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Catholic culture that's fun, informative, & inspirational. ✨ Instagram: churchpop. Also in Spanish, Portuguese, Hungarian, Italian. A service of @EWTNews
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A Catholic priest in Minnesota was visibly overcome during the consecration at a school Mass on the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. While the moment was initially described online as a possible visible Eucharistic miracle, the local pastor later clarified that Father Brent Bowman received a profound, personal grace from the Lord. The powerful video shows Father Bowman struggling with emotion as he celebrates Mass at St. Gabriel the Archangel Catholic Church in Hopkins, Minnesota. It quickly spread across social media, where some viewers called it a “possible eucharistic miracle in the US.” But what happened, the pastor explained, points to an even deeper truth: Jesus is truly present at every Mass. Read more at ✍🏻The Editors 📹: St. Gabriel the Archangel Catholic Church, MN
ChurchPOP109,813 Aufrufe • vor 1 Monat

The Eucharist in Times Square: Procession With Father Mike Schmitz Draws Thousands on NYC Streets Priests, nuns, and laity participated in a massive Eucharistic Procession on the streets of New York City on Oct. 10, 2023. Approximately 5,000 Catholics attended the procession hosted by the Napa Institute for this year's Principled Entrepreneurship Conference. Father Mike Schmitz, the Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries for the Diocese of Duluth, opened the conference with a standing-room-only Mass at Saint Patrick's Cathedral at 4:30 p.m. ET, followed by the Eucharistic procession and Benediction. In his homily, Father Mike said he initially did not want to lead a Eucharistic procession. His students at the University of Minnesota Duluth often ask if they can process with the Eucharist on campus, but he also says no. He fears the general public will not understand the Eucharist or know how to react when the procession passes by. "When I think of a Eucharistic procession, like no, I want them to know this is Jesus. I want them to understand. No, this is the love of God for you in the flesh," Father Mike explained. "This is the love of God who loves you to the point where even if you are his enemy, He's poured out his life for you. In fact, that's what scripture says." He said as Catholics who believe, we will notice Jesus in the Eucharist. However, he encourages the faithful to help the world understand Jesus' Eucharistic Presence. "What God has asked us to do tonight is what he asked Jonah to do," Father Mike said, referencing the Oct. 10 daily Mass readings. "'Go out there and take me [the Eucharist] with you. "Go out there to a world that doesn't notice me [Jesus]– that doesn't understand me [Jesus]--That doesn't accept me. Go out there and just take me [the Eucharist] with you." Father Mike then explained why he wants Jesus to "come in power and glory." "We will all know in that moment when God comes fully revealed and fully present. Everyone will notice. No one will miss him and no one will misunderstand His love," he said. "We will have either chosen to be his friends or we will have chosen to be his enemies." He then concluded his homily saying the procession was an "incredible opportunity" to be Jonah and Simon of Cyrene. "Let this procession be your choice to say, 'God, I want you to recognize me in Your Glory, so I'm going to cling to You.'" Following Mass, Father Mike led Benediction and the Eucharistic procession began from Saint Patrick's Cathedral. New York Auxiliary Bishop Edmund Whalen held the Eucharistic monstrance while priests, religious, and laity followed. Several priests and religious orders attended, including the Sisters for Life, the Franciscan Sisters of the Renewal, Dominican sisters, and clergy from both the Archdiocese of New York and the Diocese of Rockville Centre. Napa Institute representative Grady Connolly told ChurchPOP that attendees said the Eucharistic procession "was one of the most moving experiences of their faith thus far. Many were moved to tears as we processed through Times Square during rush hour with a police escort." Video courtesy of Napa Institute
ChurchPOP746,649 Aufrufe • vor 3 Jahren

This baby’s first pilgrimage to Lourdes came with a moment his family will never forget. As Pope Leo XIV made his way through the sanctuary, little Sylvestre was among dozens of babies lifted up for a papal blessing. In just a few seconds, his family and friends watched a Swiss Guard notice him, bring him closer, and Pope Leo bless him. His first trip to Lourdes. His first blessing from the Pope. Video: Elliot Hartley / EWTN News
ChurchPOP20,366 Aufrufe • vor 22 Tagen

As a boy, Martin Sheen watched Fulton J. Sheen’s groundbreaking Catholic television broadcasts. The future bishop was a familiar face in American homes, delivering talks on faith, morality and Catholic teaching with a striking presence that captured the young actor’s imagination. “He was a TV star. Go figure,” Martin Sheen recalled. “He had prime time, half hour every Tuesday night on one of the major networks.” The actor admitted he did not always grasp every theological point in the archbishop’s presentations. But he understood that Fulton Sheen had something rare: the ability to command an audience. “His manner, his whole person — he was like a Shakespearean actor,” Martin Sheen said. “He was very powerful. These eyes, you know, just burned through the camera.” For the actor, Fulton J. Sheen was proof that conviction and communication could go together, that a man speaking about God could also be captivating. “I didn’t always understand what he was saying, but I loved hearing him and watching him do it,” he said. “I thought that I’ll just grab that name as an inspiration.” Read more at Video Courtesy of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma
ChurchPOP21,893 Aufrufe • vor 25 Tagen

