Faiths

Easter Triduum: The three days that rewrote time

Faiths Ruwanthi Abeyakoon -
Easter Triduum is the summit of the Liturgical Year. Although sometimes overshadowed by Easter Sunday celebrations, the three days...

Celebrating Mary’s Divine Motherhood

Faiths Ruwanthi Abeyakoon -
Catholics celebrated the feast of Mary’s divine motherhood on the 1st of January. Christmas spotlight is widened by the...
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St. Sebastian

Faiths Ruwanthi Abeyakoon -
The feast of St. Sebastian, the martyr was celebrated on the 20th of January by the Catholic Church. Saint...

Vaikunta Ekadasi: A sacred day when the gates of heaven open. But why do Hindus play this game on Vaikunta Ekadasi?

Faiths Sarojini P -
India (Commonwealth Union)_ Margazhi is a very important month in the Hindu religion. Devotees think that adoring the divine...

Why the feast of the Holy Family is celebrated after Christmas

Faiths Ruwanthi Abeyakoon -
After the celebrations on Christmas Day, the Church gently asks us to pause and have a closer look at...

Saint Stephen: A Witness of Courage and Grace

Faiths Ruwanthi Abeyakoon -
On December 26th Church celebrates the feast of Saint Stephen. While the festivities are still on going, the Church...

Story of Christmas

Faiths Ruwanthi Abeyakoon -
During Christmas time, there is a special warmth that fills the air. With lights glowing at every house, every...

Feast of Saint Peter Canisius

Faiths Ruwanthi Abeyakoon -
Church celebrated the feast of Saint Peter Canisius on December 21. Saint Peter Canisius, was born as Peter Kanijs...

The nativity scene and Christmas tree open in St. Peter’s Square

Faiths Ruwanthi Abeyakoon -
On Monday, December 15, Sister Raffaella Petrini, President of the Governatorate of the Vatican City State, lighted up and...

Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe

Faiths Ruwanthi Abeyakoon -
The Church celebrates today the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. This feast is preceded by the Feast of...

Feast of Our Lady of Loreto

Faiths Ruwanthi Abeyakoon -
On December 10, the church commemorates Our Lady of Loreto, referring to the Holy House of Loreto, where Mary...

Feast of St. Juan Diego

Faiths Ruwanthi Abeyakoon -
Juan Diego was born in Cuautitlán (now a part of Mexico City) in 1474. He was given the name...

The Pope’s visit to Turkey and Lebanon

Faiths Ruwanthi Abeyakoon -
Pope Leo XIV travelled to Turkey and Lebanon on his first foreign apostolic visit recently, with the aim of...

Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception

Faiths Ruwanthi Abeyakoon -
Each year on December 8, the Church observes the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, one of the major feast...

St. Nicholas who became Santa Clause

Faiths Michael Alfonsia -
Feast of St. Nicholas was celebrated on December 6th. Nicholas was born in the third century in the southern...

Feast of St. Francis Xavier

Faiths Ruwanthi Abeyakoon -
St. Francis Xavier was born in the Kingdom of Navarre on April 7, 1506. Francis was sent to study...

A Christmas Gift From the Alps: Vatican’s 2025 Tree & Nativity

Faiths Ruwanthi Abeyakoon -
A magnificent 25-meter (about 88-foot) spruce from the province of Bolzano's Alpine forests now stands tall in the centre...

Hindu heritage surges: Ram Mandir momentum spreads to Trinidad and Tobago!

Faiths Sarojini P -
Trinidad and Tobago (Commonwealth Union)_ Trinidad and Tobago is exploring plans to build a Ram Mandir (temple) in its...

Feast of Silvestro Guzzolini

Faiths Ruwanthi Abeyakoon -
Silvestro Guzzolini was an Italian Catholic priest who founded the Silvestrini. He served as a canon at Osimo, but...

Pope Leo’s historic digital encounter with youth

Faiths Ruwanthi Abeyakoon -
  His Holiness Pope Leo XIV addressed more than 16,000 young people gathered at the National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC)...

Saint Andrew Dung-Lac and Companions

Faiths Ruwanthi Abeyakoon -
Today, the church celebrates the feast of Saint Andrew Dung-Lac and Companions. Although one man, a priest gives his...

Feast of St. Cecilia: Guardian of music and musicians

Faiths Ruwanthi Abeyakoon -
The Church celebrates the Memorial of St. Cecilia, virgin and martyr on November 22. She is the patron saint...

