Day: March 5, 2026

O Heavenly Father,
I commend my children unto Thee.
Be Thou their God and Father;
and mercifully supply whatever is wanting in me
through frailty or negligence.
Strengthen them to overcome the corruptions of the world,
to resist all solicitations to evil,
whether from within or without;
and deliver them from the secret snares of the enemy.
Pour Thy grace into their hearts,
and confirm and multiply in them the gifts of Thy Holy Spirit,
that they may daily grow in …

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Total Lunar Eclipse – A total lunar eclipse rises over New Orleans, home of NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility, in the early morning hours of Tuesday, March 3. A lunar eclipse occurs when Earth passes directly between the Sun and Moon, casting a huge shadow across the Moon’s surface. The Moon appears dark red or orange as the Sun’s light filters through Earth’s atmosphere.

A total lunar eclipse rises over New Orleans, home of NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility, in the early morning hours of Tuesday, March 3. A lunar eclipse occurs when Earth passes directly between the Sun and Moon, casting a huge shadow across the Moon’s surface. The Moon appears dark red or orange as the Sun’s light filters through Earth’s atmosphere.

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Gospel and Word of the Day – 06 March 2026 – A reading from the Book of Genesis 37:3-4, 12-13a, 17b-28a Israel loved Joseph best of all his sons, for he was the child of his old age; and he had made him a long tunic. When his brothers saw that their father loved him best of all his sons, they hated him so much that they would not even greet him. One day, when his brothers had gone to pasture their father’s flocks at Shechem, Israel said to Joseph, "Your brothers, you know, are tending our flocks at Shechem. Get ready; I will send you to them." So Joseph went after his brothers and caught up with them in Dothan. They noticed him from a distance, and before he came up to them, they plotted to kill him. They said to one another: "Here comes that master dreamer! Come on, let us kill him and throw him into one of the cisterns here; we could say that a wild beast devoured him. We shall then see what comes of his dreams." When Reuben heard this, he tried to save him from their hands, saying, "We must not take his life. Instead of shedding blood," he continued, "just throw him into that cistern there in the desert; but do not kill him outright." His purpose was to rescue him from their hands and return him to his father. So when Joseph came up to them, they stripped him of the long tunic he had on; then they took him and threw him into the cistern, which was empty and dry. They then sat down to their meal. Looking up, they saw a caravan of Ishmaelites coming from Gilead, their camels laden with gum, balm and resin to be taken down to Egypt. Judah said to his brothers: "What is to be gained by killing our brother and concealing his blood? Rather, let us sell him to these Ishmaelites, instead of doing away with him ourselves. After all, he is our brother, our own flesh." His brothers agreed. They sold Joseph to the Ishmaelites for twenty pieces of silver.From the Gospel according to Matthew 21:33-43, 45-46 Jesus said to the chief priests and the elders of the people: "Hear another parable. There was a landowner who planted a vineyard, put a hedge around it, dug a wine press in it, and built a tower. Then he leased it to tenants and went on a journey. When vintage time drew near, he sent his servants to the tenants to obtain his produce. But the tenants seized the servants and one they beat, another they killed, and a third they stoned. Again he sent other servants, more numerous than the first ones, but they treated them in the same way. Finally, he sent his son to them, thinking, ‘They will respect my son.’ But when the tenants saw the son, they said to one another, ‘This is the heir. Come, let us kill him and acquire his inheritance.’ They seized him, threw him out of the vineyard, and killed him. What will the owner of the vineyard do to those tenants when he comes?" They answered him, "He will put those wretched men to a wretched death and lease his vineyard to other tenants who will give him the produce at the proper times." Jesus said to them, "Did you never read in the Scriptures: The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; by the Lord has this been done, and it is wonderful in our eyes? Therefore, I say to you, the Kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people that will produce its fruit." When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard his parables, they knew that he was speaking about them. And although they were attempting to arrest him, they feared the crowds, for they regarded him as a prophet.With this very harsh parable, Jesus confronts his interlocutors with their responsibility, and he does so with extreme clarity. But let us not think that this admonition applies only to those who rejected Jesus at that time. It applies to all times, including our own. Even today God awaits the fruits of his vineyard from those he has sent to work in it. All of us. In any age, those who have authority, any authority, also in the Church, in the People of God, may be tempted to work in their own interests instead of those of God. And Jesus says that true authority is when one performs service; it is in serving, not exploiting others. The vineyard is the Lord’s, not ours. Authority is a service, and as such should be exercised for the good of all and for the dissemination of the Gospel. (Pope Francis, Angelus, 4 October 2020)

A reading from the Book of Genesis
37:3-4, 12-13a, 17b-28a

Israel loved Joseph best of all his sons,
for he was the child of his old age;
and he had made him a long tunic.
When his brothers saw that their father loved him best of all his sons,
they hated him so much that they would not even greet him.

One day, when his brothers had gone
to pasture their father’s flocks at Shechem,
Israel said to Joseph,
"Your brothers, you know, are tending our flocks at Shechem.
Get ready; I will send you to them."

So Joseph went after his brothers and caught up with them in Dothan.
They noticed him from a distance,
and before he came up to them, they plotted to kill him.
They said to one another: "Here comes that master dreamer!
Come on, let us kill him and throw him into one of the cisterns here;
we could say that a wild beast devoured him.
We shall then see what comes of his dreams."

When Reuben heard this,
he tried to save him from their hands, saying,
"We must not take his life.
Instead of shedding blood," he continued,
"just throw him into that cistern there in the desert;
but do not kill him outright."
His purpose was to rescue him from their hands
and return him to his father.
So when Joseph came up to them,
they stripped him of the long tunic he had on;
then they took him and threw him into the cistern,
which was empty and dry.

They then sat down to their meal.
Looking up, they saw a caravan of Ishmaelites coming from Gilead,
their camels laden with gum, balm and resin
to be taken down to Egypt.
Judah said to his brothers:
"What is to be gained by killing our brother and concealing his blood?
Rather, let us sell him to these Ishmaelites,
instead of doing away with him ourselves.
After all, he is our brother, our own flesh."
His brothers agreed.
They sold Joseph to the Ishmaelites for twenty pieces of silver.

From the Gospel according to Matthew
21:33-43, 45-46

Jesus said to the chief priests and the elders of the people:
"Hear another parable.
There was a landowner who planted a vineyard,
put a hedge around it,
dug a wine press in it, and built a tower.
Then he leased it to tenants and went on a journey.
When vintage time drew near,
he sent his servants to the tenants to obtain his produce.
But the tenants seized the servants and one they beat,
another they killed, and a third they stoned.
Again he sent other servants, more numerous than the first ones,
but they treated them in the same way.
Finally, he sent his son to them,
thinking, ‘They will respect my son.’
But when the tenants saw the son, they said to one another,
‘This is the heir.
Come, let us kill him and acquire his inheritance.’
They seized him, threw him out of the vineyard, and killed him.
What will the owner of the vineyard do to those tenants when he comes?"
They answered him,
"He will put those wretched men to a wretched death
and lease his vineyard to other tenants
who will give him the produce at the proper times."
Jesus said to them, "Did you never read in the Scriptures:

The stone that the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone;
by the Lord has this been done,
and it is wonderful in our eyes?

Therefore, I say to you,
the Kingdom of God will be taken away from you
and given to a people that will produce its fruit."
When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard his parables,
they knew that he was speaking about them.
And although they were attempting to arrest him,
they feared the crowds, for they regarded him as a prophet.

With this very harsh parable, Jesus confronts his interlocutors with their responsibility, and he does so with extreme clarity. But let us not think that this admonition applies only to those who rejected Jesus at that time. It applies to all times, including our own. Even today God awaits the fruits of his vineyard from those he has sent to work in it. All of us.

In any age, those who have authority, any authority, also in the Church, in the People of God, may be tempted to work in their own interests instead of those of God. And Jesus says that true authority is when one performs service; it is in serving, not exploiting others. The vineyard is the Lord’s, not ours. Authority is a service, and as such should be exercised for the good of all and for the dissemination of the Gospel. (Pope Francis, Angelus, 4 October 2020)

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Southern Arabia Vicariate marks 10 years since Yemen Missionaries of Charity martyrdom – #Catholic – On the 10th anniversary of the martyrdom of four Missionaries of Charity and members of the laity in Yemen, Bishop Paolo Martinelli, apostolic vicar of Southern Arabia, presided over Mass on March 4 at St. Joseph’s Cathedral in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.In his homily, Martinelli highlighted the sisters’ courage and their offering of their lives as martyrs and witnesses to the love of Christ, who “did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” He said their example showed love of neighbor through serving “the poorest of the poor” in the Yemeni city of Aden, “which is part of our apostolic vicariate.”Martinelli noted that this commemoration comes as the Gulf and the wider Middle East are living through a difficult period. He said the sisters’ witness can be read as “a source of hope that surpasses any human hope,” and he urged the faithful to pray “so that we do not grow weary of witnessing to the Gospel, especially in these times of trial we live today… so that through the intercession of the holy martyrs we may receive the gift of peace and reconciliation in our region and in the whole world.”He described the anniversary not as a remembrance of defeat but as a celebration of victory, like Christ, whose death “may appear to be a defeat of good or a failure of his mission, but in truth is a triumphant fulfillment.” He also pointed to the Church’s history of those who respond to evil with good and confront hatred with forgiveness, following the example of Christ, who forgave those who crucified him.”
 