Mother Teresa of Calcutta died on Sept. 5, 1997, at the age of 87. St. John Paul II greeted and blessed St. Teresa in St. Peter's Basilica a few months before, on June 29, 1997. One of the last times these saints were seen together. Today is the tenth anniversary of Mother Teresa’s canonization. Pope Francis declared her a saint on Sept. 4, 2016 — just over a dozen years after she was beatified by her friend and fellow saint, Pope John Paul II. St. Teresa of Calcutta, who was born Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu, gained fame around the world for caring for the poorest of the poor and sharing Christ’s love with them. She founded the Missionaries of Charity, the religious order that carries on her work today around the world.
ChurchPOP23,326 Aufrufe • vor 1 Monat

“I promised St. Francis that, if I was able to bring my children home alive, I would return to thank him and present them to him at the Basilica.” Antônia Keliane’s babies were born at just 28 weeks of pregnancy. In the midst of fear and anguish for her children, this Brazilian mother made a promise to St. Francis: if she could bring them home alive, she would go to the Basilica of St. Francis of the Stigmata in Canindé, Ceará, to give thanks and present them to him. And she has fulfilled that promise. Antônia, from São Domingos do Cariri in the Brazilian state of Paraíba, traveled hundreds of miles to the Basilica of St. Francis of the Stigmata in Canindé, Ceará, to give thanks with her twin sons. In a viral video shared by the Shrine, the mother explained that her twins were born at only 28 weeks. During those difficult days, Antônia made a promise to St. Francis. “They were born at 28 weeks of pregnancy. There were many days of fear and anguish, but faith never left us through any of them. I promised St. Francis that, if I was able to bring my children home alive, I would return to thank him and present them to him at the Basilica.” Read more at ✍🏻Cleiton Ramos 📹: IG @santuariocanindece
ChurchPOP19,165 Aufrufe • vor 1 Monat

A tender moment at St. Elizabeth Parish in Tecumseh, Michigan, is touching viewers far beyond the church walls after a video that now has over a million views on Instagram showed newly ordained Diocese of Lansing priest Fr. Joshua Bauer honoring the two people who first nurtured his call to the priesthood: his parents, Kim and Eric. During his first Mass at his home parish, Fr. Bauer presented his mother with a manutergium—the cloth used to wipe the sacred chrism from the new priest’s hands after the bishop anointed them at ordination. Then, turning to his father, he gave him the stole he wore while hearing his first Confession. The memorable exchange reflects a Catholic tradition that recognizes the profound role parents can play in a priest’s vocation. “Mom and Dad, I can’t thank you enough,” Fr. Bauer said in the viral video. Addressing his mother, he explained the significance of the cloth in his hands. “It’s tradition that when a priest is ordained, the manutergium [goes] to his mom,” he said. “It’s the cloth which soaked up all the sacred chrism the bishop poured on my hands when I was ordained.” Holding out the cloth, Fr. Bauer told his mother why the tradition carries such emotional and spiritual weight. “This is for you, that when you die, it be buried with you,” he said. “And that, when you stand before God, you can show Him that you offered Him your son as a priest.” Then Fr. Bauer turned to his father. Read more at ✍🏻The Editors 📹: IG @dioceseoflansing
ChurchPOP17,837 Aufrufe • vor 1 Monat

Despite severe flooding at St. John the Baptist Parish in Hagonoy, Bulacan, Philippines, Leian Lieza Galang and Gilbert Chico chose to go forward with their Catholic wedding on Sept. 1. With their clothes soaked and fewer than 15 guests present, they stood before the altar and received the Sacrament of Matrimony. The waters rose—but so did their faith. May God bless their marriage with the same courage, perseverance, and love they showed on their wedding day. Please keep this couple—and all those affected by devastating flooding in the Philippines—in your prayers.
ChurchPOP16,393 Aufrufe • vor 1 Monat

A simple conversation between a mother and daughter moved thousands of people on social media in recent days. Aurora surprised her own mother when, with the spontaneity of a child, she described what she experienced during the time she was hospitalized in the ICU. In the video, her mother asks who had cared for her during that difficult time. Without hesitation, Aurora replies: “Jesus’ mother.” Then her mother asks her name. “Mary.” The girl continues: “Mary saved me. She saved you too.” When asked what had happened, Aurora says: “She ran into the ICU.” She then reveals the message she says she heard: “Go home soon.” The simplicity of her responses moved thousands of people, and the video quickly began to be shared by various Catholic accounts. Read more at ✍🏻Cleiton Ramos 📹: IG @princesadetraqueostomia
ChurchPOP19,633 Aufrufe • vor 2 Monaten