Memorial of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Temple

Faiths Ruwanthi Abeyakoon -
The Feast of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary is celebrated annually on November 21st. This feast commemorates...

PM Modi joins majestic ceremonies in Puttaparthi marking Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s 100-year commemoration!

Faiths Sarojini P -
A historic gathering in Puttaparthi India (Commonwealth Union)_ Puttaparthi witnessed a unique convergence of spiritual enthusiasm, emotion, and national attention...

Hollywood comes to Holy Sea

Faiths Ruwanthi Abeyakoon -
Pope Leo XIV held an audience with Hollywood icons including Spike Lee, Cate Blanchett, Greta Gerwig and several others...

The countdown to Sabarimala begins: Millions prepare for the sacred hilltop pilgrimage!

Faiths Sarojini P -
Kerala (Commonwealth Union)_ The annual pilgrimage season at Kerala's Sabarimala Temple has officially started. The temple, located at an...

Pope Leo and Buddhist Leaders Unite for Global Healing

Faiths Ishini Dabare -
A delegation of 80 members from the United Association of Humanistic Buddhism Chunghua with over 200 Buddhism groups Taiwan...

The feast of the dedication of the Lateran Basilica

Faiths Ruwanthi Abeyakoon -
On 9th of November, the church celebrated the anniversary of the Dedication of Rome’s Lateran Basilica in 324 A.D....

Tallest church in the world!

Faiths Ruwanthi Abeyakoon -
Sagrada Família in Barcelona, the iconic basilica designed by Antoni Gaudí, is now the tallest church in the world....

Saint Who Set Captives Free: Legacy of Saint Leonard of Noblac

Faiths Ruwanthi Abeyakoon -
Saint Leonard, patron saint for captives, childbirth, imprisoned people, locksmiths, prisoners of war, women in labor, was born in...

Listeria outbreak prompts peach recall nationwide

Faiths Sharya Christiana -
The serious infection-causing bacteria Listeria monocytogenes is one of the most common disease-causing microbes in humans. Being found mainly...

Feast of Saint Charles Borromeo

Faiths Ruwanthi Abeyakoon -
Saint Charles Borromeo was born on October 2, 1538 at the castle of Arona on Lake Maggiore near Milan....

Solemnity of All Saints

Faiths Ruwanthi Abeyakoon -
All Saints' Day is a solemn holy day of the Catholic Church celebrated annually on November 1. The day...

Why do we pray for the dead in November?

Faiths Ruwanthi Abeyakoon -
  Comments by Rev. Fr. Don Anton Saman Hettiarachchi, Internet Media Ministry, St. Anthony’s Bible Academy (SABA) In the month of...

Hope, Mission, and Martyrdom: The Feast of Saints Jude and Simon

Faiths Ruwanthi Abeyakoon -
St. Jude Thaddeus and St. Simon are two of the least known Apostles. St. Jude known as Jude Thaddeus...

Billions beneath the Gods: Unveiling India’s 12 richest temples!

Faiths Sarojini P -
India (Commonwealth Union)_ India is home to nearly half a million temples, each bearing deep religious meaning and rich...

Feast of Pope St. John Paul II

Faiths Ruwanthi Abeyakoon -
Karol Wojtyła was born in 1920 in Wadowice, Poland. He lost his mother when he was nine. When he...

Peter To Rot: Papua New Guinea’s first saint

Faiths Ruwanthi Abeyakoon -
Peter To Rot was canonized as the first saint of Papua New Guinea on October 19th at St. Peter's...

Pope Leo XIV canonizes 7 new saints, including first from Venezuela and Papua New Guinea

Faiths Ruwanthi Abeyakoon -
Pope Leo XIV proclaimed seven new saints on Sunday, 19th October before a large gathering at St. Peter’s Square....

Johnny Walker: The Pope who captured hearts believers and non-believers

Faiths Ruwanthi Abeyakoon -
Rev. Fr. Don Anton Saman Hettiarachchi, Internet Media Ministry, St. Anthony’s Bible Academy (SABA) shares interesting insights on Pope...

Papua New Guinea Declares: We Are a Christian Nation

Faiths Dana de Silva -
In an era when many nations are steadily drifting away from their moral and spiritual moorings, one remarkable decision...

Heaven Through the Eyes of a Child

Faiths Dana de Silva -
The Feast of Blessed St. Carlo Acutis was celebrated on the 12 October 2025 with a touching homily delivered...