 The faithful attend Mass on March 4, 2026, at St. Joseph’s Cathedral in Abu Dhabi where the Apostolic Vicariate of Southern Arabia commemorated the 10th anniversary of the martyrdom of the Missionaries of Charity along with members of the laity. | Credit: Photo courtesy of the Apostolic Vicariate of Southern Arabia
 
 Martyrs of our timeMartinelli recalled Pope Francis’ description of the sisters as “martyrs of our time” and the pope’s reflections on Christian and Muslim lay victims, and on how the “witness of blood” can unite people of different religions.Four sisters of the Missionaries of Charity, founded by St. Teresa of Calcutta, were killed in Aden on March 4, 2016, after armed men stormed the nursing home the sisters operated.The attack left Sister Marguerite, 44; Sister Reginette, 31; Sister Judith, 41; and Sister Anselm, 59, dead. Father Tom Uzhunnalil, a Salesian priest, was kidnapped and later released in September 2017. Twelve lay co-workers of different nationalities and religions were also killed in the same attack.The Missionaries of Charity have been present in Yemen since 1973, responding to an invitation from the government of North Yemen at the time. They opened the nursing home in Aden and have run it since 1992. The sisters continue their presence in the country to this day, serving as a humble yet powerful sign of hope.This story was first published by ACI MENA, the Arabic-language sister service of EWTN News. It has been translated for and adapted by EWTN News English.

Southern Arabia Vicariate marks 10 years since Yemen Missionaries of Charity martyrdom – #Catholic – On the 10th anniversary of the martyrdom of four Missionaries of Charity and members of the laity in Yemen, Bishop Paolo Martinelli, apostolic vicar of Southern Arabia, presided over Mass on March 4 at St. Joseph’s Cathedral in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.In his homily, Martinelli highlighted the sisters’ courage and their offering of their lives as martyrs and witnesses to the love of Christ, who “did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” He said their example showed love of neighbor through serving “the poorest of the poor” in the Yemeni city of Aden, “which is part of our apostolic vicariate.”Martinelli noted that this commemoration comes as the Gulf and the wider Middle East are living through a difficult period. He said the sisters’ witness can be read as “a source of hope that surpasses any human hope,” and he urged the faithful to pray “so that we do not grow weary of witnessing to the Gospel, especially in these times of trial we live today… so that through the intercession of the holy martyrs we may receive the gift of peace and reconciliation in our region and in the whole world.”He described the anniversary not as a remembrance of defeat but as a celebration of victory, like Christ, whose death “may appear to be a defeat of good or a failure of his mission, but in truth is a triumphant fulfillment.” He also pointed to the Church’s history of those who respond to evil with good and confront hatred with forgiveness, following the example of Christ, who forgave those who crucified him.” The faithful attend Mass on March 4, 2026, at St. Joseph’s Cathedral in Abu Dhabi where the Apostolic Vicariate of Southern Arabia commemorated the 10th anniversary of the martyrdom of the Missionaries of Charity along with members of the laity. | Credit: Photo courtesy of the Apostolic Vicariate of Southern Arabia Martyrs of our timeMartinelli recalled Pope Francis’ description of the sisters as “martyrs of our time” and the pope’s reflections on Christian and Muslim lay victims, and on how the “witness of blood” can unite people of different religions.Four sisters of the Missionaries of Charity, founded by St. Teresa of Calcutta, were killed in Aden on March 4, 2016, after armed men stormed the nursing home the sisters operated.The attack left Sister Marguerite, 44; Sister Reginette, 31; Sister Judith, 41; and Sister Anselm, 59, dead. Father Tom Uzhunnalil, a Salesian priest, was kidnapped and later released in September 2017. Twelve lay co-workers of different nationalities and religions were also killed in the same attack.The Missionaries of Charity have been present in Yemen since 1973, responding to an invitation from the government of North Yemen at the time. They opened the nursing home in Aden and have run it since 1992. The sisters continue their presence in the country to this day, serving as a humble yet powerful sign of hope.This story was first published by ACI MENA, the Arabic-language sister service of EWTN News. It has been translated for and adapted by EWTN News English.

At an Abu Dhabi Mass on March 4, Bishop Paolo Martinelli said Yemen martyrs are a “source of hope” amid today’s turmoil.

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Pope Leo XIV congratulates world’s oldest priest on his 110th birthday – #Catholic – Pope Leo XIV thanked a 110-year-old priest from the Diocese of Fulda, Germany, for his “long, faithful, and devoted priestly service.” Father Bruno Kant is officially recognized as the oldest priest in the world.“I was delighted to learn that you will be celebrating your 110th birthday on Feb. 26 and send you my warmest congratulations and blessings,” Pope Leo wrote to Kant, according to the newspaper Fuldaer Zeitung.The birthday celebrations were attended not only by residents of the neighboring towns of Eichenzell and Löschenrod but also by government and Church representatives. The bishop of Fulda, Michael Gerber, said: “I received confirmation from the Vatican that he is the oldest priest in the world. Pope Leo even sent him a birthday card.”As reported by katholisch.de in November 2025, Kant, born near Danzig in present-day Poland, wanted to be a priest from the age of 9. He began his theological studies, but the Nazi regime thwarted his plans by conscripting him for forced labor and making him a soldier.Kant then spent four years as a prisoner of war in Russia before being reunited with his family, who had fled to the West.Kant was finally ordained a priest in 1950. After decades of priestly service, he no longer does certain things due to his advanced age. He stopped driving “at 102 years old,” according to the news outlet, and “for the last few years, he has refrained from regularly celebrating holy Mass with the congregation on Wednesday evenings. However, he continued visiting the sick as long as he was able. Now that is no longer possible.”At that time, Kant acknowledged that he was “not far from death,” but in the meantime, he spends his days doing Sudoku puzzles, watching television, reading the newspaper, and, of course, praying.“Prayer keeps me young,” he said.This story was first published by CNA Deutsch, the German-language sister service of EWTN News. It has been translated and adapted by ACI Prensa/EWTN News English.

Pope Leo XIV congratulates world’s oldest priest on his 110th birthday – #Catholic – Pope Leo XIV thanked a 110-year-old priest from the Diocese of Fulda, Germany, for his “long, faithful, and devoted priestly service.” Father Bruno Kant is officially recognized as the oldest priest in the world.“I was delighted to learn that you will be celebrating your 110th birthday on Feb. 26 and send you my warmest congratulations and blessings,” Pope Leo wrote to Kant, according to the newspaper Fuldaer Zeitung.The birthday celebrations were attended not only by residents of the neighboring towns of Eichenzell and Löschenrod but also by government and Church representatives. The bishop of Fulda, Michael Gerber, said: “I received confirmation from the Vatican that he is the oldest priest in the world. Pope Leo even sent him a birthday card.”As reported by katholisch.de in November 2025, Kant, born near Danzig in present-day Poland, wanted to be a priest from the age of 9. He began his theological studies, but the Nazi regime thwarted his plans by conscripting him for forced labor and making him a soldier.Kant then spent four years as a prisoner of war in Russia before being reunited with his family, who had fled to the West.Kant was finally ordained a priest in 1950. After decades of priestly service, he no longer does certain things due to his advanced age. He stopped driving “at 102 years old,” according to the news outlet, and “for the last few years, he has refrained from regularly celebrating holy Mass with the congregation on Wednesday evenings. However, he continued visiting the sick as long as he was able. Now that is no longer possible.”At that time, Kant acknowledged that he was “not far from death,” but in the meantime, he spends his days doing Sudoku puzzles, watching television, reading the newspaper, and, of course, praying.“Prayer keeps me young,” he said.This story was first published by CNA Deutsch, the German-language sister service of EWTN News. It has been translated and adapted by ACI Prensa/EWTN News English.

Born in 1916 and ordained in 1950, Father Bruno Kant of Germany turned 110 on Feb. 26 and has been a priest for 76 years.

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Holy See to UN: Christians are the most persecuted community in the world – #Catholic – Speaking at a conference in Geneva on March 3, Archbishop Ettore Balestrero, the permanent observer of the Holy See to the United Nations since 2023, decried the fact that Christians are the most persecuted community in the world.His address was titled “Standing with Persecuted Christians: Defending the Faith and Christian Values.”Balestrero, who is also the Holy See’s representative to the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), stated that during 2025 “almost 5,000 faithful were killed for their faith,” the equivalent of 13 people a day.“Almost 400 million Christians worldwide face persecution or violence, making them the most persecuted religious community in the world,” the prelate told Vatican News.Balestrero stated that the victims “are martyrs in the etymological sense of the term,” because they are witnesses “to their creed who embody values that challenge the logic of power.”From the perspective of international law, the Italian prelate emphasized that Christians are also victims of “outrageous human rights violations” and insisted that their witness should not distract from the responsibility of states, whose duty it is to provide protection.“It is the state’s duty to protect freedom of religion or belief, which includes preventing third parties from violating this right. This protection has to safeguard believers who are targeted, before, during, and after an attack,” he stated.The problem of impunityBalestrero drew attention to the issue of impunity for those who take the lives of Christians, which he referred to as “one of the most serious issues in the global landscape of religious persecution.”After expressing his concern for the millions of persecuted Christians, he noted that this “scourge” to which they are subjected “affects countries across the world” and continents, including Europe. In this context, he cited the recent report on hate crimes by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, which recorded more than 760 hate crimes against Christians in Europe in 2024 alone.Beyond the crimes, the Holy See’s representative in Geneva denounced other forms of persecution that are “more subtle and often silent forms of persecution,” such as gradual marginalization or exclusion from social and professional life “even in traditionally Christian lands.”He also specified that this persecution takes the form of more discreet restrictions and limitations, “through which legal norms and administrative practices restrict or, in fact, nullify the legally recognized rights of the predominantly Christian population, even in some parts of Europe.”This story was first published by ACI Prensa, the Spanish-language sister service of EWTN News. It has been translated and adapted by EWTN News English.

