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Articles by Maria Marks
Pope Leo XIV moved to tears by testimonies of faith and hope during Argentina visit
ROSARIO, Argentina (OSV News) -- "Don't Cry for Me, Argentina," the famous line goes. But during Pope Leo XIV's four days in the country, he made millions of Argentines cry -- and they repeatedly brought him to tears in return. Public emotion is hardly foreign to Argentina. In its soccer stadiums, strangers embrace and grown men weep without embarrassment. During the papal visit, those emotions spilled into streets as millions cheered, prayed and cried.
Mass removed from Cardinal Tobin's kidney is benign; 'no further treatment is needed'
Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin of Newark, N.J., speaks at St. Lucy's Church in Newark Jan. 13, 2025, during an interfaith gathering of religious leaders committed to supporting immigrants facing the threat of mass deportation by the Trump administration. Cardinal Tobin continues to recover after surgery Oct. 29, 2026, to remove a mass from his kidney and "will refrain from public appearances for several weeks," the archdiocese says, adding that "the procedure went as planned." (OSV News photo/Gregory A.
In Brief: St. Paul on the Lake students participate in interactive saint walk
GROSSE POINTE FARMS – In honor of All Saints' Day, students at St. Paul on the Lake Catholic School turned their school into an educational pilgrimage, creating their first-ever Saints Walk. The school celebrated by setting up a Walk with the Saints; teachers and students in each classroom decorated their doors, hallways and lockers with pictures and information about a saint.
'Investing God's Gifts': Archbishop Weisenburger's Homily (33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time)
What if the greatest risk to our faith is taking no risk at all? In this homily for November 15, 2026, the 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Archbishop Weisenburger reflects on the treasure God has entrusted to each of us. We’re called not to bury it for safekeeping, but to invest it boldly and generously in love, mercy, charity and forgiveness. Proverbs 31:10-13, 19-20, 30-31 Psalm 128:1-2, 3, 4-5 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6 Matthew 25:14-30 Copy Permalink Suggested reading
Schroeder’s second straight win leads Catholic League cross-country state meet performances
BROOKLYN — In case anyone didn’t learn last year: never, ever count out Samantha Schroeder. For the second year in a row, the veteran distance runner from Jackson Lumen Christi became a state champion, winning the MHSAA Division 3 cross-country championship race in exciting come-from-behind fashion. When she reached the two-mile point of the 5-kilometer (3.1 mile) course at Michigan International Speedway, Schroeder trailed leader Caelyn Torry of McBain by 12 seconds.
Pope Leo XIV's Mass in Chiclayo an emotional reunion with his 'beloved' diocese
CHICLAYO, Peru (OSV News) -- In an emotional homecoming, Pope Leo XIV returned to Chiclayo, the Peruvian diocese he once led, celebrating a Mass Nov. 13 attended by hundreds of thousands of people who were overjoyed to be reunited with their former bishop. "What a joy it is to return to Chiclayo! It is a blessing for me to be with you once again," Pope Leo said in his homily.
Defying the 'enrollment cliff,' Catholic universities lean into their mission
(OSV News) -- Among Catholic colleges that have so far survived the "demographic cliff" -- a steep decline in the number of university-age students, owing to fewer births following 2008's Great Recession -- there runs a familiar theme: Lean into your Catholic mission.
Pope Leo defies machismo culture in Peru, calls for respect and protection of women, families
LIMA, Peru (OSV News) ─ Pope Leo XIV underlined the need for women to be treated with respect in a speech outside the Lima cathedral Nov. 12 that touched on the issues of domestic violence, division of labor in the home, and families in crisis.
Capuchin Retreat Center brings goats into the fold for new land care initiative
Inspired by Franciscan model, Capuchin friars partner with ecological nonprofits to promote 'regenerative land care' WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP — The Franciscan ethic of care for creation is flourishing at the Capuchin Retreat Center in Washington Township. Situated on 95 acres of meadow and wooded land, the center is home to turkeys, deer, groundhogs — and now, goats.
Named for Pope Leo's late mother, Peruvian goddaughter joins crowds for homecoming as volunteer
LIMA, Peru (OSV News) – Though she bears the name of Pope Leo XIV's late mother, Mildred Camacho says she prefers to be among the crowds rather than in the front row to welcome her godfather back to Peru. "Beyond formal receptions and official greetings – which of course I would have loved – deep down, I really wanted to experience the crowd, the lively commotion, with everyone cheering and celebrating.
