Articles by Elise Harris
Advice to new deacons: Renew your 'yes' to God every day
Oct 2, 2014 / 14:10 pmCardinal Donald Wuerl ordained 43 seminarians from the Pontifical North American College in Rome as deacons, reminding them to always be open to God and to live their new ministry with joy.
Escalating Hong Kong tensions prod Catholic call for peace
Oct 2, 2014 / 11:56 amThe archbishop of Hong Kong has urged a peaceful solution to current pro-democracy protests happening there, encouraging both sides to refrain from violence in getting their point across.
'I can't find the words to say' – Pope Francis hails surviving migrants
Oct 2, 2014 / 03:03 amIn a private audience between Pope Francis and the survivors and family members of the 368 migrants who perished in a tragic shipwreck last fall, the pontiff asked the world to be open to those who suffer.
Iraqi couple finds courage in a Pope who suffers with them
Oct 1, 2014 / 11:02 amAn elderly couple who lost everything after fleeing their home due to ISIS violence met with Pope Francis on Sunday, saying the encounter gave them hope because they know they are not alone.
Put your gifts at the service of others, Pope Francis exhorts
Oct 1, 2014 / 00:41 amPope Francis dedicated his weekly general audience to the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, saying that rather than making us better than others, they commission us to serve our brothers and sisters.
Pope Francis: Don't 'overdramatize' your complaints to God
Sep 30, 2014 / 08:13 amIn his homily on Tuesday Pope Francis said “complaining” to God in times of suffering can be a prayer, but cautioned not to exaggerate our difficulties in front of those undergoing major tragedies.
Synod at heart of papal liturgies for month of October
Sep 30, 2014 / 04:00 amThe schedule of liturgical celebrations over which Pope Francis will preside in October is mainly booked with events surrounding the synod of bishops, which culminates with the beatification of Pope Paul VI.
The role of angels: one author's push to shed light on the afterlife
Sep 29, 2014 / 12:58 pmIn an effort to show what Scripture tells us about “the beyond,” often obscured by a society that leans toward darkness, Fr. Mark Haydu has published a new book exploring the depiction of angels in art.
Pope Francis: Satan seduces by disguising evil as good
Sep 29, 2014 / 05:31 amOn Monday’s feast of the archangels Pope Francis spoke of the ongoing battle between the devil and mankind, encouraging attendees to pray to the angels, who have been charged to defend us.
Vatican confirms papal trip to Turkey in November
Sep 12, 2014 / 08:30 amA statement released by the Vatican has confirmed that Pope Francis will visit Turkey in November, where he is expected to participate in celebrations surrounding the orthodox feast of St. Andrew.
Pope Francis: correction without charity is 'a slap in the face'
Sep 12, 2014 / 05:35 amIn his daily Mass on Friday Pope Francis spoke about fraternal correction, explaining that it heals and builds up the body of Christ, but only when done out of love.
Brutally slain nuns recalled as women 'enamored' with God
Sep 11, 2014 / 15:21 pmRemembering the lives of the three Xaverian Missionary nuns murdered in Burundi over the weekend, the order’s vicar general hailed them as simple women in love with God and those they served.
Boston priest named secretary of Vatican commission to protect minors
Sep 10, 2014 / 08:58 amThe Vatican announced today that Msgr. Robert W. Oliver will leave his position as promoter of justice to take on a new role as the secretary of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors.
Pope Francis greets paralyzed man who risked all to see him
Sep 10, 2014 / 03:53 amA man paralyzed from the neck down made his way to Pope Francis' general audience, saying he took the massively risky move because he wanted to experience for himself the pontiff's uniqueness.
Church educates through actions; not theoretical lectures
Sep 10, 2014 / 03:44 amDuring his general audience Pope Francis continued to reflect on the Church as mother, explaining that she teaches us by example how to go to the essential point of the Gospel, which is mercy.
Pope Francis: Love doesn't care if you're ugly or beautiful
Sep 9, 2014 / 09:04 amIn his homily at Mass on Tuesday, Pope Francis spoke about the love of Christ for his Church, noting how in the Gospel he prayed for his disciples, chose them personally, and remained close to each.
Cardinals join to defend Church doctrine on divorce, remarriage
Sep 9, 2014 / 02:10 amFive members of the College of Cardinals have joint-authored a book defending Church doctrine regarding divorced and remarried Catholics, affirming that it is the most merciful approach.
Despite violence, rumors of Nigeria split called a false alarm
Sep 8, 2014 / 11:02 amArchbishop Ignatius Kaigama spoke out in the wake of more violent attacks in Nigeria, noting that although fears are high, rumors that the country is following a similar pattern as Iraq are exaggerated.
War is never inevitable: Pope Francis rues 'senseless slaughter'
Sep 8, 2014 / 04:30 amIn a message sent to inter-religious faith leaders attending a conference on peace, Pope Francis proposed that there are always alternatives to war and urged participants to seek avenues of dialogue.
Jesus brings us the 'new wine' of joy, Pope Francis says
Sep 5, 2014 / 06:03 amIn his daily homily on Friday Pope Francis discussed how the Pharisees condemned Jesus' apostles for not fasting, saying that Jesus renews the old law and brings a new Gospel of joy.