Pope Francis’ Game Plan; Part Two: Defending the Unborn
On the first day after he was elected pope, our new Holy Father traveled across the city of Rome to pray at the most important Roman Shrine of Our Lady, found in the Basilica of St. Mary Major. On the first day of the New Year 2014, Pope Francis again made an unannounced visit to this Marian Shrine. In the nine months of his papacy, he has made similar pilgrimages to pray to the Mother of God and ask her loving protection for the Church and the world.
Pope names 19 new cardinals, including six from Latin America
Stressing that their role would be one of service rather than honor, Pope Francis named 19 new cardinals, including six men from his home region of Latin America.
Priest says hitching ride on popemobile was invite to hit road for God
When Father Fabian Baez booked his trip to Rome, he didn't have an appointment to meet with the pope, so he gave himself ample time in the Eternal City to be able to arrange some way to see him.
Mass to pray for migrants who died in Arizona’s desert
A Jan. 11 Mass at St. Timothy Parish in Mesa is being held to pray for the repose of the souls of 750 unidentified migrants who died in Arizona’s Sonora Desert between 2001 and 2013.
Photographer captures final stages of abandoned churches, factories
Philadelphia photographer Matthew Christopher strongly believes in restoring abandoned buildings, but says if a structure is going to be demolished, it should at least be documented.
Pope, on feast of first martyr, prays for persecuted Christians
Observing the feast of the church's first martyr, Pope Francis prayed for Christians suffering persecution and discrimination around the world, even in countries that nominally honor religious liberty.
Christmas is time to feel God’s closeness, experience peace, pope says
Celebrating the first Christmas since his election, Pope Francis preached the goodness and tenderness of God, and prayed that men and women around the world would allow God's grace to transform them into peacemakers.
Our gentle shepherd: Bishop marks decade of serving the Church of Phoenix
On a typical evening, Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted will make his way to the rectory chapel and pray vespers by himself, silently before the Lord. The bishop kneels using a meditation bench and, since he’s praying shortly before supper, his tummy rumbles.
Prescott, Scottsdale seize solar energy to power parishes
Two parishes in the Diocese of Phoenix are leading the way in stewardship efforts when it comes to harnessing Arizona’s abundant natural resource: the sunshine.
Christmas season calls families to holiness
Novenas, posadas, pageants and Nativities are just some of the ways Catholics around the Diocese of Phoenix are preparing for the Christmas season.