Bishop Alphonsus Cullinan, chair of the Bishops’ Council for Vocations, expressed his gratitude and optimism. “It is truly heartening that 21 men have begun their journey as seminarians across various institutions, taking part in preparatory courses. We give thanks to God for each one of them,» he said. His words reflect a growing sense of hope within the Irish Church, which has seen a concerted effort to reinvigorate discussions about the priesthood.

A Renewed Focus on Vocations

Over the past year, Ireland’s bishops have spearheaded a national push to encourage men to answer the call to priesthood, using both traditional methods and social media platforms to reach wider audiences. Parishes have been actively promoting vocations, while prayers for new priests have been emphasized in communities across the country. Feedback from these efforts shows that encounters with both clergy and committed laypeople have played a pivotal role in fostering a renewed understanding of the priesthood.

«The idea that God continues to call men to serve as priests has taken root once again in the minds and hearts of the faithful,» Bishop Cullinan noted. His message was clear: the need for more priests remains critical, and the work of promoting vocations must continue with urgency and commitment. He praised the example set by priests across Ireland, whose compassionate leadership in both good times and bad continues to inspire new generations.

Responding to God’s Call

Father Willie Purcell, the National Coordinator for Diocesan Vocations, also welcomed the new seminarians, emphasizing that their response to God’s call is a testament to the ongoing need for priestly vocations in the modern world. «These 21 men entering the propedeutic year show the world that God’s call to the diocesan priesthood never stops. While today’s number is good news, I pray that vocations will continue to grow in the years to come. The Church and the faithful need priests,» said Father Purcell.

He also highlighted the significance of the global Synodal Path, a process of reflection and renewal for the Church. Father Purcell pointed out that the generosity of these new seminarians is a reminder for all Catholics to reflect on their own vocational stories and to participate in the ongoing renewal of their dioceses and parishes. He extended his gratitude to the vocation directors across Ireland, whose guidance and support have been crucial in helping men discern their call to priesthood.

Diverse Pathways for Formation

The new seminarians are spread across several seminaries, both in Ireland and abroad. They are currently undergoing their propedeutic program at institutions including the Redemptoris Mater Seminary in Dundalk, the Archdiocese of Armagh, the Royal English College in Valladolid, Spain, the Royal Scots College in Salamanca, Spain, and the International Seminary in Ars, France. These centers of formation offer not only academic and theological training but also a nurturing environment for spiritual and personal growth, vital for the future priests of the Church.

A Hopeful Future for the Irish Church

As Ireland continues to navigate the challenges of a changing religious landscape, the arrival of these 21 seminarians brings renewed hope. Their decision to pursue priesthood in a time when vocations have been on the decline sends a powerful message about faith and commitment. Bishop Cullinan’s words of encouragement echoed a wider sentiment: «Let us pray that those who have chosen the path of the priesthood will find fulfillment and bring Christ’s truth and healing to our broken world.»

While the numbers are modest, the dedication of these men is a significant step forward for the Irish Church. Their presence in seminaries across Europe and Ireland signifies a broader, global vision for the priesthood, and their journeys will likely inspire others to consider the same path.

As the faithful continue their Synodal journey, these 21 men serve as a reminder of the importance of priestly vocations in sustaining the life and mission of the Church. With their commitment, they embody the hope for a renewed and revitalized Church in Ireland.

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Here is an English translation of the letter.

* * *

Dear Brothers,

Ten years ago we began the reform of the Roman Curia and, through the Apostolic Constitution Predicate Evangelium, we established the new organization of the Holy See, specifying its guiding principles and its ends. “Ecclesia semper reformanda” has been the spirit that has animated the reform, so that the Roman Curia can assist the Successor of Peter in the exercise of his supreme pastoral office, for the good and service of the universal Church and of the particular Churches.

If this updating represents a testimony of vitality and grace, we know the dedication and work of women and men determined to adapt themselves to this movement of renewal. It has corresponded to you, Brother Cardinals, in your function to assist the Roman Pontiff in the government of the universal Church, to accompany all those implicated in this process of transformation.

