Features
Children’s mission of mercy feeds the hungry, homeless
Kick boxing, piano lessons, St. Mary Interparochial School, food preparation and Mercy Hospice. What on earth could they have in common? It’s complicated. About 10 kids attending the lower grades at St. Mary, located in Olde City, Philadelphia, meet at the home of the Holahan family every Friday after school for piano lessons, which are […]
Exhibit highlights Tanner’s artistry, religious subject matter
The two paintings look vaguely similar, as they should. The larger is well known and often reproduced. It is Henry Ossawa Tanner’s L’Annunciation, painted in 1898. In it Mary, who is neither blond-haired or blue- eyed, is listening gravely and intently as the Angel Gabriel tells her of her sublime destiny to be the Mother […]
Capsule movie reviews
By Catholic News Service NEW YORK (CNS) — The following are capsule reviews of movies recently reviewed by Catholic News Service. “Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close” (Warner Bros.) Devastated by the sudden loss of his devoted father (Tom Hanks), a victim of the terrorist attacks of 9/11, an introverted grade schooler (Thomas Horn) sets out […]
Altoona-Johnstown bishop eulogizes Paterno as ‘good Catholic,’ friend
ALTOONA, Pa. (CNS) — Although Joe Paterno will be remembered as “a legend throughout our region and throughout our country,” Bishop Mark L. Bartchak said the iconic football coach will be best remembered in the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown as “a good Catholic, a family man and a friend to many.” Bishop Bartchak made his comments […]
Mass and homecoming at St. Francis de Sales School
On Sunday, Jan. 29 following a Family Mass at 11:30 a.m., St. Francis de Sales School in Aston will host a special “homecoming” in the school from 1 to 3 p.m. Alumni, past faculty and staff, current students and their families, parishioners and members of the community are welcome to attend both events. For more […]
Blessed Mirth
The old Baltimore Catechism set us straight right off the bat in first grade. The answer to question number four: “God made me to know Him, to love Him and to serve Him in this world and to be happy with Him forever in heaven.” In plain words, life is serious stuff; the happiness comes […]
Closures to impact Catholic League
The year is 1982. In the Catholic League Northern Division football quarterfinals, a Bishop McDevitt team that had squeezed into the playoffs with a 3-3-2 record blindsides Father Judge, 10-0, and leaves legendary Judge coach Whitey Sullivan staring in utter disbelief as the seconds drip away and melt what seemed like a sure Catholic League […]
A Lenten sacrifice so that others may eat
As the liturgical year brings us closer to the season of Lent, Catholic Christians worldwide will soon reflect on beautiful traditions in preparation for the observance of Christ’s Passion and the celebration of His Resurrection. These traditions may include simple Lenten meals, Scripture studies, abstaining from favorite foods and adding spiritual activities to their daily […]
Update on Catholic League basketball teams
The 2011-2012 season continues for the Philadelphia Catholic League boys’ basketball teams. While some have gotten off to a better start than others, all of the teams believe they can end the year on a strong note and have a shot at the playoffs. Archbishop Wood, under the direction of head coach Jack Walsh, brings […]
Movie Review: “There Be Dragons”
You probably didn’t get to see “There Be Dragons” during its short theatrical release in spring 2011. Now it’s about to be released on DVD $22.98 (Amazon $15.99), and it might be worth taking a look. From a Catholic standpoint, it tells the story of St. Josemaria Escriva (1902-75) the sometimes controversial founder of the […]