Archbishop Perez's messages
Archbishop Pérez says ‘fully formed consciences’ essential for voting
In an Oct. 29 statement, Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez urged faithful to study a newly revised U.S. bishops' document on faithful citizenship, and to "make (their) voices heard on Election Day."
World News
French bishops order ‘death knell’ after three killed in Nice basilica
Bells tolled throughout France Oct. 29 after three people, including a 70-year-old woman, were hacked to death in the church during a terrorist attack.
General audience closes to public after positive case of COVID-19
The Vatican announced that as of Nov. 4 Pope Francis' general audiences will be broadcast from the library of the Apostolic Palace to prevent risk of spreading the virus.
Malaysia’s first cardinal dies at the age of 88
Cardinal Anthony Soter Fernandez, one of the Asian pioneers in interreligious dialogue in the 1970s and 1980s, died Oct. 28.
Local News
Ministry to adults with intellectual disabilities celebrates 60 years of care
The archdiocesan Communities of Don Guanella and Divine Providence marked their patron saint's feast with an Oct. 22 Mass -- and a little help from a dog dressed like a bishop.
Pre-election holy hour calls faithful to pray for U.S.
During the Nov. 1 gathering at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul, participants will pray for each U.S. state while focusing on the "loving, peaceful gaze of God" and seeking his will.
Two New Jerseyans ready for new ministry to the young in Philadelphia
Marisally Santiago of Newark and Matthew Davis of Camden, who will lead the offices for youth and young adults, respectively, in the Philadelphia Archdiocese, share their visions for ministry.
Couple gives Villanova U $1M to address poverty, inequality
A university-wide effort to study the intersection of two major issues in society today will involve multiple disciplines, spurred by a major gift of Paul and Christine Tufano, both Villanova graduates.
National News
Senate confirms Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court
After a divided Senate, in a 52-48 vote, confirmed Barrett as a justice for the Supreme Court Oct. 26, she was sworn in by Justice Clarence Thomas at a White House ceremony.
Drawing on faith, church’s history is key to confronting racism, say panelists
During an Oct. 13 discussion sponsored by Georgetown University and the Archdiocese of Washington, experts said an honest look at the church's past, and its Black Catholic models, can point the way to healing.
OCP now retails personal missals to parishioners amid pandemic
Longtime liturgical publisher Oregon Catholic Press will now sell worship aids directly to the faithful, as a second wave of COVID and flu season converge.
Sports
Bishops support bills to protect Title IX sports programs for women, girls
The measures prevent policies that "facilitate male competition" by including biologically male transgender female athletes, who should be "welcomed without reservation into appropriate athletic opportunities," said the bishops.
Spirituality
Ask Jesus to pray for you when you can’t, pope suggests
During his weekly audience Oct. 28, Pope Francis said Christians who feel "sluggish and empty" during prayer should "beg that Jesus' prayer also becomes our own."
Photo features
Students celebrate faith, missionary outreach through art
At an Oct. 18 Mass for World Mission Sunday, six students were named winners in an annual Christmas artwork contest sponsored by the Missionary Child Association.
Culture
Nun paints icon of Mary, Undoer of Knots to offer hope amid pandemic
Presentation Sister Carrie Link, an artist and iconographer, says Mary's intercession can loosen the tangles of a troubled time.
‘Fishbowl’ a slow swim to nowhere
Logical flaws and a lack of character depth muddy the waters in this tale of grief, alienation and religious zealotry.
Obituaries
Nov. 7 funeral Mass set for longtime minister to Deaf community
Redemptorist Father Anthony Russo, who led the Archdiocese of Philadelphia's Deaf Apostolate for 45 years, died in March. His funeral Mass will be at St. Peter Church, Philadelphia.
Father McBride, nationally known as leader in education, catechetics, dies
Norbertine Father Alfred McBride, a Philadelphia native in St. Patrick Parish, was a well published author and teacher, and was spiritual director for the charity Aid to the Church in Need.
Robert Sims, faithful Catholic leader for decades, dies at 94
Mr. Sims was a Philadelphia native, World War II Navy veteran, family man, insurance executive, financial planner, philanthropist and highly honored Catholic layman -- and friend to all.