This 700-Year Christian Tattoo Shop in Jerusalem Has Been Tattooing Pilgrims...
Pilgrimage tattoos are an ancient tradition for Christians, stemming back hundreds of years to the persecution of Coptic Christians under Islamic rule. While the practice has fallen out of popularity, one tattoo shop in Old Jerusalem has been keeping it alive for over 700 years.
How the Donated Brains of Nuns Are Helping to Cure Alzheimer’s
The Catholic Church and science have long been married to one another. Its only natural that when researchers were studying Alzheimer's over 30 years ago, Catholic nuns were the first to answer the call for help.
This Italian Church Has the Embalmed Hearts of 22 Popes
As Catholics, we venerate the relics of saints to show reverence for their pious lives. Most people don't know of the centuries old tradition of preserving the hearts of deceased popes as relics, and that one church has over twenty hearts of the pontiffs of years past.
The Secret Deathbed Catholic Conversion of the King of England
Charles II was a beloved king of England, often called the Merry Monarch. Despite his friendly sentiments towards Catholics, his reign saw no end to the penal laws and martyrdom of priests. However, most don't know of his secret deathbed conversion to Catholicism.
How Many Catholic Saints Are There?
As Catholics, we venerate saints to show the proper reverence and respect for the pious lives they led before entering into Heaven. But just how many saints are there? The answer is surprisingly complicated.
The Oldest Known Copy of the Our Father
The Lord's Prayer, also known as the Our Father or the Pater Noster, is one of the oldest Catholic prayers that was given to the faithful by Jesus Christ Himself. 71 years ago, the oldest known written copy of the Our Father was discovered in the sands of Egypt.
How Do You Properly Dispose of Broken Rosaries and Other Blessed...
As Catholics, we commonly have religious items blessed, whether it be by a priest or bishop. However, over time statues and rosaries may become broken from use, or palm may naturally degrade. How do we properly dispose of them when they become damaged?
Why Do Popes Change Their Names?
No Church doctrine exists requiring a pope to take on a new name after their election. Today, a papal conclave will ask of the new pope "By which name will you be known?" However, if taking on a papal name is not a requirement, why do they change their names?
The Secret Tunnel Under The Vatican
The Passetto di Borgo is a secret hidden passageway used by popes in the past as an emergency escape route when they faced imminent danger.
The Secret Cardinals Known Only to the Pope
While there are currently 220 Cardinals that have publicly appointed, its possible there are many more privately appointed unbeknownst to anyone but the pope. This is thanks to a special power of the Pope to make secret Cardinals "in pectore," in the heart.
