Established in 1981 during a period of declining vocations in North America, RSVP provides direct financial support to individuals in religious training through contributions from the Knights’ network of more than 16,800 local councils. For every $500 a local council donates to a seminarian or aspiring religious, the Supreme Council of the Knights reimburses the council with an additional $100, incentivizing donations up to a maximum of $400 per recipient.

The RSVP program also encourages local councils to provide non-financial support, such as sending letters, making personal visits to seminaries, and inviting seminarians to local events. This personal connection is designed to create lasting bonds between religious aspirants and the communities they aim to serve. Knights of Columbus Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly emphasized the importance of this connection, stating that last year alone, over 2,700 councils contributed a record-breaking $4.1 million through RSVP.

Kelly noted that the organization’s commitment to supporting vocations stems from its founder, Blessed Michael J. McGivney, whose own path to priesthood was threatened by financial hardship. Born to Irish immigrants in Connecticut in 1852, McGivney had to leave school at 13 to support his family. Later, his studies at St. Mary’s College in Montreal were nearly derailed when his father passed away. A timely scholarship from the Bishop of Hartford allowed him to continue, paving the way for his priesthood and the eventual founding of the Knights of Columbus.

Kelly underscored the significance of this support today, as many seminarians face steep educational costs—reaching $55,000 annually in some regions. Many also bring student debt from their undergraduate studies, making programs like RSVP essential. Kelly described RSVP as a way to “pay forward” the life-changing support that enabled McGivney to fulfill his vocation, adding that these initiatives are crucial for empowering the next generation of Catholic clergy.

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Capturing St. Peter’s Essence Through Technology

Using drones, high-resolution cameras, and laser imaging, a team of experts captured over 400,000 images of St. Peter’s Basilica over three weeks. These images were transformed into an ultra-precise 3D model by Microsoft’s AI for Good Lab, together with the French company Iconem, employing advanced AI algorithms to ensure the digital twin reflects the Basilica’s intricacies with millimeter precision. This 3D model, hosted on an interactive online platform, will launch on December 1, allowing visitors anywhere to experience the Basilica’s exterior and interior, with an option to explore through an educational interface modeled after the popular game “Minecraft.”

“Thanks to AI, we can now admire this extraordinary place of faith, art, and history like never before,” said Brad Smith, Microsoft’s vice chairman and president. This collaboration represents not only a groundbreaking educational tool but also a means for visitors worldwide to connect with the Basilica’s spiritual atmosphere, even from afar.

New Opportunities for Pilgrims, Scholars, and Conservation Efforts

Designed to benefit both general visitors and specialists, the digital Basilica will provide pilgrims with an immersive virtual journey and academics with a wealth of details invaluable for restoration and research. The precise 3D rendering has already helped uncover structural vulnerabilities, such as cracks and missing mosaic tiles, that would otherwise be difficult to identify without up-close examination. “In one of our scans, we even found tiny spider nests in the dome’s mosaic,” Cardinal Gambetti remarked, illustrating the digital model’s level of detail.

Two new interactive exhibits, “Petros Eni” and “Petros Eni Octagon”, will launch alongside the digital twin, giving visitors insight into the Basilica’s evolution through time with immersive displays. These exhibits promise to add a dimension to the experience for those who can visit the Basilica in person.

Preserving St. Peter’s for Future Generations

In addition to offering an unprecedented virtual experience, the project seeks to support the Basilica’s long-term conservation. Father Francesco Occhetta, secretary of the *Fratelli Tutti* Foundation, which coordinated the project, highlighted that the digital twin aligns the sacred space with its physical roots at the tomb of St. Peter, ensuring that this iconic symbol endures. “Our goal is not merely technological,” he said. “The digital Basilica serves as a way for people across the globe to encounter this sacred place in their spiritual journey, wherever they are.”

A Vision of “The Basilica in Outreach”

Cardinal Gambetti emphasized that the project marks a new chapter in the Basilica’s mission to serve a global audience, inspired by Pope Francis’ vision of a welcoming “house of prayer for all peoples.” A coordinated plan to digitalize records and establish platforms for virtual engagement underscores the broader initiative to make St. Peter’s Basilica accessible in ways that resonate with today’s digital culture.

“We are making history,” Gambetti said. “For centuries, the Church has adapted its message to the language of each age, and now, with technology, we are opening St. Peter’s doors wider than ever.” The Basilica’s digital twin, he added, represents a timeless vision, inviting everyone into its sacred, artistic, and spiritual embrace.

