Bishop Peter J. Jugis of Charlotte and Bishop Michael F. Burbidge of Raleigh have released Oct. 3 a survey of N.C. political candidates relating to church social teaching. Additionally, they have released Sept. 23 a joint statement on voter participation.

Today is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the season of Lent. Ash Wednesday is one of those days that I yearn to arrive. It seems as though the marking of ashes on this day and the beginning of Lent always bring so much hope within me.

Thousands of Christian worshippers packed into their most revered church on Saturday, lighting row upon row of candles, pouring hot wax onto their faces and dancing in celebration of the Orthodox churches' Easter 'holy fire' ritual.

Recent television images of Russian President Vladimir Putin have shown him lighting candles at the Vatican and praying on the edge of the Jordan River.