Surrounding the star player during pregame warmups were five Dominican nuns who previously taught Goff during his high school career at Marin Catholic High School in Kentfield, California.

Goff, a 2013 graduate of the Northern California Catholic School where he excelled in football, basketball, and baseball, took time before putting on his helmet to visit with the sisters on the turf at Ford Field.

The heartwarming meet-n-greet quickly caught the attention of fans and media alike after the team highlighted the moment on social media.

The former high school teachers brought more than just warm memories to the Motor City; they brought a long history of scouting confidence. Sister Miriam, one of Goff’s former instructors, previously shared in a viral video how the dear Dominican sisters recognized his rare poise in the pocket back when he was just a teenager steering the Marin Catholic Wildcats.

The pregame reunion proved to be helpful: Detroit edged out Green Bay 20-17 in a hard-fought battle, keeping the Lions firmly in control of their division campaign.

For Sister Miriam and the Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist, that sense of confidence goes back 15 years. Long before Goff was commanding packed NFL stadiums, the sisters sitting near the 50-yard line at Marin Catholic already knew his ultimate destination.

Jared Goff says hi to a group of sisters who taught him at Marin Catholic High School https://t.co/zEL7uInWw4

— Detroit Lions (@Lions) October 25, 2026

In a now-viral story shared by Sister Miriam, she recalled sitting in the Friday night bleachers in 2011 while Goff was just a skinny junior starting under center. Admitting she knew very little about football at the time, Sister Miriam leaned over to the sister sitting beside her — a diehard University of Michigan fan who knew the gridiron inside and out.

As they watched young Goff work his magic, the Michigan-fan sister leaned over and dropped a startling prediction:

“He's going all the way to the NFL.”

When Sister Miriam expressed disbelief at such a bold claim for a high school junior, her companion didn't point to stats, passing yards, or physical size.

“The first thing she said after that—it wasn't about his stats,” Sister Miriam recalled with a smile. "It was, 'He stays calm and cool. He thinks like the coach. There's a prudence out there. He doesn't crack under pressure.'"

While traditional scouts were obsessing over combined metrics, a Dominican nun was scouting for pure virtue — specifically composure, self-control, and quiet fortitude when the pocket collapses.

That 2011 sideline assessment has proven to be one of the most accurate scouting reports in modern sports history. From leading Marin Catholic to state title games, to being selected No. 1 overall in the NFL Draft, to steering Detroit through high-stakes division victories, Goff’s career has been defined by the exact composure his former teachers recognized over a decade ago.

As the sisters watched from the stands at Ford Field once again, seeing their former student orchestrate another thrilling fourth-quarter victory only confirmed what they had witnessed back in Kentfield. As Sister Miriam noted with a smile:

“As it turns out, she was right about everything she said.”

When news broke in September 2026 that a beloved hilltop cross on the grounds of the Marian Sisters of Santa Rosa had been vandalized and cut down, the loss was felt keenly across the Diocese of Santa Rosa.

To the students of Cardinal Newman High School and St. Rose Catholic School, the hilltop landmark was an anchor along their daily journey to class.

Yet, true faith is unwavering.

Rather than dwelling on the damage, local students took up the mantle of restoration. Organizing fundraisers and inspiring local benefactors like Lind Marine to craft a new monument, they turned a tragedy into a crusade of hope.

On October 14, that hope took on a visceral beauty. A group of Cardinal Newman High School football players hoisted the new cross and carried it up the summit step by step, alongside by Bishop Robert F. Vasa of the Diocese of Santa Rosa, the Marian Sisters of Santa Rosa, and generous local parishioners.

At the crest of the hill, as the cross was anchored back into the sky, Bishop Vasa reminded the gathering of the eternal truth behind their physical labor:

“The cross however endures, the love of Christ endures.”

An act intended to destroy ended up revealing the vibrant, enduring heart of Santa Rosa’s young Church — proving that light always prevails, and that love will always find a way to stand tall.

Facing a daunting financial hurdle to attend The Catholic University of America, Connolly stood before the iconic Christ in Majesty mosaic at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., and offered a heartfelt plea.

“I prayed the most sincere prayer of my life: ‘Lord, I want to come here so bad, but we are running out of time, and I’m not even close financially. I know if it’s Your will, You will make it happen. If You allow me to come here, I promise to visit You here every day my freshman year.’”

Weeks later, the miracle arrived. 

