Articles by Elise Harris
Beauty, art have crucial role in evangelization, priest reflects
Oct 18, 2013 / 03:03 amBenefactors of the Vatican Museums who have recently gathered in Rome stressed that art is pivotal in the task of bringing God to secular society.
Do not reduce the faith to 'moralistic' ideology, Pope warns
Oct 17, 2013 / 08:12 amDuring his daily Mass homily Pope Francis reflected on the dangers of following one's own personal, “moralistic” ideology, stressing the importance of prayer in staying open to God.
Czech Republic is ripe for new evangelization, bishop reflects
Oct 16, 2013 / 08:54 amIn the aftermath following decades of communism, a Czech bishop reveals that although the number of those who practice their faith in the country has diminished, people are ready to hear the Gospel.
Christ empowers us to be missionaries, Pope Francis says
Oct 16, 2013 / 03:47 amIn his weekly general audience, Pope Francis continued his reflections on the Creed, drawing attention to the Church's apostolic nature and Jesus' invitation to spread the Gospel.
Pope cautions against idolatry which punctures, 'stifles' the faith
Oct 15, 2013 / 08:03 amIn his daily Mass homily, Pope Francis warned of the presence of idolatry in our lives, urging each person present to look to themselves in order to find the hidden idols which are present in our hearts.
Cardinal Bertone steps down from role as Vatican Secretary of State
Oct 15, 2013 / 06:25 amIn a farewell ceremony held at the Vatican, former state secretary Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone stepped down from the position – which will soon be filled by his successor, Italian Archbishop Pietro Parolin.
Pope warns against 'Jonah syndrome' of the pharisees
Oct 14, 2013 / 08:26 amIn his daily homily Pope Francis examined Christ's interaction with the pharisees in the day's Gospel reading, stressing that pious works without love are empty.
Pakistan bishop says attacks on Christians fueled by politics
Oct 14, 2013 / 05:15 amAmid recent violence against Christians in Pakistan, a leading bishop says that the attacks are deeply rooted in the political situation of the country and how it relates to both the West and surrounding areas.
Pope Francis: Christians must guard against slyness of the devil
Oct 11, 2013 / 09:14 amIn his Oct. 11 daily Mass homily, the Holy Father warned of the discreet presence of the devil, exhorting those gathered to be astute in their spiritual lives.
Mary 'can only bring us to God,' expert says as entrustment nears
Oct 11, 2013 / 06:25 amAnticipating Pope Francis' entrustment of the world to the Immaculate Heart of Mary on Oct. 13, a specialist in Marian apparitions reflected on how the Blessed Mother serves to bring people to Jesus.
Curia vision will be one of 'service' to Pope, local Churches
Oct 10, 2013 / 09:03 amAfter the conclusion of their meetings, two cardinals from Pope Francis' group of eight reveal that curia reform will largely focus on service to Pope Francis and the universal Church in its various areas.
Interaction, dialogue needed to end religious violence, priest reflects
Oct 9, 2013 / 09:24 amIn a recent interview, theology professor Fr. Bryan Lobo urged that dialogue itself is not enough to end religious violence, and stressed the importance of coming together as a community to resolve tensions.
Church's Catholicity embraces all of humanity, Pope says
Oct 9, 2013 / 05:00 amDuring his weekly general audience Pope Francis explored the different elements of what makes the Church Catholic, reflecting on why we call ourselves by that name.
Next bishops' synod to explore pastoral care of family
Oct 8, 2013 / 09:55 amThe Holy See press office has announced the date and theme of the upcoming Synod of Bishops, which is slated to occur next fall and will address the pastoral approach to family issues.
Pope Francis: prayer is not simply saying words 'like a parrot'
Oct 8, 2013 / 08:34 amIn his daily Mass, Pope Francis touched on the importance of prayer and forgiveness in the life of a Christian, warning against common attitudes which “close the door” to God.
Kazakhstan bishop urges greater devotion to Eucharist
Oct 8, 2013 / 03:39 amBishop Athanasius Schneider has recently published his second book on Eucharistic devotion in the hopes that it will foster greater reverence for the sacrament amongst the faithful of his diocese.
Italy's Orvieto miracle inspires thousands during jubilee
Oct 7, 2013 / 05:49 amIn light of the jubilee instituted by Benedict XVI in honor of the Eucharistic miracle in Orvieto, Italy, the number of pilgrims coming to the area has increased, deepening the faith of those who come.
'Be antennas' to receive the word of God, Pope exhorts
Oct 4, 2013 / 09:49 amIn a meeting with priests and religious during his visit to Assisi, Pope Francis urged the professed to listen and be receptive to the Lord, as well as be missionaries who accompany their people.
Peace comes by embracing the cross, Pope says at Assisi
Oct 4, 2013 / 03:18 amDuring his visit to Assisi, Pope Francis told Mass attendees that true peace can only be attained by drawing close to the crucified Lord, stressing the importance of having a relationship with him.
Curial reform, role of laity top subjects in council meetings
Oct 3, 2013 / 10:41 amIn their final day of meetings with Pope Francis, the group of eight cardinals defined concrete steps in curial reform and specified that the role of the laity will be a significant area of focus in the future.