Holy See to UN: Christians are the most persecuted community in the world – #Catholic – Speaking at a conference in Geneva on March 3, Archbishop Ettore Balestrero, the permanent observer of the Holy See to the United Nations since 2023, decried the fact that Christians are the most persecuted community in the world.His address was titled “Standing with Persecuted Christians: Defending the Faith and Christian Values.”Balestrero, who is also the Holy See’s representative to the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), stated that during 2025 “almost 5,000 faithful were killed for their faith,” the equivalent of 13 people a day.“Almost 400 million Christians worldwide face persecution or violence, making them the most persecuted religious community in the world,” the prelate told Vatican News.Balestrero stated that the victims “are martyrs in the etymological sense of the term,” because they are witnesses “to their creed who embody values that challenge the logic of power.”From the perspective of international law, the Italian prelate emphasized that Christians are also victims of “outrageous human rights violations” and insisted that their witness should not distract from the responsibility of states, whose duty it is to provide protection.“It is the state’s duty to protect freedom of religion or belief, which includes preventing third parties from violating this right. This protection has to safeguard believers who are targeted, before, during, and after an attack,” he stated.The problem of impunityBalestrero drew attention to the issue of impunity for those who take the lives of Christians, which he referred to as “one of the most serious issues in the global landscape of religious persecution.”After expressing his concern for the millions of persecuted Christians, he noted that this “scourge” to which they are subjected “affects countries across the world” and continents, including Europe. In this context, he cited the recent report on hate crimes by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, which recorded more than 760 hate crimes against Christians in Europe in 2024 alone.Beyond the crimes, the Holy See’s representative in Geneva denounced other forms of persecution that are “more subtle and often silent forms of persecution,” such as gradual marginalization or exclusion from social and professional life “even in traditionally Christian lands.”He also specified that this persecution takes the form of more discreet restrictions and limitations, “through which legal norms and administrative practices restrict or, in fact, nullify the legally recognized rights of the predominantly Christian population, even in some parts of Europe.”This story was first published by ACI Prensa, the Spanish-language sister service of EWTN News. It has been translated and adapted by EWTN News English.

The Holy See’s permanent observer to the UN provided statistics demonstrating the extent of the persecution of Christians worldwide.

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Beloved Notre Dame coaching legend Lou Holtz remembered for ‘building men, not just players’ #Catholic – (OSV News) — Leading up to a college football clash between Notre Dame and heated rival Miami in the late 1980s, a team chaplain for the Hurricanes proclaimed that God doesn’t care who wins football games.
Lou Holtz, coach of the Fighting Irish at the time, agreed. “I don’t think God cares who wins, either,” he replied with a smile. “But his Mother does.”
This now-famous quip captured the essence of the legendary coach: an uncanny wit, an unwavering Catholic faith and an unshakable love for Notre Dame — Our Lady’s university. On March 4, Holtz died in Orlando, Florida, at the age of 89, surrounded by his family. Forever etched in Fighting Irish lore for leading Notre Dame to the 1988 National Championship, Holtz leaves behind not just a decorated football resume but a legacy of shaping young men and inspiring people to live virtuously.
“Notre Dame mourns the loss of Lou Holtz, a legendary football coach, a beloved member of the Notre Dame family, and devoted husband, father, and grandfather,” said Holy Cross Father Robert A. Dowd, Notre Dame’s president, in a public statement. “Among his many accomplishments, we will remember him above all as a teacher, leader, and mentor who brought out the very best in his players, on and off the field, earning their respect and admiration for a lifetime.”

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Louis Leo Holtz was born on Jan. 6, 1937, in Follansbee, West Virginia, and grew up in East Liverpool, Ohio. He played linebacker at Kent State University before beginning a coaching career that would span over four decades. With head coaching stops at William and Mary, North Carolina State, Arkansas, Minnesota, Notre Dame and South Carolina, Holtz became the ninth-winningest coach in college football history with a record of 249-132-7. He received national Coach of the Year honors on three occasions and remains the only coach to lead six separate programs to bowl games.
However, Holtz is best remembered for his 11 seasons in South Bend, where he revitalized the Notre Dame football program. From 1986 through 1996, the Fighting Irish won 100 games, reached a program-record nine consecutive bowl games, and were undefeated national champions in 1988 — Notre Dame’s last national title to date.
As coach of the Irish, Holtz was humble but confident, respectful but fearless, and wise but candid. He established several traditions at Notre Dame that remain in place today, from the iconic “Play Like a Champion” sign that players slap on their way to the field, to the removal of names from the football jerseys to emphasize the team dynamic. The mark Holtz left on the program, the university and especially the young men who played for him cannot be overstated.
“Lou and I shared a very special relationship,” Notre Dame Head Coach Marcus Freeman said in a statement. “He welcomed me to the Notre Dame family immediately, offering me great support throughout our time together. Our relationship meant a lot to me as I admired the values he used to build the foundation of his coaching career: love, trust, and commitment. Lou’s impact at Notre Dame has gone well beyond the football team. He and his wife, Beth, are respected across campus for their generous hearts and commitment to carrying out Notre Dame’s mission of being a force for good.”
Former Irish great Jerome Bettis shared on social media that Holz “believed in building men, not just players.”
“Coach was so much more than a football coach to me. He was family,” Bettis, a fullback for the Irish from 1990-1993, posted March 4. “I still remember the day he came to my house to recruit me. He didn’t just sit down and talk to me about football or what I could do on the field. He talked to me as a young man. And he spoke to my mom the way a man should speak to a mother who was trusting someone with her son. He looked her in the eye and promised that I would be taken care of at Notre Dame. That moment meant everything to us, and it’s something I’ve carried with me my entire life.”
After retiring from coaching, Holtz spent time as a studio analyst for ESPN, a best-selling author and a motivational speaker, where he continued inspiring people with the same energy and charisma.
He often told crowds, “I follow three rules: Do the right thing, do the best you can, and always show people you care.” Holtz preached that “life is 10 percent what happens to you and 90 percent how you respond to it.” He challenged people to live exceptional lives, famously stating, “I can’t believe that God put us on this earth to be ordinary.”
Central to everything Holtz did was his faith. A lifelong Catholic, Holtz served as an altar boy and credited the education he received from the Sisters of Notre Dame with instilling the desire to make God the focus of his life. Holtz was outspoken about his faith and believed following Church teachings “brings meaning and lasting happiness to life.”
He possessed a deep and profound love for Notre Dame — not just his team, but the university, the students, the fans and the faith alive on campus. “Every single day being there was very special,” Holtz told the National Catholic Register in a 2012 interview, “because there were so many opportunities to encounter and live out the Catholic faith.”
The late Bishop John M. D’Arcy of the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend once asked Holtz what it meant to be the head football coach at Notre Dame. His answer displayed a life not consumed by his career but anchored by his Catholic faith. “It means if you have an 8 o’clock meeting, you can find a 7 o’clock Mass,” Holtz responded. “When you want to go to confession, you just walk across the campus to the basilica. When you are leaving at 10 o’clock at night, the Lady on the dome is smiling down at you.”
Holtz reaffirmed his love for Our Lady after coaching his final game at Notre Dame Stadium. After his final home game, when asked by a Fort Wayne News-Sentinel columnist how he’ll be remembered, a tearful Holtz said, “I never disgraced the Lady on the dome.” Holtz was a living embodiment of the final line of the university’s alma mater song, “Notre Dame, Our Mother,” that marks the end of each sporting event: “And our hearts forever love thee, Notre Dame!”
Holtz is survived by his four children, Luanne, Lou “Skip” Jr., Kevin and Elizabeth. His family is finalizing funeral arrangements, including a Mass of Christian Burial at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart at Notre Dame. Holtz will be laid to rest at Notre Dame’s Cedar Grove Cemetery next to his wife, Beth.
Eric Peat writes from Fort Wayne, Indiana, for Today’s Catholic, the news outlet of the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend. This story was originally published by Today’s Catholic and distributed through a partnership with OSV News.
 

