Day: November 10, 2025

Prayer for Deceased Veterans: Prayer of the Day for Tuesday, November 11, 2025 – #Prayer – O God, by whose mercy the faithful departed find rest, look kindly on your departed veterans who gave their lives in the service of their country. Grant that through the passion, death, and resurrection of your Son they may share in the joy of your heavenly kingdom and rejoice in you with your saints forever. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

unitedyam

O God,
by whose mercy the faithful departed find rest,
look kindly on your departed veterans who gave their
lives in the service of their country.
Grant that through the passion, death, and resurrection of your Son
they may share in the joy of your heavenly kingdom
and rejoice in you with your saints forever.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.

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Gospel and Word of the Day – 11 November 2025 – A reading from the Book of Wisdom 2:23–3:9 God formed man to be imperishable; the image of his own nature he made them. But by the envy of the Devil, death entered the world, and they who are in his possession experience it. But the souls of the just are in the hand of God, and no torment shall touch them. They seemed, in the view of the foolish, to be dead; and their passing away was thought an affliction and their going forth from us, utter destruction. But they are in peace. For if before men, indeed, they be punished, yet is their hope full of immortality; Chastised a little, they shall be greatly blessed, because God tried them and found them worthy of himself. As gold in the furnace, he proved them, and as sacrificial offerings he took them to himself. In the time of their visitation they shall shine, and shall dart about as sparks through stubble; They shall judge nations and rule over peoples, and the Lord shall be their King forever. Those who trust in him shall understand truth, and the faithful shall abide with him in love: Because grace and mercy are with his holy ones, and his care is with his elect.From the Gospel according to Luke 17:7-10 Jesus said to the Apostles: "Who among you would say to your servant who has just come in from plowing or tending sheep in the field, ‘Come here immediately and take your place at table’? Would he not rather say to him, ‘Prepare something for me to eat. Put on your apron and wait on me while I eat and drink. You may eat and drink when I am finished’? Is he grateful to that servant because he did what was commanded? So should it be with you. When you have done all you have been commanded, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants; we have done what we were obliged to do.’"Jesus makes us aware that, before God, we are in a similar situation: we are God’s servants, we are not his creditors but are always indebted to him, because we owe him everything since everything is a gift from him. Accepting and doing his will is the approach to have every day, at every moment of our life. Before God we must never present ourselves as if we believe we have done a service and deserve a great reward. This is an illusion that can be born in everyone, even in people who work very hard in the Lord’s service, in the Church. Rather, we must be aware that in reality we never do enough for God. We must say, as Jesus’ suggests: "we are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty" (Lk 17: 10). This is an attitude of humility that really puts us in our place and permits the Lord to be very generous to us. In fact, in another Gospel passage, he promises people that "he will gird himself and have them sit at table, and he will come and serve them" (cf. Lk 12: 37). Dear friends, if we do God’s will today with humility, without claiming anything from him, it will be Jesus himself who serves us, who helps us, who encourages us, who gives us strength and serenity. (Pope Benedict XVI, Pastoral visit to Palermo, Homily, 3 October 2010)

unitedyam

A reading from the Book of Wisdom
2:23–3:9

God formed man to be imperishable;
the image of his own nature he made them.
But by the envy of the Devil, death entered the world,
and they who are in his possession experience it.

But the souls of the just are in the hand of God,
and no torment shall touch them.
They seemed, in the view of the foolish, to be dead;
and their passing away was thought an affliction
and their going forth from us, utter destruction.
But they are in peace.
For if before men, indeed, they be punished,
yet is their hope full of immortality;
Chastised a little, they shall be greatly blessed,
because God tried them
and found them worthy of himself.
As gold in the furnace, he proved them,
and as sacrificial offerings he took them to himself.
In the time of their visitation they shall shine,
and shall dart about as sparks through stubble;
They shall judge nations and rule over peoples,
and the Lord shall be their King forever.
Those who trust in him shall understand truth,
and the faithful shall abide with him in love:
Because grace and mercy are with his holy ones,
and his care is with his elect.

From the Gospel according to Luke
17:7-10

Jesus said to the Apostles:
"Who among you would say to your servant
who has just come in from plowing or tending sheep in the field,
‘Come here immediately and take your place at table’?
Would he not rather say to him,
‘Prepare something for me to eat.
Put on your apron and wait on me while I eat and drink.
You may eat and drink when I am finished’?
Is he grateful to that servant because he did what was commanded?
So should it be with you.
When you have done all you have been commanded, say,
‘We are unprofitable servants;
we have done what we were obliged to do.’"

Jesus makes us aware that, before God, we are in a similar situation: we are God’s servants, we are not his creditors but are always indebted to him, because we owe him everything since everything is a gift from him. Accepting and doing his will is the approach to have every day, at every moment of our life. Before God we must never present ourselves as if we believe we have done a service and deserve a great reward. This is an illusion that can be born in everyone, even in people who work very hard in the Lord’s service, in the Church. Rather, we must be aware that in reality we never do enough for God. We must say, as Jesus’ suggests: "we are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty" (Lk 17: 10). This is an attitude of humility that really puts us in our place and permits the Lord to be very generous to us. In fact, in another Gospel passage, he promises people that "he will gird himself and have them sit at table, and he will come and serve them" (cf. Lk 12: 37). Dear friends, if we do God’s will today with humility, without claiming anything from him, it will be Jesus himself who serves us, who helps us, who encourages us, who gives us strength and serenity. (Pope Benedict XVI, Pastoral visit to Palermo, Homily, 3 October 2010)

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Former Florham Park priest’s encouragement leads to Divine Word vocation #Catholic – From a grandmother’s lips to God’s ears! Early on, Paulina Macarthy had a hunch about her grandson, Ryan Agbim. When he was 3 years old, she declared, “Ryan is going to be a priest one day.” Perhaps it was God who first whispered into Macarthy’s ears. Agbim, now 30, formerly of Holy Family Parish in Florham Park, N.J., has since heard — and answered — the Lord’s call. He is preparing to be ordained a priest of the Society of the Divine Word in Chicago, Ill., on May 23, 2026. The seeds of that vocation were first sown in the Paterson Diocese in New Jersey. Agbim and six other Divine Word Missionaries took their final step toward the priesthood on Oct. 12, when they were ordained to the temporary diaconate at Our Lady of Africa Parish in Chicago. He is now serving at the Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii in that city as a deacon. Agbim expects to complete his priestly studies at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago before his ordination. Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter. “When I finish assisting or preaching at Mass as a deacon, I’m happy and smiling. It leaves me saying, ‘I could do this forever — but as a priest,” said Agbim, who admitted he is still getting used to being called “Deacon Ryan.” From 2003 to 2014, Agbim and his family — his mother, Barbara, from England, and his father, Mathias, from Nigeria, both deceased, and his sister, Jessica — attended weekly Mass at Holy Family. But it wasn’t until college that Agbim first heard God’s call through the questions of others, like “Have you thought of being a priest?” One of them was Bishop Emeritus Arthur J. Serratelli during a pastoral visit to Holy Family. Initially, Agbim discerned a life with a wife and children. He earned a bachelor’s degree in public health from Rutgers University in New Brunswick, N.J., in 2018. But at the end of his sophomore year, he had a life-changing conversation with Father Fred Walters, then Holy Family’s pastor, now retired. “Father Fred said, ‘As a priest, you could be a spiritual father for your spiritual children — to so many people,’” Agbim said. “That moved me from wanting to be a biological father to being a priest.” Agbim’s exploration of vocations led him to the Society of the Divine Word. He was impressed by the community’s “missionary spirit.” Divine Word Missionaries work globally in 79 countries to spread the Gospel through service and action. In 2019, Agbim quit his job as a pharmacy technician to enter Divine Word’s novitiate in Epworth, Iowa. He made his first vows in 2020 and his perpetual vows in 2025. He later moved to Hyde Park, Chicago, for theology studies. Agbim’s many apostolic experiences have included hospital chaplaincy, migrant ministry, social justice, and prison ministry. He spent two years in Italy, first learning the language and culture in Padua. Then, he served a parish in Trent, focusing on pilgrimages, youth ministry, religious education, and a clothing and food drive. “The parish welcomed this 6-foot black American and built a relationship with me like Jesus talks about. I cried the day I left,” Agbim said. Agbim’s first assignment as a priest will be with the Chicago Province, which spans from Nebraska to Massachusetts and from Canada to the Caribbean. Divine Word priests and Father Walters inspire him. “Father Fred was always joyful, smiling, and at peace. I want that for my priesthood,” Agbim said. Concerning his future vocation, Agbim said, “I feel gratitude, mixed with some fear. But I leave certain decisions in God’s hands. He knows better than I do.”  
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Former Florham Park priest’s encouragement leads to Divine Word vocation #Catholic – From a grandmother’s lips to God’s ears! Early on, Paulina Macarthy had a hunch about her grandson, Ryan Agbim. When he was 3 years old, she declared, “Ryan is going to be a priest one day.” Perhaps it was God who first whispered into Macarthy’s ears. Agbim, now 30, formerly of Holy Family Parish in Florham Park, N.J., has since heard — and answered — the Lord’s call. He is preparing to be ordained a priest of the Society of the Divine Word in Chicago, Ill., on May 23, 2026. The seeds of that vocation were first sown in the Paterson Diocese in New Jersey. Agbim and six other Divine Word Missionaries took their final step toward the priesthood on Oct. 12, when they were ordained to the temporary diaconate at Our Lady of Africa Parish in Chicago. He is now serving at the Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii in that city as a deacon. Agbim expects to complete his priestly studies at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago before his ordination. Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter. “When I finish assisting or preaching at Mass as a deacon, I’m happy and smiling. It leaves me saying, ‘I could do this forever — but as a priest,” said Agbim, who admitted he is still getting used to being called “Deacon Ryan.” From 2003 to 2014, Agbim and his family — his mother, Barbara, from England, and his father, Mathias, from Nigeria, both deceased, and his sister, Jessica — attended weekly Mass at Holy Family. But it wasn’t until college that Agbim first heard God’s call through the questions of others, like “Have you thought of being a priest?” One of them was Bishop Emeritus Arthur J. Serratelli during a pastoral visit to Holy Family. Initially, Agbim discerned a life with a wife and children. He earned a bachelor’s degree in public health from Rutgers University in New Brunswick, N.J., in 2018. But at the end of his sophomore year, he had a life-changing conversation with Father Fred Walters, then Holy Family’s pastor, now retired. “Father Fred said, ‘As a priest, you could be a spiritual father for your spiritual children — to so many people,’” Agbim said. “That moved me from wanting to be a biological father to being a priest.” Agbim’s exploration of vocations led him to the Society of the Divine Word. He was impressed by the community’s “missionary spirit.” Divine Word Missionaries work globally in 79 countries to spread the Gospel through service and action. In 2019, Agbim quit his job as a pharmacy technician to enter Divine Word’s novitiate in Epworth, Iowa. He made his first vows in 2020 and his perpetual vows in 2025. He later moved to Hyde Park, Chicago, for theology studies. Agbim’s many apostolic experiences have included hospital chaplaincy, migrant ministry, social justice, and prison ministry. He spent two years in Italy, first learning the language and culture in Padua. Then, he served a parish in Trent, focusing on pilgrimages, youth ministry, religious education, and a clothing and food drive. “The parish welcomed this 6-foot black American and built a relationship with me like Jesus talks about. I cried the day I left,” Agbim said. Agbim’s first assignment as a priest will be with the Chicago Province, which spans from Nebraska to Massachusetts and from Canada to the Caribbean. Divine Word priests and Father Walters inspire him. “Father Fred was always joyful, smiling, and at peace. I want that for my priesthood,” Agbim said. Concerning his future vocation, Agbim said, “I feel gratitude, mixed with some fear. But I leave certain decisions in God’s hands. He knows better than I do.”  

unitedyam

Former Florham Park priest’s encouragement leads to Divine Word vocation #Catholic –

From a grandmother’s lips to God’s ears! Early on, Paulina Macarthy had a hunch about her grandson, Ryan Agbim. When he was 3 years old, she declared, “Ryan is going to be a priest one day.”

