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Browsing News Entries

Browsing News Entries

Minnesota archdiocese reports 54% increase in conversions (OSV News)

The Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis reports that 1,736 converts are expected to be received into the Church there this year—up 54% from 2025.

“I am reminded this year that the Holy Spirit is always full of surprises,” said Archbishop Bernard Hebda.

Father Joseph Johnson, the rector of the Cathedral of Saint Paul, said that young people are “intentionally choosing more traditional and spiritual ways of living their lives and are looking for meaning and purpose; the brokenness of the society around us is, I think, fueling that.”

Asia's bishops call for Middle East ceasefire, warn of 'incalculable' human consequences (FABC)

The Federation of Asian Bishops Conferences expressed “deep anguish and grave concern over the renewed escalation of violence in the Middle East.”

“The recent cycles of bombardment and retaliation, involving major global and regional powers, risk plunging the region and the world into a conflict of incalculable human and economic consequences,” the bishops warned in their March 3 statement, as they called for an “immediate cessation of hostilities and for all parties to exercise moral responsibility, resisting the spiral of escalation that leads only to deeper suffering and irreversible loss.”

“We invite all our local Churches across Asia in this season of Lent to intensify prayer, fasting, and concrete acts of solidarity for peace,” the bishops added.

Pope, in comments to reporters, renews peace appeal (Vatican News)

In brief comments to reporters last evening, Pope Leo XIV renewed his appeal for peace.

As he left Castel Gandolfo, where he spends his Tuesdays, Pope Leo told reporters, “Pray for peace, work for peace, less hatred. Hatred in the world is constantly increasing.”

“Truly strive to promote dialogue,” he added. “Seek solutions without weapons to resolve problems.”

Synod releases study-group reports on online engagement, revisions to priestly formation (CWN)

The General Secretariat of the Synod, led by Cardinal Mario Grech, released the first two of 15 final reports of the study groups established by Pope Francis during the synod on synodality.

Cardinal Parolin says military chaplains should help form consciences (Vatican News)

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Secretary of State of His Holiness, said that the military chaplain is called to be a “companion who enlightens conscience, so that obedience does not become irresponsibility and discipline does not turn into moral automatism.”

“Conscience is the most secret core and sanctuary of a person, where he or she is alone with God,” the prelate preached at a March 3 Mass at the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls marking the 100th anniversary of Italy’s Military Ordinariate. The Church’s task, said Cardinal Parolin, is “to safeguard and enlighten” conscience, “this inviolable space of the human person.”

Caribbean bishops lament US fuel blockade's effects on Cuban people (Antilles Episcopal Conference)

The Antilles Episcopal Conference issued a statement expressing “profound pastoral concern” for the people of Cuba in their “grave humanitarian hardships.”

Without referring to the US fuel blockade of Cuba by name, the Caribbean bishops said that “recent developments in the region have resulted in acute shortages of fuel and essential supplies, causing widespread power cuts, disruptions to hospital and water systems, and serious threats to food security and basic public services in Cuba.”

“While Cuba stands in need of renewal and positive change, it does not need more pain,” the bishops added. “The Church cannot remain silent when dignity is threatened and access to food, healthcare, and basic necessities becomes uncertain.”

'Missiles are flying over our heads': bishops describe Israeli invasion of Lebanon (CWN)

As the Iran conflict widened, Israel invaded Lebanon in retaliation for attacks by Hezbollah forces that are based in southern Lebanon.

Bishop pays tribute to modern martyrs of Yemen on 10th anniversary (CWN)

The retired apostolic vicar of Southern Arabia paid tribute today to the modern martyrs of Yemen on the tenth anniversary of their slaying.

Vatican newspaper editor asks of Iran conflict: How far? How long? (CWN)

In the most prominent front-page article in L’Osservatore Romano’s March 3 edition, the second-ranking official of the Vatican newspaper discussed the unknowns of the Iran conflict, asking, “How far? How long?”

The ‘Elegant Efficiencies of a Full House’: A Response to the Critics of Large Families

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