3 million people give Pope Leo XIV a warm welcome as he arrives in Peru, his home for two decades
LIMA, Peru (OSV News) -- Pope Leo XIV arrived in Lima Nov. 11 for the much-anticipated final leg of his 12-day apostolic journey to South America, landing in the country that the pope described as "one of my many homes." The visit marks Pope Leo's first return to Peru since his election and brings him back to a country where he spent two decades that shaped his ministry as an Augustinian missionary and bishop in Peru.
More than 80 theologians, educators urge US bishops to publicly oppose Iran war
(OSV News) ─ Over 80 theologians are urging the nation's Catholic bishops to publicly oppose the U.S. war on Iran, days before the bishops are set to gather for their annual fall meeting. "More than seven months into this de-humanizing war, we respectfully ask you and your brother bishops to speak with still greater clarity, urgency, and unity against further warfare and to offer a compelling public witness to the nonviolence of the Gospels and ways of just peace," said the group in its Nov.
Pope Leo tells Argentine youth: Stand firm, become saints, 'go and proclaim'
BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (OSV News) -- Nearly four decades after young Argentines filled the streets of Buenos Aires for a historic World Youth Day with St. John Paul II, over 1 million gathered in the same city Nov. 10 for an outdoor prayer vigil with Pope Leo XIV. The atmosphere recalled that 1987 gathering: a celebration of faith drawing young people who came with Catholic movements, parishes and families, while others arrived alone.
A generational tradition: Choir director and his family bring sacred music to life
As a young man in Vietnam, Chu Tran developed devotion, talent for conducting sacred music and a deep love for God WARREN —When South Vietnam fell to the North in 1975, Chu Tran was a young man with a love of sacred music and a devotion to his Catholic faith. He spent his life in his homeland honing his passion as a choir director before arriving in Detroit.
Catholic Charities key in the fight to house declining numbers of homeless veterans
(OSV News) ─ While a recent federal government housing statistics report found a 56% decline in homelessness among veterans ─ from 2009 through 2025 ─ local Catholic Charities around the country continue the fight to get them housed. Catholic Charities USA, a national network of local Catholic Charities agencies, has multiple veterans' housing programs established across dioceses with funding mainly from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and in partnership with other housing organizations.
In Pope Francis' homeland, his successor carries forward a legacy of prioritizing the poor
BUENOS AIRES (CNS) – With seven mouths to feed, Mirta Franco Godoy knew she had to find work fast. In 2001, Argentina's economy came crashing down amid mounting public debt, economic instability and a run on the country's banks. Her family had previously managed to get by with odd jobs, including tailoring and seamstress work. But as the economic crisis deepened, those earnings were no longer enough.
Choir director and his family bring sacred music to life at Our Lady of Grace Parish
As a young man in Vietnam, Chu Tran developed devotion, talent for conducting sacred music and a deep love for God WARREN —When South Vietnam fell to the North in 1975, Chu Tran was a young man with a love of sacred music and a devotion to his Catholic faith. He spent his life in his homeland honing his passion as a choir director before arriving in Detroit.
Pope recalls Argentine saints in Córdoba; priest says apostolic trip like 'new Pentecost'
(OSV News) -- Pope Leo XIV traveled to Córdoba in central Argentina, where he recalled the example of Argentina's saints -- who spread the Gospel and tirelessly served peoples in a rugged frontier -- while emphasizing the enduring importance of missions. Celebrating Mass outside an aircraft manufacturing facility on the outskirts of Argentina's second-largest city on Nov.
Michigan native’s advocacy helped make federal education tax credit a reality
Native son of Kalamazoo diocese honored by NCEA for role in persuading Congress to approve new policy to benefit students KALAMAZOO — Anthony J.
Cardinal Tobin 'continues to recover' after successful surgery, grateful for prayers
NEWARK, N.J. (OSV News) ─ Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin of Newark continues to recover from surgery he underwent Oct. 29 to remove a mass from his kidney and will not be making public appearances for some weeks, an Archdiocese of Newark spokesperson confirmed Nov. 9. The spokesperson told OSV News that an update on his condition posted to the archdiocesan website a few days after his surgery remained current.
