I tramezzi affrescati, meraviglie rinascimentali tra Lombardia e Piemonte. Ci riportano direttamente a un mondo perduto, quello antecedente al concilio di Trento. Una storia di arte e fede, un viaggio alla ricerca di questi grandi capolavori nel Nord-ovest d’Italia. . I tramezzi affrescati si ritrovano nelle chiese monastiche erette prima del concilio di Trento, indetto da papa Paolo III e svoltosi tra il 1545 e il 1563, in genere caratterizzate da una netta divisione tra la zona riservata ai religiosi e quella aperta ai fedeli. Questa separazione era affidata a strutture in muratura, in genere chiamate tramezzi o jubé, che il concilio decise di far abbattere per privilegiare un ambiente aperto, con l’altare come fulcro dello spazio liturgico. Tuttavia, in alcune chiese dell’area alpina questa modifica non fu attuata, in particolare in quelle fondate dai Francescani osservanti nel corso del Quattrocento. In questi edifici, a differenza di quanto accadeva per esempio nell’Italia centrale …More
"Doing good without making noise". There are people who, without publishing any book, have a great impact on the lives of many others. The Catholic Church is full of women who apparently did not shine in life, but who sowed many hearts with love. Sister Mercedes Pacheco is one of these. A woman from Tucumán named Mercedes del Carmen Pacheco (1867-1943), in her youth, listens to the considerations and explanations of the encyclicals of Pope Leo XIII (1810-1903) in the temples, where the grave dangers of those times are warned. The words of the Pontiff are forceful: "Fidelity to God, unity of the Church and defense of the rights of workers, especially workers.". Full of courage and fervor, moved by the words of Leo XIII, Mercedes Pacheco became a fervent disciple and executor of the papal message in the very heart of the province of Tucumán, located in the north of Argentina. When he was only 19 years old, he presented himself to the ecclesiastical authorities to offer his services, …More
The latest pro-life and pro-family victories (June – September 2025) Below we report the main news related to the period from June to September 2025. Pro-life and pro-family victories in the world PENNSYLVANIA The University of Pennsylvania has canceled the records set by transgender swimmer Lia Thomas, apologizing to the "disadvantaged" athletes from her participation in women's competitions. It also established that it will not allow men to compete in women's sports and that it will adopt "biology-based" definitions of male and female. The medical school of the same university has announced that the institution's medical school will no longer perform sex change procedures on minors suffering from gender dysphoria. WASHINGTON The Children's National Hospital, the state's main hospital, stops the prescription of puberty blockers and hormones to children suffering from gender dysphoria. EL SALVADOR The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Karla Edith Trigueros…More
He was let off the train with his suitcases in the middle of the desert: it was his last minutes as an atheist. After a week in Marocco, Birzer decided to return to Austria and his friends chose to stay a little longer, so they separated in Fez. Brad didn't know it then, but the events that would lead to his conversion were about to happen. In an article in The Imaginative Conservative: Surprised by faith: my Moroccan odyssey, Bradley J. Birzer, professor of History at Hillsdale College in Michigan, tells about a fatal mistake... or not. An overwhelming situation: the train leaves and you are left alone in the middle of nowhere.
