Blessed José de Anchieta José de Anchieta was born in 1534 on Tenerife in the Canary Islands. José first went to study in Portugal when he was 14 years old at the Royal College of Arts in Coimbra. Intensely religious, he felt the vocation for priesthood and sought admission in 1551 to the Jesuit College of the University of Coimbra. He entered the Jesuit Order and in 1553, when he was just nineteen years old, Anchieta was chosen to travel to the colony of Brazil. Ordained in 1566, he served as the Superior of Communities and Principal of all missions in Brazil; work which was done with great wisdom and safety. A highly influential figure in Brazil's history José de Anchieta is considered the first Brazilian writer. He founded both São Paulo, in 1554, and Rio de Janiero in 1565. José de Anchieta died in 1597 whereupon he received the title of "Apostle of Brazil". Blessed José de Anchieta, Apostle of Brazil, pray for us!To find out more about this year’s World Youth Day, visit wydcentral.org Image courtesy of rio2013.com
Carlo Acutis was ahead of his time, and a part of our time. He inspires us to present the faith in creative ways, as well as to seek holiness in the joys and struggles of every day life.
Raising your child in the Christian faith is a beautiful challenge, but also a real trial in a world where digital distractions are all over. Carlo Acutis offers us and our children an inspiring example.
In his Wednesday General Audience, Pope Francis continued this cycle of catechesis on "Jesus Christ our Hope," as part of the Jubilee 2025. This week he reflected on the Magnificat, the Virgin Mary's Song of Praise after she is greeted by her cousin Elizabeth.
For the Jubilee of Hope, there are designated local pilgrimage sites in every country, and Canada is no exception. How is a local pilgrimage site determined? The local bishop can designate any parish, shrine, or basilica in his territory as a Jubilee Year pilgrimage site.
Reflecting on the vision given to St. Joseph in the Gospel of Matthew, Pope Francis said that "He dreams of the miracle that God fulfils in Mary’s life, and also the miracle that he works in his own life: to take on a fatherhood capable of guarding, protecting, and passing on a material and spiritual inheritance."