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Inclusive Governance in a Synodal Church Symposium concludes in Rome
Posted on 06/5/2026 07:00 AM ()
In an interview with Vatican News, Adjunct Professor Susan Pascoe at the Australian Catholic University, the second Inclusive Governance in a Synodal Church Symposium and looks ahead to its fruits for the future.
St. Boniface of Mainz: Saint of the Day for Friday, June 05, 2026
Posted on 06/5/2026 06:00 AM (Catholic Online > Saint of the Day)
Pope Leo sends blessings to Poland’s “One Heart, One Spirit” Concert
Posted on 06/5/2026 05:17 AM ()
Pope Leo XIV sends his blessing to organizers and participants in the 24th “One Heart, One Spirit” worship concert in Rzeszów, Poland, on the Solemnity of Corpus Christi, one of the country’s largest and most recognizable evangelization initiatives.
Liturgical rites and symbols reveal God's presence, Pope Leo says
Posted on 06/4/2026 08:30 AM (USCCB News Releases)
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- The rites and symbols of the liturgy are not arbitrary ceremonies but the means through which Catholics encounter God and are formed in faith, Pope Leo XIV said June 3.
Continuing his series on the Second Vatican Council's Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, "Sacrosanctum Concilium," the pope reflected on the role of rites, signs and symbols in Catholic worship during his weekly general audience in St. Peter's Square.
"The rites of the Christian liturgy are not a mere external covering of the sacramental mystery, a collection of arbitrary ceremonies, but are the ecclesial mediation through which the divine gift reaches us," he said.
The pope said liturgical rites shape the spiritual lives of believers, teaching them to recognize God's presence and participate more fully in the life of the church.
"Rite gives shape to liturgical action and, through it, to our lives, generating in us a spiritual sensibility that makes us capable of savoring the presence of God through Jesus Christ," he said.
Catholics are called to participate in the liturgy with their "body, mind and heart," the pope said, allowing themselves to be formed through listening to Scripture, giving thanks, adoration, fraternal sharing and communion.
He added that while the structure of the liturgy may seem at odds with modern preferences for spontaneity, its rhythms help believers step away from a culture focused on productivity and rediscover what is essential.
"In the rite we experience a logic of gratuitousness, we find a pause that regenerates the heart, we recognize that we are preceded by divine grace, we learn to live in a rhythm inhabited by the Holy Spirit," he said.
Turning to signs and symbols, Pope Leo cited the Catechism of the Catholic Church, which teaches that their meaning is rooted in creation, human culture and salvation history, and fully revealed in Christ.
He pointed to water as one of Christianity's most significant symbols, recalling its role in the story of creation, the flood, the crossing of the Red Sea and the Jordan River, and the water flowing from Christ's side at his death.
"When we are sprinkled with holy water, our awareness of the gift received at baptism and our commitment to new life in Christ is rekindled," he said.
The pope also highlighted symbolic actions such as kneeling and exchanging the sign of peace, saying they foster a sense of belonging and help create "authentic ecclesial relationships."
Quoting Pope Francis' apostolic letter "Desiderio Desideravi," Pope Leo said Christians must once again become capable of understanding symbols and allowing themselves to be educated by the church's liturgical rites.
The experience of a living and devout liturgy, accompanied by sound catechesis, remains "the best resource for reawakening in everyone that openness to the encounter with God," he said.
In his greeting to English-speaking pilgrims, the pope encouraged Catholics to rediscover the signs and symbols of the liturgy as the church prepares to celebrate the feast of Corpus Christi later this month.
Greeting Polish pilgrims, he said Eucharistic processions should be "a courageous witness of faith" that reminds people God remains present among his people and accompanies them in daily life. He also encouraged Italian-speaking pilgrims to keep alive "this beautiful expression of public witness to the faith."
St. Francis Caracciolo: Saint of the Day for Thursday, June 04, 2026
Posted on 06/4/2026 06:00 AM (Catholic Online > Saint of the Day)
St. Charles Lwanga and Companions: Saint of the Day for Wednesday, June 03, 2026
Posted on 06/3/2026 06:00 AM (Catholic Online > Saint of the Day)
Archbishop Coakley on the Appointment of Maria Montserrat Alvarado as New Prefect for the Holy See’s Dicastery for Communication
Posted on 06/2/2026 08:30 AM (USCCB News Releases)
WASHINGTON - Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), welcomed the news that Ms. Maria Montserrat Alvarado has been appointed by Pope Leo XIV as the new prefect for the Vatican’s Dicastery for Communication.
“It was with gratitude that I learned of Montse’s appointment as the next prefect of the Holy See’s Dicastery for Communication,” said Archbishop Coakley. “We are grateful for her work as a Catholic journalist, faithfully covering the work of the bishops, and also for her advocacy and dedication to upholding religious freedom and human dignity at the Becket Fund. On behalf of the Conference, I assure her of our prayers as she continues to serve the universal Church with her unique talents.”
Ms. Alvarado has overseen the news operations for Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN) since 2023, and previous to that, at the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty – at both entities, she has had interactions with the USCCB and its member bishops.
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Sts. Marcellinus and Peter: Saint of the Day for Tuesday, June 02, 2026
Posted on 06/2/2026 06:00 AM (Catholic Online > Saint of the Day)
St. Justin Martyr: Saint of the Day for Monday, June 01, 2026
Posted on 06/1/2026 06:00 AM (Catholic Online > Saint of the Day)
St. Joan of Arc: Saint of the Day for Saturday, May 30, 2026
Posted on 05/30/2026 06:00 AM (Catholic Online > Saint of the Day)