Articles by Elise Harris
Late cardinal of India remembered for his serenity in suffering
Jun 5, 2014 / 06:49 amDuring the funeral Mass for Cardinal Simon Lourdusamy, who passed away Monday, fellow cardinals gathered to commemorate his life of service, as well as his sense of peace in the midst of suffering.
Pope: the Church is not a rental house, but a home
Jun 5, 2014 / 04:31 amPope Francis focused his daily homily on Jesus’ prayer for the unity of his disciples, cautioning that there are many in the Church who call themselves Catholic, but are only half committed.
Vatican to host world meeting on pastoral care of Gypsies
Jun 5, 2014 / 01:02 amA pontifical council has organized a conference at the Vatican to address the pastoral care of Gypsies, and will focus primarily on new strategies of evangelization.
Two Indians among those approved for canonization
Jun 4, 2014 / 07:08 amPope Francis has called an ordinary public consistory to set the canonization date for six Blesseds, including Fr. Kuriakose Elias Chavara and Mother Eufrasia Eluvathingal of the Sacred Heart from India.
Gift of piety fosters fraternal solidarity, Pope observes
Jun 4, 2014 / 04:23 amIn his weekly general audience Pope Francis reflected on the gift of piety, explaining that it is not just a superficial feeling, but rather a religious reality that leads us closer to God and to our neighbor.
British ambassador decries 'brutal' crime of sexual violence
Jun 3, 2014 / 09:33 amAhead of an international summit resisting sexual violence in the midst of conflict, Britain’s ambassador to the Holy See stated that it is a “massive” problem, and has called for justice.
Pope Francis: Jesus intercedes for us with his wounds
Jun 3, 2014 / 06:08 amIn his daily homily Pope Francis reflected on how Jesus advocates for us in heaven, emphasizing that he does this by showing the Father his wounds, the price he paid for our sin.
Remember suffering Syrians, CRS leader implores
Jun 1, 2014 / 15:06 pmAs agencies meet at the Vatican to discuss the Syria crisis, the head of Catholic Relief Services said that the Church cannot forget those who suffer and must advocate for peace as well as provide aid.
Christian joy is based in hope, Pope Francis reflects
May 30, 2014 / 05:53 amIn his first daily homily since returning from the Holy Land Pope Francis centered on the theme of Christian joy, explaining that it comes not from our immediate circumstances, but what Jesus promised.
Pope's historic prayer deeply moves Jerusalem bishop
May 30, 2014 / 03:03 amThe auxiliary bishop of Jerusalem described the recent prayer shared between Pope Francis and Patriarch Bartholomew I as a moving event, predicting future blessings from the encounter.
Filipinos from Holy Land voice excitement for Pope's visit
May 30, 2014 / 00:05 amA small Filipino community in Israel has expressed their joy that Pope Francis will travel to their country next January, stating they hope his presence will bring peace and restore divisions.
Vatican is the 'oil' keeping Bethlehem's star lit, mayor observes
May 29, 2014 / 07:01 amThe first woman mayor of the town where Jesus was born referred to the strong connection they have with the Vatican, explaining that the recent visit of Pope Francis is an opportunity to work for justice.
Pope Francis most open Pope to Jews in history, rabbi says
May 26, 2014 / 09:32 amA Jewish Rabbi and historian has lauded Pope Francis’ visit to the tomb of an important Jewish personality, stating that he is the most accommodating Pope history has seen.
Vatican: Pope's stop at terrorist memorial not a political move
May 26, 2014 / 06:30 amAmid claims that Pope Francis' unscheduled stop at an Israeli memorial for terrorist victims was made under pressure to appease government officials, the Holy See has said that the rumors are false.
Meeting Pope a sign of the early Church, seminarian reflects
May 26, 2014 / 04:19 amDcn. Bernard Poggi, who is among the priests and religious slated to meet with Pope Francis in Jerusalem later today, stated that seeing the successor of Peter reminds him of the first apostles.
We came to pray with our Pope, says papal Mass volunteer
May 25, 2014 / 11:08 amA leader of one of the Boy Scout troops manning the entrances to Pope Francis’ Mass in Bethlehem today explained that the volunteers came from all over in order to join the pontiff in praying for peace.
Choir director: singing for the Pope is like welcoming your father
May 25, 2014 / 10:58 amThe director of the choir who sang during Pope Francis’ Mass in Bethlehem earlier today expressed that to sing for the pontiff in his country is like receiving your father into your home.
Bethlehem sisters call on world to pray for peace
May 24, 2014 / 08:09 amThe sisters who run the only children’s hospital on the West Bank have made it their mission to pray for peace in the Holy Land, traveling each week to invoke a Marian icon on the wall dividing the region.
Pope's presence at sepulcher a step toward unity, journalist says
May 24, 2014 / 05:07 amIn light of centuries-old property divisions within the Holy Sepulcher, a Vatican journalist who lived in the Holy Land has expressed that locals welcome Pope Francis’ visit as moving in the direction of peace.
Pope's Yad Veshem visit lauded for interreligious significance
May 23, 2014 / 08:48 amA local youth has praised Pope Francis’ decision to visit Jerusalem’s Yad Veshem holocaust memorial during his Holy Land trip, saying that it raises awareness to what the Jewish community suffered.