Catholic groups stress efforts to combat hunger as Senate prepares to consider farm bill Our Lady of Champion: When Mary appeared in Wisconsin’s northwoods US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Pope Leo XIV discuss Iran war at Vatican meeting Pope Leo XIV expected in France this September for Lourdes, Paris visit New data analysis provides baseline for weighing options on unauthorized immigration, say experts Local News A seagull on the Sistine Chapel inspires a story about being loved as you are George P. Matysek Jr. May 7, 2026 Eric Clayton was sitting in a barbershop when a viral photo of a seagull atop the Sistine Chapel sparked an idea. Weeks later, he had a children’s book — and a message about God’s love he hopes will reach kids, families, and maybe even the pope. Young Catholic missionaries bring hope to Baltimore’s homeless population George P. Matysek Jr. May 6, 2026 Through prayer and presence, Catholic missionaries in Baltimore walk alongside the homeless, forming relationships that bring dignity and hope. Renewal underway at Baltimore Basilica George P. Matysek Jr. May 6, 2026 The campaign includes $3 million for capital projects, $3 million for the Source of All Hope missionary program, $3 million for a capital trust and $1 million for the basilica’s music program, including the establishment of a school of sacred music for children. Meet the permanent deacons to be ordained May 9 at the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen George P. Matysek Jr. May 6, 2026 Archbishop William E. Lori will ordain 14 men to the permanent diaconate during a 10 a.m. Mass May 9 at the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen in Homeland. A permanent deacon differs from a transitional deacon in that he is not later ordained to the priesthood. More Local News World News Catholic groups stress efforts to combat hunger as Senate prepares to consider farm bill Kate Scanlon May 7, 2026 As the U.S. Senate prepares to consider a farm bill recently approved by the U.S. House, Catholic organizations together with the U.S. bishops sought to stress to lawmakers the importance of efforts to combat hunger, such as robust support for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, a major part of the nation’s social safety net. Our Lady of Champion: When Mary appeared in Wisconsin’s northwoods Robert Fastiggi May 7, 2026 The National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion, Wisconsin — formerly known as the Shrine of Our Lady of Good Help — is the only Marian shrine in the United States located on the site of an approved apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Pope Leo XIV discuss Iran war at Vatican meeting Courtney Mares May 7, 2026 U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican on May 7, discussing the war in Iran, humanitarian aid and what the Vatican described as “the need to work tirelessly to promote peace,” amid ongoing tension between President Donald Trump and the pope. Pope Leo XIV expected in France this September for Lourdes, Paris visit Caroline de Sury May 7, 2026 PARIS (OSV News) — Ahead of the first anniversary of his election to the chair of St. Peter, it was announced that Pope Leo XIV is officially expected to visit France in late September, the French bishops’ conference confirmed May 6. During the visit, French bishops suggested Pope Leo will travel to Paris and to the Marian Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes. “I have had several working sessions with… More World News Commentary Bench to brilliance Mark Viviano May 7, 2026 When Mark Scallion arrived at Mount St. Mary’s, the former high school star found himself sitting on the bench. Instead of giving up, he embraced a new role — and made college basketball history in the process. In the garden Effie Caldarola May 5, 2026 It’s spring. Let’s take our prayer to the gardens where we hear the voice of someone who promises never to leave us alone, and who calls our name in the shadowy dawn. Question Corner: Can a Catholic date a person whose marriage has not been annulled or is this a sin? Jenna Marie Cooper May 5, 2026 Our belief in the absolute permanence of marriage is rooted in what Jesus himself taught us in St. Matthew’s Gospel… Father John Courtney Murray: Advocate for cooperation between church, state Russell Shaw May 2, 2026 By all odds, the distinguished intellectual landmark in the project of integrating Catholicism and Americanism is “We Hold These Truths: Catholic Reflections on the American Proposition,” a collection of essays published in 1960 by the theologian Jesuit Father John Courtney Murray. In thanksgiving for the gift of baptism George Weigel April 30, 2026 Participation in the “communion of saints” is one of the great gifts conferred in baptism. As I give thanks for the gift of my baptism seventy-five years ago, it is incorporation into this “great cloud of witnesses” (Hebrews 12:1) for which I am particularly grateful. More Commentary Featured Video On April 21, 2025, Pope Francis died, marking the end of a historic and deeply influential pontificate. His death led to a conclave that elected his successor, Robert Prevost, now known as Pope Leo XIV.
