News
Four churches to close in Philadelphia, Montgomery and Chester counties
The churches, which mostly had been worship sites of merged parishes, include St. Augustine, Bridgeport; Assumption B.V.M., West Grove; and St. Therese and St. Madeleine Sophie, both in Philadelphia’s Mount Airy section.
Give flesh to the Gospel like Mary did, pope says on Guadalupe feast
"To look at the Guadalupana is to remember that the presence of the Lord always passes through those who manage to make his word flesh, who seek to embody the life of God within themselves, becoming living signs of his mercy," Pope Francis said.
Self-centeredness is first obstacle to becoming a good priest, pope says
"How can I notice Christ if I only look at myself?" he asked. "How can I experience the beauty of the church if my only concern is to save myself, my energy and get out of every situation unscathed?"
Alabama man executed after Supreme Court denied stay
The Supreme Court did not offer an explanation for any of the orders it issued in his case. In November, it granted a last-minute hold to stop another Alabama man's death sentence but gave no reason there either.
Violence fixes nothing; world needs politics of peace, pope says
Calling for a new style of politics built on peace and nonviolence, Pope Francis also called for disarmament, the eradication of nuclear weapons and an end to domestic violence and abuse against women and children.
Thousands gather for Walk With Mary in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe
People on the sidewalks of Washington momentarily stopped their holiday shopping and paused in the cold Dec. 10 to take in the sight of hundreds of pilgrims processing through the streets alongside images of Mary.
Pope asks Catholic farmers to preserve, respect rhythms of nature
Family farmers, he said, live the biblical ideal of working the land and making it produce sustenance while respecting creation and preserving it for future generations.
Pax Christi: Children are Africa’s greatest resources
Young people could "contribute to the development, well-being and peace" of Africa, Pax Christi members said in a statement from a Dec. 5-9 conference on "Nonviolence in Africa: Creating a Future of Hope."
Bishops urge Nigerian government to help young people move into farming
Such actions by the government would help reduce tension in rural areas of the country and allow the authorities to focus on improving services such as roads, health care and jobs, the bishops said in early December.
Ohio lawmakers send governor two bills restricting abortion
UPDATED - On Dec. 8, lawmakers passed a measure to ban abortions in the state after 20 weeks. On Dec. 6, they approved legislation that would ban abortions when a fetal heartbeat can be detected, which is usually at about the sixth week of pregnancy.