Beloved Notre Dame coaching legend Lou Holtz remembered for ‘building men, not just players’ #Catholic – (OSV News) — Leading up to a college football clash between Notre Dame and heated rival Miami in the late 1980s, a team chaplain for the Hurricanes proclaimed that God doesn’t care who wins football games. Lou Holtz, coach of the Fighting Irish at the time, agreed. “I don’t think God cares who wins, either,” he replied with a smile. “But his Mother does.” This now-famous quip captured the essence of the legendary coach: an uncanny wit, an unwavering Catholic faith and an unshakable love for Notre Dame — Our Lady’s university. On March 4, Holtz died in Orlando, Florida, at the age of 89, surrounded by his family. Forever etched in Fighting Irish lore for leading Notre Dame to the 1988 National Championship, Holtz leaves behind not just a decorated football resume but a legacy of shaping young men and inspiring people to live virtuously. “Notre Dame mourns the loss of Lou Holtz, a legendary football coach, a beloved member of the Notre Dame family, and devoted husband, father, and grandfather,” said Holy Cross Father Robert A. Dowd, Notre Dame’s president, in a public statement. “Among his many accomplishments, we will remember him above all as a teacher, leader, and mentor who brought out the very best in his players, on and off the field, earning their respect and admiration for a lifetime.” Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter. Louis Leo Holtz was born on Jan. 6, 1937, in Follansbee, West Virginia, and grew up in East Liverpool, Ohio. He played linebacker at Kent State University before beginning a coaching career that would span over four decades. With head coaching stops at William and Mary, North Carolina State, Arkansas, Minnesota, Notre Dame and South Carolina, Holtz became the ninth-winningest coach in college football history with a record of 249-132-7. He received national Coach of the Year honors on three occasions and remains the only coach to lead six separate programs to bowl games. However, Holtz is best remembered for his 11 seasons in South Bend, where he revitalized the Notre Dame football program. From 1986 through 1996, the Fighting Irish won 100 games, reached a program-record nine consecutive bowl games, and were undefeated national champions in 1988 — Notre Dame’s last national title to date. As coach of the Irish, Holtz was humble but confident, respectful but fearless, and wise but candid. He established several traditions at Notre Dame that remain in place today, from the iconic “Play Like a Champion” sign that players slap on their way to the field, to the removal of names from the football jerseys to emphasize the team dynamic. The mark Holtz left on the program, the university and especially the young men who played for him cannot be overstated. “Lou and I shared a very special relationship,” Notre Dame Head Coach Marcus Freeman said in a statement. “He welcomed me to the Notre Dame family immediately, offering me great support throughout our time together. Our relationship meant a lot to me as I admired the values he used to build the foundation of his coaching career: love, trust, and commitment. Lou’s impact at Notre Dame has gone well beyond the football team. He and his wife, Beth, are respected across campus for their generous hearts and commitment to carrying out Notre Dame’s mission of being a force for good.” Former Irish great Jerome Bettis shared on social media that Holz “believed in building men, not just players.” “Coach was so much more than a football coach to me. He was family,” Bettis, a fullback for the Irish from 1990-1993, posted March 4. “I still remember the day he came to my house to recruit me. He didn’t just sit down and talk to me about football or what I could do on the field. He talked to me as a young man. And he spoke to my mom the way a man should speak to a mother who was trusting someone with her son. He looked her in the eye and promised that I would be taken care of at Notre Dame. That moment meant everything to us, and it’s something I’ve carried with me my entire life.” After retiring from coaching, Holtz spent time as a studio analyst for ESPN, a best-selling author and a motivational speaker, where he continued inspiring people with the same energy and charisma. He often told crowds, “I follow three rules: Do the right thing, do the best you can, and always show people you care.” Holtz preached that “life is 10 percent what happens to you and 90 percent how you respond to it.” He challenged people to live exceptional lives, famously stating, “I can’t believe that God put us on this earth to be ordinary.” Central to everything Holtz did was his faith. A lifelong Catholic, Holtz served as an altar boy and credited the education he received from the Sisters of Notre Dame with instilling the desire to make God the focus of his life. Holtz was outspoken about his faith and believed following Church teachings “brings meaning and lasting happiness to life.” He possessed a deep and profound love for Notre Dame — not just his team, but the university, the students, the fans and the faith alive on campus. “Every single day being there was very special,” Holtz told the National Catholic Register in a 2012 interview, “because there were so many opportunities to encounter and live out the Catholic faith.” The late Bishop John M. D’Arcy of the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend once asked Holtz what it meant to be the head football coach at Notre Dame. His answer displayed a life not consumed by his career but anchored by his Catholic faith. “It means if you have an 8 o’clock meeting, you can find a 7 o’clock Mass,” Holtz responded. “When you want to go to confession, you just walk across the campus to the basilica. When you are leaving at 10 o’clock at night, the Lady on the dome is smiling down at you.” Holtz reaffirmed his love for Our Lady after coaching his final game at Notre Dame Stadium. After his final home game, when asked by a Fort Wayne News-Sentinel columnist how he’ll be remembered, a tearful Holtz said, “I never disgraced the Lady on the dome.” Holtz was a living embodiment of the final line of the university’s alma mater song, “Notre Dame, Our Mother,” that marks the end of each sporting event: “And our hearts forever love thee, Notre Dame!” Holtz is survived by his four children, Luanne, Lou “Skip” Jr., Kevin and Elizabeth. His family is finalizing funeral arrangements, including a Mass of Christian Burial at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart at Notre Dame. Holtz will be laid to rest at Notre Dame’s Cedar Grove Cemetery next to his wife, Beth. Eric Peat writes from Fort Wayne, Indiana, for Today’s Catholic, the news outlet of the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend. This story was originally published by Today’s Catholic and distributed through a partnership with OSV News.  

Beloved Notre Dame coaching legend Lou Holtz remembered for ‘building men, not just players’ #Catholic –

(OSV News) — Leading up to a college football clash between Notre Dame and heated rival Miami in the late 1980s, a team chaplain for the Hurricanes proclaimed that God doesn’t care who wins football games.

Lou Holtz, coach of the Fighting Irish at the time, agreed. “I don’t think God cares who wins, either,” he replied with a smile. “But his Mother does.”

This now-famous quip captured the essence of the legendary coach: an uncanny wit, an unwavering Catholic faith and an unshakable love for Notre Dame — Our Lady’s university. On March 4, Holtz died in Orlando, Florida, at the age of 89, surrounded by his family. Forever etched in Fighting Irish lore for leading Notre Dame to the 1988 National Championship, Holtz leaves behind not just a decorated football resume but a legacy of shaping young men and inspiring people to live virtuously.

“Notre Dame mourns the loss of Lou Holtz, a legendary football coach, a beloved member of the Notre Dame family, and devoted husband, father, and grandfather,” said Holy Cross Father Robert A. Dowd, Notre Dame’s president, in a public statement. “Among his many accomplishments, we will remember him above all as a teacher, leader, and mentor who brought out the very best in his players, on and off the field, earning their respect and admiration for a lifetime.”


Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.

Louis Leo Holtz was born on Jan. 6, 1937, in Follansbee, West Virginia, and grew up in East Liverpool, Ohio. He played linebacker at Kent State University before beginning a coaching career that would span over four decades. With head coaching stops at William and Mary, North Carolina State, Arkansas, Minnesota, Notre Dame and South Carolina, Holtz became the ninth-winningest coach in college football history with a record of 249-132-7. He received national Coach of the Year honors on three occasions and remains the only coach to lead six separate programs to bowl games.

However, Holtz is best remembered for his 11 seasons in South Bend, where he revitalized the Notre Dame football program. From 1986 through 1996, the Fighting Irish won 100 games, reached a program-record nine consecutive bowl games, and were undefeated national champions in 1988 — Notre Dame’s last national title to date.

As coach of the Irish, Holtz was humble but confident, respectful but fearless, and wise but candid. He established several traditions at Notre Dame that remain in place today, from the iconic “Play Like a Champion” sign that players slap on their way to the field, to the removal of names from the football jerseys to emphasize the team dynamic. The mark Holtz left on the program, the university and especially the young men who played for him cannot be overstated.

“Lou and I shared a very special relationship,” Notre Dame Head Coach Marcus Freeman said in a statement. “He welcomed me to the Notre Dame family immediately, offering me great support throughout our time together. Our relationship meant a lot to me as I admired the values he used to build the foundation of his coaching career: love, trust, and commitment. Lou’s impact at Notre Dame has gone well beyond the football team. He and his wife, Beth, are respected across campus for their generous hearts and commitment to carrying out Notre Dame’s mission of being a force for good.”

Former Irish great Jerome Bettis shared on social media that Holz “believed in building men, not just players.”

“Coach was so much more than a football coach to me. He was family,” Bettis, a fullback for the Irish from 1990-1993, posted March 4. “I still remember the day he came to my house to recruit me. He didn’t just sit down and talk to me about football or what I could do on the field. He talked to me as a young man. And he spoke to my mom the way a man should speak to a mother who was trusting someone with her son. He looked her in the eye and promised that I would be taken care of at Notre Dame. That moment meant everything to us, and it’s something I’ve carried with me my entire life.”

After retiring from coaching, Holtz spent time as a studio analyst for ESPN, a best-selling author and a motivational speaker, where he continued inspiring people with the same energy and charisma.

He often told crowds, “I follow three rules: Do the right thing, do the best you can, and always show people you care.” Holtz preached that “life is 10 percent what happens to you and 90 percent how you respond to it.” He challenged people to live exceptional lives, famously stating, “I can’t believe that God put us on this earth to be ordinary.”

Central to everything Holtz did was his faith. A lifelong Catholic, Holtz served as an altar boy and credited the education he received from the Sisters of Notre Dame with instilling the desire to make God the focus of his life. Holtz was outspoken about his faith and believed following Church teachings “brings meaning and lasting happiness to life.”

He possessed a deep and profound love for Notre Dame — not just his team, but the university, the students, the fans and the faith alive on campus. “Every single day being there was very special,” Holtz told the National Catholic Register in a 2012 interview, “because there were so many opportunities to encounter and live out the Catholic faith.”

The late Bishop John M. D’Arcy of the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend once asked Holtz what it meant to be the head football coach at Notre Dame. His answer displayed a life not consumed by his career but anchored by his Catholic faith. “It means if you have an 8 o’clock meeting, you can find a 7 o’clock Mass,” Holtz responded. “When you want to go to confession, you just walk across the campus to the basilica. When you are leaving at 10 o’clock at night, the Lady on the dome is smiling down at you.”

Holtz reaffirmed his love for Our Lady after coaching his final game at Notre Dame Stadium. After his final home game, when asked by a Fort Wayne News-Sentinel columnist how he’ll be remembered, a tearful Holtz said, “I never disgraced the Lady on the dome.” Holtz was a living embodiment of the final line of the university’s alma mater song, “Notre Dame, Our Mother,” that marks the end of each sporting event: “And our hearts forever love thee, Notre Dame!”

Holtz is survived by his four children, Luanne, Lou “Skip” Jr., Kevin and Elizabeth. His family is finalizing funeral arrangements, including a Mass of Christian Burial at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart at Notre Dame. Holtz will be laid to rest at Notre Dame’s Cedar Grove Cemetery next to his wife, Beth.

