This feast we celebrate today, Christ the King, has an interesting history: it’s relatively new—it was only added to the Church calendar in 1925—and in the 1960s, Pope Paul VI actually changed its name. He formalized its title: it is now officially the “Solemnity of Christ the King of the Universe.” The meaning is clear: all of creation, in this world and beyond, is subject to Christ. No one, and nothing, is greater. But looking at the news this past... Read more

While the Vatican hasn’t announced it yet, this news comes via a Facebook post from the country’s president: Pope Francis has accepted an invitation to visit Ukraine made during a meeting Friday at the Vatican with Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko, according to a statement from the country’s leader. While such invitations are routinely made by heads of state meeting with the pontiff, and the Vatican has yet to confirm the pope’s acceptance, a visit to Ukraine would carry high significance... Read more

How could you not love a deacon in a bow tie? From The Catholic Herald in Arlington, Virginia comes this profile of Deacon David Conroy: Deacon Conroy, 73, has a doctorate in education from American University in Washington, and has been teaching math at NVCC for 48 years. He was ordained a deacon 38 years ago by Arlington Bishop Thomas J. Welsh. Deacon Conroy lives in Fredericksburg and works in Annandale. During the school week, he stays in Annandale, coming... Read more

From The New York Times: Muslims around the world who have condemned the deadly attacks in Paris carried out by militants of the Islamic State are speaking out to defend their religion. The attacks that killed 129 people were not the work of Muslims, many say, adding that they see it as their responsibility to protect Islam from being hijacked by extremists. Saba Ahmed, the president and founder of the Republican Muslim Coalition, who has been one of the more visible advocates for Muslims in... Read more

This is impressive:  The Catholic Church in Switzerland is setting up a counseling service for prostitutes, which it claims is the first of its kind. The Church in the city of Basel has set up a service called Spiritual Welfare for the Taboo, to provide counselling for women in the sex trade. Journalist and theologian Anne Burgmer will listen to the women, pray with them and ask for God’s blessing. Her office will be in the heart of the red... Read more

I hadn’t seen this until this morning: a stirring rendition of the French national anthem played during the offertory and preparation of the gifts last Sunday.     Read more

I think this may be the first message Pope Francis has delivered exclusively to the diaconate community during his pontificate. Some background: The International Diaconate Center (IDC) held a meeting in Rome and Assisi in October to mark its 50th anniversary:  In all, 574 people, deacons, wives, priests and bishops from 35 countries around the world gathered for this celebration. Most of them stayed at Fraterna Domus on the outskirts of Rome. There were various celebrations, reflections, prayers, testimonies and pilgrimages... Read more

And it came as a surprise:  An altar that is a piece of Philadelphia history… is now in a small suburban church many thought was going to close down. It was a mass seen around the world and the altar Pope Francis stood behind for the historic day. Now, it has wound up in what some may say is an unlikely place. “Someone I know said ask and you shall receive,” Father Jason Kulczynski told Eyewitness News. This weekend won’t... Read more

Check this out, from The New York Daily News:  Pope Francis is addressing world problems by answering letters from children in a new book coming out next spring. “Dear Pope Francis: The Pope Answers Letters from Children Around the World” will feature his Holiness responding to 30 handwritten notes from little ones ages six to 13, according to Jesuit publisher Loyola Press. Some 259 kids from 26 countries, including the U.S., Syria, China, Albania and Kenya, sent in letters and... Read more