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Conclave to elect the successor to Pope Francis

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The Process of the Conclave to elect a new Pope after the passing of Pope Francis:

Cardinals gathering for a Papal Conclave to elect a new PopeDuring the interregnum, all cardinals under the age of 80 who are eligible to participate are summoned to Rome to prepare for the secret conclave inside the Sistine Chapel to choose the next pontiff.

The word “conclave” is a Latin noun dating back to ancient Rome meaning a locked room, typically used to store valuables or imprison someone.

As of  April 21, 2025, there are 252 cardinals, of whom 135 are eligible to vote in a conclave to elect a new pope.  One Cardinal-Elector, Antonio Cardinal Cañizares Llovera (Spain), seen as arch-conservative has said that, due to health concerns, he will not take part in the upcoming conclave, bringing the number of Cardinal-Electors down to 134.

Another arch-conservative, Vinko Cardinal Puljić (Bosnia & Herzegovina) was erroneously reported as not taking part, but has since confirmed that he will take part in the Conclave.

Another participant will be Hong Kong’s outspoken Cardinal Joseph Zen, Cardinal Zen had his passport confiscated in 2022 as a result of his controversial arrest under a Beijing-imposed national security law. He has now been allowed to leave the southern Chinese city to attend Pope Francis’ funeral in Vatican City. Zen, a 93-year-old retired bishop, will not be eligible to vote. He is among the critics in recent years who have said the Vatican’s agreement with Chinese authorities on the appointment of bishops betrays pro-Vatican Chinese Catholics. He has also criticized Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, the official charged with negotiations with Beijing, as a “man of little faith.” With Cardinal Parolin being one of the contenders to replace Pope Francis, that makes for interesting dynamics.

The conclave typically commences between 15 to 20 days after the pope’s death, which means that the earliest date would likely be May 6.  The Cardinals spend the Conclave housed in private rooms in the Domus Marthae Sanctae — essentially a residence hotel in the Vatican with dining facilities that usually houses visiting clergy and laity. Per tradition, the cardinals are cut off from the outside world, including televisions, phones, computers and newspapers, which certainly fits in with the definition of “Conclave”.

Papal conclaves, as a legally mandated process, officially began in 1274 in Viterbo, Italy with Pope Gregory X’s bull Ubi periculum. Prior to this, while papal elections had been held under similar circumstances, this was the first time such a formal requirement was introduced.

Historically most conclaves last a few days, although the longest in history started in 1268 lasted two years and nine months. After several rule changes to speed up the process over time, the average length of a conclave since the beginning of the 20th century has been three day

The Conclave to elect Pope Francis was one of the shortest conclaves in history, lasting just over 24 hours.

The Conclave process explained:

To begin with, a special morning Mass will be held in Saint Peter’s Basilica, after which the cardinal electors will gather inside the Sistine Chapel, which has overseen all papal conclaves since 1858.  The conclave will officially begin when the words “extra omnes” (Latin for “everybody out”) are said by the master of the papal liturgical celebrations.  This expels everyone but voting cardinals from the Sistine Chapel.

Voting begins as Cardinals vote the first time by writing on a piece of paper headed “Eligo in summen pontificem,” Latin for “I elect as supreme pontiff.” Ballots are then stuffed into an urn and counted.

Three cardinals delegated as scrutineers count the ballots, ensure everyone has voted, each make a count, and then burn the ballots. A two-thirds majority is required for a cardinal to be named the new pope. After each vote in a conclave, if no clear winner has emerged, black smoke is released from the Sistine Chapel’s chimney, visible from St. Peter’s Square, to signal that the cardinals have not yet reached a decision and another vote will be held.

White smoke is released when a new pope has been chosen.

After the first day, four ballots will be held each day.

Needless to say, there will be much speculation over the next few days as to who will be selected.

Anyone trying to handicap the outcome should remember that Jorge Mario Bergoglio was considered too old to be elected pope in 2013 at age 76, and that Karol Wojtyla wasn’t on any front-runner lists going into the 1978 conclave that elected him Pope John Paul II.  And, of course, the oft-repeated expression: “He who goes in to a Conclave as Pope, comes out a Cardinal“.  So, we’re not placing any bets!

For what it’s worth, 108 of the electors were appointed by Pope Francis, 22 by his predecessor Pope Benedict and five by Pope John Paul II.

 

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Funeral of Pope Francis set for April 26

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According the Holy See Press Office,  here are the details of the funeral of Pope Francis:

The 88-year-old pontiff had been well aware of his fragile state, especially in view of his recent illness. As early as 2015, Pope Francis had expressed the desire to be buried in the Basilica of Saint Mary Major (Santa Maria Maggiore), a fifth-century church in Rome dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. He was so devoted to Mary and her basilica that after each of his more than 100 trips abroad, he would visit it after returning to Rome to pray and meditate.

