Medjugorje and the perspective of the Church

Medjugorje and the perspective of the Church

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…

Vatican approves devotion to Our Lady of Sorrows of Chandavila, Spain

Vatican approves devotion to Our Lady of Sorrows of Chandavila, Spain

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…

Pope encourages women on Polish pilgrimage to joyful witness

Pope encourages women on Polish pilgrimage to joyful witness

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…

Estonian Catholics prepare for annual pilgrimage to Marian shrine of Viru-Nigula

Estonian Catholics prepare for annual pilgrimage to Marian shrine of Viru-Nigula

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…

Pope Francis offers message of hope for the Chinese people

Pope Francis offers message of hope for the Chinese people

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…

Pope Francis invokes Mary for the peace that comes from Christ

Pope Francis invokes Mary for the peace that comes from Christ

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,…

Fernández: India’s Vailankanni Shrine reveals welcoming Mother, not syncretism

Fernández: India’s Vailankanni Shrine reveals welcoming Mother, not syncretism

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…

Bethlehem of Rome: St. Mary Major and the relics of the Holy Crib

Bethlehem of Rome: St. Mary Major and the relics of the Holy Crib

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…