Perhaps it was God who first whispered into Macarthy’s ears. Agbim, now 30, formerly of Holy Family Parish in Florham Park, N.J., has since heard — and answered — the Lord’s call. He is preparing to be ordained a priest of the Society of the Divine Word in Chicago, Ill., on May 23, 2026. The seeds of that vocation were first sown in the Paterson Diocese in New Jersey.

Agbim and six other Divine Word Missionaries took their final step toward the priesthood on Oct. 12, when they were ordained to the temporary diaconate at Our Lady of Africa Parish in Chicago. He is now serving at the Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii in that city as a deacon. Agbim expects to complete his priestly studies at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago before his ordination.

Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.

“When I finish assisting or preaching at Mass as a deacon, I’m happy and smiling. It leaves me saying, ‘I could do this forever — but as a priest,” said Agbim, who admitted he is still getting used to being called “Deacon Ryan.”

From 2003 to 2014, Agbim and his family — his mother, Barbara, from England, and his father, Mathias, from Nigeria, both deceased, and his sister, Jessica — attended weekly Mass at Holy Family.

But it wasn’t until college that Agbim first heard God’s call through the questions of others, like “Have you thought of being a priest?” One of them was Bishop Emeritus Arthur J. Serratelli during a pastoral visit to Holy Family.

Initially, Agbim discerned a life with a wife and children. He earned a bachelor’s degree in public health from Rutgers University in New Brunswick, N.J., in 2018. But at the end of his sophomore year, he had a life-changing conversation with Father Fred Walters, then Holy Family’s pastor, now retired.

“Father Fred said, ‘As a priest, you could be a spiritual father for your spiritual children — to so many people,’” Agbim said. “That moved me from wanting to be a biological father to being a priest.”

Agbim’s exploration of vocations led him to the Society of the Divine Word. He was impressed by the community’s “missionary spirit.” Divine Word Missionaries work globally in 79 countries to spread the Gospel through service and action.

In 2019, Agbim quit his job as a pharmacy technician to enter Divine Word’s novitiate in Epworth, Iowa. He made his first vows in 2020 and his perpetual vows in 2025. He later moved to Hyde Park, Chicago, for theology studies.

Agbim’s many apostolic experiences have included hospital chaplaincy, migrant ministry, social justice, and prison ministry. He spent two years in Italy, first learning the language and culture in Padua. Then, he served a parish in Trent, focusing on pilgrimages, youth ministry, religious education, and a clothing and food drive.

“The parish welcomed this 6-foot black American and built a relationship with me like Jesus talks about. I cried the day I left,” Agbim said.

Agbim’s first assignment as a priest will be with the Chicago Province, which spans from Nebraska to Massachusetts and from Canada to the Caribbean. Divine Word priests and Father Walters inspire him. “Father Fred was always joyful, smiling, and at peace. I want that for my priesthood,” Agbim said.

Concerning his future vocation, Agbim said, “I feel gratitude, mixed with some fear. But I leave certain decisions in God’s hands. He knows better than I do.”

 

– From a grandmother’s lips to God’s ears! Early on, Paulina Macarthy had a hunch about her grandson, Ryan Agbim. When he was 3 years old, she declared, “Ryan is going to be a priest one day.” Perhaps it was God who first whispered into Macarthy’s ears. Agbim, now 30, formerly of Holy Family Parish in Florham Park, N.J., has since heard — and answered — the Lord’s call. He is preparing to be ordained a priest of the Society of the Divine Word in Chicago, Ill., on May 23, 2026. The seeds of that vocation were first sown in the

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The Jubilee of Education, St. John Henry Cardinal Newman, Doctor of the Church, 2 new documents, and much more — all in one podcast episode! #Catholic – Lead, Kindly Light, amid the encircling gloom, Lead Thou me on; The night is dark, and I am far from home, Lead Thou me on. Keep Thou my feet; I do not ask to see the distant scene; one step enough for me… — From “Lead Kindly Light” by St. John Henry Newman (1834) BISHOP KEVIN J. SWEENEY Pope Leo XIV has been very busy in recent weeks. If you would like to see what some of his schedule looks like, just look at the schedule for the recently completed “Jubilee of the World of Education,” from Oct. 27–Nov. 1. I have previously mentioned that I enjoy listening to two “sister podcasts” from America Media: “Jesuitical” is hosted by Ashley McKinless and Zac Davis, and “Inside the Vatican” is described on the America magazine website. Each week, Colleen Dulle goes behind the headlines of the biggest Vatican news stories with America’s Rome correspondent, Gerard O’Connell. They’ll break down complicated news stories that have a whole lot of history behind them in an understandable, engaging way. See Inside the Vatican.  In the most recent episode of Inside the Vatican, the hosts do an excellent job in covering numerous topics and, as the website says, they “break down complicated news stories that have a whole lot of history behind them in an understandable, engaging way.” Here are some of the topics that they cover, discuss, and attempt to explain in the most recent episode: A new “Doctrinal Statement” from the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith: Mater Populi Fidelis: Doctrinal Note on Some Marian Titles Regarding Mary’s Cooperation in the Work of Salvation.  John Henry Cardinal Newman being declared a Doctor of the Church. Pope Leo XIV signing a new Apostolic Letter to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Gravissimum Educationis.  The Jubilee of the World of Education — see above. I encourage readers to take the time to click on the links above and read as many of the news articles as possible. If you click on the link to the “Doctrinal Statement,” you will see that it is quite lengthy. If you don’t have time to read all or much of the statement and articles above, you can listen to the very engaging and informative (41-minute) conversation between Colleen and Gerry on the podcast.  While I enjoyed listening to the full conversation, I was especially grateful to be reminded that, during his time as an Anglican priest, before converting to Catholicism and becoming a Catholic priest, Cardinal Newman wrote a beautiful, poetic hymn (prayer) called “Lead Kindly Light.” Gerry recounts the conditions during which Cardinal Newman wrote the hymn and shares that he recently learned that Mahatma Gandhi was influenced by Cardinal Newman and the hymn. As I write these words, I am preparing to leave for Baltimore, for the semi-annual meeting of the United States’ Bishops’ Conference (USCCB), which will begin with a Morning of Prayer on Monday, Nov. 10, and conclude on Thursday, Nov. 13, the Feast of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini. I ask that you please keep the bishops in your prayers, especially during the days of our meetings. Cardinal Newman’s hymn, Lead Kindly Light, which I began this article with, was written in 1833 when he was an Anglican priest, before he was received into the Catholic Church. Newman was marooned far from home in Sicily, at the time, ill, and feeling despair. His hymn is a reflection of his own striving to understand and carry out God’s will and his prayer for courage to see beyond the difficulties of the moment. As a “Doctor” of the Church, John Henry Newman has important things to teach us about our faith. Newman reminds us that we are ever led by the Light of Christ. We pray to keep our eyes open to Christ’s unfailing light so that we are led by his gospel. As this Jubilee Year begins to draw to a close, Cardinal Newman teaches us to remain steadfast in hope, confident that each step that we take can lead us closer to our Heavenly Father’s purposes, bringing us the joy that comes from remaining open to friendship with the Lord Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit. Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.  
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The Jubilee of Education, St. John Henry Cardinal Newman, Doctor of the Church, 2 new documents, and much more — all in one podcast episode! #Catholic – Lead, Kindly Light, amid the encircling gloom, Lead Thou me on; The night is dark, and I am far from home, Lead Thou me on. Keep Thou my feet; I do not ask to see the distant scene; one step enough for me… — From “Lead Kindly Light” by St. John Henry Newman (1834) BISHOP KEVIN J. SWEENEY Pope Leo XIV has been very busy in recent weeks. If you would like to see what some of his schedule looks like, just look at the schedule for the recently completed “Jubilee of the World of Education,” from Oct. 27–Nov. 1. I have previously mentioned that I enjoy listening to two “sister podcasts” from America Media: “Jesuitical” is hosted by Ashley McKinless and Zac Davis, and “Inside the Vatican” is described on the America magazine website. Each week, Colleen Dulle goes behind the headlines of the biggest Vatican news stories with America’s Rome correspondent, Gerard O’Connell. They’ll break down complicated news stories that have a whole lot of history behind them in an understandable, engaging way. See Inside the Vatican.  In the most recent episode of Inside the Vatican, the hosts do an excellent job in covering numerous topics and, as the website says, they “break down complicated news stories that have a whole lot of history behind them in an understandable, engaging way.” Here are some of the topics that they cover, discuss, and attempt to explain in the most recent episode: A new “Doctrinal Statement” from the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith: Mater Populi Fidelis: Doctrinal Note on Some Marian Titles Regarding Mary’s Cooperation in the Work of Salvation.  John Henry Cardinal Newman being declared a Doctor of the Church. Pope Leo XIV signing a new Apostolic Letter to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Gravissimum Educationis.  The Jubilee of the World of Education — see above. I encourage readers to take the time to click on the links above and read as many of the news articles as possible. If you click on the link to the “Doctrinal Statement,” you will see that it is quite lengthy. If you don’t have time to read all or much of the statement and articles above, you can listen to the very engaging and informative (41-minute) conversation between Colleen and Gerry on the podcast.  While I enjoyed listening to the full conversation, I was especially grateful to be reminded that, during his time as an Anglican priest, before converting to Catholicism and becoming a Catholic priest, Cardinal Newman wrote a beautiful, poetic hymn (prayer) called “Lead Kindly Light.” Gerry recounts the conditions during which Cardinal Newman wrote the hymn and shares that he recently learned that Mahatma Gandhi was influenced by Cardinal Newman and the hymn. As I write these words, I am preparing to leave for Baltimore, for the semi-annual meeting of the United States’ Bishops’ Conference (USCCB), which will begin with a Morning of Prayer on Monday, Nov. 10, and conclude on Thursday, Nov. 13, the Feast of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini. I ask that you please keep the bishops in your prayers, especially during the days of our meetings. Cardinal Newman’s hymn, Lead Kindly Light, which I began this article with, was written in 1833 when he was an Anglican priest, before he was received into the Catholic Church. Newman was marooned far from home in Sicily, at the time, ill, and feeling despair. His hymn is a reflection of his own striving to understand and carry out God’s will and his prayer for courage to see beyond the difficulties of the moment. As a “Doctor” of the Church, John Henry Newman has important things to teach us about our faith. Newman reminds us that we are ever led by the Light of Christ. We pray to keep our eyes open to Christ’s unfailing light so that we are led by his gospel. As this Jubilee Year begins to draw to a close, Cardinal Newman teaches us to remain steadfast in hope, confident that each step that we take can lead us closer to our Heavenly Father’s purposes, bringing us the joy that comes from remaining open to friendship with the Lord Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit. Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.  

unitedyam

The Jubilee of Education, St. John Henry Cardinal Newman, Doctor of the Church, 2 new documents, and much more — all in one podcast episode! #Catholic –

Lead, Kindly Light, amid the encircling gloom, Lead Thou me on;

The night is dark, and I am far from home,

Lead Thou me on.

Keep Thou my feet; I do not ask to see the distant scene;

one step enough for me…

— From “Lead Kindly Light” by St. John Henry Newman (1834)

BISHOP KEVIN J. SWEENEY

Pope Leo XIV has been very busy in recent weeks. If you would like to see what some of his schedule looks like, just look at the schedule for the recently completed “Jubilee of the World of Education,” from Oct. 27–Nov. 1.

I have previously mentioned that I enjoy listening to two “sister podcasts” from America Media: “Jesuitical” is hosted by Ashley McKinless and Zac Davis, and “Inside the Vatican” is described on the America magazine website. Each week, Colleen Dulle goes behind the headlines of the biggest Vatican news stories with America’s Rome correspondent, Gerard O’Connell. They’ll break down complicated news stories that have a whole lot of history behind them in an understandable, engaging way. See Inside the Vatican. 

In the most recent episode of Inside the Vatican, the hosts do an excellent job in covering numerous topics and, as the website says, they “break down complicated news stories that have a whole lot of history behind them in an understandable, engaging way.” Here are some of the topics that they cover, discuss, and attempt to explain in the most recent episode:

  1. A new “Doctrinal Statement” from the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith: Mater Populi Fidelis: Doctrinal Note on Some Marian Titles Regarding Mary’s Cooperation in the Work of Salvation. 
  2. John Henry Cardinal Newman being declared a Doctor of the Church.
  3. Pope Leo XIV signing a new Apostolic Letter to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Gravissimum Educationis. 
  4. The Jubilee of the World of Education — see above.

