A crucifix in the classroom

The “crucifix trial” in the European Court of Human Rights has given rise to an unprecedented intervention of 10 member States as third parties. The European Centre for Law and Justice, which was also authorized to become a third party in the court hearing regarding the legitimacy of displaying crucifixes in Italian schools, reported today that ten other States will have this amicus curiae status in the “Lautsi vs… Read more »

family together on Sunday

Germany’s highest court has ruled that Sunday should be kept as a day of rest and has overturned a Berlin law easing restrictions on Sunday shopping. Most German newspapers on Wednesday greet the ruling, some for reasons of religion and tradition, others out of a concern for workers’ rights.

Many visitors to Germany can find themselves standing outside a closed department store, perplexed to find that they cannot do a bit of shopping during their weekend trip… Read more »

Santa Maria Maggiore

Last Sunday the Basilica of St. Mary Major was the site of the first beatification ever held within its walls — that of a woman religious from Milan, Pierina de Micheli. Archbishop Angelo Amato, prefect of the Congregation for Saints’ Causes, celebrated the ceremony, in representation of Benedict XVI.

“It is the first time that a beatification takes place in this basilica,” said an emotional Sister Nora Antonelli, superior general of the Daughters of the Immaculate Conception of Buenos Aires, the community to which Pierina belonged… Read more »