National News
Winners of ‘The Amazing Race’ say their aim was to inspire others
Two Midwest doctoral students and race partners who won “The Amazing Race” reality TV show said it wasn't about winning $1 million. “It was about being strong women representing the field of food science, representing our homes, our families and friends,” said one. "Niceness does pay."
Florida bishops speak out about state’s same-sex ruling
After a federal judge struck down the state's ban of same-sex marriage, Miami Archbishop Thomas G. Wenski told archdiocesan employees they need to "understand the church's position" on this issue. He said the court ruling "will have implications not yet fully understood."
Indiana poet seeks healing from clergy sexual abuse through his works
Norbert Krapf, 71, still loves the wooded hills of his southern Indiana boyhood home near Jasper and the Catholic faith that formed his beliefs from infancy. Such feelings are remarkable not for their longevity, but that they exist despite Krapf being the victim of clergy sexual abuse six decades ago at his small hometown parish tucked away in the Jasper hills.
Bishop Hying installed as fourth bishop of Diocese of Gary, Indiana
Before a packed Holy Angels Cathedral and a television and online audience, Bishop Donald J. Hying was installed as the Diocese of Gary's fourth bishop.
Indian Franciscan accused of showing child pornography to minor
An Indian priest faced an obscenity charge after asking a teenage boy to help him delete images of child pornography from his cellphone.
Court rules Michigan firm exempt from providing contraceptive coverage
The Thomas More Society, which argued the case on behalf of the company, said the ruling "sets another strong precedent for the free exercise of religious faith on the part of all American citizens."
Forum focuses on Pope Francis’ renewed emphasis on the poor
Leaders in the realm of social and economic justice pointed to Pope Francis as kick-starting a renewed focus on the poor, praising his approach and message. "Francis has not changed the catechism, but he has created a zone for the merciful application of pastoral teaching," said evangelical columnist Michael Gerson.
Reflection on ‘racial divide’ in U.S. is personal for Illinois bishop
Bishop Edward K. Braxton of Belleville, Illinois, who is African-American, said he twice had been the victim of racial profiling and "walking while black." He suggested ways for Catholics to pray and act on ways to bridge the racial gap.
Young Catholics living virtuous lives aim to change the culture
The 31 young, devout, post-college adult members of the Culture Project want to transform a culture of isolation through intentional community living. From their homes in Port Richmond and Ardmore, they pray, work and go out to speak with other young people.
Maryland governor commutes sentences of men on death row
Maryland's outgoing Gov. Martin O'Malley said he would commute the death sentences of the last four inmates on the state's death row to life imprisonment without possibility of parole.