I encourage readers to take the time to click on the links above and read as many of the news articles as possible. If you click on the link to the “Doctrinal Statement,” you will see that it is quite lengthy. If you don’t have time to read all or much of the statement and articles above, you can listen to the very engaging and informative (41-minute) conversation between Colleen and Gerry on the podcast. 

While I enjoyed listening to the full conversation, I was especially grateful to be reminded that, during his time as an Anglican priest, before converting to Catholicism and becoming a Catholic priest, Cardinal Newman wrote a beautiful, poetic hymn (prayer) called “Lead Kindly Light.” Gerry recounts the conditions during which Cardinal Newman wrote the hymn and shares that he recently learned that Mahatma Gandhi was influenced by Cardinal Newman and the hymn.

As I write these words, I am preparing to leave for Baltimore, for the semi-annual meeting of the United States’ Bishops’ Conference (USCCB), which will begin with a Morning of Prayer on Monday, Nov. 10, and conclude on Thursday, Nov. 13, the Feast of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini. I ask that you please keep the bishops in your prayers, especially during the days of our meetings.

Cardinal Newman’s hymn, Lead Kindly Light, which I began this article with, was written in 1833 when he was an Anglican priest, before he was received into the Catholic Church. Newman was marooned far from home in Sicily, at the time, ill, and feeling despair. His hymn is a reflection of his own striving to understand and carry out God’s will and his prayer for courage to see beyond the difficulties of the moment. As a “Doctor” of the Church, John Henry Newman has important things to teach us about our faith. Newman reminds us that we are ever led by the Light of Christ. We pray to keep our eyes open to Christ’s unfailing light so that we are led by his gospel. As this Jubilee Year begins to draw to a close, Cardinal Newman teaches us to remain steadfast in hope, confident that each step that we take can lead us closer to our Heavenly Father’s purposes, bringing us the joy that comes from remaining open to friendship with the Lord Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.

 

– Lead, Kindly Light, amid the encircling gloom, Lead Thou me on; The night is dark, and I am far from home, Lead Thou me on. Keep Thou my feet; I do not ask to see the distant scene; one step enough for me… — From “Lead Kindly Light” by St. John Henry Newman (1834) BISHOP KEVIN J. SWEENEY Pope Leo XIV has been very busy in recent weeks. If you would like to see what some of his schedule looks like, just look at the schedule for the recently completed “Jubilee of the World of Education,” from Oct. 27–Nov. 1.

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Obituary: Beverly A. Cuccinelli, Little Falls parish administrator, 84 #Catholic – A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 12 at 10 a.m. at Holy Angels Church in Little Falls, N.J., for Beverly A. (nee Voorhis) Cuccinelli of Pompton Plains, N.J., formerly of Woodland Park, N.J., who died suddenly on Nov. 7. She was 84. Born in Paterson, N.J., Cuccinelli had lived in Woodland Park since 1965. She had been the parish administrator for Our Lady of the Holy Angels Parish since 1985. She was the heart and soul of Holy Angels, working until the day she died. Cuccinelli was predeceased by her parents, Roy C. and Florence (nee Stager) Voorhis, and her siblings, Edna Mae La Rocca, Marjorie Di Buono, Florence Benda, Louise Blum, Roy Charles Voorhis, Jr., and Edward Voorhis. Survivors include Cuccinelli’s husband of 60 years, Joseph Cuccinelli; her two daughters, Louise Cox and her husband, Kevin, and Beverly Cuccinelli, and her life partner, Robert Braen; her son, Joseph Cuccinelli, and his wife, Melissa Crowe; and her brother, William Voorhis, of Galloway Township, N.J. Cuccinelli was graced with six grandchildren and five great grandchildren and was the cherished Grandma, Gma, Guma and GG to Brian Cox; Kevin Cox, Jr., his wife, Richele and their three children, Ariana, Carter, and Alivia; Kristina Greer, her husband, Tyjon, and their two children, Bria and Tyjon, Jr.; Clifford “Kip” Cox; Paul Hueck; and Jack Cuccinelli. Visitation will be on Tuesday, Nov. 11 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Bizub-Parker Funeral Home in Little Falls. A funeral service will take place on Nov. 12 at 9:15 a.m. from the funeral home, followed by the 10 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at Holy Angels. Entombment to follow at Laurel Grove Memorial Park in Totowa, N.J. Memorial contributions to Holy Angels Parish would be appreciated. Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.
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Obituary: Beverly A. Cuccinelli, Little Falls parish administrator, 84 #Catholic – A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 12 at 10 a.m. at Holy Angels Church in Little Falls, N.J., for Beverly A. (nee Voorhis) Cuccinelli of Pompton Plains, N.J., formerly of Woodland Park, N.J., who died suddenly on Nov. 7. She was 84. Born in Paterson, N.J., Cuccinelli had lived in Woodland Park since 1965. She had been the parish administrator for Our Lady of the Holy Angels Parish since 1985. She was the heart and soul of Holy Angels, working until the day she died. Cuccinelli was predeceased by her parents, Roy C. and Florence (nee Stager) Voorhis, and her siblings, Edna Mae La Rocca, Marjorie Di Buono, Florence Benda, Louise Blum, Roy Charles Voorhis, Jr., and Edward Voorhis. Survivors include Cuccinelli’s husband of 60 years, Joseph Cuccinelli; her two daughters, Louise Cox and her husband, Kevin, and Beverly Cuccinelli, and her life partner, Robert Braen; her son, Joseph Cuccinelli, and his wife, Melissa Crowe; and her brother, William Voorhis, of Galloway Township, N.J. Cuccinelli was graced with six grandchildren and five great grandchildren and was the cherished Grandma, Gma, Guma and GG to Brian Cox; Kevin Cox, Jr., his wife, Richele and their three children, Ariana, Carter, and Alivia; Kristina Greer, her husband, Tyjon, and their two children, Bria and Tyjon, Jr.; Clifford “Kip” Cox; Paul Hueck; and Jack Cuccinelli. Visitation will be on Tuesday, Nov. 11 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Bizub-Parker Funeral Home in Little Falls. A funeral service will take place on Nov. 12 at 9:15 a.m. from the funeral home, followed by the 10 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at Holy Angels. Entombment to follow at Laurel Grove Memorial Park in Totowa, N.J. Memorial contributions to Holy Angels Parish would be appreciated. Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.

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Obituary: Beverly A. Cuccinelli, Little Falls parish administrator, 84 #Catholic –

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 12 at 10 a.m. at Holy Angels Church in Little Falls, N.J., for Beverly A. (nee Voorhis) Cuccinelli of Pompton Plains, N.J., formerly of Woodland Park, N.J., who died suddenly on Nov. 7. She was 84.

Born in Paterson, N.J., Cuccinelli had lived in Woodland Park since 1965. She had been the parish administrator for Our Lady of the Holy Angels Parish since 1985. She was the heart and soul of Holy Angels, working until the day she died.

Cuccinelli was predeceased by her parents, Roy C. and Florence (nee Stager) Voorhis, and her siblings, Edna Mae La Rocca, Marjorie Di Buono, Florence Benda, Louise Blum, Roy Charles Voorhis, Jr., and Edward Voorhis.

Survivors include Cuccinelli’s husband of 60 years, Joseph Cuccinelli; her two daughters, Louise Cox and her husband, Kevin, and Beverly Cuccinelli, and her life partner, Robert Braen; her son, Joseph Cuccinelli, and his wife, Melissa Crowe; and her brother, William Voorhis, of Galloway Township, N.J.

Cuccinelli was graced with six grandchildren and five great grandchildren and was the cherished Grandma, Gma, Guma and GG to Brian Cox; Kevin Cox, Jr., his wife, Richele and their three children, Ariana, Carter, and Alivia; Kristina Greer, her husband, Tyjon, and their two children, Bria and Tyjon, Jr.; Clifford “Kip” Cox; Paul Hueck; and Jack Cuccinelli.

Visitation will be on Tuesday, Nov. 11 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Bizub-Parker Funeral Home in Little Falls. A funeral service will take place on Nov. 12 at 9:15 a.m. from the funeral home, followed by the 10 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at Holy Angels.

Entombment to follow at Laurel Grove Memorial Park in Totowa, N.J. Memorial contributions to Holy Angels Parish would be appreciated.

Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.

– A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 12 at 10 a.m. at Holy Angels Church in Little Falls, N.J., for Beverly A. (nee Voorhis) Cuccinelli of Pompton Plains, N.J., formerly of Woodland Park, N.J., who died suddenly on Nov. 7. She was 84. Born in Paterson, N.J., Cuccinelli had lived in Woodland Park since 1965. She had been the parish administrator for Our Lady of the Holy Angels Parish since 1985. She was the heart and soul of Holy Angels, working until the day she died. Cuccinelli was predeceased by her parents, Roy C. and Florence

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Democrats Agree To End Shutdown In Exchange For 15% Off Coupon To Cracker Barrel #BabylonBee – WASHINGTON, D.C. — The record-length shutdown of the federal government was finally set to reach its conclusion, as Senate Democrats agreed to end the shutdown in exchange for a 15% off coupon to Cracker Barrel.
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Democrats Agree To End Shutdown In Exchange For 15% Off Coupon To Cracker Barrel #BabylonBee – WASHINGTON, D.C. — The record-length shutdown of the federal government was finally set to reach its conclusion, as Senate Democrats agreed to end the shutdown in exchange for a 15% off coupon to Cracker Barrel.

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — The record-length shutdown of the federal government was finally set to reach its conclusion, as Senate Democrats agreed to end the shutdown in exchange for a 15% off coupon to Cracker Barrel.

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Trump Unveils New Eternal Mortgage #BabylonBee – WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a bid to bring down housing costs for struggling Americans trying to afford to purchase a home, President Donald Trump unveiled a plan that would normalize the utilization of eternal mortgages.
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Trump Unveils New Eternal Mortgage #BabylonBee – WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a bid to bring down housing costs for struggling Americans trying to afford to purchase a home, President Donald Trump unveiled a plan that would normalize the utilization of eternal mortgages.

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a bid to bring down housing costs for struggling Americans trying to afford to purchase a home, President Donald Trump unveiled a plan that would normalize the utilization of eternal mortgages.

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Picture of the day Detail of a stained glass window in St. Barbara’s Church (Kutná Hora, Czech Republic). The window depicts St. Aloysius, St. Monica, St. Francis of Assisi, and St. Joseph in prayer. Today is All Saints’ Day. #ImageOfTheDay
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Picture of the day Detail of a stained glass window in St. Barbara’s Church (Kutná Hora, Czech Republic). The window depicts St. Aloysius, St. Monica, St. Francis of Assisi, and St. Joseph in prayer. Today is All Saints’ Day. #ImageOfTheDay

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Picture of the day
Detail of a stained glass window in St. Barbara’s Church (Kutná Hora, Czech Republic). The window depicts St. Aloysius, St. Monica, St. Francis of Assisi, and St. Joseph in prayer. Today is All Saints’ Day.
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NOW: French Court Frees Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy Pending Appeal – From the Elisée palace to La Santé prison – and now, free again. The post NOW: French Court Frees Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy Pending Appeal appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.
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NOW: French Court Frees Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy Pending Appeal – From the Elisée palace to La Santé prison – and now, free again. The post NOW: French Court Frees Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy Pending Appeal appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.

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Close-up portrait of a mature man with gray hair and blue eyes against a blue background, conveying a serious expression.

Close-up portrait of a mature man with gray hair and blue eyes against a blue background, conveying a serious expression.

From the Elisée palace to La Santé prison – and now, free again.

The post NOW: French Court Frees Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy Pending Appeal appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.

