News
All-Catholic basketball teams named for girls’ and boys’ squads
John Knebels reports on the first-, second- and third-team stars of the Catholic League, which have been confirmed by league officials.
Bishop says U.S. prelates united on immigration stance
Bishop Mark Seitz of El Paso said immigration involves the most vulnerable in society, and Christians who are not on the side of the vulnerable "need to rethink" what they're doing.
Cathedral hosts Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 with orchestra, chorus
More than 100 voices and a full orchestra will bring the masterpiece with its iconic "Ode to Joy" to life in the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul on Sunday, March 18.
Even when people reject God, his love is never lacking, pope says
"Sin is the way that we distance ourselves from him. Yet that does not mean that God distances himself from us," he said at a Lenten penance service.
Irish bishops call abortion referendum proposal ‘shocking’
The government announced March 8 plans to hold a referendum on the constitutional article, which guarantees the equal right to life of the child with due regard to the life of the mother. The poll is expected to be held in May.
Confessors should seek to bring penitents closer to Jesus, pope says
The pope spoke to hundreds of confessors and other participants attending an annual course on the sacrament of reconciliation, sponsored by the Apostolic Penitentiary, a Vatican court that handles issues related to the absolution of sin.
Pope to visit Baltic states in September, Vatican announces
Vatican spokesman Greg Burke said the pope will visit five cities during the Sept. 22-25 trip, including Vilnius and Kaunas in Lithuania; Riga and Aglona in Latvia; and Tallinn, Estonia.
Nebraska Knights join effort to help persecuted Christians in Iraq, Syria
From a town of just over 900 people, a Knights of Columbus council and its 162 members hope to have a big impact halfway around the world.
Deacon Arthur McGuire, 82, dies; served at St. Francis, Springfield
The permanent deacon of the Philadelphia Archdiocese was ordained in 1997 and served his Delaware County parish for 20 years until his retirement last year. He had led his own business, McGuire Publications.
Sister Laureen Discher, 98, dies after 80 years of religious service
The I.H.M. sister originally from St. Martin of Tours Parish in Philadelphia taught in archdiocesan schools and in Peru before serving for many years at Villa Maria House of Studies, Immaculata.