News
Scars of past wounds give strength for the future, pope says
Visiting Carpi and Mirandola April 2, nearly five years after a 5.8-quake rocked the northern Italian region of Emilia-Romagna, the pope said his visit was a sign of "closeness and encouragement" as the people continue to rebuild their homes and their lives.
Syrian religious sister among women honored by U.S. State Department
First lady Melania Trump presented the awards, which recognize women around the globe "who have shown exceptional courage and leadership in advocating for women's rights, empowerment and justice, often at great personal risk."
Bill passes to allow states to redirect funds away from abortion clinics
The Senate voted late March 30 to override a rule change made by in the last days of the Obama administration that prevented states from redirecting Title X family planning funding away from clinics that performed abortions.
Downingtown author writes to inspire a culture of life
A new collection of short stories by Brendan Lyons, a Villanova grad and member of St. Joseph Parish, highlights the courage needed to witness to the sanctity of life.
Catholics in archdiocese raise their prayers in 24 Hours for the Lord
While the 20 archdiocesan parishes participating in the second annual worldwide 24-hour devotion were fewer than last year, parishioners who took part offered prayers in eucharistic adoration and got in lines for confession.
Catholic Charities leaders push priorities with Congress on ‘Hill Day’
Catholic Charities leaders spent the second day of their two-day meeting pressing support for federally funded social services -- in many cases their lifeblood -- that touch the lives of the millions of people they serve.
Continuing ‘Mercy Friday’ practice, pope visits center for the blind
Pope Francis returned to a practice he developed during the Year of Mercy: making a Friday-afternoon visit to people in need of or deserving special care.
Port Richmond school touts first-ever high school matching scholarship
Thanks to its leadership and prodigious fundraising, Our Lady of Port Richmond School is offering each of eight graduating students a $2,000 scholarship to three archdiocesan high schools, who are matching the aid.
French priest pleads for safety of North Korean Christian refugees
Father Philippe Blot, who works with the Paris Foreign Mission Society, described the situation facing North Korean refugees as "becoming ever more dramatic" as they flee to China to avoid dying of hunger.
Bishops urge Congress to take bipartisan approach on health care reform
UPDATED - Now that lawmakers have withdrawn the bill, Congress must "seize this moment to create a new spirit of bipartisanship" and make "necessary reforms" in existing health care law to address access, affordability, life and conscience, said three U.S. bishops' committee chairmen.