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Are cruises still popular?

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The cruise industry has fully recovered from the pandemic and is setting repeated records in passenger numbers. According to the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA)’s 2025 State of the Cruise Industry Report:Global ocean-going passengers reached 34.6 million in 2024. That’s projected to grow to around 37.7 million in 2025 and continue upward to about 39.6 million in 2026 (with forecasts reaching 42 million by 2028).

This represents steady year-over-year growth, driven by new ships, expanded itineraries, and strong consumer demand.

In the U.S. (a major market), AAA’s forecasts show even clearer momentum:About 20.7 million Americans cruised in 2025 (higher than initial projections).
A record 21.7 million are expected in 2026—a 4.5% increase from 2025 and part of four straight years of record-breaking volume.

Other key signs of ongoing popularity include: High repeat intent: 82% of recent cruisers plan to cruise again.

Younger demographics joining in: Gen Z shows strong interest (e.g., 76% of those who’ve cruised before plan to return), with lines like Royal Caribbean reporting big increases in younger passengers.

Trends like mega-ships, shorter Caribbean trips (the top destination for U.S. cruisers at ~72%), solo cabins, multi-generational travel, and themed voyages (music, food, etc.) are fueling growth.

Overall, cruising remains one of the fastest-growing segments in travel, offering value (most everything is included), convenience, and variety that appeal across ages and interests. If anything, 2026 looks set to be another peak.

Ocean cruises and river cruises are two types of cruises, each with their own plusses and minuses.

And, you can usually incorporate your Catholic faith in any cruise….be on the lookout for cruises designed for Catholics, such as the river cruises offered by Select International Tours. You will travel with fellow Catholics, with daily Mass (a priest travels with the group) and an emphasis on Catholic sites visited.

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Pope Leo XIV possible visit to Monaco in March

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The Holy See Press Office has confirmed that a visit by Leo XIV to the Principality of Monaco is currently being considered for the end of March.

On January 17, 2026, Prince Albert II of Monaco traveled to the Vatican to meet the new Pope. On that occasion, he officially invited Pope Leo XIV to visit Monaco. A few weeks later, the Holy See Press Office told journalists that the project was indeed under consideration without specifying the final details. It could be a one-day trip, similar to Pope Francis’s short visit to Corsica on 15 December 2024.

If the visit goes ahead, it would be of considerable historical significance, as no Pope has ever visited Monaco. However, Monaco’s attachment to the new Pontiff is part of a tradition of respectful diplomatic relations and historically strong ties with the Holy See.

Catholicism is the state religion in Monaco, and it was precisely under the pontificate of Pope Leo XIII that Monaco gained its religious autonomy, with the creation of its own diocese in 1887. A symbolic detail that is sure to resonate: the current Leo XIV chose his papal name in reference to Leo XIII, known for his teachings on social justice.

The Principality also shares with the Vatican the status of being one of the smallest sovereign states in the world (less than one square mile in area, with some 39,000 inhabitants).

The short one-day format would limit the trip to central Monte Carlo/Monaco-Ville area, probably including a formal welcome, private audience, and possibly a meeting or address in the Prince’s Palace (Palais Princier) in Monaco-Ville: As the official residence of Prince Albert II, this would almost certainly feature.

We assume he would also visit Cathedral of Our Lady Immaculate (also known as Saint Nicholas Cathedral), the main Catholic cathedral in Monaco, burial site of many Grimaldi family members (including Grace Kelly).

The program would likely involve a Mass, meetings with clergy/authorities, and greetings to the faithful, emphasizing unity, peace, and Catholic values in a historic first for the principality.Official confirmation and a detailed schedule are expected in the coming weeks.

You can read moe Catholic places of interest in Monaco here.

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Mount Melleray Abbey in Ireland to become a University Campus for Ave Maria University

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Mount Melleray Abbey was a historic Cistercian (Trappist) monastery on the slopes of the Knockmealdown Mountains near Cappoquin, County Waterford. It was founded in 1833 as the first post-Reformation Cistercian house established in Ireland in the post-Reformation period. It has served as a major Trappist community for nearly 200 years.

It was officially closed as an active monastic community in early 2025. By the time it closed, the community was down to single figures, yet the facilities were still there in a beautiful, peaceful setting.

Now, Ave Maria University is planning to use the famous monastery as a campus, keeping it open for Catholic purposes. Ave Maria University was founded by Tom Monaghan, who created Domino’s Pizza and his known for his Catholic philanthropic works.

Their main campus is Ave Maria, Florida.

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New exhibit at the Vatican: “Peter is here”

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“Pétros ení” (“Peter is here”) is an immersive exhibition exploring the story of the apostle Peter and the world’s largest Christian basilica. A journey that weaves together spirituality, art and technology in a unique blend of past and present.

The exhibition itinerary unfolds inside the Octagonal Halls, historic spaces located within one of the pillars supporting the Dome. These halls have been expertly restored for the occasion by the skilled artisans of the Fabbrica di San Pietro and opened to the public for the first time for this occasion.

