Pope Francis summoned Christians to slow down in a fast-paced and often directionless life and fast from the unnecessary things that distract us, to heed Lent that he described as “a wake-up call for the soul”.

The Pope’s words came during the homily at Holy Mass on Ash Wednesday with the blessing and imposition of the ashes that took place, as per tradition, in the Basilica of Saint Sabina on the Aventine Hill…

In his prayer intention for the month of March 2019, Pope Francis calls us to pray that Christian communities, especially those who are persecuted, feel that they are close to Christ and have their rights respected.

It has become the custom of Pope Francis to release a video message detailing his prayer intention for each month…

The World Day of Migrants and Refugees will be celebrated on Sunday 29 September 2019. The theme of this 105th edition will be “It is not just about migrants”.

With this theme, Pope Francis wants to highlight that his frequent appeals for migrants, refugees, displaced and trafficked people should be understood as integral to his deep concern for all the inhabitants of today’s existential peripheries…

Pope Francis on Sunday reflected on the Gospel reading of the day in which Jesus invites his disciples to be good role models.

He was speaking to the crowds gathered in a sunny St. Peter’s Square for the Angelus Prayer when he took his cue from the Gospel of Luke in which Jesus poses the question “Can a blind person guide a blind person?”

A leader must have clear vision

Jesus wants to emphasize that a guide – a leader –  cannot be blind, but must see well, meaning that he must possess wisdom, the Pope explained, otherwise he risks causing damage to the people who entrust themselves to him…

Beginning especially in the Middle Ages, cultures around the world created unique traditions to precede the Lenten season of fasting.

This unofficial pre-Lenten season is called a number of different names, such as “Mardi Gras” or “Carnival,” but each shares a common spirit of feasting.

One of the practical reasons for these festivals was the severity of the fast and the need to get rid of any meat, butter, cheese, milk, eggs, and fats that were strictly forbidden during Lent…

The Catholic bishops of India and Pakistan are appealing for peace and dialogue as tensions and armed exchanges between the two nuclear-armed neighbours escalate. 

Indian Church

“We pray and work for peace between India and Pakistan.  We call on the rulers to choose the path of dialogue, the situation today is very delicate and we must not make false or hurried steps,” said Indian Cardinal Oswald Gracias Archbishop of Bombay. 

“We condemn any act of terrorism against Indian forces…