News
Trappist Father Keating, leading figure in centering prayer, dies at 95
With the encouragement of St. Paul VI to rediscover the contemplative tradition, Father Keating helped found Contemplative Outreach for centering prayer -- a technique of praying silently to God without words -- in 1984.
Father James Melle, native of Norristown, dies at 74
A parish priest and teacher at four Catholic high schools in the archdiocese, the priest ordained in 1972 will be laid to rest Oct. 31 in the presence of two bishops and other priest friends, who remember him fondly.
Vandalism, monk’s arrest concern Holy Land church leaders
In one week, "excessive force" was used by Israeli police against a Coptic monk, and the cemetery of a Salesian monastery was damaged for the third time in two years.
Feds denied permission to survey Texas church property for border wall
UPDATED - Federal officials sought entry to two properties of the Diocese of Brownsville, Texas, to survey the land for a border wall. But the bishop did not consent, saying a wall "would limit freedom of the church to exercise her mission."
Abuse crisis, prayer top agenda for bishops’ meeting
UPDATED - Discussion and voting on concrete measures to address the abuse crisis and a day of spiritual discernment will be the focus for the U.S. bishops when they meet Nov. 12-14.
African church warns against illusions of ‘gospel of prosperity’
The "prosperity gospel" touted by U.S. televangelists suggests God rewards donors to a church with material benefits. Although the movement is gaining ground in Africa, the church aims to empower people through education and job training.
Former nuncio to U.S. heard rumors of McCarrick misconduct in 1994
Cardinal Agostino Cacciavillan, the 93-year-old retired papal diplomat, recalled a phone conversation as an "expression of concern," which he turned over to New York Cardinal John O'Connor to investigate.
Synod document: Listen to, support, guide, include young people
The Catholic Church and all its members must get better at listening to young people, taking their questions seriously, recognizing them as full members of the church, patiently walking with them and offering guidance as they discern the best way to live their faith, the Synod of Bishops said.
Synod’s words on ‘synodal’ church puzzle some people
"Synodality," which means "walking together" and is a key concept of Pope Francis' papacy, was used repeatedly in the final document of the Synod of Bishops on young people but infrequently in synod discussions.
Big unknown: Scope of federal investigation of Pa. Catholic Church
Observers speculate that the federal probe of the church might focus on the RICO law designed to target organized crime, or the Mann Act, which prohibits moving people across state lines for illegal sex acts.