The Church in America

Archbishop Christophe-Zakhia El-Kassis spoke at a United Nations conference in New York on September 17 to address how incitement to hatred fuels violence and persecution. As the new permanent observer of the Holy See to the UN, the archbishop participated in the global conference focused on promoting interreligious and intercultural dialogue and tolerance.

El-Kassis stated that speech directed against individuals or communities based on their religion, ethnicity, nationality, or other characteristics poisons public debate, increases divisions, and undermines freedom. He noted that such language can create a foundation for violence and persecution.

To combat these issues, the archbishop called for the promotion of religious and intercultural dialogue, mutual respect, and tolerance. He also emphasized the importance of responsibility in freedom of expression, suggesting that de-escalating harmful language is a necessary step toward building social peace and a culture of respect for differences.

Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., joined 145 diocesan priests from September 15 to 17 for the 2026 Convocation of Priests in Avalon. The gathering focused on priestly well-being, fraternity, and mission renewal.

Father Patrick McDevitt, president and CEO of St. Luke Institute, served as the keynote speaker and gave presentations on maintaining mental, physical, and spiritual health. During a Mass on September 16, Bishop O’Connell told the priests that their ministry must be rooted in charity and selfless love rather than just efficiency or competence.

Several priests noted the importance of personal health for effective ministry. Father Stephen Sansevere, pastor of St. James Parish in Pennington, St. George Parish in Titusville, and St. Alphonsus Parish in Hopewell, stated that priests must be well to help others. Father Mark Kreder, pastor of St. Justin the Martyr Parish in Toms River, added that self-care allows priests to better serve their people.

Petrus Tschickel, a canon and successor to Pius Parsch, suggests that Parsch might not have approved of the current Roman Rite liturgy.

Parsch originally launched the People’s Liturgical Renewal to bring Christ to the people through biblical and liturgical updates. While many in Austria and elsewhere responded positively, Parsch eventually became more cautious. He realized his efforts reached only a small audience, as the St. Gertrud chapel remained a small space that did not require him to move to a larger location.

The liturgy focuses on the Kingdom of God and the fulfillment of all things in Christ, according to Andrew TJ Kaethler. Writing for Adoremus, Kaethler suggests that while Catholic focus often emphasizes the incarnation, the eschatological dimension – the study of the end times and God's ultimate purpose – is central to liturgical theology.

Kaethler draws on the work of Eastern Orthodox liturgical theologian Alexander Schmemann to explain that eschatology serves as a dynamic inspiration for the entire Christian faith. Schmemann argued that the liturgy reveals eschatology in its fullness.

In this context, the eschaton represents the conclusion of history when God transforms the cosmos into the image of Christ. Kaethler notes that while the liturgy is centered on Jesus Christ, it specifically emphasizes the end, where Christ acts as the ultimate goal for all creation.

The bishop has several scheduled appearances from September 20 to September 26.

On Sunday, September 20, the bishop will celebrate the annual Saint Padre Pio Mass at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of Pompeii Church in Vineland. He will attend the Mass of the Holy Spirit at Camden Catholic High School in Cherry Hill on Monday, September 21, at 10:30 a.m.

Later in the week, the bishop will participate in the National Migration Week Evening of Prayer at Saint Thomas More Church in Cherry Hill on Thursday, September 24, at 6:30 p.m. He will conclude the week on Saturday, September 26, by celebrating a Mass for the Jubilee Year of Saint Francis of Assisi at 11 a.m. at the Church of the Incarnation in Mantua.

The upcoming beatification of Archbishop Fulton Sheen highlights his life as an example of faith, obedience, and love for the poor, according to OSV News. The Church considers Sheen a man of heroic virtue.

Sheen maintained a personal commitment to Jesus Christ through daily prayer. He promised to observe this practice on the day of his ordination, which informed his theological understanding and shaped his preaching and writings. OSV News reports that his dedication to prayer and study provided the spiritual foundation for his ministry.

Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Edgewater is celebrating 50 years since it was officially established as a parish in 1976. Originally led by Redemptorists, the parish transitioned to leadership by archdiocesan priests in 1996.

The parish is now part of the Pastorate of Our Lady, which it joined with Our Lady of Sorrows in West River in 2018. Father Michael Triplett, who has served as pastor for two years, noted that between three weekend Masses, approximately 450 to 500 people attend. The church also celebrates a weekend Mass in Spanish to serve its growing Hispanic community.

The community's history dates back to 1939 when it functioned as a mission church for St. Mary in Annapolis. After celebrating Mass at various locations including Cape St. Rose and local restaurants, the parish opened its first church building in 1952 in Woodland Beach. It celebrated its first Mass at its current location on Easter Sunday in 1980. Today, the parish operates a weekly food pantry and maintains a Respect Life committee.

On the September 19, 2026, edition of Register Radio, Daniel Payne discusses his book, Be Fruitful, regarding the Church's vision for marriage and family, while Jonah McKeown examines why some Catholic schools are removing screens from classrooms.

Noelle Javurek serves as the campus ministry coordinator for Warhawk Catholic at UW-Whitewater. Originally from Rockford, Illinois, and St. Bridget Parish in Loves Park, Illinois, Javurek holds a Bachelor of Social Work from Loras College.