Pope Leo holds up Argentine businessman as a model of lay holiness
BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (OSV News) -- Pope Leo XIV held up Enrique Shaw, an Argentine businessman and father of nine, as evidence that business can become a path to holiness when informed by the Gospel and Catholic social teaching. Pope Leo spoke about Shaw Nov. 9 during an encounter with business leaders, trade unionists, workers and representatives of social movements at the Pontifical Catholic University of Argentina in Buenos Aires.
Poll: Support for death penalty dips to minority among US adults for first time in decades
WASHINGTON (OSV News) ─ Support for the death penalty among U.S. adults has dropped below the majority level for the first time since 1971, a new Gallup poll found. Forty-nine percent of U.S. adults said they are in favor of the death penalty for convicted murderers, while another 45% said they are opposed, the Nov. 10 poll said.
French bishops defend Catholic schools amid education unrest
(OSV News) – France's bishops used their Nov. 3-5 plenary assembly in Lourdes to confront the country's deepening education crisis, as strikes, school blockades and political battles over funding have pushed the issue to the forefront of public debate. Church leaders said concerns about young people's anxiety and uncertainty prompted a major Catholic education initiative launched in 2025 and continuing through 2028.
At Gordie Howe Bridge, former hockey priests reminisce about their playing days
Detroit Penguins’ ‘Production Line’ recalls fond memories of playing against Detroit Police Department at Olympia Stadium DETROIT — In 1973, Fr. Richard Cassidy, Fr. Jack Fabian, Msgr. Gerald McEnhill and the rest of the “Detroit Penguins” took the ice at the famed Olympia Stadium to take on the Detroit Police Department.
A 'great act of charity': Families lay loved ones to rest through Gather Them Home
Parish memorial Masses, burial rites celebrated for more than 200 individuals as part of archdiocesan cemeteries initiative SOUTHFIELD — Burying the dead is one of the seven corporal works of mercy in the Catholic Church, a final act of faith and a chance to entrust loved ones who have gone before to the embrace of God's love. On Nov.
Kraków's cardinal after deadly shooting: The final word does not belong to hatred, but love
(OSV News) ─ As Kraków mourned the victims of a mass shooting Nov. 7 that left six people dead in the city's historic Main Market Square, Cardinal Grzegorz Rys urged residents not to surrender to fear and hatred, delivering a powerful homily Nov. 8 on suffering, faith and the hope that death does not have the final word.
Pope Leo XIV arrives in Argentina, meets President Milei while urging respectful dialogue
BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (OSV News) -- Pope Leo XIV arrived in Buenos Aires Nov. 8 urging Argentina's civil leaders to safeguard democracy, protect the unborn, and engage in respectful dialogue across political divides after meeting with President Javier Milei at the Casa Rosada presidential palace.
Sargent Shriver's life, legacy inspire high school's new center to foster Catholic faith in action
TAKOMA PARK, Md. (OSV News) ─ A religious sister well-known for her decades-long work in Texas with migrants along the U.S.-Mexican border encouraged students at a Washington area high school to follow the example of Sargent Shriver, a devout Catholic who was the founding director of the Peace Corps.
Pope Leo celebrates Mass with 2.5 million people in heart of Buenos Aires
BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (OSV News) -- Pope Leo XIV celebrated Mass with 2.5 million people in the heart of Buenos Aires on Nov. 9, drawing the largest crowd of his pontificate so far.
Pope Leo shares advice for Catholic parents whose children left the faith at Uruguay's national shrine
FLORIDA, Uruguay (OSV News) -- Pope Leo XIV made a pilgrimage to Uruguay's national Marian shrine Nov. 8, where he shared a message of hope for mothers who feel the grief of seeing their children fall away from practicing the faith they were raised in. "I know that many of you carry a very specific sorrow. You taught your children to pray, and today they no longer do so. You used to attend Mass together, and it has been years since they entered a church.
Three-peat! Warren De La Salle extends state soccer championship streak, 3-2, over St. Joseph
GRAND LEDGE — On a deep, talented, Warren De La Salle soccer team, Settimo Leone knows his role. While three-time all-state goalkeeper Dominic Balderotta shows nerves of steel, and leading scorer and “Mr. Soccer” candidate Andrew Corder lets his goals do the talking, Leone doesn’t hesitate to be the squad’s hype man. “We’ve got a lot of silent captains on the team, so there’s got to be someone to get everyone going, get everyone fired up.
