At a meeting at Fatima’s “Casa Nossa Senhora do Carmo” today, Pope Benedict encouraged his brother bishops to be “first evangelizers.” This role calls on Bishops to: … understand the diverse social and cultural factors, to evaluate their spiritual deficiencies and to utilize effectively your pastoral resources; what is decisive, however, is the ability to ...read more

Pope Benedict XVI has told 9000 representatives of pastoral and social organizations in Portugal that defending life and marriage is essential to building the civilization of love. The groups gathered at the Church of the Most Holy Trinity in Fatima today. The Holy Father expressed his “deep appreciation” for the initiatives that combat the: … ...read more

Today, thousands will gather on Parliament Hill in Ottawa for Canada’s annual National March for Life. It’s a time of prayer, reflection, and witness to the dignity and sanctity of life.  Prior to gathering on the Hill, Mass is celebrated by Archbishop Terrence Prendergast SJ at the Cathedral Basilica of Notre Dame.  The following is ...read more

An estimated 500,000 pilgrims were present this morning for Mass at the Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima in Portugal. It was a sunny and warm morning there, despite the forecast of possible rain.  163 different pilgrim groups from 33 different countries were confirmed as participants for today’s Mass. Thousands of others arrived on foot, ...read more

As many as 40-thousand pilgrims gathered at the Esplanade of the Shrine of Fatima to pray the rosary with Pope Benedict XVI.  A sea of candles pierced the dark Fatima sky as the Holy Father led in the recitation of the glorious mysteries.  He was providing an excellent witness of prayer; an act that he ...read more

Pope Benedict arrived in Fatima by helicopter this afternoon where he was received by the Bishop of Leiria-Fatima and other local Catholic authorities and dignitaries. He then proceeded to the Shrine of Fatima in his Popemobile. An estimated 40,000 pilgrims greeted the Pope upon his arrival. His first stop was to the Chapel of Apparitions, ...read more

We often hear it said in the spiritual life that to become childlike is to draw near to the kingdom of God. Last night, I had the privilege of attending a Children of Hope evening of Eucharistic Adoration and I feel like I understand why one must be like a child to sit at the ...read more

The Pope met with Portuguese  academics, artists and others involved in cultural work this morning at the Cultural Centre of Belem in Lisbon.  The Centre is the largest building with cultural facilities in Portugal. The Pope was given a brief musical performance and then greeted with a speech from Manoel de Oliveria, a renowned Portuguese ...read more

Pope Benedict celebrated the first Mass of his Apostolic Visit to Portugal this evening in Lisbon’s Terreiro do Paço. The beautiful and sacred celebration of Mass was set against the picturesque backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean. The sun was just beginning its descent as the Mass progressed with over 100 boats lining the nearby coast. ...read more

Pope Benedict XVI began his four day journey to Portugal this morning.  He arrived in Lisbon at 11 am local time to a formal reception at the airport where he was greeted by a choir of  30 singing children from the music academy of St. Cecily. The children performed the official welcoming hymn written in ...read more