Articles by Hannah Brockhaus
Pope Francis makes a strong call for better marriage prep
Jan 21, 2017 / 09:45 amIn his annual speech to the Holy See's main court on Saturday, Pope Francis stressed the pressing need for effective education and preparation for the sacrament of marriage – not only to guard against invalid marriages, but also to strengthen the faith of the couple as they prepare for the unique blessings and challenges of married life.
Concert marks one year after Pope's historic synagogue visit
Jan 20, 2017 / 10:33 amOne year after Pope Francis visited the Great Synagogue in Rome, the Hebrew Choir of Rome “Ha-Kol,” and the Choir of the Diocese of Rome joined together to give a concert Jan. 19 on the theme: “Sing to the Lord a new song.”
Pope Francis: The Christian life requires fighting against Satan
Jan 19, 2017 / 12:28 pmPope Francis spoke Thursday about the struggles inherent to the Christian life, and how temptation, while a normal part of trying to live virtuously, must be fought adamantly.
Polish parliament recognizes coronation of Mary as nation's queen
Jan 18, 2017 / 06:08 amPoland's government has adopted multiple resolutions establishing 2017 as a Jubilee Year for the country, celebrating the 300th anniversary of the first canonical coronation of the image of Our Lady of Czestochowa.
Pope Francis: prayer is an act of hope that leads us to God
Jan 18, 2017 / 04:10 amOn Wednesday Pope Francis said hope in salvation is what leads us to turn to the Lord in prayer, trusting in faith particularly in moments when we are faced with the fear generated by death or injury.
Dominicans celebrate 800 years with reflection, prayer
Jan 17, 2017 / 14:15 pmAs the Order of Preachers, better known as the Dominicans, celebrate the 800th anniversary of their founding, they gather in Rome from around the world to reflect on their history, their charism of preaching, and how they can continue to put this charism at the service of the Church today.
Pope sends condolences to Kyrgyz town devastated by plane crash
Jan 16, 2017 / 10:14 amPope Francis Monday sent a telegram to survivors of a cargo plane crash in the Central Asian country of Kyrgyzstan, expressing his sorrow for all those who died and sending his prayers for the rescue efforts.
Dinner and a warm place to sleep: How Rome is reaching out to the homeless
Jan 15, 2017 / 16:02 pmAs colder weather settled over Rome last week, two area charities have found ways to reach out to those without food or shelter during the cold winter nights: one by turning a church into a temporary shelter, another by partnering with a newly-opened McDonald’s near the Vatican.
Love God now – because you might not have tomorrow, Pope says
Jan 12, 2017 / 08:56 amPope Francis reflected on Thursday how each person, not knowing what will happen in the future, has only “today” to love God and open their heart to the Holy Spirit – while the temptation to put things off is foolish, because there may not be another day.
Vatican weekly paper gets a facelift
Jan 11, 2017 / 13:33 pmOn Tuesday, the Vatican unveiled a “new and improved” weekly edition of its newspaper, L’Osservatore Romano, which will begin with the Jan. 19 issue, and include updates to both content and the newspaper’s look, according to the director.
First Filipino to lead a US diocese will take reins in Salt Lake City
Jan 10, 2017 / 08:45 amOn Tuesday the Vatican announced the appointment of Filipino-born Bishop Oscar A. Solis, currently an auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, as the new head of the Diocese of Salt Lake City.
Although trips can be tiring, Pope says people make the effort 'worth it'
Jan 8, 2017 / 13:00 pmIn a new interview published Sunday, Pope Francis said that though his many papal trips are often very tiring, both from a physical and mental standpoint, the people he encounters and the testimonies he hears make all of it worthwhile.
The homeless need urgent prayers in cold winter months, Pope says
Jan 8, 2017 / 07:15 amOn Sunday Pope Francis announced that his “urgent” prayer for the month of January is for all those who live on the streets with no shelter, expecially during the cold winter weather.
Pope Francis to parents: teach your children the faith by example
Jan 8, 2017 / 05:18 amPope Francis Sunday baptized 28 babies during Mass in the Sistine Chapel, reminding parents that by asking for the Sacrament of Baptism, the gift of faith, for their child, they have a responsibility to guard it and to help it deepen.
Pope Francis: the Magi represent everyone who seeks God
Jan 6, 2017 / 04:47 amOn Friday, the Feast of the Epiphany, Pope Francis said that the Magi are not just men who sought out and worshiped the Christ-child a long time ago – they exemplify everyone who has a restless heart, everyone searching for God.
Salesians in India hold prayer vigil for release of Fr. Tom
Jan 4, 2017 / 09:47 amSalesians in the Bangalore province of India held a prayer vigil Jan. 4 for the release of Salesian priest Fr. Tom Uzhunnalil, who was kidnapped in Yemen March 4, 2016.
There are no words for the loss of a child, but there is still hope, Pope says
Jan 4, 2017 / 04:59 amWhile no words or gestures will ever be enough to comfort the pain experienced by those who have lost a child, Pope Francis said that God’s response to our tears is the offer of hope – hope in the promise of eternal life.
After Istanbul attack, Pope prays for those who fight 'bloody stain' of terrorism
Jan 1, 2017 / 07:03 amOn the first day of the new year and the 50th World Day of Peace, Pope Francis condemned a terrorist attack which took place in Istanbul early Sunday morning, praying for the victims, the injured and in support of everyone who works to fight violence and terrorism.
Pope on New Year’s Day: Mary’s motherhood teaches us humility, tenderness
Jan 1, 2017 / 04:01 amAt the start of the new year, Pope Francis said that celebrating Mary, the Mother of God, highlights a beautiful aspect of our faith: that Mary is our mother too, and that by her example we can learn to practice virtue and self-sacrifice in our own lives.
On Christmas Day, Pope Francis prays for peace around the world
Dec 25, 2016 / 05:36 amIn his traditional "Urbi et Orbi" blessing Christmas Day, Pope Francis prayed that the Child Jesus, also called the Prince of Peace, would bring a real and lasting peace to everyone suffering from violence and conflict around the world.