News
Oregon native Sister Lucy, S.H.C.J., dies at 80 in Rosemont
Sister Lucy Malarkey, S.H.C.J. (formerly Mother Daniel Mary), taught molecular biology, practiced pastoral ministry and directed Catholic spirituality during her 57 years as a Sister of the Holy Child Jesus.
Sister Elizabeth Gehrman dies, was Holy Child Sister for 68 years
The Philadelphia native first met the Holy Child Sisters as a student at West Catholic High School for Girls and joined the order in 1946. After years of ministry on both coasts, she died Dec. 2 at age 90.
Deacon Raymond Wellbank, formerly serving at Lansdale parish, dies
The permanent deacon ordained in 2007 for Philadelphia had been serving in the Archdiocese of Boston since his 2015 retirement. He died suddenly Dec. 9 at age 66 in Gloucester, Mass., where he resided.
Longtime teacher in Trenton Catholic schools dies at 75
Franciscan Sister Daniel Marie McCarthy, a native of County Cork, Ireland, ministered in elementary education for most of her 52 years in religious life.
Archbishop Gomez sees signs of God’s presence even in fiery destruction
As wildfires raged near Los Angeles, Archbishop Jose H. Gomez called on those who have lost their homes and those offering assistance and fighting the flames to remember that God is accompanying them in their sorrow and acts of sacrifice.
Sister Florence Sponga dies at 95
The West Philadelphia native and former Sister Stanislaus was a member of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Chestnut Hill for 75 years, ministering in four dioceses, including Philadelphia.
Sister Rose Marie Eichner dies at 75, served in hospital ministry
The Franciscan sister ministered in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and the Diocese of Allentown, where she was born and raised, for 54 years. She served in education, health care and pastoral care.
The weary world rejoices: Nativity scenes bring joy to hardened hearts
The Nativity scene in St. Peter's Square is not getting rave reviews: The backdrop does not look like a stable and the characters in need -- hungry, naked, dead, imprisoned -- don't exactly evoke a silent night when all was cozy, calm and bright.
Natural disasters prompt church to raise millions for aid, recovery
In Puerto Rico, Texas, Florida, California and Mexico City, deep pain remained from a string of hurricanes, wildfires and earthquakes causing widespread destruction. Catholic agencies responded with aid to help people from all walks of life.
‘Let tree stand,’ but don’t forget to prepare for Christ, cardinal says
Christmas should be regarded as a celebration of the redemption of God's people, Cardinal Peter Turkson told a Catholic audience Dec. 9 in Louisville.