Local
From left, lectors Naomi Hasegawa, Julie Le and Marzena Laugen join the processional for the Extended Vigil Mass of Pentecost at the Cathedral of St. Paul in St. Paul June 7.  DAVE HRBACEK  |  THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Archdiocesan Synod 2025 Be My Witnesses Assembly opens, closes with prayers to the Holy Spirit

“How can our hearts not be moved?” Archbishop Bernard Hebda asked the congregation at the Extended Vigil Mass of Pentecost June 7 at the Cathedral of St. Paul in St. Paul.
Nation + World
The "Black Cloud" installation by Ukrainian artist Oleksiy Sai (Liosha Say) is displayed near Holy Wisdom Cathedral, or St. Sophia Cathedral, in central Kyiv June 8, 2025. The cathedral was damaged in large-scale Russian drone attack on Kyiv and Odesa June 10 that killed up to seven people and injured up to 13 others. In a chilling evocation of Russia's all-out invasion of Ukraine since February 2022, the art installation includes the sounds of artillery fire, explosions, drones and military vehicles.

Kyiv’s historic cathedral damaged in Russian air strikes

Up to seven people were killed and up to 13 injured in a large-scale Russian drone attack on Kyiv and Odesa June 10, which also damaged the historic Holy Wisdom Cathedral, also known as St. Sophia Cathedral.
More
The "Black Cloud" installation by Ukrainian artist Oleksiy Sai (Liosha Say) is displayed near Holy Wisdom Cathedral, or St. Sophia Cathedral, in central Kyiv June 8, 2025. The cathedral was damaged in large-scale Russian drone attack on Kyiv and Odesa June 10 that killed up to seven people and injured up to 13 others. In a chilling evocation of Russia's all-out invasion of Ukraine since February 2022, the art installation includes the sounds of artillery fire, explosions, drones and military vehicles.

Kyiv’s historic cathedral damaged in Russian air strikes

Up to seven people were killed and up to 13 injured in a large-scale Russian drone attack on Kyiv and Odesa June 10, which also damaged the historic Holy Wisdom Cathedral, also known as St. Sophia Cathedral.
This photo shows the second-grade class of Robert Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV, at St. Mary of the Assumption School in Riverdale, Ill., in 1962. He is the fourth boy standing next to the blackboard. The Sisters of Christian Charity taught the future pope at the school.

Pope’s brother says even as a baby, future pontiff had a spiritual ‘air’ about him

Much has been reported about Pope Leo XIV's earliest days of playing priest at the family's home in Dolton, a suburb south of Chicago.
From left, lectors Naomi Hasegawa, Julie Le and Marzena Laugen join the processional for the Extended Vigil Mass of Pentecost at the Cathedral of St. Paul in St. Paul June 7.  DAVE HRBACEK  |  THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Archdiocesan Synod 2025 Be My Witnesses Assembly opens, closes with prayers to the Holy Spirit

“How can our hearts not be moved?” Archbishop Bernard Hebda asked the congregation at the Extended Vigil Mass of Pentecost June 7 at the Cathedral of St. Paul in St. Paul.
People gathered at the Minnesota State Capitol in St. Paul on May 7 hold signs showing their support for nonpublic education during an event called Rally and Advocacy Day. Nonpublic school pupil aid was protected in a June 9-10 special session. DAVE HRBACEK  |  THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Special session ends, Minnesota Catholic Conference notes key victories

The Minnesota Catholic Conference (MCC) is celebrating five key victories at the conclusion of the Minnesota State Legislature’s special session to finalize Gov. Tim Walz’s two-year budget.
Smoke rises from a burning car on Atlantic Boulevard during a standoff by protesters and law enforcement, following multiple detentions by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Compton, Calif., June 7, 2025.

LA archbishop calls for prayer, restraint, immigration law reform amid ICE protests

Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles is calling for prayer, while urging "restraint and calm" as clashes have broken out in that city over recent immigration arrests. President Donald Trump has deployed the National Guard amid pushback from California officials and is threatening to mobilize Marines.
Tom Florczak, right, a synod member, offers comments during a large group session during the afternoon session of the 2025 Synod assembly June 7 at Cretin-Derham Hall high school in St. Paul. Holding the microphone is Estela Villagrán Manancero, director of Latino ministry for the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis.

Prayerful listening, idea sharing highlights of 2025 Synod assembly afternoon session

Prayerful listening and idea sharing were highlights of the Archdiocesan Synod 2025: Be My Witnesses Assembly afternoon session, as members of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis sought to assist Archbishop Bernard Hebda in discerning the archdiocese’s trajectory in upcoming years.
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.
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

Before You Go!

Sign up for our free newsletter!

Keep up to date with what’s going on in the Catholic world