Javurek credits her high school youth group with teaching her that God desires a personal relationship with her. This experience led her to seek out Catholic communities at Loras College and through Brew City Catholic and Warhawk Catholic. She stated that her faith challenges her to surrender each day to God's will, which she says brings her freedom and joy during her encounters with others in ministry.

Pope Leo XIV has appointed Monsignor José Paulino Francisco Neto as the new bishop of the Diocese of Porto Nacional.

Monsignor José Paulino, a priest from the Diocese of Araçuaí, is scheduled to be ordained a bishop on November 28, 2026, at 9 a.m. at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Vitória. The ordination will be led by Bishop Dario Campos, OFM, Bishop Emeritus of Vitória; Auxiliary Bishop Andherson Franklin Lustosa de Souza of Vitória; and Bishop Geraldo dos Reis Maia of Araçuaí. He will assume leadership of the Diocese of Porto Nacional on December 19, 2026.

Born in Comercinho in 1972, Monsignor José Paulino was ordained a priest on August 4, 2000. During his time with the Diocese of Araçuaí, he served as a parish priest in Catuji and Coronel Murta, a parochial vicar in Turmalina, and held various roles including rector of the diocesan seminary, chancellor of the Curia, and judicial vicar. Since 2020, he has served in the Archdiocese of Vitória.

Bishop José Roberto Silva Carvalho accompanied members of the Diocese of Caetité's consecrated religious life on a trip to Rio de Contas on September 16 and 17. The tour provided participants with opportunities for rest, fellowship, and strengthening fraternal bonds.

Before reaching Rio de Contas, the group stopped at the Senhor Bom Jesus Parish in Brumado. There, Father Marcos Vinícius Carvalho welcomed the travelers.

Parishes in the Diocese of Camden are adopting Family Evangelizing Catechesis to involve parents more directly in their children's religious education. This approach, also called family faith formation, moves away from traditional models where children attend separate classes while parents remain uninvolved.

Father John Picinic, pastor of Christ Our Light Parish in Cherry Hill, said his parish is transitioning more fully to this model in the coming year. He noted that while older methods helped children build peer relationships, they offered limited opportunities to build a wider community involving parents and the parish. Father Picinic said this new approach allows parents to reclaim their role as the primary teachers of faith to their children.

Bishop Joseph A. Williams established a new role for Laurie Power to serve as the diocesan coordinator for Family Evangelizing Catechesis. Power is responsible for supporting priests and parish catechetical leaders who want to implement family-based models.

Father Raymond J. de Souza wrote that Archbishop Fulton Sheen faced significant suffering within the Church with grace, viewing those challenges as a necessary part of his discipleship and holiness.

An editorial in the National Catholic Register describes a priest's experience during the Consecration at a school Mass in Minnesota to illustrate what occurs on the altar.

A new research paper from the Cardus think tank urges Canadian policymakers to keep the Nordic Model prostitution law framework. The paper argues that terms like sex work downplay how the practice violates human dignity.

Magnus MacFarlane-Barrow founded the charity Mary's Meals following a trip to Bosnia and Herzegovina more than 30 years ago.

While traveling through the war-torn streets of the country, MacFarlane-Barrow and his brother delivered supplies in a Jeep. Although the brothers originally intended to return to their work as fish farmers in Argyll, Scotland, MacFarlane-Barrow transitioned from his ordinary life to lead the mission.

Joe Woodard writes in The Catholic Register that spouses should accept one another as complete gifts from God, noting that the union of paternal and maternal authority in a family requires more than one partner simply acting as a boss.

The Catholic Worker movement bases its principles on prioritizing human dignity over profit, according to a report by Catholic New York. These guiding beliefs, which have shaped the movement since the mid-1930s, draw from the Works of Mercy in the Gospel of Matthew, the doctrine of the common good from St. Thomas Aquinas, and a rejection of capitalist ideals in favor of God's justice.

The movement first explicitly outlined these aims in the May 1936 edition of its publication. In that edition, Dorothy Day called on readers to act on the social justice doctrines found in papal encyclicals. A central principle established during this time was voluntary poverty, which encourages using excess resources to help those in need rather than accumulating wealth. This frugal lifestyle was intended to mirror the lives of Jesus and his disciples to sustain the movement's work and publication.

Cardinal Timothy Dolan will deliver the keynote address at the 81st Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner on October 15, 2026. Archbishop Emeritus of New York Cardinal Dolan will speak at the Waldorf Astoria New York during the event, which Archbishop Ronald A. Hicks will host for the first time.

New York City Police Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch will receive the 2026 Happy Warrior Award. The annual event raises money for charities that support women and children in the Archdiocese of New York.

Katie Prejean McGrady discussed the legacy of Archbishop Fulton Sheen and his impact on Catholic broadcasting ahead of his upcoming beatification in St. Louis.

In an interview with The Good Newsroom, McGrady, who hosts the Celebrate Sheen pre-Beatification Mass show on The Catholic Channel, recalled her early exposure to the archbishop. She noted that while visiting her grandparents in Pineville, Louisiana, she frequently heard his teachings on VHS tapes played in their home.

