Editor's Note: This has been updated since it was first posted. May 17 is celebrated as the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord (Year B) in the United States, except in the Archdioceses of Boston; ...

BURLINGAME — Sitting in Mercy Center’s parlor, her hands were clasped tightly. And as she cleared her throat, Sister Suzanne Toolan’s eyes stared off into the distance. She started off singing softly: ...

In 626, Constantinople was under siege. Sasanian, Avar and Slavic forces were attacking the city. This attack was just one of many in a war that had been going on since A.D. 602. The bombardment was ...