News

New quake, tsunami spotlight Japanese bishops’ anti-nuclear stance

A strong subsea earthquake triggered a tsunami alert along Japan's northeastern Pacific coast at dawn Nov. 22, sending residents running for high ground and unleashing a brief nuclear drama in an unwelcome reminder of the disaster in the same area five years ago.

Welcome to the club: Cardinal-elders talk about pope’s 80th birthday

Three years ago Pope Francis described retired Pope Benedict XVI as being like a wise grandfather, although there is less than 10 years' difference in their ages; today, Pope Francis tends to include himself in the category of grandfatherly figures.

Bishops of Rwanda ask forgiveness for Catholics’ role in 1994 genocide

In a letter to mark the end of the Year of Mercy, Rwanda's Catholic bishops asked forgiveness for Catholics' role in the genocide, in which more than 800,000 people -- mostly Tutsis -- were killed.

Threat of hell is real for not being faithful to God, pope says

"It will do us good to think about this: 'Well, what will that day be like when I am before Jesus? When he will ask me about the talents he gave me, what I did with them,'" the pope said Nov. 22 during morning Mass.

Pope chooses focus on Mary for upcoming WYD celebrations

The pope has highlighted the way the Mother of Jesus was always open to the Lord's will and has described her "as a role model to be imitated," said the Dicastery for Laity, the Family and Life in a press release Nov. 22.

Social entrepreneur wins Opus Prize for anti-trafficking initiative

The organization offers "opportunity and hope" to women who have been impacted by Kolkata's sex trade, or who are vulnerable to trafficking, said an announcement on the award.

Faith must be ‘integrated into every aspect’ of life, says archbishop

Celebrating our faith and receiving the sacraments are meant to renew and recharge us for carrying that faith and Jesus Christ into the world."

Sister Marie Joan Flemming, I.H.M., 86, dies at Camilla Hall

A native of St. John the Baptist Parish in Philadelphia's Manayunk section, she professed her vows with the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in 1950.

Sacred Heart Parish to hold Christmas Bazaar

The parish in Clifton Heights, Delaware County will offer food, raffle items, games of chance and a visit by Santa all day on Saturday, Dec. 3.

Franciscan sister, native of Ireland, dies at 102

Sister Columbkill O’Connor, O.S.F., was born in County Kerry, Ireland. After entering the Franciscan order she taught and served in parishes, mostly in the Baltimore Archdiocese, over a span of 78 years.