Connolly was awarded an Archdiocesan Scholarship — a four-year, full-tuition award — followed by additional grants that covered his room and board in full. Keeping his vow, he visited the Upper Church of the National Shrine every single day during his freshman year, establishing a daily habit of prayer that transformed his spiritual life.

“This was life-changing for me,” Connolly reflected. “It was the first time in my life that I felt a deep love that can best be described as something close to romance. I was in love, and the National Shrine was the place where God encountered me.”

That profound encounter at the National Shrine ignited a desire to seek out similar sanctuaries across the country. Inspired by the grace he experienced in Washington, the founder of the Social Thomist set an ambitious goal: to visit all 94 minor basilicas in the United States.

Minor basilicas are designated directly by the Pope in recognition of their historical significance, architectural splendor, and vibrant sacramental life. Connolly’s journey took him across state lines, from grand cathedral sanctuaries in bustling cities to humble parish treasures tucked away in rural towns.

Among the highlights of his pilgrimage was the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis, Missouri, home to one of the largest collections of mosaic art in the Western Hemisphere. Another standout was the Basilica of St. Francis Xavier in Dyersville, Iowa — a parish founded by 19th-century German and Irish immigrants where a generous parishioner donated his entire life savings to secure the land for the church.

“Many of our churches were built on the backs and dimes of hardworking people, especially immigrants,” Connolly noted, pointing to the rich tapestry of faith woven into American history.

Throughout his travels, Connolly also observed a deep current of Marian devotion across the nation. Of the 94 minor basilicas in the United States, 37 are dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary under various titles — including eight named in honor of the Immaculate Conception, patroness of the United States.

Reflecting on his four-year odyssey, Connolly remarked:

“After traveling for four years via planes, trains, and automobiles to some of America’s most remarkable Catholic churches, I can honestly say that the Holy Spirit is at work in this land. We are blessed, and God is calling us to continue building His Church.”

His new book, Basilicas: A Pilgrim's Guide to America's Most Remarkable Catholic Churches, captures these sacred spaces through photographs, detailed historical profiles, and personal reflections. More than a travel companion, the guide transforms simple sightseeing into a spiritual adventure, inviting readers to encounter Christ through the beauty, history, and enduring grace of Catholic America.

During an October 20 appearance on NBC’s “TODAY,” Pratt opened up about his private meeting with Pope Leo XIV and the questions he brought to their brief conversation.

“He’s awesome. He’s great,” Pratt said when asked about the Holy Father.

After the interviewer, Carson Daly, noted that the pope seemed “very American,” Pratt responded warmly.

“Yeah. Yeah, he’s an American dude. It was amazing,” he said. “I think he’s a fantastic man.”

“I Asked Him How I Could Pray for Him”

Pratt said he had the opportunity for a private audience with Pope Leo XIV and spoke with him for half an hour.

When Daly asked what he said during that encounter, the actor described two questions: one about praying for the Holy Father, and another about sharing Christ’s love while remaining faithful to the Gospel.

“I asked him how I could pray for him, and then I asked him a question about sort of grace on the fringes and how do you bring love to people while also sticking to the words of the Gospel.” Pratt said.

“And he just gave me the most amazing answers.”

Pratt did not share the pope’s specific responses in the exchange, but his enthusiasm made clear how much he valued their conversation.

The segment also included a lighthearted moment. After hearing Pratt’s questions, Daly joked, “I asked him who was going to win the Super Bowl next year,” adding, “I thought he might know.”

This was in reference to the online viral meme that was circulating before the Super Bowl in January regarding how the last two times a new Pope had been elected, the Seahawks had made it to the Super Bowl. And then, the Seahawks did in fact go on to win the Super Bowl this year.

A Documentary Exploring St. Peter’s Story

Pratt’s appearance on the morning talk show also touched on a documentary connected to the 400th anniversary of St. Peter’s Basilica.

The actor narrates “Pétros Ení: Discovering the Origins,” a documentary produced in collaboration with the Vatican that explores the search for St. Peter’s remains beneath the basilica and features Pope Leo XIV.

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In a video posted on his social media accounts, Rodríguez explains that we can often adopt New Age ideas or fall into superstition without realizing it. That is why a deeper understanding of our faith is essential to distinguishing beliefs and practices that are incompatible with it.