The narrative journey follows two paths. One reveals the origins of the Basilica and its construction history, focusing on the tomb of Saint Peter. The other guides the visitor through the key events of the apostle’s life, up to his martyrdom. The story of Peter is interwoven with that of the Basilica, which is shown as it evolves through the centuries.

“Pétros ení: Saint Peter’s Digital Experience” is therefore a temporal and spiritual journey built around the figure of Saint Peter and the relevance of his testimony, which lives on reflected in the history of the Basilica and its living community.

The full experience lasts approximately 60 minutes and includes check-in at the meeting point, the transfer to the Octagonal Halls, the immersive exhibition (approx. 30 minutes), and access to the Vatican Grottoes, from where the self-guided Basilica tour with the Digital Audio Guide begins.

The project is the result of a wider collaboration between the Fabbrica di San Pietro, Microsoft, Iconem and other international partners. It centres on a process that made it possible to digitise Saint Peter’s Basilica in 3D using over 400,000 photographs, creating a faithful ‘digital twin’, supported in addition by artificial intelligence.

According to the Vatican, “This model not only allows visitors to virtually explore the Basilica in a totally innovative way — through a journey that began over two thousand years ago — but that also serves as a powerful tool for the maintenance, management and preservation of the immense artistic heritage contained within it“.

Source: Vatican News Service

Click here for the official website of the exhibit, including times and prices.

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Did you know that Parmesan Cheese was Catholic?

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Parmesan cheese, known as Parmigiano-Reggiano in its authentic form, originated in the Middle Ages (around the 12th–13th century) in the northern Italian region now comprising parts of Emilia-Romagna and Lombardy, specifically around the provinces of Parma, Reggio Emilia, Modena, Bologna (west of the Reno River), and Mantua (south of the Po River).

A 1254 notarial document from Genoa mentions “caseus parmensis” (cheese from Parma), and similar references appear in Parma and other cities.

It was originally produced by Benedictine and Cistercian monks in the area between Parma and Reggio Emilia, the heart of Italy’s “Food Valley” and the historic Emilia region, located along the ancient Via Aemilia. This fertile Po River plain area features rolling hills, castles, and historic villages like Colorno and Fontanellato who developed the technique of making large, hard, long-aging wheels, which help preserve milk in a region with hot summers and limited refrigeration to ensure even aging as well as for for efficient, historic transportation (rolling). The circular shape prevents mold from accumulating in sharp corners, allows for a consistent rind to form, and helps maintain a balanced moisture level throughout the cheese during maturation.

The cheese’s characteristic large wheels (about 84–100 lbs/ 38-45 kg each), granular texture, and ability to age for years were innovations that made it famous and valuable for trade across Europe as early as the 14th century (e.g., mentioned by Boccaccio in the Decameron, c. 1350).

Since 1996, Parmigiano-Reggiano is a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) product in the EU.

Only cheese made in the defined geographic zone, following strict traditional methods (raw cow’s milk, natural whey starter, no additives, minimum 12 months aging) can legally be called Parmigiano-Reggiano.

The term “Parmesan” is the anglicized/generic name and is used globally (especially in the U.S.) for similar hard grating cheeses, often with different production rules.

Here is one website that we think you will find interesting.

The website devoted to Parmesan (parmigianoreggiano.com) is in Italian….the English version is not active….it refers to itself as “still aging”…..quite a play on words!

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Where are Catholics traveling in 2026?

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When  the 2025 Jubilee Year (“Pilgrims of Hope”) concluded on January 6, 2026, Catholic travel was poised for a dynamic shift. The Jubilee drew an estimated 32–35 million pilgrims to Italy in 2025, nearly tripling typical annual visitor numbers and straining infrastructure with massive crowds, higher prices, and extended wait times at sites like St. Peter’s Basilica.

In 2026, we expect to see a renewed interest in Catholic travel, as pilgrims who delayed trips due to the estimated crowds in 2025, are now ready to book their trips.

This shift will emphasize itineraries such as the 800th anniversary of the death of St. Francis of Assisi.  It will draw crowds to Assisi with over 150,000 reservations already for early 2026 viewings of his relics. Nearby Padua, and Loreto, Italy, will no doubt be draws as well….and, of course, Rome will continue to draw hundreds of thousands.

Broader trends include “transformational” pilgrimages blending faith with culture, multi-generational groups, and emerging destinations in Asia and Latin America, aligning with global travel’s focus on immersive experiences.

Sacred Coeur Basilica

There will continue to be interest in organized travel packages, with companies such as Select International Tours leading the way, offering daily Masses, priest-led spiritual direction, and well-planned itineraries as major highlights. 

Word from Select International Tours is that France is the most popular itinerary at this time (The re-opening of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris after the disastrous fire is a big draw) as well as such places as Lisieux, home of Saint Teresa of Lisieux (the Little Flower), Lourdes, or river cruises along Rhine/Danube with Catholic speakers on board are in great demand.

Some destinations and itineraries are attracting new interest:

Less-visited countries such as Vietnam (Marian shrines), India (Saint Thomas sites), Peru (Lima’s cathedrals), Cuba (Our Lady of Charity), and Sweden/Norway (Nordic Catholic heritage) are receiving increased attention.