No pope has been buried in Saint Mary Major since the 17th century, when Pope Clement IX was laid to rest there.

The funeral rites take place in three parts, called stations.

The first Station: certifying the death

This takes place in the pope’s private chapel, after medical professionals have certified his death. Until recently, this stage had taken place at the pope’s bedside.

After the body lies in rest in the chapel, the cardinal serving as the pope’s Camerlengo — the pope’s chief of staff — will make the arrangements for the funeral. He is also tasked with running the Vatican until a new pope is elected. The current Camerlengo is Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell, appointed by Francis in 2019.

As has been done for centuries, the Camerlengo will formally call the deceased pope by the full name given to him when he was baptized as an infant — Jorge Mario Bergoglio.

Another ancient rite will also take place after the declaration of the pope’s death: the defacing of the pope’s ring. Each pope wears a custom-made ring with an engraved image of a man fishing from a boat, hearkening back to the gospel of Matthew, where Jesus calls St. Peter a “fisher of men.” This Fisherman’s Ring, with the name of the current pope engraved over the image, could act as a seal on official documents. The Camerlengo will break Francis’ ring and smash the seal with a hammer or other instrument to prevent any other person from using it.

The pope’s apartments will also be locked, with no one allowed to enter; traditionally, this was done to prevent looting.

Translation of the body of Pope Francis:  Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Catholic Church, presided over the rite of translation of the body of Pope Francis on April 23, which began at 9:00 AM with a moment of prayer.  The procession then passed through Santa Marta Square and the Square of the Roman Protomartyrs and exited through the Arch of the Bells into Saint Peter’s Square and enterd Saint Peter’s Basilica through the central door.

The Second station: Viewing the body

The deceased pope will be dressed in his simple white cassock and red vestments, then placed in a simple wooden coffin. While previous pontiffs, including the late Pope Benedict, have been buried in the traditional triple coffins made of cypress, lead and oak, Francis instead chose a simple wooden coffin lined with zinc. This will be carried in procession to Saint Peter’s Basilica, where the public viewing will take place for the next three days.

Saint Peter’s Basilica will remain open for the faithful who wish to pay their respects to the late Pope on Wednesday April 23 from 11:00 AM to midnight; on Thursday April 24 from 7:00 AM to midnight; and on Friday April 25 from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM.

The pope’s body will be left in the plain, open casket during this viewing period in order to emphasize the pope’s humble role as a pastor, not a head of state. The earlier practice would have been to place the body on top of a tall raised platform, called a catafalque; this ended with the funeral of Pope Benedict XVI in 2022.

At Francis’ funeral, after the public viewing, a plain white cloth will be placed over the pope’s face as he lies in the oak coffin, a continuing part of papal funerals.

Pope Francis’ coffin to be sealed in rite on Friday evening.

Pope Francis’ coffin will be sealed during a liturgical rite held in St. Peter’s Basilica on Friday, April 25, at 8:00 PM.

Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, will preside at the Rite of Sealing of the Coffin of the late Pope Francis, ahead of the papal funeral on Saturday morning.  The liturgical rite will be attended by several Cardinals and Holy See officials.

This will mark the end of public viewing in St. Peter’s Basilica, which has seen tens of thousands of people pay their respects to the late Pope.

As his mortal remains lie in state, over 50,000 people have filed past the Altar of the Confession in the 24 hours since the Vatican Basilica opened to the faithful on Wednesday morning.

St. Peter’s Basilica remained open until 5:30 AM on Thursday, closing for an hour and a half before reopening at 7:00 AM.

 

At the Altar of the Confession, the Cardinal Camerlengo  presided over the Liturgy of the Word, at the conclusion of which the visits to the body of the Roman Pontiff commenced.

The coffin will be sealed during the Rite of Sealing of the Coffin on Friday, April 25.

According to the Vatican News Service, The Office for the Liturgical Celebrations requested the presence of Cardinals Giovanni Battista Re, Pietro Parolin, Roger Mahony, Domenique Mamberti, Mauro Gambetti, Baldassare Reina, and Konrad Krajewski for the Rite of Sealing of the Coffin.

Those assisting the Rite will also include Archbishop Edgar Peña Parra, Archbishop Ilson de Jesus Montanari, Monsignor Leonardo Sapienza, the Canons of the Vatican Chapter, the Ordinary Minor Penitentiaries of the Vatican, the late Pope’s secretaries, and others admitted by the Master of Pontifical Liturgical Celebrations, Archbishop Diego Ravelli.

The Funeral of Pope Francis:

The funeral Mass will then be celebrated on Saturday April 26 in front Saint Peter’s Basilica.   It was earlier thought that it would be inside due to cold weather, but the latest forecast calls for highs around 70°F (21°C) and there will likely be a large number of people assembled on the plaza.