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Sister Clare’s path to faith was nothing short of remarkable. In her youth, she showed little interest in religion, pursuing a promising career in acting. However, in the year 2000, a Holy Week retreat in Spain profoundly changed her life. She experienced a deeply moving conversion and felt an undeniable call to join religious life with the Servant Sisters of the Home of the Mother. Her story—from a self-described “wild child” to a woman of unwavering faith—continues to inspire people across generations and continents.

An Irish Woman’s Faith Becomes a Global Inspiration

Born in 1982 amid the social upheaval of Northern Ireland’s Troubles, Sister Clare grew up in Derry, a city made internationally familiar by the popular show “Derry Girls”. But Sister Clare’s story offers a different glimpse into Derry’s soul: one of resilience, spiritual strength, and community devotion. Her life took a transformative turn, bringing her from a life on stage to missionary work around the world, eventually to Ecuador, where she served young people and communities until her life was tragically cut short in the 2016 earthquake.

Father Gerard Mongan, a priest from her parish in Derry’s Bogside neighborhood, described the announcement of her canonization cause as “overwhelmingly joyful.” He said the process, which will formally open on January 12 in Madrid, reflects Sister Clare’s enduring impact and has sparked a deep sense of anticipation for the people of Derry, who are eager to see one of their own recognized as a “Servant of God.”

“We are witnessing an extraordinary moment for our city,” Father Mongan shared. “She’s inspired a generation of young people here and elsewhere to rekindle their faith and find joy and purpose in it.”

A Legacy of Joyful Service and Compassion

Following her initial calling, Sister Clare joined the convent and embarked on a journey that spanned multiple countries. After taking her first vows in 2006, she served in various communities, including her work with young people facing difficult family circumstances in Belmonte, Spain. Known for her zeal and boundless joy, Sister Clare quickly became a role model for youth and a source of comfort and inspiration to those around her. Her mission eventually took her to Jacksonville, Florida, where she continued her pastoral work at Assumption Parish and School.

Father Frederick Parke, a priest who served with her in Florida and passed away in 2021, recalled her infectious enthusiasm. “Her joy was irresistible; the young people could see her love for the Eucharist, and they felt drawn to it themselves. She was a beacon of hope and kindness.”

The Power of a Life Transformed

Sister Clare’s story has gained a strong following, particularly among young Catholics who see in her a relatable yet extraordinary example of spiritual transformation. Her congregation, the Servant Sisters of the Home of the Mother, produced a documentary, “All or Nothing”, chronicling her life, which has amassed over 2.5 million views on YouTube. Additionally, the book “Sister Clare Crockett: Alone with Christ Alone”, published in 2020, offers an intimate look into her spiritual journey through her personal writings, letters, and the testimony of those who knew her.

Reflecting on her conversion experience, Sister Clare wrote about the profound impact of Good Friday in 2000. “There were no choirs of angels,” she recounted, “but I knew He was on the cross for me. That conviction became a calling.”

Steps Toward Sainthood Begin in Madrid

With the opening of her cause in Madrid, Sister Clare will be declared a “Servant of God,” marking the first stage of an intensive review of her life and service. The appointment of a postulator and vice-postulator will ensure that her story reaches the Vatican with careful scrutiny and dedication.

For her family, friends, and the many she has inspired, the prospect of her canonization is a dream realized. Father Mongan expressed hope that the cause would allow even more people to encounter Sister Clare’s legacy of compassion, humility, and joyous service.

“Sister Clare has brought countless people back to their faith,” Father Mongan said. “This moment is a powerful reminder of her spirit—a beacon of hope for a world that deeply needs it. We await with open hearts.”

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The prestigious award was accepted by Ramón Tallaj, President of SOMOS Community Care, the documentary’s primary sponsor. In his acceptance speech, Tallaj acknowledged the profound message behind the work, sharing, «Thank you to the Academy for this honor. This is dedicated to all the employees at SOMOS Community Care, with a hope that peace and understanding can rise again in this world, beyond religious divides.»

This Emmy win adds to the documentary’s growing accolades, which include the Capax Dei award for Best Documentary from the Mirabile Dictu Festival held at the Vatican. Liana Marabini, the festival’s president, praised the work, emphasizing, «This year, we awarded “Benedict XVI: In Honor of the Truth” especially for the care and dedication that Rome Reports put into telling this story of Pope Benedict.»

Rome Reports continues to build a reputable catalog of documentary productions, focusing on the Vatican, Rome, and papal figures, with over twenty documentaries to date. This latest win not only highlights the team’s commitment to sharing the legacy of Pope Benedict but also underscores the global appeal of these narratives on faith, leadership, and history.

