Articles by Elise Harris
Pope affirms that Mass is more than a mere 'representation'
Feb 10, 2014 / 10:45 amIn his daily homily, Pope Francis reflected on the meaning of the Liturgy, highlighting how it is a real participation in Jesus’ presence, and encouraged all to enter more fully into the mystery of the Mass.
Cardinal recalls shock of Benedict XVI's resignation
Feb 10, 2014 / 05:06 amOne year later, Cardinal James Stafford reflects on the meeting where Benedict XVI announced that he was stepping down as Bishop of Rome, noting that it was an “unexpected” moment of “shock” for all.
Pope encourages faithful to be humble disciples of Christ
Feb 7, 2014 / 11:28 amIn his daily Mass, Pope Francis spoke about the witness of John the Baptist from the Gospel, highlighting how the saint lived and died with humility and urging all to follow in his example.
Vatican: UN oversteps its boundaries in report conclusions
Feb 7, 2014 / 08:42 amIn a statement released by the Vatican, Fr. Federico Lombardi criticized the UN Child Protection Committee for their tone and “lack of desire” to recognize the Holy See’s efforts in protecting children.
Pope in WYD message: poverty leads us to true happiness
Feb 7, 2014 / 04:28 amIn his message for the 29th WYD, Pope Francis draws his theme from the beatitude on poverty, emphasizing that it teaches us joy, as well as the proper attitude to have towards those who are poor.
Pope's Harley, leather jacket auctioned for over $350,000
Feb 6, 2014 / 13:49 pmOn Feb. 6, Pope Francis’ autographed Harley Davidson motorcycle and leather jacket were auctioned in France, bringing in more than $350,000 for a local charity in Rome.
Pope urges faithful to pray for the grace of dying in hope
Feb 6, 2014 / 11:32 amIn his daily homily, Pope Francis reflected on the moment of our death, remarking on the beauty of dying in unity with the Church and inviting the faithful to reflect on what legacy they will leave behind.
Legionaries of Christ elect new leaders, issue apology
Feb 6, 2014 / 10:00 amThe Legionaries of Christ revealed the names of their new general council on Feb. 6, also issuing a formal apology to those hurt by the immoral actions of their founder.
Women's rights activist among 'Top 10' of Vatican magazine
Feb 6, 2014 / 03:59 amReggie Littlejohn, known for her work opposing forced abortion and gendercide in China, has been named as one of “Inside the Vatican’s” “Top 10 People of 2013” for her heroic efforts in helping women.
Vatican official slams 'negative approach' of UN report
Feb 5, 2014 / 11:14 amIn wake of the U.N. Committee on the Rights of the Child criticizing Vatican policies and calling for the Church to change its doctrine, a leading archbishop countered that the committee's analysis fails to be objective.
Scottish Church 'disappointed' in legalization of gay marriage
Feb 5, 2014 / 08:18 amIn a statement released on behalf of the Catholic Church in Scotland, officials lamented parliament’s decision to allow same-sex “marriages,” and affirmed that their position remains unchanged.
The Eucharist gives us a taste of heaven, Pope reflects
Feb 5, 2014 / 04:49 amDuring his general audience, Pope Francis spoke on the significance of the Sacrament of the Eucharist, explaining that it is a banquet which reminds us of the eternal life that is yet to come.
God is a father who never disowns his children, Pope affirms
Feb 4, 2014 / 12:14 pmIn his daily Mass, Pope Francis compared the love of God to the two fathers in the day's readings, saying that God is a parent who “weeps” for his children and desires them to be close to him.
Pope's Lenten message highlights poverty of Christ
Feb 4, 2014 / 06:06 amIn his first message for the Lenten season, Pope Francis focuses on the poverty of Christ in becoming man, emphasizing that it is our duty to give the same humble witness in our care for the poor.
Education should foster freedom, maturity, priest explains
Feb 4, 2014 / 03:03 amDuring a special conference exploring the role of education in the New Evangelization, Fr. Denis Biju Duval noted that education should help grow our potential, which is inhibited by certain cultural trends.
The Church is not ours but Christ's, Austrian bishop stresses
Feb 3, 2014 / 20:07 pmAs part of an “ad limina” visit to Rome last week, Austrian Bishop Andreas Laun said that although many seek to take it into their own hands, the Church belongs to Christ as does all of its teachings.
Do not justify sin by using other people, Pope warns
Feb 3, 2014 / 07:29 amIn his daily homily, Pope Francis spoke of the proper attitudes to have when we face difficult moments, stating that it is important not to defend our sin, but to repent and trust in the Lord.
Consecrated life today in a positive position, bishops affirm
Feb 3, 2014 / 04:33 amDuring an interview, two Vatican officials expressed the great holiness that exists within religious vocations, as well as their hope that the upcoming year will yield the witness of joy in following God.
Giving in to temptation dulls us to harm of sin, Pope warns
Jan 31, 2014 / 13:09 pmIn his daily Mass, Pope Francis cautioned against the danger of when falling into temptation becomes habitual, saying that it dulls our ability to recognize sin and affects others in a negative way.
Letters to Pope read 'with the heart,' Vatican official says
Jan 31, 2014 / 07:36 amAccording to Vatican Radio, Pope Francis receives a few thousand letters a week, which Correspondence Director Msgr. Giuliano Gallorini notes are read more with the pontiff’s “heart” than his “mind.”