Articles by Elise Harris
Ukrainian archbishop calls for peace amid violent protests
Jan 21, 2014 / 05:56 amIn wake of increasing violence due to ongoing political protests, Major Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk is petitioning his countrymen to pray for peace and unity as political unrest continues.
Pope Francis: accept the surprises of God
Jan 20, 2014 / 07:15 amIn his daily homily Pope Francis reflected on the theme of Christian freedom, observing that it comes from our docility and willingness to accept the “newness” and the “surprises of God.”
Pope Francis warns against a 'worldly uniformity'
Jan 17, 2014 / 08:39 amIn his daily homily, Pope Francis cautioned the faithful not to fall into the temptation of worldliness which hardens our hearts and makes us forget our “election” as children of God.
Pope: Christians have not been chosen for 'small things'
Jan 17, 2014 / 05:29 amIn his message for the World Day of Prayer for Vocations, Pope Francis urged youth to listen to the call of God, stating that this is often faced with obstacles and requires “going against the tide.”
Pope Francis: scandals 'poison' and deny the 'bread of life'
Jan 16, 2014 / 08:40 amIn his daily homily, Pope Francis addressed the issue of various scandals that happen within the Church, emphasizing that they occur when we no longer have a true relationship with God.
Designer says it was an honor to present nativity to Pope
Jan 16, 2014 / 04:42 amThe man in charge of constructing this year’s nativity scene for the Vatican expressed his delight at giving to Pope Francis the nativity he designed, which, he noted, has a special historical significance.
Engaged couples to meet with Pope on Valentine's Day
Jan 16, 2014 / 02:04 amThe Pontifical Council for the Family is promoting a special encounter between Pope Francis and couples who have been engaged, which will take place on the upcoming feast of Saint Valentine.
Pope Francis: our faith is 'not an ornament'
Jan 15, 2014 / 06:09 amDuring his general audience, Pope Francis continued his reflections on the Sacrament of Baptism, emphasizing that we are called to use the grace we receive in order to become “missionary disciples.”
California project aiding 'motel kids' seeks global expansion
Jan 15, 2014 / 03:51 amAn Orange county chef who began feeding impoverished children out of his restaurant in 2005 has created a special project to continue the work, which he hopes to expand to a global level.
Be true witnesses rather than 'pure legalists,' Pope exhorts
Jan 14, 2014 / 10:50 amIn his daily homily, Pope reflected on different models of Christian witness, cautioning the faithful against hypocrisy when they evangelize, and encouraging them to imitate Jesus.
Fraternity, dialogue aid in fostering peace, Pope tells diplomats
Jan 14, 2014 / 06:56 amIn his annual meeting with the diplomatic corps, Pope Francis spoke to ambassadors about the importance of fostering peace through the use of dialogue, diplomacy and respect for human dignity.
It was a 'thrill' to perform for Pope, circus members say
Jan 14, 2014 / 03:52 amDuring last week’s general audience, members of the circus gave a special performance for Pope Francis, saying that the exciting encounter was an opportunity to show how the circus can bring “harmony.”
Pope Francis to cardinals: new roles are not a 'promotion'
Jan 13, 2014 / 15:44 pmIn a letter addressed to the 19 men who will be made cardinals during a February consistory, Pope Francis said that the role of a cardinal is not a “decoration,” but rather a “service” to the Church.
At 98, previous secretary of John XXIII among new cardinals
Jan 13, 2014 / 12:55 pmLoris Francesco Capovilla, among the 19 new cardinals appointed by Pope Francis, is not only one of the longest-serving archbishops in the world but was John XXIII's secretary for the entirety of his pontificate.
Legionaries seek to continue service with 'renewed enthusiasm'
Jan 10, 2014 / 14:30 pmAs the Legionaries meet in Rome for their General Chapter, spokesman Fr. Benjamin Clariond voiced the congregation's hopes for a stronger apostolate with a more keen awareness of their challenges.
'Faith can do everything,' reflects Pope
Jan 10, 2014 / 05:06 amDuring his daily Mass Pope Francis spoke on the virtue of faith, stating that all things are possible with this virtue as long as we both confess our Faith, and entrust ourselves to God.
Pope Francis: Christian love is not a 'soap opera'
Jan 9, 2014 / 07:32 amIn his daily Mass today, Pope Francis spoke on the meaning of Christian love, explaining that it is not a form of selfish romanticism, but rather something “concrete” that requires sacrifice.
Legionaries begin first general chapter to revise constitutions
Jan 9, 2014 / 05:46 amEarlier this morning the Legionaries of Christ began their first Extraordinary General Chapter meeting to draft and approve their new constitutions, after which they will elect their new leadership.
Pope urges faithful to remember 'glorious hope' of Baptism
Jan 8, 2014 / 05:01 amIn his weekly general audience, Pope Francis reflected on the importance of the sacrament of Baptism, highlighting how it is a gift which incorporates us into the body of Christ and impels us to evangelize.
Pope Francis: the path of 'humiliation' leads us to Jesus
Jan 7, 2014 / 10:08 amIn his daily Mass homily Pope Francis touched on the importance of discerning what comes from God and what is false, emphasizing that the way of Jesus is always one of “humility.”