Read & Reflect

Why did Cardinal Zuppi return to Ukraine?

Vatican peace envoy Cardinal Matteo Zuppi returned to Ukraine this week for a four-day humanitarian mission.Cardinal Matteo Zuppi lays flowers at the Wall of Remembrance of the Fallen for Ukraine in Kyiv on July 15, 2026. Credit: Screenshot from @12porte YouTube channel.Zuppi, the president of the I...

Building a culture of vocations — the strategy behind diocesan vocational success

In 2026, the Church in the United States saw 9% fewer priestly ordinations than it had 10 years earlier.According to the best numbers available, 342 men were ordained diocesan priests for U.S. dioceses this year. While that number represents a slight uptick from years prior, it also signifies a decl...

Parables of the Kingdom of Heaven & the Gift of Time: 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time

This Sunday, Jesus uses parables to teach about the kingdom of heaven.  What do all three of them have in common? Gospel (Read Mt. 13:24-43) In this chapter of Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus uses parables to teach the large crowd gathered to hear Him at the seashore.  In the first one, He says, “The kingdo...

The Precious Blood of Jesus and Restoring Human Dignity

In the midst of Ordinary Time, immediately following the month dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Precious Blood of Our Lord is offered as July’s special devotion and adoration focus. Reminding us of the price Jesus paid for our sin, we realize how much He loves us and how valuable each of...

How Parishes Can Tell Whether Conversions Are Well Rooted

The recent talk of a Catholic revival has stirred real hope, but hope needs discernment if it’s going to serve the Church well. Last Easter, many priests, parish leaders, and Catholic commentators saw encouraging signs in fuller pews, more converts, and a renewed openness to the Faith. The New York...

[Daily Rosary Meditations] Blessed Are the Pure of Heart

[Daily Rosary Meditations] Blessed Are the Merciful

Switzerland ends exemptions to mandatory military service for clergy

A new law in Switzerland that will end military service exemptions for clergy has drawn criticism from Christian groups in the country.Credit: Michael Derrer Fuchs / Shutterstock.ShareSwitzerland requires all able-bodied men to complete about eight months of military service, typically between ages...

The SSPX’s unappealing canonical prospects for recourse

The Society of St. Pius X announced Monday that an appeal has been filed against the July 2 decree which declared six bishops to be excommunicated.A screenshot from the July 1 illicit consecration of SSPX bishops. Credit: SSPX News/YouTube.In an unsigned notice to media, released via the SSPX websit...

Rome diocese to hold collection for Venezuela earthquake victims

Cardinal Baldassare Reina, vicar of the Diocese of Rome, has announced that the pope’s diocese will join an Italian bishops’ conference initiative to hold a national collection for Venezuelan earthquake victims.Cardinal Baldassare Reina, vicar of the Diocese of Rome. Credit: Screenshot from @Diocesi...

Who could be Leo’s pick for Secretary of State, whenever it comes?

One of the remaining great unknowns of the Leonine pontificate is when the pope could choose to replace the heads of Vatican departments remaining from the Francis papacy.Pope Leo XIV and Caridnal Pietro Parolin. Credit: Vatican media.At the largest and most influential of these, the Secretariat of...