Eric Peat writes from Fort Wayne, Indiana, for Today’s Catholic, the news outlet of the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend. This story was originally published by Today’s Catholic and distributed through a partnership with OSV News.

 

(OSV News) — Leading up to a college football clash between Notre Dame and heated rival Miami in the late 1980s, a team chaplain for the Hurricanes proclaimed that God doesn’t care who wins football games. Lou Holtz, coach of the Fighting Irish at the time, agreed. “I don’t think God cares who wins, either,” he replied with a smile. “But his Mother does.” This now-famous quip captured the essence of the legendary coach: an uncanny wit, an unwavering Catholic faith and an unshakable love for Notre Dame — Our Lady’s university. On March 4, Holtz died in Orlando, Florida,

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This is Pope Leo XIV’s prayer intention for the month of March #Catholic Pope Leo XIV’s prayer intention for the month of March is for disarmament and peace.In a video released on X, the Holy Father posed a question to the faithful: “Would you imagine what a world without wars would be like? A world without the terror of approaching explosions? Without rocket alarms shattering the silence of the night?”“Please join me in prayer this month for disarmament and peace,” he said.In the full video shared on the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network website, Pope Leo recites an original prayer written specifically for this month’s prayer intention.Here is the pope’s full prayer:Lord of Life,you shaped every human being in your image and likeness.We believe you created us for communion, not for war,for fraternity, not for destruction.You who greeted your disciples saying, “Peace be with you,”grant us the gift of your peaceand the strength to make it a reality in history.Today we lift up our prayer for peace in the world,asking that nations renounce weaponsand choose the path of dialogue and diplomacy.Disarm our hearts of hatred, resentment, and indifference,so we may become instruments of reconciliation.Help us understand that true securitydoes not come from control fueled by fear,but from trust, justice, and solidarity among peoples.Lord, enlighten the leaders of the nations,so they may have the courage to abandon projects of death,halt the arms race,and place the lives of the most vulnerable at the center.May the nuclear threat never again dictate the future of humanity.Holy Spirit,make us faithful and creative builders of daily peace:in our hearts, our families,our communities, and our cities.May every kind word, every gesture of reconciliation,and every choice for dialogue be seeds of a new world.Amen.“Pray with the Pope” is accessible on the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network website and its digital platforms.

This is Pope Leo XIV’s prayer intention for the month of March #Catholic Pope Leo XIV’s prayer intention for the month of March is for disarmament and peace.In a video released on X, the Holy Father posed a question to the faithful: “Would you imagine what a world without wars would be like? A world without the terror of approaching explosions? Without rocket alarms shattering the silence of the night?”“Please join me in prayer this month for disarmament and peace,” he said.In the full video shared on the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network website, Pope Leo recites an original prayer written specifically for this month’s prayer intention.Here is the pope’s full prayer:Lord of Life,you shaped every human being in your image and likeness.We believe you created us for communion, not for war,for fraternity, not for destruction.You who greeted your disciples saying, “Peace be with you,”grant us the gift of your peaceand the strength to make it a reality in history.Today we lift up our prayer for peace in the world,asking that nations renounce weaponsand choose the path of dialogue and diplomacy.Disarm our hearts of hatred, resentment, and indifference,so we may become instruments of reconciliation.Help us understand that true securitydoes not come from control fueled by fear,but from trust, justice, and solidarity among peoples.Lord, enlighten the leaders of the nations,so they may have the courage to abandon projects of death,halt the arms race,and place the lives of the most vulnerable at the center.May the nuclear threat never again dictate the future of humanity.Holy Spirit,make us faithful and creative builders of daily peace:in our hearts, our families,our communities, and our cities.May every kind word, every gesture of reconciliation,and every choice for dialogue be seeds of a new world.Amen.“Pray with the Pope” is accessible on the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network website and its digital platforms.

In a video released on X, the Holy Father posed a question to the faithful: “Would you imagine what a world without wars would be like? A world without the terror of approaching explosions?”

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National Eucharistic Pilgrimage to visit diocese in historic faith event #Catholic – Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney is proud and honored to lead the Paterson Diocese in New Jersey in a once-in-a-lifetime historic event: hosting stops on June 14 and 15 in Passaic and Paterson during the 2026 National Eucharistic Pilgrimage, which will travel up the Eastern Seaboard this summer. Guided by the theme “One Nation Under God,” the 18-stop pilgrimage is a nationwide call to national renewal, unity, and mission rooted in the Eucharist, in honor of the United States’ 250th birthday.
It’s the first time Paterson will host a National Eucharistic Pilgrimage. These pilgrimages occur between National Eucharistic Congresses. For more information on the 2026 National Eucharistic Pilgrimage, visit eucharisticpilgrimage.org.
The pilgrimage begins in St. Augustine, Fla., where the first Catholic Mass in the United States was held, on Memorial Day. Then, it moves up the East Coast to New England, and on to Philadelphia, Penn., the nation’s birthplace, for the 250th anniversary celebrations. The journey ends on July 5. A group of young-adult Perpetual Pilgrims and media missionaries will travel by van through most of the original 13 colonies on the St. Francis Xavier Cabrini Route. This route is named after the first American citizen canonized as a saint.

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Like the rest of the pilgrimage, the two-day stop in the Paterson Diocese will also highlight the contributions of immigrants to the Church in the United States. Pilgrims will visit churches in Paterson and Passaic, among the most densely populated and multicultural cities in the Garden State. Catholics from the diocese and beyond are invited to participate in a dynamic array of public events in English and Spanish, including opening and closing Masses by Bishop Sweeney, presentations on the Eucharist, and Eucharistic processions through the cities’ streets.
“The pilgrimage’s stop in the diocese will give Catholics an opportunity to revitalize their love for Jesus and the Eucharist. This is one of the goals of the New Evangelization. It also offers a chance to stand in solidarity with our immigrant brothers and sisters,” said Father Cesar Jaramillo, pastor of Holy Spirit Parish in Pequannock, N.J., and delegate for the pilgrimage stop in the diocese. “We invite all parishes in our local church of Paterson to attend.”
Special guests on the pilgrimage will be three priests with strong social media presence: Father Rafael Capo, Father Heriberto Garcia, and Franciscan Father Casey Cole.
The pilgrimage takes place 75 years after the launch of the lobbying campaign spearheaded by the Knights of Columbus to add that phrase to the U.S.’ Pledge of Allegiance, said Jason Shanks, president of the National Eucharistic Congress.
Bishop Andrew Cozzens, chairman of the National Eucharistic Congress, said, “Our hope is that Catholics will gather on this significant anniversary — the United States’ 250th birthday — to give thanks for our country and pray for its future. We encourage all Catholics to be inspired by the missionaries’ zeal to bring revival to the light and love of Jesus Christ.”
Event locations and times will be announced at a later date on BeaconNJ.org.
For more information, please contact Maria Moncaleano, who is helping Father Jaramillo as the contact person for anyone with questions regarding the pilgrimage and scheduled events at mmoncaleano@patersondiocese.org.
 

National Eucharistic Pilgrimage to visit diocese in historic faith event #Catholic – Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney is proud and honored to lead the Paterson Diocese in New Jersey in a once-in-a-lifetime historic event: hosting stops on June 14 and 15 in Passaic and Paterson during the 2026 National Eucharistic Pilgrimage, which will travel up the Eastern Seaboard this summer. Guided by the theme “One Nation Under God,” the 18-stop pilgrimage is a nationwide call to national renewal, unity, and mission rooted in the Eucharist, in honor of the United States’ 250th birthday. It’s the first time Paterson will host a National Eucharistic Pilgrimage. These pilgrimages occur between National Eucharistic Congresses. For more information on the 2026 National Eucharistic Pilgrimage, visit eucharisticpilgrimage.org. The pilgrimage begins in St. Augustine, Fla., where the first Catholic Mass in the United States was held, on Memorial Day. Then, it moves up the East Coast to New England, and on to Philadelphia, Penn., the nation’s birthplace, for the 250th anniversary celebrations. The journey ends on July 5. A group of young-adult Perpetual Pilgrims and media missionaries will travel by van through most of the original 13 colonies on the St. Francis Xavier Cabrini Route. This route is named after the first American citizen canonized as a saint. Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter. Like the rest of the pilgrimage, the two-day stop in the Paterson Diocese will also highlight the contributions of immigrants to the Church in the United States. Pilgrims will visit churches in Paterson and Passaic, among the most densely populated and multicultural cities in the Garden State. Catholics from the diocese and beyond are invited to participate in a dynamic array of public events in English and Spanish, including opening and closing Masses by Bishop Sweeney, presentations on the Eucharist, and Eucharistic processions through the cities’ streets. “The pilgrimage’s stop in the diocese will give Catholics an opportunity to revitalize their love for Jesus and the Eucharist. This is one of the goals of the New Evangelization. It also offers a chance to stand in solidarity with our immigrant brothers and sisters,” said Father Cesar Jaramillo, pastor of Holy Spirit Parish in Pequannock, N.J., and delegate for the pilgrimage stop in the diocese. “We invite all parishes in our local church of Paterson to attend.” Special guests on the pilgrimage will be three priests with strong social media presence: Father Rafael Capo, Father Heriberto Garcia, and Franciscan Father Casey Cole. The pilgrimage takes place 75 years after the launch of the lobbying campaign spearheaded by the Knights of Columbus to add that phrase to the U.S.’ Pledge of Allegiance, said Jason Shanks, president of the National Eucharistic Congress. Bishop Andrew Cozzens, chairman of the National Eucharistic Congress, said, “Our hope is that Catholics will gather on this significant anniversary — the United States’ 250th birthday — to give thanks for our country and pray for its future. We encourage all Catholics to be inspired by the missionaries’ zeal to bring revival to the light and love of Jesus Christ.” Event locations and times will be announced at a later date on BeaconNJ.org. For more information, please contact Maria Moncaleano, who is helping Father Jaramillo as the contact person for anyone with questions regarding the pilgrimage and scheduled events at mmoncaleano@patersondiocese.org.  

