Good Friday Archives

EWTN host explores the backstory of the ‘Good Thief’
- Feb 22, 2021
Raymond Arroyo admits, and he suspects many other Catholics are in the same boat, that for a long time all he knew of Dismas, also known as the Good Thief, was that he was one of the men that walked with and was crucified next to Jesus.

After digging deeper into Dismas’ story, however, the EWTN host realized there was more to it than that final act, and decided to share the backstory in the form of a picture book for families.

By John Lavenburg
Anniversary of Notre Dame fire marked under shadow of COVID-19 pandemic
- Apr 15, 2020
One year ago a fire nearly led to the collapse of Notre Dame’s cathedral.

By Christopher White
Bishops criticize Virginia governor for signing abortion measure on Good Friday
- Apr 14, 2020
Expressing sadness that Virginia Democratic Gov. Ralph Northam signed the Reproductive Health Protection Act, which was passed by the state’s Senate and House of Delegates, Bishops Michael F. Burbidge of Arlington and Barry C. Knestout of Richmond criticized him for the day he chose to sign it into law.

By Brian T. Olszewski

Bishop says praying over diocese from helicopter may give some comfort
- Apr 14, 2020
Bishop Daniel R. Jenky of Peoria took to the skies via a helicopter on Good Friday, April 10, to offer a blessing to the entire Diocese of Peoria as well as to pray for all affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

By Tom Dermody

Pope leads ‘Way of the Cross’ service in deserted St. Peter’s Square

Apr 10, 2020

Shortly after assuring of his closeness amid the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak on an Italian television program, Pope Francis on Good Friday yet again appeared in a nearly empty St. Peter’s Square to lead a livestreamed Via Crucis with meditations written by prisoners.

By Elise Ann Allen

Papal preacher says human, not economic, ‘recession’ biggest virus threat

Apr 10, 2020

On Good Friday Capuchin Father Raniero Cantalamessa, preacher of the papal household, said the COVID-19 coronavirus ought to be a turning point to end wars and fuel solidarity, and that the biggest thing people should fear is not an economic recession, but the further loss of humanity.

By Elise Ann Allen