Jonah McKeown

Jonah McKeown

Jonah McKeown is a staff writer and podcast producer for Catholic News Agency. He holds a Master’s Degree from the University of Missouri School of Journalism and has worked as a writer, as a producer for public radio, and as a videographer. He is based in St. Louis.

Articles by Jonah McKeown

Did St. Francis really tame a savage wolf? A look at the legend

Oct 4, 2023 / 04:00 am

A historic church sits on the spot where, as the story goes, St. Francis of Assisi made a pact with a hungry wolf who was terrorizing the town of Gubbio, Italy.

Pro-life display vandalized at St. Louis County parish 

Oct 3, 2023 / 17:55 pm

The display was on the grounds of St. Paul Catholic Church, a large parish with a school located in the suburb of Fenton, about 20 minutes outside of St. Louis.

Biden administration’s strategy fails with court’s restoration of Idaho abortion ban

Oct 3, 2023 / 16:15 pm

The U.S. Department of Justice had filed a lawsuit on Aug. 2, 2022, against Idaho seeking to block its abortion ban.

National Eucharistic Congress opens ‘perpetual pilgrim’ application process

Oct 3, 2023 / 09:40 am

The two-month National Eucharistic Pilgrimage in summer 2024 will consist of four cross-country Eucharistic processions and a total of 6,500 miles.

Rebuild and elevate: New Catholic center at Kansas State aims to bring students to God

Oct 2, 2023 / 17:15 pm

The new St. Isidore’s Catholic Student Center, a $20 million project, opened this year and its beauty is drawing both regulars and newcomers alike.

Spanish Opus Dei priest announced as new Helsinki bishop

Sep 29, 2023 / 17:45 pm

Father Raimo Ramón Goyarrola Belda, a priest of the Personal Prelature of Opus Dei, was appointed by Pope Francis to be the new bishop of Helsinki, Finland. 

What is a consistory? Your questions answered

Sep 29, 2023 / 17:25 pm

Here’s everything you need to know about Saturday’s consistory.

Celebrations planned for 30th anniversary of Vatican Observatory’s Arizona telescope

Sep 29, 2023 / 09:00 am

In 1981, the Vatican Observatory launched a research center under the famously dark Arizona skies, where it inaugurated its telescope in 1993.

Oklahoma archbishop decries execution of Anthony Sanchez as ‘archaic’

Sep 28, 2023 / 17:22 pm

Sanchez was convicted of the 1996 rape and murder of 21-year-old University of Oklahoma student Juli Busken.

One-third of St. Louis Catholic schools face possible closure 

Sep 28, 2023 / 16:45 pm

The schools being considered for closure were chosen based on enrollment numbers, demographic trends, financial strength, and other factors.

Indianapolis Colts owner donates $5 million to Catholic Charities to honor cousin, a nun

Sep 28, 2023 / 11:41 am

“Sister Joyce spent a half-century giving back to others, so with this gift I only hope to emulate my dear cousin’s spirit,” Jim Irsay said, the Chicago Sun-Times reported. 

Iraq archbishop calls for prayers after tragic wedding fire

Sep 27, 2023 / 18:20 pm

More than 100 died after a fire at a Syriac Catholic wedding celebration is the Nineveh Plains of Iraq.

Lone Michigan Democrat holds up ‘extreme’ pro-abortion bill

Sep 26, 2023 / 17:45 pm

Democratic state Rep. Karen Whitsett has said she intends to continue “voting the way of the people who elected me.” 

New book explores J.R.R. Tolkien’s faith and how it imbued his work

Sep 26, 2023 / 14:50 pm

Holly Ordway’s new book, “Tolkien’s Faith: A Spiritual Biography,” explores the renowned author’s Catholic faith and how it influenced his stories.

North Carolina passes universal school choice

Sep 25, 2023 / 17:40 pm

Every North Carolina family will be able to apply for tuition assistance to attend a K-12 private school beginning in 2024-2025. 

U.S. priest brings more than 1,000 prayer intentions to Ulma family beatification

Sep 24, 2023 / 07:00 am

Father Michael Niemczak made a pilgrimage to Poland to visit holy sites and attend the beautification of his relatives.

Holy friendships continue to transform all-boys Catholic high school in Tampa

Sep 23, 2023 / 07:00 am

The young men at Jesuit High School are not just excelling in academics and sports, they are “ambitious when it comes to souls.”

Where is St. Matthew? A visit to his tomb

Sep 21, 2023 / 04:00 am

The fascinating story of where the Gospel writer’s body lies today takes us back into history.

Kamala Harris promotes abortion access on nationwide college tour 

Sep 20, 2023 / 14:32 pm

In her speech at North Carolina A&T, the vice president urged voters to support, among other things, the “freedom to make decisions about your own body.”

Pope Francis meets with new Russian ambassador to the Vatican

Sep 18, 2023 / 13:45 pm

The meeting comes days after papal envoy Cardinal Matteo Zuppi visited Beijing to discuss efforts to bring about peace in Ukraine.