Despite the difficulties and, at times, that temptation to immobility and rigidity in face of the change, much has been achieved in these years. I thank you for the help you have given and continue to give. With these premises, I would now like to address in a special way, once again, one of the topics that has most characterized the General Congregations prior to the Conclave: the economic reform of the Holy See. The years that have passed have demonstrated the clairvoyance of the requests for reform driven in the past by so many members of the College of Cardinals, which has led to greater awareness of the fact that the economic resources at the service of the mission are limited and must be managed with rigor and seriousness, so that the efforts of those who have contributed to the patrimony of the Holy See are not wasted.

For these reasons, all must now make an additional effort so that a  “zero deficit” is not only a theoretic objective, but a truly attainable goal. The reform has set the basis for the implementation of ethical policies that improve the economic performance of the existing assets. Joined to this in the need of each institution to make an effort to find external resources for the mission, giving example of transparent and responsible management at the service of the Church.

On the side of the reduction of costs, we need to give a concrete example so that our service is carried out with a spirit of the essential, avoiding the superfluous and selecting our priorities well, fostering mutual collaboration and synergies. We must be conscious that today we face the need to take strategic decisions with great responsibility, because we are called  to guarantee the future of the Mission.

The Institutions of the Holy See have much to learn from the solidarity of good families. Just as in those families, those that enjoy a good economic situation go to the aid of the neediest members, the Institutions with a surplus must help to cover the general deficit. This means to be concerned about the good of our community, acting with generosity, in the evangelical sense of the term, as prior requirement to ask for generosity also from outside.

In conclusion, I ask you to receive this message with courage and a spirit of service, and that you support the reforms underway with conviction, loyalty and generosity, contributing your knowledge and experience to the process of reform. Each of the Institutions of the Holy See forms one body with all the others: hence, genuine collaboration and cooperation towards the sole end, the good of the Church, is an essential exigency of our service.

With this spirit and this awareness, I ask you to accompany our work with fidelity and trust.

Vatican, September 16, 2024

FRANCIS

Translation of the Italian original into Spanish by ZENIT’s Editorial Director and, into English, by Virginia M. Forrester

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A Reversal of Previous Protections

Under the previous Conservative administration, silent prayer in public spaces had received a degree of protection following outcry over arrests of individuals praying silently near abortion facilities. However, the new law marks a complete reversal of this stance, removing the protection and reinstating a blanket ban on any form of protest—including prayer—within the designated buffer zones.

The law extends to prevent any action that could be interpreted as attempting to dissuade someone from seeking an abortion, including distributing leaflets, offering support, or even engaging in consensual conversations. Critics argue that the legislation is too broadly worded, leaving innocent people vulnerable to prosecution simply for peaceful acts, or even private thoughts. 

Thought Crimes in the 21st Century?

One of the most contentious aspects of the legislation is its prohibition on «influencing» someone’s decision to use abortion services. Human rights groups warn that this could effectively criminalize individuals for their intentions, marking a return to the concept of «thought crimes.» Jeremiah Igunnubole, a legal adviser with ADF UK, emphasized the vague nature of the law, noting that it opens the door to potential abuses of power by allowing authorities to interpret peaceful actions as unlawful influence.

The penalty for violating this law is severe, with offenders facing an unlimited fine, further escalating concerns over the chilling effect this could have on freedom of expression and religious practice.

Deep Divisions Over Women’s Rights

Labour MP Jess Phillips, a strong proponent of the legislation, defended the law as essential to protecting women’s access to abortion services, framing it as a fundamental right. «No one should feel unsafe when accessing healthcare,» she stated, expressing frustration over what she described as harassment and intimidation tactics used outside clinics.

Yet, opponents, like pro-life advocate Eden McCourt, see the legislation as a grave injustice, both to the unborn and to women who may feel coerced into abortion. «This law will erase a last avenue of support for women in crisis,» McCourt said, emphasizing that offering alternative options to abortion is not harassment but compassion. 

A Blow to Civil Liberties?

The ban on silent prayer is particularly shocking to some, given recent legal victories for individuals who had been unjustly arrested for praying near abortion clinics. In one high-profile case, a British woman, Isabel Vaughan-Spruce, won compensation from West Midlands Police after being wrongfully detained twice for silently praying outside a clinic. Her case, along with others, had brought attention to what many see as an overreach of state power.

