The Central African Republic is one of the poorest and most unstable countries in the world. For years, it has been ravaged by civil war, tribal conflicts, and a lack of prospects for young people. It was here that a Capuchin priest decided to start something that might have sounded too crazy to many — a music school.

Named to honor the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Immaculate Heart of Mary, and most chaste heart of St. Joseph, the Three Hearts Pilgrimage seeks to foster family relationships while praying for the country.

As English Catholics commemorate their church’s Victorian-era restitution, some are asking whether their country should also atone for past anti-Catholic cruelties.

The Archdiocese of Baltimore filed a form plan for reorganization in its Chapter 11 bankruptcy, which sets a proposed amount of contribution from the archdiocese and affiliated organizations, including parishes and schools.

The federal government shutdown stretched into its third day with indications it would continue after lawmakers once again failed to pass a spending bill.