http://www.toledoblade.com The Latest News from Toledoblade.com (v5) Sat, 25 Apr 2026 04:01:23 GMT en-us hourly 1 https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/04/23/religious-offerings-49th-annual-spring-concert-at-epworth-united-methodist-churc/stories/20260423003 https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/04/23/religious-offerings-49th-annual-spring-concert-at-epworth-united-methodist-churc/stories/20260423003#comments Thu, 23 Apr 2026 11:30:00 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/04/23/religious-offerings-49th-annual-spring-concert-at-epworth-united-methodist-churc/stories/20260423003 ■ The Clarence Smith Community Chorus presents its 49th annual spring concert celebration Sunday at Epworth United Methodist Church. Epworth United Methodist Church. https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/04/16/rosary-cathedral-new-murals-luminous-mysteries/stories/20260416105 https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/04/16/rosary-cathedral-new-murals-luminous-mysteries/stories/20260416105#comments Thu, 16 Apr 2026 21:31:17 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/04/16/rosary-cathedral-new-murals-luminous-mysteries/stories/20260416105 When Our Lady, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Cathedral was dedicated in 1940, five parts of the vaulted ceiling in the narthex were left undecorated. David LaFleur, artist, holds up his model paintings as he speaks about his design approach for The Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary, to be depicted on the five undecorated vaults of the ceiling inside of Our Lady, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Cathedral in Toledo on April 16. Louis R. DiCocco III, founder and director of St. Jude Liturgical Art Studio, smiles next to a design print as Daniel LaFleur, artist, speaks about his planning process for the five undecorated vaults of the ceiling inside of Our Lady, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Cathedral in Toledo on April 16. Daniel E. Thomas, Bishop of the Diocese of Toledo, speaks while surrounded by the design plans for The Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary, to be depicted on the five undecorated vaults of the ceiling inside of Our Lady, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Cathedral in Toledo on April 16. Sketching on the ceiling is featured inside of Our Lady, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Cathedral in Toledo on April 16. The undecorated vaults of the ceiling in the Narthex, where The Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary will be depicted inside of Our Lady, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Cathedral, are showcased in Toledo on April 16. Louis R. DiCocco III, founder and director of St. Jude Liturgical Art Studio, speaks about his companies design plans and strategy for The Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary, to be depicted on the five undecorated vaults of the ceiling inside of Our Lady, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Cathedral in Toledo on April 16. A model painting, by artist David LaFleur, of The Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary, sits on display inside of Our Lady, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Cathedral in Toledo on April 16. Model paintings, done by artist David LaFleur, of The Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary, sit on display inside of Our Lady, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Cathedral in Toledo on April 16. Members of the church, project, and attendees listen as Daniel E. Thomas, Bishop of the Diocese of Toledo, speaks about The Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary to be depicted on the five undecorated vaults of the ceiling inside of Our Lady, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Cathedral in Toledo on April 16. David LaFleur, artist, holds up his model paintings as he speaks about his design approach for The Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary, to be depicted on the five undecorated vaults of the ceiling inside of Our Lady, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Cathedral in Toledo on April 16. https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/04/16/religious-offerings-churches-to-bring-speaker-on-fear-and-kids-class-on-antiraci/stories/20260416002 https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/04/16/religious-offerings-churches-to-bring-speaker-on-fear-and-kids-class-on-antiraci/stories/20260416002#comments Thu, 16 Apr 2026 10:52:30 