother to take you to […]
Artist installs pro-life sculpture of Mary and preborn Jesus in Rome
By Carol Glatz Catholic News Service ROME — If “beauty will save the world,” as Russian novelist Fyodor Dostoevsky said, then “perhaps beauty can also save the unborn,” said Canadian artist Timothy Schmalz. “Artwork has the power to persuade and convince and move people,” and “the more representations we have of a mother and child […]
Centuries-old Marian icon provides solace, protection amid horror of war
By Christina Lee Knauss Catholic News Service As Ukrainians turn to their faith amid the ongoing tragedy of Russia’s invasion of their nation, many who follow both the Orthodox and Catholic traditions will look to an unusual icon of Mary as a symbol of the solace they seek. In some news photos, clergy are seen […]
A meditation on Mary’s heart at the Nativity
By Cassandra Palmer Catholic News Service When you have good news to share, who is the first person you want to tell? Your closest friend or most respected mentor probably has the honor of receiving your first phone call before you share your joy with a wider audience on social media. In Luke’s Gospel infancy […]
With May rosaries, Pope Francis prays to Mary for end of pandemic
By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY — Under the gaze of a seventh-century icon of Mary, Pope Francis launched a monthlong, global recitation of the rosary, pleading for Mary’s intercession for the end of the COVID-19 pandemic. And he prayed May 1 that Mary would move people’s consciences “so that the enormous amounts […]
Pope adds ‘Comfort of Migrants,’ other Marian titles to her litany
By Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY — Among the many titles under which Catholics invoke Mary, Pope Francis has asked them to add “Mother of Mercy,” “Mother of Hope” and “Comfort of Migrants.” Cardinal Robert Sarah, prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Sacraments, sent a letter to the presidents of bishops’ conferences […]