News

Ukrainian, Russian women hold cross together at Rome’s Via Crucis

While a controversial prayer was changed for the Good Friday service led by Pope Francis and attended by 10,000, the two women, who are friends, participated.

Video series shows how to present Passion, without blaming Jews

Two professors from Saint Joseph's University have joined a number of scholars in exploring "fresh ways" to understand Jesus' crucifixion, while illuminating the Gospel and redressing centuries of anti-Jewish theology.

Easter tradition spells out a message of hope for Ukraine

The ancient custom of pysanky, Easter eggs decorated with rich symbols, has taken on new life amid a brutal Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Mission trip to Haiti ignited his zeal to become a priest

The sister of Andrew Lane knew he was struggling in high school, so she set up a trip for him that, thanks to a priest's loving example, inspired the Chester County resident's vocation to priesthood and a life of prayerful service.

Mask mandate returns to city’s Catholic schools

Catholic schools in Philadelphia are preparing to reinstate a requirement to wear face masks by April 19, and churches in the city will "strongly encourage" wearing masks, due to rising numbers of COVID-19 cases.

Holy Week begins with procession, blessings in Darby

On Palm Sunday, Father Mariano Dellagiovanna of Blessed Virgin Mary Parish blessed the police and fire stations in the Delaware County neighborhood, celebrating how "Christ walked the streets."

Knights say their evangelization program ‘desperately’ needed in church

The Knights of Columbus' training program draws on the model used by FOCUS at college campuses. Its three steps -- "Win," "Build" and "Send" -- have the goal "to stop this outflow of people ... who no longer see God as an important part" of their life.

Hunger relief agency gives baskets of ‘Easter joy’ to dozens of kids

Staff from archdiocesan Nutritional Development Services delivered an assortment of sweets and stuffed animals to three day care centers, whose clients are the "precious children" of Jesus.

Mass aboard cargo ship brings joy to crew longing for liturgy

Bishop William E. Koenig of Wilmington, Delaware boarded a freighter on the Delaware coast April 5 to celebrate Mass for a crew of Filipino men who, at sea for months and without shore passes, aren't able to attend Mass.

Pope says ‘forces of evil’ are at work in Ukraine war

Jewish, Muslim, Anglican, Orthodox, Catholic, Buddhist and Hindu leaders met in a Ukrainian city where a message by Pope Francis urged peace efforts amid "abominable" attacks on innocent people and widescale destruction by Russian forces.