Articles by Courtney Mares
This Catholic family in Bethlehem has carved Nativity scenes for popes and presidents
Dec 28, 2022 / 06:00 amThe Zakharia Brothers woodworking factory makes handcarved Nativity scenes out of olive wood.
First known Nativity scene figurines are on display in Rome
Dec 27, 2022 / 10:00 amThe first known Nativity scene figurines are housed in the Basilica of St. Mary Major.
On Christmas Day, Pope Francis prays for Prince of Peace to end ‘third world war’
Dec 25, 2022 / 05:00 amSpeaking from the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica on Dec. 25, the pope offered the traditional “Urbi et Orbi” (to the city and the world) blessing, praying that the Lord will “enlighten the minds of those who have the power to silence the thunder of weapons.”
Pope Francis to Roman Curia: Be vigilant against ‘the evil that quietly lurks among us’
Dec 22, 2022 / 04:53 amPope Francis warned the Roman Curia on Thursday that they need to be vigilant in the face of temptation by “elegant demons” and “the evil that quietly lurks among us.”
Pope Francis: Let us think of the Ukrainian children without heat this Christmas
Dec 21, 2022 / 04:28 amPope Francis has urged Catholics not to forget the many children in Ukraine this Christmas who are suffering without electricity and heating amid the war.
A married couple with seven children to be beatified by the Catholic Church for martyrdom by Nazis
Dec 17, 2022 / 07:10 amJózef and Wiktoria Ulma can now be beatified with the couple’s seven children (including one unborn).
Pope Francis honors people who care for ‘poorest of the poor’ on his 86th birthday
Dec 17, 2022 / 04:40 amThe pope presented three people with the Mother Teresa Award on his birthday.
St. Januarius’ blood liquefies in Naples for third time in 2022
Dec 16, 2022 / 10:32 amOn Dec. 16 that the “miracle of the liquefaction” occurred at 10:56 a.m. in the Chapel Treasury of St. Januarius in the Naples Cathedral.
In World Peace Day message, Pope Francis asks, ‘What did we learn from the pandemic?’
Dec 16, 2022 / 07:00 amIn a message sent to heads of state across the world, Francis asked leaders to reflect on what lessons can be learned three years after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Pope Francis gives Greek Orthodox archbishop fragments of Parthenon sculptures from Vatican Museums
Dec 16, 2022 / 05:15 amThe Vatican announced Dec. 16 that the pope wants to gift the artifacts “as a concrete sign of a sincere desire to continue on the ecumenical journey of witness to the truth.”
Pope Francis: Look at each other, not cell phone screens
Dec 15, 2022 / 08:30 am“Our eyes are meant to look into the eyes of others. They were not made to look down at a virtual world that we hold in our hands but to look up to heaven,” the pope said.
Cardinal Zen appeals conviction in Hong Kong court
Dec 14, 2022 / 07:47 amCardinal Joseph Zen has filed an appeal with Hong Kong’s High Court following his conviction last month for failing to register a pro-democracy fund.
Synod on Synodality official: Women priests ‘not an open question’ for the Church
Dec 13, 2022 / 09:20 amIn an article published Dec. 13, Sister Nathalie Becquart said that there are many ways for women to serve the Church, but ordination is not an option.
Pope Francis compares the life of a priest to the mysteries of the rosary
Dec 10, 2022 / 07:00 amPope Francis told seminarians on Saturday that praying the rosary can “unveil the mysteries of the priesthood” in its moments of joy, sorrow, and the glory to come.
How could the Holy House of Mary in Nazareth have ended up in Loreto, Italy?
Dec 10, 2022 / 05:30 amCatholic pilgrims have flocked to the Holy House of Loreto since the 14th century to stand inside the walls where tradition holds the Virgin Mary was born.
Pope Francis meets Nobel Peace Prize winner Denis Mukwege ahead of Congo trip
Dec 9, 2022 / 04:18 amPope Francis met Friday with Nobel Peace Prize winner Denis Mukwege, a Congolese physician known for his work treating victims of sexual violence.
PHOTOS: ‘Life is Beautiful’ actor Roberto Benigni meets the pope
Dec 7, 2022 / 08:17 amPope Francis enthusiastically greeted Italian actor and comedian Roberto Benigni at the Vatican on Wednesday morning.
Pope’s cardinal advisers discuss Church’s efforts to prevent abuse
Dec 7, 2022 / 07:25 amThe Holy See press office said Dec. 7 that the pope met with his council of advisers for a two-day meeting at the current papal residence, the Casa Santa Marta.
Pope Francis: Freedom is found in offering to God what is hardest to give up
Dec 7, 2022 / 04:03 amPope Francis spoke Wednesday about how freeing it can be to let go of the things that we are most attached to in life and place them in God’s “benevolent hands.”
PHOTOS: Vatican Christmas tree lighting ceremony 2022
Dec 3, 2022 / 13:10 pmA large hand-carved wooden nativity scene was unveiled in St. Peter Square on Saturday night at the Vatican’s Christmas tree lighting ceremony.