At education Jubilee, Pope names St. John Henry Newman ‘doctor of the church’
On All Saints’ Day, Pope Leo XIV concluded the Jubilee of the World of Education by proclaiming St. John Henry Newman the 38th doctor of the church, honouring his theological and spiritual contributions. Earlier that week, Newman was also named co-patron of education alongside St. Thomas Aquinas. Born in London in 1801, Newman was ordained an Anglican priest, converted to Catholicism in 1845, and became a cardinal in 1879. His canonization banner and relics were displayed during the Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica, attended by Anglican Archbishop Stephen Cottrell and UK Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy. Pope Leo quoted Newman’s hymn “Lead, Kindly Light,” emphasizing Jesus as our guide through uncertainty. Addressing educators, he urged them to be bearers of light in a world shadowed by fear and injustice, and to foster communities of peace and dialogue. He highlighted Newman’s belief in personal vocation: “God has created me to do Him some definite service,” affirming the dignity and unique purpose of every individual. Education, the Pope said, must help students discover their divine calling and worth. Lammy praised Newman’s legacy as a bridge between traditions, noting his blend of faith and reason as a model for moral leadership in polarized times. CNS
Gen-Z should be known as Gen+ for what they can add to the world, Pope says
Pope Leo XIV urged young people to take charge of technology and “humanize” the digital world, making it a space of creativity and fraternity rather than addiction or isolation. Speaking to thousands of students during the Jubilee of the World of Education,he called them to be “prophets in the digital world” and a “generation plus” remembered for their drive in church and society. He emphasized education as a powerful tool for change, with students as its protagonists-truth-speakers and peacemakers. On digital challenges, he warned: “Do not let the algorithm write your story! Be the authors yourselves.” He highlighted the need for humane use of AI, nurturing emotional and spiritual intelligence. The Pope pointed to role models like St. Carlo Acutis and St. Pier Giorgio Frassati, encouraging youth to aim “toward the heights,” live fully, and seek meaning beyond fleeting pleasures. Finally, he urged them to be peacemakers, disarming hearts and building equality through education that respects the dignity of all. CNS
The forensic enigma of St. Teresa’s burial cloths, solved
A forensic study at the Carmelite convent in Alba de Tormes, Spain, has confirmed that linen cloths associated with St. Teresa of Jesus are authentic burial shrouds. Researchers Felipe Montero Ortego and Alfonso Sánchez Hermosilla found cadaveric fluid stains and a faint body imprint, indicating the cloths wrapped Teresa’s body after her death in 1582. The cloths, made from high-quality 16th-century linen with Z-twisted threads, show signs of reverent preservation but are now biologically deteriorating. Their use aligns with Carmelite burial customs and historical exhumation records. Catholic doctrine views the human body as sacred, and these cloths symbolize hope and resurrection. The study bridges science and spirituality, enhancing understanding of Christian beliefs about the union of body and soul. Scientists plan to analyze biological material on the clothsusing paleogenetics, potentially uncovering valuable historical genetic data. The findings have deepened reverence in the Carmelite community, reinforcing the importance of preserving both relics and the enduring legacy of a woman whose faith transformed the Church.-Aleteia
Vatican cautions against Marian title: ‘Co-Redemptrix
On November 4. the Vatican released Mater Populi Fidelis, a document from the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith (DDF), approved by Pope Leo XIV, discouraging the use of the title “Co-Redemptrix” for the Virgin Mary. It emphasizes that Jesus alone is the Redeemer, and Mary’s role, though profound, is subordinate and should be understood as that of a disciple. The document warns that “Co-Redemptrix” could mislead the faithful by implying Mary shares Christ’s unique salvific role, potentially distorting core Christian doctrine. Cardinal Victor Fernandez clarified that the intent is not to diminish Marian devotion but to promote theological clarity. It also cautions against misinterpretations of the title “Mediatrix of all Graces,” suggesting it may wrongly portray Mary as dispensing grace independently of Christ. Instead, titles like “Mother of the Faithful People” are recommended to better reflect her spiritual significance. While acknowledging Mary’s. exalted status as Theotokos and her revered place in Church tradition, the DDF reiterates that her greatness stems from her receptivity to God’s will not from roles that parallel Christ’s. CWN
New metro station in Tehran honours Virgin Mary
A newly opened metro station in Tehran, named Maryam-e Moghaddas (Holy Mary), honours the Virgin Mary with artwork depicting Jesus, Mary, and the Holy Spirit. Artist Tina Tarigh Mehr says the station
reflects respect for Christianity, with symbols like the white dove and olive tree representing peace and friendship. Cardinal Dominique Joseph Mathieu views it as a chance to reflect on Mary’s humility and Jesus message of peace, hoping commuters feel inspired by the station’s spiritual imagery. The naming also highlights religious coexistence in Iran, where Christians, Jews, and Zoroastrians are recognized minorities, though religious freedom remains limited. Mary holds a revered place in Islam, mentioned around seventy times in the Quran and honoured with a dedicated chapter. Muslims regard Jesus as a prophet, not divine. Aleteia
Church Inaugurated for Displaced Catholics in Manipur
In Munpi village, Singngat (Churachandpur district, Manipur), Catholics celebrated the opening of their first church, dedicated to internally displaced persons (IDPs), amidst ongoing ethnic-confessional violence. The Church of St. Joseph was blessed on October 18 by Archbishop Emeritus Dominic Lumon, joined by 13 priests, nuns, catechists, and about 1,000 villagers. The church was funded largely by Jeronimo and Mary Pereira, a Catholic couple from Goa, inspired by the work of Street Providence Goa. It serves displaced families from Singtom, affected by violence in Chandel district. Catechist Peter Kammang and his brothers donated farmland to help resettle these families. Additional facilities blessed include a grotto, a large cross, and a 50,000-liter water tank. Villagers contributed to construction efforts, and October 18 will now be observed as Munpi Pilgrimage Day. Father Athanasius Mung, parish priest and member of the displaced Kuki Zo tribe, noted that 50 homes have been built, with more underway. The church symbolizes healing and hope for a community uprooted by conflict that has claimed nearly 300 lives since May 2023. AN