McGrady described Sheen's work as a significant influence on her own interest in broadcasting and her spiritual development. The beatification ceremony is scheduled to take place in St. Louis next week.

St. Patrick’s Cathedral will host an immersive experience called Luminiscence that uses 360-degree video mapping, music, and storytelling to showcase the cathedral's architecture and history.

The program features narration by actor Jonathan Roumie, known for his role in The Chosen. Select performances during the event will include a live orchestra and choir.

Cardinal Timothy Dolan shared a video reflection on Ember Days, the traditional periods of penance observed in the fall and spring.

Bishop Robert Barron of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester addressed the distinction between respectful interreligious dialogue and aggressive proselytism during an interview on EWTN’s The World Over with Raymond Arroyo.

Speaking on a new Vatican document marking the 60th anniversary of Nostra Aetate, Barron argued that the Church's commitment to dialogue does not replace its mission to preach the Gospel. He noted that Pope Francis has previously described proselytism as obnoxious evangelization characterized by an overbearing approach. Barron suggested that while the Church should remain kind and tolerant, it must continue to announce Jesus in a friendly and nonthreatening manner.

Barron expressed a desire for Church documents to place more emphasis on proclamation rather than debate. He stated that the Church exists to proclaim the truth in love.

Archbishop Fernando Ramos called for a renewed sense of community and a commitment to building a shared future during a traditional Te Deum service at the Cathedral of Puerto Montt. The ecumenical service for the national holidays brought together civil and military authorities, social organization representatives, and community members to give thanks for Chile.

During his homily, Archbishop Ramos invited the congregation to reflect on national history and collective memory. He noted that the September 18 celebrations allow people to reconnect with the values, events, and dreams that shaped the country's identity. He specifically mentioned the spirit of those who participated in the independence process and the building of the Republic.

The Archbishop urged the community to address current challenges by strengthening a sense of belonging, focusing on the common good, and committing to future generations.

Br. Andrew Lyons, O.P., notes that early interpretations of the parable of the prodigal son viewed the story as a representation of two groups of people rather than two individuals.

Writing for Dominicana, Lyons explains that the Glossa Ordinaria, a collection of medieval and patristic Bible commentaries, interprets the parable as a reference to the Jews and the Gentiles. According to the Glossa, God the Father is the creator of both groups. The older son represents the people of Israel who remained faithful to the worship of one God, while the younger son represents the Gentiles who had abandoned God to worship idols.

Lyons observes that modern readers typically interpret the parable through the lens of individual sin and self-righteousness, whereas the earliest commentaries applied the details of the story to the relationship between these two peoples.

Clemens Cavallin explores the historical and theological role of sacrifice in his new book, Sacrifice: Religion and the Revitalization of Christian Life.

Cavallin argues that modern civilization attempts to eliminate sacrifice, which has weakened the understanding of sacrifice within Christian churches. He suggests that some within the Church try to reconstruct Christianity without it, but contends this effort will fail because humans have a fundamental need for sacrifice, a priestly office, and mediation with the supernatural.

The book examines how modern culture creates an illusion that peace can exist without addressing evil. Cavallin notes that when suffering and violence occur, many modern Christians feel bewildered because they rely on a secular narrative of steady material and social progress. He concludes that Christians must recover the centrality of sacrifice to understand civilization honestly.

Pastoral collaborators from the Bolivian Episcopal Conference, the Jubilee Foundation, and Pastoral Social Cáritas Bolivia met on Friday to study Pope Leo XIV's encyclical, Magnífica Humanitas. The training session, organized by the Secretariat for Pastoral, focused on how the papal document addresses humanization in the age of artificial intelligence.

Father Mauricio Pozo Videa, director of the Institute of Estudios Teológicos of the Seminario Mayor San Jerónimo de La Paz, led the session. He provided participants with analytical tools and discussion points to help them understand the core content of the encyclical.

Father Pozo stated that the document is essential for the life and mission of the Church. He explained that the Pope intends to renew the vision of Christian humanism as new technologies become more deeply integrated into daily life.

The Diocese of Guaxupé announced the death of Father Guaraciba Lopes de Oliveira Junior on Friday, September 18, 2026. He died following a serious accident on the road between Cajuru and Mococa.

Father Guaraciba served as the parish priest of São Domingos Parish in Poços de Caldas. The diocese expressed its solidarity with his family, friends, fellow priests, and parishioners during this time of mourning.

The diocese will release information regarding the wake and funeral services through its official channels at a later date.

The Diocese of Erexim held the 39th Romaria a N. Sra. da Santa Cruz at Lajeado Paca, located at Km 20 of the RS 420 road between Erechim and Aratiba. The pilgrimage and its preceding three day prayer service focused on the theme of Our Lady of the Holy Cross and Dorothea Farina as a path to conversion and peace.

During the pilgrimage, Father Gladir Giacomel, the rector of the sanctuary, presided over a mass near the cross. Other activities included a Via-Sacra led by laypeople, a penitential service led by Father Paulo Rogério Caovilla, the pastor of São Pedro Parish in Erechim, and a blessing of food led by Father Clair Fa.