Masses will continue to be said in Francis’ memory for nine days after his death — a period called the Novendialis. This ritual was inspired by an ancient Roman tradition prescribing a mourning period ending on the ninth day after a death.  The Novemdiales Masses will be held each day at 5:00 PM (GMT +2) in St. Peter’s Basilica, except for the Mass on Divine Mercy Sunday, April 27, which will take place at 10:30 AM in St. Peter’s Square.

Third station: Burial

Most popes are buried in the grottoes underneath Saint Peter’s, and since Pope Leo XIII’s burial at St. John Lateran in 1903, every pope has been buried at Saint Peter’s.

According to Francis’ wishes, as expressed in his last will and testament, his body will be buried in the Basilica of Saint Mary Major,

After so many journeys from Rome to visit Catholic communities in countries across the globe, and so many visits to this basilica for prayer and meditation, It seems fitting that, at the end of his life’s journey, Francis would make one last trip to the church he loved so much to be laid to rest forever.

After a few final prayers and sprinkling of holy water, the coffin will be placed in its final location inside the church. Only later will the area be opened to the public for prayers and veneration.

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The Last Will and Testament of Pope Francis

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Below is the Last Will and Testament of Pope Francis, as published by the Vatican:

Miserando atque Eligendo

In the name of the Most Holy Trinity. Amen.

As I sense the approaching twilight of my earthly life, and with firm hope in eternal life, I wish to set out my final wishes solely regarding the place of my burial.

Throughout my life, and during my ministry as a priest and bishop, I have always entrusted myself to the Mother of Our Lord, the Blessed Virgin Mary. For this reason, I ask that my mortal remains rest – awaiting the day of the Resurrection – in the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major.

I wish my final earthly journey to end precisely in this ancient Marian sanctuary, where I would always stop to pray at the beginning and end of every Apostolic Journey, confidently entrusting my intentions to the Immaculate Mother, and giving thanks for her gentle and maternal care.

I ask that my tomb be prepared in the burial niche in the side aisle between the Pauline Chapel (Chapel of the Salus Populi Romani) and the Sforza Chapel of the Basilica, as shown in the attached plan.

The tomb should be in the ground; simple, without particular ornamentation, bearing only the inscription: Franciscus.

The cost of preparing the burial will be covered by a sum provided by a benefactor, which I have arranged to be transferred to the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major. I have given the necessary instructions regarding this to Cardinal Rolandas Makrickas, Extraordinary Commissioner of the Liberian Basilica.

May the Lord grant a fitting reward to all those who have loved me and who continue to pray for me. The suffering that has marked the final part of my life, I offer to the Lord, for peace in the world and for fraternity among peoples.

Santa Marta, 29 June 2022
FRANCIS

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With the death of Pope Francis, here is what to expect during the Interregnum

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The death of Pope Francis:

Pope Francis memoriumPope Francis died on Easter Monday morning, April 21, 2025 at 7:35 a.m., following a period of convalescence after a severe respiratory infection.

His death was announced live from the chapel of the Casa Santa Marta by Cardinal Kevin Farrell at approximately 9:53 a.m. Rome time, which marked the end of his 12-year pontificate.  The Director of the Directorate of Health and Hygiene of the Vatican City State, Dr. Andrea Arcangeli, released the official medical report on the death of Pope Francis, stating “The cause of Pope Francis’ death has been identified as a stroke, followed by a coma and irreversible cardiocirculatory collapse“.

The Holy See Press Office announced that the rite of ascertainment of death and placement of the late Pope Francis’ body in the coffin took place on Monday at 8:00 PM Rome time. Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church,  presided over the rite in the Chapel of the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta.  Normally according with Church tradition,  the body of Pope Francis would have been placed in three coffins, one inside the other.  In this case, as has been the case so often with Pope Francis, he broke tradition by asking that his body be places in a single casket lined with Zinc.

In the announcement, the Press Office indicated that those present included the Dean of the College of Cardinals, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, and family members of the late Pope Francis, along with Dr. Andrea Arcangeli and Dr. Luigi Carbone, the Director and Deputy Director of the Directorate of Health and Hygiene, respectively.

The Director of the Holy See Press Office, Matteo Bruni, told journalists that the Pope’s body could be transferred to Saint Peter’s Basilica on Wednesday morning, so that the faithful may pray before his mortal remains.

“The translation of the Holy Father’s mortal remains to the Vatican Basilica, for the veneration of all the faithful, may take place on the morning of Wednesday, April 23, 2025, according to the arrangements that shall be determined and communicated tomorrow, following the first Congregation of the Cardinals,” Mr. Bruni said.

The Catholic Church during the Interregnum:

The term interregnum comes from Latin, from inter- ‘between’ + regnum ‘reign’. and denotes temporary rule between reigns or during suspension of normal government,

The death of Pope Francis sets into motion a series of formalized rites and observances that occur during the interregnum, which begins upon the pontiff’s passing and ends with the election of his successor. The period of time during which the papacy is vacant is known as the sede vacante, Latin for “vacant seat.”

