- Brazilian bishop bans alcohol, bingo, and cash raffles at events throughout his dioceseBishop Francisco Cota de Oliveira of Sete Lagoas, Brazil, has banned the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages at recreational events, fundraising activities, bingos, and cash-prize raffles held during religious festivals throughout his diocese.“It is the Church’s mission to exhort the faithful to bear witness to the virtues and to avoid vices,” Cota stated in ... read more
- Sep. 11 Friday of the Twenty-Third Week in Ordinary Time, WeekdayThe Roman Martyrology commemorates the martyrs Saints Protus and Hyacinth (d. 257). They were Romans by birth, brothers and servants in the house of St. Basilla. They were burned alive around 257, during the persecution of Valerian and Gallian. St. Hyacinth is unique among Roman martyrs in that his epitaph and grave in the cemetery ... read more
- Florida firm accused of failing to pay Catholic military catechistsOrlando-based military contractor Idemma has failed to meet payment obligations for some of its subcontractors who worked in Catholic ministry positions at U.S. military bases, according to three people who say they are still owed thousands of dollars by the company.Three people who spoke with EWTN News reported that Idemma was routinely late in paying ... read more
- Bishop Boxie addresses why the U.S. has so few Black Catholic bishopsBishop Robert Boxie reflected on why the United States has so few Black Catholic bishops, citing “racism” as the short answer.“I really enjoy the gift of a Black Catholicism, Black Catholic spirituality, and it certainly does have a place in the universal Church,” said Boxie, an auxiliary bishop of Washington.Boxie is a former lawyer and ... read more
- Sep. 10 Thursday of the Twenty-Third Week in Ordinary Time, WeekdayThe Roman Martyrology commemorates: ... read more
- Love is not a feeling but a decision, Pope Leo XIV tells couplesPope Leo XIV reflects on human love in the prologue to the new edition of “YouCat: Love Forever,” emphasizing that it is not a fleeting feeling but rather “a decision, a journey, and a lifelong covenant.”This version of the catechism, aimed at young people preparing for the vocation of marriage, is scheduled for release in ... read more
- Sep. 9 Memorial of St. Peter Claver, Priest, MemorialToday the Church celebrates the Memorial of St. Peter Claver (1581-1654), who was born of a distinguished family in Catalonia, Spain. He became a Jesuit in 1604, and left for Colombia in 1610, dedicating himself to the service of black slaves. For thirty-three years he ministered to slaves, caring for the sick and dying, and ... read more
- Colombian government to help finance restoration of earthquake-damaged basilicaColombian President Abelardo de la Espriella announced an initial disbursement of 1.2 billion pesos ($320,000) to restore the Minor Basilica of the Lord of Miracles, which was damaged by the Aug. 10 earthquake.The basilica, located in the city of Buga in the Valle del Cauca department (administrative district), sustained damage to its dome. As a ... read more
- Catholic cardinal highlights technology’s role in transforming Africa’s resourcesABUJA, Nigeria — Technology can help humanity transform the resources provided by God into practical benefits for people and communities across the African continent, the chancellor of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences in Rome said.In an interview with ACI Africa, the sister service of EWTN News in Africa, on Sept. 3 during the launch of ... read more
- Pope Leo appoints coadjutor bishop for Puerto Rico’s youngest diocesePope Leo XIV on Tuesday appointed a coadjutor bishop for the Diocese of Fajardo-Humacao, the third bishop nomination for the island of Puerto Rico in under three months.Father Gerardo Antonio Vargas Cruz, OFM, as coadjutor will serve alongside Bishop Luis Francisco Miranda Rivera, OCarm, who has led the Fajardo-Humacao Diocese since 2020. Vargas will also ... read more
- German bishop voices ‘great concern’ after historic AfD victory in state electionA German bishop expressed “great concern” after the Alternative for Germany (AfD) won 43.8% of the vote in a state election on Sunday, falling just short of an absolute majority and leaving the state of Saxony-Anhalt facing a protracted coalition deadlock.The AfD, which is critical of mass migration, is described by opponents as being “far ... read more
- Sep. 8 Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, FeastThe Church celebrates the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Roman Martyrology states Mary was "of the lineage of Abraham, born of the tribe of Judah and of the progeny of King David, from whom the Son of God was born, made man by the work of the Holy Spirit, to ... read more
- The Catholic Church has a lot to say about Labor Day — why?As the U.S. celebrates Labor Day, Catholics have a wealth of resources in biblical interpretation, Church teaching, and social thought that address the nature of work and the place of the worker in society and in God’s creation.But are Catholics, and others, aware of these resources?One Catholic leader considering such questions is Father Sinclair Oubre, ... read more
- Sep. 7 Monday of the Twenty-Third Week in Ordinary Time; Labor Day (USA), WeekdayThe Roman Martyrology commemorates St. Regina (Reine) (d. 286). She, after undergoing many cruel torments, was beheaded for the faith at Aliza. Aliza was formerly a large town called Alexia, famous for the siege which Caesar laid to it, now a small village in the diocese of Autun in Burgundy. Her martyrdom happened in the ... read more
- Pope Leo XIV calls for peace in Ukraine after Russian attacksPope Leo XIV on Sunday deplored the latest Russian attacks on Ukraine and voiced hopes for peace amid U.S.-led efforts to end the war.“With a sorrowful heart, I have followed the news of the latest violent attacks that have recently struck several cities and civilian infrastructures in Ukraine, causing the deaths of innocent people,” the ... read more
