Holy Spirit Roman Catholic Church

One of the most common sacramentals that many Catholics (and non-Catholics) are familiar with is holy water. It is often used in exorcist movies and sometimes priests can be seen using it in public — such as blessing a football field. But where does this water come from? What makes it special? Do priests have Read More…

How does a priest make holy water?

The U.S. Raid in Venezuela Betrays MAGA Principles, Destabilizes the World

Cardinal Mario Zenari, a leading figure in papal diplomacy and still serving as apostolic nuncio to Syria, celebrated his 80th birthday on January 5, 2026, and thus leaves the College of Cardinal Electors called to participate in a possible conclave. The birthday of this fervent defender of the Christian presence in Syria brings the number Read More…

Cardinal Zenari turns 80 but his tough mission in Syria continues

Having recently lamented in this space that book reading is on life support in these United States, I find myself in the awkward position of recommending a made-for-television series as good preparation for the nation’s [...]

Bishop Martin of Charlotte is seeking to impose 'a year as a layman' before priestly ordination. This is like an engaged man living an additional year as a bachelor before his wedding day.

In the days following Christmas, another scene quietly appears in churches and museums across Europe: the Three Wise Men asleep in a shared bed, an angel hovering above them. Quiet as it might seem, the scene represents a decisive moment — probably one of the most politically charged images in Christian art. The scene comes Read More…

Why the Magi sleep in Christmas art

“Fostering common discernment” in order to advise Leo XIV “in the exercise of his high and demanding responsibility,” as well as “strengthen[ing] the communion between the Bishop of Rome and the Cardinals”: these objectives of the January 7-8 consistory, a meeting of cardinals, may seem relatively abstract, but this cautious and minimalist communication from the Read More…

What exactly is the “extraordinary consistory?”

Wyoming’s Supreme Court struck down the state’s various abortion bans on Tuesday, January 6, meaning abortion will remain legal. The court ruled 4-1 in the case State v. Johnson that a pair of pro-life bills were in violation of the state’s constitution. In 2023, Wyoming became the first state to ban chemical abortion. That same Read More…

Wyoming Supreme Court strikes down state’s abortion ban

Charlotte priests submit dubia to Vatican over liturgical changes by Michelle la Rosa (The Pillar): “The pastoral letter of December 17 [has] caused a great deal of concern amongst the priests and faithful of the [...]

Jan 6, 2026 / 18:30 pm The U.S. State Department announced that Secretary of State Marco Rubio has spoken with Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin about the situation in Venezuela. During the Jan. 6 call, [...]