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Gospel in Art: An argument arose among the disciples: who is the greatest

Office at Night by Edward Hopper, 1940  © Walker Art Gallery, Gift of the TB Walker Foundation, Gilbert M Walker Fund, 1948, Minneapolis

Gospel of 28 September 2026 Luke 9:46-50 At that time: An argument arose among the disciples as to which of them was the greatest. But Jesus, knowing the reasoning of their hearts, took a child and put him by his side and said to them, 'Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me. For he who is least among all of you is the one who is great.... Read More


Lourdes: Pope encourages French Bishops to show courage and missionary creativity

Image: Vatican Media

Pope Leo XIV had a private meeting with the Bishops of France today in Lourdes. Thanking them for placing their ministry under the Virgin Mary's protection, he said there is "no better way to come to Jesus than through Mary." Recalling France's deep historical devotion to Our Lady, Pope Leo said the French people bear a living faith, which the Bishops must help grow and deepen. He encouraged them... Read More


Pope Leo arrives in Lourdes

Image:  Vatican Media

Huge crowds gathered on the banks of the river Gave in Lourdes to welcome the arrival of Pope Leo last night from Paris. Children waved flags and held a sign with colourful letters saying "Welcome Pope Leo". "Mesdames et messieurs, le Pape est à Lourdes!" ("Ladies and gentlemen, the Pope is in Lourdes"). As the speaker pronounced these words the crowds from around the world erupted in cheers and ... Read More


Aberdeen parents question Council's refusal to consider Catholic secondary school

A parent-led campaign is calling on Aberdeen City Council to properly consider the establishment of a Catholic secondary school in the city, so that children attending its three Catholic primary schools can continue their learning beyond the primary stage. Aberdeen is Scotland's third largest city, yet the local authority offers no Catholic secondary provision. The campaign has the full backing of... Read More

Northern Ireland: Protestant and Catholic leaders issue joint statement on crisis in Drumcree

Archbishop Eamon Martin, Catholic Archbishop of Armagh, Archbishop John McDowell, Church of Ireland Archbishop of Armagh. Image: CCO archive

Archbishop Eamon Martin, Catholic Archbishop of Armagh, and Archbishop John McDowell, Church of Ireland Archbishop of Armagh have issued the following statement this evening in response to the situation unfolding in Drumcree in Portadown, Northern Ireland, after a controversial Orange Order parade was given late-night legal clearance to march down the mainly nationalist Garvaghy Road for the first... Read More


Pope Leo's message for World Day of Migrants and Refugees: "Even just one of these children"

September 27 is designated as the World Day of Migrants and Refugees. In anticipation of this year's commemoration, Pope Leo released the following statement on August 11, the feast of St. Clare of Assisi, noting that this year, the theme is "Even just one of these children," referring to a passage from the Gospel of Matthew. Displaced minors: a complex reality of vulnerability Minors are the m... Read More


'Good Steward' series explores what Catholic teaching says about wealth

Catholics interested in philanthropy, investment, estate planning or leaving a charitable legacy are being invited to join The Good Steward, a new series of free online seminars. The programme will explore how Catholic Social Teaching can help people make thoughtful and faith-informed decisions about their money and assets, not only during their lifetime but also through their estate. Catholic tea... Read More


Gospel in Art: A man had two sons

The Parable of the Father and His Two Sons in the Vineyard,  Engraving by Georg Pencz,  1534-35 © Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York

Gospel of 27 September 2026 Matthew 21:28-32 At that time: Jesus said to the chief priests and the elders of the people, 'What do you think? A man had two sons. And he went to the first and said, "Son, go and work in the vineyard today." And he answered, "I will not", but afterwards he changed his mind and went. And he went to the other son and said the same. And he answered, "I go, sir", but did ... Read More


Pope Leo in Paris: God quenches the thirst in every human heart

Crowds line the streets of Paris as the Pope arrives at the Place de la Concorde for the celebration of Holy Mass   (@Vatican Media)

Jesus Christ is the source of living water that quenches our thirst, Pope Leo XIV said in his homily during Mass on the second day of his Apostolic Journey to France. Addressing a vast crowd of around 700,000 people in the Place de la Concorde in the heart of Paris, Pope Leo said "the desire for God dwells deep in our hearts… and it is Jesus Christ, through His Incarnation, who comes to meet eve... Read More


Pope Leo tells young people: 'The light of the Spirit enlightens and comforts'

Youth gathering with Pope Leo in Stade de France

Last night more than 80,000 young people gathered in the Stade de France stadium in Saint-Denis, just north of Paris, for a prayer vigil with Pope Leo. The evening began with a festive programme of testimonies, songs and artistic performances. The young people moved from celebration to Caccini's Ave Maria, sung by Monroe and 2,500 choristers. In his welcome to Leo XIV as he arrived in the stadium,... Read More


Eliminating Nuclear Weapons

Statue of St Agnes from ruins of Nagasaki Cathedral after the bomb - displayed at UN Headquarters. Photo: Marcelo Schneider/WCC

September 26, is the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons. UN Secretary General António Guterres urges: "Let us act with urgency and courage and build a safer, more peaceful world for present and future generations...The only sure way to eliminate the threat posed by nuclear weapons is to eliminate the weapons themselves." Inter alia, this day "provides an occasion for t... Read More


Canada: Prayer walk in Vancouver reflects WCC Pilgrimage of Justice, Reconciliation, and Unity

Reconciliation Pole by Haida artist James Hart. Image - MarceloSchneider WCC

A prayer walk in Vancouver, Canada on 20 September brought a grassroots lens to the World Council of Churches (WCC) Pilgrimage of Justice, Reconciliation, and Unity. "Let us, like them, be Christians led by God on the sacred path of reconciliation, justice, and peace." As part an opening prayer to begin the walk, those gathered said: "We are so blessed to be on this land and to be together as th... Read More


Sunday Reflection with Canon Robin Gibbons: 27th September 2026

Rublev's Saviour

Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time Lectionary: 136 I felt a sense of deep joy when I watched the live broadcast of Vespers in Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris on Friday evening, presided over by Pope Leo XIV. There is the same presence of a human being who has lived life with us, similar to that of Pope Francis. The self same understanding a a very French Catholic spirituality of Christ's mother, t... Read More


Gospel in Art: Saints Cosmas and Damian, Martyrs

Saints Cosmas and Damian performing a miraculous cure by transplanting a leg. Master of Los Balbases, 1495  © Wellcome Library, London

Gospel of 26 September 2026 Luke 9:43b-45 At that time: While they were all marvelling at everything he was doing, Jesus said to his disciples, 'Let these words sink into your ears: The Son of Man is about to be delivered into the hands of men.' But they did not understand this saying, and it was concealed from them, so that they might not perceive it. And they were afraid to ask him about this sa... Read More

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