Adam Smith-Connor, a British army veteran, is also facing trial for silently praying outside an abortion clinic in Bournemouth. He expressed disbelief at the charges, stating, «I never imagined that in a free society, I could be criminalized for the thoughts in my own mind.» Smith-Connor’s case underscores growing concerns about the erosion of fundamental freedoms in the UK, with some warning that the country is heading toward a dystopian future where personal beliefs are policed.

The Labour Government’s Broader Agenda

The new law is not the only measure raising eyebrows. The Labour government, under Prime Minister Keir Starmer, is also pushing to legalize assisted dying by the end of the year. If passed, this legislation would represent one of the most significant shifts in British social policy since the 1967 Abortion Act. Proponents of assisted dying argue that it provides a dignified end for those suffering from terminal illness, while critics—including many in the Catholic Church—fear it opens the door to state-sanctioned euthanasia.

The convergence of these two legislative efforts—restricting protest near abortion clinics and advancing assisted dying—has alarmed religious communities and civil liberties advocates alike, who see them as part of a broader trend toward curtailing freedoms in the name of social progress.

A Nation at a Crossroads

As the UK moves closer to implementing these controversial measures, the nation finds itself at a pivotal moment. The debate over abortion buffer zones and the right to pray silently highlights the tension between protecting individual rights and ensuring access to healthcare. Whether this new law will stand the test of time or face further legal challenges remains to be seen.

For now, the lines are drawn: one side sees a necessary protection for vulnerable women, while the other views it as an infringement on basic freedoms. The question Britain must now grapple with is whether the balance between these competing interests can ever truly be struck.

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«Today I had the honor and privilege of presenting my credentials to His Holiness Pope Francis in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. Afterward, I had an open and productive meeting with His Eminence, Secretary of State Cardinal Parolin,» Sideman wrote on social media.

His Excellency Mr. Yaron Sideman was born in Israel on 30 August 1967, and is married with two children.

He has served in the embassy in Nigeria (1996-1999); as consul for Public Affairs, Consulate General in New York (1999-2001); at the World Jewish and Interreligious Affairs Bureau, Ministry of Foreign Affairs (2001-2007); head of the Congressional Affairs Department, North America Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs (2007-2011); Israel Defense College (2011-2012); consul general, Consulate General at the Mid-Atlantic Region (2012-2016); office head, Congressional Affairs Department, North America Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs (2016-2021); and office head, North America Office, Ministry of Foreign Affairs (2021-2024).

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Negative Perceptions Prevail

Despite small gains, both Trump and Harris are viewed more negatively than positively by the electorate. Trump’s unfavorable rating exceeds his favorable one by seven points, while Harris faces a 10-point deficit in her favorability. This trend mirrors the difficulties both candidates have had in recent cycles, where public opinion has increasingly turned against major political figures. Although each enjoys strong support from their respective party bases, both struggle to appeal to independents—a critical swing group. Trump holds a slight edge with independents, polling at 44% favorability compared to Harris’ 35%. 

A Historic Shift in Voter Sentiment

The consistently low favorability ratings mark a departure from historical norms. In past elections, at least one candidate typically garnered majority support by September. However, since 2016, favorability ratings have stayed below 50% for presidential hopefuls. Trump’s current rating is better than it was at this stage in 2016 and 2020, while Harris’ favorability aligns with Joe Biden’s from the 2020 cycle. These low ratings are part of a broader pattern that has emerged over the last decade, where voter skepticism towards candidates has deepened.

Since 1992, only a handful of candidates—including Mitt Romney and George H.W. Bush—entered the final leg of their campaigns with similar sub-50% favorability. Trump’s current position, while an improvement, underscores the continuing polarization of the American electorate. Harris, on the other hand, faces a challenge in establishing her own political identity distinct from Biden’s, particularly as her approval ratings have slipped following her Democratic nomination. 

VP Candidates Remain in the Shadows

While the spotlight is on Trump and Harris, their running mates—Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Ohio Senator J.D. Vance—are also trying to make their mark. Nearly 20% of Americans remain unfamiliar with both vice-presidential candidates. Among those who have formed an opinion, Walz holds a slight favorability edge over Vance, especially among independents. Walz is viewed favorably by 41% of voters, with a nearly equal share holding an unfavorable view. In contrast, Vance’s unfavorability stands at 47%, overshadowing his 36% favorability.

