In vetro fertilization (IVF) is an assisted reproduction technology normally used as a treatment for infertility. In the process, an egg is removed from the woman’s ovaries and then fertilized with sperm in the controlled environment of a laboratory. When the egg has taken fertilization and become a zygote, it is entered back into the patient’s body (the uterus) with the hope of establishing a suc...

A recent article in the online version of the Cleveland Jewish News described a typical example of conflict resolution in Costa Rica. Dental practitioner Dr. Yoav Taub and his wife arrived in the Juan Santamaria International Airport and tried to clear customs with a few days' supply of kosher food. As previously reported in The Costa Rica Star, importing food into our country can be a highly bur...

A would-be trafficker of religious effigies in Costa Rica is now behind bars thanks to the quick reaction of Fuerza Publica officers. Earlier this week, a man broke the sanctity of a Catholic church in Ciudad Colon and made off with an effigy of the Holy Virgin of the Ascension. The sacrilegious thief, who at the time probably did not fear heavenly wrath, ran away from the house of worship ...

There was a time when Latin America was considered a bastion of Roman Catholicism and a powerful region for the Vatican to exercise its doctrine and work. Over the last few decades, however, Catholicism has been losing ground to various Protestant faiths and other religions. According to an online report by Al Jazeera, Latin America is still home to about half of all Catholics in the world,...

Faith travel or religious tourism has gained popularity over the years. This is a type of cultural tourism whereby people visit other parts of the world in order to see how their own faith is practiced, or to learn about how society is affected by religion (or even the other way around). Costa Rica may be the only constitutionally Catholic country in Latin America, but Christianity and Cath...

As part of an extensive itinerary of visits to foreign sovereign states, President Laura Chinchilla will arrive at the Vatican to meet with Pope Benedict XVI, who is currently visiting Mexico. According to digital news daily El Pais, our President's next visits include Guatemala, where she will meet with Central American leaders looking for a solution to reduce consumption of controlled substan...

For millions of people around the world who share some sort of cultural affinity with Irish culture, the Saint Patrick's Day celebration is a special time to rejoice. It has been part of the liturgical calendar of the Catholic Church since the 15th century, and in Costa Rica it is celebrated as a religious feast day with a Mass service, although it isn't a holy day of obligation like it is in Irel...

Author's Note: Title VI of the Political Constitution of the Republic of Costa Rica states that the Roman Catholic religion, while officially supported by the Government, does not preclude the people's freedom to engage in other religions or doctrines. This article is not meant to be an endorsement of any religion over another. The Costa Rica Star respects our Constitution, as well as all religiou...