Ss. Cyril and Methodius Ukrainian Catholic Church

Baptisms significantly fall in Ireland, a German bishop resigns, Asian churches rally after Indonesia earthquake, and more in this week’s Catholic world news roundup.

The bishop of Lourdes announced that the SSPX no longer has authorization at the shrine to celebrate the Mass or the sacraments, although individuals are free to come and pray privately.

“My role is to ensure that the shrine welcomes everyone, especially those who are suffering,” Bishop Jean-Marc Micas said.

The president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales urged world leaders to enforce religious freedom standards in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

The 12 pilgrims were returning from the Marian shrine at Medjugorje when their coach left the M3 motorway in eastern Hungary in the early hours of Sunday.

Rising to a height of over 180 feet from ground level, the statue of Our Lady of Mercy exceeds in height the Christ the Redeemer statue in Brazil and the Christ the King statue in Poland.

Father Ricardo Bello Mato offers his reflections on heaven and his many years as a priest.

Pilgrims have climbed the Calvary hill in Nitra since 1766; this year three bishops met them at the top.

The pontiff will visit one of the world’s smallest countries on Aug. 22. Here’s what to know about San Marino’s deep Catholic roots.

Using a questionnaire and a few important criteria, Father Fernando Cuevas has helped singles who want Christ at the center of their lives to find each other.