News
Vatican Nativity crèche inspired by Peru’s Andean region
The representation of Peru's diverse Indigenous communities in this year's 30-figure Nativity scene in St. Peter's Square embodies the joy and hope of their faith, said a Peruvian bishop. It also marks the 200th anniversary of Peru's independence.
Doctors: Advances since Roe confirm abortion ‘takes life of unborn child’
During the past 50 years, research on fetal development, including pain perception, has pushed the "viability" timeframe of 24 weeks gestation, which formed the basis of the Supreme Court's decision legalizing abortion, to a far earlier stage.
Light shined on untold number of ‘missing’ migrants
The International Organization for Migration is revealing the plight of families looking for their loved ones -- 45,427 missing since 2014 -- though many know it's likely the migrants are dead. "Behind every death is a family searching for answers."
NYC Mass marks end of diocesan phase for Day’s sainthood cause
Although a group was formed in 2005 to support the cause for canonization of Dorothy Day, who died in 1980, it stalled until 2015 when Cardinal Timothy Dolan and Pope Francis shared a car ride and discussed Day during the pontiff's visit to the U.S.
New priests honored at Mass as part of ‘beautiful tradition’
A Dec. 2 liturgy sponsored by the Serra Club of Philadelphia recalled the recent ordination of Father Kenneth Cavara and Father Mark Tobin, while inviting young men to consider religious life.
Local donors raise $1.7 million for Catholic causes in archdiocese
Some 9,000 local donors raised $1.77 million for 124 parishes, schools and ministries of the Philadelphia Archdiocese. Three local beneficiaries were among the top five in the U.S. as Catholics raised $16 million nationwide through #iGiveCatholic.
Priest, archdiocesan choir take stage at Kimmel for ‘A Soulful Christmas’
Father Stephen Thorne and the Philadelphia Catholic Gospel Mass Choir, directed by Tonya Taylor-Dorsey, will join hundreds of African American musicians Dec. 14 to ring in the season with "a Holy Ghost jam."
Local Catholic teen crowdfunds for abortion-free vaccines
Luke Luna, a student at Martin Saints Classical High School, is raising awareness of the John Paul II Medical Research Institute and its efforts to develop therapies consistent with Catholic teaching.
Beloved Marian feast honors ‘mother, companion, advocate’
Some 1,200 area faithful, many traveling several miles on foot, are expected at a Dec. 11 celebration of Our Lady of Guadalupe, marking a 16th-century appearance of Mary that continues to inspire profound devotion.
‘Welcome home’ program answers ‘How do I return to church?’
St. Augustine Parish in Philadelphia presents a Theology on Tap event Dec. 16 at an Irish pub to answer anyone's questions on how to come back to the Catholic Church after an absence for any reason.