News
Woman’s suicide called tragedy, symbol of ‘culture of death’ in U.S.
Brittany Maynard, a young California woman who was suffering from terminal brain cancer and gained national attention for her plan to use Oregon's assisted suicide law, ended her life Nov. 1. She was 29 years old.
Praying for the dead, pope asks special prayers for victims of war
The early November feasts of All Saints and All Souls call Catholics to contemplate their ultimate destiny, hope in the eternal happiness of their beloved dead and remember the thousands of innocent people dying each day because of human evil and selfishness.
Syria’s war is part of regional humanitarian crisis, official says
A Vatican official who just returned from a visit to Syria said "the humanitarian situation is worse than I thought," and said the crises in Iraq and Syria should be seen as one.
Longtime rector of Cathedral Basilica dies
Msgr. James Howard led the parish of the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul for 27 years, longer than any other rector. He also was chaplain for Philadelphia police and firefighters for 41 years.
Did Pope Francis get what he wanted from the synod?
Our analysis of the recently concluded Synod of Bishops on the family argues that the pope wanted a more assertive synod, one that stressed collective responsibility of the bishops over a mere advisory body to the pontiff.
Today’s teaching on the family
See the daily excerpt from the preparatory catechesis for the 2015 World Meeting of Families, “Love is Our Mission: The Family Fully Alive.”
It just takes one to win
The Catholic League boys’ soccer championship Oct. 28 came down to a penalty kick in the second overtime. Matt McWilliams nailed it for Archbishop Wood, besting Roman Catholic 1-0.
Ryan girls take Catholic League soccer title after perfect season
Not only did Archbishop Ryan top Archbishop Wood for the championship 3-0 Oct. 26, the Ragdolls allowed only one goal all season – in the semifinal game. It was Ryan goalie Jazmin Gonzalez’s 54th career shutout, a school record.
Founded to heal women overseas, these sisters continue the mission
The Medical Mission Sisters, whose North American headquarters are in the Fox Chase section of Northeast Philadelphia, celebrated their 75th anniversary in the archdiocese Oct. 27 with a Mass celebrated by Archbishop Chaput. His predecessor, Cardinal Dougherty, invited them to Philadelphia.
Muslim-Catholic dialogue on Iranian weapons focuses on arms policies
Seven months after a delegation of U.S. bishops quietly met with Iranian religious leaders, their efforts appear to be on track to continue a dialogue on nuclear weapons and the role faith leaders may have in influencing arms policies.