Walking pilgrimages, such as Camino Santiago (The Way of Saint James) shown on the left, El Santuario de Chimayó (New Mexico), or Three Hearts Pilgrimage (National shrines in Oklahoma) continue to gain in popularity, with multi-day hikes emphasizing personal growth and community.

Practical Tips:

Book Early: Secure spots 6–12 months ahead and use operators offering flexible cancellations. Most importantly, we strongly advise travel insurance. Bookings are already filling up fast via operators like Select International Tours.

Overall, 2026 promises a more balanced, introspective Catholic travel landscape—transforming the Jubilee’s energy into personalized journeys of hope and discovery. For tailored itineraries, check resources from the USCCB or operators like Select International Tours.

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What about the Catholic Churches in Iran?

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Iran is in the news, again….is this the time that the Mullahs are finally overturned? Hard news is difficult to come by, so we try to glean as much as possible from various reliable sources.

Catholic churches in Iran primarily belong to Eastern rites, mainly the Chaldean Catholic Church (Aramaic liturgy) and the Armenian Catholic Church, with a much smaller Latin (Roman) Rite presence, mostly for foreigners, with key locations in Tehran, Urmia, Isfahan, and Ahvaz, offering spiritual centers despite being a minority faith in a predominantly Muslim nation.

Chaldean Catholic Church: The largest Catholic body in Iran, with archdioceses in Tehran and Urmia, and dioceses in Ahvaz and Salmas, celebrating in Aramaic.

Armenian Catholic Church: Also present in Iran, with an Eparchy (diocese) in Isfahan, known for churches such as Surp Grigor Lusavorich.

Latin (Roman) Rite: A smaller community, mainly expatriates, with centers in Tehran (like the Cathedral of the Consolata) and Isfahan.

Key Churches & Centers in Iran:

Tehran: St. Joseph’s (Chaldean), Cathedral of the Consolata (Latin), Surp Grigor Lusavorich (Armenian).

Urmia: A significant center for the Chaldean Church, with the Cathedral of St. Mary the Mother of God.

Isfahan: Features the Armenian eparchy and Latin Rite churches like the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary in New Julfa.

Ahvaz: Home to a Chaldean Archeparchy.

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South American shrine reports record numbers

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According to official shrine sources, over the course of 2025, the National Shrine of Our Lady of Aparecida, in the interior of São Paulo state, Brazil, welcomed 10,486,118 pilgrims, according to statistics released in the first week of January 2026; a 15 percent increase compared with 2024, when 9,057,885 faithful made the journey to Brazil’s principal Marian sanctuary.

The Shrine is dedicated to Our Lady of Aparecida (Nossa Senhora Aparecida), the principal patroness of Brazil. The devotion traces back to October 1717, when three fishermen (Domingos Martins Garcia, João Alves, and Filipe Pedroso) cast their nets in the Paraíba do Sul River after a fruitless day of fishing. They miraculously recovered a small, dark clay statue of the Virgin Mary in two pieces (body first, then head), after which their nets filled with fish. This event was seen as a miraculous sign, and the statue became known as Our Lady of Aparecida (“the Appeared One”).

Click here to learn more about the Shrine of Our Lady of Aparecida in Brazil.

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First new Catholic School in Finland due to open August 2026

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Finland’s first new Catholic school, the Helsinki Catholic School, is set to open in August 2026, following the national curriculum with Catholic values and welcoming students of all beliefs, marking a significant development for the growing Catholic community in the nation.

While there are no existing Catholic schools, Finland provides Catholic religious education in public schools when requested by parents in a municipality request it, alongside other faiths like Lutheranism and Orthodoxy.  Catholic parishes also provide catechesis and sacramental preparation (like First Communion). 

Note:  the word ”first” in some announcements online is not to be understood historically but only in the sense that there is no other catholic school in Finland at the moment. There were a few (but very small) catholic schools already a hundred years ago, and a famous one, the English School was founded in 1945, and remained Catholic until 1995.

The curriculum will follow the Finnish national curriculum, but incorporates Catholic values and a distinct Catholic curriculum for moral/cultural education. Admission is open to all children, regardless of faith, with participation in religious activities being voluntary. The aim is to provide a faith-based education within Finland’s secular system, starting with preschool and grades 1-3.

This new school addresses the needs of a growing Catholic population and fills a gap in faith-based education, as Finland’s strong public system traditionally emphasizes secular education.

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The Blood of Saint Januarius liquefies on December 16, 2025

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The miracle of the liquefaction of the blood of St. Januarius, patron saint of Naples, Italy, occurred again on Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025.

According to the Archdiocese of Naples, the miracle took place after Mass in the Royal Chapel of the Treasure of Saint Januarius on the feast of the patronage of Saint Januarius.

The blood of Saint Jamuarius liquefies“At 9:13 a.m. local time, the blood already appeared semi-liquid. At 10:05 a.m., the complete liquefaction was announced,” the archdiocese reported.

December 16 is the third of three annual celebrations in honor of the martyred saint. This date commemorates the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 1631, when the Neapolitans requested and obtained the miraculous intervention of Saint Januarius to prevent the lava from engulfing the city.

You can read more about the Blood of Saint Januarius in the Cathedral in Naples here.