No Flotilla for persecuted Christians An extermination is underway in Nigeria that does not appear in the pages of the newspapers. Thousands of Christians are victims of systematic, violent and unpunished persecution. Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary of the Holy See for Relations with States, denounced the indifference of the international community, constantly closing its eyes to rapes, kidnappings, escapes and the destruction of the Christian community. The silence of governments and public opinion, which could and should intervene, is disarming. A pleasant exception was that of Bill Maher, a well-known critic of American Christianity, who intervened a few days ago calling the persecution of Christians in Nigeria an "attempted genocide" and accusing the media of not talking about it. Recent reports document a dramatic situation especially in the north of the country and in the central areas, where jihadist militias and Fulani pastors carry out attacks against Christian …More
Il giorno dopo la sua conversione, un giovane cristiano viene assassinato da suo fratello Mercoledì 1 settembre, un dramma ha colpito la città di Mbale, nell'est dell'Uganda. Shafiki Wasike, 19 anni, è stato accoltellato a morte dal proprio fratello, solo un giorno dopo aver abbracciato la fede cristiana. Akram Kairoki, studente del terzo anno al liceo di Mbale, ha attaccato suo fratello mentre andavano insieme a scuola. L'ha pugnalato due volte, al petto e vicino alle costole. Jonathan Kabaale, compagno di classe della vittima, ha riportato le sue ultime parole: "Perché mio fratello dovrebbe pugnalarmi - non gli ho fatto niente di male. È solo il fatto di aver cambiato la mia fede e di essermi unito alla fede cristiana. Poco dopo, il giovane è morto per le ferite riportate all'ospedale regionale di Mbale. Originario del villaggio di Bujoloto, nel quartiere di Nkoma a Mbale, Wasike aveva deciso di seguire Cristo il 31 agosto, durante un incontro evangelico all'aperto. "Wasike era …More
La cattedrale di Nantes riapre cinque anni dopo l'incendio doloso
Nantes Cathedral Reopens Five Years After Arson After five years of restoration following the 2020 arson attack, Nantes’ Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral reopened on September 27 with a grand celebratory Mass. Bishop Laurent Percerou presided over the first service attended by bishops, the apostolic nuncio, and local dignitaries. The bishop thanked all those who contributed to rebuilding the cathedral, saying their work added to “authentic beauty.” He said the work of “architects, masons, stonemasons, electricians” enabled the reopening of the Cathedral, “still convalescing but standing firm, ready to regain its rightful place in the city.”
Nantes Cathedral Reopens Five Years After Arson After five years of restoration following the 2020 arson attack, Nantes’ Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral reopened on September 27 with a grand celebratory Mass. Bishop Laurent Percerou presided over the first service attended by bishops, the apostolic nuncio, and local dignitaries. The bishop thanked all those who contributed to rebuilding the cathedral, saying their work added to “authentic beauty.” He said the work of “architects, masons, stonemasons, electricians” enabled the reopening of the Cathedral, “still convalescing but standing firm, ready to regain its rightful place in the city.”
Earthquake Kills at least 69, Historic Church Crumbles in Philippines. The death toll from the 6.9-magnitude earthquake that rocked central Philippines climbed to 69 by Wednesday, October 1, 2025, as rescue teams raced against time to find survivors in the aftermath of one of the country’s most powerful quakes in a decade. The tremor struck late Tuesday, its shallow epicenter just off Cebu’s coast, plunging neighborhoods into darkness and leaving buildings battered. The total number of missing remained uncertain. Among the most heartbreaking scenes was the partial collapse of the centuries-old Parish of Saint Peter the Apostle in Bantayan. Social media videos captured the church’s historic facade crumbling under flickering lights, a stark testament to the quake’s force. As the structure gave way, onlookers scattered in fear. Chaos swept through the streets, with residents fleeing their homes and a fire erupting at a Cebu mall. In the wake of the disaster, Archbishop Alberto Uy of Cebu …More
A Catholic priest opens the House of Representatives of the United States with a prayer On September 30, 2025, Father Charles Trullols, Director of the Catholic Information Center in Washington, D.C., appeared at the United States House of Representatives and opened the session with a solemn prayer. As he traced the Sign of the Cross, his voice resoded in the classroom, invoking the Trinity and inviting a sense of reverence among the 435 Representatives gathered. His words invoked guidance, unity and wisdom as the nation approached its 250th anniversary, reminding all present of the lasting foundation of faith and the hope of a just and peaceful future. "As we prepare to celebrate the 250th anniversary of our nation, we thank You for being its foundation, knowing that without You we are powerless. Holy Spirit, light the fire of your love in our legislators. May their work be dedicated to truth, life and peace. Pursue him with unity and altruism. May this Capitol, a beacon of light for …More
