Archbishop Perez's messages
Help ‘strong and proud people of Beirut,’ archbishop urges
Following the explosion this week in Lebanon's capital that left some 137 dead and 300,000 homeless, Archbishop Nelson Perez urged aid and prayers "during this time of sorrow and devastation."
Local News
Local Lebanese Catholics unite in prayer, tears after Beirut blast
Some two dozen gathered for an Aug. 5 liturgy at St. Maron Maronite Catholic Church in South Philadelphia to support a nation reeling from recent tragedy and ongoing crisis.
Delco faith leaders march for justice in face of opposition
When the Catholic, Jewish, Methodist, Quaker and Episcopalian leaders of Delaware County marched peacefully against racism, they found hateful words and actions were "alive and well."
Archbishop, rabbi see progress in Jewish-Catholic relations
In a July 28 webinar, Archbishop Nelson Perez and Rabbi Abraham Skorka discussed how both faiths can deepen their dialogue while addressing COVID, racism and antisemitism.
National News
Church leaders seek aid for Catholic students in coronavirus relief bill
Top U.S. bishops appealed to Congress to include financial support for families to send their children to Catholic and non-public schools in a coronavirus relief bill currently being negotiated.
Americans broadly support COVID-19 restrictions on worship
In a new survey, Americans by a 4-to-1 margin said houses of worship should be subject to the same social-distancing rules as other organizations. The view aligns with Supreme Court decisions on the issue.
Archbishop Gomez echoes pope in calling for abolition of nuclear weapons
The president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops echoed Pope Francis' long-standing call for full nuclear disarmament as the 75th anniversary of the atomic bombings in Japan approached.
World News
Mary foretold COVID-19 pandemic, alleged visionary claims
An Italian woman who claims to regularly experience supernatural visions said Mary told her in September 2019 that a new disease would soon emerge from China.
Church uses caution with claims of Marian apparitions
More than 1,500 visions of Mary have been reported around the world, but in the past century fewer than a dozen cases have been approved as being worthy of belief.
Vatican says baptisms that change wording are not valid
The formula "We baptize you," signifying the family at a baptism, renders it invalid and must be redone. Only "I baptize you..." is valid because it indicates the presence of Christ in the action of the minister.
People and Events
Vincentians welcome newest members of congregation
During a Mass at the Miraculous Medal Shrine July 31, four men professed first vows and three men entered the Vincentian Fathers and Brothers as novices.
Profile
Woman with disabilities takes her place at the boardroom table
Catherine McCrorey, a longtime resident of the Communities of Don Guanella and Divine Providence, brings decades of work experience to her role as a client advocate.
Commentaries
Cheer up, and count your blessings in these hard times
The daily news is a gauntlet of doom, but Greg Erlandson sees the global collaborative effort to find a cure to the pandemic, and the many small acts of everyday heroism.
Actions, not intent, break through systemic poverty
Carolyn Woo points to one example of how a university, philanthropists and an urban community are putting college in reach for many. Such actions can inspire us to work for change.
Counting the blessings of God’s diverse creation
Sister Ann Heath reflects on the true meaning of Christmas, even in the summertime, to reawaken a future full of compassion, hope and goodness to be shared by all.
Spirituality
God is always with us, even when we don’t recognize him
Both Elijah and Peter had expectations of how the Lord would encounter them, but only the eyes of faith can see a God of surprises who calls us to him, writes Msgr. Joseph Prior.
Readings of the Holy Mass – 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Read or listen to the readings before Mass with these resources from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, using the New American Bible, Revised Edition.
One in Christ, one with the people of Lebanon
The damage from a devastating Aug. 4 explosion in Beirut will take years to heal, and the task is for all of us, especially as believers in Christ, writes Gina Christian.
Culture
New treatment of Galileo case destined to be a classic
The story of how Galileo Galilei's observations represented a clash of science vs. religion has, over time, been overlaid by a patina of myth. One author brings clarity to the whole story.
‘The Burnt Orange Heresy’ leaves the soul queasy
Truth and illusion, good and evil blur in this tale of the elegant art world's spoiled side, where beautiful scenery contrasts with barren hearts.
Photo features
Faith leaders join Black Lives Matter rally for racial justice
The Catholic, Jewish, Methodist, Quaker and Episcopalian leaders of the Interfaith Council of Southern Delaware County led some 200 participants in a nonviolent protest rally and march Saturday, Aug. 1.
Archbishop Perez returns to old neighborhood with message of hope
During a July 26 visit to Holy Innocents Parish in Northeast Philadelphia, the archbishop greeted longtime friends, while urging faithful to be joyful missionary disciples.
Hundreds gather for pro-life Mass, prayer vigil
Despite an ongoing heatwave, some 400 participated in a July 25 liturgy and rally sponsored by the Pro-Life Union of Greater Philadelphia.
Obituaries
Father Ronald Ferrier dies; was Cardinal Dougherty teacher for 4 decades
A native of Conshohocken who was ordained a priest in 1968, he would go on to teach Latin and physical science at the former archdiocesan high school in Philadelphia. He is fondly remembered by colleagues.
IHM Sister Louise Goeller dies; was teacher, contemplative
The native of Philadelphia taught in schools in the Philadelphia area and for two stints in Chile and Peru. She also spent several years in a Trappist women's congregation before returning to the IHM sisters. She was 88.
Deacon William Iacobellis, Catholic radio host, dies at 72
Ordained in 2004, the deacon served at St. Vincent De Paul Parish in Richboro, was a regional manager for automobile dealerships and was a host on Holy Spirit Radio, Doylestown.