Sebastian was the son of a wealthy Roman family. He was educated in Milan and became an officer of the imperial Roman army, and Captain of the Guard. He was a favorite of Emperor Diocletian. During Diocletian's persecution of the Christians, Sebastian visited them in prison, bringing both supplies and comfort. He is reported to have healed the wife of a fellow soldier by making the sign of the cross over her. During his time in the army he converted many soldiers and a governor. Charged as a Christian in 288 in Rome, Sebastian was tied to a tree, shot with arrows, and left for dead. However, he survived, recovered, and returned to preach to Diocletian, where the emperor then had him beaten to death.

Authorities in the Czech Republic say at least eight people were killed as one of the country's deadliest fires in decades swept through a Czech home for the mentally disabled near the German border. The prime minister visited the site of the blaze, which also injured more than 30 people.

Pope Francis during his Sunday Angelus speaks of the crisis in Libya making particular mention of an important summit taking place in Berlin which aims to find a solution to the current situation.

On this second Sunday of Ordinary Time, Pope Francis addressed the pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square for the Angelus Prayer telling them to start anew their journey of faith.

With the eyes of the US Immigration firmly focused on its borders, Mexico is facing yet another Central American Caravan of migrants seeking a better and more prosperous life on their side of the Continent.

In many African countries, it is time for elections this year. Sadly, many of the continent’s social “social structures, such as those in politics, religion and culture, sometimes constitute real obstacles in the promotion of female leadership,” says Cote d’Ivoire SMA theologian

As international powers prepare to meet in Berlin on Sunday to discuss the Libyan crisis, UNICEF publishes details concerning the number of children at risk amidst the violence and chaos of the ongoing conflict.

Bishop Raymond Sumlut Gam of Banmaw in Kachin State and Myanmar’s Catholic Church leaders are opposed to the revival of the stalled Myitsone dam project in Kachin state.

The Pope expresses his appreciation for the voluntary work fishers from the Marche region of Italy are doing to rid the seabed of plastic. He also urges them to hold firm to their Christian values.

The annual Week of Prayer for Christian Unity takes place from 18 to 25 January. It sees representatives of all Christian denominations gather in the Vatican to pray and reflect on the theme chosen for 2020.