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For experts, the building represents one of the oldest places of worship in the world and the oldest in the area where the kingdom once ruled, which is also the first in history to have embraced Christianity as an official religion.

The remains of the octagonal-shaped church were unearthed in Artaxata, the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Armenia, by a joint team of archaeologists from the University of Münster (Germany) and the National Academy of Sciences of Armenia, who have been working at the site since September.

The discovery “consists of an octagonal building with cruciform extensions” that “corresponds to early Christian memorial buildings,” reads the press release by the German university.

The researchers also found fragments of marble that show that it was “lavishly decorated» with valuable imported materials. “In the cross-shaped extensions, the researchers discovered the remains of wooden platforms, which were radiocarbon dated to the mid-4th century CE,” the statement goes on to say.

This dating enabled the researchers to determine that the structure “is the oldest archaeologically documented church in the country – sensational evidence for early Christianity in Armenia,” said Prof Achim Lichtenberger of the University of Münster.

The now-ruined city of Artaxata, located on a hilltop in southern Armenia along the border with Turkey, was founded in 176 BC, becoming “an important metropolis,” especially during the Hellenistic period, and ultimately served as “the capital of the Kingdom of Armenia for almost six centuries,” the researchers said.

The same hill, which boasts spectacular views of Mount Ararat, just across the Turkish border, is home to Khor Virap, a still-active ancient monastery that is also a place of pilgrimage.

This is a «significant discovery,” said classical and biblical archaeologist and religious historian Jodi Magness, professor at the University of Chapel Hill in North Carolina (United States), speaking to the Times of Israel.

“The discovery of this church makes sense since the Kingdom of Armenia was the first state to adopt Christianity as its official religion in the early fourth century,” she explained. At that time, the “Armenians established a presence in Jerusalem, which they have maintained until today.”

The Kingdom of Armenia, then a client state of the Roman Empire, formally became Christian in AD 301, when, “according to legend, Gregory the Illuminator converted the Armenian king Tiridates III to Christianity in Artaxata.”

All this occurred well before the Council of Nicaea in AD 325, which codified and streamlined the various dogmas of Christianity and, above all, even before the Edict of Milan in 313 with which the Roman emperor Constantine outlawed the persecution of Christians and authorised their religious practices.

For this reason, Armenia is considered the first Christian kingdom and the Armenian Orthodox Church is one of the oldest Christian denominations. The country is also home to a significant number of Armenian Catholics, who have distinct traditions and are loyal to the pope and the Church of Rome.

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As of October 22, the Camino surpassed its previous record of 446,078 pilgrims, set just last year. Notably, 67,108 individuals registered for their pilgrimage credentials in the final quarter of 2023 alone. With 83 days left in the year, local authorities are hopeful that they can achieve their ambitious target.

The various paths of the Camino continue to gain popularity, with the Camino Francés remaining the most traveled route. Archbishop of Santiago, Francisco José Prieto, expressed confidence that the destination could indeed hit the half-million mark by the end of 2024. “Santiago de Compostela has historically been the ultimate pilgrimage destination in Europe, and it continues to attract seekers and wanderers,” he remarked.

The Camino de Santiago is not just a Christian pilgrimage; its reputation extends globally. “It is universally acknowledged as one of the great pilgrimage routes, drawing people from all walks of life,” Prieto added. He emphasized the importance of hospitality along the route, recalling the message from the ancient Codex Calixtinus, which stresses the significance of welcoming pilgrims as a form of embracing Christ himself.

Since first surpassing 300,000 pilgrims in 2017, the Camino’s popularity has grown steadily, notwithstanding a temporary decline during the pandemic years of 2020 and 2021. If the half-million goal is achieved, it would signify a remarkable 66% increase over just seven years, highlighting a resurgence in interest despite global challenges.

Among those collecting a «compostela»—the certificate awarded to pilgrims who walk at least 100 kilometers or bike 200 kilometers—45% are Spanish. Pilgrims from Andalusia, Madrid, Valencia, and Catalonia constitute a significant portion, while international visitors account for 55%. Leading the charge are nearly 33,000 American pilgrims in 2024, marking the United States as the top country for foreign pilgrims, followed by Italy, Germany, and Portugal.

The growing numbers reflect a deep-seated desire for connection, exploration, and spiritual enrichment, as people journey to pay their respects at the tomb of Saint James. As interest continues to flourish, the Camino de Santiago remains a beacon of hope and pilgrimage, inviting seekers to experience its transformative path.