Cardinal Kevin FarrellThe pope’s death is first ritually verified by the cardinal camerlengo, or chamberlain, who who runs the ordinary affairs of the Vatican city-state during the sede vacante.

In this case, as mentioned above, the cardinal camerlengo is Cardinal Kevin Ferrell, who was Bishop of Dallas, Texas from 2007 to 2016 and has recently occupied several posts in the Vatican.

A traditional nine days of mourning now commences:

Pope Francis lies in state at Saint Peter's BasilicaThe body of Pope Francis will lie in state at Saint Peter’s Basilica for several days.

This allows global dignitaries and heads of state to pay their respects and allow for travel time for the Cardinal-Electors from various countries to get to Rome and attend the funeral.

Upon burial, the Pope’s body has traditionally been placed in three coffins, each one inside the other.  In the case of Pope Francis, he has chosen to be buried in simple wooden casket lined with zinc rather than the three nested coffins.

The Funeral of Pope Francis:

The Pope’s funeral, which per tradition is held within four to six days of his death, will be on Saturday April 26, 2025 at 10:00 AM in Saint Peter’s Square.,

Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals, will preside at the Mass, which will be con-celebrated by Patriarchs, Cardinals, Archbishops, Bishops, and priests from across the globe.

The late Pope’s body will then be taken to the Basilica of Saint Mary Major for entombment.

The Conclave to elect a new Pope:

Cardinals gathering for a Papal Conclave to elect a new PopeDuring the interregnum, all cardinals under the age of 80 who are eligible to participate are summoned to Rome to prepare for the secret conclave inside the Sistine Chapel to choose the next pontiff.

The word “conclave” is a Latin noun dating back to ancient Rome meaning a locked room, typically used to store valuables or imprison someone.  Here is what to expect in the Conclave:

As of  April 21, 2025, there are 252 cardinals, of whom 135 are eligible to vote in a conclave to elect a new pope.  One Cardinal-Elector, Antonio Cardinal Cañizares Llovera (Spain), seen as arch-conservative has said that, due to health concerns, he will not take part in the upcoming conclave, bringing the number of Cardinal-Electors down to 134.

Another arch-conservative, Vinko Cardinal Puljić (Bosnia & Herzegovina) was erroneously reported as not taking part, but has since confirmed that he will take part in the Conclave.

The conclave typically commences between 15 to 20 days after the pope’s death, which means that the earliest date would likely be May 6.  The Cardinals spend the Conclave housed in private rooms in the Domus Marthae Sanctae — essentially a residence hotel in the Vatican with dining facilities that usually houses visiting clergy and laity. Per tradition, the cardinals are cut off from the outside world, including televisions, phones, computers and newspapers, which certainly fits in with the definition of “Conclave”.

Papal conclaves, as a legally mandated process, officially began in 1274 in Viterbo, Italy with Pope Gregory X’s bull Ubi periculum. Prior to this, while papal elections had been held under similar circumstances, this was the first time such a formal requirement was introduced.

Historically most conclaves last a few days, although the longest in history started in 1268 lasted two years and nine months. After several rule changes to speed up the process over time, the average length of a conclave since the beginning of the 20th century has been three day

The Conclave to elect Pope Francis was one of the shortest conclaves in history, lasting just over 24 hours.

The Conclave process explained:

To begin with, a special morning Mass will be held in Saint Peter’s Basilica, after which the cardinal electors will gather inside the Sistine Chapel, which has overseen all papal conclaves since 1858.  The conclave will officially begin when the words “extra omnes” (Latin for “everybody out”) are said by the master of the papal liturgical celebrations.  This expels everyone but voting cardinals from the Sistine Chapel.

Voting begins as Cardinals vote the first time by writing on a piece of paper headed “Eligo in summen pontificem,” Latin for “I elect as supreme pontiff.” Ballots are then stuffed into an urn and counted.

Three cardinals delegated as scrutineers count the ballots, ensure everyone has voted, each make a count, and then burn the ballots. A two-thirds majority is required for a cardinal to be named the new pope.

After the first day, four ballots will be held each day.

Needless to say, there will be much speculation over the next few days as to who will be selected.

Anyone trying to handicap the outcome should remember that Jorge Mario Bergoglio was considered too old to be elected pope in 2013 at age 76, and that Karol Wojtyla wasn’t on any front-runner lists going into the 1978 conclave that elected him Pope John Paul II.  And, of course, the oft-repeated expression: “He who goes in to a Conclave as Pope, comes out a Cardinal“.  So, we’re not placing any bets!

For what it’s worth, 108 of the electors were appointed by Pope Francis, 22 by his predecessor Pope Benedict and five by Pope John Paul II.

Scheduled canonization of Carlo Acutis postponed:

Th Canonization of  Carlo Acutis had been scheduled for April 27, 2025 and will now have to be postponed, since we have no Pope to proclaim him a saint.

