Gethsemane honors the Precious Blood with rose petals
While the universal Church celebrates the Precious Blood on Corpus Christi and in the month of July, the Basilica of the Agony in Jerusalem honors it with red roses on July 1.
Valdemar de Vaux
Latest articles by Valdemar de Vaux
The ‘NRT’ spreads the word about the One “who makes all things new”
The “Nouvelle Revue Théologique” continues to foster dialogue between Christian faith, contemporary culture, and critical reason.
Is there actually an “Arc de Triomphe” in your church?
The famous triumphal arches in Paris and Rome celebrate military victories. But did you know that some churches also have triumphal arches of their own?
The sacred symbolism of 70 in Scripture and Tradition
As Pope Leo turns 70, here's a little symbolism about the number itself and its importance in Church history.
Restoration of the Holy Sepulchre enters its final phase
Begun in 2019, the restoration of the floor of the Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre has entered its final phase, with the laying of the paving.
How many bishops were at the Council of Nicaea?
Today, May 20, Christians celebrate the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, which proclaimed the Son's divinity. How many council fathers were there?
Was Nicaea a political or theological council?
Although it was convened by Emperor Constantine, who wanted unity for the Roman Empire, it remains a theological moment beyond the political dimension.
Nicaea, the first council of the Church? Not really
2025 marks the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, which proclaimed Christ’s divinity. It was the first ecumenical council, but not the first council.
Where is Nicaea, birthplace of the Nicene Creed?
The year 2025 is the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, which solemnly proclaimed the divinity of the Son. The city, now called Iznik, is in present-day Turkey.
Good news from Spain: 100 more seminarians this year!
On December 13, the Spanish bishops announced that the number of seminarians in formation had risen above 1,000 for 2024-2025, for the first time since 2021.
Beautiful sacred music created for Notre Dame of Paris
The reopening of Notre Dame de Paris is an opportunity to delve into 1,000 years of sacred music composed for the cathedral. Here's a very partial selection.
Notre Dame’s altar will have relics from these 5 modern saints
On December 8, the archbishop of Paris will dedicate the altar of Notre Dame of Paris. He will place a small reliquary inside, containing the relics of five saints.
10 Beautiful requiem Mass settings
On All Souls Day and for funerals, the Church prescribes the Mass for the Dead, aka the requiem Mass, which has inspired many composers. Here’s a selection.
Does God give more grace in personal prayer, or the liturgy?
God gives his grace to us in many ways. While private prayer and popular devotion can be subjectively very powerful, the sacraments are objective guarantees.
How many feasts does Mary have in the Church year?
The calendar year begins on January 1 with a feast honoring Mary as "Mother of God," the first of many days for her. Just how many Marian celebrations are there?
The Church honors these saints twice a year. Why?
Four important saints have two liturgical feast days during the year, when most have only one. Who are they, and why are they so important?
The Holy Land isn’t really that far away from us
Not everyone has the joy of making a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. However, God manifests himself here and now to each and every one of us who listens to him.
Have you heard of “Our Lady of Old Silverware”? Thérèse had
The image of Our Lady of the Smile that "healed" St. Theresa of the Child Jesus is a reproduction of a statue made from old silverware.
Why does the priest put water in the wine at Mass?
The liturgical gesture (of Jewish origin) of adding water to the wine is primarily practical. However, the accompanying prayer gives it a symbolic meaning.
What is “pontifical secrecy?”
The term "secret" often has a negative connotation, as if the person using it wants to conceal something. Is this what’s happening at the Synod?