COVID-19 pandemic forces Ash Wednesday changes worldwide
Fox News
Ash Wednesday services will look different for Christian churches around the world this year due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a Jan. 12 note, the congregation wrote that priests should bless the ashes -- which are made from the palm fronds used at the prior year's Palm Sunday service -- and sprinkle them with holy water before reciting the Roman Missal. "The priest then cleanses his hands, puts on a face mask and distributes the ashes to those who come to him or, if appropriate, he goes to those who are standing in their places," the note from Cardinal Robert Sarah and Archbishop Arthur Roche instructs. "The priest takes the ashes and sprinkles them on the head of each one without saying anything."
Syrian minority communities have been targeted and killed by government-linked forces in the last few days. Alawites and Christians fear for their futures amid mounting violence.
I served in Eastern Europe during the majority of Trump’s first term, and witnessed the unrelenting and effective anti-Russian and pro-NATO policies he had U.S. diplomats implement.
Mohammad Sharifullah appeared in federal court on Monday as he faced charges in connection to the 2021 Abbey Gate deadly attack on U.S. soldiers in Afghanistan.
Pope Francis is now eating solid foods and is continuing his therapy, as the Vatican says he is showing "slight gradual improvements."
A new study is challenging the narrative that Israel had deliberately caused starvation in Gaza. The study by health experts showed no evidence of famine or intentional deprivation.
President Trump told reporters during a gaggle on Air Force One that the intel ban on Ukraine is just about lifted, adding that the U.S. is doing anything it can to reach a peace deal.
JT Mestdagh, diagnosed with VATER syndrome (VACTERL association), is the author of "No Bad Days," written for young adults aged 13-19 to inspire them to overcome unexpected adversity in life.
Student protesters at Columbia University criticized the Trump administration's pulling of $400 million in federal grants to the university.
Iran Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said in a series of X posts Saturday he will not negotiate a nuclear deal with the U.S.
North Korea revealed its first nuclear-powered submarine, posing a threat to the United States and South Korea. Kim Jong Un has inspected its construction progress.
Pope Francis remained in the hospital recovering from double pneumonia as the Vatican’s Holy Year proceeded without him.
Trump launched the week telling Americans that his administration would work to take "America’s destiny into our own hands" and vowed that "this will be our greatest era."
Marine injured in Abbey Gate bombing praises Trump for not forgetting families after US nabs suspect
Retired Marine Corps. Sgt. Tyler Vargas-Andrews, who was injured in the Abbey Gate bombing in 2021, said President Trump personally promised him "accountability."