Lord we pray "Help me to continually increase parish vitality and reflect the presence of Christ in the world."

Browsing News Entries

Browsing News Entries

Albanian cardinal marks 70 years as a priest, recalls brutal Communist persecution (L'Osservatore Romano (Italian))

The Vatican newspaper published an article by Albanian Cardinal Ernst Simoni on the 70th anniversary of his priestly ordination. Cardinal Simoni joined Pope Leo as the Pontiff imparted his Easter blessing from the central loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica.

Cardinal Simoni, who was sentenced to forced labor in 1963, recalled the brutal persecution of the Church under the Communist regime (1946-1991). “In secret, I managed to celebrate Holy Mass—reciting the Latin liturgy entirely from memory—using hosts made of flour and water that I baked on makeshift stoves,” he wrote.

Lebanese priest discusses suffering of Christians in Beqaa Valley, under Israeli attack (Vatican News (Italian))

A Maronite priest spoke with Vatican News about the plight of the faithful in Lebanon’s Beqaa Valley, which is under Israeli attack.

“The situation in the Beqaa Valley and the Baalbek region is particularly distressing,” said Father Elie Gemayel, a parish priest of the Maronite Eparchy of Baalbek–Deir el-Ahmar. “The most urgent need is often the simplest one: the ability to live with dignity. For many families, this means being able to buy food, pay for medicines, or ensure their children receive an education.”

“We sometimes feel a profound weariness, a deep inner poverty, and a certain fear of the future, as if our souls were being put to the test just as much as our bodies,” he added. “We recognize that our role is simply to be present: God does not abandon us, even when everything seems shrouded in darkness.”

Nuncio laments bombing of Beirut, calls for truce (Vatican News)

Archbishop Paolo Borgia, the apostolic nuncio to Lebanon, said in an interview that “there has never been an attack like this” as he discussed the Israeli bombing of Beirut, Lebanon’s capital.

“They say that in ten minutes there were ten almost simultaneous strikes,” he said. “A very large number of Israeli warplanes were used.”

“All day, we were accompanied by mortar fire due to clashes between Hezbollah and Israel,” he continued. “We saw this all day long. Now there is heavy traffic, the city is congested, there are sirens and ambulances in the center—Beirut is in turmoil. Israeli raids are still ongoing.”

“As is known, Israel seeks the disarmament of Hezbollah, and this goal has not been achieved,” he added. “A truce would reopen the door to diplomacy ... War is bringing destruction, death, many displaced people, and many painful and difficult situations.”

Catholic Actress Cathy Moriarty Talks Clinging to Prayer in Tinseltown

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Vatican spokesman previews Pope's impending trip to Africa (CWN)

The director of the Holy See Press Office briefed journalists on Pope Leo’s upcoming apostolic journey to four African nations and described the trip as a “journey through the richness and diversity of this great continent, populated by diverse peoples and worlds.”

Apr. 10 Friday within the Octave of Easter, Solemnity

Alleluia Verse, Ps 118:24:This is the day the LORD has made; let us be glad and rejoice in it.

Noting Pope Leo’s Key Overtures to Spain and Monaco

commentary

US Births Declined Slightly in 2025, CDC Reports

cna