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One of the mothers, Karen, shared her story: «I was desperate, with no support from anyone to have my daughter. I didn’t know what to do,» she said, because during her pregnancy she didn´t have support from her partner, who did not want children. She was 26 at the time.

However, when she approached what she thought was her only option—an abortion clinic in Madrid—she met several volunteers from the organization “Más Futuro” («More Future»). “They came up to me and told me that abortion was not the solution and that, if I had no support, they would help me.”

Seeing this as another possible way out of her painful situation, she gave them her phone number, and a few days later, they reached out to her. «I thank God for putting those wonderful people in my path who helped me, as my life took a turn for the better,» she shared. What had seemed like a misfortune turned into Karen’s greatest blessing.

“I decided to continue with my pregnancy and have my little girl, who is now two years old. She is my greatest joy, my hope, my life, and the reason I keep going. This Saturday, I am going to baptize her, and I am very excited to take this important step with my daughter,” she confirmed.

For Karen, the solution is clearly not abortion: “My advice to mothers considering abortion who don’t have support from their partners or family is not to do it; a child is a blessing sent by God. No matter how difficult life gets, you must face the situation and move forward. Seek help rather than resorting to abortion.»

Along with Karen, 16 other families celebrated their children’s baptisms. As Bishop Ginés García Beltrán, who led the ceremony, stated, “Today, we are celebrating the feast of life.”

The Bishop of Getafe emphasized, “These children are not here by chance, none of them. I don’t know the circumstances that led to your pregnancies, but what I do know is that God has always loved your children, he had them in mind, they are not just another number; they are someone important.”

Marta Velarde, president of the Más Futuro Association, stated that the journey to the Baptism celebration “has been very challenging, as each mother faces unique difficulties, but saving babies from abortion brings us deep happiness. Despite the especially difficult time, we are rescuing many children.”

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(ZENIT News / Rome, 10.25.2024).- Last Friday, October 18, over one million children all over the world answered Pope Francis’ call to join the “One Million Children praying the Rosary” initiative, to pray for peace and unity, with the support, once again, of the pontifical foundation Aid to the Church in Need (ACN).

According to information on the foundation’s website, a total of 1,135,945 children from over 150 countries officially signed up. The full figures are higher, according to ACN, since many of the participants did not register and others do not have easy access to the internet.

The country with the largest number of participants, according to online figures, was Nigeria, with 200,209, followed by the Philippines (162,684), Poland (151,365) and Brazil (75,579).

Countless testimonies

Images sent to ACN from Kharkiv, a city which has been largely levelled by the war, show children praying fervently, despite the bombing. The initiative united children from Gaza and Israel, as well as other conflict-torn regions such as Myanmar, Mozambique, Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, all of whom prayed for peace. Participants hailed from as far away as Micronesia, French Polynesia and the Antarctic.

Countries where Christians are a minority, such as Bangladesh and India, organised colourful processions, with dozens of children walking alongside images of Mary, according to photographs and videos received by ACN. In the Philippines, the country with second highest number of participants, students scattered thousands of flowers at the feet of an image of the Blessed Virgin Mary, before going to pray in the Cathedral of Malolos.

Sister Francesca Anyanwu tells ACN that over 700 children came together for a procession through the streets of the Diocese of Kenema in Sierra Leone. “These children are a powerful reminder that there is a universal desire for peace,” the religious sister states. “Their sincere innocence and purity of intent transmits a message that echoes among people of all ages: hope in a world of peace and harmony.” Thousands of kilometres away, at a school in Ohio, USA, a teacher shares how touched her students were with the initiative. “They fully understood the mission, and they thought it was really cool!”

Fatima: “We are here to fight for peace with the spiritual weapon of our prayer”

Every country in South America, where Marian devotion is very strong, responded positively to Pope Francis’ invitation. In Argentina, for example, 10,000 pamphlets were distributed with the mysteries of the rosary translated into Braille for the first time. Representatives of the state’s department for religious affairs expressed their support for the campaign, which “contributes to awareness and to the promotion of the prayer of the Rosary, one of the clearest signs of the love that generations of young people feel for Jesus and for His mother, Mary”.

Hundreds of children gathered in the Chapel of the Apparitions in Fatima, the heart of Marian devotion in Portugal, to share in this prayer. Cardinal António Marto presided, stating that children are conscious of the “pain of those innocents who suffer the horrors of war, which has become increasingly fierce. Today, these children are the messengers of the love of the victims of the world: with them, God can do great and wonderful things. When Our Lady asked us to pray the rosary, she did it so that we would feel united in prayer. Here we are fighting for peace with the spiritual weapon of our prayer, so that the mercy of God may always come upon this world, which is so full of wounds.”

