Is it conceit or coincidence that a saint who was conceived without sin is the patron of a country that believes the same about itself?

Fewer than 200 words are attributed to Mary in Scripture, but those words have inspired innumerable prayers, hymns, sermons and other devotional practices, perhaps none more than her words at the Annunciation.

Two timely texts can help elevate our thinking and improve the ways we relate to our Muslim brothers and sisters.

Before we can accompany young Catholics, we must know where we are taking them. Mary shows the way.

Pity and punish the powerful but take no delight in their fall.

The church must "remain female" and "have this attitude of a wife and mother" who nurtures her children, the pope said in his homily May 21 during a morning Mass commemorating the feast of Mary, Mother of the Church.