the first session of the Extraordinary Consistory began at 9:30 a.m. in Paul VI Hall Photo: Vatican Media

Cuban and Panamanian nuns save Cuba from literally being left without Mass due to a shortage of Hosts for consecration

The situation was particularly serious because the Eucharist occupies a unique place in Catholic Church. While many pastoral activities can be adapted during difficult times, the celebration of Mass depends upon the availability of bread and wine consecrated according to the Church’s liturgical norms. Without sufficient hosts, parish communities face practical obstacles in sustaining their sacramental life

PHOTO GALLERY: A look at the visit to Gaza by Catholic Patriarch Pierbattista Pizzaballa and Orthodox Patriarch Theophilos III: here’s what they did and what they saw

The final day of the visit was marked by the graduation of 24 children from the Latin Patriarchate’s kindergarten, where Cardinal Pizzaballa reiterated the importance of safeguarding the education and formation of the younger generation. «The first thing we have to do is think about our children and their future,» he said.