13 — Praying with Pope Francis for Peace in Syria

Last updated on: March 12, 2015 at 4:49 pm By Lisa M. Hendey

With all that is happening in our world this week and with so many parishes and organizations preparing to hold prayer vigils for peace in Syria this weekend, John Clem has assembled our Sweet Tweets early. They contain many helpful resources to aid you in preparing for this significant weekend of prayer and fasting. Thanks to John Clem, the Director and Media Minister at Catholic Web Services (http://catholicws.com/), we’ve got a full recap of all of this week’s most important action both... Read more

Colbert and Dolan: Prayer, Punditry and Popes

Last updated on: March 12, 2015 at 4:49 pm By Lisa M. Hendey

If you didn’t catch it live, you’ve surely heard about Cardinal Timothy Dolan’s recent appearance on The Colbert Report. While I seriously doubt that Cardinal Dolan needs the famous “Colbert bump”, he did have a great chance to share about his new e-book, Praying in Rome: Reflections on the Conclave and Electing Pope Francis. Priced at only $1.99, the book was successful before the bump but now will have the benefit of bringing Cardinal Dolan’s conclave experience to some who... Read more

Mary of Nazareth: Compelling Film Brings Mary’s “Yes” to Life

Last updated on: March 12, 2015 at 4:49 pm By Lisa M. Hendey

I recently had the great privilege of pre-screening an amazing new movie, Mary of Nazareth, an epic new motion picture on the life of Mary, mother of Christ, from her childhood through the Resurrection of Jesus. The film will become available for sponsored screenings in theaters through Ignatius Press and Carmel Communications beginning October 1, 2013. I wanted to share this good news with our readers now, so that you can begin planning with your parish or organization to bring a... Read more

EWTN News Nightly with Colleen Carroll Campbell Debuts

Last updated on: March 12, 2015 at 4:49 pm By Lisa M. Hendey

I’ve been waiting for the big debut of Colleen Carroll Campbell’s new show EWTN News Nightly since it was announced. Here’s the video of Colleen’s first episode for those who missed it live: Colleen Carroll Campbell is poised, thorough and ultimately “watchable”. This will be a daily blessing for those of us who want news and political information offered from a Catholic perspective. Today’s episode which features a comprehensive look at the situation in Syria shows the promise that this... Read more

Please Help with My Book Project

Last updated on: March 12, 2015 at 4:49 pm By Lisa M. Hendey

As I mentioned earlier today, I am busily at work on my next book. For this project to be a success, I greatly need your assistance in sharing your insights and stories. I have created a brief survey tool and would love to have your input for the book. You have the ability to respond by first name only or pseudonym if you prefer anonymity. You can fill out the survey form here, or online here. Thanks so very much... Read more

His Word, Pope Francis and the Grace of His Light

Last updated on: March 12, 2015 at 4:49 pm By Lisa M. Hendey

Can I tell you how happy I am that we’re back to the routine of Pope Francis sharing his daily homily from morning Mass in Rome? For me, my days simply go a bit better with his daily teachings on the gospel so readily available. Today’s homily on Luke’s fourth chapter was just the shot in the arm I needed: In his morning mass on Tuesday, Pope Francis said God is the light who saves us from the darkness. And... Read more

Holy Father’s Intentions for September

Last updated on: March 12, 2015 at 4:49 pm By Lisa M. Hendey

Please join me in praying for these timely prayer intentions given to us by Pope Francis. Please take a few moments to enjoy the accompanying videos from the Apostleship of Prayer. Both provide a beautiful explanation of these important intentions. Value of Silence. That people today, often overwhelmed by noise, may rediscover the value of silence and listen to the voice of God and their brothers and sisters. Persecuted Christians. That Christians suffering persecution in many parts of the world may by... Read more

Why One Syrian Pastor Stays

Last updated on: March 12, 2015 at 4:49 pm By Lisa M. Hendey

Religion Today has an amazing post online, quoting a pastor from Syria who expresses why he stays amidst the threat of violence: I weep for my country! I am so sad and speechless… They advise me to leave my country … to emigrate. I respond saying: I’m staying … for the church of Jesus … that the message of Jesus may remain a light guiding those who are lost and afraid. I’m staying … because the harvest is plentiful …... Read more

Sweet Tweets for 8/30/13 — God is Pure Mercy

Last updated on: March 12, 2015 at 4:49 pm By Lisa M. Hendey

In a week that has been filled with challenging news and leading up to a long weekend, I hope you’ll enjoy taking some extra moments today for a roundup of all that’s gone on in the past seven days. I find myself continually grateful for our Holy Father, Pope Francis, who never ceases to amaze me with the grace that he can pack into 140 characters or less. Thanks to John Clem, the Director and Media Minister at Catholic Web Services (http://catholicws.com/),... Read more

Chaldean Patriarch Calls Potential US Syrian Military Intervention a “Disaster”

Last updated on: March 12, 2015 at 4:49 pm By Lisa M. Hendey

From News.va: Baghdad – The US-led military intervention against Syria would be “a disaster. It would be like a volcano erupting with an explosion meant to destroy Iraq, Lebanon, Palestine. And maybe someone wants this”. This is what the Patriarch of Babylon of the Chaldeans Louis Raphael I Sako expressed to Fides Agency with regards to his concern over the prospect of an outside attack, which seems to be imminent, against the regime of Assad. At the head of the... Read more