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BREAKING: Supreme Court Rejects Bid to Overturn Decision That Legalized Same-Sex Marriage – The US Supreme Court on Monday rejected a bid to overturn its decision that legalized same-sex marriage. The post BREAKING: Supreme Court Rejects Bid to Overturn Decision That Legalized Same-Sex Marriage appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.
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BREAKING: Supreme Court Rejects Bid to Overturn Decision That Legalized Same-Sex Marriage – The US Supreme Court on Monday rejected a bid to overturn its decision that legalized same-sex marriage. The post BREAKING: Supreme Court Rejects Bid to Overturn Decision That Legalized Same-Sex Marriage appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.

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The US Supreme Court on Monday rejected a bid to overturn its decision that legalized same-sex marriage.

The post BREAKING: Supreme Court Rejects Bid to Overturn Decision That Legalized Same-Sex Marriage appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.

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One Way To See If You Are Overpaying for Your Home Insurance Coverage – (Note: Thank you for supporting businesses like those presenting a sponsored message below and ordering through the links below, which benefits Gateway Pundit. The post One Way To See If You Are Overpaying for Your Home Insurance Coverage appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.
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One Way To See If You Are Overpaying for Your Home Insurance Coverage – (Note: Thank you for supporting businesses like those presenting a sponsored message below and ordering through the links below, which benefits Gateway Pundit. The post One Way To See If You Are Overpaying for Your Home Insurance Coverage appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.

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(Note: Thank you for supporting businesses like those presenting a sponsored message below and ordering through the links below, which benefits Gateway Pundit.

The post One Way To See If You Are Overpaying for Your Home Insurance Coverage appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.

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Comet Lemmon is still visible

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Well, Comet Lemmon finally passed its closest approach to the Sun and is now heading back into the outskirts of the solar system. That means it’s fading as it receives less solar energy each day. Of course, the comet could still experience an outburst, which would increase its brightness, but that would only be temporary.Continue reading “Comet Lemmon is still visible”

The post Comet Lemmon is still visible appeared first on Astronomy Magazine.

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Delbarton remembers beloved parent, football coach at Bishop’s Mass #Catholic - The Delbarton School community in Morristown, N.J., on Nov. 4 welcomed Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney of the Diocese of Paterson in New Jersey, who celebrated the school’s annual Bishop’s Mass. The bishop led the community in reflecting on faith, life, and resurrection, and honoring beloved Delbarton father and varsity football coach Nick Mangold, who died at 41 of complications from liver disease on Oct. 25, and his family. That day, Bishop Sweeney celebrated the 9:30 a.m. Mass, which was concelebrated by monks of the Benedictine community that administers Delbarton. At that time, many Delbarton community members, including Benedictine Father Michael Tidd, headmaster; football players; students; and staff, were among those preparing for the start of a Mass of Christian Burial for Mangold at 10:30 a.m. at St. Vincent Martyr Church in Madison, N.J. Mangold was a Delbarton varsity offensive line coach.  Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter. “We are grateful for Bishop Sweeney’s presence and support of the Delbarton community,” the school posted on social media after the Mass. BEACON PHOTOS | JOE GIGLI [See image gallery at beaconnj.org]  
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Delbarton remembers beloved parent, football coach at Bishop’s Mass #Catholic – The Delbarton School community in Morristown, N.J., on Nov. 4 welcomed Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney of the Diocese of Paterson in New Jersey, who celebrated the school’s annual Bishop’s Mass. The bishop led the community in reflecting on faith, life, and resurrection, and honoring beloved Delbarton father and varsity football coach Nick Mangold, who died at 41 of complications from liver disease on Oct. 25, and his family. That day, Bishop Sweeney celebrated the 9:30 a.m. Mass, which was concelebrated by monks of the Benedictine community that administers Delbarton. At that time, many Delbarton community members, including Benedictine Father Michael Tidd, headmaster; football players; students; and staff, were among those preparing for the start of a Mass of Christian Burial for Mangold at 10:30 a.m. at St. Vincent Martyr Church in Madison, N.J. Mangold was a Delbarton varsity offensive line coach.  Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter. “We are grateful for Bishop Sweeney’s presence and support of the Delbarton community,” the school posted on social media after the Mass. BEACON PHOTOS | JOE GIGLI [See image gallery at beaconnj.org]  

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Delbarton remembers beloved parent, football coach at Bishop’s Mass #Catholic –

The Delbarton School community in Morristown, N.J., on Nov. 4 welcomed Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney of the Diocese of Paterson in New Jersey, who celebrated the school’s annual Bishop’s Mass. The bishop led the community in reflecting on faith, life, and resurrection, and honoring beloved Delbarton father and varsity football coach Nick Mangold, who died at 41 of complications from liver disease on Oct. 25, and his family.

That day, Bishop Sweeney celebrated the 9:30 a.m. Mass, which was concelebrated by monks of the Benedictine community that administers Delbarton. At that time, many Delbarton community members, including Benedictine Father Michael Tidd, headmaster; football players; students; and staff, were among those preparing for the start of a Mass of Christian Burial for Mangold at 10:30 a.m. at St. Vincent Martyr Church in Madison, N.J. Mangold was a Delbarton varsity offensive line coach. 

Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.

“We are grateful for Bishop Sweeney’s presence and support of the Delbarton community,” the school posted on social media after the Mass.

BEACON PHOTOS | JOE GIGLI

– The Delbarton School community in Morristown, N.J., on Nov. 4 welcomed Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney of the Diocese of Paterson in New Jersey, who celebrated the school’s annual Bishop’s Mass. The bishop led the community in reflecting on faith, life, and resurrection, and honoring beloved Delbarton father and varsity football coach Nick Mangold, who died at 41 of complications from liver disease on Oct. 25, and his family. That day, Bishop Sweeney celebrated the 9:30 a.m. Mass, which was concelebrated by monks of the Benedictine community that administers Delbarton. At that time, many Delbarton community members, including Benedictine Father Michael

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Pope Leo XIV may visit Sri Lanka, Vatican diplomat says - #Catholic - Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Vatican’s secretary for relations with states and international organizations, meets Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo on Nov. 4, 2025. / Credit: Santosh Digal Colombo, Sri Lanka, Nov 10, 2025 / 09:39 am (CNA). A top Vatican diplomat has raised the possibility of a papal visit to Sri Lanka as the two nations marked 50 years of diplomatic relations this month, a milestone reached as the island nation emerges from years of political turmoil and economic crisis.Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Vatican’s secretary for relations with states and international organizations, visited Sri Lanka Nov. 3–8 to commemorate the diplomatic ties established Sept. 6, 1975. During meetings with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and other key officials, Gallagher said Pope Leo XIV may consider visiting the country in recognition of its progress toward peace and stability.Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Vatican’s secretary for relations with states and international organizations, hold a bilateral meeting at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo on Nov. 4, 2025, marking Sri Lanka and the Vatican’s 50 years of diplomatic ties. Credit: Santosh DigalThe visit came at a pivotal moment for Sri Lanka, which is rebuilding after a devastating civil war that ended in 2009 and a severe economic collapse in 2022 that forced the president’s resignation. The country also saw Easter Sunday terrorist attacks in 2019 that killed 269 people at Catholic churches and hotels.On Nov. 4, Gallagher met Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat. During the meeting, the president briefed the archbishop on the country’s progress under his administration, according to the President’s Media Division.‘A blessing for Sri Lanka’Dissanayake thanked the archbishop for his visit, calling it “a blessing for Sri Lanka.”The president lauded the Vatican’s contributions to Sri Lanka’s education sector and its humanitarian assistance following the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.Gallagher responded that Pope Leo XIV is impressed with Sri Lanka’s progress in promoting peace and unity among religious and ethnic groups. He added that the pope may consider visiting Sri Lanka in the future, given the Vatican’s ties with the country and its progress on many fronts.In January 2015, Pope Francis visited Sri Lanka amid the aftermath of the nation’s civil war. During that visit, Francis canonized Joseph Vaz (1651–1711), known as the apostle of Sri Lanka.Gallagher also praised Dissanayake’s leadership in restoring political and economic stability. He said the Vatican supports Sri Lanka’s ongoing efforts to improve ethnic harmony, interfaith understanding, and financial recovery.The archbishop also conveyed that Pope Leo XIV and the Vatican acknowledge and appreciate Sri Lanka’s progress in championing peace and unity among ethnic and religious communities.Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Vatican’s secretary for relations with states and international organizations, and Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath hold a joint press conference on Nov. 4, 2025, in Colombo. Credit: Santosh DigalReaffirming partnershipDuring a joint news conference on Nov. 4, Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath and Gallagher reaffirmed their enduring bilateral relations.In his remarks, Herath recalled the significant role that the Catholic Church plays in Sri Lanka’s religious and social fabric, particularly in nation-building and reconciliation efforts following the country’s decades-long civil war.“As we mark this occasion, we reflect with pride on our multifaceted engagement in areas such as education, health care, interfaith dialogue, and humanitarian cooperation,” he said.“This 50-year anniversary is a testament to a long tradition of dialogue and collaboration,” Gallagher stated in response. “With the intention of making the world a more equitable and peaceful place, we reached a consensus on the significance of maintaining our shared path, enhancing our collaboration on a global and regional scale, and continuing to move forward in the same direction.”Both sides expressed optimism about the future of relations between Sri Lanka and the Holy See, which are founded on mutual respect and a shared vision for peace and development.Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Vatican’s secretary for relations with states and international organizations, speaks at a press conference on Nov. 4, 2025, in Colombo. Credit: Santosh DigalCivil War legacySri Lanka’s civil war lasted from 1983 to 2009, claiming tens of thousands of lives. The conflict ended in 2009 when government forces defeated the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, a separatist group founded in 1976 to fight for Tamil rights. The conflict had its roots in long-standing ethnic tensions between the majority Sinhalese and the minority Tamil populations.From 2019 to 2024, Sri Lanka also faced severe political and economic crises, including the 2022 collapse that led to the resignation of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.Buddhism is practiced by approximately 70% of Sri Lanka’s estimated 22 million people, while 12.6% are Hindu, 9% are Muslim, and 7% are Christian.Commemorative eventsThe Vatican diplomat participated in a commemorative ceremony in Colombo, attended by Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith of Colombo, along with other Sri Lankan dignitaries and Church officials.The cardinal expressed joy at the joint celebration of bilateral ties, highlighting shared endeavors of friendship, collaboration, and partnership.On Nov. 4, Ranjith accompanied Gallagher to St. Anthony’s Shrine in Colombo, one of two Catholic churches targeted by suicide bombers on Easter Sunday 2019. The attacks, carried out by a local Islamic extremist group, killed up to 269 people and injured approximately 500.Hopes for continued partnership“His [Gallagher’s] visit marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and the Holy See — a milestone of friendship, mutual respect, and shared values,” said Arun Hemachandra, deputy minister of foreign affairs and foreign employment.“This golden jubilee celebration is a moment of reflection on our enduring partnership with the Vatican, grounded in peace, compassion, and the service of humanity,” he added.Father Cyril Gamini Fernando, spokesperson for the Archdiocese of Colombo, described Gallagher’s visit as important and timely.“Gallagher’s presence in the country was an excellent occasion to acknowledge the Catholic Church and the Vatican’s efforts to support Sri Lanka in its common good and development efforts,” he said.Michael Fernando, a Catholic and social worker based in Colombo, told CNA that the golden jubilee offers hope for further collaboration grounded in shared values.“Even if Christians are a minority in Sri Lanka, the government values their contribution and the service they render to people,” he said. “The five decades of partnership between the Vatican and Sri Lanka are a joyous occasion to sustain in the future for the welfare of all.”
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Pope Leo XIV may visit Sri Lanka, Vatican diplomat says – #Catholic – Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Vatican’s secretary for relations with states and international organizations, meets Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo on Nov. 4, 2025. / Credit: Santosh Digal Colombo, Sri Lanka, Nov 10, 2025 / 09:39 am (CNA). A top Vatican diplomat has raised the possibility of a papal visit to Sri Lanka as the two nations marked 50 years of diplomatic relations this month, a milestone reached as the island nation emerges from years of political turmoil and economic crisis.Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Vatican’s secretary for relations with states and international organizations, visited Sri Lanka Nov. 3–8 to commemorate the diplomatic ties established Sept. 6, 1975. During meetings with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and other key officials, Gallagher said Pope Leo XIV may consider visiting the country in recognition of its progress toward peace and stability.Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Vatican’s secretary for relations with states and international organizations, hold a bilateral meeting at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo on Nov. 4, 2025, marking Sri Lanka and the Vatican’s 50 years of diplomatic ties. Credit: Santosh DigalThe visit came at a pivotal moment for Sri Lanka, which is rebuilding after a devastating civil war that ended in 2009 and a severe economic collapse in 2022 that forced the president’s resignation. The country also saw Easter Sunday terrorist attacks in 2019 that killed 269 people at Catholic churches and hotels.On Nov. 4, Gallagher met Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat. During the meeting, the president briefed the archbishop on the country’s progress under his administration, according to the President’s Media Division.‘A blessing for Sri Lanka’Dissanayake thanked the archbishop for his visit, calling it “a blessing for Sri Lanka.”The president lauded the Vatican’s contributions to Sri Lanka’s education sector and its humanitarian assistance following the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.Gallagher responded that Pope Leo XIV is impressed with Sri Lanka’s progress in promoting peace and unity among religious and ethnic groups. He added that the pope may consider visiting Sri Lanka in the future, given the Vatican’s ties with the country and its progress on many fronts.In January 2015, Pope Francis visited Sri Lanka amid the aftermath of the nation’s civil war. During that visit, Francis canonized Joseph Vaz (1651–1711), known as the apostle of Sri Lanka.Gallagher also praised Dissanayake’s leadership in restoring political and economic stability. He said the Vatican supports Sri Lanka’s ongoing efforts to improve ethnic harmony, interfaith understanding, and financial recovery.The archbishop also conveyed that Pope Leo XIV and the Vatican acknowledge and appreciate Sri Lanka’s progress in championing peace and unity among ethnic and religious communities.Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Vatican’s secretary for relations with states and international organizations, and Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath hold a joint press conference on Nov. 4, 2025, in Colombo. Credit: Santosh DigalReaffirming partnershipDuring a joint news conference on Nov. 4, Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath and Gallagher reaffirmed their enduring bilateral relations.In his remarks, Herath recalled the significant role that the Catholic Church plays in Sri Lanka’s religious and social fabric, particularly in nation-building and reconciliation efforts following the country’s decades-long civil war.“As we mark this occasion, we reflect with pride on our multifaceted engagement in areas such as education, health care, interfaith dialogue, and humanitarian cooperation,” he said.“This 50-year anniversary is a testament to a long tradition of dialogue and collaboration,” Gallagher stated in response. “With the intention of making the world a more equitable and peaceful place, we reached a consensus on the significance of maintaining our shared path, enhancing our collaboration on a global and regional scale, and continuing to move forward in the same direction.”Both sides expressed optimism about the future of relations between Sri Lanka and the Holy See, which are founded on mutual respect and a shared vision for peace and development.Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Vatican’s secretary for relations with states and international organizations, speaks at a press conference on Nov. 4, 2025, in Colombo. Credit: Santosh DigalCivil War legacySri Lanka’s civil war lasted from 1983 to 2009, claiming tens of thousands of lives. The conflict ended in 2009 when government forces defeated the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, a separatist group founded in 1976 to fight for Tamil rights. The conflict had its roots in long-standing ethnic tensions between the majority Sinhalese and the minority Tamil populations.From 2019 to 2024, Sri Lanka also faced severe political and economic crises, including the 2022 collapse that led to the resignation of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.Buddhism is practiced by approximately 70% of Sri Lanka’s estimated 22 million people, while 12.6% are Hindu, 9% are Muslim, and 7% are Christian.Commemorative eventsThe Vatican diplomat participated in a commemorative ceremony in Colombo, attended by Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith of Colombo, along with other Sri Lankan dignitaries and Church officials.The cardinal expressed joy at the joint celebration of bilateral ties, highlighting shared endeavors of friendship, collaboration, and partnership.On Nov. 4, Ranjith accompanied Gallagher to St. Anthony’s Shrine in Colombo, one of two Catholic churches targeted by suicide bombers on Easter Sunday 2019. The attacks, carried out by a local Islamic extremist group, killed up to 269 people and injured approximately 500.Hopes for continued partnership“His [Gallagher’s] visit marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and the Holy See — a milestone of friendship, mutual respect, and shared values,” said Arun Hemachandra, deputy minister of foreign affairs and foreign employment.“This golden jubilee celebration is a moment of reflection on our enduring partnership with the Vatican, grounded in peace, compassion, and the service of humanity,” he added.Father Cyril Gamini Fernando, spokesperson for the Archdiocese of Colombo, described Gallagher’s visit as important and timely.“Gallagher’s presence in the country was an excellent occasion to acknowledge the Catholic Church and the Vatican’s efforts to support Sri Lanka in its common good and development efforts,” he said.Michael Fernando, a Catholic and social worker based in Colombo, told CNA that the golden jubilee offers hope for further collaboration grounded in shared values.“Even if Christians are a minority in Sri Lanka, the government values their contribution and the service they render to people,” he said. “The five decades of partnership between the Vatican and Sri Lanka are a joyous occasion to sustain in the future for the welfare of all.”