National Eucharistic Pilgrimage to visit diocese in historic faith event #Catholic –

Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney is proud and honored to lead the Paterson Diocese in New Jersey in a once-in-a-lifetime historic event: hosting stops on June 14 and 15 in Passaic and Paterson during the 2026 National Eucharistic Pilgrimage, which will travel up the Eastern Seaboard this summer. Guided by the theme “One Nation Under God,” the 18-stop pilgrimage is a nationwide call to national renewal, unity, and mission rooted in the Eucharist, in honor of the United States’ 250th birthday.

It’s the first time Paterson will host a National Eucharistic Pilgrimage. These pilgrimages occur between National Eucharistic Congresses. For more information on the 2026 National Eucharistic Pilgrimage, visit eucharisticpilgrimage.org.

The pilgrimage begins in St. Augustine, Fla., where the first Catholic Mass in the United States was held, on Memorial Day. Then, it moves up the East Coast to New England, and on to Philadelphia, Penn., the nation’s birthplace, for the 250th anniversary celebrations. The journey ends on July 5. A group of young-adult Perpetual Pilgrims and media missionaries will travel by van through most of the original 13 colonies on the St. Francis Xavier Cabrini Route. This route is named after the first American citizen canonized as a saint.


Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.

Like the rest of the pilgrimage, the two-day stop in the Paterson Diocese will also highlight the contributions of immigrants to the Church in the United States. Pilgrims will visit churches in Paterson and Passaic, among the most densely populated and multicultural cities in the Garden State. Catholics from the diocese and beyond are invited to participate in a dynamic array of public events in English and Spanish, including opening and closing Masses by Bishop Sweeney, presentations on the Eucharist, and Eucharistic processions through the cities’ streets.

“The pilgrimage’s stop in the diocese will give Catholics an opportunity to revitalize their love for Jesus and the Eucharist. This is one of the goals of the New Evangelization. It also offers a chance to stand in solidarity with our immigrant brothers and sisters,” said Father Cesar Jaramillo, pastor of Holy Spirit Parish in Pequannock, N.J., and delegate for the pilgrimage stop in the diocese. “We invite all parishes in our local church of Paterson to attend.”

Special guests on the pilgrimage will be three priests with strong social media presence: Father Rafael Capo, Father Heriberto Garcia, and Franciscan Father Casey Cole.

The pilgrimage takes place 75 years after the launch of the lobbying campaign spearheaded by the Knights of Columbus to add that phrase to the U.S.’ Pledge of Allegiance, said Jason Shanks, president of the National Eucharistic Congress.

Bishop Andrew Cozzens, chairman of the National Eucharistic Congress, said, “Our hope is that Catholics will gather on this significant anniversary — the United States’ 250th birthday — to give thanks for our country and pray for its future. We encourage all Catholics to be inspired by the missionaries’ zeal to bring revival to the light and love of Jesus Christ.”

Event locations and times will be announced at a later date on BeaconNJ.org.

For more information, please contact Maria Moncaleano, who is helping Father Jaramillo as the contact person for anyone with questions regarding the pilgrimage and scheduled events at mmoncaleano@patersondiocese.org.

 

Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney is proud and honored to lead the Paterson Diocese in New Jersey in a once-in-a-lifetime historic event: hosting stops on June 14 and 15 in Passaic and Paterson during the 2026 National Eucharistic Pilgrimage, which will travel up the Eastern Seaboard this summer. Guided by the theme “One Nation Under God,” the 18-stop pilgrimage is a nationwide call to national renewal, unity, and mission rooted in the Eucharist, in honor of the United States’ 250th birthday. It’s the first time Paterson will host a National Eucharistic Pilgrimage. These pilgrimages occur between National Eucharistic Congresses. For more

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Little Falls Knights honor Free Throw Contest winners #Catholic – The Knights of Columbus Council 3835, Our Lady of the Highway, Little Falls, N.J., hosted a Free Throw Contest awards night on Feb. 24 at the Little Falls Recreation Center. The basketball-throwing contest was open to boys and girls ages 9 to 14. Six of the 10 winners attended the awards event. Pictured in the front row from left are Juliana Macaluso, 11; Vincenzo Castaldo, 11; Danica Lightner, 13; Jonathan Moreno, 10; Brayden Moreno, 13; and Jake Borges, 12. In the back row from left are Christopher Troyano, co-chairman; Ron Yutko, co-chairman; Anthony Montuori; and Mike Vaclavicek.

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Little Falls Knights honor Free Throw Contest winners #Catholic –

The Knights of Columbus Council 3835, Our Lady of the Highway, Little Falls, N.J., hosted a Free Throw Contest awards night on Feb. 24 at the Little Falls Recreation Center. The basketball-throwing contest was open to boys and girls ages 9 to 14. Six of the 10 winners attended the awards event. Pictured in the front row from left are Juliana Macaluso, 11; Vincenzo Castaldo, 11; Danica Lightner, 13; Jonathan Moreno, 10; Brayden Moreno, 13; and Jake Borges, 12. In the back row from left are Christopher Troyano, co-chairman; Ron Yutko, co-chairman; Anthony Montuori; and Mike Vaclavicek.


Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.

The Knights of Columbus Council 3835, Our Lady of the Highway, Little Falls, N.J., hosted a Free Throw Contest awards night on Feb. 24 at the Little Falls Recreation Center. The basketball-throwing contest was open to boys and girls ages 9 to 14. Six of the 10 winners attended the awards event. Pictured in the front row from left are Juliana Macaluso, 11; Vincenzo Castaldo, 11; Danica Lightner, 13; Jonathan Moreno, 10; Brayden Moreno, 13; and Jake Borges, 12. In the back row from left are Christopher Troyano, co-chairman; Ron Yutko, co-chairman; Anthony Montuori; and Mike Vaclavicek. Click here to

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Morristown vocations retreat inspires young men’s faith journey #Catholic - Twenty young men, aged 15 to 31, from various parishes around the Paterson Diocese in New Jersey participated in the Vocations Discernment Retreat with Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney at Loyola Jesuit Center in Morristown, N.J., from Feb. 27 to March 1.
Bishop Sweeney served as retreat master. He offered four talks to the young men who attended with seven diocesan seminarians.
During the retreat, Bishop Sweeney led the group to pray the outdoor Stations of the Cross. He also prayed the liturgy of the hours with them and celebrated Mass in the chapel. Mass concelebrants included Father Charles Lana, diocesan vocation director, and Father Jader Avila, a diocesan priest. Dan Ferrari led them all in song.

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Retreatants had the opportunity to spend time in adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and to receive the sacrament of penance, offered by Father Avila, Father Cesar Jaramillo, pastor of Holy Spirit Parish in Pequannock, N.J., and Father Krzysztof Tyszko, parochial vicar of Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish in Morristown, N.J.
During the Second Sunday of Lent Mass, Bishop Sweeney connected the retreat to the mountaintop experience of the Transfiguration. He reminded the young men of the blessings of encountering Jesus and encouraged them to stay close to him and to listen for his voice.
According to Father Lana, “The retreat was a moment of grace for these young men to step aside from the busyness of ordinary life and open their hearts in prayer and reflect on what the Lord might be asking them to do with their lives. The Lord invites all of us to deepen our friendship with him, and these young men accepted that invitation with trust over the weekend. Hopefully, this time spent on retreat will bear fruit, bringing each of them peace, clarity, and understanding of how they can best serve using their gifts.”
On social media, Bishop Sweeney posted, “We were blessed with a wonderful Vocation Discernment Retreat.”
“We thank Fr. Charlie Lana, our vocation director, and our priests, seminarians, and the retreat center staff for allowing a weekend in prayer, community, conversation, and discernment. We also thank all those who were and will be praying for us,” Bishop Sweeney posted. “Let us continue to pray for an increase in Vocations to the priesthood and consecrated Religious Life.”
 [See image gallery at beaconnj.org]

Morristown vocations retreat inspires young men’s faith journey #Catholic – Twenty young men, aged 15 to 31, from various parishes around the Paterson Diocese in New Jersey participated in the Vocations Discernment Retreat with Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney at Loyola Jesuit Center in Morristown, N.J., from Feb. 27 to March 1. Bishop Sweeney served as retreat master. He offered four talks to the young men who attended with seven diocesan seminarians. During the retreat, Bishop Sweeney led the group to pray the outdoor Stations of the Cross. He also prayed the liturgy of the hours with them and celebrated Mass in the chapel. Mass concelebrants included Father Charles Lana, diocesan vocation director, and Father Jader Avila, a diocesan priest. Dan Ferrari led them all in song. Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter. Retreatants had the opportunity to spend time in adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and to receive the sacrament of penance, offered by Father Avila, Father Cesar Jaramillo, pastor of Holy Spirit Parish in Pequannock, N.J., and Father Krzysztof Tyszko, parochial vicar of Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish in Morristown, N.J. During the Second Sunday of Lent Mass, Bishop Sweeney connected the retreat to the mountaintop experience of the Transfiguration. He reminded the young men of the blessings of encountering Jesus and encouraged them to stay close to him and to listen for his voice. According to Father Lana, “The retreat was a moment of grace for these young men to step aside from the busyness of ordinary life and open their hearts in prayer and reflect on what the Lord might be asking them to do with their lives. The Lord invites all of us to deepen our friendship with him, and these young men accepted that invitation with trust over the weekend. Hopefully, this time spent on retreat will bear fruit, bringing each of them peace, clarity, and understanding of how they can best serve using their gifts.” On social media, Bishop Sweeney posted, “We were blessed with a wonderful Vocation Discernment Retreat.” “We thank Fr. Charlie Lana, our vocation director, and our priests, seminarians, and the retreat center staff for allowing a weekend in prayer, community, conversation, and discernment. We also thank all those who were and will be praying for us,” Bishop Sweeney posted. “Let us continue to pray for an increase in Vocations to the priesthood and consecrated Religious Life.” [See image gallery at beaconnj.org]

Morristown vocations retreat inspires young men’s faith journey #Catholic –

Twenty young men, aged 15 to 31, from various parishes around the Paterson Diocese in New Jersey participated in the Vocations Discernment Retreat with Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney at Loyola Jesuit Center in Morristown, N.J., from Feb. 27 to March 1.