U.K. honoring Pope Leo indicates new closeness in ties, Church leaders say
(OSV News) -- When King Charles III awarded Pope Leo XIV a special title at the British royal family's ornate chapel near London, the unprecedented honor caused some surprise. To date, the British monarch remains head, or "supreme governor," of the Anglican Church of England and must uphold constitutional links between the state and official denomination.
Faithful unite in prayer for vocations, parishes as restructuring continues (PHOTOS)
DETROIT — Faithful of the Archdiocese of Detroit gathered Nov. 5 at the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament to pray a special holy hour for the intentions of the continued archdiocesan restructuring efforts and for an increase in priestly vocations. Fr. Matthew Hood, director of priestly vocations for the archdiocese, welcomed participants for a time of focused prayer, with exposition of the Blessed Sacrament led by Auxiliary Bishop Jeffrey M. Monforton.
Turning 400, the 'new' St. Peter's Basilica shows 'hope saves,' says expert
(OSV News) -- St. Peter's Basilica marks the 400th anniversary of its consecration this year, with the Vatican previously announcing several upgrades, including technological improvements and structural monitoring, to Catholicism's most iconic church. Pope Leo XIV will mark the anniversary year with a Nov. 18 Mass. Ahead of the liturgy, OSV News spoke with art historian and author Elizabeth Lev about St. Peter's Basilica as it marks another milestone.
Catholic Funeral and Cemetery Services announces new name, Alba Ministries
OAKLAND, California — Catholic Funeral and Cemetery Services announced a new name for its national ministry on All Souls' Day, Nov. 2. The Catholic apostolate, which partners with dioceses across the country, including the Archdiocese of Detroit, to strengthen their ministry to care for the deceased and their loved ones, will now be called Alba, meaning dawn, in reference to the first light of the Resurrection.
LA pilgrims' encounter with pope brings together California history, Christian unity, White Sox
(OSV News) – Janice Hahn is used to meeting important people. Her career in politics has included years on the Los Angeles City Council, the U.S. House of Representatives and since 2016, the LA County Board of Supervisors. But as the minutes passed, and the chance to meet Pope Leo XIV in St. Peter's Square got closer, Hahn was a little nervous. "I really didn't think it was going to happen," admitted Hahn following the Oct. 28 general audience in the square.
'Keeping Our Lamps Burning': Archbishop Weisenburger's Homily (32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time)
As the days grow shorter and the nights grow colder, the Church reminds us to keep watch and stay ready. In this homily for Nov. 8, 2026, the 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Archbishop Weisenburger reflects on Jesus’ parable of the wise and foolish bridesmaids and the importance of remaining vigilant in our faith. We do not know the day or the hour of the Lord's return, but we know His arrival is certain. May we keep our lamps burning and our hearts prepared.
Chaldean nonprofit celebrates 65 years of service, honors women who started it all
Local charity UCFS-CALC reflects Chaldean values in serving thousands of men, women and children each year, agency's COO says WEST BLOOMFIELD — In 1961, Julie Hakim and her sister-in-law, Norma Dalaly Hakim, took on a seemingly humble task: to serve struggling families in their community. Guided by the late Chaldean Bishop George Garmo, they named the organization the Chaldean American Ladies of Charity (CALC). Twenty immigrant women joined them in their efforts.
Here is where the greatest athletes got their start in the CHSL
DETROIT — As part of its historic centennial celebration, the Catholic High School League saluted the 100 greatest male athletes and 100 greatest female athletes in league history. Here is where, on the high school level, these athletes got their start to greatness. The year of graduation and the sports the athletes excelled in are noted. Allen Park Cabrini (1): Terrence Andrysiak (1984: football). Ann Arbor St. Thomas (1): Len Lilliard (1975: basketball/track).
May They Rest in Peace: Sr. Jane Marie Lebiedzinski, CSSF
Sr. Jane Marie Lebiedzinski, CSSF, born Mary Jane Lebiedzinski, passed away on Monday, Oct. 5, 2026. Sr. Jane Marie was born March 13, 1935, in South Bend, Indiana, to Steve Lebiedzinski and Lillian Kubiak. The youngest of three children, Sister had two older brothers: Richard, who died in 1970, and Steve Jr., who died in 2013. Sister was baptized and received her First Holy Communion and Confirmation at St. Adalbert Church in South Bend.