The Dangers of a Ouija Board: Exorcist Unveils Catholic Church Teaching on Contacting the Dead Contacting the dead becomes a hot topic of discussion, especially during the Halloween season. The New York Post recently published an article explaining how to "safely" use a Ouija board to contact the dead. However, this is both mortally sinful and dangerous! ChurchPOP contacted Diocese of Nashville exorcist Father Dan Reehil, who explained why mediums, psychics, Ouija boards, occult practices, etc., are "unhealthy for your soul." "When you try to contact your deceased loved ones, you're not really making contact with them. You're usually making contact with a demon, and the demon impersonates your loved one," Father Reehil says. He explains that God sometimes allows the souls in Purgatory "to visit Earth and ask for prayers to help them attain the goal of heaven." However, "this is a very wonderful thing, but rare." Father Reehil then explains that demons are very intelligent and "great deceivers." He says they can watch, listen, and "impersonate incredibly well." "When you think you're talking to your dead grandmother, you're actually speaking to a demon, and then you're inviting them in through that dialogue. Then, they attach to you and give you all sorts of problems. Please don't try to contact the dead." Catholic Church Teaching on Contacting the Dead "God has told us in His word, in the scriptures, that it's offensive to him to try to dialogue with the dead," Father Reehill says. "In the Old Testament Deut. 18, it says, 'Let no one be found among you who practice divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or cast spells, or who is a medium or spiritualist who consults the dead. Anyone, who does these things is detestable to the Lord.' Father Reehil then advises the faithful to turn to the Holy Spirit for information. He says this is the perfect time of year to draw near to the Lord, especially with Christmas approaching. He quotes John 14:26, which says, "The Council of the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in my name will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I've said to you." "Get close to God, particularly during this time of year when there's a lot of demon activity happening," Father Reehil advises. "Love him. Obey Him worship Him." "This pleases God tremendously and your love for God consoles the Sacred Heart of Jesus," he continues. "Can you imagine that we can console Jesus with our with our heartfelt love for Him?" "Have a wonderful Solemnity of All Saints when we honor those who have gone before us and a crown with the victory of Heaven. God bless you."
ChurchPOP135,067 Aufrufe • vor 3 Jahren

Pope Leo could not resist this photo op. At the Catholic University of Central Africa, he stopped in front of a new statue of St. Augustine—depicted in the shape of Africa and holding a book inscribed in Latin with “Tolle lege,” the words heard at his conversion. The Pope blessed the statue and, as seen on the EWTN livestream, carefully positioned himself so Vatican Media could capture the moment, before receiving a miniature version of the statue as a gift.
ChurchPOP32,841 Aufrufe • vor 6 Monaten

After a near-death experience, Catholic actress, model, and television host Joelle Maryn hopes to inspire others in their God-given purpose through her new book, "Become the Fire." Maryn shared her incredible conversion story with ChurchPOP in 2023. She lost everything in a house fire when she was a young girl. She lost her sister and her home, and her parents never fully recovered from the grief. This loss broke her family and her spirit and eventually led to her departure from the Catholic Church. She spent 12 years away but returned to Catholicism after realizing the emptiness the world offers. She experienced a life-changing illumination of conscience during a photo shoot near the Hollywood sign in Los Angeles while wearing a $4000 dress. Since returning to the Catholic Church, she's spent her life dedicated to spreading the Gospel. She is deeply devoted to Our Lady, the rosary, and the Eucharist, and spreads the Gospel and love for the Church through her incredible story. In this new interview, Maryn tells Burkepile that her new book, "Become the Fire" is "about finding out what your purpose is, your mission, your gifts, your graces, and how God wants to use you and how he can even use the worst trial in your life to bring about a greater good." In the book, Maryn discusses the battles we encounter throughout life. "God has a plan for your life, but the enemy's plan is to keep you from God's plan," she says. "When you start to realize the fears, doubts, worries, anxieties in the way– they're blocking the blessings." Maryn also accentuates the importance of recognizing our identity as children of God. "Once you realize you are a child of God, you could say that all day, 'Oh, I'm a child of God.' But when you start walking like, 'I am a child of God. And if someone wants to mess with me, they got to mess with my Daddy!' "When you start walking in that kind of confidence, and you start surrendering your battles to the Lord, and you start forgiving your enemies and letting God handle it, you have freedom in your life," Maryn emphasizes. Maryn says, 'Become the Fire' will help you to "discern how God speaks to you, push past fear and find your purpose, and achieve your God-inspired dreams." "Become the Fire: Push Past Fear and Find Your Purpose" is available on Amazon. Check out the full interview on ChurchPOP's YouTube: Written by Jacqueline Burkepile Jacqueline Burkepile
ChurchPOP77,930 Aufrufe • vor 1 Jahr

Actor Shia LaBeouf Says He's in RCIA Preparing for Confirmation in the Catholic Church "I'm in RCIA. I'm scheduled to be confirmed in seven months and I hope Bishop [Robert] Barron comes down to confirm me. But we'll see. I'm in RCIA right now and once a week I get on the horn with Fr. Bobby and we talk shop." More:
ChurchPOP138,933 Aufrufe • vor 3 Jahren

This was one of the most joyful and electric welcomes Pope Leo has received in Africa. The city of Mongomo greeted him with a smoke-filled entrance worthy of a major sports final. The energy took him by surprise, and he felt it so strongly that he broke from the schedule to give an improvised speech to the crowd.
ChurchPOP24,132 Aufrufe • vor 6 Monaten