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/04/16/religious-offerings-churches-to-bring-speaker-on-fear-and-kids-class-on-antiraci/stories/20260416002 ■ Irish author Gareth Higgins is set to speak April 25 in the next installment of the Chidester Lecture Series at Sylvania United Church of Christ. Visitors at Sylvania United Church of Christ on Oct. 12, 2024. https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/04/08/religious-offerings-program-to-help-faith-communities-health-prevention-efforts/stories/20260409003 https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/04/08/religious-offerings-program-to-help-faith-communities-health-prevention-efforts/stories/20260409003#comments Wed, 08 Apr 2026 14:05:54 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/04/08/religious-offerings-program-to-help-faith-communities-health-prevention-efforts/stories/20260409003 ■ Leaders of faith communities are welcome to attend a Thursday training session with PreventionFIRST!, a Cincinnati-based nonprofit. https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/04/05/historic-church-faces-demolition-moratorium-end/stories/20260402126 https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/04/05/historic-church-faces-demolition-moratorium-end/stories/20260402126#comments Sun, 05 Apr 2026 17:00:09 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/04/05/historic-church-faces-demolition-moratorium-end/stories/20260402126 Mike Snyder is sad that the church in which he was married in 1959 will likely be torn down. Sacred Heart Catholic Church in East Toledo on April 2. Mike Snyder talks about Sacred Heart Catholic Church in East Toledo on April 2. Mike Snyder stands for a photo outside of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in East Toledo on April 2. Mike Snyder stands for a photo outside of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in East Toledo on April 2. Mike Snyder stands for a photo by the cornerstone of of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in East Toledo on April 2. Mike Snyder stands for a photo outside of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in East Toledo on April 2. https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/04/05/pope-leo-urges-peace-first-easter-mass/stories/20260405124 https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/04/05/pope-leo-urges-peace-first-easter-mass/stories/20260405124#comments Sun, 05 Apr 2026 13:40:27 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/04/05/pope-leo-urges-peace-first-easter-mass/stories/20260405124 VATICAN CITY — Pope Leo XIV celebrated his first Easter Mass as pontiff with a call Sunday to lay down arms and seek peace to global conflicts through dialogue, but he departed from a tradition of listing the world's woes by name in the Urbi et Orbi blessing from the loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica. Pope Leo XIV sprinkles holy water with a bunch of hyssop sprigs as he presides over Easter Mass in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican on April 5. Pope Leo XIV addresses the faithful after delivering the Urbi et Orbi blessing - Latin for "to the city of Rome and to the world" - from the central loggia of St. Peter's Basilica at the end of Easter Mass he presided over in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican on April 5. Pope Leo XIV greets the faithful at the end of Easter Mass he presided over in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican on April 5. Pope Leo XIV delivers the Urbi et Orbi blessing - Latin for "to the city of Rome and to the world" - from the central loggia of St. Peter's Basilica at the end of Easter Mass he presided over in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican on April 5. Pope Leo XIV addresses the faithful after delivering the Urbi et Orbi blessing - Latin for "to the city of Rome and to the world" - from the central loggia of St. Peter's Basilica at the end of Easter Mass he presided over in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican on April 5. https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/04/03/photo-gallery-ecumenical-reflective-walk-point-place/stories/20260403118 https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/04/03/photo-gallery-ecumenical-reflective-walk-point-place/stories/20260403118#comments Fri, 03 Apr 2026 23:25:15 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/04/03/photo-gallery-ecumenical-reflective-walk-point-place/stories/20260403118 Church goers walked along North Summit street during a reflective cross walk hosted by six different churches in Point Place on April 3.  