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Midland, Texas: Traditional Latin Mass added

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Beginning Sunday, August 30, Saint Ann’s Catholic Church in Midland, TX, will become the home to a monthly Traditional Latin Mass celebrated according to the 1962 Missal.

This Mass will be offered on the last Sunday of each month at 3:00 p.m. in the Holy Family Chapel at St. Ann’s Church.

It’s their hope that this time will enable people from West Texas (Lubbock, Amarillo, and El Paso) and Southeastern New Mexico (Las Cruces) to join them for this celebration. This is just a beginning as the diocese discerns a path forward to provide for their people.

Other priests of the diocese will be learning the Traditional Latin Mass in the weeks and months ahead.

The weekly Traditional Latin Mass at St. Margaret’s Church in San Angelo will remain unchanged.

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November, 2026 Pope Leo Apostolic visit to Argentina, Peru and Uruguay,

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Pope Leo XIV is expected to make his first South American Apostolic Visit November 5-15, 2026, traveling to Argentina, Peru and Uruguay. Pope Leo XIV’s visit is particularly symbolic because he is U.S.-born and Peruvian-naturalized, having served as a missionary and bishop in Peru, emphasizing his connection to Latin America and the Church’s peripheries. The visit aims to strengthen ties with local communities, celebrate religious heritage, and highlight social initiatives.

The official itinerary has yet to be confirmed by the Holy See, but the rough outline is as follows:

Argentina

According to the CIA World Factbook (July 2014), 92% of the country are nominally Catholic, but less than 20% practice their faith regularly (i.e., attend weekly Mass). Later studies in 2019 suggest that between 62.9% and 63.3% of Argentinians are Catholic.

Pope Leo’s visit will possibly include Buenos Aires, Córdoba, Luján, and Santiago del Estero, 

Peru

As of the latest estimates, about 76% of Peruvians identify as Catholic, although this number has been declining over the decades—from 98.5% in 1940 to 76% in 2017. The Catholic Church in Peru plays a vital role in social and political life, influencing laws and moral issues. The Church operates numerous schools, hospitals, and charitable organizations, maintaining a significant presence in the community.

The Pope is expected to visit Lima, Chiclayo, Piura, Pucallpa, and Cusco.

Uruguay

Pope Leo XIV’s trip to Uruguay marks the first papal visit to the country in nearly four decades, following John Paul II’s visits in 1987 and 1988. According to the latest official estimates, Uruguay’s population is about 3.38 million people, far smaller than the populations of its neighbors, such as Brazil (over 216 million) and Argentina (about 46 million). Uruguay is one of Latin America’s most secular countries, with only 6–8% of the population regularly practicing Catholicism. Despite this, papal visits historically attract broad public participation and carry cultural and national significance.  The visit is anticipated to be a historic and unifying event for Uruguay, drawing attention beyond the Catholic community and reinforcing the Pope’s message of hope, unity, and closeness to local populations.

The Pope is expected to visit several key locations in Uruguay:

Montevideo: The capital city will be a principal stop, including visits to social programs in the Casavalle area, highlighting the Church’s charitable work.

Florida: Home to the National Shrine of the Virgin of the Thirty-Three, patroness of Uruguay, where a major religious celebration is anticipated, possibly on November 8. 

Cities such as Paysandú are under consideration for additional stops, though final decisions depend on logistical and security factors.

 

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Why is Poland such a hot destination?

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No, we’re not talking about the temperature…..summer is relatively mild: August temps in Krakow average high 76F, low 58F (24c high to 14c low).

What we are talking about is the fact that Poland has surged in popularity in 2026. It is recording record-breaking visitor numbers, thanks to a strong value-for-money, and a mix of cultural, natural, and seasonal appeal. Poland attracted over 21 million international tourists in 2025, the first time that figure has been exceeded, and total accommodation stays rose 11% year-on-year.  This year is shaping up to be even better.

This growth has made it one of Europe’s fastest-growing tourism markets, ranking second only to Malta in EU growth rate. Hotels are seeing a quarter of all guests as foreign tourists, with Germans, Britons, and Czechs leading arrivals. Travelers are increasingly choosing Poland over crowded southern European destinations because of cooler summer temperatures, lower costs, and easy access to lakes, mountains, and Baltic beaches. Poland’s medieval cities like Kraków and Warsaw, UNESCO-listed Old Towns, vibrant markets, and rich cuisine are major draws.

And, with its rich Catholic history, Poland offers many sites that will make your trip memorable, so check out these locations.

When winter comes, you will find major draws in Christmas markets, festive traditions, and seasonal foods like pierogi and makowiec.

Airline networks have expanded, making it easier to reach Poland from across Europe and Asia. This has reduced reliance on traditional travel corridors and brought in more visitors from Western and Southern Europe, North America and even Asia.

Poland offers a blend of history, nature, and modern culture—from alpine air in Zakopane to the sea breeze of Gdańsk—while still being budget-friendly. It’s also popular for short breaks, multi-stop itineraries, and group travel.

