National News

In land of Martin Luther, Pope prays for Christian unity

Visiting the land of Martin Luther, Pope Benedict XVI prayed for Christian unity and told Lutheran leaders that both secularization and Christian fundamentalism pose challenges to ecumenism today. "God is increasingly being driven out of our society, and the history of revelation that Scripture recounts to us seems locked into an ever remote past. Are we to yield to the pressure of secularization and become modern by watering down the faith?" the Pope said in a meeting Sept. 23 with 15 representatives of the German Evangelical Church Council.

Cardinal urges theologians to teach faith to ‘famished’ young adults

While acknowledging that their primary job is not catechesis, Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo urged young theologians to help educate their fellow young adults who are "hungry, starving for the word of God."

Knights of Holy Sepulcher welcome Archbishop O’Brien in ceremony

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Officials at the Vatican headquarters of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem welcomed U.S. Archbishop Edwin F. O'Brien as their new pro-grand master. Archbishop Giuseppe De Andrea, the assessor of the chivalric organization, placed a gold chain and pendant around Archbishop O'Brien's neck and told him his new role "is like a chain that ties him to the Holy Land" and to the knightly order of the Holy Sepulcher.

New poverty figures show Hispanics, children especially hard hit

As the median U.S. household income declined, more Americans dropped below the poverty line, with Hispanics and children taking a particularly hard hit, according to statistics released Sept. 13 by the U.S. Census Bureau.

Reject hatred, resist terrorism, says US bishop in 9/11 message

WASHINGTON (CNS) — As the 10th anniversary of the terror attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, neared, the president of the U.S. bishops pledged “today and always to reject hatred and resist terrorism” in a statement reflecting on 9/11.

Court rejects appeal of rancher convicted in 2005 murder of US-born nun

A court in the state of Para rejected an appeal by rancher Regivaldo Galvao, convicted of being one of the masterminds behind the February 2005 assassination of U.S.-born Sister Dorothy Stang.

Raleigh Diocese plans new 2,000-seat cathedral on 39-acre campus

A new 2,000-seat cathedral is the centerpiece of a 39-acre campus being planned by officials of the Diocese of Raleigh. Bishop Michael F. Burbidge said Sept. 7 that the project, estimated to cost between $75 million and $90 million, will include a two-story gathering hall and a three-story parking facility that will be built partially underground on land owned by the diocese, three miles west of downtown Raleigh.