How the Ichthys, or “Sign of the Fish,” Became Associated with...
The ichthys, also known colloquially as the "Jesus fish," has been a symbol representing Jesus Christ for nearly the entire history of the Church. What does this symbol actually mean, and how did it come to represent our Lord?
The Secret “Tower Of The Winds” Inside The Vatican
The Vatican is home to some of the worlds greatest architectural achievements and packed with historical buildings. However, most don't know about the Tower of the Winds, a tower which helped create the calendar used by nearly everyone around the globe today.
How Catholic Missionaries Founded California
Since the Great Commission given by Christ to go and convert the whole world, missionaries have traveled to every corner of the Earth to spread the Gospel. One such corner of the Earth is the Golden State of California, founded in part by Catholic Missionaries.
The Book That Almost Made It into the Bible
During the infancy of the Church, the New Testament was gradually developed as early Church fathers agreed upon which texts to include during the canonization process. Most don't know about the book that almost made it into the Bible, The Shepherd of Hermas.
Why Is It Called “Mass”?
For most, the thought probably hasn't even crossed their mind. A common explanation is that "masses" come to celebrate the Eucharist and thus the name is simply a shortened form of the word. Why exactly do we call it Mass?
How Did the Pope Travel Before the Popemobile?
Beginning with Pope Paul VI's visit to New York City in 1965, the popemobile has been the primary form of transportation for the Supreme Pontiff. How did previous popes travel and make their appearances before the creation of the first popemobile?
When the Parthenon Was a Catholic Church
The Parthenon stands as a shining example of Greek architecture. Throughout history, it has been used for many purposes, such as a temple and a gunpowder magazine. However, most don't know that for nearly a thousand years the Parthenon stood as a Catholic Church.
Inside The Nazareth House Where Both Mary and Jesus Grew Up
In the Church, we venerate the Virgin Mary as the greatest of Saints. However, the New Testament offers us little in the ways of Mary's early history. Traditionally, it is believed that the house they both grew up in is enshrined in the Basilica of the Holy House in Loreto, Italy.
The Little Known Exorcisms Performed by Pope John Paul II and...
The sacramental practice in the Catholic Church of expelling demons from the body of a person who is possessed is termed exorcism. Most don't know that both Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI reportedly performed exorcisms inside the Vatican.
Is This the House Where Jesus and Saint Peter Lived?
The Bible makes little reference to suggest where Jesus and the disciplines lived in the village of Capernaum, but its most likely that He lived with Saint Peter. Have archaeologists discovered the ancient home of Jesus and Saint Peter?