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Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Vatican’s secretary for relations with states and international organizations, meets Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo on Nov. 4, 2025. / Credit: Santosh Digal

Colombo, Sri Lanka, Nov 10, 2025 / 09:39 am (CNA).

A top Vatican diplomat has raised the possibility of a papal visit to Sri Lanka as the two nations marked 50 years of diplomatic relations this month, a milestone reached as the island nation emerges from years of political turmoil and economic crisis.

Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Vatican’s secretary for relations with states and international organizations, visited Sri Lanka Nov. 3–8 to commemorate the diplomatic ties established Sept. 6, 1975. During meetings with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and other key officials, Gallagher said Pope Leo XIV may consider visiting the country in recognition of its progress toward peace and stability.

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Vatican’s secretary for relations with states and international organizations, hold a bilateral meeting at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo on Nov. 4, 2025, marking Sri Lanka and the Vatican’s 50 years of diplomatic ties. Credit: Santosh Digal
Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Vatican’s secretary for relations with states and international organizations, hold a bilateral meeting at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo on Nov. 4, 2025, marking Sri Lanka and the Vatican’s 50 years of diplomatic ties. Credit: Santosh Digal

The visit came at a pivotal moment for Sri Lanka, which is rebuilding after a devastating civil war that ended in 2009 and a severe economic collapse in 2022 that forced the president’s resignation. The country also saw Easter Sunday terrorist attacks in 2019 that killed 269 people at Catholic churches and hotels.

On Nov. 4, Gallagher met Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat. During the meeting, the president briefed the archbishop on the country’s progress under his administration, according to the President’s Media Division.

‘A blessing for Sri Lanka’

Dissanayake thanked the archbishop for his visit, calling it “a blessing for Sri Lanka.”

The president lauded the Vatican’s contributions to Sri Lanka’s education sector and its humanitarian assistance following the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.

Gallagher responded that Pope Leo XIV is impressed with Sri Lanka’s progress in promoting peace and unity among religious and ethnic groups. He added that the pope may consider visiting Sri Lanka in the future, given the Vatican’s ties with the country and its progress on many fronts.

In January 2015, Pope Francis visited Sri Lanka amid the aftermath of the nation’s civil war. During that visit, Francis canonized Joseph Vaz (1651–1711), known as the apostle of Sri Lanka.

Gallagher also praised Dissanayake’s leadership in restoring political and economic stability. He said the Vatican supports Sri Lanka’s ongoing efforts to improve ethnic harmony, interfaith understanding, and financial recovery.

The archbishop also conveyed that Pope Leo XIV and the Vatican acknowledge and appreciate Sri Lanka’s progress in championing peace and unity among ethnic and religious communities.

Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Vatican’s secretary for relations with states and international organizations, and Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath hold a joint press conference on Nov. 4, 2025, in Colombo. Credit: Santosh Digal
Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Vatican’s secretary for relations with states and international organizations, and Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath hold a joint press conference on Nov. 4, 2025, in Colombo. Credit: Santosh Digal

Reaffirming partnership

During a joint news conference on Nov. 4, Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath and Gallagher reaffirmed their enduring bilateral relations.

In his remarks, Herath recalled the significant role that the Catholic Church plays in Sri Lanka’s religious and social fabric, particularly in nation-building and reconciliation efforts following the country’s decades-long civil war.

“As we mark this occasion, we reflect with pride on our multifaceted engagement in areas such as education, health care, interfaith dialogue, and humanitarian cooperation,” he said.

“This 50-year anniversary is a testament to a long tradition of dialogue and collaboration,” Gallagher stated in response. “With the intention of making the world a more equitable and peaceful place, we reached a consensus on the significance of maintaining our shared path, enhancing our collaboration on a global and regional scale, and continuing to move forward in the same direction.”

Both sides expressed optimism about the future of relations between Sri Lanka and the Holy See, which are founded on mutual respect and a shared vision for peace and development.

Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Vatican’s secretary for relations with states and international organizations, speaks at a press conference on Nov. 4, 2025, in Colombo. Credit: Santosh Digal
Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Vatican’s secretary for relations with states and international organizations, speaks at a press conference on Nov. 4, 2025, in Colombo. Credit: Santosh Digal

Civil War legacy

Sri Lanka’s civil war lasted from 1983 to 2009, claiming tens of thousands of lives. The conflict ended in 2009 when government forces defeated the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, a separatist group founded in 1976 to fight for Tamil rights. The conflict had its roots in long-standing ethnic tensions between the majority Sinhalese and the minority Tamil populations.

From 2019 to 2024, Sri Lanka also faced severe political and economic crises, including the 2022 collapse that led to the resignation of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

Buddhism is practiced by approximately 70% of Sri Lanka’s estimated 22 million people, while 12.6% are Hindu, 9% are Muslim, and 7% are Christian.

Commemorative events

The Vatican diplomat participated in a commemorative ceremony in Colombo, attended by Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith of Colombo, along with other Sri Lankan dignitaries and Church officials.

The cardinal expressed joy at the joint celebration of bilateral ties, highlighting shared endeavors of friendship, collaboration, and partnership.

On Nov. 4, Ranjith accompanied Gallagher to St. Anthony’s Shrine in Colombo, one of two Catholic churches targeted by suicide bombers on Easter Sunday 2019. The attacks, carried out by a local Islamic extremist group, killed up to 269 people and injured approximately 500.

Hopes for continued partnership

“His [Gallagher’s] visit marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and the Holy See — a milestone of friendship, mutual respect, and shared values,” said Arun Hemachandra, deputy minister of foreign affairs and foreign employment.

“This golden jubilee celebration is a moment of reflection on our enduring partnership with the Vatican, grounded in peace, compassion, and the service of humanity,” he added.

Father Cyril Gamini Fernando, spokesperson for the Archdiocese of Colombo, described Gallagher’s visit as important and timely.

“Gallagher’s presence in the country was an excellent occasion to acknowledge the Catholic Church and the Vatican’s efforts to support Sri Lanka in its common good and development efforts,” he said.

Michael Fernando, a Catholic and social worker based in Colombo, told CNA that the golden jubilee offers hope for further collaboration grounded in shared values.

“Even if Christians are a minority in Sri Lanka, the government values their contribution and the service they render to people,” he said. “The five decades of partnership between the Vatican and Sri Lanka are a joyous occasion to sustain in the future for the welfare of all.”

