Catholic democracy advocate Jimmy Lai ‘fighting for his beliefs’ during long trial
Sebastian Lai, son of Hong Kong Catholic democracy advocate Jimmy Lai, said this week his father is “still fighting for his beliefs” while he remains imprisoned in “inhumane” conditions and his national security trial drags on.
Lai, the founder of the pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily and a human rights activist, has been on trial since December of 2023 for allegations of colluding with foreign forces under a national security law put in effect by the communist-controled Chinese government.
Did God Abandon You?
“My God, my God why have you abandoned me?” Psalm 22:1 Are you praying everyday but still suffering? Are you doing all the right things but your heart is still broken?
Fr. Mike shares with us today that God doesn’t promise all our desires, but promises that He will be with us through our sufferings.
What can you give up this Lent — for them?
You need to know yourself in order to find the best ways to live Lent. Take some time to consider who you are and what your relationships need.
It’s important to know yourself well when you decide how you will fast, pray, and give alms this Lent.
Archbishop Smith stresses co-responsibility in Vancouver visit
John Paul II Pastoral Centre staff lined the balcony and crowded the ground floor to welcome Archbishop Richard Smith for his first official visit to Vancouver, his soon-to-be home and archdiocese.
After flying in from Edmonton and navigating Vancouver morning traffic, Archbishop Smith told pastoral workers he was deeply touched by their welcome.
Pope Francis had ‘quiet’ night in hospital: Vatican
Pope Francis had an uneventful night in Rome’s Gemelli Hospital and continues to rest, the Holy See Press Office said Thursday morning.
“The night passed quietly; the Pope is still resting,” the press office said.
On Wednesday evening, the press office released a statement providing the daily medical update on Pope Francis’ health.
He who raised Jesus will raise us also
2nd Sunday of Lent, Year C
First Reading: Gn 15:5-12, 17-18
Second Reading: Phil 3:17–4:1
Gospel Reading: Lk 9:28b-36
In this Sunday’s readings, Jesus is transfigured, and St. Paul tells us that Christ will “transform the body of our humiliation that it may be conformed to the body of his glory.”
A Better Way to Choose Something for Lent
Do your Lenten practices feel arbitrary? Do your penances seem ineffective? If you’re feeling this way, you might be wondering, “what do you want from me this Lent, God?”
You might hear the answer as you receive cruciform ashes on your forehead this Ash Wednesday: “Repent, and believe in the Gospel.”
4 Lessons that the Stations of the Cross can teach us
Lent is often a time when we are invited to pray the Stations of the Cross, a devotion that has multiple lessons we can learn about the spiritual life.
One of the most popular devotions during Lent is the Stations of the Cross.
3 Things to Notice at Mass on Ash Wednesday
There’s something special about Mass on Ash Wednesday — Catholics everywhere scramble to find a church and a Mass time so they can fit it into their day.
If you’re Catholic and walking around with a clean forehead on Ash Wednesday, you kinda feel like you went to work without your pants.
Pope expresses gratitude for closeness, urges prayers for peace
On Sunday evening, the Holy See Press Office released an update on Pope Francis’ health:
“Today, too, the Holy Father’s clinical condition has remained stable. The Pope has not required non-invasive mechanical ventilation, but only supplemental high-flow oxygenation. He does not have a fever.