Here are the six beliefs that, although they may seem right, do not align with the Catholic faith:

1. The Universe Will Grant Your Wish

The universe does not listen, has no will, and is not a personal being. We believe and trust in God, not in the universe.

2. Manifesting Something to Attract It, or the Law of Attraction

Christian prayer is not about manipulating reality but about trusting fully in God’s will. Nor do we believe that words have some magical quality that can attract things and change circumstances.

3. Good-Luck Charms

We do not believe that objects have power in themselves or that they can bring you good luck. Even Catholic sacramentals, such as a religious medal, a crucifix, or a rosary, have no power to give you good luck. Sacramentals direct us toward God.

4. Horoscopes or Astrology

Only God knows the future, and we do not believe that the stars have the power to determine your circumstances, change your reality, or predict your future.

5. Speaking Something into Existence

Our words cannot force reality to change or make our will come to pass. When we ask for something, we do so with humility and let God be God.

6. Prayer Chains

“Share this prayer a certain number of times to receive your miracle.” Prayer chains that claim repeating or sharing a prayer guarantees a miracle promote superstition and should not be practiced by Catholics.

This practice does not apply to novenas, the Rosary, or other devotions, whose prayer repetition encourages persistent prayer without guaranteeing an outcome. Prayer is a relationship of love with God, rooted in trust. 

Knowing the Faith to Discern What Comes From God

Rodríguez concludes by reminding us that not everything that mentions “faith, God, the saints, angels, or energy” is necessarily compatible with the Catholic faith.

That is why knowing the Church’s teachings is essential to learning to distinguish between practices that help us live out our faith and those that can lead to superstition.

“Knowing our faith also means learning to distinguish what comes from God and what does not,” he concludes.

A young Marine preparing to deploy to Iraq, he was grieving the loss of his beloved grandmother — Mawmaw, the matriarch who had raised him. Driving back toward his military base, his car hit a curve in the road and began spinning out of control toward the edge of a mountain drop-off.

“It's one of these roads where there is no — you know, you go off the side of the mountain and you're probably not going to make it,” Vance told Raymond Arroyo in an interview that aired Oct. 22 on EWTN’s The World Over.

“And just like right at that point where I'm like, ‘All right, I'm about to go over the side of the mountain,’ the car just comes to a completely restful stop. Like God put His hand on that car and made it stop.”

To Vance, the moment carried an undeniable weight:

“I didn't know what that moment meant to me at the time. It's one of those things that's always gnawed at me... this idea that there was something that felt supernatural that I didn't fully understand, that God was trying to talk to me.”

That near-tragedy opened a door that ultimately led him through periods of doubt, intellectual searching, and finally into full communion with the Catholic Church. It remains a powerful reminder that divine grace is often actively at work — stopping us at the edge and calling us home.

Watch the full interview here:

To those who loved him, Francisco was a boy filled with joy and a profound fascination with the cosmos. His eyes were constantly fixed on the stars, dreaming of galaxies far beyond our own. But in May 2023, his family’s world was shattered when Francisco received a devastating medical diagnosis.

The Diagnosis: A Trial Met with Unshakable Faith

It began with a subtle change in his vision. After noticing minor difficulties during a routine day, medical evaluations revealed every parent’s worst nightmare: Francisco was diagnosed with Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG), a rare and aggressive pediatric brain tumor.

Because of the tumor’s location in the brainstem, DIPG presents an agonizing reality for families — it is inoperable, and modern medicine can only do so much to slow its progression. Suddenly, Laura and her husband found themselves facing a road marked by profound grief and anguish. 

Yet, from the very beginning of his diagnosis, Francisco chose a path that astonished everyone around him. Rather than letting fear or sadness consume his days, he met his illness with humor, patience, and a deep, childlike trust in God, all helped along by some very special chats. 

He and his mother began having what they called “heaven talks,” excitedly imagining eternal life, as Laura Fredrickson explained: 

“Everything about Francisco was so animated by an idea of what’s next. He just became more and more excited about the things he was going to get to experience.”

The Priest-Astronaut’s Final Mission

As his body weakened, Francisco’s spirit and imagination only expanded. He loved space, but he loved his faith just as deeply. In his mind, the two were never separate.

"When our son died at 9 years old, he'd told us his plan was to become a priest astronaut in heaven," his mother, Laura, recalls. "With his humor and faith and deep love of space, he taught us something so big about the beauty of death. And the promise of eternity."

