Tag: Catholic Church

#faith

Pope Leo XIV Calls for Global Day of Prayer and Fasting for World Peace

Tanisha Cardozo

August 22, 2025 — In a heartfelt and urgent call for global unity, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV has invited the entire Universal Church to dedicate Friday, August 22 — the Feast of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary — as a solemn day of prayer, fasting, and penance for world peace.

Responding to this call, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) has extended the invitation to all the faithful, clergy, religious, and people of goodwill across India.

“Our world is currently grappling with the devastating effects of war, violence, and hatred,” said CBCI President Archbishop Andrews Thazhath. “The cries of the poor and the innocent rise unceasingly.”

He continued, “As we prepare to celebrate the Feast of the Queenship of Mary, the Holy Father has asked us to pray and fast with intention and urgency. On behalf of the CBCI, I request every parish and religious community to organize at least one hour of Eucharistic Adoration, praying for peace and reconciliation among all nations.”

Additionally, families are encouraged to pray the Holy Rosary together, entrusting their hopes and prayers to Mary, Queen of Peace, whose intercession remains powerful and timeless.

This day of spiritual solidarity comes at a time when conflict and division continue to afflict many regions across the globe. In coming together in prayer and fasting, the Church hopes to invoke healing, understanding, and unity.

The CBCI’s appeal transcends religious lines, welcoming people of all faiths and backgrounds to join in this collective intention for peace.

#faith

Kuwait: Our Lady of Arabia Elevated to Minor Basilica

allycaralgoa

The Catholic Church in the Gulf has reached a historic milestone with the elevation of the Church of Our Lady of Arabia, located in Ahmadi, Kuwait, to the rank of Minor Basilica. The decree, promulgated on June 28 by the Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, officially recognizes the church’s spiritual and pastoral importance.

Speaking to Vatican News, Bishop Aldo Berardi, O.SS.T., Apostolic Vicar of Northern Arabia, expressed profound joy over this recognition. He recalled that the church was established in 1948 through the efforts of the Carmelites and built by the Kuwait Oil Company for workers in the petroleum industry. In 2023, the parish celebrated its 75th anniversary.

“This church has always been a place of spiritual meaning,” Bishop Berardi said. “Here, migrants and those who came to work in the country have been able to practice their faith under the protection of Our Lady.”

The church holds particular importance as the home of the statue of Our Lady of Arabia, originally dedicated to Our Lady of Mount Carmel. Blessed by Pope Pius XII in Rome in 1949 and later crowned by Cardinal Antonio Cañizares Llovera in 2011 on behalf of Pope Benedict XVI, the statue is a symbol of devotion for Catholics in the region.

In a predominantly Muslim country where religious imagery is restricted, the presence of a Marian statue carries profound meaning for the faithful. “It is a shrine of great devotion,” Bishop Berardi emphasized, “and now its historical and pastoral significance is officially recognized.”

The elevation to Minor Basilica status strengthens the Church of Our Lady of Arabia’s role as a spiritual beacon for Catholics in Kuwait and the wider Gulf, offering a deeper bond with the universal Church.

International

PHLPost Releases Commemorative Stamp Honoring Pope Leo XIV

Tanisha Cardozo

📬✨ In a heartfelt tribute to the Catholic faith and its enduring influence, the Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) has unveiled a special commemorative stamp honoring Pope Leo XIV.

Priced at ₱17, the stamp features a dignified portrait of the pontiff set against the backdrop of symbols representing his papacy — offering both visual elegance and spiritual resonance. Only 10,000 copies have been printed, making this release a limited-edition treasure for philatelists, history buffs, and the devout.

🕊️ According to PHLPost, the move underscores its commitment to “preserve history, culture, and faith through philately,” the cherished tradition of stamp collecting. With papal-themed stamps consistently ranking among the most sought-after in the world, this release is expected to attract strong interest from collectors and faithful globally.

More than a collector’s item, the Pope Leo XIV stamp is a symbol of reverence, a nod to the role of the Catholic Church in shaping both Philippine and global history. PHLPost’s initiative not only celebrates a religious figure but also reinforces the relevance of stamps as cultural artifacts in the digital age.

🖼️ With fine detail and rich symbolism, the stamp becomes both a work of art and a piece of spiritual heritage — blending Filipino creativity with timeless devotion.

Whether you’re a devoted collector or a casual enthusiast, this latest release from PHLPost is a meaningful reminder of how faith and tradition can be beautifully preserved — one stamp at a time.

International

Notre-Dame Cathedral, Paris Reopens for the Feast of the Assumption 2025

Tanisha Cardozo

The heart of Paris will beat anew this August as Notre-Dame Cathedral hosts its first major religious celebration since the devastating fire of 2019. Marking a deeply symbolic return, the Cathedral will celebrate the Feast of the Assumption on August 14 and 15, 2025, restoring a centuries-old tradition to one of the world’s most beloved sacred spaces.

This two-day event carries both spiritual and historical significance. Since the 17th century, France has commemorated the vow of Louis XIII, who consecrated the nation to the Virgin Mary in 1638. In keeping with that legacy, the Feast of the Assumption is not just a liturgical celebration, but a national one — a reminder of France’s deep-rooted Marian devotion.

The program begins on Thursday, August 14, with reduced tours and access to the Cathedral as it opens its doors to the faithful. The evening is filled with solemn vespers, mass, and the Jubilee procession — a sacred moment inside the Cathedral that includes the ostension of the Crown of Thorns, one of Notre-Dame’s most revered relics. The evening concludes with the proclamation of the Gospel, a reminder of the enduring vow made by the French monarchy nearly four centuries ago.

Friday, August 15, the official day of the Assumption, begins early with morning masses and Lauds. The highlight of the day is the grand city procession, which begins at 3:45 pm from the Cathedral’s forecourt, led by Mgr Emmanuel Tois, Auxiliary Bishop of Paris. Carrying the Virgin and Child of Charles X, the procession moves through the streets of Paris, inviting the faithful and the curious alike to witness a public expression of devotion rarely seen since the Cathedral’s closure.

The day concludes with solemn vespers and a final mass, again presided over by Mgr Tois, capping a moment of immense spiritual and cultural renewal for France.

As Notre-Dame once again becomes a living space of prayer, music, and community, the 2025 Feast of the Assumption stands not only as a celebration of faith but as a testimony to resilience, heritage, and hope reborn.

#faith

Feast of Saint John Mary Vianney: Celebrating the Patron of Parish Priests – August 4

allycaralgoa

Every year on August 4, Catholics around the world celebrate the Feast of Saint John Mary Vianney, also known as Pastors’ Day. Recognized as the patron saint of parish priests, St. Vianney is a symbol of devotion, humility, and tireless service to the Church.

Born in 1786 in Dardilly, France, John Vianney became a priest against many odds. Struggling academically and facing personal challenges, his unwavering faith and commitment to serve God guided him through. He was eventually appointed parish priest of the small, obscure village of Ars, where his extraordinary ministry soon became known across France.

St. Vianney was especially known for his long hours in the confessional, sometimes hearing confessions for up to 16 hours a day. His compassion and spiritual insight drew thousands of pilgrims. His life was marked by simplicity, personal sacrifice, and a profound ability to guide souls to God.

Today, his legacy lives on through parish priests and pastors who walk in his footsteps—quietly working behind the scenes to support, uplift, and spiritually guide their communities.

As we mark this feast, let us take a moment to reflect on the silent strength of those who lead our spiritual lives. Whether you’re a parishioner or part of the clergy, today is a day of gratitude and prayer for the pastoral heart that never ceases to serve.

🙏 Happy Feast of St. John Mary Vianney!