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But… who is Griffin?

AJ Griffin Jr. is the son of another former basketball player, Adrian Darnell Griffin, who played in the NBA from 1996 to 2008 and is currently an NBA coach.

From a young age, AJ was involved in the sport thanks to his father’s example. As he puts it, «basketball was my reason for living.» As a teenager, he played for the Archbishop Stepinac team in New York. Later, in college, he was recruited by the Duke University Blue Devils. His excellent performance there caught the attention of the NBA, leading him to be drafted by the Atlanta Hawks for the 2022/23 season. At 19, Griffin entered the best basketball league as a promising rookie.

What motivated him to make this 180-degree turn?

Griffin explained the reasons for this huge change on social media, posting a video that has already garnered over 100,000 views in a week. He shared that it all began in 2020 when he decided to give his life to God, and from that point on, his values began to shift. He moved from putting basketball at the center of his life to placing God at the center of everything.

 

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This transformation led him to recognize how God’s presence in his life has changed him, and he realized how much he loves sharing the message of the Gospel. He now wants to share this with everyone who hasn’t experienced it, because he believes this message can change the lives of many others, just as it did for him.

 And why not continue playing basketball and preach Christ from there?

This is a question many ask the former player, to which he responds: «You can have all the riches in the world, but the only thing that truly matters is your relationship with Jesus… He’s the only one who can completely satisfy you. He’s the only one who can give you a purpose, and I feel that the Lord was asking me to leave basketball to serve Him more.»

What’s next for the former player?

He says he will continue sharing the Gospel through his social media platforms and is very excited about this new stage of his life. He mentions that while he doesn’t regret where the Lord has led him in recent years, this new chapter feels like it’s going to be very exciting.

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Leading this effort was Cardinal Konrad Krajewski, the papal almoner, who personally passed around a donation basket to the 368 synod participants before the afternoon session in the Vatican’s Paul VI Hall. The gesture, though simple, held profound significance. It symbolized not just financial assistance, but a shared sense of responsibility and solidarity with those enduring the ongoing hardships in Gaza.

The collection, amounting to €32,000 from the Synod participants, was supplemented by an additional €30,000 from the Vatican itself, bringing the total to €62,000. These funds were promptly sent to Father Gabriel Romanelli, the parish priest of the Holy Family Church in Gaza, through the Apostolic Nunciature in Jerusalem.

Father Romanelli, in a touching video message alongside a group of children and parents from his parish, expressed deep gratitude to Pope Francis and the Synod members for their generosity. «We truly thank you for your prayers, your closeness, and the concrete help you have provided,» he said, emphasizing the dire need for ongoing support in a region still reeling from the impact of conflict.

Pope Francis, who has been in daily contact with Father Romanelli since the outbreak of war, has been a consistent advocate for peace in the region. On the same day as the collection, the Pope urged Catholics worldwide to wield the «weapons of love»—prayer, fasting, and charity—as part of the Church’s call for peace in the Middle East.

The Vatican’s Dicastery for Charity also highlighted the deeper spiritual significance of this charitable act. In a statement, they reminded the faithful that “prayer and fasting are incomplete without almsgiving,” urging people to give in a way that “causes them to suffer”—to give up something they hold dear to help those who are suffering or facing death.

The video of thanks from Gaza was met with applause from the Synod participants, an emotional moment that underscored the tangible impact of their collective effort. Paolo Ruffini, the Prefect for the Dicastery for Communication and President of the Synod’s Information Commission, confirmed the successful collection and conveyed the deep appreciation felt by those in Gaza for the Vatican’s outreach.

As the war continues to cast its shadow over Gaza, where daily life is marked by destruction and scarcity, this donation represents more than just financial support—it is a symbol of the Church’s ongoing commitment to peace, compassion, and solidarity with those in need. The funds, now in the hands of Father Romanelli and his community, will help provide critical resources to families in Gaza who are grappling with overwhelming challenges.

This act of giving from the Synod serves as a reminder that the Church’s mission transcends borders, offering not just spiritual guidance but also material support to those enduring the harshest realities of war. Pope Francis’s daily contact with Father Romanelli and his call for global prayer and fasting are reflections of a Church that remains deeply engaged in the pursuit of peace, even in the darkest of times.

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