Miracle of the Sun at Fatima

Faiths Ruwanthi Abeyakoon -
Fatima is a small city in Portugal. In 1917, a miracle in Fatima made this city the heart of...

Feast of the Holy Guardian Angels

Faiths Ruwanthi Abeyakoon -
On October 2nd, Catholics around the world celebrated the feast of the Holy Guardian Angels. Rev. Fr. Don Anton...

St. Therese of the Child Jesus

Faiths Ruwanthi Abeyakoon -
Catholic Church celebrated the feast of St. Therese of the Child Jesus on October 01st. She was a Carmelite...

Feast of the Holy Archangels

Faiths Ruwanthi Abeyakoon -
Every year, on September 29, the Catholic Church celebrates the Feast of Holy Archangels. The Catechism of the Catholic...

St. Pio of Pietrelcina

Faiths Ruwanthi Abeyakoon -
The feast of St. Pio of Pietrelcina is celebrated on 23rd September. St. Padre Pio was an Italian priest...

The Mahalaya mystery: The day ancestors return to earth!

Faiths Sarojini P -
India (Commonwealth Union)_ On September 21, Hindus around the world honored Mahalaya Amavasya, a very spiritual day commemorating the...

The Call of Matthew: From Tax Collector to Gospel Writer

Faiths Ruwanthi Abeyakoon -
(Excerpts from an interview with Fr. Don Anton Saman Hettiarachchi, St. Anthony’s Bible Academy, SABA)   On the twenty first of...

St. Joseph of Cupertino: The Flying Saint of Humble Faith

Faiths Ruwanthi Abeyakoon -
Feast of St. Joseph of Cupertino was celebrated on 17th September. He is the patron saint of air travelers,...

Exploring the myths, miracles, and mysteries of Puri Jagannath Temple!

Faiths Sarojini P -
India (Commonwealth Union)_ Nestled in the coastal town of Puri in Odisha, the Jagannath Temple is not just a...

Saint Robert Bellarmine: One of the most brilliant of his age

Faiths Ruwanthi Abeyakoon -
The Catholic Church celebrates the feast of Saint Robert Bellarmine, the Patron Saint of Catechists and Catechumens on September...

Our Lady of Sorrows: A September Reflection

Faiths Dana de Silva -
When we think of Mary, we generally think of her calm and serene—smiling gently as she holds the baby...

How One Bold Step by a Woman Changed Buddhism Forever

Faiths Ishini Dabare -
The Binara Full Moon Poya Day, which takes place during the ninth month of the Buddhist calendar, September, carries...

Models of Faith for Today’s Youth: Pier Giorgio Frassati and Carlo Acutis Canonized

Faiths Ruwanthi Abeyakoon -
Pope Leo XIV presided over the Mass and canonization of Pier Giorgio Frassati and Carlo Acutis in Saint Peter’s...

Onam 2025: The Spectacular Celebration That Unites Keralites Worldwide

Faiths Sarojini P -
India (Commonwealth Union)_ Kerala is celebrating Onam 2025 with immense joy as Keralites all over the world get ready...

Celebrating the Birthday of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Faiths Dana de Silva -
September 8 marks the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a feast that, at first glance, might seem simply...

Saint Teresa of Calcutta: Light for Our Times

Faiths Ruwanthi Abeyakoon -
Saint Teresa of Calcutta devoted her entire life to serving “the poorest of the poor.” In 1950, she founded...

Food and Faith: Rituals behind what we eat

Faiths Ruwanthi Abeyakoon -
Human beings intake food to nourish the body. Have you ever thought how food nourishes our soul?  In almost...

She Chose the Cross: St. Ingrid of Sweden

Faiths Dana de Silva -
Today, 2 September, we remember Saint Ingrid of Sweden, a noblewoman of great stature in the 13th century who...

Every Step a Prayer, Every Path a Pilgrimage

Faiths Dana de Silva -
There is something profoundly human about walking. We do it nearly automatically, unthinkingly, from the earliest steps in childhood....

Ganesh Chaturthi 2025 Breaks Records

Faiths Sarojini P -
India (Commonwealth Union)_ Ganesh Chaturthi, one of India's grandest festivals, marks the birth of Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed God...

The Birth of Buddhism: A Shared Heritage of Humanity

Faiths Suchithra Withanage -
It was over 2500 years ago that a prince of Nepal, Siddhartha Gautama, sat beneath a fig tree at...