Click the image above to view the full gallery. Jim Burlen, with St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, carries the cross to start a reflective cross walk hosted by six different churches in Point Place on April 3. Church goers walk along North Summit street. Church goers walk along the North Summit Street. Church goers walk along the North Summit Street. Asher Komperda, 12, and his sister Leah, 15, carry the cross. Church goers walk along the North Summit Street. Micah Gordon, left, and Asher Komperda, 12, hold the cross as walkers pause for reflection. Church goers walk along the North Summit Street. Church goers walk along North Summit Street. Jim Burlen, with St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, carries the cross to start a reflective cross walk. Jim Burlen, with St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, carries the cross. https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/04/02/toledos-orthodox-jews-reflect-fondly-while-looking-toward-future/stories/20260326004 https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/04/02/toledos-orthodox-jews-reflect-fondly-while-looking-toward-future/stories/20260326004#comments Thu, 02 Apr 2026 12:59:10 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/04/02/toledos-orthodox-jews-reflect-fondly-while-looking-toward-future/stories/20260326004 In a time of uncertainty about the future, members of Congregation Etz Chayim set their worries aside and focused on a feeling of nostalgia to celebrate the Orthodox synagogue’s 50th anniversary. From left, Danny Becker and Melvin Siegel with brisket on March 5 at Congregation Etz Chayim in Toledo. President Marjorie Siegel laughs with other guests during the Kishka dinner to honor of the 50th anniversary of Congregation Etz Chayim in Toledo on March 15. Servers deliver food during the Kishka dinner to honor of the 50th anniversary of Congregation Etz Chayim in Toledo on March 15. Guests talk and eat their salads during the Kishka dinner to honor of the 50th anniversary of Congregation Etz Chayim in Toledo on March 15. The steel drum ensemble from Toledo School for the Arts perform during the Kishka dinner to honor of the 50th anniversary of Congregation Etz Chayim in Toledo on March 15. Servers deliver food during the Kishka dinner to honor of the 50th anniversary of Congregation Etz Chayim in Toledo on March 15. Cantor Ivor Lichterman laughs during the Kishka dinner to honor of the 50th anniversary of Congregation Etz Chayim in Toledo on March 15. Guests laugh during the Kishka dinner to honor of the 50th anniversary of Congregation Etz Chayim in Toledo on March 15. Phyllis and Charles Wittenberg laugh together during the Kishka dinner to honor of the 50th anniversary of Congregation Etz Chayim in Toledo on March 15. Marjorie Siegel talks about the 50th anniversary of her synagogue on March 5, at Congregation Etz Chayim in Toledo. Elsa Leveton talks about the 50th anniversary of her synagogue on March 5 at Congregation Etz Chayim in Toledo. Elsa Leveton visits guests at tables during the Kishka dinner to honor of the 50th anniversary of Congregation Etz Chayim in Toledo on March 15. A salad sits on the table during the Kishka dinner to honor of the 50th anniversary of Congregation Etz Chayim in Toledo on March 15. Cantor Ivor Lichterman gives the hamotzi blessing during the Kishka dinner to honor of the 50th anniversary of Congregation Etz Chayim in Toledo on March 15. Servers deliver food during the Kishka dinner to honor of the 50th anniversary of Congregation Etz Chayim in Toledo on March 15. https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/04/02/street-preachers-bring-gospel-to-toledo/stories/20260306122 https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/04/02/street-preachers-bring-gospel-to-toledo/stories/20260306122#comments Thu, 02 Apr 2026 11:00:00 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/04/02/street-preachers-bring-gospel-to-toledo/stories/20260306122 As spring rolls around and Toledo’s sports, festivals, and parades start to pick up, people like John Alexander and Kirk Aiello will make their presence known on the streets of downtown. Tim Young preaches into a microphone in front of the Huntington Center before a Toledo Walleye game in Toledo on March 21. John Risner, left, and Kirk Aiello stand on Huron Street evangelizing outside the Huntington Center before a Toledo Walleye game on March 6. Kirk Aiello, left, hands out flyers as fans head to the Huntington Center for a Toledo Walleye game on March 6. Kirk Aiello, left, and John Risner evangelize outside the Huntington Center before a Toledo Walleye game on March 6. John Risner, left, and Kirk