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Bangladesh police arrest suspect in bomb attacks on Catholic sites – #Catholic – The main gate of Holy Rosary Church in Dhaka, Bangladesh, shows damage after two homemade bomb explosions on Oct. 8, 2025. / Credit: Stephan Uttom Rozario Dhaka, Bangladesh, Nov 10, 2025 / 09:09 am (CNA). Dhaka police have arrested a 28-year-old man in connection with homemade bomb attacks that targeted a Catholic cathedral and a Church-run school in Bangladesh’s capital this month.Police investigators identified the suspect as a member of Bangladesh Chhatra League, the banned student wing of the Awami League, the political party of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The suspect is being questioned about multiple incidents, including the Nov. 7-8 explosions at St. Mary’s Cathedral and St. Joseph School, one of the country’s prominent Catholic educational institutions.The Dhaka Metropolitan Police, working with the country’s elite Rapid Action Battalion, has launched a citywide search for additional suspects. Police have increased security at churches and other religious sites across the capital.Bangladesh’s interim government, which took power after Hasina’s ouster in August, said it remains committed to protecting religious minorities and will prosecute those who threaten religious harmony.Christians celebrate Christmas Mass under military security at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on Dec. 25, 2024. Credit: Stephan Uttom RozarioAttacks on Catholic sitesOn the night of Nov. 7, around 10:30 p.m. local time, a homemade bomb exploded near St. Mary’s Cathedral in central Dhaka. Police found another unexploded device on the church grounds.A few hours later, around 2:30 a.m. on Nov. 8, another homemade bomb exploded inside the compound of St. Joseph’s Higher Secondary School and College in Mohammadpur, a Dhaka neighborhood near the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Bangladesh headquarters and several religious communities’ residences.The attacks came just before the bishops’ conference was scheduled to host a national jubilee celebration honoring the birth of Christ, bringing together bishops, priests, and lay Catholics from across the country.Homemade bombs — called “cocktails” in Bangladesh — are crude explosive devices often used in political violence in the South Asian nation.Community concern“The throwing of cocktails at the church again in a month has worried our Catholic community. But we do not know the motive for this attack, but we will request the administration to quickly find out the motive for these incidents and arrest and bring to justice those who committed them,” said Father Bulbul Rebeiro, secretary of social communications for the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Bangladesh.At a Nov. 8 press conference, Rebeiro said: “We Christians are very few in number, we are peace-loving people. But these incidents are frightening us.”He demanded that the administration ensure that Christians, who are a minority, can safely hold religious festivals or activities.Pattern of attacksOn Oct. 8, a homemade bomb exploded at the gate of Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Dhaka’s oldest Catholic church, located in a predominantly Christian neighborhood.The Bangladesh Christian Association said the timing of the bomb attacks within a month appears coordinated. In a Nov. 8 statement, Nirmol Rozario, president of the association, urged the government to investigate and prosecute those responsible.No group has claimed responsibility for the attacks or explained why the Christian community was targeted. Christians comprise less than 1% of Bangladesh’s approximately 180 million people, the vast majority of whom are Muslim.Political turmoil and religious minoritiesBangladesh has experienced significant political instability since August 2024, when mass student-led protests forced Hasina to flee the country after 15 years in power. An interim government led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus now governs the country.The new government banned the Awami League’s student wing, Bangladesh Chhatra League. Under the country’s anti-terrorism act, authorities designated the student organization a “terrorist organization” for alleged attacks during the uprising that toppled Hasina’s government.Christians and other religious minorities in Bangladesh have reported increased security concerns since the political transition. The Christian community celebrated Christmas 2024 under military protection at several churches in Dhaka.
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Bangladesh police arrest suspect in bomb attacks on Catholic sites – #Catholic – The main gate of Holy Rosary Church in Dhaka, Bangladesh, shows damage after two homemade bomb explosions on Oct. 8, 2025. / Credit: Stephan Uttom Rozario Dhaka, Bangladesh, Nov 10, 2025 / 09:09 am (CNA). Dhaka police have arrested a 28-year-old man in connection with homemade bomb attacks that targeted a Catholic cathedral and a Church-run school in Bangladesh’s capital this month.Police investigators identified the suspect as a member of Bangladesh Chhatra League, the banned student wing of the Awami League, the political party of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The suspect is being questioned about multiple incidents, including the Nov. 7-8 explosions at St. Mary’s Cathedral and St. Joseph School, one of the country’s prominent Catholic educational institutions.The Dhaka Metropolitan Police, working with the country’s elite Rapid Action Battalion, has launched a citywide search for additional suspects. Police have increased security at churches and other religious sites across the capital.Bangladesh’s interim government, which took power after Hasina’s ouster in August, said it remains committed to protecting religious minorities and will prosecute those who threaten religious harmony.Christians celebrate Christmas Mass under military security at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on Dec. 25, 2024. Credit: Stephan Uttom RozarioAttacks on Catholic sitesOn the night of Nov. 7, around 10:30 p.m. local time, a homemade bomb exploded near St. Mary’s Cathedral in central Dhaka. Police found another unexploded device on the church grounds.A few hours later, around 2:30 a.m. on Nov. 8, another homemade bomb exploded inside the compound of St. Joseph’s Higher Secondary School and College in Mohammadpur, a Dhaka neighborhood near the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Bangladesh headquarters and several religious communities’ residences.The attacks came just before the bishops’ conference was scheduled to host a national jubilee celebration honoring the birth of Christ, bringing together bishops, priests, and lay Catholics from across the country.Homemade bombs — called “cocktails” in Bangladesh — are crude explosive devices often used in political violence in the South Asian nation.Community concern“The throwing of cocktails at the church again in a month has worried our Catholic community. But we do not know the motive for this attack, but we will request the administration to quickly find out the motive for these incidents and arrest and bring to justice those who committed them,” said Father Bulbul Rebeiro, secretary of social communications for the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Bangladesh.At a Nov. 8 press conference, Rebeiro said: “We Christians are very few in number, we are peace-loving people. But these incidents are frightening us.”He demanded that the administration ensure that Christians, who are a minority, can safely hold religious festivals or activities.Pattern of attacksOn Oct. 8, a homemade bomb exploded at the gate of Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Dhaka’s oldest Catholic church, located in a predominantly Christian neighborhood.The Bangladesh Christian Association said the timing of the bomb attacks within a month appears coordinated. In a Nov. 8 statement, Nirmol Rozario, president of the association, urged the government to investigate and prosecute those responsible.No group has claimed responsibility for the attacks or explained why the Christian community was targeted. Christians comprise less than 1% of Bangladesh’s approximately 180 million people, the vast majority of whom are Muslim.Political turmoil and religious minoritiesBangladesh has experienced significant political instability since August 2024, when mass student-led protests forced Hasina to flee the country after 15 years in power. An interim government led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus now governs the country.The new government banned the Awami League’s student wing, Bangladesh Chhatra League. Under the country’s anti-terrorism act, authorities designated the student organization a “terrorist organization” for alleged attacks during the uprising that toppled Hasina’s government.Christians and other religious minorities in Bangladesh have reported increased security concerns since the political transition. The Christian community celebrated Christmas 2024 under military protection at several churches in Dhaka.

unitedyam

The main gate of Holy Rosary Church in Dhaka, Bangladesh, shows damage after two homemade bomb explosions on Oct. 8, 2025. / Credit: Stephan Uttom Rozario

Dhaka, Bangladesh, Nov 10, 2025 / 09:09 am (CNA).

Dhaka police have arrested a 28-year-old man in connection with homemade bomb attacks that targeted a Catholic cathedral and a Church-run school in Bangladesh’s capital this month.

Police investigators identified the suspect as a member of Bangladesh Chhatra League, the banned student wing of the Awami League, the political party of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The suspect is being questioned about multiple incidents, including the Nov. 7-8 explosions at St. Mary’s Cathedral and St. Joseph School, one of the country’s prominent Catholic educational institutions.

The Dhaka Metropolitan Police, working with the country’s elite Rapid Action Battalion, has launched a citywide search for additional suspects. Police have increased security at churches and other religious sites across the capital.

Bangladesh’s interim government, which took power after Hasina’s ouster in August, said it remains committed to protecting religious minorities and will prosecute those who threaten religious harmony.

Christians celebrate Christmas Mass under military security at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on Dec. 25, 2024. Credit: Stephan Uttom Rozario
Christians celebrate Christmas Mass under military security at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on Dec. 25, 2024. Credit: Stephan Uttom Rozario

Attacks on Catholic sites

On the night of Nov. 7, around 10:30 p.m. local time, a homemade bomb exploded near St. Mary’s Cathedral in central Dhaka. Police found another unexploded device on the church grounds.

A few hours later, around 2:30 a.m. on Nov. 8, another homemade bomb exploded inside the compound of St. Joseph’s Higher Secondary School and College in Mohammadpur, a Dhaka neighborhood near the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Bangladesh headquarters and several religious communities’ residences.

The attacks came just before the bishops’ conference was scheduled to host a national jubilee celebration honoring the birth of Christ, bringing together bishops, priests, and lay Catholics from across the country.

Homemade bombs — called “cocktails” in Bangladesh — are crude explosive devices often used in political violence in the South Asian nation.

Community concern

“The throwing of cocktails at the church again in a month has worried our Catholic community. But we do not know the motive for this attack, but we will request the administration to quickly find out the motive for these incidents and arrest and bring to justice those who committed them,” said Father Bulbul Rebeiro, secretary of social communications for the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Bangladesh.

At a Nov. 8 press conference, Rebeiro said: “We Christians are very few in number, we are peace-loving people. But these incidents are frightening us.”

He demanded that the administration ensure that Christians, who are a minority, can safely hold religious festivals or activities.

Pattern of attacks

On Oct. 8, a homemade bomb exploded at the gate of Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Dhaka’s oldest Catholic church, located in a predominantly Christian neighborhood.

The Bangladesh Christian Association said the timing of the bomb attacks within a month appears coordinated. In a Nov. 8 statement, Nirmol Rozario, president of the association, urged the government to investigate and prosecute those responsible.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attacks or explained why the Christian community was targeted. Christians comprise less than 1% of Bangladesh’s approximately 180 million people, the vast majority of whom are Muslim.

Political turmoil and religious minorities

Bangladesh has experienced significant political instability since August 2024, when mass student-led protests forced Hasina to flee the country after 15 years in power. An interim government led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus now governs the country.

The new government banned the Awami League’s student wing, Bangladesh Chhatra League. Under the country’s anti-terrorism act, authorities designated the student organization a “terrorist organization” for alleged attacks during the uprising that toppled Hasina’s government.

Christians and other religious minorities in Bangladesh have reported increased security concerns since the political transition. The Christian community celebrated Christmas 2024 under military protection at several churches in Dhaka.

