Eleven years ago, when I was Artistic Director for World Youth Day 2002, one of my responsibilities was the Papal Welcome Ceremony. Fr. Tom Rosica, CSB (who was Director of WYD) had suggested that we include a specific liturgical dance group comprised of people with different abilities, and so began my journey with the L’Arche ...read more

Michelangelo, arguably one of the greatest living artists of his time, is the quintessential Italian Renaissance artist. He was a sculptor, painter, architect, poet, and engineer who exerted an unparalleled influence on the development of Western art. But what about those lesser-known artists such as Bernardo Daddi or say, Pacino di Bonaguida? What were the ...read more

Over the past year as I have prepared for the 100th Anniversary of the Archdiocese of Edmonton I have encountered a number of documents of extreme historic importance, including the Papal Bull of 1912. The Bull is the official document created by the Vatican which announced the creation of the Archdiocese of Edmonton, the Diocese ...read more

This afternoon, Pope Francis celebrated mass at the Basilica of St. Paul Outside-the-Walls in Rome. Published below is the unofficial translation of his homily. For repeat broadcast times of the full liturgy, visit S+L’s Easter page. Dear Brothers and Sisters! It is a joy for me to celebrate Mass with you in this Basilica. I ...read more

When Cardinal Jean-Claude Turcotte reached the retirement age of 75, few observers could have predicted his successor as Archbishop of Montreal. The Pope’s choice to lead Canada’s second largest diocese was Bishop Christian Lépine, announced just six months after his ordination as bishop. The community quickly embraced its new shepherd, who was born in Montreal ...read more

World Youth Day Rio 2013 has released the official program for the event which happens this summer in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The official program begins July 23rd with a mass celebrated by the Archbishop of Rio,  Joao Orani Tempesta. This mass will be the first of three events on the famous Copacabana Beach. In ...read more

One month in office and Pope Francis has begun to make episcopal and curial appointments. One of those appointments is the new secretary of the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic  Life. Pope Francis named Father Jose Rodriguez Carballo, current Minister General of the Order of Friars Minor. Catholic News Service ...read more

> Many people have asked what the world would look like without the Catholic Church. Well, one obvious difference would be the absence of all the Catholic charity agencies and the wonderful and important work that they do. In many cases, there would be no charity agencies at all, had the Catholic Church not first ...read more

A monument to the late Blessed John Paul II is raised into position in Czestochowa, Poland, April 3. (CNS photo/Agencja Gazeta, Reuters) ...read more

Photo: Fr. Thomas Rosica, CSB is interviewed by BBC Radio about the upcoming conclave in front of the media stand in St. Peter’s Square.  Fr. Rosica and S+L Producer Sebastian Gomes worked for Fr. Federico Lombardi, SJ in dealing with the English media during the recent papal transition. ...read more