The Ancient Stupa That Continues to Inspire Millions in Sri Lanka

Faiths Ishini Dabare -
Ruwanweliseya is among the most revered stupas in Sri Lanka. Situated in the historic city of Anuradhapura, a UNESCO...

Uniting in Prayer: Sri Lankan Community’s Holy Tribute in Romania

Faiths Dana de Silva -
In a heartfelt and meaningful observance earlier this week, Sri Lankan diaspora in Romania came together to pay homage...

Largest Hindu Populations in the World

Faiths Sarojini P -
India (Commonwealth Union)_ Hinduism, one of the world's oldest religions, is inextricably linked to the culture and history of...

The Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Faiths Ruwanthi Abeyakoon -
(Excerpts from an interview with Fr. Don Anton Saman Hettiarachchi, St. Anthony’s Bible Academy, SABA) The four ancient Marian antiphons...

Hope, Reflection, Renewal: The Wisdom of the Liturgical Calendar

Faiths Dana de Silva -
Life has a rhythm, even if we don’t always notice it. There are seasons when everything blooms, seasons when...

Tamil Nadu Transforms into a Festival of Lights and Devotion for Krishna Jayanthi

Faiths Sarojini P -
India (Commonwealth Union)_ Tamil Nadu came alive this week with vibrant religious celebrations honoring the birth of Lord Krishna,...

Prayer & Meditation: Are they just for the devout?

Faiths Ruwanthi Abeyakoon -
For centuries, persons who engage in spiritual practices and rituals such as prayer and meditation have been seen as...

The 400-Foot Monument in Bali That’s Captivating the World

Faiths Sarojini P -
India (Commonwealth Union)_ In the heart of Bali's Bukit Peninsula, a gigantic figure emerges from the limestone cliffs, wings...

St. Clare of Assisi: A Life of Quiet Defiance and Unseen Courage

Faiths Dana de Silva -
If you had passed her in the streets of Assisi in the early 13th century, you would not have...

From Sacred Relics to Silent Retreats: What Really Happens on Nikini Poya?

Faiths Ishini Dabare -
Commonwealth Faiths (Commonwealth Union) _ The Nikini Full Moon Poya Day falls in the 8th month (Nikini) in the...

North America’s Tallest Lord Ram Statue Stuns Thousands in Canada

Faiths Sarojini P -
Canada (Commonwealth Union)_ A 51-foot monument of Lord Ram was recently unveiled at the Hindu Heritage Centre in Mississauga,...

Devotion to Saint Anne through the ages

Faiths Dana de Silva -
Cherished by generations of believers, St. Anne is recognised as a guiding figure of maternal love and spiritual strength....

Saint of the Confessional: The Faith of St. John Vianney

Faiths Dana de Silva -
What if the greatest act of love is simply to listen? Not to advise, to fix, or to impress—just to...

Why Scientists Say This Ancient Mantra Could Transform Your Health

Faiths Sarojini P -
India (Commonwealth Union)_ In a world where daily life can feel frantic, chaotic, and stressful, many individuals seek quiet,...

Nigeria’s Abuja National Mosque: A Symbol of Faith, Culture, and Unity

Faiths Ruwanthi Abeyakoon -
Mosques around the world have fascinated people with their beauty and importance. Some mosques are not just places built...

Walk the Path of the Enlightened: Inside Lumbini, the Cradle of Buddhism

Faiths Ishini Dabare -
Commonwealth Faiths (Commonwealth Union) _ Among the most sacred destinations in the Buddhist world, Lumbini holds a unique place...

Modi’s historic visit to Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple: A celebration of 1000 years of Chola legacy!

Faiths Sarojini P -
India (Commonwealth Union)_ Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a highly anticipated visit to the Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple in Tamil...

St. Alphonsa of the Immaculate Conception: Quiet Doesn’t Mean Invisible

Faiths Dana de Silva -
They say saints are echoes of heaven in the noise of earth. Not the loud, miracle-working kind, but the...

Following His Footsteps: The Journey of St. James the Apostle

Faiths Dana de Silva -
When you hear the name St. James the Apostle, what do you picture? A distant saint framed in stained...

What Would You Do? The Question St. Christina of Bolsena Still Asks Us

Faiths Dana de Silva -
In the stillness of Bolsena, where time seems to gather in the stones and shadows, the story of St....

Aadi Amavasai 2025: Perform these rituals to unlock ancestral blessings and endless prosperity!

