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The Vatican's divine worship office has announced the addition of seven new invocations to the Litany of St. Joseph. The new invocations of St. Joseph can be translated in English as Guardian of the Redeemer, Servant of Christ, Minister of Salvation, Support in Difficulties, Patron of Refugees, Patron of the Afflicted, and Patron of the Poor.
The blood of St. Januarius, patron of the southern Italian city of Naples, turned to liquid on Saturday inside the small reliquary where it is kept. St. Januarius is believed to have been martyred during the Diocletian persecution in the fourth century. The alleged miracle usually takes place three times a year, though in December 2020 the blood unexpectedly remained solid.
Pope Francis will give the opening remarks at an Italian conference addressing the country’s low birth rate. The Pope will speak at the General States of Birth initiative on May 14. The event will feature other speakers, including Italian government ministers, who will give talks on the family.
Catholics in several cities in the diocese of Houma-Thibodaux will no longer be required to wear a mask to Mass. According to the bishop, parishioners in Terrebonne, Lafourche, and Morgan City will no longer be required to wear masks to attend Mass. Bishop Shelton Fabre is still encouraging parishioners to wear masks at Mass voluntarily.
Today the Church celebrates Saint Phillip and Saint James, Apostles of Jesus, both of whom died as martyrs.
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