Local
Archbishop Hebda encourages attendees at the Synod Assembly. JOE RUFF  |  THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Attendees discuss, discern at Archdiocesan Synod Assembly 2025 in St. Paul

About 450 people from across the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis gathered at Cretin-Derham Hall in St. Paul June 7 to prayerfully consider and vote on propositions they believe the Holy Spirit is inviting Archbishop Bernard Hebda to prioritize for coming years. The day included morning prayer and adoration of the Eucharist in the high school’s Joe Mauer Fieldhouse where the assembly was held, and an adoration chapel was set aside for people who felt called to more prayer.
Nation + World
A sign featuring Blessed Carlo Acutis stands outside the Church of St. Mary Major in Assisi, Italy, April 1, 2025.

Pope sets consistory to consider declaring eight new saints

Although Pope Francis already set Aug. 3 as the date to declare the sainthood of Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, Pope Leo XIV will hold a meeting with cardinals to approve his canonization and that of seven other people.
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Archbishop Hebda encourages attendees at the Synod Assembly. JOE RUFF  |  THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Attendees discuss, discern at Archdiocesan Synod Assembly 2025 in St. Paul

About 450 people from across the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis gathered at Cretin-Derham Hall in St. Paul June 7 to prayerfully consider and vote on propositions they believe the Holy Spirit is inviting Archbishop Bernard Hebda to prioritize for coming years. The day included morning prayer and adoration of the Eucharist in the high school’s Joe Mauer Fieldhouse where the assembly was held, and an adoration chapel was set aside for people who felt called to more prayer.
A stained-glass window at St. William Church in Waukesha, Wis., depicts Holy Spirit descending upon the apostles at Pentecost. The feast of Pentecost, often referred to as the birthday of the church, is celebrated on May 19 this year.

The room rarely matters; who is present does

With respect to Lin Manuel Miranda — and bearing in mind that a title cannot be copywritten — what or where is “the room where it happened” for you? The first reading and the Gospel for Pentecost (Acts 2:2; Jn 20:19) describe the descent of the Holy Spirit and its gifts upon our ancestors when they are gathered in a room.
Pope Leo XIV gives his homily while celebrating his first Mass as pope with the cardinals who elected him in the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican May 9, 2025.

My personal hope for Pope Leo’s pontificate

Pope Leo XIV has been in the Petrine office for less than a month, but that hasn’t stopped tons of people from expressing their hopes for how the American-born pontiff can improve the Church and the world.
Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit: What does he mean for us?

The Trinity is the most powerful entity in the universe. It is capable of doing anything and can fulfill any prayer request. The life-giving Holy Spirit is the outpouring of love between the Father and the Son and is lavished upon the Earth in abundance.
Old Cathedral The Basilica of Saint Louis and the Gateway Arch, St Louis, MO

Gateways of faith

There is a trail in Minnesota that extends for 18 miles from St. Paul to Stillwater called the Gateway Trail. It is called the Gateway Trail because it allows many modes of travel and opens a way from the city to the country and back again. It is a gateway because it connects with other paths, parks and nature. Gateways do that. They are entryways that connect people to other paths and opportunities. The whole path is a gate.
A sign featuring Blessed Carlo Acutis stands outside the Church of St. Mary Major in Assisi, Italy, April 1, 2025.

Pope sets consistory to consider declaring eight new saints

Although Pope Francis already set Aug. 3 as the date to declare the sainthood of Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, Pope Leo XIV will hold a meeting with cardinals to approve his canonization and that of seven other people.
The opening slide of "The Pope Video" for June is seen with Pope Leo XIV's prayer intention for the month: "That the world might grow in compassion." The video was released at the Vatican June 3, 2025.

Pope’s prayer intention for June: That the world grow in compassion

Pope Leo XIV's prayer intention for June, a month devoted to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, is "that the world might grow in compassion."
Kaitlyn Santa Juana as Stefani is pictured in a scene from the movie "Final Destination Bloodlines." The Motion Picture Association rating is R -- restricted. The OSV News classification is O – morally offensive. The Motion Picture Association rating is R -- restricted. Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.

Final Destination Bloodlines — R (O)

The Grim Reaper will have his revenge on those who try to cheat him of his haul. Such is the dubious message of the franchise whose sixth installment, "Final Destination Bloodlines" (Warner Bros.), maintains the series' high splatter factor while throwing in some "moral" posturing that only makes the film more repellant.
Al Pacino and Abigail Cowen star in a scene from the exorcism-themed movie "The Ritual."

‘The Ritual’ seeks to portray exorcism respectfully

One thing seems certain about the exorcism-themed movie "The Ritual" (XYZ); it is not intended as the first installment in a franchise. "It really was a one-off," director David Midell, who co-wrote the screenplay with Enrico Natale, tells OSV News.
Ephphatha

Idols vs. the true God in new short story collection

“Ephphatha: Catholic Fiction for Modern Times” by Philip J. Martin. Full Quiver Publishing.
TCScvsJun5_2025

Digital Edition – June 5, 2025

Priest ordination, Rural Life Sunday, Floyd: Archbishop reflects, CRS and government cuts, Closer to God with music, Shattering idols, Why I am Catholic
Faith
A stained-glass window at St. William Church in Waukesha, Wis., depicts Holy Spirit descending upon the apostles at Pentecost. The feast of Pentecost, often referred to as the birthday of the church, is celebrated on May 19 this year.

The room rarely matters; who is present does

With respect to Lin Manuel Miranda — and bearing in mind that a title cannot be copywritten — what or where is “the room where it happened” for you? The first reading and the Gospel for Pentecost (Acts 2:2; Jn 20:19) describe the descent of the Holy Spirit and its gifts upon our ancestors when they are gathered in a room.

Vestments worn by priests

Peace be with you!

Commentary
Pope Leo XIV gives his homily while celebrating his first Mass as pope with the cardinals who elected him in the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican May 9, 2025.

My personal hope for Pope Leo’s pontificate

Pope Leo XIV has been in the Petrine office for less than a month, but that hasn’t stopped tons of people from expressing their hopes for how the American-born pontiff can improve the Church and the world.

Gateways of faith

The gift of taking our time

Why I am Catholic
Practicing Catholic

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