Both Walz and Vance have garnered strong support from their party bases, with Walz being favorably viewed by 79% of Democrats and Vance by 74% of Republicans. However, independents remain skeptical, and a significant portion of the electorate has yet to form solid opinions on either candidate. This reflects a broader trend where vice-presidential candidates have struggled to break through with voters in the early stages of campaigns.

Job Approval Declines for Harris and Biden

In tandem with Harris’ falling favorability, her job approval rating also slipped to 44%, down from 47% last month. Her approval is buoyed by strong support among Democrats, but independent voters continue to be a weak point, with just 38% expressing approval. Meanwhile, approval from Republicans is virtually nonexistent, sitting at 2%.

Similarly, President Biden’s approval rating has also dipped from 43% in August to 39% in September. This comes after Biden’s decision to forgo a 2024 run, which initially sparked a brief boost in approval. Biden’s support remains solid among Democrats (85%) but has weakened among independents (31%) and Republicans (3%).

A Tight Race Ahead

With both candidates facing similar public perception challenges, the race for the White House remains closely contested. If these negative ratings persist, the 2024 election could mark the third consecutive presidential cycle where neither major candidate enjoys majority favorability, a stark contrast to earlier decades. Historically, the candidate with higher favorability tends to secure victory, making the nearly identical ratings for Trump and Harris an indication of a potentially razor-thin margin in November.

As the campaigns progress, the battle for independent voters will likely prove decisive. Both candidates must work to shift public perception, but with polarization entrenched, changing minds may be harder than ever in this election cycle.

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A Symbolic Shrine with Deep Polish Roots

The shrine in Doylestown, located between Philadelphia and Allentown, holds special significance for Polish Catholics. It honors the Black Madonna, a revered icon from the Polish city of Czestochowa. Since its establishment in 1955, the shrine has become a spiritual hub for Polish-Americans and other Catholics, with millions visiting annually to pay homage.

The icon on display at the shrine is a faithful replica of the original, blessed by Pope St. John XXIII. Over the years, the sanctuary has attracted several prominent figures, including St. John Paul II, who visited the site twice before becoming pope, and U.S. Presidents George H.W. Bush and Ronald Reagan. Trump’s visit follows in this tradition, though he comes as a private citizen, according to Father Maximilian Ogar, the shrine’s press secretary.

Honoring Poland’s Fight for Freedom

Trump and Duda’s attendance at the monument’s inauguration is deeply tied to Poland’s legacy of resistance against communism. The monument will commemorate the efforts of the Polish Solidarity movement, which played a key role in dismantling Soviet influence in Eastern Europe. While the event isn’t politically motivated, the presence of these two leaders—each a symbol of nationalistic politics—has drawn considerable attention.

Father Ogar emphasized that this is not a political rally. «Trump comes here as a private pilgrim to pay respect to the Polish people,» Ogar said, underscoring the spiritual and historical significance of the event. Duda, meanwhile, will participate in a Mass at the shrine, further highlighting the religious dimension of the occasion.

Courting Catholic Voters

While not officially part of Trump’s 2024 campaign, this visit holds considerable weight in a key battleground state. Pennsylvania, with its large Catholic and Polish-American populations, is a focal point for both Republican and Democratic campaigns. Roughly 25% of Pennsylvania’s residents identify as Catholic, and the state boasts a higher-than-average percentage of citizens of Polish descent—nearly 6%, more than twice the national average.

Trump has been particularly vocal about his support for religious freedoms and the Catholic Church. In recent months, he has accused the Biden administration of persecuting Catholics, pointing to FBI investigations into traditionalist Catholic groups and the treatment of pro-life activists under the FACE Act. Trump’s appeals to the Catholic vote are aimed at securing a crucial demographic ahead of the 2024 election.

Meanwhile, the Biden-Harris campaign is also intensifying efforts to win over Catholic voters. The campaign has scheduled a «National Catholic Organizing Call for Harris-Walz» on September 18, a sign that both sides recognize the importance of this voting bloc.

