National News
Diocese responds to suit, ‘steadfastly’ affirms child protection policy
West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrissey alleges the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston and Bishop Michael J. Bransfield violated the West Virginia Consumer Credit and Protection Act by failing "to disclose to consumers of its educational and recreational services that it employed priests and laity who have sexually abused children."
Asylum-seeker from Nicaragua credits new home in Iowa to prayers
Darwin Josue Mejia Montoya credits prayers -- particularly to Mary -- for enabling him to be one of the few individuals granted asylum in the United States from the Central American country.
Former seminarian alleges sex assault by former bishop of West Virginia
The alleged assault occurred in 2014, but fearing retribution for himself, his parents and family because of "treatment and ostracism of once highly regarded church members who had dared to criticize or speak ill of the Catholic Church or Bishop Bransfield," he did not report the incident at the time.
Cardinal O’Brien turns 80; U.S. left with nine cardinal electors
U.S. Cardinal Edwin F. O'Brien, grand master of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, celebrated his 80th birthday April 8, meaning he is no longer eligible to enter a conclave to elect a new pope.
Guam archdiocese ‘saddened’ by law that legalizes recreational marijuana
Guam Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero's action April 4 allows people 21 and older to possess an ounce of marijuana, reported Pacific Daily News. Adults also will be permitted to grow six marijuana plants, but will not be permitted to buy or sell marijuana.
Border crisis declarations mask misery of immigrants
An estimated 100,000 apprehensions of immigrants by U.S. Customs and Border Patrol agents at the U.S.-Mexico border in March is the highest figure in one month in a decade.
Bishop to N.J. convocation: It’s ‘opening day’ for missionary discipleship
Baseball is back for the spring and Bishop Dennis J. Sullivan of Camden didn't hesitate to remind the 800 people who joined the diocese's recent follow-up to the 2017 national convocation of Catholic leaders that it's a new season for the church as well.
Museum of the Bible receives grants for big exhibit on science and faith
The museum will be working with a panel of scholars and scientists from around the world to develop the exhibits as well as accompanying educational materials for classroom use.
Catholic leaders urge U.S. government to declare TPS for Venezuelans
With the "ongoing political unrest, violence and shortages" in Venezuela causing millions of citizens to flee their country, the U.S. government should designate Temporary Protected Status for that country, U.S. Catholic officials said.
Nation has gone down ‘dark road,’ Va. bishop tells pro-lifers
About 7,000 Virginians met at the state Capitol April 3 in Richmond for the first Virginia March for Life, where Richmond Bishop Barry Knestout urged them not to lose heart but show "love for those who oppose us."