Shia LaBeouf, a Hollywood veteran and star of director Abel Ferrara’s film “Padre Pio,” received the sacrament of confirmation, completing his initiation into the Catholic faith, during the New Year holiday weekend, according to announcements posted Jan. 2 to Facebook and Instagram by the Capuchin Franciscans’ Western American Province.

The Catholic Church does not recognize any Protestant denomination as having the Real Presence in the Eucharist.

Archbishop Dermot Farrell of Dublin has expressed concern over the “significant numbers” of people in Ireland “seeking to foment disinformation, suspicion and hatred” towards refugees and migrants.

War is madness, Pope Francis said, calling for prayers for all people in the world affected by today’s conflicts.

Agnes Welch, a devout member of St. Edward Parish and former member of the Baltimore City Council from West Baltimore, died Dec. 26 at the age of 99 at the University of Maryland Medical Center.