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New book recounts anecdotes from Pope Leo XIV’s life, including the day he was reported dead - #Catholic - Armando Lovera presents Pope Leo XIV with his book “From Robert to Leo.” / Credit: Photo courtesy of Armando Lovera Vatican City, Nov 10, 2025 / 07:00 am (CNA). His voice reveals, above all, the gratitude he feels toward his friend, Pope Leo XIV. From this friendship, forged over more than three decades, comes the Spanish-language book “From Robert to Leo,” published by Mensajero, in which Armando Lovera, originally from Iquitos, Peru, recounts various little-known episodes from the pontiff’s life, like the day many parishioners in Trujillo, Peru, thought that Father Robert Prevost had died.“In reality, it was a young man, an aspiring Augustinian, who died in a bus accident while traveling to Lima for the new year,” Lovera explained in an interview with ACI Prensa, CNA’s Spanish-language news partner.The young man’s parents, who were from a rural area north of Trujillo, didn’t have the means to retrieve their son’s body and asked “Father Roberto” to bring it back to their village.Armando Lovera and then-Father Robert Prevost in Iquitos, Peru. Credit: Photo courtesy of Armando Lovera“He drove over 2,000 kilometers [1,240 miles] round trip to do them a favor,” the author explained. But when making the arrangements [to return the body], he continued, “they wrote down his name incorrectly and included him on the list of victims,” which ended up being published in a local Trujillo newspaper.“When people found out, especially the poorest people in the parish, they went to the Augustinian house in tears, newspaper in hand, to offer their condolences,” Lovera recounted. But to their surprise, it was Prevost himself who opened the door.“What impresses me most about this story is the availability he has always shown to his friends, and, on the other hand, the affection of the people,” he commented.Lovera vividly remembers the first time he met the future pope in 1991 in Colombia. “At that time, in my parish, the young people were quite boisterous and informal, and when I was told he was a canon lawyer, I thought, ‘Here comes a very formal, rule-bound gentleman.’ But as soon as he introduced himself and we talked, he disarmed us. Our prejudices vanished instantly because he was a very approachable person,” the author related.Father Robert Prevost and Armando Lovera in Trujillo, Peru, where the future Pope Leo XIV was a parish priest in the 1990s. Credit: Photo courtesy of Armando LoveraThe following year, in 1992, Lovera arrived at the Augustinian formation house in Trujillo, under the direction of Prevost. For seven years they shared community life and pastoral experiences, which gave rise to a deep friendship that has withstood the passage of time and distance. “I found in him a dazzling warmth. From that day on, he became simply Roberto, or Father Roberto,” Lovera recalled.Prevost was the parish priest at Our Lady of Monserrate in Trujillo from 1992 to 1998. Lovera vividly remembers that community in its early days: “My wife was from that parish. We witnessed [its construction] when it was still just a sandy area, and on Sundays we would bring our own chairs to attend Mass, which had a very simple altar.”Given the presence of armed subversive groups in the regions where Prevost and other missionaries carried out their ministry in the 1990s, “they were advised to leave, but he and his community decided to stay. And that witness deeply impacted me. I was moved by his courage, his sense of mission,” Lovera recounted. “Besides, he was a mathematician. And I love mathematics. That also brought us together.”The friendship between the two also grew around music, a shared passion. “Roberto loved music. We started singing Peruvian music together, as well as Augustinian hymns. He had a very good voice and enjoyed singing with people,” he recalled.Prevost’s mother, Mildred, was a prominent contralto in ChicagoThe pope’s musical inclination has deep roots. As Lovera recounted in the book, Prevost’s mother, Mildred, played the organ and was a prominent contralto (the lowest female vocal range) in Chicago, participating in the 1941 Chicagoland Music Festival. She also sang with devotion the “Ave Maria” at Sunday Mass.Many years later, Lovera recounted, Mildred’s electric organ ended up at the Augustinian formation house that Prevost founded in Trujillo. Hearing about that “made an impression on me. There was something of his mother, of her faith, that continued to resonate there. It was as if her prayer continued among us,” he explained.When Prevost was assigned to Chicago in 1999, their friendship remained alive thanks to technology. “We exchanged emails. He is a very approachable person. That familiarity was never lost,” Lovera related.Armando with his wife and Father Robert Prevost in Valladolid. Credit: Photo courtesy of Armando LoveraOver the years, Lovera came to understand that Prevost’s simplicity concealed a profound vocation for service. “He never sought positions within the Church. That touched me deeply. I used to say then, ‘This person is someone who reveals God to me.’ He stood out for his generosity, his ability, and his command of languages.”He recalled with humor his own reactions to his friend’s rise to the papacy: “I honestly would have preferred that he had remained a bishop, so as not to lose touch so much. Then, in 2021, some friends were saying that Father Roberto would be the next pope, although I thought they were exaggerating.”However, in the days leading up to the conclave, Prevost’s name began circulating on lists of papal candidates published by the media, and Lovera began to consider that possibility. “I supposed that if they discovered what kind of person he was, they would elect him. And that’s what happened,” explained Lovera, who currently coordinates the editing of religious texts at the Loyola Communication Group.Armando Lovera and Father Robert Prevost in Orlando, Florida. Credit: Photo courtesy of Armando Lovera“The goal of the book,” Lovera explained, “is to show [the reader] a friend who offers his friendship and, with it, the friendship of the one who gives meaning to life: Jesus. Roberto always wanted the doors of the diocese to remain open to everyone. He never acted like a distant sovereign or a bureaucrat. He always behaved like a brother among brothers, with the responsibility of leading and making decisions, but always with reasoning.”For Lovera, that is the defining characteristic of the current pontiff: “Pope Leo XIV has not changed in his essence. He is the same approachable, joyful, and brotherly priest I met in 1991. Only now that approachability carries the weight and grace of guiding the entire Church.”This story was first published by ACI Prensa, CNA’s Spanish-language news partner. It has been translated and adapted by CNA.
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New book recounts anecdotes from Pope Leo XIV’s life, including the day he was reported dead – #Catholic – Armando Lovera presents Pope Leo XIV with his book “From Robert to Leo.” / Credit: Photo courtesy of Armando Lovera Vatican City, Nov 10, 2025 / 07:00 am (CNA). His voice reveals, above all, the gratitude he feels toward his friend, Pope Leo XIV. From this friendship, forged over more than three decades, comes the Spanish-language book “From Robert to Leo,” published by Mensajero, in which Armando Lovera, originally from Iquitos, Peru, recounts various little-known episodes from the pontiff’s life, like the day many parishioners in Trujillo, Peru, thought that Father Robert Prevost had died.“In reality, it was a young man, an aspiring Augustinian, who died in a bus accident while traveling to Lima for the new year,” Lovera explained in an interview with ACI Prensa, CNA’s Spanish-language news partner.The young man’s parents, who were from a rural area north of Trujillo, didn’t have the means to retrieve their son’s body and asked “Father Roberto” to bring it back to their village.Armando Lovera and then-Father Robert Prevost in Iquitos, Peru. Credit: Photo courtesy of Armando Lovera“He drove over 2,000 kilometers [1,240 miles] round trip to do them a favor,” the author explained. But when making the arrangements [to return the body], he continued, “they wrote down his name incorrectly and included him on the list of victims,” which ended up being published in a local Trujillo newspaper.“When people found out, especially the poorest people in the parish, they went to the Augustinian house in tears, newspaper in hand, to offer their condolences,” Lovera recounted. But to their surprise, it was Prevost himself who opened the door.“What impresses me most about this story is the availability he has always shown to his friends, and, on the other hand, the affection of the people,” he commented.Lovera vividly remembers the first time he met the future pope in 1991 in Colombia. “At that time, in my parish, the young people were quite boisterous and informal, and when I was told he was a canon lawyer, I thought, ‘Here comes a very formal, rule-bound gentleman.’ But as soon as he introduced himself and we talked, he disarmed us. Our prejudices vanished instantly because he was a very approachable person,” the author related.Father Robert Prevost and Armando Lovera in Trujillo, Peru, where the future Pope Leo XIV was a parish priest in the 1990s. Credit: Photo courtesy of Armando LoveraThe following year, in 1992, Lovera arrived at the Augustinian formation house in Trujillo, under the direction of Prevost. For seven years they shared community life and pastoral experiences, which gave rise to a deep friendship that has withstood the passage of time and distance. “I found in him a dazzling warmth. From that day on, he became simply Roberto, or Father Roberto,” Lovera recalled.Prevost was the parish priest at Our Lady of Monserrate in Trujillo from 1992 to 1998. Lovera vividly remembers that community in its early days: “My wife was from that parish. We witnessed [its construction] when it was still just a sandy area, and on Sundays we would bring our own chairs to attend Mass, which had a very simple altar.”Given the presence of armed subversive groups in the regions where Prevost and other missionaries carried out their ministry in the 1990s, “they were advised to leave, but he and his community decided to stay. And that witness deeply impacted me. I was moved by his courage, his sense of mission,” Lovera recounted. “Besides, he was a mathematician. And I love mathematics. That also brought us together.”The friendship between the two also grew around music, a shared passion. “Roberto loved music. We started singing Peruvian music together, as well as Augustinian hymns. He had a very good voice and enjoyed singing with people,” he recalled.Prevost’s mother, Mildred, was a prominent contralto in ChicagoThe pope’s musical inclination has deep roots. As Lovera recounted in the book, Prevost’s mother, Mildred, played the organ and was a prominent contralto (the lowest female vocal range) in Chicago, participating in the 1941 Chicagoland Music Festival. She also sang with devotion the “Ave Maria” at Sunday Mass.Many years later, Lovera recounted, Mildred’s electric organ ended up at the Augustinian formation house that Prevost founded in Trujillo. Hearing about that “made an impression on me. There was something of his mother, of her faith, that continued to resonate there. It was as if her prayer continued among us,” he explained.When Prevost was assigned to Chicago in 1999, their friendship remained alive thanks to technology. “We exchanged emails. He is a very approachable person. That familiarity was never lost,” Lovera related.Armando with his wife and Father Robert Prevost in Valladolid. Credit: Photo courtesy of Armando LoveraOver the years, Lovera came to understand that Prevost’s simplicity concealed a profound vocation for service. “He never sought positions within the Church. That touched me deeply. I used to say then, ‘This person is someone who reveals God to me.’ He stood out for his generosity, his ability, and his command of languages.”He recalled with humor his own reactions to his friend’s rise to the papacy: “I honestly would have preferred that he had remained a bishop, so as not to lose touch so much. Then, in 2021, some friends were saying that Father Roberto would be the next pope, although I thought they were exaggerating.”However, in the days leading up to the conclave, Prevost’s name began circulating on lists of papal candidates published by the media, and Lovera began to consider that possibility. “I supposed that if they discovered what kind of person he was, they would elect him. And that’s what happened,” explained Lovera, who currently coordinates the editing of religious texts at the Loyola Communication Group.Armando Lovera and Father Robert Prevost in Orlando, Florida. Credit: Photo courtesy of Armando Lovera“The goal of the book,” Lovera explained, “is to show [the reader] a friend who offers his friendship and, with it, the friendship of the one who gives meaning to life: Jesus. Roberto always wanted the doors of the diocese to remain open to everyone. He never acted like a distant sovereign or a bureaucrat. He always behaved like a brother among brothers, with the responsibility of leading and making decisions, but always with reasoning.”For Lovera, that is the defining characteristic of the current pontiff: “Pope Leo XIV has not changed in his essence. He is the same approachable, joyful, and brotherly priest I met in 1991. Only now that approachability carries the weight and grace of guiding the entire Church.”This story was first published by ACI Prensa, CNA’s Spanish-language news partner. It has been translated and adapted by CNA.

unitedyam

Armando Lovera presents Pope Leo XIV with his book “From Robert to Leo.” / Credit: Photo courtesy of Armando Lovera

Vatican City, Nov 10, 2025 / 07:00 am (CNA).

His voice reveals, above all, the gratitude he feels toward his friend, Pope Leo XIV. From this friendship, forged over more than three decades, comes the Spanish-language book “From Robert to Leo,” published by Mensajero, in which Armando Lovera, originally from Iquitos, Peru, recounts various little-known episodes from the pontiff’s life, like the day many parishioners in Trujillo, Peru, thought that Father Robert Prevost had died.

“In reality, it was a young man, an aspiring Augustinian, who died in a bus accident while traveling to Lima for the new year,” Lovera explained in an interview with ACI Prensa, CNA’s Spanish-language news partner.

The young man’s parents, who were from a rural area north of Trujillo, didn’t have the means to retrieve their son’s body and asked “Father Roberto” to bring it back to their village.

Armando Lovera and then-Father Robert Prevost in Iquitos, Peru. Credit: Photo courtesy of Armando Lovera
Armando Lovera and then-Father Robert Prevost in Iquitos, Peru. Credit: Photo courtesy of Armando Lovera

“He drove over 2,000 kilometers [1,240 miles] round trip to do them a favor,” the author explained. But when making the arrangements [to return the body], he continued, “they wrote down his name incorrectly and included him on the list of victims,” which ended up being published in a local Trujillo newspaper.

“When people found out, especially the poorest people in the parish, they went to the Augustinian house in tears, newspaper in hand, to offer their condolences,” Lovera recounted. But to their surprise, it was Prevost himself who opened the door.

“What impresses me most about this story is the availability he has always shown to his friends, and, on the other hand, the affection of the people,” he commented.

Lovera vividly remembers the first time he met the future pope in 1991 in Colombia. “At that time, in my parish, the young people were quite boisterous and informal, and when I was told he was a canon lawyer, I thought, ‘Here comes a very formal, rule-bound gentleman.’ But as soon as he introduced himself and we talked, he disarmed us. Our prejudices vanished instantly because he was a very approachable person,” the author related.

Father Robert Prevost and Armando Lovera in Trujillo, Peru, where the future Pope Leo XIV was a parish priest in the 1990s. Credit: Photo courtesy of Armando Lovera
Father Robert Prevost and Armando Lovera in Trujillo, Peru, where the future Pope Leo XIV was a parish priest in the 1990s. Credit: Photo courtesy of Armando Lovera

The following year, in 1992, Lovera arrived at the Augustinian formation house in Trujillo, under the direction of Prevost. For seven years they shared community life and pastoral experiences, which gave rise to a deep friendship that has withstood the passage of time and distance.

“I found in him a dazzling warmth. From that day on, he became simply Roberto, or Father Roberto,” Lovera recalled.

