News
Bishop: Basilica title honors church’s role in diocese, nation’s founding
The Vatican's Congregation for Divine Worship and the Sacraments declared St. Mary Church in Alexandria a minor basilica, Bishop Michael F. Burbidge of Arlington announced to parishioners during Mass Jan. 14.
84 basilicas now designated in United States
The naming of St. Mary Church in Alexandria, Virginia, is the 84th such creation of a basilica in the United States.
Visiting bishops praise Gazans, but say Christian presence is shrinking
Israel has blockaded Gaza since the election of the Hamas-controlled government in 2007. Egypt also has imposed restrictions at its border crossing, so travel movement is slow.
Deacon Joseph Upcavage, serving Levittown parish, dies at 87
The permanent deacon, originally from Schuylkill County, was ordained in 1996 and assigned to Queen of the Universe Parish where he and his wife of 61 years raised their family.
Catholics urged to ignore rhetoric, help immigrants facing deportation
A National Migration Week discussion examined the plight of individuals affected by President Trump's 2017 order on deportation. More than 12 million people face removal from the U.S. because of irregular or precarious immigration status.
Beatitudes are fruits of hope, not cheap talk, pope says in Chile
"The beatitudes are born of the compassionate heart of Jesus, which encounters the hearts of men and women seeking and yearning for a life of happiness," he said.
Catholics condemn ‘racist’ comments attributed to president
President Trump reportedly used profanity to describe Haiti, El Salvador and some African nations. Because immigrants from those countries "are primarily people of color, these alleged remarks are especially disturbing," said a U.S. bishops' spokesman.
Pope asks forgiveness from victims of clergy sex abuse in Chile
Addressing government authorities and members of the country's diplomatic corps Jan. 16, the pope expressed his "pain and shame at the irreparable damage caused to children by some ministers of the church."
Pope Francis flies over Argentina, sparking questions of when he’ll visit
After Argentine Cardinal Jose Mario Bergoglio was elected pope in March 2013, many Argentines expected he would put his home country on the top of his list of countries to visit. Pope Francis has traveled four times to Latin America, but not Argentina.
Sister Mary of Peace Slater, 96, dies in 72nd year of religious life
The native of Incarnation of Our Lord Parish in Philadelphia entered the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in 1946. She taught in secondary schools in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and the Diocese of Harrisburg.