A Historic and Spiritual Intersection

The National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa is no stranger to historical moments. The upcoming event will once again place the shrine at the intersection of faith and politics, with both Trump and Duda paying tribute to Poland’s enduring fight for freedom while underscoring their own appeals to religious values.

As the political landscape gears up for the 2024 election, this visit marks a symbolic moment for both leaders. For Trump, it’s an opportunity to connect with Catholic and Polish-American voters on a deeply personal and spiritual level. For Duda, it’s a chance to celebrate Poland’s hard-fought independence and strengthen ties with Polish-Americans, a key diaspora community.

While the day’s events will largely focus on historical remembrance, the presence of these two high-profile leaders ensures that the significance of the visit will ripple beyond the spiritual into the political arena, making this not only a solemn pilgrimage but also a pivotal moment in the ongoing battle for Catholic votes in America.

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Green Burials: A Return to Nature

Green burials, also known as natural burials, forego the use of traditional embalming chemicals, ornate caskets, and outer burial containers. Instead, these eco-friendly burials rely on biodegradable materials and organic fibers, aligning with sustainable practices. The body is laid to rest in a way that facilitates natural decomposition, allowing it to return to the earth with minimal environmental impact. This approach supports the Catholic Church’s teaching on the sanctity of life, respect for creation, and care for the environment.

The one-acre site within the cemetery was named «The Meadows of St. Kateri» after St. Kateri Tekakwitha, the first Native American woman canonized by the Catholic Church. Known as the patron saint of ecology, the environment, and Indigenous peoples, St. Kateri’s legacy resonates with the green burial movement, which seeks to preserve nature’s balance.

A Step Towards Sustainability

On September 8, the Archdiocese held an outdoor Mass to bless the new section and provide tours to interested community members. By September 12, the first natural burial had already taken place at The Meadows. A bronze plaque or simple engraved stone will commemorate the name of the deceased, blending subtly into the landscape.

«Green burials are about honoring life’s natural cycle,» said Ted Ratajczyk, director of Catholic Cemeteries for the Archdiocese of Chicago. «We are proud to offer an option that respects the environment while staying true to the Catholic faith’s teachings on human dignity.»

A Growing Movement

The introduction of green burials in the Archdiocese of Chicago reflects a larger, nationwide trend. As more people seek eco-friendly alternatives in various aspects of their lives, burial practices are also evolving. A 2023 report from the Green Burial Council noted that 60% of American consumers expressed interest in environmentally sustainable funeral options, marking an increase from 55.7% in 2021.

This rise in demand isn’t solely driven by ecological concerns—cost is also a significant factor. Green burials can be less expensive than traditional ones, as they eliminate the need for costly embalming, elaborate caskets, and vaults.

First for Illinois, but Not for the Nation

While the Archdiocese of Chicago is the first diocese in Illinois to introduce natural burials, this option has already been adopted in Catholic cemeteries across more than a dozen states. The combination of faith and environmental stewardship is gaining traction as more dioceses seek to offer burial choices that align with the values of conservation and reverence for creation.

The Meadows of St. Kateri is a reflection of the Archdiocese’s commitment to serving the needs of its community while embracing sustainable practices. As green burials continue to rise in popularity, this new option offers Chicago’s Catholic families a meaningful way to say goodbye—one that not only honors their loved ones but also cares for the Earth.

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One of the most contentious moments arose when Harris, pressed on abortion limits, refrained from stating any clear boundaries she would support. Her statements drew fire, particularly for misrepresenting the availability of healthcare for women who suffer miscarriages in pro-life states. Contrary to her claims, women in those states do retain access to necessary medical care, including after miscarriages.

Additionally, Harris asserted that women do not seek abortions after carrying pregnancies to term. However, the definition of «to term» became a focal point of disagreement, as thousands of late-term abortions—post-21 weeks—are recorded annually, even though many babies born prematurely at this stage can survive with appropriate care.

False Assumptions Fuel Debate

ABC moderator Linsey Davis further muddied the waters by stating that no state allows babies who survive abortions to be left to die. This statement was met with pushback, as several states lack comprehensive legal protections for infants who survive abortion procedures. In these states, the absence of such safeguards leaves the fate of newborns to the discretion of medical personnel, a grim reality that challenges Davis’ assertion.

