Articles by Elise Harris
Synod fathers laud miracle of conjugal love in final message
Oct 18, 2014 / 07:54 amIn their message to the faithful, the synod fathers praised the life-giving love between a man and a woman, which despite many challenges,endures through the grace given by God in the sacrament of marriage.
Holy Spirit gives the seal of eternal life, Pope Francis reflects
Oct 17, 2014 / 11:55 amIn his Mass on Friday, Pope Francis said eternal life begins when we are sealed with the Holy Spirit, and cautioned attendees against “dulling down” this identity by being hypocritical in our faith.
Synod small groups want more positivity, less ambiguity
Oct 17, 2014 / 10:46 amThe synod’s small groups released their conclusions regarding the meeting’s mid-term report on Thursday, calling for clarification of several phrases and a more positive look at the family in light of scripture.
Latvia turns heads in synod with strong witness of marriage
Oct 16, 2014 / 23:03 pmIn synod discussions last week, the Baltic nation of Latvia caught the attention many synod fathers, who were keen to hear why the number of divorces among their Catholic population is so low.
Priest returning to Iraq: ISIS threatens the whole world
Oct 16, 2014 / 15:59 pmAn Iraqi priest who has chosen to return to his city, which lies just six miles from ISIS-controlled territory, said that in the midst of an increasingly desperate situation, the help of world powers is greatly needed.
Pope Francis: Our names are in the heart of God
Oct 16, 2014 / 03:07 amIn his mass on Thursday Pope Francis encouraged attendees to pray to God by praising him, saying that remembering the good he has done, particularly how he created us in love, helps us to know how.
Marriage and family issues facing Catholics are not all universal
Oct 16, 2014 / 03:01 amThe Synod on the Family has provided an opportunity for people to bring up issues concerning marriage and family life facing Catholics around the world, but as one auditor has noted, not all of those issues are the same.
Christian hope is no mere optimism – it’s a light for the world
Oct 15, 2014 / 04:01 amIn his Wednesday general audience address Pope Francis spoke on the meaning of Christian hope, saying that it consists in our joyful expectation of the return of its source, Jesus Christ.
Extending an invitation: Synod prompts revamp in Church language
Oct 14, 2014 / 09:42 amThe need to develop a new way of communicating Church teaching in contemporary society emerged in synod discussions last week, with specific emphasis given to expressions regarding life and moral issues.
Is your faith wearing cosmetics? Take them off, Pope Francis says
Oct 14, 2014 / 07:37 amIn his daily mass on Tuesday Pope Francis warned about the hypocrisy of those who do good in order to be seen, saying that true faith is practiced through acts of charity that go beyond outward rituals.
Pope Francis charges Christians – lose comfort, go to peripheries
Oct 12, 2014 / 11:43 amIn his Sunday Angelus address, Pope Francis said that God does not discriminate about who is invited to his banquet, and called on Christians to abandon their comforts and go toward the marginalized.
Highways, byways and sinners: these are the missionary fields
Oct 12, 2014 / 03:17 amIn his thanksgiving Mass for the canonization of two Canadian saints Pope Francis said that a true missionary goes out of himself, boldly bringing God’s message of love to all without distinction.
Be on your guard – the devil never rests, Pope Francis warns
Oct 10, 2014 / 05:57 amIn his homily on Friday Pope Francis encouraged faithful to guard their hearts by doing a daily examination of conscience, saying that we if we don't, we risk letting the devil in rather than the Lord.
Six miles from ISIS: A shockingly brave priest returns to Iraq
Oct 9, 2014 / 03:02 amFather Ghazwan Yousif Baho had the option to stay in Italy when he recently accompanied an elderly Iraqi couple to an audience with Pope Francis.
Pope Francis to make apostolic voyage to France in 2015
Oct 7, 2014 / 04:55 amIn their announcement of the Pope’s schedule for his visit to the European Parliament next month, the Vatican also revealed that he intends to return to Francis in 2015 for a longer visit.
Don't expect 'sound bite solutions' from synod, US cardinal says
Oct 7, 2014 / 02:13 amWhile there will not be any quick fixes unveiled at this year’s synod, a fair amount of talk can be expected on the application of the Church’s pastoral practice, predicted Cardinal Donald W. Wuerl of Washington.
Be frank, humble – Pope Francis tells bishops at synod launch
Oct 6, 2014 / 06:45 amDuring the opening session for the extraordinary synod on the family, Pope Francis told participants not to be afraid of saying what they truly think, and that only by doing this can they reach real conclusions.
Pope Francis before synod – listen to 'beat' of the times, keep eyes on Christ
Oct 4, 2014 / 12:35 pmIn a prayer vigil set before the opening of the synod of bishops, Pope Francis said we must be attentive to the signs of the times to see the needs of the family by listening, being open and looking to the Lord.
Young men at ordination: 'I can't imagine a better way to live'
Oct 3, 2014 / 16:03 pmTransitional deacons ordained this week in St. Peter’s Basilica shared their experience of overwhelming joy in serving God, which stems from a life of sacrifice that’s worth giving everything to live.
Vatican official says synod is 'about family, not divorce'
Oct 3, 2014 / 11:50 amAt a press conference revealing the official working calendar for the synod of bishops, the group's secretary general said the event will take on a new flavor and shouldn't be pegged to just one issue.