Aiello stand on Huron Street evangelizing outside the Huntington Center before a Toledo Walleye game on March 6. Kirk Aiello, center, hands out flyers to members of the U.S. Veterans Motorcycle Club as they head to the Huntington Center for a Toledo Walleye game on March 6. John Risner, left, and Kirk Aiello stand on Huron Street evangelizing outside the Huntington Center before a Toledo Walleye game on March 6. Pedestrians cross the street past religious signs towards the Huntington Center before a Toledo Walleye game in Toledo on March 26. Johnny Duran, a pastor at Ambassadors Bible Church, hands out pamphlets outside of the Huntington Center before a Toledo Walleye game in Toledo on March 26. Johnny Duran, a pastor at Ambassadors Bible Church, hands out pamphlets outside of the Huntington Center before a Toledo Walleye game in Toledo on March 26. John Alexander, bishop of Ambassadors Bible Church, stands holding a bible in front of the Huntington Center before a Toledo Walleye game in Toledo on March 21. John Alexander, bishop of Ambassadors Bible Church, stands holding a bible in front of the Huntington Center before a Toledo Walleye game in Toledo on March 21. John Alexander, bishop of Ambassadors Bible Church, stands holding a bible in front of the Huntington Center before a Toledo Walleye game in Toledo on March 21. A Walleye fan talks with John Alexander, bishop of Ambassadors Bible Church, outside of the Huntington Center before a Toledo Walleye game in Toledo on March 21. Paul Rowe, of Warrior Street Preachers, hands pamphlets out to pedestrians in front of the Huntington Center before a Toledo Walleye game in Toledo on March 21. https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/04/02/religious-offerings-interactive-event-focuses-on-loving-mother-earth/stories/20260402003 https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/04/02/religious-offerings-interactive-event-focuses-on-loving-mother-earth/stories/20260402003#comments Thu, 02 Apr 2026 11:00:00 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/04/02/religious-offerings-interactive-event-focuses-on-loving-mother-earth/stories/20260402003 ■ Registration closes Friday for a free, interactive event about loving Mother Earth. https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/03/29/corpus-christi-university-parish-journeys-holy-week/stories/20260329114 https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/03/29/corpus-christi-university-parish-journeys-holy-week/stories/20260329114#comments Sun, 29 Mar 2026 19:54:09 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/03/29/corpus-christi-university-parish-journeys-holy-week/stories/20260329114 Palm Sunday, also known as Passion Sunday, marks the beginning of the holiest week in the Christian faith, a message of joy, sacrifice, and reflection echoed by parishioners at Corpus Christi University Parish on Sunday. The Rev. Michael Geiger holds a palm as he processes in during Palm Sunday Mass at Corpus Christi University Parish in Toledo on March 29. A parishioner holds a palm during Palm Sunday Mass at Corpus Christi University Parish in Toledo on March 29. Parishioners gather for the Palm Sunday Mass at Corpus Christi University Parish in Toledo on March 29. Quinn O'Malley, with the mustache, folds his hands on Palm Sunday at Corpus Christi University Parish in Toledo on March 29. The Rev. Michael Geiger, right, blesses the palms during Palm Sunday Mass at Corpus Christi University Parish in Toledo on March 29. Rich Meklus kneels at the end of the reading of Jesus Christ's Passion during Palm Sunday Mass at Corpus Christi University Parish in Toledo on March 29. Ben Tittl, director of music ministry, plays piano and sings during Palm Sunday Mass at Corpus Christi University Parish in Toledo on March 29. Fr. Michael Geiger gives communion during Palm Sunday Mass at Corpus Christi University Parish in Toledo on March 29. Quinn O'Malley, with the mustache, folds his hands during Palm Sunday Mass at Corpus Christi University Parish in Toledo on March 29. Jean O’Connell, right, holds her palm during Palm Sunday Mass at Corpus Christi University Parish in Toledo on March 29. Parishioners and students pray during Palm Sunday Mass at Corpus Christi University Parish in Toledo on March 29. https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/03/26/religious-offerings-women-celebrated-in-church-concert/stories/20260326002 https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/03/26/religious-offerings-women-celebrated-in-church-concert/stories/20260326002#comments Thu, 26 Mar 2026 11:30:00 