Here are some facts that highlight the complexities behind the abortion debate in America:

Late-Term Abortions: More Common Than Acknowledged

A widespread misconception persists about the rarity of late-term abortions. In truth, nearly two dozen states either impose no limits on abortions or permit them after fetal viability for loosely defined «health reasons.» These reasons often extend beyond life-threatening emergencies, allowing for broader interpretations.

In 2021, the CDC recorded over 4,000 abortions past 21 weeks of gestation—a point when many premature babies could survive if provided medical care. The actual figure is likely higher, as states like California and New York, with some of the most permissive abortion laws, do not report such data.

Elective Late-Term Abortions: A Stark Reality

Contrary to popular belief, most late-term abortions are not performed due to fetal anomalies or risks to the mother’s life. According to research, the reasons women seek late-term abortions are often similar to those driving earlier terminations—factors like financial strain, relationship issues, or personal readiness. Even organizations supportive of abortion rights, such as the Guttmacher Institute, acknowledge that the majority of late-term procedures do not stem from medical emergencies.

Infants Surviving Abortions: A Growing Concern

While data on infants surviving abortions is limited, the existing numbers are troubling. Reports from a handful of states suggest that dozens of babies are born alive each year following failed abortion attempts. From 2003 to 2014, the CDC documented 143 such cases, although the true figure is likely higher. Survivors, such as those represented by groups like Melissa Ohden’s Abortion Survivors Network, stand as living testimony to the reality of abortion survivors.

Despite these reports, over half of U.S. states have yet to implement laws that require medical care for babies who survive abortions. In these states, abortion providers face no legal repercussions if they neglect to assist these newborns.

Harris and Walz’s Positions on Abortion Protections

Vice President Harris’s stance on abortion limits has long been controversial. During her time in the Senate, she voted against the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act, a bill that would have mandated medical care for infants who survive abortion attempts. Similarly, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, Harris’s potential running mate, has taken a permissive stance, signing laws that allow elective abortions at any stage of pregnancy and weakening protections for infants born alive.

In Minnesota alone, five babies were recorded as surviving abortion procedures in recent years, only to be abandoned without medical care. Critics argue that both Harris and Walz have failed to safeguard the rights of these vulnerable newborns. 

The Future of the Abortion Debate

As the nation heads toward the 2024 elections, abortion remains a divisive issue. Vice President Harris’s inability to define limits on abortion contrasts starkly with the legal landscape shaped by the 2022 *Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization* decision, which overturned *Roe v. Wade*. In the aftermath, many states have moved to implement pro-life laws that reflect public opinion on the issue.

Meanwhile, Harris and her political allies have backed legislation that would expand access to abortion throughout all nine months of pregnancy, dismantling the gains made by pro-life advocates. The upcoming election presents a stark choice between two competing visions for abortion policy in America.

With misinformation and heated rhetoric dominating the debate, voters are left to navigate the complex realities of abortion laws and medical ethics. The facts tell a story of late-term abortions, abortion survivors, and a political climate that often overlooks the rights of the unborn. As the election approaches, Americans are challenged to confront these difficult truths and decide the future of abortion in the United States.

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The Ward and Kathy Fitzgerald Franciscan University Homeland Mission (FUHM) will play an integral and transformative role in equipping young men and women to serve as joyful disciples in the public square, advancing the great global missionary cause of positively impacting the principles and policies guiding the United States government.

Through this engagement, Franciscan students will be provided with the access, support, and encouragement necessary to participate fully at the highest levels of the legislative process—and to do so with missionary zeal and faith-formed minds and hearts. The Fitzgeralds’ transformative donation of $10 million has funded the acquisition of residential and learning facilities, creating a dedicated hub for the University’s mission in the nation’s capital, and it will also establish an endowment to help fund FUHM’s programming and operations. This will include launching ongoing internships and job placement activities, building professional networking and personal development opportunities, and offering continuing education and Catholic faith formation programs in a supportive and nurturing environment.