The Holy See Press Office statement reads: “Following the death of Supreme Pontiff Francis, notice is hereby given that the Eucharistic celebration and Rite of Canonization of Blessed Carlo Acutis, scheduled for April 27, 2025, II Sunday of Easter or Divine Mercy, on the occasion of the Jubilee of Adolescents, is suspended,”

Mass, without the canonization of Carlo Acutis, will be held in St. Peter’s Square on April 27.  No word as to who will be the main celebrant.

This will no doubt disappoint those who have already made arrangements to travel to Rome for the Canonization and are unable to change their plans.

Well, perhaps if they go ahead with their plans to travel to Rome, they might be in Saint Peter’s square and get to hear “Habemus Papam”:…Latin for we have a Pope!  That would be quite a treat to be there for a first glimpse of whoever is chosen.

The Jubilee of Teenagers will continue as planned (with a few exceptions):

The first-ever Jubilee of Teenagers figured as one of the most anticipated events of 2025 and is especially dedicated to young people, who will have a unique experience of “faith, spiritual growth, and intercultural exchange.”More than 80,000 teenagers are expected to gather in Rome for the Vatican’s Jubilee of Teenagers (April 25-27), According to the Dicastery for Evangelization, with young people registered from the United States, Brazil, India, Spain, Portugal, France, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Germany, Chile, Venezuela, Mexico, Australia, Argentina, and Nigeria.

Due to the death of Pope Francis, the following changes will be made to the Jubilee of Teenagers:

Due to the time of mourning, the musical celebration at Circus Maximus scheduled for April 26 at 5 p.m. has also been canceled.

The official program includes several highlights, beginning with the Via Lucis (Way of Light), an act of piety in which the apparitions of the risen Christ are meditated upon, which will take place on April 25 in the EUR neighborhood (now called Europa), just outside Rome.

Saturday, April 26, the pilgrimages to the Holy Door will continue to be on the schedule.

The swearing-in of new members of the Swiss Guard, normally held on May 6, has been cancelled and will be held sometime in the fall.

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72nd Miracle recognized at Lourdes

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The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes in France has officially recognized the 72nd miracle of Lourdes: the healing of Antonietta Raco, a 67-year-old Italian woman diagnosed with a rare, progressive, and incurable neurological disease that affects movement, speech, and swallowing.

During a pilgrimage to Lourdes in 2009, she experienced a sudden and complete recovery, particularly after visiting the baths.

The cure took place in 2009…why was it just recognized in 2025?

The Lourdes miracle approval process involves a medical investigation by a committee of specialists, followed by an ecclesiastical review by local Church authorities. The process is rigorous and thorough, ensuring that claims of miracles are carefully evaluated against medical standards before being declared supernatural by the Church

 

72nd miracle proclaimed in Lourdes

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FRANCE (Paris) Annual Paris to Chartres Pilgrimage

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The Paris-Chartres Pilgrimage occurs every year on the Saturday before the Feast of Pentecost in early summer, and is a multi-generational, multi-national gathering of Catholics who draw closer to God through the centuries-old act of pilgrimage.

The walk is roughly 62 miles over 3 days—beginning at daybreak on the Saturday before Pentecost, and ending with an afternoon mass on the Monday after Pentecost.

The trek takes 8,000-10,000 pilgrims from paris’ Church of Saint-Sulpice at 6 a.m. on June 4th, 2022, and the journey of faith and foot  through the French countryside to the Cathedral of Notre Dame in Chartres (the pilgrimage used to start at Notre Dame de Paris, but since the fire in 2019 the starting point has been changed).

Pilgrims are organized into groups of 20-60 people, that are referred to as “chapters”. Participants brave the weather, blisters, and humble food and accommodations as an act of faith and an act of reparation in these modern times.

There will be Solemn Mass every day in the Traditional Roman Rite. Those who join the pilgrimage will have the opportunity to sing and pray in both English, French, and Latin.

On the way of the pilgrimage route the French have the venerable custom of singing the Rosary in French.

The pilgrimage this year will begin the morning of Saturday, June 7, the Vigil of Pentecost, with Mass at Notre-Dame in Paris. The following day, the Solemnity of Pentecost (Whitsunday — June 8), Solemn Pontifical Mass will be sung in the French countryside. The concluding Mass will be celebrated the afternoon of Monday, June 9, Pentecost Monday, in Chartres Cathedral.

The theme of this year’s pilgrimage is For our Holy Mother the Church.

It is reported a record number of pilgrims (approximately 16,000) have registered for the pilgrimage in 2025.

Click here for the official Chartres Pilgrimage  website in English.

