Commentary There’s a well-known story about the time a journalist asked St. John XXIII an innocent question. “How many people work at the Vatican?” queried the reporter. “About half of them,” replied the pontiff with a smile. Every time I read that spontaneous response, I laugh anew. I was rereading Jesuit Father James Martin’s book, […]
Jenna Marie Cooper: Many saints suffered at church leaders’ hands
Question corner Q: Are there any saints who had a difficult relationship with the church? (New York) A: The answer to this question would depend on exactly what you mean by “a difficult relationship” or even the term “the church.” But the short answer is that yes, there have been many canonized saints who were […]
Pope creates 14 saints, calls on faithful to serve
By Carol Glatz Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis called on the faithful to yearn to serve, not thirst for power, as he proclaimed 14 new saints, including Canada-born St. Marie-Leonie Paradis, founder of the Little Sisters of the Holy Family, and 11 martyrs. “Those who dominate do not win, only those who […]
Sherry Hayes-Peirce: Celebrate saints, holy people in May
Catholic Social Tips May is Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders Heritage Month. Did you know that there is a document that celebrates the Catholic diversity of the identity, generations, cultures and leadership of the Asian and Pacific Islander community? “Encountering Christ in Harmony: A Pastoral Response to Our Asian and Pacific Island Brothers […]
Saints embrace virtues, pope says
By Justin McLellan Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY — The saints are not unreachable “exceptions of humanity” but ordinary people who worked diligently to grow in virtue, Pope Francis said. It is wrong to think of the saints as “a kind of small circle of champions who live beyond the limits of our species,” […]
Canonization too expensive for many American ‘saints’
By Kimberley Heatherington OSV News “Don’t call me a saint,” admonished Dorothy Day, journalist, activist and co-founder of the Catholic Worker Movement. “I don’t want to be dismissed so easily.” While Day fiercely sought to avoid holy titles during her lifetime, there are many Catholics who hope she will one day have “saint” attached to […]
Patron saints: Match or no match?
By Guy Lee Special to the Herald Embracing the Communion of Saints, we Catholics traditionally favor those offering specific protection, assistance or guidance. How well do the backgrounds, traits and interests of these patron saints match our prayers? For the most popular patron saints the reason we seek their help is obvious. Fishermen pray to […]
Sainthood a reachable goal
Saints’ lives prove the power of God’s love to transfigure all, Pope Francis says at canonization Mass By Junno Arocho Esteves Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY — The lives of the saints prove that holiness is not an unreachable goal accomplished by a select few but comes from acknowledging and sharing God’s love, Pope Francis […]
St. Bernadette’s relics to begin first U.S. tour in April
By Toni Pallatto Catholic News Service MIAMI — The relics of St. Bernadette, the Marian visionary of Lourdes, France, will tour the United States for the first time. The visit will begin in South Florida at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Miami, with a morning welcome Mass April 7. The next day the relics […]
Bishops affirm sainthood causes for Dutton, two others
By Mark Pattison Catholic News Service WASHINGTON — The U.S. bishops agreed Nov. 17 that the sainthood causes for three laypeople from the United States should be advanced by their respective dioceses. Bishop J. Douglas Deshotel of Lafayette, Louisiana, presented the causes of Auguste Robert “Nonco” Pelafigue and Charlene Richard. Bishop Larry Silva of Honolulu […]