News
Iowa pastor creates room-size Bethlehem village — with local touches
Father Rupp got the idea for the village while visiting Naples, Italy, where artisans literally embrace the sentiment "it takes a village" to display a Christmas crib, or "presepe" as the locals call it. He has been working on his presentation for about two years.
Priests, worshippers stop attack at Nazareth basilica
The man, later identified by police as a non-Jewish American in his early 40s, attempted to break items in the grotto with the sticks during the daily noon Angelus prayer.
Homeless, prisoners among pope’s birthday well-wishers
People from around the world also tweeted messages using the hashtag #Pontifex80 or sent email's according to their preferred language, including Latin.
Talk, listen to grandparents; reap their wisdom, pope tells kids
"They remember history, have life experience and, for you, this will be a great gift that will help you in your journey," he told hundreds of Italian children Dec. 19.
Pope: Take a break from busy holidays to prepare for real Christmas
"This week let's make sure we try to find some time to stop, be quiet and imagine Our Lady and St. Joseph who are going to Bethlehem," he said.
Pope Francis to visit Fatima in May 2017
The Vatican confirmed that Pope Francis will visit Portugal in 2017 to mark the 100th anniversary of the Marian apparitions of Fatima.
President Obama signs bipartisan religious freedom bill
The new law, written by New Jersey Rep. Chris Smith, gives the Obama administration and the State Department new tools to counter extremism and combat a worldwide escalation of persecution of religious minorities.
‘Wimpy Kid’ author pays tribute to Catholic roots during Maryland visit
In Clinton, students and teachers at St. Mary's School of Piscataway learned that their Catholic school and parish in the Archdiocese of Washington has a special connection to a modern children's classic, "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" by Jeff Kinney.
Activists, merchants use fair trade to change fashion industry
Sweatshops aren't a high priority for most Americans, Catholics included, even as Americans are buying more clothing than ever. Bargain clothing comes at a human cost, say Catholic advocates, who are pushing store chains to sell fair trade brands.
‘Who is waiting for you?’ Filipino Catholics celebrate Simbang Gabi
Simbang Gabi refers to nine Masses in honor of Mary, traditionally celebrated in the nine days before Christmas by Filipino Catholics around the world.