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Statue of Mystical Rose added to Vatican Gardens

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From Vatican News Service regarding Mary, “Mystical Rose”:

The prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith blessed a statue of Mary, “Mystical Rose”:
Statue of Rosa Mystica
Statue of Rosa Mystica

Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernández, the prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, blessed a statue of “Mary, Mystical Rose” at the Vatican on Monday of Holy Week 2025.  The statue, donated by Pope Francis, was placed in a shrine close to the Sacrament Fountain in the Vatican Gardens.

This follows the decision last summer by the Dicastery saying there is no objection to devotion to Our Lady under that title.

 

Among those present for the blessing, in addition to Cardinal Fernández, were the two secretaries of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, Archbishop John Joseph Kennedy and Fr Armando Matteo; as well as the secretary-general of the Governorate of Vatican City State, Archbishop Emilio Nappa.

A ‘green light’ for devotion to Mary, Mystical Rose:

Last July, the Dicastery released a decision, based on the new norms regarding alleged supernatural phenomena, granting the “nulla osta” authorizing public devotion to Mary under the title “Mystical Rose,” in connection with messages purportedly received between 1947 and 1966 by visionary Pierina Gilli.

The decision also permitted the dedication of churches and sacred places to Mary under this title, with the corresponding image.

The judgment of the Dicastery:

In a letter accompanying last July’s decision by the Dicastery, Cardinal Fernández wrote that one does not find “negative moral aspects or other critical aspects related to this spiritual experience” of Pierina Gilli. “Rather,” he said, “one can find several positive aspects that stand out in the messages as a whole.”

 

The reported  apparitions of Mary under the titles of “Mystical Rose” and “Mother of the Church”;

The apparitions are connected to the locality of Fontanelle, located south of the town of Montichiari in the Italian province of Brescia.

The visionary, Pierina Gilli, was born into a peasant family, and worked as a housekeeper and nurse in a hospital, leading a very simple life until her death in 1991 at the age of 80.

Her mystical experiences occurred over two different periods, the first dating back to 1947, when Our Lady is said to have appeared to Pierina, presenting herself under the titles “Mystical Rose” and “Mother of the Church.” On Mary’s white robe, Gilli says she saw three roses: one white, one red and one yellow, symbolising prayer, penance and suffering.

The second cycle of apparitions took in 1966 in Fontanelle. Here, on 13 May, a significant Marian date, Our Lady indicated a particular spring to Pierina as a place of purification and source of graces. As early as 1966, work began on building a sanctuary on the site, which took the form not of a church, but of an open amphitheater. On one side, there is a chapel for the celebration of the Holy Mass; on the other, a second, smaller chapel surrounding the spring indicated by the apparition.

Click here to read more about the apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary as “Rosa Mystica” in Fontanelle, Italy.

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Why will Holy Water Fonts be empty on the holiest of weeks?

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As we enter Holy Week, memories of Easters past tend to occupy our minds. Church on Easter morning, pretty hats and newly bought clothing, along with the arrival of dearly loved relatives, were always something to which I  looked forward each year.

But, before that, came the Easter Triduum (Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday).

I remember, as a very young child, going to Easter week services with my parents and being surprised when I went to bless myself with Holy Water but found a dry font.

I had been taught to appreciate the value of holy water and its frequent use.  Many saints and religious have emphasized the use of Holy Water to ward off evil.  Just one example is Saint Teresa of Avila,  who wrote that she used it to repel evil and temptations, but there are many, many others.

So why were the holy water fonts in our church empty on these three days?

Well, there was a reason for that:

Each year during the Easter Triduum the practice of the Church has been to empty the Holy Water fonts on those days when the Eucharist is not celebrated any where in the world.  At the Easter Vigil Mass, the water will be blessed and the fonts will be filled again.

Note:  In the past some pastors expanded the practice of empty holy water fonts to include all the days of Lent. No doubt this was done with good intent…to remind people of the dryness of Lent, but in fact, this is not the accepted practice in the Church. To correct this error, on March 14, 2020 the Vatican Congregation for Divine Worship stated: “The encouragement of the Church that the faithful avail themselves frequently of her sacraments and sacramentals is to be understood to apply also to the season of Lent.”

Editors’ note:  During the Covid-19 pandemic, some parishes removed holy water from their fonts as a precaution.  It is the opinion of this editor that removing the holy water to prevent the spread of an airborne virus that does not survive in water was an absurd thing to do.  Obviously, many did not agree with my position.  What are your thoughts on the subject?

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Catholic Travel: Where to go in 2025?

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Reading the news headlines…or watching the news on TV, can in some cases just make the idea of foreign travel seem too dangerous, too difficult, or simply not worth the effort.  It becomes easy to put off visiting these places….just wait until conditions improve, you tell yourself.

But this is not the case.

In fact, the future of Catholic travel appears to be vibrant and evolving, driven by a combination of spiritual renewal, cultural exploration, and emerging global trends.

This is particularly evident in light of the  Jubilee Year 2025, which began on Christmas Eve 2024 and will conclude on January 6, 2026 .

