In the first six months of 2010, some 1.6 million tourists have visited the Holy Land, a marked increase compared to 2009, and one that Franciscan Father Pierbattista Pizzaballa attributes to a variety of factors.

The number of tourists is up some 39% from last year, and the Custos of the Holy Land told Vatican Radio that this can be attributed first to “a great activity on the part of episcopal conferences, dioceses and parish priests.”

The pilgrims come primarily from the United States, Russia, France, Great Britain, Germany and Italy… Read more »

One of Hong Kong’s four new permanent deacons says his vocation is linked to Pope John Paul II, and particularly to the Pontiff’s death.

Deacon Stephen Kwok Ping-fai was one of four to be ordained July 24 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Hong Kong.

Decon Kwok, 45, recounted to the Catholic Weekly that the news coverage of the Pope’s death in 2005 led him to reflect on his baptismal vocation… Read more »

On Friday, 6th August, 2010, Archbishop Paul Cremona O.P. visited the Summer Camp organized by the Sisters of Mother Theresa, at the Maria Assunta School, Hamrun. This summer school, held annually, welcomes children from Valletta, Bormla Birgu and Senglea. During the five weeks of summer camp these children, some of them coming from broken families, are thought various crafts including singing, in order to show them that despite everything else God is always with them… Read more »

On Wednesday, 4th August, 2010, Archbishop Paul Cremona O.P. participated, together with the parish priests of Malta, in the celebration, held at Mtarfa, on the Feast of St. John Maria Vianney, Patron Saint of Parish Priests. This celebration, held annually, included a presentation on the life of the Saint, time dedicated to reflection and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Three lay persons involved in parish work exchanged experiences… Read more »

Over 40,000 people gathered recently for a Eucharistic celebration on a Sunday, to mark the 400th anniversary of the Archdiocese of Arequipa, known as the “Rome of Peru.”

Benedict XVI sent Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, former prefect of the Congregation for Bishops as well as the Pontifical Commission for Latin America, as his special envoy for the event.

The cardinal presided over the Mass, during which he said: “May God bless Arequipa… Read more »

Barcelona is preparing for Benedict XVI’s visit by reflecting on St. Peter, the architect of the church the Pope will dedicate, and the example of the Holy Family.

A booklet with seven catecheses on these three topics has been distributed throughout Spain.

The Holy Father will visit Barcelona on Nov. 6, dedicating the Church of the Sagrada Familia, which was designed by Servant of God Antoni Gaudí… Read more »

Now in Honduras, soon to be in El Salvador, the relics of St. John Bosco are being taken to communities throughout Central America. The year 2015 will mark the 200th anniversary of John Bosco’s birth, and his relics have been on tour since June as part of the celebration. St. John Bosco is the founder of the Salesians and well-known for his work with youth… Read more »