VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Christian martyrdom is the fullest expression of human freedom and reflects the supreme act of love, said a top Vatican official at a Mass beatifying 188 Japanese martyrs. “It is not the punishment or the torture that creates a martyr,” but rather the fact the person suffered and died for Christ, […]
Continue readingVATICAN CITY (CNS) — The Vatican said the current market crisis calls for a new international agreement to effectively monitor global financial operations and give poorer countries a greater voice in economic policies. In particular, steps are needed to curb the abuses of offshore financial institutions, which many see as one of the causes of […]
Continue readingRating: A-II (PG-13) NEW YORK (CNS) — The following is a capsule review of a movie recently reviewed by the Office for Film & Broadcasting of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. Gothic romance about a self-possessed high school student (Kristen Stewart) who moves to Washington state to live with her divorced father (Billy Burke) […]
Continue readingPEKIN — The Grys family of St. Joseph’s Parish in Pekin have always known they were blessed, but this Thanksgiving they have more reasons than ever to give thanks for the gifts God has showered on them. They are brimming with gratitude because of an outpouring of love last month, when the popular ABC television […]
Continue readingMany people already consider Deacon Robert Vogelbaugh of Sacred Heart Parish in Moline to be a hero for his work to provide meals to more than 2,000 people every Thanksgiving. Maxwell House Coffee and American Profile Magazine made it official, however, by naming him the grand prize winner in their “Local Heroes” Contest. The recognition […]
Continue readingPeople who pick up Amy Heyd’s new book, “Saints at the Dinner Table,” will find original recipes for every season and taste, as well as a fresh look at the lives of 12 saints and holy people and how their spirituality is revealed in each dish. A closer look shows something more, however. The basic […]
Continue readingBLOOMINGTON — A surge into the state football playoff semifinals would be an emotional time for any high school, but it is especially so for Central Catholic this year. The Saints’ 21-17 win over Quincy Notre Dame last Saturday came just four days after the school was shocked by the sudden death of Chuck Schanaberger, […]
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Photo Caption: Curia staff moved into the Diocese of Peoria new Spalding Pastoral Center in mid-November, even as work continued outside. Following an “unbelievably smooth” weeklong move, the Diocese of Peoria’s new Spalding Pastoral Center is open two blocks south of St. Mary’s Cathedral in Peoria. And as Thanksgiving approaches, its occupants are voicing gratitude […]
Continue readingDescribing what tradition recalls as the first Thanksgiving festival nearly 400 years ago with their helpful Indian friends at Plymouth Plantation, Pilgrim Edward Winslow wrote that “although it be not always so plentiful as it was at this time with us, yet by the goodness of God we are . . . far from want.” […]
Continue readingVATICAN CITY (CNS) — Being saved by faith in Christ alone and not by works does not mean that people can do whatever they want as long as they recognize Christ as their savior, Pope Benedict XVI said. Faith in Christ “necessarily means conforming oneself to Christ” and being like him, especially in loving and […]
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