This special event, occurring every 25 years, traditionally draws millions of pilgrims, not only to Rome, but to many other holy sites worldwide. The anticipation is already sparking increased interest in pilgrimage travel, with opportunities for plenary indulgences and a focus on Eucharistic revival, especially in places like Italy, home to notable Eucharistic miracles such as Lanciano and Bolsena-Orvieto. Travel organizations are preparing for this surge by offering tailored itineraries, suggesting that 2025 could see a significant uptick in Catholic pilgrimages.

Beyond the Jubilee, the broader trend of religious tourism is gaining momentum.

Pilgrimage travel is no longer just about traditional destinations like Rome, Lourdes, or the Holy Land. Emerging destinations such as Poland (with its rich Catholic heritage tied to St. John Paul II and Divine Mercy) and Lithuania are attracting attention.

And, there are many increasingly popular destinations in the U.S. such as The National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion, formerly Our Lady of Good Help, the only Vatican-approved Marian apparition site in the U.S., tied to 1859 visions. Its profile has risen with recent Eucharistic pilgrimages (like the 2024 National Eucharistic Pilgrimage), and its rural serenity could attract more Catholics in 2026 seeking authentic, lesser-known holy sites.  Likewise the The National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Emmitsburg, Maryland is bound to attract thousands.

Additionally, unique experiences like walking the Camino de Santiago or exploring lesser-known shrines are appealing to Catholics seeking both spiritual depth and adventure. The integration of food, culture, and faith— tours in Italy or Portugal—also hints at a diversification of Catholic travel offerings.

Safety and accessibility are improving in key regions, enhancing prospects. For instance, the Holy Land, despite past conflicts, is showing signs of recovery with resumed flights and reopened sites, making it more feasible for pilgrims to return. Similarly, restrictions in popular European cities like Venice and Rome, aimed at reducing overcrowding, could benefit Catholic travelers by offering a more intimate experience at holy sites.

Challenges remain, such as geopolitical instability or economic barriers, but the resilience of Catholic travel is evident. With priests accompanying groups, daily Mass, and a focus on small, meaningful journeys, the experience is becoming more personalized. The future likely holds a blend of tradition and innovation—more pilgrims, diverse destinations, and a deeper intertwining of faith with global exploration.

Pilgrims at St Peter's BasilicaOur thoughts?  It’s going to be crowded….for example, Rome normally attracts some 35 million tourists annually…and a Jubilee Year will probably bring that number up considerably.  Admittedly, these are not all Catholic pilgrims, but they will likely be visiting many of the same places that you have on your itinerary.

One way to overcome some of these challenges is to book with a reliable tour company, guaranteed admission to many popular sites and some hard-to-enter places as well.  And, of course, hotel accommodations that suit your itinerary, so you won’t have to chase after hotel rooms in un-familiar cities (nothing is worse than being in a hotel outside your desired location),

For a great selection of Jubilee Year 2025 pilgrimages we suggest Select International Tours.

 

 

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Why all the interest in Garabandal?

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Why all the recent interest in Garabandal?

Plaque in Garabandal where St. Michael the Archangel appearedThe apparitions of both Saint Michael the Archangel and the Blessed Virgin Mary took place in 1961.

So why the increasing level of interest in these apparitions today?  After all, 1960’s seem like a long time ago, and the world seems to have moved on from the reported apparitions here in Garabandal.

Perhaps it lies in the fact that so much of what we took for granted in the world has recently been turned upside down. 

Things just don’t seem quite right compared to the world of just a few years back.  So much has changed, it is hard to keep up:

Covid-19 response:

In some countries churches were closed under the guise of “preventing the spread” of Covid, but bars and clubs providing so called “adult entertainment” have remained open.  Meanwhile economies have been destroyed (although the pharmaceutical companies seem to have done quite well), families torn apart and people live in irrational fear (ever seen a person driving in a car, alone, with a mask on?).  Australia set up “internment camps” for those with Covid-19, in England people have been arrested for holding an outside church service…….and we could go on and on.

Destruction of traditional Christianity:

Sexual Deviation is being normalized and even encouraged, both by certain governments as well as the entertainment industry……especially to vulnerable young children.  Drag shows in public venues have become all too common in many cities and towns….all in the name of being “inclusive”.

The U.S. now issues passports for non-binary people….you don’t have to declare yourself male or female.  And, in many states you can change the sex assigned at birth on your birth certificate.  

They want you to “follow the science” but not when it comes to physical anatomy, apparently. 

Socialism and Marxism are promoted as ideals, even though there is no evidence that either has ever worked.  You cannot find a single example of where socialism has worked.  Perhaps because people are so poorly educated that they cannot even define socialism.  The basic definition of socialism is that people have private property, but the government owns the means of production (factories, farms, etc.)  Countries such as Sweden are held up as examples where socialism works…..but Sweden is not Socialist…you can read this article from a former President of Sweden.