Bishop Emilio E. Biosca, O.F.M. Cap., attended an annual formation course for new bishops in Rome from September 2 to 13, 2026. The program, titled Annual Formation Course for New Bishops from Around the World, gathered approximately 150 bishops who were ordained within the past year to discuss the theme of being guardians of human dignity during times of transformation.

The course included formal presentations led by cardinals, archbishops, and bishops covering different aspects of episcopal ministry. These sessions included discussions where participants shared their pastoral experiences, hopes, and concerns. Bishop Emilio noted that the event allowed him to connect with bishops from various cultures and pastoral settings to recognize their shared mission in the Church.

Carl Peters describes how the professional and courteous behavior of hospital staff provided a sense of compassion during a recent medical procedure. While waiting for a relatively minor surgery, Peters noted a sharp contrast between the distressing news he read on his phone and the attentive atmosphere maintained by the hospital workers.

Peters observed that the staff, including a valet attendant, receptionists, nurses, technicians, and doctors, acted with kindness and professionalism despite difficult weather or their own private concerns. He noted that the medical team treated him as if he were the center of their attention during his stay.

The Diocese of Venice partnered with Sarasota County Emergency Services to hold a commemoration at Sarasota National Cemetery marking 25 years since the September 11 terror attacks. The event featured speakers including Johnny Schroeder, a retired New York firefighter from Engine 10, who described his experience arriving at the World Trade Center and his ongoing health struggles from inhaling toxic dust at Ground Zero.

Survivors and first responders spoke about the importance of marking the anniversary to honor those who died and to thank military members, veterans, and first responders. Father Jacob Gwynn of St. John the Evangelist Parish in Naples provided the opening invocation. Father Jiobani Batista and Deacon Humberto Alvia of St. Jude Parish in Sarasota led prayers of condolence in English and Spanish. Other priests and deacons from St. Martha and Incarnation parishes also participated in the service.

The 40 Days for Life campaign begins in Southwest Florida on Sept. 23, 2026, and runs through Nov. 1. Pro-life advocates will participate in 40 days of prayer, fasting, and peaceful public witness to support unborn children, mothers, and those affected by abortion.

The campaign starts with kickoff events in Fort Myers and Sarasota. The Fort Myers rally is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Sept. 20 in front of Planned Parenthood at 6418 Commerce Park Drive. In Sarasota, participants will gather at 10 a.m. on Sept. 24 in Father Fausto Hall at St. Martha Parish, located at 200 N. Orange Ave.

Organizers noted that the Naples Planned Parenthood facility is currently listed for sale. While this has provided hope that abortion services in Collier County may eventually close, local volunteers stated that the need for prayer remains high to help bring a permanent end to abortion in Naples.

The annual Hunger Bowl football game between Reitz Memorial and Mater Dei high schools raises tens of thousands of dollars for a local food pantry in Evansville, Indiana.

Pope John Paul II published the encyclical Laborem Exercens to address the nature of human work. Originally scheduled for release on May 15, 1981, the publication was delayed until September 14, 1981, following the assassination attempt against the Pope in St. Peter's Square.

The document was released to commemorate the 90th anniversary of Pope Leo XIII's Rerum Novarum. In the text, the Pope places the dignity of work at the center of social issues and asserts that the human person is the true subject of labor. He argues that work allows individuals to express and improve their dignity, establishing the primacy of work over capital and material goods.

The encyclical supports the rights of workers and unions while reflecting on the spirituality of labor. John Paul II also addresses modern developments in the workforce, including automation, rising costs for energy and raw materials, environmental awareness, and the right to participate in professional life.

Archbishop Mario Antonio Cargnello of Salta spoke about the daily struggles of young people overcoming addiction during the Pact of Fidelity.

The Archbishop's remarks accompanied a video produced by El ONCE TV that highlights the stories of youth working to rebuild their lives. The Diocese of Salta released the material to show how these personal battles reflect faith and hope. The video presents these stories as everyday miracles occurring through the support of those who listen to and help young people start over.

The Diocese of Curitiba will host the 2nd Cassiano Retreat on November 21 for devotees of Saint Rita of Cascia and those interested in her spirituality. The event, themed "Saint Rita and the art of starting over," uses the biblical passage "My grace is sufficient for you" to encourage participants to reflect on their personal histories through faith.

The retreat focuses on how Saint Rita's life of challenges and conflicts can serve as a model for reparation and restoration. The program is organized into three dimensions: the relationship with God, with others, and with oneself. Participants will engage in prayer, preaching, testimonies, adoration, group sharing, and the Holy Mass.

The schedule includes a session on Saint Rita's relationship with God led by Father Gilberto Oliveira, OSA, the parish priest of Nossa Senhora da Cabeça in Curitiba. Another session regarding Saint Rita's relationship with others will be led by journalist Kátia Vanzini. The day concludes with a musical performance.

The Archdiocese of Salta will hold a Mass of Thanksgiving on Saturday, September 19, at 19:00 at the Catedral de Salta, Santuario del Señor y de la Virgen del Milagro.

Rosa Aramayo of the Archdiocese described the recent period as an intense time of grace and a visible work of God made possible through the service of many people.

