News

Priest launched international lay movement, died in 19th century pandemic

Pope Francis renews his invitation for people of all faiths to unite in prayer, fasting, and works of charity on Thursday for an end to the Covid-19 pandemic.

In Italy, Masses, weddings, funerals and baptisms are set to resume in Italy on 18 May, with the provision that those attending abide by a strict set of social distancing and sanitation measures.

In his entire life, the Founder of Opus Dei, Saint Josemaría Escrivá spent barely two hours on U.S. soil.

In response to the Covid-19 crisis, the Higher Committee of Human Fraternity calls for a day of “prayer and supplication” to God for an end to the pandemic.

Archbishop Jose Gomez, president of the U.S. bishops’ conference, is inviting all U.S. bishops to join him on May 1 in reconsecrating the U.S. to the Blessed Virgin Mary in response to the pandemic. The reconsecration is timed to coincide with the bishops of Canada consecrating their own country to Mary at the same time.

A reflection written by Pope Francis appeared on Friday on the website of Vida Nueva. In it he applies Jesus’s resurrection to the current crisis.

Pope Francis celebrates the Easter Vigil in an almost empty St Peter’s Basilica, focusing his homily on Jesus’ message of hope and gift of courage due to “the conviction that God is able to make everything work unto good”.

Pope Francis led the traditional Via Crucis in a near-empty Saint Peter’s Square on the evening of Good Friday.

Pope Francis celebrates the in coena Domini Mass on Holy Thursday evening. He gives thanks for the priestly ministry and recalls the many priests who have died while serving the sick.