For Francisco, passing into eternal life was not an ending to be feared, but the ultimate launch into the heavens — a new beginning where meeting God and exploring the universe could finally come together. He approached his condition not as a tragedy, but as a top secret space mission that ended with an “epic party” in Heaven. 

"He taught us his life wasn't ending, but that it would continue on," Laura shares.

A Hopeful Grief

When Francisco stepped into eternity in December 2024, he left behind a family whose grief was transformed by the very hope he had cultivated in them throughout his illness.

"So when he died in December of 2024, my husband and I didn't despair," Laura reflects. "Yes we grieved. But it was a hopeful grief. Francisco had gone on his secret space mission. And while we knew that we wouldn't be able to communicate for now, we also knew that one day, we'd be together once again... for all eternity."

Through his short but luminous nine years on Earth, Francisco gave his parents and all who knew him a timeless gift: the revelation that death does not have the final say, and that heaven is a reality worth living for.

Looking toward that promised reunion, Laura carries her son in her heart with quiet peace:

"Until we meet again my beautiful boy, pray for us!"

Kurt Wagner, one of the iconic X-Men known as Nightcrawler, is a devout Bavarian mutant who frequently prays the rosary in German and seeks refuge in churches. 

But we aren’t talking about Catholic characters made up in the mind of Stan Lee, we’re talking about real life Catholic heroes whose lives were adapted into Marvel comics in the height of the comic book era, the American 1980s - where you had a lot of hairspray, a lot of leg warmers, a lot of neon and a lot of comics. 

St. Francis of Assisi

It’s St. Francis of Assisi’s 800th anniversary of his death this year, declared the Franciscan Jubilee Year by Pope Leo XIV! And, while his year is wrapping up, it’s only fair to note how providential everything is… The 800th anniversary of St. Francis’ birth was back in 1982, and to commemorate it, Marvel produced a comic book about the life of St. Francis.

The idea began with Father Campion Lally, a priest in Tokyo who approached Marvel representative Gene Pelc about bringing Francis’ story to readers beyond the Church. His mission: “take St. Francis out of the birdbath.”

Stan Lee liked the idea, but Marvel executives needed convincing. Interest from Catholic publisher Paulist Press in buying 250,000 copies helped secure their approval. Marvel writer Mary Jo Duffy then worked with Franciscan Father Roy Gasnick to bring the saint’s life to the page.

Then the artists at Marvel did their magic and produced the comic titled “Francis: Brother of the Universe,” which hit stores in September of 1980. It proved to be a hit, both critically and commercially, selling over a million copies.

St. John Paul II

A year later, Pope John Paul II arrived in Japan as the first pope to visit the country.

“The pope's visit galvanized Pelc, who was still riding high on the success of the St. Francis comic. He began looking into the possibility of producing another religious-themed comic for Marvel,” EWTN News explains.

The comic was written by Steven Grant, a young freelance comic book artist who worked for Marvel in New York. 

The team at Marvel encountered numerous obstacles during production, one being the 1981 assassination attempt made on the Holy Father.

Political turmoil in Poland at the time made it hard to communicate with their liaison Father Mieczyslaw Malinski, a friend of John Paul II and consultant for the story.

But, in 1982, the comic book hit the shelves. 

The resulting comic, "The Life of Pope John Paul II," followed Karol Wojtyła from his childhood in Poland to the papacy—and through the 1981 assassination attempt that nearly took his life. At the time, it brought a contemporary pope’s story to readers through Marvel’s dramatic, full-color storytelling.

It was another huge success, selling millions of copies worldwide.

St. Teresa of Calcutta

Continuing to ride on the success of influential Catholic figures being featured in Marvel comics, in 1984 Mother Teresa of Calcutta became the latest hero. The 52-page comic book told the real-life story of the saint, covering her childhood in Skopje, her call to religious life, her time with the Sisters of Loretto, her work in Calcutta with the poor and sick, her care for lepers, and her 1979 Nobel Peace Prize.

By 1987, it had sold approximately 350,000 copies, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Marvel also featured other Catholic saints such as the Apostle Paul in the comics. And while the ‘80s are behind us, we can all still agree.. Not all heroes wear capes, some wear habits, cassocks, or even papal white! These saints didn’t need radioactive spiders or super-soldier serum to change the world. Their stories remind us that the greatest adventure is answering God’s call to holiness. 

Now that’s a heroic origin story we can get behind!

