Articles by Courtney Mares
Cathedral in Iraq's largest Christian town to be rebuilt in 2020
Dec 19, 2019 / 03:01 amThe Great Al-Tahira Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Bakhdida remains charred black inside, five years after the Islamic State plundered and set it aflame; however, in 2020 the Syriac Catholic cathedral will be restored as Iraq’s largest Christian community fights to rebuild and regain what was lost.
Former Continuing Anglican bishop to be received into the Catholic Church
Dec 17, 2019 / 14:06 pmGavin Ashenden, a former Honorary Chaplain to the Queen in the Church of England who was consecrated a bishop in a Continuing Anglican ecclesial community, will be received into the Catholic Church on Sunday.
'Angels Unawares' - Vatican migration sculpture coming to United States
Dec 17, 2019 / 12:56 pmIn 2019, Pope Francis unveiled a new bronze sculpture in St. Peter’s Square, “Angels Unawares,” a depiction of migrants throughout history crammed together on a boat with the holy family.
Pope Francis celebrates a Filipino Christmas tradition at the Vatican
Dec 15, 2019 / 10:00 amOn Gaudete Sunday, Pope Francis celebrated a Filipino Christmas tradition in St. Peter’s Basilica -- the Simbang Gabi Christmas novena.
Pope Francis: Advent is a time of conversion
Dec 15, 2019 / 05:30 amAs Pope Francis blessed children's nativity scene figurines Sunday, the pope said that the Advent season is a time of conversion to make space in one’s heart for Christ to come and fill it with joy.
US bishops in Rome ask Pope Francis about McCarrick report
Dec 13, 2019 / 09:56 amAmerican bishops from the Midwest met with Pope Francis this week with questions about the outcome of the Vatican’s investigation of Theodore McCarrick.
Pope Francis celebrates 50th ordination anniversary by honoring his mentor
Dec 13, 2019 / 06:00 amFifty years ago on Dec. 13, Jorge Mario Bergoglio was ordained a Jesuit priest in Argentina. As pope, he will celebrate his ordination anniversary Friday by honoring one of his early spiritual mentors, Fr. Miguel Angel Fiorito.
Pope Francis: The world needs peacemakers open to dialogue, forgiveness
Dec 12, 2019 / 10:15 amPope Francis’ message for the 2020 World Day of Peace released Thursday calls for openness to dialogue, commitment to forgiveness, and an ecological conversion.
Pope Francis: 'Holiness is the true light of the Church'
Dec 12, 2019 / 04:00 amPope Francis said Thursday that the often hidden holiness lived out in everyday life is a true light within the Church.
Pope thanks Ruthenian Catholics of Ukraine for fidelity to Christ in Soviet era
Dec 11, 2019 / 14:40 pmPope Francis praised Wednesday the courage of the Ruthenian Eparchy of Mukachevo, which emerged from hiding 30 years ago after persecution in Soviet Ukraine.
Pope Francis prays for Chile after plane disappears near Antarctica
Dec 11, 2019 / 09:57 amPope Francis is closely following the news of the Chilean military plane bound for Antarctica that went missing with 38 people aboard, the Vatican Secretary of State said Wednesday.
Pope Francis: Don't forget the real meaning of Christmas
Dec 5, 2019 / 10:40 amAhead of the Vatican Christmas tree lighting Dec. 5, Pope Francis expressed hope that the nativity scene in St. Peter’s Square will serve as a reminder of what Christmas is truly about.
Pope Francis tells Jesuits he is shocked by anti-immigration narratives in Europe
Dec 5, 2019 / 05:00 amPope Francis decried the mistreatment of migrants and said that he is shocked by anti-immigration narratives within Europe during a conversation with Jesuits in Thailand published Thursday.
Advent advice from Pope Francis: Choose prayer and charity over consumerism
Dec 1, 2019 / 15:30 pmThis Advent, choose prayer and charity over consumerism, Pope Francis said Sunday in his first Mass of the liturgical year.
Pope's letter on nativity scenes shares the story behind a beloved Christmas tradition
Dec 1, 2019 / 08:45 amPope Francis issued an apostolic letter Dec. 1 on the meaning and importance of nativity scenes, calling for this “wonderful sign” to be more widely displayed in family homes and public places throughout the world.
Pope Francis prays for Iraqi people after 45 killed in protests
Dec 1, 2019 / 06:00 amPope Francis said Sunday that he was grieved to hear of the deadly violence against protesters in Iraq and expressed his closeness to the entire Iraqi people.
Pope Francis: The Church seeks truth and healing for wounded marriages
Nov 30, 2019 / 12:00 pmPope Francis said Saturday that the Church suffers with couples who are in a “wounded marriage,” and seeks their healing in truth.
Benedict XVI reflects on 50 years of the International Theological Commission
Nov 30, 2019 / 10:38 amPope Emeritus Benedict XVI sent a message to the International Theological Commission this week reflecting on the theological contributions of the commission that he led for nearly half of its 50-year history.
Pope Francis visits a local charity in Rome with a message of solidarity
Nov 30, 2019 / 04:00 amIn a visit to Rome’s Caritas center Friday, Pope Francis emphasized the shared experience of vulnerability among Christ and the poor.
Pope Francis: Synodality is what the Lord expects of the Church
Nov 29, 2019 / 10:00 amPope Francis told the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith’s theological commission Friday that synodality will be key for the Church in the future.