National News
Vermonters urged to ‘stand resolutely’ against illegal drugs, gun violence
A Burlington man was arraigned in Vermont Superior Court in St. Albans for allegedly shooting a man in a Catholic church parking lot. Bishop Christopher Coyne issued a statement condemning illegal use of drugs as well as "any act of violence against any person."
U.S. Supreme Court weighs in on border shooting of Mexican teenager
Some of the justices stressed that it was a U.S. concern since the teen was shot by a U.S. agent; other justices said that since the 15-year-old died on the Mexican side of the border, the case should stay out of the U.S. courts.
Priest has ministry to street artists who are transforming neighborhood
When Pope Francis urged that the Gospel be preached at the peripheries of society, he may not have had the street artists of Bushwick in mind. But then again, Father Frank Mann is not so sure he wasn't talking about them.
Virginia families know the heartbreak of opioid use, addiction
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the rate of opioid overdoses in the United States has tripled since 2000. Opioid overdoses in 2014 led to nearly 30,000 deaths nationwide.
Governor’s veto on defunding Planned Parenthood called ‘deeply offensive’
Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe's veto comes at the "expense of comprehensive health care for women" because the defunding measure would have redirected state dollars to provide primary care to women and their families.
Six answers on questions of celibacy and chastity
An official with the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops explains in a Q&A the difference between a promise and a vow, and how they relate to priests, religious and lay people, both single and married.
U.S. senators discuss trafficking, immigration with Vatican officials
Sen. Bob Corker told reporters Feb. 24 that while modern slavery was the focus of his visit, with so much international attention on President Donald Trump's executive orders on immigration, "certainly it came up.
Supreme Court blocks Texas inmate’s execution, cites racial bias
In a 6-2 ruling, the court agreed that Texas inmate Duane Buck had been unfairly represented by an expert defense witness who told jurors that Buck was more likely to commit violent crimes in the future because he is black.
Literacy center teaches reading, writing, helps students’ self-esteem too
The nonprofit Spanish literacy program has 130 students, 20 volunteer teachers and instruction six days a week in Washington, Maryland and Virginia. Instruction is free.
Leaders call for Catholic sanctuary movement to blunt deportation crackdown
Philadelphia Auxiliary Bishop Edward Deliman got a standing ovation from 600 leaders when he suggested every Catholic parish declare itself a sanctuary church for immigrants fearing forced removal and the breakup of family life.