Prevost was the parish priest at Our Lady of Monserrate in Trujillo from 1992 to 1998. Lovera vividly remembers that community in its early days: “My wife was from that parish. We witnessed [its construction] when it was still just a sandy area, and on Sundays we would bring our own chairs to attend Mass, which had a very simple altar.”

Given the presence of armed subversive groups in the regions where Prevost and other missionaries carried out their ministry in the 1990s, “they were advised to leave, but he and his community decided to stay. And that witness deeply impacted me. I was moved by his courage, his sense of mission,” Lovera recounted. “Besides, he was a mathematician. And I love mathematics. That also brought us together.”

The friendship between the two also grew around music, a shared passion. “Roberto loved music. We started singing Peruvian music together, as well as Augustinian hymns. He had a very good voice and enjoyed singing with people,” he recalled.

Prevost’s mother, Mildred, was a prominent contralto in Chicago

The pope’s musical inclination has deep roots. As Lovera recounted in the book, Prevost’s mother, Mildred, played the organ and was a prominent contralto (the lowest female vocal range) in Chicago, participating in the 1941 Chicagoland Music Festival. She also sang with devotion the “Ave Maria” at Sunday Mass.

Many years later, Lovera recounted, Mildred’s electric organ ended up at the Augustinian formation house that Prevost founded in Trujillo. Hearing about that “made an impression on me. There was something of his mother, of her faith, that continued to resonate there. It was as if her prayer continued among us,” he explained.

When Prevost was assigned to Chicago in 1999, their friendship remained alive thanks to technology. “We exchanged emails. He is a very approachable person. That familiarity was never lost,” Lovera related.

Armando with his wife and Father Robert Prevost in Valladolid. Credit: Photo courtesy of Armando Lovera
Armando with his wife and Father Robert Prevost in Valladolid. Credit: Photo courtesy of Armando Lovera

Over the years, Lovera came to understand that Prevost’s simplicity concealed a profound vocation for service. “He never sought positions within the Church. That touched me deeply. I used to say then, ‘This person is someone who reveals God to me.’ He stood out for his generosity, his ability, and his command of languages.”

He recalled with humor his own reactions to his friend’s rise to the papacy: “I honestly would have preferred that he had remained a bishop, so as not to lose touch so much. Then, in 2021, some friends were saying that Father Roberto would be the next pope, although I thought they were exaggerating.”

However, in the days leading up to the conclave, Prevost’s name began circulating on lists of papal candidates published by the media, and Lovera began to consider that possibility.

“I supposed that if they discovered what kind of person he was, they would elect him. And that’s what happened,” explained Lovera, who currently coordinates the editing of religious texts at the Loyola Communication Group.

Armando Lovera and Father Robert Prevost in Orlando, Florida. Credit: Photo courtesy of Armando Lovera
Armando Lovera and Father Robert Prevost in Orlando, Florida. Credit: Photo courtesy of Armando Lovera

“The goal of the book,” Lovera explained, “is to show [the reader] a friend who offers his friendship and, with it, the friendship of the one who gives meaning to life: Jesus. Roberto always wanted the doors of the diocese to remain open to everyone. He never acted like a distant sovereign or a bureaucrat. He always behaved like a brother among brothers, with the responsibility of leading and making decisions, but always with reasoning.”

For Lovera, that is the defining characteristic of the current pontiff: “Pope Leo XIV has not changed in his essence. He is the same approachable, joyful, and brotherly priest I met in 1991. Only now that approachability carries the weight and grace of guiding the entire Church.”

This story was first published by ACI Prensa, CNA’s Spanish-language news partner. It has been translated and adapted by CNA.

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Meet the college student sharing bumper stickers to save unborn lives #Catholic Gabriel Dionisi, a 22-year-old college student who makes pro-life bumper stickers with the goal of spreading the pro-life message and spread awareness to others, displays one of his works. / Credit: Gabriel Dionisi CNA Staff, Nov 10, 2025 / 06:00 am (CNA). Born and raised Catholic, 22-year-old Gabriel Dionisi always knew that life begins at conception and that it’s wrong to kill an unborn child in the womb. But it wasn’t until he was a teenager that he became more interested in his faith and started to read more Catholic news, which led to him learning more about the abortion issue. Feeling called to do more for the unborn, he created a pro-life ministry using bumper stickers to help spread awareness. “I’d heard the word abortion before, I knew it was a sin, but I didn’t realize how widespread it was,” Dionisi told CNA in an interview. One day at Mass, he read a pamphlet explaining the different abortion procedures and was left “disturbed” after reading about how many unborn babies are dismembered in certain kinds of abortion procedures.He said he was also surprised to hear how many women are pressured into abortion.“I remember being struck by reading about how many women didn’t want to have abortions — felt pressured or coerced or it wasn’t their first choice — and that was also surprising to me because it made me think, ‘OK, we could actually do something about this,’” he said.Gabriel Dionisi’s pro-life bumper sticker rests on an information table with other resources for pregnant women. Credit: Photo courtesy of Kevin JorreyIn 2018 Dionisi decided to create bumper stickers encouraging individuals to “choose life.” For women who might be in crisis pregnancies, the stickers include the URL to Option Line, a website run by Heartbeat International that offers a map of pregnancy resource centers around the country. The site also offers a 24/7 helpline with counselors who speak both English and Spanish.Dionisi explained that he chose to create bumper stickers because they’re inexpensive to print and “there’s such a good return on investment because if you put a bumper sticker on your car and let’s say 20 people see it every day as you drive, you multiply that by 365, that’s over 7,000 a year.”Since launching his pro-life ministry, Dionisi has shared over 10,000 bumper stickers with people in 45 out of the 50 states.Speaking to the importance of defending the unborn, Dionisi said: “It’s foundational. If we want to see our country succeed and thrive, we need to respect that value of equal human dignity.”He added: “The magnitude of the problem is that so many babies are being lost and not just that, but so many women who are being hurt, men who are being hurt, and it affects our whole society when people are just carrying that wound around with them.”Dionisi said he hopes his bumper stickers are helping to spread awareness of the many resources available for pregnant women in need.“I think it’s important to spread this awareness to everybody because you never know when someone in your own life might be going through a situation where they need help,” he said.“The amazing thing about the pro-life movement is that there are so many opportunities for us, just as regular people, to literally save the lives of others. This is especially important as Catholics, because we know that every human being is made in the image of God and has an enormous potential to bring more love into the world.”Dionisi’s free pro-life bumper stickers can be found here.
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Meet the college student sharing bumper stickers to save unborn lives #Catholic Gabriel Dionisi, a 22-year-old college student who makes pro-life bumper stickers with the goal of spreading the pro-life message and spread awareness to others, displays one of his works. / Credit: Gabriel Dionisi CNA Staff, Nov 10, 2025 / 06:00 am (CNA). Born and raised Catholic, 22-year-old Gabriel Dionisi always knew that life begins at conception and that it’s wrong to kill an unborn child in the womb. But it wasn’t until he was a teenager that he became more interested in his faith and started to read more Catholic news, which led to him learning more about the abortion issue. Feeling called to do more for the unborn, he created a pro-life ministry using bumper stickers to help spread awareness. “I’d heard the word abortion before, I knew it was a sin, but I didn’t realize how widespread it was,” Dionisi told CNA in an interview. One day at Mass, he read a pamphlet explaining the different abortion procedures and was left “disturbed” after reading about how many unborn babies are dismembered in certain kinds of abortion procedures.He said he was also surprised to hear how many women are pressured into abortion.“I remember being struck by reading about how many women didn’t want to have abortions — felt pressured or coerced or it wasn’t their first choice — and that was also surprising to me because it made me think, ‘OK, we could actually do something about this,’” he said.Gabriel Dionisi’s pro-life bumper sticker rests on an information table with other resources for pregnant women. Credit: Photo courtesy of Kevin JorreyIn 2018 Dionisi decided to create bumper stickers encouraging individuals to “choose life.” For women who might be in crisis pregnancies, the stickers include the URL to Option Line, a website run by Heartbeat International that offers a map of pregnancy resource centers around the country. The site also offers a 24/7 helpline with counselors who speak both English and Spanish.Dionisi explained that he chose to create bumper stickers because they’re inexpensive to print and “there’s such a good return on investment because if you put a bumper sticker on your car and let’s say 20 people see it every day as you drive, you multiply that by 365, that’s over 7,000 a year.”Since launching his pro-life ministry, Dionisi has shared over 10,000 bumper stickers with people in 45 out of the 50 states.Speaking to the importance of defending the unborn, Dionisi said: “It’s foundational. If we want to see our country succeed and thrive, we need to respect that value of equal human dignity.”He added: “The magnitude of the problem is that so many babies are being lost and not just that, but so many women who are being hurt, men who are being hurt, and it affects our whole society when people are just carrying that wound around with them.”Dionisi said he hopes his bumper stickers are helping to spread awareness of the many resources available for pregnant women in need.“I think it’s important to spread this awareness to everybody because you never know when someone in your own life might be going through a situation where they need help,” he said.“The amazing thing about the pro-life movement is that there are so many opportunities for us, just as regular people, to literally save the lives of others. This is especially important as Catholics, because we know that every human being is made in the image of God and has an enormous potential to bring more love into the world.”Dionisi’s free pro-life bumper stickers can be found here.

unitedyam

Gabriel Dionisi, a 22-year-old college student who makes pro-life bumper stickers with the goal of spreading the pro-life message and spread awareness to others, displays one of his works. / Credit: Gabriel Dionisi

CNA Staff, Nov 10, 2025 / 06:00 am (CNA).

Born and raised Catholic, 22-year-old Gabriel Dionisi always knew that life begins at conception and that it’s wrong to kill an unborn child in the womb. But it wasn’t until he was a teenager that he became more interested in his faith and started to read more Catholic news, which led to him learning more about the abortion issue. Feeling called to do more for the unborn, he created a pro-life ministry using bumper stickers to help spread awareness. 

“I’d heard the word abortion before, I knew it was a sin, but I didn’t realize how widespread it was,” Dionisi told CNA in an interview. 

One day at Mass, he read a pamphlet explaining the different abortion procedures and was left “disturbed” after reading about how many unborn babies are dismembered in certain kinds of abortion procedures.

He said he was also surprised to hear how many women are pressured into abortion.

“I remember being struck by reading about how many women didn’t want to have abortions — felt pressured or coerced or it wasn’t their first choice — and that was also surprising to me because it made me think, ‘OK, we could actually do something about this,’” he said.

Gabriel Dionisi’s pro-life bumper sticker rests on an information table with other resources for pregnant women. Credit: Photo courtesy of Kevin Jorrey
Gabriel Dionisi’s pro-life bumper sticker rests on an information table with other resources for pregnant women. Credit: Photo courtesy of Kevin Jorrey

In 2018 Dionisi decided to create bumper stickers encouraging individuals to “choose life.” For women who might be in crisis pregnancies, the stickers include the URL to Option Line, a website run by Heartbeat International that offers a map of pregnancy resource centers around the country. The site also offers a 24/7 helpline with counselors who speak both English and Spanish.

Dionisi explained that he chose to create bumper stickers because they’re inexpensive to print and “there’s such a good return on investment because if you put a bumper sticker on your car and let’s say 20 people see it every day as you drive, you multiply that by 365, that’s over 7,000 a year.”

Since launching his pro-life ministry, Dionisi has shared over 10,000 bumper stickers with people in 45 out of the 50 states.

Speaking to the importance of defending the unborn, Dionisi said: “It’s foundational. If we want to see our country succeed and thrive, we need to respect that value of equal human dignity.”

He added: “The magnitude of the problem is that so many babies are being lost and not just that, but so many women who are being hurt, men who are being hurt, and it affects our whole society when people are just carrying that wound around with them.”

Dionisi said he hopes his bumper stickers are helping to spread awareness of the many resources available for pregnant women in need.

“I think it’s important to spread this awareness to everybody because you never know when someone in your own life might be going through a situation where they need help,” he said.

“The amazing thing about the pro-life movement is that there are so many opportunities for us, just as regular people, to literally save the lives of others. This is especially important as Catholics, because we know that every human being is made in the image of God and has an enormous potential to bring more love into the world.”

Dionisi’s free pro-life bumper stickers can be found here.

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