Bishop Sweeney served as retreat master. He offered four talks to the young men who attended with seven diocesan seminarians.

During the retreat, Bishop Sweeney led the group to pray the outdoor Stations of the Cross. He also prayed the liturgy of the hours with them and celebrated Mass in the chapel. Mass concelebrants included Father Charles Lana, diocesan vocation director, and Father Jader Avila, a diocesan priest. Dan Ferrari led them all in song.


Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.

Retreatants had the opportunity to spend time in adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and to receive the sacrament of penance, offered by Father Avila, Father Cesar Jaramillo, pastor of Holy Spirit Parish in Pequannock, N.J., and Father Krzysztof Tyszko, parochial vicar of Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish in Morristown, N.J.

During the Second Sunday of Lent Mass, Bishop Sweeney connected the retreat to the mountaintop experience of the Transfiguration. He reminded the young men of the blessings of encountering Jesus and encouraged them to stay close to him and to listen for his voice.

According to Father Lana, “The retreat was a moment of grace for these young men to step aside from the busyness of ordinary life and open their hearts in prayer and reflect on what the Lord might be asking them to do with their lives. The Lord invites all of us to deepen our friendship with him, and these young men accepted that invitation with trust over the weekend. Hopefully, this time spent on retreat will bear fruit, bringing each of them peace, clarity, and understanding of how they can best serve using their gifts.”

On social media, Bishop Sweeney posted, “We were blessed with a wonderful Vocation Discernment Retreat.”

“We thank Fr. Charlie Lana, our vocation director, and our priests, seminarians, and the retreat center staff for allowing a weekend in prayer, community, conversation, and discernment. We also thank all those who were and will be praying for us,” Bishop Sweeney posted. “Let us continue to pray for an increase in Vocations to the priesthood and consecrated Religious Life.”

[See image gallery at beaconnj.org] – Twenty young men, aged 15 to 31, from various parishes around the Paterson Diocese in New Jersey participated in the Vocations Discernment Retreat with Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney at Loyola Jesuit Center in Morristown, N.J., from Feb. 27 to March 1. Bishop Sweeney served as retreat master. He offered four talks to the young men who attended with seven diocesan seminarians. During the retreat, Bishop Sweeney led the group to pray the outdoor Stations of the Cross. He also prayed the liturgy of the hours with them and celebrated Mass in the chapel. Mass concelebrants included Father Charles Lana, diocesan

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Irish Mass commences St. Patrick’s Parade celebrations in Ringwood #Catholic – The celebration of the 35th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Ringwood, N.J., on Saturday, March 21, will start with a traditional Irish Mass at 9 a.m. at St. Catherine of Bologna Church.
The Ringwood parade, the only St. Patrick’s parade in Passaic County, will be presented for all residents of Ringwood and neighboring towns. This year’s honorees are Jim Blomquist, grand marshal; Scott Fitterman, outstanding citizen; and Robert Lyons and Dennis Law, parade dedications.
Immediately following the 9:45 a.m. Mass, join us for the annual Unity Breakfast at the Ringwood Community Center (formerly the St. Catherine’s Parish Center) behind the Church. Tickets are  each; children under 5 celebrate for free.

Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.

Parade participants need to arrive early for staging at noon at the old TD Bank North access road at 145 Skyline Drive. The parade will begin at 1 p.m. and will be held rain or shine, as always. A Family Celebration will take place at the Ringwood Community Center immediately following the Parade, with food and drinks available for purchase. Entertainment will include performances by the McLoughlin Step Dancers, Pipe Bands, and a DJ.
If you or your affiliated organization is interested in marching in the parade, or would like tickets to attend or receive more details about the Unity Breakfast, or other parade events, call Lynda at 973-222-6190 or Joe at 973-670-0026 or email ringwoodspdparadecommittee@gmail.com

Irish Mass commences St. Patrick’s Parade celebrations in Ringwood #Catholic – The celebration of the 35th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Ringwood, N.J., on Saturday, March 21, will start with a traditional Irish Mass at 9 a.m. at St. Catherine of Bologna Church. The Ringwood parade, the only St. Patrick’s parade in Passaic County, will be presented for all residents of Ringwood and neighboring towns. This year’s honorees are Jim Blomquist, grand marshal; Scott Fitterman, outstanding citizen; and Robert Lyons and Dennis Law, parade dedications. Immediately following the 9:45 a.m. Mass, join us for the annual Unity Breakfast at the Ringwood Community Center (formerly the St. Catherine’s Parish Center) behind the Church. Tickets are $20 each; children under 5 celebrate for free. Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter. Parade participants need to arrive early for staging at noon at the old TD Bank North access road at 145 Skyline Drive. The parade will begin at 1 p.m. and will be held rain or shine, as always. A Family Celebration will take place at the Ringwood Community Center immediately following the Parade, with food and drinks available for purchase. Entertainment will include performances by the McLoughlin Step Dancers, Pipe Bands, and a DJ. If you or your affiliated organization is interested in marching in the parade, or would like tickets to attend or receive more details about the Unity Breakfast, or other parade events, call Lynda at 973-222-6190 or Joe at 973-670-0026 or email ringwoodspdparadecommittee@gmail.com

Irish Mass commences St. Patrick’s Parade celebrations in Ringwood #Catholic –

The celebration of the 35th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Ringwood, N.J., on Saturday, March 21, will start with a traditional Irish Mass at 9 a.m. at St. Catherine of Bologna Church.

The Ringwood parade, the only St. Patrick’s parade in Passaic County, will be presented for all residents of Ringwood and neighboring towns. This year’s honorees are Jim Blomquist, grand marshal; Scott Fitterman, outstanding citizen; and Robert Lyons and Dennis Law, parade dedications.

Immediately following the 9:45 a.m. Mass, join us for the annual Unity Breakfast at the Ringwood Community Center (formerly the St. Catherine’s Parish Center) behind the Church. Tickets are $20 each; children under 5 celebrate for free.


Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.

Parade participants need to arrive early for staging at noon at the old TD Bank North access road at 145 Skyline Drive. The parade will begin at 1 p.m. and will be held rain or shine, as always. A Family Celebration will take place at the Ringwood Community Center immediately following the Parade, with food and drinks available for purchase. Entertainment will include performances by the McLoughlin Step Dancers, Pipe Bands, and a DJ.

If you or your affiliated organization is interested in marching in the parade, or would like tickets to attend or receive more details about the Unity Breakfast, or other parade events, call Lynda at 973-222-6190 or Joe at 973-670-0026 or email ringwoodspdparadecommittee@gmail.com

The celebration of the 35th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Ringwood, N.J., on Saturday, March 21, will start with a traditional Irish Mass at 9 a.m. at St. Catherine of Bologna Church. The Ringwood parade, the only St. Patrick’s parade in Passaic County, will be presented for all residents of Ringwood and neighboring towns. This year’s honorees are Jim Blomquist, grand marshal; Scott Fitterman, outstanding citizen; and Robert Lyons and Dennis Law, parade dedications. Immediately following the 9:45 a.m. Mass, join us for the annual Unity Breakfast at the Ringwood Community Center (formerly the St. Catherine’s Parish Center) behind

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Pew report examines how people rate fellow citizens’ morals #Catholic A Pew Research Center study found ​​Americans are more likely than people in other countries to question the morality of their fellow citizens.The report, “In 25-Country Survey, Americans Especially Likely To View Fellow Citizens as Morally Bad,” explores how adults in 25 countries rate the morality of others in their nation. It also examines if people consider different behaviors to be morally wrong including drinking alcohol, gambling, having extramarital affairs, using marijuana, viewing pornography, having abortions, homosexuality, getting divorces, and using contraceptives.The research was based on data from participants in Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Mexico, Netherlands, Nigeria, Poland, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the United States.Surveys conducted outside the U.S. were based on nationally representative surveys of 28,333 adults conducted from Jan. 8 to April 26, 2025. In the U.S., Pew surveyed 3,605 adults who are members of the Center’s American Trends Panel (ATP) from March 24–30, 2025.
 
 A March 2026 Pew report, “In 25-Country Survey, Americans Especially Likely To View Fellow Citizens as Morally Bad,” explores if adults in 25 countries consider nine behaviors to be morally unacceptable or acceptable. | Credit: Courtesy of Pew Research Center
 
 The report also includes some findings from a separate ATP survey of 8,937 U.S. adults conducted from May 5–11, 2025. The margin of sampling error for the full sample of 3,605 respondents is plus or minus 1.9 percentage points.According to the research, 47% of U.S. adults reported Americans have “very good” or “somewhat good” morals and ethics, which was the lowest of all countries. The majority of adults in Canada and Indonesia (92%) said the same of the people in their countries.Most and least accepted behaviors across the globeGetting a divorce and the use of contraception were found to be the most widely accepted of the nine behaviors. Only 12% of adults overall said getting a divorce is morally wrong, and 8% said using contraceptives is. The only countries with a slight majority that believe getting a divorce is morally unacceptable are India with 65% holding this view and Nigeria with 55%.Of the nine behaviors Pew asked participants about, married people having affairs had the strongest overall disapproval. Across the 25 countries, a median of 77% of adults said married people having affairs is morally unacceptable, with at least half of adults in every country holding this view.U.S. adults were among those to be most likely to condemn extramarital affairs as immoral. Nine in 10 Americans said having an affair is morally wrong, similar to the share of people in Indonesia and in Turkey (92%) who believe the same.
 
