The Archdiocese of Seoul, South Korea, is readying to send two diocesean priests abroad as missionaries. The Myeongdong Cathedral hosted a Holy Mass that marked the departure of the newly appointed missionaries, a significant event that was presided over by Archbishop Peter Chung Soon-taick. A press release from the archdiocese recalls the long-standing commitment of Read More…

Antonio Tomičić was born on March 23, 1901, in the village of Razbojine, Croatia, to a large Catholic family. He grew in his faith during his childhood and entered the Capuchin order on June 26, 1919. Eventually he was transferred to Dubrovnik, where he became the community’s “beggar,” going around the community asking for food Read More…

A lack of incoming vocations to the aging ranks of the Missionary Society of St. Paul the Apostle, also called the Paulist Fathers, has led them to announce their withdrawal from two US universities, as well as closures to several offices. Facing an existential threat of low numbers, the community will put more focus on Read More…

Pope Francis had a bit of good news to report about sorely tried Haiti on this March 17, after he prayed the midday Angelus: I have learned with relief that a teacher and four of the six religious of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart Institute who were kidnapped last February 23 have been freed Read More…

For 19 years now, the Canons Regular of the Mother of God have been present at the Abbey of Sainte-Marie de Lagrasse, set in a magnificent landscape in the heart of Occitania (in southern France). Since then, the 40 canons—there were 23 when they arrived in 2004—have led a life of prayer according to the Read More…

When a man or woman enters a religious order, they typically receive a new name that they are called by their religious community. Traditions vary by each community, as some receive the name from their religious superior, while others are able to prayerfully choose their own name. In the case of St. John of God, Read More…

While not everyone is called to be a monk, nun or religious brother or sister, it doesn’t mean that ordinary lay people can’t reap the spiritual benefits of praying at a monastery. The Catechism of the Catholic Church encourages lay people to pray with monks and nuns whenever possible: In regions where monasteries exist, the Read More…

Prayer is an important pillar of any Christian’s life, but it is one of the primary foundations of consecrated men and women. The Catechism of the Catholic Church explains first how bishops, priests and deacons need to pray and teach others how to pray: Ordained ministers are also responsible for the formation in prayer of their Read More…

Father Teo Nieto carries with him a chain of enormous keys that can open doors to 43 churches in his area. It is far from the latest fashion for Spanish priests, but rather it is the result of dwindling priestly vocations and a declining population that has left Fr. Nieto the sole responder for matters Read More…

The season of 2024 wedding invitations has begun. If you are single, this can be a particularly challenging time of the year. I spoke with some of my friends about their struggles, past and present, with the mix of emotions you might feel if you desire marriage but aren’t finding the right person. Here is Read More…

While there are many areas of the world in which the Church is aching for priestly vocations, the South Korean Archdiocese of Seoul has just bolstered their ranks with the ordination of 41 new priests and deacons.  According to a press release from the Archdiocese, the newly minted deacons numbered 25, while 16 new priests Read More…

The six nuns abducted in Haiti were freed January 24, the Port-au-Prince Archdiocese has confirmed. Their release came as the local Church was marking a Day of Prayer specifically for this intention. The Sisters of Saint Anne and their two companions were held captive for five days after being kidnapped by unidentified gunmen on Friday, Read More…