World News
Cleanse your hearts of anger, pope says at Mass in Irbil
After paying tribute to the victims of Islamic State violence, Pope Francis reached the last major event of his trip to Iraq: Mass with some 10,000 people in Irbil, where he told Iraq's Christians not to seek revenge.
Papal trip influences Muslims beyond Iraq’s borders, analyst says
Pope Francis' historic visit to the Middle East's most conflict-riven nation gives hope and comfort to Iraqis of all faiths, and "has been very well received by Muslims in the region," said one observer.
Life triumphs over death as Christians rebuild in Iraq, pope says
Amid the bombed out remains of churches destroyed by Islamic State militants, Pope Francis honored Iraqi Christians who endured persecution and even death. He challenged them to work for peace.
In Baghdad liturgy, pope encourages Iraq’s suffering Christians
The beatitudes are not a call for heroics but about imitating Jesus each day, Pope Francis said during a Chaldean Catholic liturgy March 6. "That is how the world is changed: not by power and might, but by the beatitudes."
Local News
Seniors glad to welcome archbishop to their new home
Archbishop Nelson Pérez blessed the apartments of some 40 elderly residents of St. Francis Villa in Kensington, which an archdiocesan agency developed to give hope to the area's seniors.
New leaders named for youth ministry, vocations in archdiocese
Archbishop Nelson Pérez appointed Father Stephen DeLacy as head of the newly formed archdiocesan Office for Faith Formation for Youth and Young Adults, and Father David Friel to succeed him as director of the Vocation Office for the Diocesan Priesthood.
Emergency fund for food pantries more needed than ever, say aid workers
With COVID at the one-year mark, the Catholic Foundation of Philadelphia has disbursed over $280,000 to archdiocesan hunger relief sites, where more families are seeking help each day.

People and Events
All Catholic Orchestra to perform virtually March 6
The concert by the 36 students selected from archdiocesan and private Catholic high schools across the region will perform at 6:30 p.m. See details of the program and how you can enjoy it.
Get vaccine in good conscience, Pa. Catholic Conference says
The public affairs arm of the state's Catholic bishops clarified the Catholic position on COVID vaccinations: where there is no choice of vaccines, Catholics should receive any dosage as their "moral responsibility for the common good."
National News
Remains of Father Emil Kapaun, Korean War military chaplain, identified
A U.S. government forensic team confirmed the remains of the Kansas priest and Army chaplain who died in a prison camp. He was awarded the nation's highest honor posthumously and is a candidate for sainthood.
New Mexico abortion, assisted suicide bills called ‘gravely disappointing’
A bill requiring suicide be offered to hospice patients comes "as we struggle to dissuade our young people from taking their lives. With these bills, I wonder, what have we become?" said Santa Fe Archbishop John C. Wester.
Pandemic relief bill must pass without abortion funding, bishops say
The American Rescue Plan Congress is considering would pit the great need Americans have for economic relief against those who insist the bill must include abortion funding, said the leadership of the U.S. bishops.
Profile
Heeney finds ‘essence’ of special education in Christ’s teachings
Dr. Danielle Heeney, the new director of archdiocesan special education, focuses on "honoring, valuing and treating every life with dignity and respect" -- something she learned in Catholic school.
Listen to CatholicPhilly.com
An angry Jesus shows the way to peace
Ricardo Martinez, a seminarian at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary shares with Inside CatholicPhilly.com how Christ modeled a holy havoc that cleansed the Temple, while pointing the way to righteousness and eternal life.
The Third Sunday of Lent: Thirsting for the Living Water
Catholic author and speaker Gary Zimak looks at this Sunday's readings for Mass as he discusses the "living water" provided through the Holy Spirit.
From disability to gift, in classroom and community
Students in special education are gradually gaining recognition for their contributions, both in the classroom and in the community, as Dr. Danielle Heeney shares with Inside CatholicPhilly.com.
Sports
Catholic League Standings
See the current standings, through March 5, for boys' and girls' basketball, plus boys' and girls' bowling.
Calendar of Events
St. Bede Parish, Holland to host 3-day celebration of St. Joseph
Father David Friel is the guest for the Bucks County parish's triduum for the Year of St. Joseph, with evening liturgies and talks in the church March 17-19.
Take-out fish fry event perfect for Friday Lenten dining
The Ukrainian American Youth Association in Jenkintown invites everyone to its annual Lenten Fish Fry Dinner on Friday, March 12, 5-7 p.m. -- take-out only.
‘Celebrate Life’ virtual fundraiser coming March 21
Pennsylvanians for Human Life will host their annual benefit utilizing three video presentations and will give their top annual award to bioethicist Father Tad Pacholczyk.
Spirituality
Three ways the Temple shows that God still dwells with us
Msgr. Joseph Prior explains the image of the Temple -- a holy building, the body of Jesus and the living Body of Christ, the church -- presented in this Sunday's readings for Mass.
Readings of the Holy Mass – Third Sunday of Lent
Read, listen to or watch videos of the Mass readings with these resources from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, using the New American Bible, Revised Edition.
Slogging through hard times with St. Ansgar
The ninth-century saint, who faced pagans and pirates to spread the Gospel, can teach a much-needed lesson to faithful who are discouraged today, writes Gina Christian.
Commentaries
500,000 dead from COVID — where’s the Catholic lament?
Laura Kelly Fanucci watched the president's memorial ceremony but saw next to nothing from the national or local church. We need rituals to mourn, and we can draw from the beauty of our tradition.
In age of relative truths, we’re at each other’s throats
If each person has his or her own "truth" then nothing can be reasonably debated, writes Richard Doerflinger. He argues that Catholics who understand objective truths must engage with the culture.
Enriching our ‘domestic church’ this Lent
A deeper reflection on the life of St. Joseph, the Holy Family and the church's teaching about marriage and family life can enrich how we live the call to discipleship in our own families.
Lent 2021
Fast from indifference during communal heartbreak
Writer Claire Lucas believes that in a throwaway culture and at a time of pandemic suffering, it is easy to become apathetic. But the world needs our tender love in the model of the Lord.
Jesus and his beatitudes are model to follow
Calling the beatitudes the "self-portrait of Jesus," a cardinal leading a Lenten meditation at the Vatican said "the life Jesus proposes to others is his way of being. He teaches by what he does."
Fasting from sin: the never-ending Lenten challenge
Fasting cannot be fixed solely on ourselves, nor on a desire to replenish our own bodies. It can lead us to a renewed appreciation and desire for God in our lives.
Culture
Brilliant, unconventional ‘The Mauritanian’ explores dignity in face of torture
A highly balanced plot neither minimizes the true story of a 9/11 suspect nor undermines its effectiveness by indulging in impassioned monologues. The aim is to build the audience's outrage without preaching.
‘Tom & Jerry’ offers pleasantly silly escape for families
Cat and mouse remain natural-born enemies as the mania ensues in this animated and live-action film with lots of slapstick humor and benign mayhem.
The arduous birth pangs of ‘Roe v. Wade’
Like the landmark ruling that legalized abortion in the U.S., the new film has -- predictably -- been the subject of much controversy. It debuted at the CPAC conference last week.