Religion
Migrant advocates embrace powerful Catholic symbolism near tributes to Cubans who have died at sea
Months after Miguel “Mike” Fernandez celebrated his 12th birthday, armed members of Fidel Castro’s militia frightened him and his 10-year-old sister when they interrupted Christmas Eve dinner at their home in Manzanillo, then known as the Pearl of the Guacanayabo.
Catholic students cheer, churches’ bells ring in South Florida over 1st pope from U.S.
After white smoke rose out of the Sistine Chapel’s chimney in Vatican City, the bells from the Church of the Little Flower in Coral Gables and other churches in South Florida started tolling.
Catholics in South Florida mark Ash Wednesday with Pope Francis hospitalized for 20th day
In South Florida, Catholics attended mass at churches in greater numbers to commemorate Ash Wednesday, which marks the first day of Lent, a 40-day season of prayer, fasting, and charity before Easter on April 20.
‘That is wrong, that is hateful’: Hotel cancels Muslim event after opponents’ campaign
The Marriott Coral Springs Hotel & Convention Center abruptly canceled a contract with the South Florida Muslim Federation for an annual conference. Organizers say hate is behind the decision.
Mexican exorcist: ‘Santa Muerte’ behind increase in crime
The worshippers of the “Santa Muerte” are putting themselves at risk, a Roman Catholic priest recently warned in an opinion published by the International Association of Exorcists, which is based in Italy.
Persecution of Catholics in Nicaragua worsens, activists say. Here is a timeline:
The persecution of Roman Catholics in Nicaragua under the administration of President Daniel Ortega and his wife, Vice President Rosario Murillo, includes the detentions of two bishops, 15 priests, and two seminarians, according to activists who are tracking the cases.
Archbishop of Miami follows Nicaragua’s ‘off the rails’ persecution of Catholic priests
Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega’s administration has targeted at least a dozen Roman Catholic priests and a bishop and closed a Catholic-run university after national demonstrations against him.
Afro-Cuban Santeria priests release 2024 predictions
The high priests of the Afro-Cuban religion of Santeria announced on Tuesday that their predictions included more violence and financial problems in 2024.
Miami tower displays the world’s tallest electronic menorah during Hanukkah
The Paramount Tower was lighting up with the image of a menorah from Thursday night to Dec. 15 to wish South Florida’s Jewish community a Happy Hanukkah.
DeSantis signs laws against trans care, kids at drag shows, trans athletes
During his Wednesday morning speech at a non-denominational Christian private school in Tampa, Gov. Ron DeSantis criticized gender-affirming care, a medical intervention when an individual’s gender identity is different than the one assigned at birth.
Supreme Court sides with high school coach who prayed after games
Six conservative U. S. Supreme Court justices sided with a high school football coach who prayed on the field after games.
Archbishop of Miami on Holy Week: Attend Catholic Mass with safety measures
The coronavirus pandemic has been a difficult time for religious people across the world. At a time of loss and grief with COVID-19, some Catholics were unable to participate in in-person Mass for nearly a year. This Holy Week many are making it back to Mass.
Catholics celebrating Christmas embrace precautions during pandemic
Instead of Holy Water fountains, there was a hand sanitizing station on Thursday at the entrance of the Church of the Little Flower in Coral Gables. Parishioners wore face masks and sat far apart to follow social distancing guidelines.
Justice Department reviews Trump’s controversial immigration ban
The U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Legal Counsel is reviewing President Donald Trump’s controversial proposal for an executive order to ban immigration during the coronavirus pandemic.
Passover and Easter will be different this year, but locals are keeping the faith
Easter is Sunday. Passover begins Wednesday at sundown. It’s one of the most sacred times of the year for many, and now it’s also one of the scariest.
Coronavirus keeping Jewish families apart for Passover gatherings
Next week's Passover celebration for Jews around the world is going to be different. No large groups and big family gatherings. This year, it's about safer at home and social distancing due to the coronavirus pandemic. One South Florida rabbi said the holiday is all about home anyway.