Democrats win control of House and Senate in landslide midterm election seen as Trump rebuke
WASHINGTON (OSV News) – Democrats won control of both chambers of Congress Nov. 3 in a landslide midterm election, according to multiple projections, with significant ramifications for the final years of the Trump administration and its policies. In major flips for Democrats, the party picked up Senate seats in typically Republican strongholds of Texas, South Carolina, Kansas, and Iowa. Democratic candidates also won races in key swing states including North Carolina, Ohio, Georgia, and Michigan.
May They Rest in Peace: Sr. Francine Barber, OP
Sr. Francine was born in Pueblo, Colorado, to James Franklin and Corrine Charlotte (DeFord) Barber. She graduated from Lincoln High School in Tacoma, Washington, and obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education/Foreign Language from Western Washington State University in Bellingham, Washington, and a Master of Arts degree in Pastoral Studies/Religious Formation from Aquinas Institute of Theology in St. Louis, Missouri.
Idaho defies trend, rejects abortion protections ballot measure
WASHINGTON (OSV News) -- Voters in four states considered ballot measures related to abortion policy Nov. 3, with only one state rejecting a measure to expand access to the procedure, and the others approving proposals to codify a right to an abortion or rejecting further limits. Voters in Idaho rejected a ballot measure that would have established abortion as a state right, but voters in Nevada and Virginia approved similar measures. Lila Rose, president and founder of Live Action, said in a Nov.
Capuchin Soup Kitchen to add sit-down dining experience for guests in early 2027
Capuchins partnering with Food for Soul to redesign Meldrum site, create Refettorio Detroit, with style of traditional restaurant DETROIT — For more than 100 years, the Capuchin Franciscan friars at St. Bonaventure Monastery have been providing meals for people in need. That wording is particularly important to Bro. Gary Wegner, OFM Cap., director of the Capuchin Soup Kitchen. The soup kitchen doesn’t “feed people,” it “provides meals,” serving men and women in need with dignity and distinction.
Pope Leo heads to a divided Argentina still reckoning with Francis' legacy
ROSARIO, Argentina (OSV News) -- When Pope Leo XIV arrives in Argentina Nov. 8, he will become the first pope to set foot in the country in nearly four decades -- and the first to encounter a nation still wrestling with the legacy of the Argentine who preceded him. Pope Francis remained deeply loved by many Argentines, particularly for his closeness to the poor.
New exhibit at the Museum of the Bible explores legacy of Blessed Stanley Rother
WASHINGTON (OSV News) -- Violence bookended both the beginning and end of Blessed Stanley Rother's 46 years of life: Born in 1935 -- during the fury of a Great Depression-era Oklahoma dust storm -- the missionary pastor died in 1981, shot by masked assailants in the midst of Guatemala's almost four-decade civil war.
At Peruvian shrine, Pope Leo will return to the missionary model that shaped him
ROSARIO, Argentina (OSV News) -- When Pope Leo XIV arrives at the Shrine of St. Turibius of Mogrovejo in Zaña, Peru, Nov. 14, the paths of two missionary bishops separated by more than four centuries will symbolically converge. Both were born outside Peru. Both came to serve a country whose people and cultures they had to learn. Both traveled beyond the centers of power to reach communities across an immense and diverse territory. And both came to regard Peru as their own.
It takes courage to stand for — not against — something, pope tells young people
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- In a world full of possibilities, yet still marked by injustice and fear, Pope Leo XIV said young Christians are called to transform the world with love. "Many regard love as a form of weakness, but Christ shows us that it is a source of freedom and strength," he said in his message to young people ahead of the local celebrations of World Youth Day Nov. 22, the solemnity of Christ the King.
Pope warns economic inequality threatens peace, urges politicians to serve common good
VATICAN CITY (CNS) – The threat to world peace stems from economic imbalances linked to development that is "neither equitable nor respectful of creation," Pope Leo XIV said at his weekly general audience. "This is a far-sighted vision, which was unfortunately borne out towards the end of the last century and which we see even more clearly today," he said Nov. 4 in St. Peter's Square.
In secular Uruguay, Pope Leo will visit a Virgin bound to the nation's birth
ROSARIO, Argentina (OSV News) -- In Uruguay, Holy Week is officially Tourism Week. Christmas is the Day of the Family, and the Dec. 8 feast of the Immaculate Conception became the Day of the Beaches. But when Pope Leo XIV visits Latin America, his journey will bring him before a small Marian image that Uruguay's determined secularization could never entirely separate from the country's national identity. The Vatican announced Aug. 5 that Pope Leo would visit Uruguay, Argentina and Peru Nov.
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