 A March 2026 Pew report, “In 25-Country Survey, Americans Especially Likely To View Fellow Citizens as Morally Bad,” explores how adults in 25 countries rate the morality of others in their country. | Credit: Courtesy of Pew Research Center
 
 Adults in Germany (55%) and France (53%) are among the least likely to believe having an affair is morally unacceptable.Behaviors with least international consensusThe report found that for most behaviors asked about, there is not an international consensus if they are morally acceptable or not.In the Latin American and African countries surveyed, half or more of adults said they believe abortions are morally unacceptable, but in most European countries, the vast majority of adults view abortions as either morally acceptable or not a moral issue at all. In the U.S., the group was fairly split with 47% reporting it is morally unacceptable to have an abortion.In the U.S., adults are the most accepting of using marijuana and gambling. Only 23% of Americans said using marijuana is morally unacceptable, and 29% said the same in regard to gambling. In most other countries surveyed, more than 40% of adults said they consider gambling and marijuana use to be morally wrong.In 10 countries, a majority said gambling is morally wrong, including 89% in Indonesia and 71% in Italy. In Australia, 25% said gambling is morally acceptable, and 43% do not see gambling as a moral issue.In the U.S., 39% of adults reported homosexuality is morally wrong, which was found to be much more than those who hold the same belief in Germany (5%) or Sweden (5%). In other nations including Indonesia (93%) and Nigeria (96%), the majority reported it is morally wrong.In regard to drinking alcohol, the majority of adults in Indonesia (83%) reported it is a morally unacceptable act. In contrast, only 7% of adults in Australia and Sweden reported the same. In the U.S., a small share of 16% said it is morally unacceptable.What factors affect views of behaviors?According to the report, a number of factors seem to affect how adults view the morality of behaviors including political party, religion, and gender.Democrats and independents who lean toward the Democratic Party are more likely than Republicans and Republican leaners to rate fellow Americans as morally and ethically bad (60% vs. 46%).Pew examined citizens’ stances based on religious belief and found those who said religion is very important in their lives were more likely to view the behaviors as morally wrong.In 13 of the 25 countries surveyed, the research looked specifically at the differences between Protestants and Catholics. The report detailed that Protestants are typically more likely than Catholics in the same country to believe homosexuality is wrong. In the U.S., 59% of Protestants reported homosexuality is morally wrong, while 34% of Catholics did.There is a large variation between Christians in different countries. The majority of Christians surveyed in Africa, Latin America, and the U.S. said having an abortion is morally wrong, but across Europe, the share of Christians who hold this view ranges from 40% in Spain to 7% in Sweden.Gender is also a factor in how people view moral behaviors. Women tend to be more likely than men to believe some behaviors are morally unacceptable. In nearly every country surveyed, women were more likely than men to say that viewing pornography is wrong. In contrast, men were more likely than women to report homosexuality is morally unacceptable. Overall, older adults were more likely than younger adults to report the behaviors are morally unacceptable. This is the case with using marijuana in 19 of the 25 surveyed countries. In Germany, adults ages 40 and older are twice as likely as younger adults to believe marijuana use is morally wrong, with 30% of older adults holding this belief and 15% of younger adults.

Pew report examines how people rate fellow citizens’ morals #Catholic A Pew Research Center study found ​​Americans are more likely than people in other countries to question the morality of their fellow citizens.The report, “In 25-Country Survey, Americans Especially Likely To View Fellow Citizens as Morally Bad,” explores how adults in 25 countries rate the morality of others in their nation. It also examines if people consider different behaviors to be morally wrong including drinking alcohol, gambling, having extramarital affairs, using marijuana, viewing pornography, having abortions, homosexuality, getting divorces, and using contraceptives.The research was based on data from participants in Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Mexico, Netherlands, Nigeria, Poland, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the United States.Surveys conducted outside the U.S. were based on nationally representative surveys of 28,333 adults conducted from Jan. 8 to April 26, 2025. In the U.S., Pew surveyed 3,605 adults who are members of the Center’s American Trends Panel (ATP) from March 24–30, 2025. A March 2026 Pew report, “In 25-Country Survey, Americans Especially Likely To View Fellow Citizens as Morally Bad,” explores if adults in 25 countries consider nine behaviors to be morally unacceptable or acceptable. | Credit: Courtesy of Pew Research Center The report also includes some findings from a separate ATP survey of 8,937 U.S. adults conducted from May 5–11, 2025. The margin of sampling error for the full sample of 3,605 respondents is plus or minus 1.9 percentage points.According to the research, 47% of U.S. adults reported Americans have “very good” or “somewhat good” morals and ethics, which was the lowest of all countries. The majority of adults in Canada and Indonesia (92%) said the same of the people in their countries.Most and least accepted behaviors across the globeGetting a divorce and the use of contraception were found to be the most widely accepted of the nine behaviors. Only 12% of adults overall said getting a divorce is morally wrong, and 8% said using contraceptives is. The only countries with a slight majority that believe getting a divorce is morally unacceptable are India with 65% holding this view and Nigeria with 55%.Of the nine behaviors Pew asked participants about, married people having affairs had the strongest overall disapproval. Across the 25 countries, a median of 77% of adults said married people having affairs is morally unacceptable, with at least half of adults in every country holding this view.U.S. adults were among those to be most likely to condemn extramarital affairs as immoral. Nine in 10 Americans said having an affair is morally wrong, similar to the share of people in Indonesia and in Turkey (92%) who believe the same. A March 2026 Pew report, “In 25-Country Survey, Americans Especially Likely To View Fellow Citizens as Morally Bad,” explores how adults in 25 countries rate the morality of others in their country. | Credit: Courtesy of Pew Research Center Adults in Germany (55%) and France (53%) are among the least likely to believe having an affair is morally unacceptable.Behaviors with least international consensusThe report found that for most behaviors asked about, there is not an international consensus if they are morally acceptable or not.In the Latin American and African countries surveyed, half or more of adults said they believe abortions are morally unacceptable, but in most European countries, the vast majority of adults view abortions as either morally acceptable or not a moral issue at all. In the U.S., the group was fairly split with 47% reporting it is morally unacceptable to have an abortion.In the U.S., adults are the most accepting of using marijuana and gambling. Only 23% of Americans said using marijuana is morally unacceptable, and 29% said the same in regard to gambling. In most other countries surveyed, more than 40% of adults said they consider gambling and marijuana use to be morally wrong.In 10 countries, a majority said gambling is morally wrong, including 89% in Indonesia and 71% in Italy. In Australia, 25% said gambling is morally acceptable, and 43% do not see gambling as a moral issue.In the U.S., 39% of adults reported homosexuality is morally wrong, which was found to be much more than those who hold the same belief in Germany (5%) or Sweden (5%). In other nations including Indonesia (93%) and Nigeria (96%), the majority reported it is morally wrong.In regard to drinking alcohol, the majority of adults in Indonesia (83%) reported it is a morally unacceptable act. In contrast, only 7% of adults in Australia and Sweden reported the same. In the U.S., a small share of 16% said it is morally unacceptable.What factors affect views of behaviors?According to the report, a number of factors seem to affect how adults view the morality of behaviors including political party, religion, and gender.Democrats and independents who lean toward the Democratic Party are more likely than Republicans and Republican leaners to rate fellow Americans as morally and ethically bad (60% vs. 46%).Pew examined citizens’ stances based on religious belief and found those who said religion is very important in their lives were more likely to view the behaviors as morally wrong.In 13 of the 25 countries surveyed, the research looked specifically at the differences between Protestants and Catholics. The report detailed that Protestants are typically more likely than Catholics in the same country to believe homosexuality is wrong. In the U.S., 59% of Protestants reported homosexuality is morally wrong, while 34% of Catholics did.There is a large variation between Christians in different countries. The majority of Christians surveyed in Africa, Latin America, and the U.S. said having an abortion is morally wrong, but across Europe, the share of Christians who hold this view ranges from 40% in Spain to 7% in Sweden.Gender is also a factor in how people view moral behaviors. Women tend to be more likely than men to believe some behaviors are morally unacceptable. In nearly every country surveyed, women were more likely than men to say that viewing pornography is wrong. In contrast, men were more likely than women to report homosexuality is morally unacceptable. Overall, older adults were more likely than younger adults to report the behaviors are morally unacceptable. This is the case with using marijuana in 19 of the 25 surveyed countries. In Germany, adults ages 40 and older are twice as likely as younger adults to believe marijuana use is morally wrong, with 30% of older adults holding this belief and 15% of younger adults.

U.S. adults were among those most likely to condemn extramarital affairs as immoral in a study of 25 countries.

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7 Tips For Christian Women To Dress Modestly #BabylonBee – It can be difficult to find modest attire when you’re a Christian woman, what with all the competing expectations. Fortunately, we at the Babylon Bee are not just prophets – we’re also fashion experts. Here are seven simple tips for Christian ladies to dress modestly:

It can be difficult to find modest attire when you’re a Christian woman, what with all the competing expectations. Fortunately, we at the Babylon Bee are not just prophets – we’re also fashion experts. Here are seven simple tips for Christian ladies to dress modestly:

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