All articles tagged with #catholicism
Katherine, the Duchess of Kent, passed away at 92, known for her long association with Wimbledon, her support for music and charity, and her historic conversion to Catholicism, the first by a British royal since 1685.
Pope Leo XIII has confirmed that St John Henry Newman, a prominent 19th-century theologian and convert to Catholicism, will be declared a Doctor of the Church, recognizing his profound spiritual and intellectual contributions, especially his emphasis on heart-to-heart prayer and the development of Christian doctrine.
Netflix's new film "Mary," directed by Catholic filmmaker D.J. Caruso, aims to portray the Blessed Virgin Mary with reverence, focusing on her humanity and the challenges she faced. Despite mixed reviews, Caruso emphasizes the importance of staying true to the Scriptures and giving a voice to Joseph, whom he describes as a hero. The film, which involved input from various religious leaders, seeks to make Mary relatable to younger audiences by highlighting her courage and sacrifices.
Martin Scorsese has completed an eight-part docudrama series titled "The Saints" for Fox Nation, focusing on the lives of various Catholic saints such as St. Joan of Arc and St. Maximilian Kolbe. The series, which took seven years to develop, aims to explore the human aspects of sainthood and features historical context and vivid storytelling. It includes panel discussions with figures like Jesuit Father James Martin and addresses themes of faith and virtue. The series is intended for adult audiences due to its graphic content.
Marco Rubio, a prominent Republican senator from Florida, has been nominated by President-elect Donald Trump to serve as Secretary of State, marking a significant milestone in his political career. Known for his strong foreign policy stance and deep religious convictions, Rubio's nomination has been well-received. If confirmed, he will become the first Latino to hold this position, navigating complex global challenges. Rubio's journey includes a notable return to Catholicism and a history of political resilience, including mending ties with Trump after a contentious 2016 primary.
Ann Patchett, a renowned author known for her book 'Bel Canto,' reflects on her complex relationship with Catholicism and American identity. Despite being appalled by certain aspects of both, she still identifies as Catholic and American, embracing the parts she loves. Patchett discusses her evolving faith, the influence of her childhood on a farm, and her journey towards complete acceptance in relationships. She recently published an annotated version of 'Bel Canto,' highlighting her growth as a writer.
The Vatican's new anime-style mascot, Luce, introduced for the 2025 Jubilee year, has quickly become a viral sensation, inspiring memes, fan art, and even a cryptocurrency. Designed by Simone Legno, Luce symbolizes a spiritual journey and has been embraced by various Christian denominations and secular communities. While some Catholics appreciate the modern cultural adaptation, others criticize it as trivializing the faith. Despite mixed reactions, Luce continues to gain popularity, appearing at events like the Lucca Comics and Games convention.
NFL star Harrison Butker stands by his controversial anti-LGBTQ+ commencement speech at Benedictine College, emphasizing his Catholic faith and expressing no regrets despite backlash. The NFL and Kansas City's former LGBTQ+ commission chairman have distanced themselves from his views, reaffirming their commitment to inclusion.
In the Philippines, Catholic devotees re-enacted the crucifixion of Jesus Christ on Good Friday, with around 20,000 people gathering to witness the annual event. Actors dressed as Roman soldiers whipped devotees carrying crosses and nailed three individuals, including Ruben Enaje, to crosses in a display of extreme faith. This practice, frowned upon by the Roman Catholic Church, is part of the Holy Week observance in the predominantly Catholic country, where some devotees also engage in self-flagellation as a form of penance.
Martin Scorsese has written an early draft of a screenplay for a film about Jesus in response to Pope Francis's appeal to artists, with plans to shoot the 80-minute film later this year. The screenplay is based on Japanese novelist Shūsaku Endō’s book “A Life of Jesus” and is being developed with collaborator Kent Jones. Scorsese aims to portray a contemporary and intimate Jesus, reflecting on his own childhood experiences with Catholicism and seeking to make religion more accessible through his film.
In his first autobiography, Pope Francis discusses his life and papacy, expressing his refusal to retire and addressing various topics including his relationship with his predecessor, his stance on same-sex couples, and his views on historical events and global issues. He emphasizes his commitment to the papal ministry for life, while also envisioning a potential retirement scenario. The book provides insight into the pontiff's personal history and defense of his actions, offering a departure from traditional papal autobiographies with its open language and references to critics.
In the Amazon rainforest, the historic dominance of Catholicism is being challenged by the rapid growth of evangelical Protestantism, leading to religious division and tension in remote communities like São Miguel. As Catholic priest Father Moisés Oliveira travels to these isolated settlements, he witnesses the impact of charismatic evangelical pastors who have been successful in converting Catholics to their faith. The struggle between the two religious groups reflects a broader trend of declining Catholicism and the rise of evangelical churches across Brazil, particularly in the Amazon region.
This year, Valentine's Day coincides with Ash Wednesday, a day of penitence and fasting in the Catholic tradition. For practicing Catholics, this presents a unique challenge as the day of love and indulgence clashes with the solemn reminder of human mortality. Many are navigating this juxtaposition by preparing for Valentine's Day celebrations while also making sacrifices for Lent, such as giving up sweets. The convergence of these two observances prompts reflection on the contrast between romantic love and the solemnity of the Lenten season.
María Antonia de Paz y Figueroa, also known as "Mama Antula," will become Argentina's first female saint, recognized for her work with the Jesuits in 18th-century Argentina. Despite societal limitations for women at the time, she joined the Jesuits and dedicated herself to spiritual exercises, even after their expulsion from America. Her charity and perseverance in erasing social differences have been highlighted by Pope Francis, who will preside over her canonization at St. Peter’s Basilica. Mama Antula's beatification and canonization were authorized after the recognition of two miracles linked to her, and her recognition as a saint brings together two opposing figures in Argentina: Pope Francis and the newly elected president, Javier Milei.
The release of Fiducia supplicans by the Vatican has sparked ambivalence and fear among American Catholics, with some expressing confusion and others feeling hesitant to seek blessings for their non-traditional relationships. While some fear that the document may make it harder for priests to bless committed same-sex partnerships, others, like Fr. Michael Hurley, emphasize the importance of pastoral accompaniment and meeting people where they are at. The document has prompted conversations about the Church's stance on non-traditional relationships and the need for understanding and support within the Catholic community.