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Gospel in Art: Feast of Saint James, Apostle

Botafumeiro,  executed by Josè Losada in 1851 for the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, Galicia, Spain.  Brass, bronze, gold plate. © Wikimedia - Santiago Cathedral

Gospel of 25 July 2026 Matthew 20:20-28 At that time: The mother of the sons of Zebedee came up to Jesus with her sons, and kneeling before him she asked him for something. And he said to her, 'What do you want?' She said to him, 'Say that these two sons of mine are to sit one at your right hand and one at your left in your kingdom.' Jesus answered, 'You do not know what you are asking. Are you ab... Read More


Florida Bishops appeal for stay of execution of two prisoners on same day

The Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops (FCCB) has appealed to Governor Ron DeSantis to stay two executions scheduled for next Tuesday, July 28, 2026. James Duckett is scheduled to be executed at noon for the 1987 murder of eleven-year-old Teresa McAbee. Dominick Occhicone, Jr is scheduled to die at 6pm for the 1986 murder of Martha Artzner. Occhicone also received a life sentence for the murde... Read More


A British Childhood. How Our Children Live Now

A British Childhood. How Our Children Live Now. Publisher: Picador, Dublin 2026 No teacher needs to read this book - unless they wish to marvel at the extraordinary work that they do, guiding their young charges through the post-Austerity, post-Covid, over-stimulated, over-connected and yet strangely isolated mlieu we have created. The rest of us would benefit enormously from engaging with Frank ... Read More


Canada celebrates Feast of Saint Anne

Image from Shrine of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré

This year the Feast Day of Saint Anne along with her husband Saint Joachim takes placeon July 26, 2026. Saint Anne is the Patron Saint of Canada sharing that distinction with Saint Joseph, who is the primary saint of the country. She's also the Patroness of the Province of Quebec. French Canadian voyageurs and early fur traders held a deep devotion to Saint Anne, frequently praying to her for safe... Read More

Making every stroke count - Schoolboy's 500km challenge for ACN

Anselme Decouttere in #RowforHope

A schoolboy who first took up rowing to complete his Duke of Edinburgh award has set himself the challenge to row 500 kilometres (310 miles) to support persecuted Christians around the world. Anselme Decouttere, 14, has so far rowed 280 km (175 miles) while balancing his studies at Dame Alice Owen School in Potters Bar. Inspired by the work of Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), he is taking part in ... Read More


WCC delegation meets with President of Zimbabwe

An ecumenical delegation led by World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev Prof Dr Jerry Pillay yesterday met with the President of Zimbabwe, Emmerson Mnangagwa, as well as officials from the Zimbabwe Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In addition to Pillay, those meeting with Mnangagwa included general secretary of the Zimbabwe Council of Churches Rev Wilfred Dimingu; president of the Zimba... Read More


Gospel in Art: Hear then the parable of the sower

The Parable of the Sower, by Abel Grimmer, 1610 © The Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle, Durham

Gospel of 24 July 2026 Matthew 13:18-23 At that time: Jesus said to his disciples, 'Hear then the parable of the sower: When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart. This is what was sown along the path. As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it w... Read More


Pope Leo's brother visits him at Castel Gandolfo

Pope prays before the Holy Trinity fresco

Pope Leo's brother John Prevost came from Chicago recently for a visit during the Pope's summer break at Castel Gandolfo. On Wednesday morning they made an excursion by car from Castel Gandolfo to the Shrine of the Holy Trinity in Vallepietra, before visiting the Monasteries of St Benedict and St Scholastica in Subiaco, on the journey back to Castel Gandolfo. Built into the rock of Mount Autore, t... Read More


The Influence of Croagh Patrick on Faith and Vocations

During a visit to Westport in Co Mayo I came across a very interesting book entitled 'Steps to the Summit' written by retired priest, Fr Tony King. 'Summit' refers to the Holy Mountain - Croagh Patrick - commonly called The Reek that casts a shadow over Westport town and surrounding area. According to folklore, St Patrick is reputed to have spent 40 days fasting and praying on the mountain which f... Read More


50+ Catholic leaders urge Andy Burnham to stop Rosebank oil field

Campaigners outside Buckingham Palace

More than 50 Catholic leaders and organisations, including CAFOD, SCIAF, Laudato Si' Movement and Caritas Social Action Network, have signed a letter calling on new Prime Minister Andy Burnham not to approve the Rosebank oil field in the North Sea. The letter, coordinated by Operation Noah and Christian Climate Action, highlights Andy Burnham's Catholic faith and states: "As Catholics, we know tha... Read More


Kenya: From Stigma to Support - Mental Health Interventions at Mary and Joseph Life Center

Sr Sarah Ngigi, KRCHN, MJLC Nursing and Counselling Officer, during group counselling session with high school girls

As part of the Shalom Center for Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation (SCCRR) outreach, the Mary and Joseph Life Center (MJLC), founded by Rev Dr Patrick Devine, is strongly committed to addressing mental health challenges pertaining to women and children through training, advocacy, psychosocial empowerment, holistic and intensive counselling, and education. In response to the growing burden ... Read More


Archbishop Fulton Sheen - The First Televangelist

Ven Fulton Sheen

On September 24, 2026, Archbishop Fulton J Sheen will be beatified in a Mass at The Dome at America's Center in St Louis, Missouri, presided over by Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle. In preparation for this event, Canadian journalist Francisco Ruffolo reflects on his life. Venerable Servant of God Archbishop Fulton Sheen was both amazing and prophetic and well ahead of his times. He was really the firs... Read More


Birmingham: Catholic and Jewish organisations win government funding for new teaching tools on antisemitism

Archbishop Longley, Phil Rosenberg and Archbishop Moth with other leaders

Secondary school teachers in the Archdiocese of Birmingham are to deliver lessons to help pupils recognise and challenge antisemitism, as part of a government funded project. Secondary schools across the Archdiocese will take part in a scheme to give teachers the confidence to tackle the issue in class, and pupils the skills to identify antisemitism when they see it. Pupils will participate in foc... Read More


Gospel in Art: Saint Bridget of Sweden, Patroness of Europe

Saint Bridget of Sweden,   by the Master of Soeterbeeck © Metropolitan Museum, New York, Gift of J Pierpont Morgan, 1916

Gospel of 23 July 2026 John 15:1-8 At that time: Jesus said to his disciples, 'I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine dresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit b... Read More

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