Faiths Sarojini P -
India (Commonwealth Union)_ On Thursday, July 24, 2025, Hindus throughout the world observed Aadi Amavasai, a spiritually significant day...

No Clay, No Plaster — This Ganesha Idol Made of Sarees Is Redefining Festive Sustainability!

Faiths Sarojini P -
India (Commonwealth Union)_ As Ganesh Chaturthi approaches, Visakhapatnam, notably its industrial center, Gajuwaka, is all set to welcome the...

In Stillness She Speaks: The Gentle Flame of St. Bridget

Faiths Dana de Silva -
Sometimes, in the midst of all the noise and rush, it is the quiet voices that carry the most...

“I Have Seen the Lord” – St. Mary Magdalene and the Dawn of Faith

Faiths Dana de Silva -
“I have seen the Lord.” These five quiet words, spoken by Mary Magdalene outside a still, early morning tomb,...

Christmas in Malta: Discover the Mediterranean Magic Behind This Festive Wonderland

Faiths Ishini Dabare -
When you think of Christmas, images of snow-covered rooftops and frosty mornings might come to mind. However, in Malta,...

Christmas Across Cultures- A Global Tapestry of Tradition

Faiths Warsha De Silva -
Diaspora (Commonwealth Union) _ The Christmas season, a time of joy and reflection, resonates uniquely across different cultures and...

Unity in Diversity: Hanukkah’s Glow Across the Commonwealth

Faiths Ishini Dabare -
Lifestyle (Commonwealth Union) Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, is celebrated with unique traditions and customs across the Commonwealth Nations, reflecting...

Family, Faith, and Feasts: How Uganda Celebrates Christmas

Faiths Ishini Dabare -
Christmas in Uganda is a heartfelt and vibrant celebration centered on family, faith, and community. With over 80% of...

Jingle Bells, Aussie Style: 10 Christmas Destinations in Australia You Can’t Miss

Faiths Ishini Dabare -
Australia offers unique and exciting ways to celebrate Christmas due to its contrasting seasons. Whether enjoying a sunny December...

Christmas in Singapore: 10 Must-Visit Festive Experiences

Faiths Ishini Dabare -
As the holiday season arrives, Singapore transforms into a dazzling wonderland filled with lights, music, and festive joy. From...

Mindfulness goes mainstream

Faiths Vinoja De silva -
In the hustle and bustle of modern life, amid the cacophony of notifications and endless to-do lists, a quiet...

Celebrating the dawn of New Year

Faiths S De Silva -
Culture (Commonwealth Union) – As the first signs of spring emerge and nature awakens from its winter slumber, numerous...

Christmas tree trivia and facts 

Faiths Valentina Bowling -
Since about 1850, Christmas trees have been commercially sold in the United States.  The National Christmas Tree was not lighted...

Classic Christmas Ornaments

Faiths Valentina Bowling -
United Kingdom (Commonwealth Union)_Each year, you decorate a gorgeous evergreen with lights, glass Christmas ornaments, ribbon, tinsel, and other...

Deliciously Unique Christmas Cakes  

Faiths Valentina Bowling -
Christmas (Commonwealth Union_Christmas 2023 is a time for indulging in decadent, rich, treats, and what better way to celebrate...

Vintage-inspired decor ideas to infuse your home  

Faiths Valentina Bowling -
Europe (Commonwealth Union)_ Let's explore creative ways to evoke the magic of Christmases past, making this holiday season a...

The world’s weirdest Christmas traditions 

Faiths Valentina Bowling -
Europe (Commonwealth Union)_Venezuelans skate to church, Norwegians hide their brooms, and Catalans are obsessed with festive pooping. We reveal...

Choose a classy Christmas gift

Faiths Valentina Bowling -
With less than two weeks until Christmas, time is of the essence to purchase the right present for your loved...

Birth of British Christmas cake

Faiths Valentina Bowling -
Christmas (Commonwealth Union)_ The original Christmas cake was a plum pudding, which was a porridge really, and because the...

5 Delightful New ideas suitable for All Ages To Fill Out Your Christmas Gift List 

Faiths Valentina Bowling -
Christmas (Commonwealth Union)_ If you have a family tradition of giving books as presents, there are some selections given...

Continuing Christmas 2023: 12 toys with high play value…. 

Faiths Valentina Bowling -
Christmas (Commonwealth Union)_The Christmas tradition of exchanging gifts has origins both ancient and modern.  Even though the present-day festival...