Father Max Gallegos, a Catholic priest from Birmingham, Alabama, posted a message celebrating the milestone with his younger sister, Kelly.

“I had the privilege of walking my baby sister down the 50 yard line as she was acknowledged the 2026 Fort Payne High School Homecoming Queen!

I love you and am so incredibly proud of you.”

The priest shared photos of himself and his sister walking across the 50 yard line of the football field.

Kelly wore a black dress, a crown and a sash, and carried a bouquet of flowers as she was recognized as homecoming queen. 

But his message did not end there. With a good dose of humor, Father Max added one final line:

“But, I have to say, my dress is better!”

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Kelly’s Heartfelt Response

The post quickly gained popularity, surpassing 70,000 likes. Among those responding was Kelly, who thanked her brother for being by her side on such a special day and emphasized how much sharing the moment with him meant to her.

“Being crowned Homecoming Queen was already such a special moment, but having my brother by my side to escort me made it even more meaningful. 🤍 

Having him there as my brother and as a priest made this memory one I will cherish forever. I’m beyond grateful to have shared such a beautiful moment with him, and it’s something I will always hold close to my heart. God truly blessed me with a moment I’ll never forget. 🥹👑 🙏🏼

 thank you for all the love”

Kelly also shared photos of the celebration on her own social media accounts, where she described experiencing mixed emotions because her parents could not be there. However, she found comfort in remembering the evangelization work they were doing in Mexico.

“But beyond that, I was saddened that my parents could not be there to share in the moment.

And yet, I quickly found comfort in remembering that my parents were away on a Gospel mission, serving impoverished communities in Mexico—the very kinds of friends and communities that once supported them when they immigrated to this country.

Their absence was a reminder of something far greater than a crown: the beauty of serving others and the importance of remembering where we come from.

Thank you to St. Bernard Preparatory for helping make me the lady I have become. Thank you to my family! Thank you Fort Payne, for such a beautiful and unforgettable evening!

God bless Fort Payne! ¡Y que viva Cristo Rey!”

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When we share special moments with those we love, they become even more meaningful.

Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari, a 53-year-old Redemptorist priest, died on Saturday, October 17, 2026, while celebrating the Eucharist at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Guayaquil, Ecuador.

During the service, a large wooden cross positioned behind the altar came loose and fell onto the priest. The accident shocked worshippers in attendance and those watching Mass online.

A call for respect amid mockery on social media

As images of the accident spread, some people responded with mockery. In response, Father Ricardo Rivera Gutiérrez published a message expressing sorrow over these comments and reminding readers that a person’s death should never become a laughing matter.

“Father Patricio died while celebrating Holy Mass, and seeing how some people mock his death is deeply distressing. You do not have to believe in God or love the Church to respect the death of a human being,” he wrote.

The priest also noted that freedom of expression “does not justify a lack of humanity” and asked for consideration for those grieving Father Patricio’s death.

“If you have no prayer to offer, at least have respect for those mourning his passing,” he said.

Finally, Father Ricardo entrusted the deceased priest to God and asked for comfort for those mourning his loss.

“For those who believe, a prayer. For those who do not, respect. Humanity should not be up for debate,” he concluded.

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“You do not have to be a believer to show respect”: A message that invites reflection

Along similar lines, a message circulating on various Catholic pages challenges the callousness of those who mocked the priest’s death. Although the text’s authorship could not be confirmed, its message invites reflection on the importance of respect and empathy in the face of others’ suffering.

“You do not have to be a believer to understand that death calls for silence, respect, and humanity. You may not share a priest’s faith, and you may not identify with the Church, but that does not give you the right to turn a tragedy into a source of laughter or mockery. Behind this news is a life that has ended, people who are suffering, a community in mourning, and a priest who, as we learned, died while celebrating Mass,” the message reads.

The reflection encourages readers to consider the impact of their words and reactions on social media, especially when responding to painful events.

“Not everything should become a subject of mockery. Not every news story should become a battle between believers and nonbelievers. There are moments when, before writing a comment or leaving an emoji, we would do well to pause and ask ourselves whether what we are doing truly respects human dignity,” it continues.

The message concludes with an appeal: “In the face of death, there is no place for controversy, provocation, or laughter. What is needed is respect.”

“And if you do not know what to say, sometimes silence is far more dignified than a thousand words,” it adds.

Let us pray for the eternal rest of Father Patricio.