Articles by Courtney Mares
Catholics in East Timor welcome Pope Francis to their island ‘oasis’ of religious vocations
Sep 10, 2024 / 02:55 amIn East Timor, a country where 98% of the population is Catholic, Pope Francis was met with great enthusiasm on Tuesday by local clergy and religious.
Pope Francis arrives in East Timor, Asia’s youngest and most Catholic country
Sep 9, 2024 / 11:06 amFrancis is the first pope to visit East Timor since it gained independence from Indonesia in 2002, becoming the first new sovereign state of the 21st century.
Remembering the missionary martyrs of Papua New Guinea
Sep 8, 2024 / 00:01 amHere is a closer look at three remarkable individuals who shaped the Catholic mission in Papua New Guinea.
Pope Francis’ Mass in Papua New Guinea: ‘Open yourselves to the joy of the Gospel’
Sep 7, 2024 / 21:43 pmPope Francis celebrated Mass in Papua New Guinea on Sunday, urging openness to God and others while praying for peace in Asia-Pacific region.
Pope Francis asks Papua New Guinea Catholics to spread the Gospel to ‘peripheries’
Sep 7, 2024 / 07:00 amPope Francis called on Catholics in Papua New Guinea to continue to bring the Gospel to the most marginalized and remote communities within the country.
Pope Francis urges stewardship of Papua New Guinea’s resources, peace among tribes
Sep 6, 2024 / 23:38 pmIn his address to officials in Port Moresby, Pope Francis called for responsible use of natural resources, an end to tribal conflict, and celebrated cultural diversity.
Pope Francis and grand imam sign joint declaration at Indonesia mosque
Sep 5, 2024 / 00:13 amPope Francis signs interfaith declaration at Indonesia’s largest mosque, promoting religious harmony and condemning violence.
Pope Francis invites Indonesia’s Catholics to share ‘joy of encountering Christ’
Sep 4, 2024 / 09:37 am“Proclaiming the Gospel … [means] giving and sharing the joy of encountering Christ always with great respect and fraternal affection for everyone,” he said.
Pope Francis begins Indonesia visit with call for Catholic-Muslim dialogue
Sep 4, 2024 / 02:00 amOn Francis’ first full day in Indonesia on Wednesday, the pope called upon the political leaders to protect the country’s delicate balance of many cultures.
Pope Francis arrives in Indonesia, the first leg of his longest trip ever
Sep 3, 2024 / 08:30 amPope Francis arrived in Jakarta on Tuesday, launching his challenging 11-day, four-country tour of Southeast Asia and Oceania amid warm welcomes.
What it’s like to be a Catholic in the world’s largest Muslim country
Sep 3, 2024 / 06:08 amPope Francis’ visit to Indonesia spotlights the unique experience of the country’s 8.3 million Catholics who navigate daily life in a diverse religious landscape.
Pope Francis urges release of hostages, aid for polio outbreak in Gaza
Sep 1, 2024 / 13:15 pmThe pope appealed for peace in Gaza and for aid to continue and also expressed his closeness to the people of Burkina Faso after a terrorist attack there Aug. 24.
Cardinal Suharyo decries how corruption in Indonesia is hurting the poor
Aug 28, 2024 / 14:37 pmThe cardinal emphasized that despite the country’s abundant natural resources, widespread corruption continues to undermine its potential.
Pope Francis makes surprise visit to St. Monica’s tomb in Rome
Aug 27, 2024 / 12:15 pmDuring his Tuesday visit to the basilica near Piazza Navona in Rome’s historic center, the pope prayed in the side chapel containing the tomb of St. Monica.
First Indonesian priest ordained in the U.S. excited for Pope Francis’ visit
Aug 26, 2024 / 13:34 pmFather Miguel Marie, a Franciscan Missionary of the Eternal Word, was born in West Java, Indonesia, and emigrated to northern California with his family at age 12.
Pope Francis prays for people of Nicaragua: ‘Renew your hope in Jesus’
Aug 25, 2024 / 10:08 amThe pope entrusted Nicaragua to the protection and intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Pope Francis pens preface to US death row chaplain’s book on death penalty
Aug 19, 2024 / 14:15 pmThe pope personally penned the introduction to “A Christian on Death Row: My Commitment to Those Condemned” by Dale Recinella.
Pope Francis reflects with wonder on ‘the miracle of the Eucharist’
Aug 18, 2024 / 10:20 am“All of us need the Eucharist,” Pope Francis said in his Angelus address on Aug. 18.
St. Maximilian Kolbe’s weapon for evangelization: the Miraculous Medal
Aug 14, 2024 / 04:00 amAs World War II raged around him in Poland, St. Maximilian Kolbe fought for souls using a printing press and another weapon — the Miraculous Medal.
Lourdes baths have fully reopened as 30,000 expected for Assumption pilgrimage
Aug 13, 2024 / 09:08 amMore than 30,000 pilgrims are expected in Lourdes for the Aug. 15 feast day.