Msgr. Charles Pope wrote a guide for the Christian life that uses the vineyard as a lesson for staying faithful.

The Diocese of Tacna y Moquegua will celebrate the feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, the patroness of the diocese, with a novena and various religious activities.

The novena runs from September 28 to October 6 at the Tacna Cathedral. Each day includes the recitation of the Rosary at 4:30 p.m. followed by Mass at 5:30 p.m. On the eve of the feast, October 6, a musical serenade will take place at 6:30 p.m. following the evening prayers and Mass.

The solemnity will be held on October 7. A festive Eucharist is scheduled for 5:00 p.m., which Bishop Marco Antonio Cortez Lara will preside over. The celebration concludes with a procession through the Paseo Cívico of Tacna at 6:00 p.m.

Scott Blackwood, the new head of school at Way of the Shepherd, shared his conversion to the Catholic faith during an episode of the program Practicing Catholic on Relevant Radio 1330 AM.

Blackwood, who grew up in southern California without a religious upbringing, said his interest in the Church began during college. He noted a fundamental difference in the lives of his Catholic friends compared to his atheist friends. His interest deepened after learning in a music class that Western musical traditions stem from Gregorian chant. He said the Church's music played a key role in his spiritual engagement.

Blackwood sought an institution with the full integrity of the faith and the correct doctrines guided by the Holy Spirit. He decided to explore the Catholic Church first due to encouragement from an Orthodox Catholic friend and the historical role of the Church.

Pope Leo XIV met with auxiliary bishops Gabriel dos Santos Filho and Gilvan Pereira Rodrigues following a formation program for newly appointed bishops in Rome. The meeting took place at the conclusion of an event held from September 2 to September 10, organized by the Dicastery for Bishops.

The program gathered newly appointed prelates from around the world for reflection and communion. The Salvador auxiliary bishops participated alongside Bishop George Muniz of the Diocese of Propriá and auxiliary bishop Jefferson Santos Pinheiro of the Archdiocese of Aracaju. Bishop Gilvan also serves as the secretary for the regional group.

Pope Leo XIV has released a pastoral guide titled "Leo XIV Returns Home" to prepare the Archdiocese of Lima for his upcoming apostolic visit. The Archdiocese of Lima made the digital material available for use by parishes, schools, religious communities, families, and various pastoral movements.

The guide consists of four chapters that summarize four documents regarding the teachings of Pope Leo XIV. Archbishop Carlos Castillo stated that the material covers the pope's preferential love for the poor, the construction of peace, and the protection of human dignity. The final chapter focuses on internalizing specific spiritual aspects of the visit.

Cardinal Castillo said the visit is a decisive part of the synodal process within the archdiocese. He noted that the guide helps the local Church renew its evangelizing efforts and improve its service to the people through reflection, prayer, and liturgical life.

Bishop David P. Talley will celebrate a Mass to honor all married couples in the Diocese of Memphis on Saturday, October 10. The vigil Mass begins at 4:00 p.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Cordova.

The celebration includes a recognition of all married couples. A reception with food and desserts will follow the Mass in Room 108 at the parish.

Cristo Rey Jesuit High School in Chicago is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. As the first school in the Cristo Rey Network, it pioneered a model that has since expanded to 41 schools across the country.

The Dom Avelar Brandão Vilela Foundation will launch a new fragrance called Essência de Nazaré on Sunday, September 20, at 8h. The event takes place at Café Primaz in the Salvador Metropolitan Curia.

The fragrance uses notes of wine and rosemary to reference the context of Nazaré in the time of Jesus. It is designed to provide a sensory experience associated with the values, spirituality, and life of the Sagrada Família. The launch also includes the 2027 edition of the book Na Mesa de Nazaré by Father Danilo Pinto.

The project connects the perfume to radio content on the Rede Excelsior de Comunicação. The station will air a series of spots using sound design inspired by old radio dramas to lead listeners to reflections on the lives of Maria, José, and Jesus.

People can purchase the fragrance at the Dom Avelar Brandão Vilela Foundation headquarters, the Capela Sagrada Família in the Garcia neighborhood of Salvador, or through the website essenciadenazare.com.br. The diffuser costs R$ 32,50.

The Assembly of Catholic Bishops of Quebec held its first Great Missionary Assembly to discuss how the Church in Quebec can transform to fulfill its mission. More than 250 people from all dioceses attended the three day event to listen to the needs of the local Church.

Participants sat at tables to discern changes needed for the Church's future. Attendees included bishops, diocesan staff, priests, deacons, pastoral agents, and those responsible for parish management and chancery matters. The Assembly of Catholic Bishops of Quebec organized the gathering to address concrete challenges faced by local parishes and diocesan services.

Bishop Luis Infanti presided over the 2026 Te Deum mass at the Coyhaique Cathedral alongside priests and deacons. The liturgy included government and regional authorities, civil society representatives, and members of Catholic communities. Attendees also included representatives from the police and Carabineros de Chile.

During his homily, Bishop Infanti addressed the challenges of building Chile amidst rapid global cultural, scientific, and technological changes. He suggested these transformations present difficulties that may feel larger than human strength and asked whether humanity is moving toward true happiness and a culture of life. He emphasized the need to identify what is essential for life and for maintaining a deeply human history.