The auxiliary bishop of Madrid José Antonio Álvarez Sánchez dies of a heart attack at the age of 50. José María Álvarez (Pepe Álvarez for many) was the rector of the major seminary since 2015, and therefore a reference figure for the young clergy and seminarians. Previously, from 2005 to 2014, he was personal secretary of César Franco, when he was auxiliary bishop of Madrid (today he is bishop emeritus of Segovia). He often referred to him as a model. Bishop Álvarez was also, for many years, spiritual director of the MovimientoCursillos de Cristiandad. He was appointed auxiliary bishop of Madrid by Pope Francis on April 23, 2024 and consecrated bishop on July 6, 2024 in the Almudena Cathedral. In the Episcopal Conference he became part of the Commission of Laity, Family and Life. His episcopal motto was "Follow me," which he related to his priestly motto "Lord, you know everything, you know that I love you." In his heraldic emblem as bishop he alluded to the Cross, the Resurrection …More
In Slovakia only two sexes, Alessandro Zan goes crazy We live in strange times when biology must be defended in the Constitution. It is time to do so and Slovakia, in a democratic and sovereign way, has decided to approve a constitutional amendment in which only two sexes are recognized, those "biologically determined male and female". The modification was hailed as at the forefront by many exponents, believers and non-believers, feminists and evolutionists. The law that will come into force on November 1 will limit only to "severe" cases access to the now discredited "gender medicine", which provides for the administration of drugs and hormones to block the puberty of minors and the mutilation of healthy body parts to try to resemble the opposite sex. It also imposes a constitutional ban on surrogacy and adoption is limited to married couples only and who guarantee the sexual difference. Finally, the constitutional text establishes that the Slovak State exercises national sovereignty …More
He studied Theology and wanted to apply it to carpentry: this young man seeks to rescue "Catholic beauty John Hayden is 27 years old, is from Butte, Montana (USA) and has a natural gift for working with his hands. He learned carpentry in a self-taught way and since he was a child he enjoyed building "small objects". Hayden came to spend some time in Canada working with an expert carpenter. Although his academic interests led him to study Theology at the International Theological Institute (ITI) in Austria, carpentry remained a constant thread in his life, and Hayden often found himself making furniture for friends and students in his spare time. Until two years ago, that passion found a "Catholic" expression. The young carpenter learned that in his parish of St. Richard, in Columbia Falls, needed two credentials (small auxiliary tables used in the Eucharist), Hayden offered to build them, becoming his first liturgical carpentry project. "I saw this as an incredible opportunity to combine …More
Lord, a haven of peace to recover the spirit, just 2 hours from Barcelona and accessible only on foot “Solo Javier,” the documentary written and directed by Josepmaria Anglès about the life and story of Javier Sartorius, continues to achieve box office success. In its opening weekend alone, it grossed €44,000 with just 17 copies in circulation. According to El Blog de Cine Español, the film, distributed by Bosco Films, is on track to become one of the highest-grossing documentaries of the year. But the film offers more than just cinematic merit: with its release, the secluded sanctuary of Lord in Lleida, a key location in Sartorius’ life, may become a new hotspot and spiritual tourism destination in Spain. A remote sanctuary with a deep story The history of this remote site begins in 1971, when the Catholic Community of Sta. María de Lord — a public association of the faithful with a monastic-diocesan lifestyle — settled in the iconic sanctuary of Mare de Déu de Lord, an acronym for …More
Santuario de Nuestra Señora de Lord. The natural enclave of the monastery is a real feast for the senses. Cloud swirls change the tone of a multitude of plant species. The reservoir of the Llosa del Cavall contributes to generating a natural mirror of a magical landscape. The liturgical celebrations escape the current frantic pace and are framed in a temple that adorns prayer
From Priest in Jerez to Commander of the Royal Guard: “I Officiate Weddings for Guards Across Spain” Iván Cote is 47 years old, from Jerez (Spain), a priest and a commander in the Royal Guard. Tireless in his work, with a great ability to empathize with others, he left his homeland and embarked on the adventure of carrying out his ministry in the military sphere. A special moment in Cote’s life took place on April 9, when King Felipe VI awarded him the Order of Civil Merit. That very same day marked nine years since his ordination as a priest. Honored by King Felipe VI A recognition that acknowledged his work not only in the sacramental sphere, but also as a source of human support and a promoter of important social and charitable initiatives. “In addition to serving as pastor of the well-known parish of San Juan Bautista de Mingorrubio, I provide service in various areas, all under the House of His Majesty the King: the three military bases — Rey, Reina, and Princesa — associated …More
