News

Franciscan Sister Janice Bahl, serving in schools and parishes, dies

The Sister of St. Francis of Philadelphia served 48 of her 50 years in the congregation in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, ministering in education and parish services.

Synod surprises: Universal compassion, inaccurate coverage, couples say

Two couples attending the Synod of Bishops on the family said what surprised them most about their first synod in Rome was reading inaccurate media coverage of the closed-door proceedings, the diversity problems families face around the world and the synod fathers' great concern and compassion for the family.

‘Our families’ need friendship, cardinal says

New Zealand Cardinal John Dew said Oct. 12 that the church must "be friends to people who are struggling or are in difficulty in any way. It's not denying any doctrine, but saying, 'Look, we're here to help you, to work with you.'"

Msgr. Bartholomew O’Brien, humble and humorous, dies at 76

The former pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Philadelphia is remembered for his simplicity, musical gifts and pastoral wisdom, by younger priests who served with him.

Deacon Albert George of South Philadelphia dies at 66

The permanent deacon and retired Boeing specialist had a saying he and his wife shared: “Each for the other and both for the Lord.” Those were the last words the couple spoke before he died.

Visit to Africa listed among pope’s upcoming events

The pope's liturgical schedule, released at the Vatican Oct. 12, includes mention of the "apostolic visit to Kenya, Uganda and the Central African Republic" at the end of November.

Citing new rules, India’s Missionaries of Charity to end adoption work

The Missionaries of Charity statement said the nuns "will continue to serve wholeheartedly and free of charge unwed mothers, children with malnutrition and differently abled children" in all their institutions "irrespective of caste, creed and religion."

NCCW provides resource on domestic violence awareness

We are hopeful this new resource will give courage to victims to leave their abuser as well as educate others on the signs exhibited by persons experiencing domestic violence

Syrian priest released, celebrates Mass, news agency reports

Syrian Father Jacques Mourad was kidnapped by three masked men at the Syriac Catholic Mar Elian monastery in Qaryatain.

Hebrew-speaking Catholic community flourishes in Jerusalem

The community of Catholics, or kehilla, as it is known in Hebrew, is as diverse as they come: Israelis, foreign students, migrants and asylum seekers and religious from around the world, spanning several generations and cultures.