Jackson Goodman shared a reflection on the meaning of the word family for Tuesday of the Twenty-fifth Week in Ordinary Time.

Bishops from Mexico, the United States, and Canada met in Cuernavaca, Mexico, from August 30 to September 4 to discuss ways to strengthen cooperation across North America. According to a joint statement, the participants addressed shared challenges including migration, evangelization, and maintaining human dignity in the age of artificial intelligence.

The bishops noted that while the three nations have different histories, millions of Catholics across these borders share the same faith and belong to one Church. They stated that national borders should not act as barriers between hearts. Migration was a primary topic of discussion, with the bishops agreeing it is a common challenge for all three countries. They reviewed the experiences of migrants in their home countries, during transit, and upon reaching their destinations.

The meeting included Bishop Ramón Castro Castro, president of the Mexican Bishops’ Conference, and Bishop Pierre Goudreault, president of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops. Representing the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops was Vice President Bishop Daniel E. Flores. Other attendees included Bishop Óscar Cantú, who leads the USCCB subcommittee on Hispanic and Latino affairs, and Bishop Eugenio Lira Rugarcía, who heads the human mobility ministry for the Mexican bishops.

The Diocese of Erexim held its 18th annual meeting for secretaries on Tuesday, 15, to provide formation and spiritual reflection. The event brought together staff from 30 parish offices, the Nossa Senhora de Fátima Seminary, and the diocesan curia.

Bishop Adimir Antônio Mazali and Monsignor Agostinho Dors led the gathering, which focused on the theme of walking together in faith and mission. Father Romário Barbosa Santana, a Salettine missionary and pastor of the Nossa Senhora da Salette Parish, conducted the formation sessions. He led prayer, adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, and group activities.

During his reflection, Father Santana described the role of parish secretaries as an evangelizing ministry. He noted that because the office is often the first point of contact for people seeking the Church, staff should consider the individual needs of everyone who visits the parish.

Bishops from the 18 archdioceses and dioceses of the CNBB Regional Sul 2 will meet for their 2nd annual assembly in Guarapuava from September 23 to 25. The gathering includes archbishops and bishops from the region, as well as representatives from the metropolia and eparchy with headquarters in Paraná.

The assembly will take place at the Casa de Líderes Nossa Senhora de Guadalupe. Participants include Father Edson Zamiro da Silva, president of the Comissão Regional de Presbíteros, and Father Marcos Paulo Honório da Silva, executive secretary of the CNBB Sul 2. The meeting begins with a Mass on Wednesday afternoon, followed by discussions and prayer through Friday at noon.

The bishops plan to discuss the Missão São Paulo VI in Guinea-Bissau and prepare for the next Congresso Missionário Americano (CAM7) in Curitiba in November 2029. The assembly will also include reflections on new documents. Following the bishops' meeting, the 45ª Assembleia do Povo de Deus will take place from the afternoon of September 25 through September 27.

Kolbe Arte is offering free screenings of the film "O Céu Não Pode Esper@" throughout Brazil during October. The Catholic film distributor made the film available to parishes, schools, communities, and other institutions to mark the first anniversary of the canonization of Saint Carlo Acutis.

Institutions with the necessary equipment can host screenings for any group size from October 1 to October 31. To participate, organizations must register through a request form. The Kolbe Arte team will review these requests and send instructions to approved institutions.

Young Catholic Professionals Fairfield County and Catholic 203 hosted the second annual Young Adult Masquerade Gala at the Wee Burn Country Club in Darien. More than 220 young adult Catholics attended the event to raise money for the Foundations in Education Hardship Fund.

The gala raised over $16,000, which will provide full funding for four scholarships. These scholarships assist children in Catholic schools who are experiencing extreme or life-changing events.

The evening included a cocktail hour, a buffet dinner, and music from a DJ. Father Sam Kachuba, the Episcopal Vicar for Young Adult Ministries of the Diocese of Bridgeport, performed a short violin piece during the event.

The Diocese of Mossoró will celebrate the feast of St. Therese from September 21 to October 1 at the St. Therese Seminary. This year's celebration uses the theme "Jesus, looking at him, loved him" to focus on vocational discernment and the spiritual life of the young men training for the priesthood.

The event brings together parishes, missionary areas, religious communities, and former seminarians for days of prayer and communion. The festivities conclude on October 1 with a closing Mass, during which the diocese will launch the jubilee celebrating the 90th anniversary of the seminary's founding.

Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., celebrated the funeral Mass for Msgr. Michael J. Walsh on Sept. 14 at St. James Church in Pennington. During the Mass of Christian Burial, Bishop O’Connell described Msgr. Walsh as a man who kept the faith throughout more than 53 years of priestly life.

Msgr. Walsh served as the pastor of St. James Church from 2012 until his retirement in 2021. The funeral was attended by hundreds of people, including members of the Walsh family, approximately 60 priests, and various deacons and laypeople from the diocese. Those who could not attend the service in person watched a livestream on the diocesan YouTube channel.

Archbishop William E. Lori blessed a new altar at Loyola Blakefield in Towson, Md., during a Mass on Sept. 11, 2026.