Christmas in the Vatican: the nativity scene will be pro-life It will be inaugurated on December 15, 2025 and will remain on display in the Paul VI Hall until January 6, 2026, a beautiful initiative that blends the Christmas tradition with a message of hope and life. 28 thousand tapes, lives saved by abortion To communicate it is the Costa Rican artist Paula Sáenz, who created a scene that measures five meters long, three meters deep and two and a half high, entitled "Gaudium" (Joy). The representation includes two interchangeable figures of the Virgin Mary: one pregnant during Advent, a symbol of expectation and hope, and the other in adoration of the Child Jesus on Christmas night. Next to it will be 28 thousand white ribbons, each dedicated to a life saved from abortion thanks to the prayer and commitment of institutions that support motherhood. Collaboration between the Vatican and the Costa Rican embassy The work was realized thanks to the collaboration between the Costa Rican …More
Catholics kneel in prayer outside Planned Parenthood for the unborn Hundreds of Catholics gathered in Pittsburgh for the Eucharistic procession of the "40 Days for Life". Kneeling in front of Planned Parenthood, they recited the Rosary for the protection of unborn children. Father Jason led the prayer, while people stood up in silence, in a peaceful testimony against abortion. Pittsburgh's "40 Days for Life" campaign, part of a global initiative that repeats every spring and fall, focuses on prayer, fasting and raising awareness to protect the lives of unborn childs. Since 2007, the organizers say the movement has helped save over 25,000 children and close abortion centers around the world through non-violent actions
Anti-Christian acts: 86 senators say "enough" and appeal "It is urgent to set up a national system for reporting and accompanying victims of anti-Christian acts, accessible to the general public, readable and effective" This appeal, launched by 86 senators led by Sylviane Noël, comes at a time when attacks against churches and faithful continue to grow in France. The latest figures are final: between January and May 2025, 322 anti-Christian acts were recorded, compared to 284 over the same period in 2024, an increase of 13%. Even more alarming, attacks directly targeting people have almost doubled in a year. In the dioceses, the priests, the faithful and volunteers who keep the parishes alive now feel left to themselves, in a deafening media silence. In this deleterious climate, 86 senators took up the pen and published their appeal on the Boulevard Voltaire website. Their text calls on the government to put in place concrete means to protect Christians in France. Their appeal underlines …More
The 7th shrine dedicated to Mary, mother of persecuted Christians, will open in Iraq In the heart of Iraq’s Christian homeland, a new sanctuary is taking shape. Qaraqosh, once emptied of its Christian population by the advance of ISIS, will soon host one of only seven shrines in the world dedicated to Mary, Mother of Persecuted Christians. Its location is no coincidence. Eleven years ago to the day of the sanctuary’s announcement, the city’s ancient Syriac Catholic community fled in the night, leaving homes, churches, and centuries of tradition behind. ISIS had already issued an ultimatum to Christians in nearby Mosul: convert to Islam, pay the jizya tax, or face death. Qaraqosh knew what was coming. For two years, ISIS turned Christian sanctuaries into firing ranges and military outposts. The liberation of Qaraqosh in 2016 by the Popular Mobilization Forces—predominantly Shiite militias—brought an end to jihadist rule but not to hardship. Christians began returning to a city in ruins …More
Church in Ireland reports steady growth in seminarians with 77 now in formation The fact that 13 more men have begun seminary this year “is really heartening,” and they bring the total number of seminarians in Ireland to 77, chair Bishop Alphonsus Cullinan said in a Sept. 25 statement. “We thank God for each of them.” Last November, the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference promoted a “come and see” weekend retreat for young men discerning a priestly vocation, as CatholicVote previously reported. Attendees would have the opportunity to pray with current seminarians, learn more about the seminary formation program, and meet other men considering a vocation to the priesthood. Father Willie Purcell, the National Diocesan vocations coordinator, also welcomed the 13 new seminarians in a Sept. 25 statement. “The thirteen men who are beginning their vocational journey by entering the propaedeutic year demonstrates to the world that God never ceases to call men to diocesan priesthood,” he …More