Charles de Foucauld, canonized in May 2022, continues to inspire through his life of humility, radical simplicity, and compassion for the marginalized.

Born in 1858 to French nobility and orphaned young, Charles's restless search for meaning took him from indulgence and military service to deep spiritual awakening influenced by encounters in Morocco.

He returned to Catholicism, embracing a vocation modeled on Jesus's hidden life in Nazareth, and eventually moved to the Sahara to live among the Tuareg people.

There, he learned their language, built friendships, and dedicated himself to service, hospitality, and prayer until his tragic death in 1916.

Communities like the Little Brothers and Little Sisters of Jesus now continue his legacy, embodying his vision of unconditional love and solidarity.

St. Charles's words and prayer of abandonment still resonate strongly for those seeking faith and purpose today.

On June 22, 2024, a suicide bomber struck the Greek Orthodox Church of the Prophet Elias in Dweila, Damascus, killing 25 worshippers.

The attack, blamed by Syrian officials on the Islamic State, highlights the ongoing and severe persecution Christians face across the Middle East.

Christian communities in Syria and Iraq have dwindled drastically, as thousands flee violence from extremists.

Prominent Catholic author Robert Royal has documented this global crisis in his new book, emphasizing that persecution extends worldwide, from North Korea to Mexico, Nigeria, and beyond.

In 2024 alone, nearly 5,000 Christians were killed for their faith, with Nigeria witnessing the highest toll.

Across Latin America, narco-violence has targeted priests and religious workers, with Mexico emerging as the deadliest country for Catholic clergy.

This widespread crisis calls for urgent recognition of Christian martyrs and stronger advocacy from both religious and civic communities.

The Brown Scapular devotion is a revered tradition rooted in the 13th century, symbolizing profound commitment to the Virgin Mary and the Carmelite Order.

This devotion began when St. Simon Stock, an English Carmelite, received the scapular from Mary with a promise of salvation for faithful wearers.

In the Bronx, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church on East 187th Street remains a vibrant center for this spiritual practice.

The church hosts dynamic community events, such as a collaboration with the Bronx Arts Ensemble Orchestra and the St. Anthony of Padua Holy Relic Tour, fostering both faith and culture.

Though the parish’s school will close in 2025 after celebrating its centennial, the devotion remains strong.

Annual events like the Our Lady of Mount Carmel feast day and block party keep the tradition alive, offering guidance for those seeking a deeper connection to faith.