In the U.S. racism is raising its head in the form of “anti-racism”, which is in itself a form of racism, since everything is seen through the prism of skin color.

Attacks on the family:  everything from our schools to our society aim to diminish the importance of the family.  The family unit is the basis of society and therefore is the first target of the Devil.  The United Nations and the European Court seem inclined to view your children as theirs, not yours.  And it goes on and on.

Abortion has become a Sacrament to some:  killing of the unborn is the rallying cry for many as life is continually de-valued.  How ad it is to watch the 2024 U.S. elections, where many abortion restrictions were voted down.  Of course, many European countries have already progressed further down that path.

Division within the Church:  Even within the Church there is division:  why did Pope Benedict XVI resign?  Why do not more priests and bishops speak out against the sin of abortion? Why does the Vatican some times seem to embrace ideologies not in keeping with Catholic beliefs?  Why do many Catholics not believe in the True Presence of the Eucharist?  Why did the U.S. elect a nominally Catholic president who promoted abortion?

Why was the Bishop of Tyler, Texas removed by Pope Francis in November 2023?

The list goes on and on with no end in sight.  We are not defeatist...we realize that God is in charge…but we do look for trends that will help us discern the messages given at Garabandal.

War in Europe and the Middle East:  The war in Ukraine goes on, although the news has now taken a back seat to the ongoing war in Gaza, which could easily widen to involve the U.S. in a “third world war”.  We will the U.S. go to war in Iran?  How about Europe?  No one seems to have an answer.

So what has this to do with Garabandal?

It is no surprise that people are beginning to think that these things cannot continue and that we are approaching a time when God will intervene in a way similar to what has been foretold by the children in Garabandal.  Of course, this is not unique to Garabandal, since others have predicted such events as well.

"The Pines" in Garabandal Spain
“The Pines”

The visionaries of Garabandal were told of a world-wide warning (an illumination of conscience for everyone) and, within a year of that warning,  a miracle to be left in the pines of Garabandal….a physical sign to be seen around the world.

Within the context of such an unsettled world, people are expecting the warning of Garabandal to take place very soon.  Note that Mari Loli, who knows the date of the miracle, said it would be “within the same year“.  So is that a mis-translation, a mis-understanding, or is that correct?

Could this be the year? 

We have no idea, but the miracle is supposed to occur during the lifetime of one of the visionaries, Conchita, who is now in her 70’s.  So obviously we need to stay aware of the signs.and it is useful to point out that often times prophecies don’t seem to make sense until after they occur, and when we look back we say “of course, now I understand”.

Garabandal:  A warning and prophecy for our time?

Garabandal, Spain

An American president, Ronald Reagan, talking about nuclear disarmament with the Soviet Union, said “Trust, but verify”.  This is not a bad policy to follow when evaluating the various stories about Garabandal and the prophecies.  Every year we see a lot of interest in Garabandal, especially early in the year, since the miracle is supposed to occur in March, April or May.  The world-wide warning is to occur prior to this, then we could be on the cusp of that event.

Having visited Garabandal many times, and talked to the villagers, we are believers in the sincerity of the villagers and the overall message of Garabandal.  But that does not blind us to reality, so we with so many interviews given by the visionaries realize it is possible through mis-translation or otherwise, that the details and timeline of the events can become blurred.

You have to remember that these were simple village children with little knowledge of the outside world…there was no internet or other communication available to them and Garabandal was a tiny hamlet miles from what anyone would even consider a village.  And their parents were simple as well.  One day back in the 1990’s (we can’t remember exactly when) we happened to be in Garabandal when a helicopter landed….and the whole village was in an uproar because they had never seen a helicopter before!  So to think that these people suddenly made up the apparitions and their message is just too incredulous to imagine.

And, of course, there were many witnesses to the events of Garabandal…..including skeptics, who went away believing in the apparitions.

Setting the record straight about Garabandal:

As the Bible says in 1st Thessalonians:  “Do not despise prophetic utterances.  Test everything; retain what is good.”  Prophecies can be confusing in their interpretation.  It has been said “It would not be a prophecy if we knew ahead of time its exact meaning, and if we could guess the right date of its happening.”

Garabandal was a sleepy village in 1961 when reported apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary (preceded by Saint Michael the Archangel) to four young girls took place. Important messages for the world were also given to the girls at that time. Not that long ago…and yet the messages or apparitions have not been approved, nor disapproved, by the Church.

The “bottom line” from what we understand is:

1. A worldwide warning where everyone sees their soul as God sees it (an illumination of conscience).

2. A miraculous sign to be left at the Pines here in Garabandal within 12 months of the warning.  Mari Loli is quoted as saying “within the same year“, so we are not sure which is correct.

3. A final chastisement if mankind does not repent.

For a more detailed look at the prophecies of Garabandal, check out our page here.

Click here to see our page detailing the apparitions at Garabandal, Spain.