National News

Dorothy Day called a model for Catholic action today

The founder of a movement to serve the poor has been called a countercultural saint for our time and an icon of mercy. She was remembered in a conference studying her life.

U.S. Trappist monks say beer brewing enhances American monastic life

The whoosh of the beer tap opening, the gentle glug of the golden brew pouring into the goblet and the sizzle of the foaming mousse are joyous sounds to Trappist Brother Jonah Pociadlo's ears as he prepares to savor the signature ale created in his monastery's brewery.

Catholic archbishop teaches the Quran to Christians, Muslims alike

Archbishop Fitzgerald, who retired at the end of 2012 as the papal nuncio to Egypt, said the Quran, with all of its names for God, can help Christians deepen their faith and inspire them to see God in new ways.

Reaction mixed to Tsarnaev death sentence in Boston Marathon bombing

"Catholic Mobilizing Network prays for the victims of the Boston marathon bombing, their families, and all those whose lives have been touched by violence," said a May 15 statement by the Catholic Mobilizing Network to End the Use of the Death Penalty.

Priests, seminarians take to bicycles to spread vocations message

Two priests and three seminarians, all from the New York metropolitan area, are biking their way up the East Coast in hopes of raising awareness about religious vocations along the way.

U.S. will fall in love with Pope Francis when he visits, says author

"Pope Francis is a Gospel radical who wants to purify the Catholic Church from spiritual worldliness," said a speaker at a Brooklyn conference on the impact of the pope's visit this fall.

Report: Only ‘full recognition of religious freedom’ will protect people

Religious freedom violations not only occurred worldwide last year but the world also witnessed "violence masquerading as religious devotion," according to a report by a U.S.-based panel.

Nebraska archbishop leads push to repeal death penalty

Noting all life is sacred, Archbishop George J. Lucas of Omaha joined about 15 religious leaders, priests and nuns at a news conference in Omaha May 13 in calling for an end to the death penalty.

Looking for parish-based services? Yeah, there’s an app for that

In an increasingly mobile and digital world, Catholic parishes and other institutions are finding that the ubiquitous mobile app can work for them.

Pro-lifers hail passage of Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act

U.S. House passage May 13 of a measure that would ban most abortions after 20 weeks is "long overdue and one of the most common sense laws under consideration," said the president and CEO of Americans United for Life.