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/03/26/religious-offerings-women-celebrated-in-church-concert/stories/20260326002 ■ The Toledo Federation of Musicians presents a concert Sunday showcasing women musicians and vocalists at First Unitarian Church of Toledo. First Unitarian Church of Toledo. https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/03/20/muslims-celebrate-eid-al-fitr-mourn-lives-lost-in-the-middle-east/stories/20260320103 https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/03/20/muslims-celebrate-eid-al-fitr-mourn-lives-lost-in-the-middle-east/stories/20260320103#comments Fri, 20 Mar 2026 19:21:31 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/03/20/muslims-celebrate-eid-al-fitr-mourn-lives-lost-in-the-middle-east/stories/20260320103 The Islamic festival of Eid al-Fitr is different this year, Imam Sayed Mohammed Al-Qazwini said. Muslims pray during Eid al-Fitr at the Ahlul Bayt Center of Toledo on March 20. Muslims pray during Eid al-Fitr at the Ahlul Bayt Center of Toledo on March 20. Muslims pray during Eid al-Fitr at the Ahlul Bayt Center of Toledo on March 20. Imam Sayed Mohammed Al-Qazwini leads Muslims in prayer during Eid al-Fitr at the Ahlul Bayt Center of Toledo on March 20. Muslims pray during Eid al-Fitr at the Ahlul Bayt Center of Toledo on March 20. Muslims pray during Eid al-Fitr at the Ahlul Bayt Center of Toledo on March 20. Imam Sayed Mohammed Al-Qazwini leads muslims in prayer during Eid al-Fitr at the Ahlul Bayt Center of Toledo on March 20. Muslims pray during Eid al-Fitr at the Ahlul Bayt Center of Toledo on March 20. Muslims pray during Eid al-Fitr at the Ahlul Bayt Center of Toledo on March 20. Muslims pray during Eid al-Fitr at the Ahlul Bayt Center of Toledo on March 20. Muslims pray during Eid al-Fitr at the Ahlul Bayt Center of Toledo on March 20. Skimeh Joseph is greeted by Sharon Javaheri for prayer during Eid al-Fitr at the Ahlul Bayt Center of Toledo on March 20. Muslims pray during Eid al-Fitr at the Ahlul Bayt Center of Toledo on March 20. A child grabs a prayer stone as muslims pray during Eid al-Fitr at the Ahlul Bayt Center of Toledo on March 20. Children race around as muslims pray during Eid al-Fitr at the Ahlul Bayt Center of Toledo on March 20. Tahereh Ganji helps at an altar as muslims pray during Eid al-Fitr at the Ahlul Bayt Center of Toledo on March 20. Children race around as muslims pray during Eid al-Fitr at the Ahlul Bayt Center of Toledo on March 20. A child stands in between the rows of muslims praying during Eid al-Fitr at the Ahlul Bayt Center of Toledo on March 20. https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/03/19/religious-offerings-young-adults-of-all-denominations-welcome-to-common-table/stories/20260319002 https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/03/19/religious-offerings-young-adults-of-all-denominations-welcome-to-common-table/stories/20260319002#comments Thu, 19 Mar 2026 10:58:47 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/03/19/religious-offerings-young-adults-of-all-denominations-welcome-to-common-table/stories/20260319002 ■ Young adults ages 18 to 35 are invited to the Common Table, a new gathering of young Christians. https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/03/11/religious-offerings-sisters-of-notre-dame-to-host-stuff-the-truck-food-drive/stories/20260312002 https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/03/11/religious-offerings-sisters-of-notre-dame-to-host-stuff-the-truck-food-drive/stories/20260312002#comments Wed, 11 Mar 2026 17:21:40 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/03/11/religious-offerings-sisters-of-notre-dame-to-host-stuff-the-truck-food-drive/stories/20260312002 ■ In celebration of Catholic Sisters Week, observed annually March 8-14, the Sisters of Notre Dame are hosting their sixth annual Stuff the Truck food drive on Friday. Walt Churchill's Market. https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/03/04/religious-offerings-church-to-host-talk-on-faith-history-and-myth-of-innocence/stories/20260305002 https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/03/04/religious-offerings-church-to-host-talk-on-faith-history-and-myth-of-innocence/stories/20260305002#comments Wed, 04 Mar 2026 16:46:24 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/03/04/religious-offerings-church-to-host-talk-on-faith-history-and-myth-of-innocence/stories/20260305002 ■ Zoar Lutheran Church hosts a talk on Faith, History, and the “Myth of Innocence” in America on Sunday. The stained glass windows at Zoar Lutheran Church in Perrysburg on Nov. 4, 2023. https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/02/26/religious-offerings-church-gallery-highlights-area-artists-way-of-cross/stories/20260226003 https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/02/26/religious-offerings-church-gallery-highlights-area-artists-way-of-cross/stories/20260226003#comments Thu, 26 Feb 2026 11:40:26 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/02/26/religious-offerings-church-gallery-highlights-area-artists-way-of-cross/stories/20260226003 ■ Nine local artists have created works to depict the Stations of the Cross, a prayer practice during the season of Lent. 