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, camethe 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?
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.
Our 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),
The 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”
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?
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.
World Chess names Saint Teresa of Avila as Patron Saint of Chess
In a historic moment for the global chess community, World Chess in March 2025 officially introduced Saint Theresa of Avila as the Patron Saint of Chess, bringing the game into a centuries-old tradition of sports and cultural patronage.
Chess is one of the world’s oldest and most intellectually demanding games, World Chess has discovered and now formally introduced St. Teresa of Avila as the Patron Saint of Chess, a move that acknowledges the game’s deep historical and cultural significance—especially in Catholic countries where chess has been a cornerstone of intellectual and social life for centuries.
Saint Teresa of Avila was celebrated as patron saint of chess for years, but this announcement is the first formal recognition of a saint associated with World Chess, placing chess within a broader historical, religious, and cultural framework. We are not talking Sainthood with a capital “S”, since she is already a Saint in the Catholic Church; but rather in a more worldly sense.
“Checkmate” by Joaquín María Herrer y Rodríguez
Saint Teresa herself used chess as a metaphor for intellectual and spiritual growth, writing that success in life, much like success on the board, depends on careful planning, patience, and understanding long-term consequences. Her teachings align closely with the structured thinking and problem-solving skills that make chess one of the most respected mind sports in the world.
This recognition is particularly significant in Catholic-majority countries, where chess has long been a respected intellectual pursuit. Nations such as Spain, Italy, Poland, Argentina, and the Philippines have deep-rooted chess traditions, with strong federations, legendary grandmasters, and vibrant local scenes that have produced world-class players. The introduction of St. Teresa of Avila as chess’s patron saint further strengthens the cultural connection between the game and Catholic heritage.
“Chess has shaped history, from royal courts to Cold War diplomacy, but in many Catholic countries, it has also been an essential part of education, philosophy, and social life,” said Ilya Merenzon, CEO of World Chess. “Recognizing St. Teresa of Avila as the Patron Saint of Chess is an acknowledgment of the game’s profound intellectual and cultural role, especially in the nations where it has been played for centuries.”
About World Chess:
World Chess is the leading chess company that is developing and reinventing chess for the modern consumer — more than 600 million of them, combining tradition and innovation to create experiences that engage.
To mark the occasion, World Chess is launching a series of initiatives, including:
Official iconography of St. Teresa of Avila as the Patron Saint of Chess
A collector’s edition chess set and first edition of the official icon
A global tournament series in her honor, bringing together top players and rising talents
Cultural and academic discussions on chess’s role in philosophy, history, and education
With chess experiencing a resurgence in popularity—spurred by online platforms, streaming, and mainstream cultural interest—this recognition further cements its status as one of the most enduring intellectual pursuits in history.
About World Chess
World Chess is a global leader in chess innovation, tournaments, and cultural initiatives. By organizing elite competitions, developing new formats, and elevating chess as both a sport and an intellectual pursuit, World Chess is shaping the future of the game. The company’s shares are traded on London Stock Exchange: LSE:CHSS.
2025 will be a Jubilee Year, with an opportunity to get a plenary indulgence.
It was announced by Pope John Paul II at the end of the Great Jubilee (December 24, 1999 to January 6, 2001), that there will be a jubilee year every 25 years. Therefore, the year 2025 will be a Jubilee Year, beginning on December 24, 2024 and ending on January 6, 2026.
What is a Jubilee Year?
A Jubilee Year is a special year of grace, in which the Catholic Church offers the faithful the possibility of asking for a plenary indulgence (the remission of sins for themselves or for deceased relatives). A bit different from the secular calendar, the Jubilee Year year starts on December 24.
The most well-known rite that starts the Jubilee Year is the opening of the Holy Door in Saint Peter’s Basilica. Normally walled up, the door was opened at that time.
This was followed on successive days by opening the Holy Doors on the other 3 Major Basilicas: Saint John Lateran, Saint Paul Outside the Walls and Saint Mary Major.
These doors will remain open until the end of the Jubilee, when they are once again walled up. Those walking through these holy doors will receive a plenary indulgence.
There are no diocesan holy doors; However, a person can make a pilgrimage to any cathedral to receive the same indulgence. Also, a bishop can designate certain types of shrines for the same indulgence.
You can find the official Vatican Jubilee Year 2025 website here.
It is open to boys ages 6 to 18 years old. Fathers are welcome to join their sons since the activities of the camp are wonderful occasions to reinforce the bonds between them.
Each activity organized within this group is intended to develop the natural virtues of the children considered as the foundation of divine grace. Mass, the Sacred Liturgy, prayer, vocational discernment, games, sports and evening relaxation are part of the daily activities.
Virtues fostered by St. Michael’s Patrol are:
Honor, Service, Self-Giving, Leadership and Friendship….all moved by Charity.
The camp will take place from Wednesday, July 23 – Saturday, July 26 at the beautiful Rancho Los Mochos in Livermore (18450 Mines Road) in Livermore, California.
PRICE: $70.00 1st person, other persons $20 each. Price of 1st camper covers the fee of using the campsite, logistical fees, and food. Price of additional campers (father and/or sons) simply covers the cost of food.
If you watched the Inauguration, you saw “America’s Tenor”, Christopher Macchio, singing the national anthem.
This wasn’t be Macchio’s first time performing for the President-elect. He previously joined Trump at the Republican’s October 2024 Madison Square Garden rally, where he delivered a powerful rendition of Frank Sinatra’s “New York, New York.” He also sang at Trump’s second Butler, Pennsylvania rally, as well as the 2020 GOP convention
He led a group to Italy with Select International Tours in 2024, and they had a fantastic trip!
