News

Zika’s spread spurs contradictory congressional action

Republicans in charge of the House believe money should be pulled from research in Ebola, the previous disease to throw a scare into the public.

Softball playoffs, final standings for Catholic League announced

See the schedules for upcoming league playoff games at Arcadia University and the final regular season standings for softball.

At meeting, clergy hear of push to lift statutes of limitation on sex abuse cases

About 350 priests and deacons met this week in Blue Bell where talks were intended to equip the clergymen to discuss with parish leaders state legislation regarding potential lawsuits that are now time-barred.

Catholic League sets baseball playoffs

See the schedules for times and locations of upcoming playoff games, plus the final regular season standings in the league.

Pope Francis, or his successor, to visit Ireland for meeting of families

The World Meeting of Families will be held in Dublin in 2018, and the city's archbishop said the pope pledged to visit there, possibly along with Northern Ireland.

Venezuelans fight hunger, fear as civil unrest and crime increase

The downturn in international oil prices in 2015 sent Venezuela's oil-dependent economy into free fall, immersing the country in a crisis marked by runaway inflation, scant food and medicine, and a rise in violence.

Brazilian churches change Sunday practices due to swine flu outbreak

All across the country, parishes are keeping church windows and doors open for greater air circulation especially during Masses. Hand-holding is suspended, and Communion is to be taken in the hand only.

Pope rules Vatican review needed to set up diocesan religious order

The consultation "is to be understood as necessary for the validity of the erection of a diocesan institute of consecrated life," said the ruling approved by Pope Francis

House OKs bill allowing more ways to protect religious freedom worldwide

The Frank Wolf International Religious Freedom Act gives the Obama administration and the U.S. State Department new resources to combat "a worldwide escalation" of Christian persecution and anti-Semitism.

South Carolina Legislature passes bill to ban abortions at 20 weeks

Bishop Robert E. Guglielmone of Charleston said the vote was a positive step in acknowledging and protecting the humanity of an unborn child, but added there is still much to accomplish.