The school designed the altar specifically for use during all-school Masses. The new addition serves as part of a plan to improve the reverence of liturgies held for the student body, which can include 1,000 students gathered in a gym.

The Diocese of Santa Luzia de Mossoró will host the 30th Youth Romaria on October 18 at the Shrine of Our Lady of the Impossible in Patu. The event will bring together young people from various parishes and communities across the diocese to celebrate their faith and strengthen communal bonds.

Father Max Damasceno, the diocesan coordinator for youth, said this year's gathering is particularly significant because it occurs during the 2026 Diocesan Year of Youth. He stated the diocese aims to listen to young people, value their talents, and provide spaces for them to lead evangelization efforts.

The pilgrimage invites youth groups, pastoral movements, new communities, and schools from parishes, quasi-parishes, and missionary areas to participate. Attendees will gather at the shrine in Serra do Lima to pray and renew their commitment to the Church's mission.

Bishop Gilson Meurer of Lages invited the faithful to rediscover the importance of the Bible during the month of September. In his reflection titled “A Bíblia: Palavra viva que transforma a vida,” the bishop described the Bible as the living word of God that communicates a project of life and salvation rather than just an ancient literary or historical record.

Meurer referenced the memory of São Jerônimo, celebrated on 30 de setembro, to discuss the history of Bible translation and the necessity of making the word of God understandable in the language of every people. He noted that Portuguese translations allow Christians to access the Bible during the Eucharist, personal reading, and within various Church formation groups and spaces.

Drawing on the teachings of the Second Vatican Council, specifically the Constitution Dogmática Dei Verbum, the bishop emphasized the centrality of the Bible in the life of the Church and the faith experience of each Christian. He encouraged the diocesan community to use the Bible as daily nourishment through reading, prayer, study, and participation in pastoral activities and celebrations.

Archbishop William E. Lori dedicated the renovated St. Francis of Assisi Church in Fulton, Maryland, on September 17, 2026.

During the dedication ceremony, Archbishop Lori noted that the blessing of the worship space coincided with the 800th anniversary of the passing of St. Francis of Assisi. In his homily, the archbishop referenced the saint's history of rebuilding the abandoned church at San Damiano to highlight the significance of the renovation.

Pope Leo XIV has repealed the salary cuts for cardinals and senior Vatican officials that were originally introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic. The papal decree, which the Pope signed earlier in September, was published on Sept. 14.

The decision ends measures established by Pope Francis in March 2021 through the decree A Sustainable Future. Those measures included a 10% salary reduction for cardinals serving in the Curia, an 8% reduction for heads and secretaries of dicasteries, and a general 3% reduction for other employees.

In his motu proprio, Pope Leo XIV noted that while the previous salary containment measures were necessary to address the pandemic, the Holy See and Vatican City State can now ensure economic sustainability through different means. He stated that he made the decision after consulting the Secretariat for the Economy. These provisions had previously undergone a partial amendment in June 2025.

Pope Leo XIV met with people during his weekly general audience at St. Peter’s Square on Sept. 16, 2026. Colleen Dulle of America reports that the Pope and the Catholic Church demonstrate a strong ability to gather diverse groups of people to address essential human concerns.

The Episcopal Palace of Guaxupé marks 100 years since its inauguration in September 2026. The building serves as the bishop's residence and acts as a historical landmark for both the Diocese of Guaxupé and the city.

Construction of the palace began following an initiative by Bishop Ranulpho da Silva Farias in 1923. The bishop blessed the first stone on March 2, 1924, starting a project supported by the local community. In April 1924, the newspaper Gazeta Commercial published a public notice to hire workers for tasks including masonry, plastering, tiling, and roofing.

Ramon Castro Garcia was responsible for the building plans and later supervised the construction. By the end of 1924, the walls had reached their full height with windows and portals installed.

Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller of San Antonio released a weekly message on September 18, 2026, encouraging people to seek mercy and let go of resentment.

The Archbishop noted that human hearts often struggle with restlessness and the burden of grudges. He referenced Saint Augustine to explain that God pursues people with patience and mercy. García-Siller stated that people should not let injuries or grudges define them, as their true identity is found in belonging to God.

The message also included a recent reminder from Pope Leo XIV that forgiveness prevents hatred from taking root in the heart. García-Siller concluded by asking Our Lady of Guadalupe to help people remember the mercy they have received.

The Archbishop's weekly messages are published in The New Messenger, a Friday morning newsletter for the Archdiocese of San Antonio.

The Diocese of Charlottetown will hold a Mass of Thanksgiving and a reception for Martin and Earla Avery on October 14, 2026. The event honors the couple following their retirement from managing the Our Lady of Hope Retreat Centre.

Martin and Earla Avery have managed the retreat centre since it opened on June 11, 2017. The diocese intends the celebration to recognize their leadership and service to the individuals, groups, and community members who visited the centre under their care.

The Mass begins at 7:00 p.m. at Glastonbury Hall, located on the lower level of St. Dunstan’s Basilica at 45 Great George Street. The hall can be accessed through the side entrance on Dorchester Street. A reception will follow the Mass.