By bringing the University’s Gospel-infused core values of encounter, conversion, and community to bear on the political and social atmosphere of Washington, D.C., Franciscan students, alumni, faculty, and staff will bring the light of Catholic social teaching to the most critical issues of the day. This engagement will not only bring the Church’s witness to the legislative and political process, but it will also serve to draw more people to Christ and his Church. Programs and events at the FUHM will challenge students to work and witness for ongoing, systematic change in federal government, placing the sacred human dignity of all people at the center of the work.

“Ward and Kathy Fitzgerald share Franciscan University’s zeal for the Gospel, and they have a special concern for the spiritually poor in the corridors of power,” said Father Dave Pivonka, TOR ’89, president of Franciscan University. “Their generous gift will enable Franciscan to form students and others called to bring the heart of Jesus to the public processes in the important arena of our nation’s capital.

“The Franciscan charism of ongoing conversion, which invites everyone to continually and humbly draw closer to Christ, will be key to carrying out this mission. The Franciscan University Homeland Mission will invite others to deeper conversion through three pillars grounded in the University’s mission: Evangelization and Joyful Presence, Intellectual and Personal Formation, and Support for Human Dignity,” explained Father Pivonka.

Kathy Fitzgerald commented on the couple’s behalf, “We have been provided great Providence to be able to be vessels of the Holy Spirit by participating with such a worthy University and its students, faculty, and administration. We are too well mindful that nothing we have created or hold is our own but graces and gifts from Our Lord to do his work.”

Ward Fitzgerald, through the support of his wife, Kathy, founded Exeter Property Group, and currently, he is CEO of EQT Exeter, an international real estate private equity fund investment group and real estate development and operating company. He and Kathy focus their giving on community philanthropy including the Church, Catholic education, homelessness, poverty, addiction, children abused and trafficked in Mexico, and medical research.

The Fitzgeralds are members of the Trustees to the Papal Foundation, and Ward served as a vice chair for the World Meeting of Families in 2015, for which the couple was named Knight and Dame Grand Cross in the Order of St. Gregory the Great. In 2025, the couple will receive the St. Charles Borromeo Award, given by the Board of Trustees of St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, in honor of their servant leadership in the Philadelphia community, the Catholic community, and beyond.

The Fitzgeralds have three adult children, all examples of responsibility to the Church, the marginalized, and areas of injustice through their own endeavors.

Through the Fitzgeralds’ gift, Franciscan University has purchased a $3 million property in the heart of D.C. on Massachusetts Avenue to house the Ward and Kathy Fitzgerald Franciscan University Homeland Mission.

Their donation—totaling $10 million—helps fund the Outreach and Evangelization case component of the University’s ongoing $110 million Rebuild My Church Capital Campaign.

Bob Hickey, vice president of Advancement at Franciscan University, said, “We are so grateful to Ward and Kathy Fitzgerald for their wonderful support for Franciscan’s passionately Catholic educational mission and their decision to help bring the Gospel message to those in the D.C. area, especially those seeking spiritual support to serve our country in integrity and truth. May God bless them for their generosity and bless our work of evangelization in the heart of our beloved nation.”

The FUHM is part of the new Franciscan University Encounter initiative, which works to bring together and leverage the University’s academic, administrative, and evangelizing resources to extend its mission and impact far beyond its Steubenville, Ohio, campus. Stephen Catanzarite, executive director of Encounter, will lead programming and operations for the FUHM in partnership with the Political Science Department, the Institute for Catholic Humanitarian Service, and many other Franciscan University departments and partners in the world. Catanzarite said student rotations in D.C. will begin on a limited basis this fall and expand in the spring 2025 semester.

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A Positive but Nuanced Recognition

Medjugorje, a small village in Bosnia and Herzegovina, has attracted millions of pilgrims since the reported apparitions of the Virgin Mary began in 1981. Over the decades, opinions from bishops, theologians, and commissions have varied widely, leading to both skepticism and fervent devotion. The Vatican’s latest note strikes a balance, acknowledging the abundance of spiritual fruits that have emerged from Medjugorje while also offering essential clarifications to prevent misunderstandings.

According to the note, these spiritual experiences are characterized by a «promotion of a healthy practice of faith» in line with Church tradition. Evidence of «abundant conversions,» a return to the sacraments, numerous vocations, and family reconciliations highlight the positive impact on the lives of many pilgrims. Furthermore, it emphasizes that these fruits have not led to any harmful or risky effects within the broader Church community.

