On Saturday, May 18, 2013 Pope Francis celebrated the Pentecost Vigil in St. Peter’s Square with 200,000 representatives from the different ecclesial movements.  During the celebration, the Pope discussed 1) his faith journey, 2) the new challenges of evangelization, 3) becoming a church for the poor, and 4) Christian witness.  Together they comprise what is arguably ...read more

Sam Sorich is one of the Salt and Light family members who works behind the cameras and in the editing suites. Sam is a film buff with theological formation and he likes to combine the two whenever he can.  Sam recently saw the film “To the Wonder” and offers this reflection. “To the Wonder” will ...read more

This week on Vatican Connections the Holy See says Pope Francis did not perform an exorcism after Pentecost Mass on May 19. The first of the new curial appointments are made, and our Roman Profile looks at the way past popes have left their mark on the Roman cityscape. ...read more

– Drawing of Pope Francis courtesy Graphic News The following article appeared on the RNS (Religion News Service) on May 24, 2013. It might look that way from the eye-catching headlines this week that made it appear everyone was bound for heaven — “even atheists!” — thanks to Jesus’ death on the cross. The passage ...read more

No one should go out of their way to look for martyrdom, but Christ did say that following him does mean embracing the Cross. However, little did a group of 18th century French Carmelite nuns realize that their commitment to follow Christ would also be considered a crime. Deacon Pedro visits the Canadian Opera Company ...read more

This photo was taken during Wednesday’s General Audience at St. Peter’s Square. The unidentified toddler has captured worldwide media attention. Some captions from various publications include: “He seems decided about his future” “Popemobile driver in-training” “A future Roman Pontiff?” — Photo Courtesy of CNS ...read more

Prayer of his Holiness Benedict XVI To our Lady of Sheshan on the Occasion of the World Day of Prayer for the Church in China (24 May 2008) ...read more

In the previous installment of this series on obscure Marian devotions, we met Father Jakob Rem, a German Jesuit who had a hand in the devotion to Mary Untier of Knots. It turns out Fr. Rem had a deep devotion to Mary and wanted to promote devotion to Mary as a way of renewing the ...read more

On Saturday, May 18, Pope Francis celebrated the vigil of the feast of Pentecost at St. Peter’s Square with members of New Movements. Aside from leading a prayer service, the Holy Father also took part in a question and answer session with members of these movements. Below is a report from Vatican Radio about that ...read more

Dear Brothers and Sisters, Today we contemplate and re-live in the liturgy the outpouring of the Holy Spirit sent by the risen Christ upon his Church; an event of grace which filled the Upper Room in Jerusalem and then spread throughout the world. But what happened on that day, so distant from us and yet ...read more