Now he is taking a group to Greece in September…..it’s bound to fill up fast!
The idea of buying territory is foreign to our U.S. way of thinking in the 21st century…..foreign, except for Donald J. Trump, who suddenly stunned the world by proposing that the U.S. should buy Greenland (currently a possession of Denmark). Love him or hate him, we are all used to the sudden statements coming from the mouth of Mr. Trump. Obviously those outbursts haven’t hurt him, since he was inaugurated (for the second time) as President of the United States.
But is it really such a crazy idea? Are there any precedents for this?
Over the course of time, the United States has acquired territory through purchase, conflict, and compromise.
Some of the territories the U.S. has purchased include:
Louisiana (1803): Purchased from France for $15 million (doubling the size of the U.S.)
Florida (1819): Purchased from Spain (in the land deal of the century, Spain received no compensation…United States merely agreed to assume liability for $5 million in damage done by American citizens who had rebelled against Spain.)
Gadsden Purchase (1853): United States agreed to pay Mexico $10 million for a 29,670 square mile portion of Mexico that later became part of Arizona and New Mexico.
Alaska (1867): the purchase of Alaska from the Russian Empire for a sum of $7.2 million. It was dubbed “Seward’s Folly” at the time, after the Secretary of State who put the deal together. The purchase was controversial because many Americans thought the land was worthless and uninhabitable.
U.S. Virgin Islands (1917): Purchased from Denmark for $25 million (yes, the same Denmark that now owns Greenland).
In addition, The U.S. has also acquired territory through conflict, for example Texas (1845), Hawaii (1898) and Guam (1898).
So, perhaps this suggestion is not quite as crazy as it sounds. Greenland is actually closer to the U.S. than Denmark and the rest of Europe, which makes it a possible partner in national defense (there is already a U.S. Air Force Base on Greenland) but perhaps equally important is the possible mineral wealth (especially rare earth metals) underneath the permafrost that covers much of Greenland. The battle over these world-wide promises to increase every year. And, it looks like the U.S. has done business with Denmark in the past…the U.S. Virgin Islands being an example.
So, what has all this to do with Catholic travel?
Well, it has brought public interest in Greenland, a territory of Denmark, which we suspect many people are not very well familiar. Yes, Greenland is an island (the largest in the world), with a surface area of 836,330 square miles (2,166,086 square kilometers), making it dwarf the country of France (551,695 square kilometers or 213,011 square miles) or the State of Texas (268,597 square miles).
Some 75% of Greenland is covered in ice, which would account for its low population density. The entire population of Greenland was 56,865 in 2023, according to World Bank records.
The whole island is under the jurisdiction of the Diocese of Copenhagen, Denmark.
There’s a lot of confusion over luggage limitations when flying, particularly for passengers from the U.S.A. Changes are inevitable, and it can be difficult to plan for your trip when you don’t quite know the rules.
If you have been on social media lately, you have probably seen a lot of talk about changes to airline carry-on rules. Many posts say things like, “60% of all carry-on luggage no longer meets the airline restrictions” or “TSA Banning New Items.”
There’s nothing worse than having to unload your carry-on while standing in line to check in at the airport and then stuff most of it in your checked bags..or even worse, having to throw it away (not to mention the looks you get from the people behind you!).
Some airlines have changed the dimensions of acceptable carry-on luggage and may be stricter about enforcing carry-on rules, including weight limits.
However, this is not universal, and you should be certain to confirm your airline’s rules close to travel for the best guidance.most of the information we’ve seen floating around online is clickbait at best and downright misinformation at worst. Reliable sources are hard to find.
While we read and hear much about the war in Gaza and beyond, it is nice to hear some good news from the Holy Land. Recently, a new church was consecrated at , the site of the Baptism of Jesus. The site has been recognized by the Catholic church for years as the actual spot of the baptism of Our Lord, and now there is a new church dedicated to the baptism. Bethany Beyond the Jordan, in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, has seen the dedication of a new church on January 10, 2025.
The church was built of tafouhi, a yellowish stone from Hebron in the West Bank, while its stained-glass windows were made in Lebanon in a style intended to resemble that of the medieval Chartres Cathedral in France. It is the largest church in the Middle East, with a capacity of over 1,000.
The altar consecrated by Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Parolin at the inaugural Mass houses the relics of Pope St. John Paul II and the Holy Martyrs of Damascus.
Cardinal Pietro Parolin officiated at the consecration of the altar…….also attended by the patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, and Prince Ghazi bin Muhammad, son of Prince Muhammad bin Talal of Jordan. the dedication was attended by some 6,000 faithful, including around 1,000 inside the building — according to an estimate by the Jordan Tourism Board. Among them were around 100 priests and 15 bishops from several countrie
It also reflected the Hashemite kingdom of Jordan’s determination to establish itself as an essential stop-off point for pilgrims to the Holy Land, as well as a haven of peace for the world’s Christian faithful, who are increasingly reluctant to travel to a region torn apart by geopolitical and ethnic-religious conflicts. Jordan remains a bright spot among so many tragic stories.
“So many biblical events and figures meet here that we could say that this place embraces the entire expectation of the Old Testament as directed to the coming of Christ, the manifestation of the Father,” said the Vatican’s secretary of state, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, at the ceremony of consecration of the altar on Friday morning,
