Catholic missionaries Archives

St. Damien’s relatives speak up against criticism of saint’s statue in U.S. Capitol

Sep 8, 2020

Upset by the suggestion raised by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-New York, that St. Damien was a white supremacist colonizer, two of the saint’s Belgian relatives, representing his extended family, wrote her an open letter Aug. 20.

By Patrick Downes

Longtime missionary says secularism is greatest threat to Christians

Sep 8, 2020

When it comes to threats to Christianity, a longtime missionary in Africa has argued that more than physical persecution, Western secularism poses a greater danger, as the Christian faith is rapidly expanding in areas where Christians are persecuted, whereas it is declining in the traditionally Christian West.

By Elise Ann Allen

Bishops reflect on Padre Kino’s legacy after his virtual birthday celebration

Sep 3, 2020

Jesuit Father Eusebio Kino can serve as an inspiration for anybody in ministry today, ordained, consecrated or lay, said retired Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas of Tucson.

By Tony Gutierrez

Padre Kino, declared venerable, known as ‘patron saint of borderlands’

Jul 19, 2020

When Rosie Garcia, a parishioner of St. Augustine Cathedral in Tucson, heard the announcement that Pope Francis had formally recognized the heroic virtues of sainthood candidate Jesuit Father Eusebio Kino, she said she cried tears of joy.

By Tony Gutierrez

U.S. priest finds his niche working in Bangkok with poorest of the poor

Jun 28, 2020

Redemptorist Father Joe Maier, 80, opened his first school in Bangkok’s market-side slum district of Klong Toey in a swine slaughterhouse more than 40 years ago.

By Michael Sainsbury