News
In the shadow the cross, the sick gain prayers for healing
As the universal church celebrated the feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross on Sept. 14, worshipers participated in a healing Mass at SS. Philip and James Church in Exton to unite their suffering to exaltation. Infirm parishioners and their families, as well as caregivers, received prayers and the sacrament of anointing of the sick, which included having their foreheads and hands anointed with oil.
Pope, in Sardinia, denounces globalization and unemployment
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Visiting an Italian region especially hard hit by the European economic crisis, Pope Francis blamed high unemployment on globalization driven by greed and said those who give charitable aid to the poor must treat their beneficiaries with dignity. "We want a just system, a system that lets all of us get ahead," the pope said Sept. 22, in his first address during a full day on the Italian island of Sardinia. "We don't want this globalized economic system that does us so much harm. At its center there should be man and woman, as God wants, and not money."
Catholic singles plan national meeting in King of Prussia
The National Catholic Singles Conference will hold its 12th annual gathering Sept. 27-29 at the Double Tree Philadelphia-Valley Forge Hotel, 301 West DeKalb Pike in King of Prussia. The weekend of fellowship, inspiring talks, celebration of the Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, socials and dancing for single Catholic men and women will feature such speakers as Lisa […]
Idaho lawmaker introduces Marriage and Religious Freedom Act in House
WASHINGTON (CNS) -- A bill introduced in the U.S. House to keep the federal government from discriminating against churches, religious groups and businesses that uphold marriage as being between one man and one woman is "of fundamental importance," two U.S. Catholic bishops said Sept. 20. San Francisco Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone, chairman of the U.S. bishops' Subcommittee for the Promotion and Defense of Marriage, called the measure significant, noting that individuals and organizations that uphold traditional marriage are increasingly being targeted for discrimination by state governments -- this must not spread to the federal government.
Visitation Parish, Norristown, sets 10-week Bible study series
Visitation B.V.M. Parish in Norristown is hosting a DVD presentation by Dr. Tim Gray on St. Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians on Tuesday, Oct. 1 at 7 p.m. in the Visitation B.V.M. School Library, 196 North Trooper Road (use the entrance closest to the corner of Chestnut Street and North Trooper Road). The ten-week […]
Acapulco Archdiocese opens parishes as relief centers for flood victims
MEXICO CITY (CNS) — The Archdiocese of Acapulco has suspended church services and instructed priests to turn their parishes into support centers after torrential rains on one of the busiest weekends of the year left the city cut off from other parts of Mexico. The flooding forced residents to flee to safer ground and trapped […]
Pope condemns abortion as product of ‘throwaway culture’
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- In his strongest public words to date on the subject of abortion, Pope Francis affirmed the sacredness of unborn human life and linked its defense to the pursuit of social justice. "In all its phases and at every age, human life is always sacred and always of quality. And not as a matter of faith, but of reason and science!" the pope said Sept. 20 to a gathering of Catholic gynecologists.
Curia meeting seen as way to give pope more input from ‘entire church’
NEW ORLEANS (CNS) -- Boston Cardinal Sean P. O'Malley, one of eight cardinals appointed by Pope Francis to advise him on possible reforms of the Roman Curia, said Sept. 18 he has received extensive feedback from cardinals and archbishops in the U.S. and Canada in preparation for an Oct. 1-3 meeting with the pope.
Sitcom writer’s road to Catholic Church no laughing matter
WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Tom Leopold is a very funny guy. He's also a Catholic. He has been funny longer than he has been a Catholic. But being a Catholic doesn't stop him from being funny.
Military archbishop guides chaplains on ministering to same-sex couples
WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio of the Archdiocese for the Military Services has issued guidelines on ministering to same-sex couples for military chaplains and other priests and deacons who serve Catholics in the military, U.S. Foreign Service personnel and those at Veterans Affairs facilities.