In short, Poland’s combination of affordable prices, diverse attractions, improved infrastructure, and seasonal appeal has made it one of Europe’s most sought-after destinations in 2026.

 

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Growth of Catholic parish construction in Kansas

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The Diocese of Wichita, Kansas has one of the highest rates of priestly vocations in the country, routinely attracting more men to the seminary than dioceses or archdioceses several times its size. While dioceses elsewhere see their priestly ranks shrink, Wichita is routinely ordaining nearly twice as many men as it needs.

Here in Wichita, Kansas the Church is growing…not just in numbers, but in its physical presence.  Recent construction in Kansas spans both massive new diocesan builds and restorations of existing parishes. Recently built or extensively reconstructed diocesan Catholic parishes across Kansas include:

Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe (Dodge City): Though constructed in the new millennium (consecrated in 2001), it remains one of the most significant newly built diocesan cathedrals in Kansas, seating over 1,400 people.

Saint John the Evangelist Catholic Church (Clonmel): Located in the Diocese of Wichita, this parish celebrated the official dedication of its beautiful new church in June 2024, culminating years of planning and construction.

Saint Paul II Catholic Church (Olathe): Located in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, this 164-year-old parish broke ground in May 2024 for a massive million-dollar traditional church to seat 1,300, scheduled for completion in June 2026.

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New Pilgrimage Route: The Wisconsin Way

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About “The Wisconsin Way” pilgrimage route:

A unique spiritual journey established in 2013, inspired by the historic Way of St. James or Camino de Santiago. “The Wisconsin Way”.  Often called the “American Camino,” it traverses 130 miles along the scenic Ice Age Trail, Kettle Moraine State Forest, and rural dairy farmlands to provide a European-style pilgrimage experience in the Midwest.

The Wisconsin Way is an emerging pilgrimage route, and its infrastructure continues to expand steadily over time. A growing network of support is making the journey easier and more enriching for modern pilgrims. Services now include a tour company that will shuttle your backpack, arrange lodging, or even set up your camp for a more comfortable camping pilgrimage (not sure how we feel about all this “convenience”, but we realize it might be necessary for some who have mobility problems).

New hotels are opening their doors in places where rooms were once hard to find……and unique stays are opening up….from peaceful farm stays to cozy yurts and restored sheepherder’s wagons tucked into the countryside.

Among the stops along the route are:

Champion: The Shrine of Our Lady of Good Help

Hubertus:  Basilica of the National Shrine of Our Lady, Help of Christians at Holy Hill

La Crosee:  Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe

St Nazianz: Holy Resurrection Monastery

 

View the official “Wisconsin Way” pilgrimage website.

 

⇐ Back to Catholic pilgrimage routes.

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A new saint in June 2026: Saint Peter ToRot

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In June 2026, Pope Leo XIV proclaimed Peter ToRot as a saint.

St Peter ToRot (yes, we know, it doesn’t quite sound saintly) stands as one of the most luminous lay martyrs of the twentieth century. Born in Papua New Guinea in 1912, he grew up in a family deeply committed to the Catholic faith. His father served as village chief and encouraged Peter’s early desire to serve the Church. Peter eventually became a catechist, a role that demanded both pastoral care and moral leadership in a region where Christianity was still young and vulnerable.

When Japanese occupation forces outlawed Christian gatherings and attempted to impose polygamy, Peter refused to abandon the sacraments or the dignity of Christian marriage. He continued to teach, pray with families, and defend the sanctity of matrimony even when threatened with imprisonment. His fidelity led to his arrest and eventual death in 1945 after being secretly poisoned in his cell. The Church honors him as a martyr because he died in defense of the faith and the moral law.

The Church recognized him as a saint because of his heroic virtue, steadfast faith, and martyrdom during World War 2.

St Peter’s life speaks powerfully to the modern world. He reminds us that holiness is not reserved for clergy or religious but is fully attainable in the ordinary life of a layperson. His courage challenges believers to uphold truth even when it is unpopular or dangerous. His devotion to family life encourages all Christians to protect the dignity of marriage and to nurture faith within the home. His quiet perseverance shows that sanctity often grows in hidden places, nourished by prayer, charity, and fidelity to God.

Prayer for the Intercession of St Peter ToRot:

St Peter strong in faith and grace, who walked with Christ through trial’s fire.

Defend our homes in every place, and lift our hearts to God’s desire.

Teach us to stand when truth is tried and trust in God, who casts out shade.

To walk with courage at our side to guard the vows that love has made.

O martyr pure and servant true, pray that our souls may never part.

From Christ who daily makes us new, and writes His law upon our heart

St Peter guide us on our way, and keep us faithful day by day. Amen

Sources

Catholic News Agency. 2026. Peter To Rot canonized in Vatican ceremony.

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Schedule Announced for World Youth Day 2027

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Pope Leo IV has announced that the next World Youth Day will be held August 3 through 8, 2027. The international gathering of young Catholics—the first held in Asia since 1995—will be preceded by multi-day Diocesan Days from July 29 to August 2. The theme is “Take courage; I have conquered the world.” (John 16:33).

