Articles by Hannah Brockhaus
Pope Francis: the Magi represent everyone who seeks God
Jan 6, 2017 / 04:47 amOn Friday, the Feast of the Epiphany, Pope Francis said that the Magi are not just men who sought out and worshiped the Christ-child a long time ago – they exemplify everyone who has a restless heart, everyone searching for God.
Salesians in India hold prayer vigil for release of Fr. Tom
Jan 4, 2017 / 09:47 amSalesians in the Bangalore province of India held a prayer vigil Jan. 4 for the release of Salesian priest Fr. Tom Uzhunnalil, who was kidnapped in Yemen March 4, 2016.
There are no words for the loss of a child, but there is still hope, Pope says
Jan 4, 2017 / 04:59 amWhile no words or gestures will ever be enough to comfort the pain experienced by those who have lost a child, Pope Francis said that God’s response to our tears is the offer of hope – hope in the promise of eternal life.
After Istanbul attack, Pope prays for those who fight 'bloody stain' of terrorism
Jan 1, 2017 / 07:03 amOn the first day of the new year and the 50th World Day of Peace, Pope Francis condemned a terrorist attack which took place in Istanbul early Sunday morning, praying for the victims, the injured and in support of everyone who works to fight violence and terrorism.
Pope on New Year’s Day: Mary’s motherhood teaches us humility, tenderness
Jan 1, 2017 / 04:01 amAt the start of the new year, Pope Francis said that celebrating Mary, the Mother of God, highlights a beautiful aspect of our faith: that Mary is our mother too, and that by her example we can learn to practice virtue and self-sacrifice in our own lives.
On Christmas Day, Pope Francis prays for peace around the world
Dec 25, 2016 / 05:36 amIn his traditional "Urbi et Orbi" blessing Christmas Day, Pope Francis prayed that the Child Jesus, also called the Prince of Peace, would bring a real and lasting peace to everyone suffering from violence and conflict around the world.
Pope Francis meets with Colombian leaders in wake of peace deal
Dec 16, 2016 / 11:45 amPope Francis met Friday morning with Colombia’s President Juan Manuel Santos Calderón and former president Senator Álvaro Uribe Vélez, as the country works to finalize a peace accord which would end a 52-year conflict between the government and rebel groups.
New Biloxi bishop humbled, joyed by his appointment
Dec 16, 2016 / 06:02 amOn Friday the Vatican announced that Pope Francis accepted the retirement of Bishop Roger Morin of Biloxi, and appointed Louisiana native Msgr. Louis Kihneman as his successor.
Mary models for the sick 'surrender to God's will'
Dec 15, 2016 / 10:04 amPope Francis on Thursday announced the theme for the 25th World Day of the Sick, “Amazement at what God has accomplished,” explaining that in difficult circumstances we should look to Mary as an example of how to embrace God’s will for our lives.
Pope to ambassadors: make 'courageous' choice for nonviolence
Dec 15, 2016 / 05:17 amOn Thursday Pope Francis accepted the credentials of six new ambassadors to the Holy See, urging them to work toward promoting the common good in their respective countries by adopting tactics of nonviolence at a political level.
Pope: the world desperately needs hope – and we are the messengers
Dec 14, 2016 / 04:54 amPope Francis Wednesday spoke about the hope that the Child Jesus brings at Christmastime, saying it is our duty to be the messengers who bring his message to the world – a world that is thirsting for goodness.
In stressing error of clericalism, Francis calls for humble priests
Dec 13, 2016 / 16:50 pmIn his homily at Mass Tuesday, Pope Francis spoke harshly about what he considers one of the great dangers of clericalism: that it alienates members of the Church by refusing to be close to them, and reinforces the belief that priests are above the laity.
Pope Francis sends condolences on death of Opus Dei leader
Dec 13, 2016 / 09:42 amOn hearing of the Dec. 12 death of Bishop Javier Echevarría Rodríguez, the Prelate of Opus Dei, Pope Francis sent a telegram Tuesday expressing his deep sympathy to the members of the organization and to Msgr. Fernando Ocáriz Braña, auxiliary vicar.
Juneau bishop to head Dallas diocese
Dec 13, 2016 / 08:02 amAfter what was a very short vacancy for the Diocese of Dallas, the Vatican announced Tuesday that Bishop Edward J. Burns of Juneau will now take the reigns.
Traveling display notes struggle, hope of displaced Ukrainians
Dec 13, 2016 / 00:02 amA traveling exhibit currently set up in Rome’s St. Silvester Square highlights the difficulties – as well as the strength, resilience, and hope – of Ukrainians who have had to flee their homes due to ongoing conflict in the country’s eastern regions.
Pope Francis prays for Aleppo, victims of recent terrorist attacks
Dec 11, 2016 / 07:08 amDuring the Angelus for the third Sunday of Advent, also called Gaudete Sunday, Pope Francis made a special appeal for prayers for the people of Aleppo and Syria, and for all those affected by the recent terrorist attacks which have taken place in places such as Turkey and Egypt.
Pope to seminarians: Don't let self-interest get in the way of ministry
Dec 10, 2016 / 11:31 amOn Saturday Pope Francis spoke to seminarians about the three-fold ministry of the priest: welcoming and including all, forming good relationships with God and others, and avoiding the pitfall of narcissism.
As Vatican lights Christmas tree, Pope reflects on Nativity scene
Dec 9, 2016 / 11:21 amAs Christmas approaches, the Nativity scenes found in churches and homes around the world bid us to make room for Jesus both in our lives and in society, Pope Francis said shortly before the lighting of the Christmas tree in St. Peter’s Square Friday.
Pope Francis: Through beauty, artists make the world better
Dec 7, 2016 / 14:36 pmBeauty, under the care of artists, has the ability to transform even the everyday lives of men and women, Pope Francis said in a message for the annual meeting of the Pontifical Academies on Tuesday.
Women at the Vatican form association for solidarity
Dec 7, 2016 / 14:06 pmA new association for women working in the Vatican announced Wednesday provides a personal and professional network for women to offer support to each other and to the community.