National & World
Tolton scouting patch honors Black priest and model of Eucharistic devotion
(OSV News) — A candidate for sainthood is inspiring Catholic Scouts in Illinois to earn a new patch while deepening their relationship with Christ in the Eucharist.
Nigeria’s Mass attendance is one of highest in the world — so is its persecution
(OSV News) — Nigeria is one of the countries in the world with the best Mass attendance. As many as 94% of self-identified Nigerian Catholics surveyed said they attend weekly or daily Mass, according to a study published in early 2023 by Georgetown University’s Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate.
Meet the U.S. experts the Vatican is consulting for marriage formation advice
(OSV News) — Ryan Verret recalled the early morning text from a priest friend, which — being a congratulatory message — exploded onscreen in a burst of electronic confetti.
Laziness is a symptom of ‘acedia,’ a dangerous vice, pope says
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The vice of “acedia,” often translated as “sloth,” can cause laziness, but it is much more than that; it is a lack of caring for anything and being bored with everything, even one’s relationship with God, Pope Francis said.
Social workers, counselor discuss effects of COVID, social media on teen mental health
INDIANAPOLIS (OSV News) — When does “just being a teenager” cross the line to a true mental health issue? What are the main causes of adolescent depression and anxiety? Why is it increasing? And how can faith help the healing process?
2024 Black History Month: African Americans and the arts
Each year ASALH (Association for the Study of African American Life and History), the founding organization of Black History Month, dedicates a Black history theme.
Catholic Church can help rid world of leprosy, says veteran Polish aid worker
(OSV News) — The age-old curse of leprosy can be finally wiped out if church leaders join others worldwide in a greater commitment against it, according to a veteran Polish Catholic doctor and missionary.
Pope: For the terminally ill, incurable does not mean ‘un-care-able’
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — People who are terminally ill and their families should always receive the care and assistance they need, Pope Francis said.
Church decries inaction as cartel violence forces hundreds to flee Mexico’s Chiapas state
MEXICO CITY (OSV News) — The Catholic peace group Pueblo Creyente marched through the colonial city of San Cristóbal de las Casas Jan. 26 to remember the late Bishop Samuel Ruiz Garcia, who promoted a vision of an autochthonous church in the largely Indigenous state of Chiapas.
Report: Vocations to religious life in US decline, but key factors can positively impact numbers
(OSV News) — A new report shows a continued decrease in the number of permanent vocations to consecrated life in the U.S. — but key factors such as family life, devotional practices, Catholic education and personal encouragement can positively impact those numbers.