However, the note also carefully avoids making any definitive claims about the moral character of the alleged visionaries or the supernatural nature of the events themselves. Instead, it reiterates that spiritual gifts do not require the moral perfection of those involved, pointing to the complex human element intertwined with these phenomena.

Pilgrimages as the Heart of the Experience

Interestingly, the document underscores that the true spiritual impact of Medjugorje is found primarily in the pilgrimage experience rather than the reported apparitions. Pilgrims travel to the village seeking personal renewal, spiritual growth, and an encounter with the sacred. The local parish has become a hub of prayer, retreats, and Eucharistic adoration, and many pilgrims report experiencing profound healing—both physical and spiritual—during their visit.

In addition to its spiritual role, Medjugorje has also become a center of charitable work, supporting orphans, the disabled, and those struggling with addiction. The ecumenical and interreligious context of the region, particularly in the aftermath of the Bosnian War, further enriches the unique spiritual character of Medjugorje. Christians of various denominations, as well as Muslims, participate in this shared search for peace and reconciliation. 

Messages of Peace and Conversion

Central to the spiritual phenomenon of Medjugorje is the recurring theme of peace, embodied in the title «Queen of Peace» attributed to the Virgin Mary. The note emphasizes that this peace is not merely the absence of conflict but is rooted in deeper spiritual, familial, and social dimensions. Mary’s message, delivered in the apparitions, calls for conversion, charity, and reconciliation—values that resonate strongly with those who visit Medjugorje.

The note also highlights the importance of entrusting oneself to God, with Mary’s role being seen not as the central focus but as an intercessor pointing believers toward Christ. In this way, the messages of Medjugorje encourage a deeper relationship with Jesus, guided by the Holy Spirit. A striking aspect of these messages is the emphasis on the power of prayer and fasting, as well as the necessity of confronting evil and sin to achieve true peace in the world.

A Call for Discernment and Vigilance

While the Vatican’s stance on Medjugorje is overall positive, the note also issues a word of caution. A small number of messages are seen as potentially problematic, as they could be misinterpreted or lead to confusion among the faithful. The Vatican stresses the importance of careful discernment, warning against giving undue attention to apocalyptic or overly prescriptive messages that deviate from the core teachings of the Church.

For instance, some of the messages may appear to suggest that the Virgin Mary is issuing commands about specific dates or practical decisions. The Vatican encourages the faithful to focus on the Gospels and not seek extraordinary revelations, reminding them that all spiritual insights must align with Scripture.

The document is clear in its intent to preserve the «treasure of Medjugorje» by addressing any distortions that might arise from subjective interpretations or theological imprecision. By grounding the experience in the broader framework of Church teaching, the Vatican hopes to safeguard the positive elements of the phenomenon while curbing potential excesses.

Public Worship Approved, but with Limits

Perhaps the most significant aspect of the Vatican’s recent pronouncement is the formal approval for public worship associated with Medjugorje. While this does not constitute an official declaration of the supernatural nature of the apparitions, it acknowledges that the spiritual experiences of pilgrims at Medjugorje can serve as a positive stimulus for Christian life. As a result, public liturgies and devotions tied to Medjugorje are now permitted under the oversight of the local bishop and the Vatican.

However, the note reiterates that no one is obliged to believe in the apparitions themselves, and it remains up to individuals to discern their personal response. The Church’s focus remains on the pastoral care of pilgrims, ensuring that their spiritual journey is centered on Christ and the teachings of the Church. 

Looking Ahead: A Place for Renewal

The Vatican’s carefully crafted response to the Medjugorje phenomenon reflects its commitment to providing clarity while embracing the positive spiritual fruits that have emerged from this unique place. For many, Medjugorje will continue to be a destination for spiritual renewal, offering a profound encounter with the divine in the context of personal conversion and community prayer.

Ultimately, the Church invites the faithful to approach Medjugorje not as a place of sensationalism or miraculous expectations, but as a site where hearts can be transformed, and faith deepened through a genuine encounter with the «Queen of Peace.»

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