As the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith announces the “Nulla Osta” for devotion linked to Medjugorje, Msgr. Armando Matteo, Secretary of the Dicastery, reviews the chronology of the various commissions and declarations of the bishops concerning the alleged apparitions at the Shrine. By Mgr Armando Matteo* The phenomenon of the alleged apparitions of…
The Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith gives its consent to the “nihil obstat” proposed by the Archbishop of Mérida-Badajoz regarding the devotion to Our Lady of Sorrows at the sanctuary of Chandavila, in Spain, when two young girls allegedly had spiritual visions towards the end of World War II. By Vatican News The…
Vatican news After the Angelus prayer, Francis addressed a thought to the many participants in the traditional gathering held at the Marian shrine of Piekary Śląskie. By Father Rafał Skitek “Be joyful witnesses of the Gospel in your family and in society,” Pope Francis said during the Sunday Angelus, greeting the tens of thousands of…
Vatican news Estonian Catholics will make a pilgrimage to the country’s oldest shrine dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary on August 24, as the Apostolic Administration of Estonia prepares to celebrate its 100th anniversary. By Marge-Marie Paas – Tallinn Estonian Catholics will travel to the country’s oldest shrine on Saturday, August 24, to celebrate 25…
Vatican news On the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Custos of the Holy Land, Father Francesco Patton, leads Mass on the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem and urges the congregation to ask for the gift of peace in the Middle East. By Adriana Masotti Father Francesco Patton, Custos of the…
Vatican news In an interview with the Chinese Province of the Society of Jesus, Pope Francis said that China is a “great people” who “must not waste their heritage” and reiterated his desire to make an apostolic journey to the country. By Isabella Piro The heart of the interview granted by Pope Francis to Father…
Vatican news Pope Francis makes a special visit to the Basilica of Saint Mary Major for the liturgical commemoration of the dedication of the papal basilica, and prays for peace in our war-torn world. By Christopher Wells Every year, on the feast of its dedication, Santa Maria Maggiore becomes the scene of an impressive ceremony,…
The Prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith sends a letter ahead of the feast of Our Lady of Health in Vailankanni, India, expressing the Pope’s appreciation for the shrine and highlighting the spiritual fruits enjoyed by pilgrims, including non-Christians. By Vatican News Millions of pilgrims faithfully visit the shrine of Our…
As the Church celebrates the Solemnity of Our Lady of the Snows, we explore the ancient tradition that connects Santa Maria Maggiore, Rome’s first Marian basilica, to the birthplace of Jesus Christ in the Holy Land. By Paolo Ondarza The Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome owes its origin to a prodigious event: a…
Vatican news Pope Francis sends a message to the participants of the Medjugorje Youth Festival, inviting them to imitate Mary by embracing the Word of God and faithfully carrying out their mission. By Francesca Merlo Pope Francis sent a message on Friday, August 2, to the participants of the 35th Medjugorje Youth Festival, which takes…