A seagull on the Sistine Chapel inspires a story about being loved as you are George P. Matysek Jr. May 7, 2026 Eric Clayton was sitting in a barbershop when a viral photo of a seagull atop the Sistine Chapel sparked an idea. Weeks later, he had a children’s book — and a message about God’s love he hopes will reach kids, families, and maybe even the pope.
Young Catholic missionaries bring hope to Baltimore’s homeless population George P. Matysek Jr. May 6, 2026 Through prayer and presence, Catholic missionaries in Baltimore walk alongside the homeless, forming relationships that bring dignity and hope.
Renewal underway at Baltimore Basilica George P. Matysek Jr. May 6, 2026 The campaign includes $3 million for capital projects, $3 million for the Source of All Hope missionary program, $3 million for a capital trust and $1 million for the basilica’s music program, including the establishment of a school of sacred music for children.
Meet the permanent deacons to be ordained May 9 at the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen George P. Matysek Jr. May 6, 2026 Archbishop William E. Lori will ordain 14 men to the permanent diaconate during a 10 a.m. Mass May 9 at the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen in Homeland. A permanent deacon differs from a transitional deacon in that he is not later ordained to the priesthood.
Catholic groups stress efforts to combat hunger as Senate prepares to consider farm bill Kate Scanlon May 7, 2026 As the U.S. Senate prepares to consider a farm bill recently approved by the U.S. House, Catholic organizations together with the U.S. bishops sought to stress to lawmakers the importance of efforts to combat hunger, such as robust support for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, a major part of the nation’s social safety net.
Our Lady of Champion: When Mary appeared in Wisconsin’s northwoods Robert Fastiggi May 7, 2026 The National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion, Wisconsin — formerly known as the Shrine of Our Lady of Good Help — is the only Marian shrine in the United States located on the site of an approved apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Pope Leo XIV discuss Iran war at Vatican meeting Courtney Mares May 7, 2026 U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican on May 7, discussing the war in Iran, humanitarian aid and what the Vatican described as “the need to work tirelessly to promote peace,” amid ongoing tension between President Donald Trump and the pope.
Pope Leo XIV expected in France this September for Lourdes, Paris visit Caroline de Sury May 7, 2026 PARIS (OSV News) — Ahead of the first anniversary of his election to the chair of St. Peter, it was announced that Pope Leo XIV is officially expected to visit France in late September, the French bishops’ conference confirmed May 6. During the visit, French bishops suggested Pope Leo will travel to Paris and to the Marian Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes. “I have had several working sessions with…
Bench to brilliance Mark Viviano May 7, 2026 When Mark Scallion arrived at Mount St. Mary’s, the former high school star found himself sitting on the bench. Instead of giving up, he embraced a new role — and made college basketball history in the process.
In the garden Effie Caldarola May 5, 2026 It’s spring. Let’s take our prayer to the gardens where we hear the voice of someone who promises never to leave us alone, and who calls our name in the shadowy dawn.
Question Corner: Can a Catholic date a person whose marriage has not been annulled or is this a sin? Jenna Marie Cooper May 5, 2026 Our belief in the absolute permanence of marriage is rooted in what Jesus himself taught us in St. Matthew’s Gospel…
Father John Courtney Murray: Advocate for cooperation between church, state Russell Shaw May 2, 2026 By all odds, the distinguished intellectual landmark in the project of integrating Catholicism and Americanism is “We Hold These Truths: Catholic Reflections on the American Proposition,” a collection of essays published in 1960 by the theologian Jesuit Father John Courtney Murray.
In thanksgiving for the gift of baptism George Weigel April 30, 2026 Participation in the “communion of saints” is one of the great gifts conferred in baptism. As I give thanks for the gift of my baptism seventy-five years ago, it is incorporation into this “great cloud of witnesses” (Hebrews 12:1) for which I am particularly grateful.
