News
Bernardine Franciscan Sister dies in 62nd year of religious life
Philadelphia native Sister Rosemary McGowan, 85, earned a bachelor's degree and master's degree while ministering in a variety of roles across three states.
Sister Dorothy Beck, former retreat director and teacher, dies at 87
She was known as Mother Dorothy to generations of Ancillae-Assumpta Academy students and to thousands for the spiritual direction she offered at St. Raphaela Center in Havertown,
Father John Nevins, longtime youth minister, pastor, dies at 86
A pastor of three parishes who was well-known for his generosity and leadership, he is best remembered as a youth retreat master and faculty member at Cardinal Dougherty High School.
As Romero image inadvertently released, canonization details emerge
The image has a blue background with a white aura around Blessed Romero's head. The portrait shows the fourth archbishop of San Salvador with a golden halo, and the prayer card has the words "St. Oscar Arnulfo Romero, bishop and martyr" below.
New papal appointments reflect pope’s wish for transparency
Pope Francis appointed Bishop Nunzio Galantino as president of the Administration of the Patrimony of the Holy See, which handles the Vatican's investment portfolio and real estate holdings and serves as the Vatican employment office and procurement agency.
Supreme Court says law on crisis pregnancy centers violates free speech
UPDATED - In a 5-4 ruling, the high court struck down a California law requiring pregnancy clinics to advise women on abortion services. Doing so compelled the centers "to speak a particular message," the court said.
Catholic school teachers learn to reach kids traumatized at home
The Catholic Urban Education Conference held June 20 in Philadelphia helped teachers learn about the effects of childhood trauma on their students, and how to help them achieve in the classroom and in life.
Pope says torture is a mortal sin; Vatican urges help for drug abusers
On International Day Against Drug Abuse, a top Vatican cardinal said support is critical for those who are fragile and vulnerable, like those who are abusing drugs. The U.N. estimates 250 million people used drugs in 2015.
German Catholic-Lutheran couple say some in mixed marriages feel rebuffed
The Heineckes' beliefs about why they should share Communion are shared by many interchurch couples in Germany.
Canadian bishops say marijuana use may soon be legal but remains sinful
With the exception of cannabis use for medicinal purposes, consuming marijuana violates the virtue of temperance and should be avoided, said Msgr. Frank Leo, general secretary of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops.