The 332-year-old gift that delighted Pope Leo
What do you give a Pope? In Paris, the Carmelites found something with a very personal connection to Leo XIV.
Cerith Gardiner
With a bachelor of science in Management Sciences from UMIST in England, Cerith Gardiner started her teaching career as a catechist to young children and now she teaches English to art students at Penninghen in Paris, France. She has been writing for Aleteia for four years, relying on her experiences as a mom of four, and a sister to eight to help guide her along the way.
Latest articles by Cerith Gardiner
A new Catholic initiative puts autism in the pews
Founded by an autistic deacon, Catholic Autism UK hopes to help parishes notice barriers they may never have considered.
8 Baby names inspired by saints who were real characters
These holy men and women prove that becoming a saint certainly doesn't require losing your personality.
The story behind the little girl blessed by Pope Leo
The photo of Marie-Garance with Pope Leo moved millions, but the story behind the little girl in blue is even more moving.
The butcher who nearly became a priest — and left $13M
Leonard Gigowski’s life took him far from the future he once imagined -- but the path he followed would change hundreds of young lives
The 13-year-old who sang her heart out for Pope Leo
Eva Molenmaker faced a sea of faces at Lourdes before singing just feet from the Pope. Her reaction afterward makes her even more endearing.
When 6 altar servers with Down syndrome take on a papal Mass
Serving before hundreds of thousands might daunt anyone, but these young men actually asked for the job -- and their youngest member helped make it happen.
The surprising little things Pope Leo changed in Paris
Beyond the crowds and official ceremonies, some delightful details revealed what happens when a Pope takes over the French capital.
How Pope Leo got two French students into trouble
Two diligent students faced an unusual dilemma when the Pope came to Paris -- and their professor wasn't much help.
Highlights from Pope Leo’s Vigil with French young people
From an army of French saints to an extraordinary silence, the Stade de France offered a night few of those present are likely to forget.
The Vatican is heading to Hollywood with a surprise star
The Vatican's first journey toward an Oscar begins with an unlikely young star, a mountain village, and a rather wonderful way of looking at life.
How France plans to make Pope Leo’s arrival heard
Grab your sound-blocking headphones! Pope Leo's arrival in Paris is set to make considerably more noise than your average big event.
9-2-5: “Give Like Dolly Day” honors Parton’s beautiful legacy
On September 25, Dolly Parton fans can celebrate the star by helping one of the causes closest to her heart.
Pope Leo’s Paris lesson in the art of saying “no”
Turning down a dinner invitation can be awkward enough. Pope Leo XIV shows how to do it on a presidential scale.
It’s a wrap! Roumie’s moving goodbye to ‘The Chosen’
After years spent speaking the words of Christ, the Catholic actor has reached the end of an extraordinary chapter -- and this time, there is no script.
8 Ways to handle success without becoming unbearable
When hard work finally pays off, enjoy it! Just don't forget that handling success well can be an art in itself.
What Fulton Sheen knew about being a winner
The future Blessed won one of television's biggest prizes -- and 70 years later, his moment on stage is worth another look.
5 People worth checking in on this September
Sometimes the people worth checking on aren't the ones we'd think to worry about. This September, here are 5 to keep in mind.
What young Fulton Sheen’s noisy mistake can teach parents
A shattered wine cruet left 8-year-old Fulton Sheen terrified, but a bishop's unexpected response offers parents a lesson worth remembering.
5 Blessings of sharing a September birthday with Pope Leo
September may be chaotic, expensive and exhausting, but Pope Leo's 71st birthday reminds us the month has a few considerable advantages too.