Bishop Francisco de Assis Gabriel dos Santos appointed seven members to the Ecclesiastical Chamber of the Diocese of Cajazeiras by decree. The new members will assist the diocesan bishop and ecclesiastical tribunals in managing matters within the sphere of Church justice.

The appointed members include Father Damião Nunes as auditor and coordinator, and Father Moisés Alves Pereira as auditor. Father Francinário Linhares da Silva, Father Sebastião Neto, and Father Gustavo Ferreira will serve as notaries, while Vicente Félix de Moura Neto will serve as secretary.

The Ecclesiastical Chamber of Procedural Instruction acts as an auxiliary body to ecclesiastical tribunals. It helps manage the instructional phase of legal processes to ensure cases are properly prepared and sent to the appropriate authorities. According to standards from the National Conference of Bishops of Brazil, these chambers help dioceses execute letters rogatory from regional or interdiocesan tribunals and support bishops in administering justice.

Bishop Olson criticized the language used by Texas politician Bo French, calling it racist and sinful rhetoric. In an interview with America, the bishop stated that French's comments seek to cause harm and division.

The remarks follow an image that provoked a reaction from French, a candidate for public office. Bishop Olson said the comments are disturbing and noted that an apology is called for.

St. Bakhita House in Milwaukee joined Thrive for Life as its fourth House of Studies and its first location serving women on August 29. The ministry provides a supportive community for women who have survived human trafficking, sexual exploitation, and incarceration.

Auxiliary Bishop Jeffrey R. Haines blessed the Peace and Healing Garden at St. Bakhita House during a celebration that included Mass at St. Martin de Porres. The garden serves as a space for prayer and reflection and features a new statue of St. Josephine Bakhita.

Anne Haines founded the St. Bakhita Catholic Worker House in 2022. The ministry follows the Catholic Worker tradition of Dorothy Day to support women as they rediscover their dignity, identity, and hope.

Students at Marquette University High School are gaining media experience through the Hilltopper Media Collective, a student-led program advised by faculty. The group recently completed a three and a half hour live YouTube broadcast of a soccer game between the Hilltoppers and Kenosha Bradford at Hart Park in Wauwatosa on August 28.

The collective grew from a conversation in spring 2024 between students and faculty member Sean Raffaelli. While Tom Mussoline, who runs the MUHS Broadcasting Homeroom, originally planned to start broadcasts during the 2024-25 winter season, the group expanded its activities after the school hosted the 2024 Jesuit Soccer Classic. The program uses hands-on media work to help students develop leadership, teamwork, and confidence.

John Dougherty reports that the film Catherine Called Birdy, directed by Lena Dunham, highlights the shared human experiences between modern people and their medieval ancestors.

Catholics hold differing views on the rapid development of artificial intelligence, with some supporting calls from tech leaders to slow progress while others question those motives and warn of unintended consequences, according to Jonah McKeown of the National Catholic Register.

Rob Weinert-Kendt describes the Broadway production of Paranormal Activity as a spiritual event where the audience serves as the primary reason to attend.

Ryan Franklin has started a new role as the director of sacramental formation at the Parish of Saint John Neumann in Cape May, New Jersey. A former environmental lawyer who practiced in Virginia, Franklin began his position this summer after spending several years teaching religious education and directing music at Wildwood Catholic Academy.

Franklin stated that a solo pilgrimage to Fatima in 2004 led him to begin discerning a call to the priesthood. He noted that after more than a year of serious discernment, he returned to New Jersey last December to serve his parish.

In his new role, Franklin will implement a new curriculum called Spirit of Truth, which utilizes sacred art and the personal testimonies of teachers. He expressed gratitude for the support from the parish community following the long tenure of his predecessor, Sister Kathleen Nuckols, IHM.

Bishops, catechetical leaders, and publishers met at Mundelein Seminary in Illinois from June 29 to July 2 for the annual Convocation of the Institute on the Catechism. Sponsored by the USCCB, the event focused on how to support parents in their role of leading their families in faith through evangelizing catechesis.

The gathering addressed the importance of the family as a primary place where faith is shared and nourished. Participants discussed methods for helping families move beyond simple instruction to achieve a deeper communion with Jesus Christ.

Bishop Robert Barron appeared as a guest on the podcast This Past Weekend with Theo Von, prompting viewers to share personal spiritual reflections in the episode's comment section.

According to Word on Fire, commenters expressed gratitude for the conversation, with some reporting that the podcast encouraged them to return to the Church or seek the sacrament of confession. One viewer noted that the discussion led them to attend Mass and go to confession after a long absence. Another listener, who recently converted to Catholicism, credited Bishop Barron's YouTube videos, sermons, and books as the reason for their conversion.

Archbishop Molloy High School in Briarwood appointed David Nurnberg as its new athletic director in August. Nurnberg replaces Mike McCleary, who held the position for 28 years. McCleary will remain the boys' varsity basketball coach and a physical education teacher.

Molloy President Richard Karsten said Nurnberg is a Catholic school educator whose values align with the Marist tradition. Karsten described him as a respected leader and communicator who is committed to celebrating the school's history and alumni legacy.

Nurnberg is a native of Columbus, Georgia, and brings experience as a coach and athletics administrator to the school.