Although WYD is primarily for young adults and youth ages 18-39, pilgrims of all ages are welcome. Many Dioceses have already begun to orgainize groups to attend.

Diocesan Days: July 29-August 2, 2027:
Preceding World Youth Day will be Diocesan Days from July 29 – August 2, 2027 across 15 regions in South Korea. Diocesan Days are when international pilgrims are hosted by local dioceses across the host nation for a few days. They stay in local parishes, participate in community service, engage in intercultural exchange, and experience the local culture before traveling to the main city for the Pope’s arrival.

Main events: August 3–8, 2027
Aug 3: Opening Mass in Seoul, presided over by the Ordinary of the diocese hosting the event.

Aug 4–6: Pilgrims join bishops for catechesis, Youth Festival, and the Way of the Cross.

Aug 5: Papal Welcome Ceremony. Young people gather with excitement to welcome the Holy Father on Thursday afternoon. The Pope and the pilgrims gather together to meditate on the Way of the Cross prepared for them by young people. Evening Prayer Vigil with the Pope.

Aug 7: Pilgrimage walk. All the pilgrims move to the venue for the Closing Mass. With the Holy Father, they pray and adore the Eucharist before settling in to spend the night there.

Aug 8: Closing Papal Mass. As Sunday dawns, the pilgrims celebrate Mass with the Pope. After the Closing Mass, the Holy Father announces the host of the next World Youth Day. Once the Closing Mass is finished, the Pope meets separately to encourage the WYD volunteers who worked so hard throughout the week.

Other events:

Reconciliation Park and Vocational Fair Tuesday, August 3 to Friday, August 6

Pilgrims are invited to reconcile with the Lord through Confession and hear His call by learning about diverse vocations.

Visit the official website of World Youth Day 2027.

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Emmaus Hour in Washington, D.C.

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Washington, DC has a large Catholic population, including many converts and Catholics in influential positions.  Fady Antoon, started a monthly initiative called Emmaus Hour to bring together professionals, Capitol Hill staffers, lobbyists, and others across different fields. Anyone interested come together for drinks, conversation, and new friendships. Their mission is to create a welcoming space for community, faith, and fun. Meet new friends, share stories, and build lasting connections in a relaxed, welcoming environment.

They believe in the power of community, kindness, and giving. Our events foster a sense of belonging and purpose, while our charitable efforts help those in need throughout D.C. Enjoy a friendly atmosphere where everyone is invited to relax, connect, and have fun.

Join them every month for a new happy hour experience, complete with great company and engaging conversations.

They donate 100% of the proceeds to local D.C. charities, supporting our wider community.

Join them for their next gathering! Enjoy drinks, appetizers, and great company.

All Are Welcome:  Open to Catholics and anyone interested in community.

Visit their website at emmaushourdc.com.

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How did Cincinnati get its’ name?

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This doesn’t have an immediate Catholic connection (although Cincinnati does have some great Catholic places of interest), but we found this to be very fascinating from a historical perspective.

Few of us, I suppose, have given much thought to, or really cared about, how the city got its name. The city of Cincinnati is just another city in the U.S. so far as we were concerned….with a rich German heritage, renowned for its unique cinnamon-spiced chili, professional sports (Reds and Bengals), and historic 19th-century architecture in the Over-the-Rhine distric.  So, perhaps the name came from native Americans?  Sounded possible to us. But the name traces its origin far back, actually pre-dating the establishment of Christianity.

The first settlement here was called Losantiville, a portmanteau (blending of two or more names) invented by founder John Filson. It combined elements from different languages: “L” for the Licking River, “os” (Latin for mouth), “anti” (Greek for opposite), and “ville” (town), roughly meaning “the town opposite the mouth of the Licking [River].”

In 1790, General Arthur St. Clair, the governor of the Northwest Territory and a member of the Society of the Cincinnati, changed the name. He disliked Losantiville and renamed the town Cincinnati in honor of the Society of the Cincinnati (a fraternal organization of Revolutionary War officers, of which he was a member) and its namesake.

The Society of the Cincinnati took its name from Lucius Quinctius Cincinnatus (c. 519 BC – c. 430 BC), a legendary Roman hero. Cincinnatus was a farmer who was appointed dictator during a military crisis. He quickly defeated the enemy, resigned his absolute power after just 15 days, and returned to his plow——thereby embodying civic virtue, humility, and reluctance to hold power.

This ideal resonated with American Revolutionary officers, who saw parallels with George Washington, often called the “American Cincinnatus”. Washington declined offers to make him a king after the U.S. won its independence…..he, too, returned to his former life. At that time in history, of course, Kingship was the norm…the idea of a democratically elected ruler was all but unheard-of.

The society of the Cincinnati was founded in 1783 to preserve fellowship among veterans and promote these republican values.

The name change took effect on January 4, 1790. Cincinnati thus indirectly honors an ancient Roman while directly honoring the Revolutionary War veterans’ society.

You can find the website of The Society of Cininnati here (external link, will open in a new window).

And, of course, here are some Catholic places of interest in Cincinnati  on our site.