News
There’s still time to stop ‘horrors’ of war, Vatican official says
The Vatican secretary of state, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, pleaded for an end to hostilities Feb. 24 after Russia's decision to invade Ukraine. He held "hope for a glimmer of conscience" of leaders who "hold in their hands the fortunes of the world."
Pope calls for day of prayer, fasting for peace in Ukraine
As the threat of war loomed over the world, Pope Francis on Feb. 23 called on people to pray and fast for peace in Ukraine on Ash Wednesday, March 2. "May the Queen of Peace protect the world from the folly of war," he said.
Ukrainian archbishop assures people that God is with them
As Russia fired missiles on several Ukrainian cities, Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk, head of the Ukrainian Catholic Church, said from Kyiv that his country risked becoming "a death camp" because of Russian aggression.
Clergy assignments announced for four priests
Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez announced the retirement of one priest and changes for three others on Feb. 23, with all the appointments effective in March.
‘Tolton’ brings pioneering Black priest to life, while changing hearts
Two Philadelphia parishes will host a live drama about Venerable Augustus Tolton, whose "perseverance, faith and love" continue to inspire audiences throughout the nation.
Memorial for active military blessed at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church
Parishioners of the Doylestown parish and their pastor, Father Matthew Guckin, blessed a memorial for active U.S. service men and women on Sunday, Feb. 20 "to pray for America and ask God to heal whatever divides us.”
Rice Bowl ‘alive and well,’ and helping millions around the world
The annual Lenten campaign combines prayer, fasting and almsgiving to alleviate poverty and hunger in more than 100 nations, and throughout the five-county Philadelphia area.
Catholics in Poland, Western Ukraine welcome people fleeing threat of war
The head of the Polish bishops' conference asked Polish Catholics to continue praying for peace, but also to be prepared to welcome Ukrainian refugees. Catholic Relief Services in the U.S. was prepared to help as tensions mount.
U.N. wants faith groups’ help on plastic pollution
A senior U.N. official during the Faith for Earth Dialogue in Kenya urged religious groups to help reach a global agreement to curb plastic pollution, amid experts warning that single-use or disposable plastics were choking the planet.
Traditionalist priests can continue with pre-Vatican II liturgies
Pope Francis will allow members of the Fraternity of St. Peter to continue to celebrate the Mass, sacraments and Liturgy of the Hours in Latin and using the texts and forms predating the Second Vatican Council.