Category: News

Black Nazarene procession attracts millions in the Philippines

The Black Nazarene procession in Manila, Philippines, which annually attracts one of the world’s largest crowds for a religious devotion, attracted hundreds of thousands of enthusiastic pilgrims on January 9. Taking place each year in January, the procession, known locally as “Traslacion”, sees devotees carry across Manila a replica of a famous life-size statue of Jesus carrying a…

Nuns are a staple on the Hollywood screen – even as they disappear from real life. What’s behind our timeless obsession?

Marcus Harmes and Meredith Harmes Nuns are a staple of pop culture. Think of The Sound of Music (1965), Sister Act (1992), The Nun’s Story (1959), The Bells of St Mary’s (1945), Heaven Knows Mr. Allison (1957) and Black Narcissus (1947). Last year brought us The Nun II (following 2018’s The Nun), The New Boy, Deliver…

‘Families who have lost everything’: LA Archdiocese responds to deadly wildfires

Archdiocesan officials and local Church leaders in Los Angeles are working to shelter and assist victims of the ongoing wildfires there as the blaze consumes entire neighbourhoods and lays waste to significant portions of the suburban area. The fires began on Tuesday, January 7, and quickly spread via dry conditions and hurricane-force Santa Ana winds…

Packed churches for Christmas, priests report

Wonderful atmosphere of togetherness as families filled pews Priests across the country have voiced their delight with the “massive” number of parishioners who attended their Christmas Masses. Many clergy were “impressed” and “encouraged” by the turnout, with others noting it was the best they have seen in years. Fr Andrew O’Sullivan PP of Rathgar and…