John XXIII and John Paul II inscribed in the Book of Saints

  Half a million people attended the ceremony held in St. Peter's Square for the canonisation of the “two Pope saints”: John XXIII and John Paul II on Sunday. Since it was opened to the public at 5 am, the square and its environs were filled with faithful from all over the world; Polish pilgrims, however, constituted one of the largest groups.

When I managed to say “the Precious Blood”, the evil presence was gone. By Sheena George

 It was a cold winter night in December, with only one or two days left to usher in the new year. As I was sleepy, I hit the bed after the evening family prayers and an unusually long personal prayer.

Easter 'Urbi et Orbi' Message of Pope Francis

Empty churches: Ain’t we still crucifying Jesus Christ?

Holy Week thoughts from Mumbai

  Our parish priest in Nerul, Navi Mumbai, narrated this story during the Good Friday homily last week. It was about a husband and wife in a family who used to fight all the time, day after day. Life was horrible for them because there was no peace at home and their days were filled with rancour and acrimony. One day, the husband died, that too in the same state of bitterness and animosity.    

Our Jesus, your Jesus…. the hostility on Calvary Hills: A Holy Land travel story

 POSTCARD FROM JERUSALEM

  "Move fast. Don't stop," shouted the burly Greek Orthodox priest who was controlling the crowd lined up outside the main altar at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in the walled old city of Jerusalem. It's the holiest of the holy places on earth for Christians -- yes, it's Golgotha, on the hills of Calvary where Jesus Christ was crucified. This is also place where Jesus was buried (the Sepulchre, or tomb).

Confront Satan, cast him out… or he’ll destroy you

  As the countdown for the passion of the Lord Jesus that started six weeks ago has now entered the last round, the Holy Week, it’s time for Christians to intensify their battle against Satan, the obnoxious and detestable charlatan. For, this imposter is still roaming around, trying to hoodwink you and me and prevent us from entering the Kingdom of our Lord.

Passion play at Oberammergau

  What’s the major attraction of Oberammergau, a municipality in the district of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, in Bavaria, Germany? It’s famous for its woodcarvers and the NATO School. The town is also famous for its production of a Passion play, the story of Jesus Christ for the audiences that flock in from around the world.

'Holy Spirit is the soul, lifeblood of the Church and of every Christian'

 Pope Francis embarked on a new cycle of catechesis on Wednesday, dedicated to the gifts of the Holy Spirit, drawing specific attention to wisdom and how it draws us closer to God.

Lenten reflections from Mumbai

 For Christians, Lent is a period of profound grace through reflection, repentance and reconciliation. This year also our parish in Navi Mumbai arranged a very special opportunity – a three-day retreat -- to help us grow in our relationship with God and deepen our commitment to a way of life, rooted in our baptism. However, only around 500 people, out of nearly 2,000 parish members, turned up. Their (1,500 people) loss is our (500) gain.

Pray like Moses did, face-to-face with the Lord, like a friend, freely, with insistence and good arguments

By Thomas Mathew Vattakunnel

 When you pray, don't hold back. When you're communicating with God, tell him exactly what's wrong and insist on holding him to his promises.

Vatican seeks ways to implement 'Joy of Gospel'

 The document is meant as a stimulus for Catholics, parishes, organisations and the church hierarchy
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Vatican is exploring ways to implement the proposals in Evangelii Gaudium (The Joy of the Gospel), the apostolic exhortation of Pope Francis that created waves across the world for its bold and fervent approach. 

Meet the Catholic bishop who stood up to China

Meet the Catholic bishop who stood up to China | ABS-CBN News