Pope Leo XIV hails Fulton Sheen’s Missionary Legacy ahead of beatification
Pope Leo XIV has praised Venerable Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen as “a light of faith, hope, and love” ahead of his beatification on September 24. Addressing the Pontifical Mission Societies, the Pope highlighted Sheen’s pioneering media evangelisation and called Catholics worldwide to renew their missionary commitment and unity in Christ.
Holy Week Film from Northeast India calls Christians worldwide to Prayer, Conversion and Hope
As Holy Week begins, a Hindi Christian film from Northeast India invites believers to reflect on prayer, repentance, and hope. Featuring Fr. Thomas Lakra of Itanagar Diocese, the film portrays life’s struggles and the healing power of faith, offering a culturally rooted and spiritually meaningful message for a global audience.
Mother Mary Rose Thapa, first MSMHC Superior General, Passes Away at 91
Mother Mary Rose Thapa, first MSMHC Superior General, passed away in Guwahati at the age of 91. Born in 1935 and professed in 1956, she led the Congregation from 1970 to 1988, guiding its expansion into an international missionary presence rooted in faith and service.
Renew commitment to Women’s Dignity and Respect, says Pope Leo XIV on International Women’s Day
On the 115th International Women’s Day, Pope Leo XIV called for renewed commitment to recognising the equal dignity of men and women and urged stronger efforts to combat violence against women. In Northeast India, NEIRBC President Archbishop John Moolachira led prayers for women facing hardship and injustice.
Seoul to Host World Youth Day 2027, First in a Christian-Minority Nation
World Youth Day 2027 will be held in Seoul, South Korea, from August 3–8, marking the first time the global youth gathering takes place in a Christian-minority nation. The event highlights the Church’s universality and Korea’s distinctive Catholic history, inviting young people worldwide to deepen faith under the theme, “Take courage! I have overcome the world.”
Catholic Theologian Paul Thigpen, Convert and Author on Faith and Extraterrestrial Inquiry, Dies at 71
Catholic theologian and convert Paul Thigpen died on February 24 at age 71. A former Protestant pastor who entered the Catholic Church in 1993, he authored numerous works on the saints, spiritual life and extraterrestrial inquiry. His life reflected intellectual openness, faithful witness and the Church’s enduring invitation to theological dialogue.
Lent Begins with Renewed Call for Prayer and Solidarity with Suffering Myanmar
As Lent begins, Jesuit leaders across Asia have urged the faithful to unite prayer, fasting, and charity in solidarity with suffering Myanmar. Five years after the military coup, communities continue to face displacement and hardship, making the Lenten call to conversion and compassionate action especially urgent.
Communication Scholarship Programme 2026–2027 Open for Religious Sisters
Through the Cardinal Foley Scholarship Fund, selected sisters will receive professional formation in communication, empowering them to serve more effectively in media ministries within their congregations.
Why Catholics Receive Ashes on Ash Wednesday: History and Meaning Explained
The tradition of receiving ashes on Ash Wednesday dates back to biblical times and early Christian penance. Ashes symbolise repentance, humility, and human mortality at the beginning of Lent. The Church formalised the universal practice in 1091, preserving a sign rooted in Scripture and tradition.
First English Biography of Pope Leo XIV Opens for Pre-Order
The first full-length English biography of Pope Leo XIV is now open for pre-order, offering insights into the first US-born pontiff’s life and leadership. The book traces the Pope’s journey from Chicago to Peru and the Vatican, highlighting the experience that shaped his pontificate. Written by Vatican correspondent Elise Ann Allen, the biography includes the Pope’s first public interview after his election in May 2025.
Filipino Bishops Call for Digital Media Fast This Lent 2026
The CBCP calls for a “Digital Media Fast” as a modern expression of Lenten conversion. Bishops warn that excessive screen time can weaken spiritual life and family relationships. The initiative encourages silence, prayer, and real-life communion. Digital restraint is presented not as rejection of technology, but as a path to interior freedom.
Ash Wednesday: Why Even Non-Catholics Can Receive Ashes
On Ash Wednesday, non-Catholics, though unable to receive the Holy Eucharist, are welcome to receive ashes as a sign of repentance and reflection. The imposition of ashes does not require prior reception of any sacrament. Even those who are not baptized, including infants, may receive them. Ashes are a sacramental—a sacred sign blessed by the Church to help sanctify daily life and lead the faithful closer to the sacraments. The words spoken—“Repent, and believe in the Gospel” or “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return”—highlight the call to conversion. Ash Wednesday serves as a powerful moment of evangelization and a visible reminder of humanity’s need for God’s mercy. As a humble yet profound symbol, ashes remain a channel of grace for all who receive them with openness of heart.
World Radio Day Highlights Human Voice Amid Rise of Artificial Intelligence
Marking World Radio Day on 13 February, UNESCO’s 2026 theme underscores that artificial intelligence is a tool—not a voice. While AI enhances broadcasting efficiency, Church leaders and media organisations emphasise transparency, ethical responsibility, and the enduring importance of genuine human communication in radio.