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 »

Pope praying

Benedict XVI will be praying in August for the homeless and jobless, as well as those who are experience another type of serious need.

The Apostleship of Prayer announced the intentions chosen by the Pope for August. His general prayer intention is: “That those who are without work or homes or who are otherwise in serious need may find understanding and welcome, as well as concrete help in overcoming their difficulties.”

The Holy Father also chooses an apostolic intention for each month… Read more »

On Tuesday, 27th July, 2010, Archbishop Paul Cremona O.P. ordained Rev. Llewellyn Muscat O.P. to the priesthood during a celebration of Mass at Saint Dominic Parish Church, Valletta. Concelebrating with His Grace, besides a large group of Religious and Diocesan priests, were three Maltese bishops: H.E. the Archbishop Emeritus Mgr Joseph Mercieca, the Vicar General H.L. Mgr Annetto Depasquale, and the Apostolic Vicar of Benghasi, Libya H.E… Read more »

The Vatican official in charge of evangelization is hailing Chinese priests and bishops for their testimony of unity with the Church, while recalling that ruptures in communion are a consequence of sin.

Cardinal Ivan Dias, prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, addressed the bishops and priests of mainland China in a July 5 letter released today.

Addressing the Chinese, the cardinal observed: “Your testimony and your messages received here at the missionary congregation fill us with consolation and spur us to pray fervently that the Lord may render you ever stronger in the faith and sustain your activity to propagate the Good News of Jesus Christ in your beloved country.”

In speaking of the importance of bishops and priests as “operators of unity,” he highlighted the essential element of communion with the Holy Father… Read more »

Thursday 29 July 2010 was a special and memorable day for Kidstart Summer Club, which is run by Vista Coop at St Theresa Junior Lyceum in Mriehel, who welcomed H.E. Archbishop Paul Cremona.

Around 200 children between 8 and 11 years of age gave a warm welcome to the Archbishop with songs and purchases of food for families in need which they gathered during that week… Read more »

Russia flag

Archbishop Antonio Mennini, until now the Pope’s representative to the Russian Federation, is now the Holy See’s first apostolic nuncio to the country, the Vatican is reporting.

The archbishop presented his letters of credence to Foreign Affairs Minister Sergej Lavrov on July 15 in a ceremony that was followed by a “cordial” meeting, reported the Vatican press office.

Last December, Benedict XVI and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev agreed to upgrade relations between the two sides to full diplomatic ties, which raises the level of representation to apostolic nuncio and embassy… Read more »