A Comparative Look at Gregorian and Vedic Chants

Alfi D Cruz

From the earliest days of human civilization, music has served as a bridge between the earthly and the divine. Across cultures and continents, sacred chants have formed an essential part of religious experience. Two such ancient traditions—Gregorian chants from the West and Vedic chants from the East—continue to resonate with spiritual seekers today. Despite emerging from vastly different cultural backgrounds, these chant traditions reveal surprising similarities in form, function, and purpose.

Von Ryan L. Relos

Basel | May 18, 2025 -Austria has taken home the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 crown, thanks to a mesmerizing performance by JJ (Johannes Pietsch), a 24-year-old countertenor with a powerful voice and a unique identity. With the emotional song “Wasted Love”, JJ captivated both juries and audiences, securing 436 points in total — topping the jury vote and placing high in the public vote.

Shijin Anthonipilla

The Uniform Civil Code (UCC) is which aims to unify the civil or personal laws to all the citizens in India, regardless of religion, and the positive effects of doing so will be felt across the country.

Charlie Carpio Bardaje

We have a Pope! A missionary pope! On the 8th of May 2025, the Church welcomed its 267th pontiff. Shortly after the white smoke came out from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, where world cardinals gathered for a secret conclave to elect the new pope, thousands of people rushed towards St. Peter’s Square to see who is the new pope. All eyes and cameras pointed to the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, everyone wanted to see who’s the new pope. Balcony’s doors open and it was announced Habemus Papam: Robert Francis Cardinal Prevost, the prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops is the Pope and has chosen to bear the name Leo XIV.

Von Ryan L. Relos

Pope Leo XIV was inaugurated as pontiff with a Mass in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican on Sunday, May 18, 2025, marking the official start of his papacy. Leo, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost, is the first American to lead the Catholic Church and the 267th Pope. He was elected on May 8, 2025, following the death of his predecessor, Pope Francis, on April 21. Pope Leo XIV paid tribute to Pope Francis during his homily, noting that his death “filled our hearts with sadness” and later stating he felt Francis’s spiritual presence during the Mass.

Paul Juma

On a clear and calm Roman sky yet another historical event takes place in St. Peter’s Square, Vatican where the inauguration Mass of Pope Leo XIV is celebrated. This comes exactly ten days after his election by the cardinals -by the guidance of the Holy Spirit- on May 8^th. 2025 as the next Pontif after the death of Pope Francis on May 21^st 2025. 

Paul Juma Makhandia

Cardinal Bishop Robert Francis Prevost from Chicago in the United States of America has been elected by the Papal conclave as the new Pope, and Bishop of Rome following the death of Pope Francis on April 21th. The Pontiff who has chosen the name Leo XIV was revealed to the world after two tough days of an intense deliberation in the Sistine Chapel making the 267^thPope.

However, the Kenya’s Cardinal John Njue was not part of the historic conclave which has attracted lots of reactions and questions among the public on the African representation. Reports from other sources reveal that the cardinal claims that he was not informed or even rather invited. This has caused even further questions and confusion in the internal communication of the Church.

Von Ryan Relos

In the ten days since his election on May 8, Pope Leo XIV has set a tone of humility, global outreach, and continuity with his predecessors. As the first American and Augustinian pope, his actions reflect a commitment to peace, social justice, and pastoral care.

Douglas Milton Logu Soosaithasan

After Pope Francis passed away on April 21, 2025, his strong devotion to the Virgin Mary, especially to the famous icon of Salus Populi Romani, remained an important part of his legacy. His deep faith in Mary influenced his time as pope and shaped his vision for the Church, highlighting humility, service, and strong belief.

Genesis Labana

On May 8, 2025, as white smoke emerged from the Sistine Chapel and the election of Pope Leo XIV was officially announced—coinciding with the Augustinian feast of Our Lady of Grace—a sense of joy and familiarity resonated among the Filipino faithful.

The newly elected pontiff, formerly Fr. Robert Francis Prevost, OSA, is no stranger to the Philippines. In fact, he has visited the country nine times—a testimony of his missionary leadership and closeness not only to the Filipino Augustinians but also to every Filipino he encountered.