'Jesus Falls a First Time,' a mixed media piece by Jennifer Balogh. 'The Cross Is Laid on Simon of Cyrene,' a mixed media piece by Rob Vanitvelt. https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/02/25/local-author-s-ramadan-picture-book-opens-up-conversation-for-wide-audience/stories/20260219004 https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/02/25/local-author-s-ramadan-picture-book-opens-up-conversation-for-wide-audience/stories/20260219004#comments Wed, 25 Feb 2026 12:00:00 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/02/25/local-author-s-ramadan-picture-book-opens-up-conversation-for-wide-audience/stories/20260219004 Muslim children aren’t required to fast during the holy month of Ramadan until they reach puberty, but many set out to give it a try earlier than that. Children raise their hands to ask Aya Khalil questions before she reads her children's book, 'Ramadan for Everyone,' during a story time at the Islamic Center of Greater Toledo in Perrysburg Township on Feb. 8. Rami Kadri, 8, and Mikhail Majumder, 13, follow along as Aya Khalil reads her children's book, 'Ramadan for Everyone,' during a story time at the Islamic Center of Greater Toledo in Perrysburg Township on Feb. 8. Children and their parents listen as Aya Khalil reads her children's book, 'Ramadan for Everyone,' during a storytime at the Islamic Center of Greater Toledo in Perrysburg Township on Feb. 8. Aya Khalil reads her children's book, 'Ramadan for Everyone,' during a story time at the Islamic Center of Greater Toledo in Perrysburg Township on Feb. 8. Aya Khalil explains different Ramadan traditions to kids as she reads her children's book, 'Ramadan for Everyone,' during a story time at the Islamic Center of Greater Toledo in Perrysburg Township on Feb. 8. Aya Khalil sits with her children's book, 'Ramadan for Everyone,' before a story time at the Islamic Center of Greater Toledo in Perrysburg Township on Feb. 8. Kids listen as Aya Khalil reads her children's book, 'Ramadan for Everyone,' during a storytime at the Islamic Center of Greater Toledo in Perrysburg Township on Feb. 8. Books written by Aya Khalil Aya are pictured Aug. 15, 2023, at the Dollop Shop in Toledo. 'Ramadan for Everyone' by Aya Khalil. Jameel Burkett, chairman of the board of directors for the Islamic Food Bank of Toledo. Yasmeen Awwad https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/02/19/Religious-Offerings-Friday-fish-fries-kick-off-at-area-churches-1/stories/20260219003 https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/02/19/Religious-Offerings-Friday-fish-fries-kick-off-at-area-churches-1/stories/20260219003#comments Thu, 19 Feb 2026 11:38:02 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/02/19/Religious-Offerings-Friday-fish-fries-kick-off-at-area-churches-1/stories/20260219003 ■ The 40-day Lenten season of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving began on Wednesday. With Catholics set to abstain from meat on Fridays through Easter, many churches will host their own dine-in and takeout fish fry dinners for the community. Dozens of people attend a fish fry at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church on April 4, 2025 in Toledo. https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/02/12/buddhist-monks-walk-washington-15-weeks-peace-memorial/stories/20260212124 https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/02/12/buddhist-monks-walk-washington-15-weeks-peace-memorial/stories/20260212124#comments Thu, 12 Feb 2026 19:15:05 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/news/religion/2026/02/12/buddhist-monks-walk-washington-15-weeks-peace-memorial/stories/20260212124 A group of Buddhist monks ended their 108-day Walk for Peace from Texas to Washington with a ceremony Wednesday afternoon at the Lincoln Memorial, where thousands gathered to hear them speak. Buddhist monks walk near the U.S. Capitol during the Walk For Peace on Feb. 11 in Washington. Buddhist monks arrive at the Lincoln Memorial during their Walk for Peace. Bhikkhu Pannakara, center, leads his fellow Buddhist monks on Capitol Hill.