News
The cost of sainthood: Cardinal announces plan to contain fees
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Having a holy son or daughter formally recognized as a saint by the universal church could easily cost a quarter of a million dollars. But experts say the church isn't selling halos; it's compensating professionals doing serious research, so that a pope can solemnly declare his certainty a person is in heaven.
Franciscan Sister Anne Gallagher dies; served in nursing
Sister Anne Gallagher, O.S.F., formerly Sister Margaret Leo, died Jan. 12 at age 74. She was a registered nurse and served in the Franciscan order for 49 years.
Holy Family U president reflects on three-decade tenure coming to an end
Sister Francesca Onley’s savvy business sense and strong faith took her far in the mission of education, but only a few miles from her Northeast Philadelphia home.
King of Prussia Catholic school opens doors, invites preschool registration
Mother Teresa Regional Catholic School, King of Prussia, kicks off Catholic Schools Week with open houses and encourages parishioners from five parishes to explore the Early Childhood Program registration.
76ers, Catholic Charities Appeal team up for good cause
The Catholic Charities Appeal is offering a fun night out for a good cause. The Feb. 5 Philadelphia 76ers’ game against the Boston Celtics, one of pro basketball’s oldest rivalries, is also “Catholic Charities Night.” A portion of the ticket proceeds will support the appeal.
Late ambassador hailed for deep faith, dedication to diplomatic service
WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Thomas P. Melady, the former U.S. ambassador to the Vatican who died Jan. 6, was remembered at his Jan. 13 funeral Mass as a man who loved his Catholic faith and who was inspired by that faith to reach out and help others.
Mideast Catholic leaders give mixed reactions after death of Sharon
JERUSALEM (CNS) -- Former Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, a controversial figure in Israel and abroad, died Jan. 11 after being in a coma following a stroke eight years ago. He was laid to rest at his Negev farm Jan. 13.
On abortion and contraception, Vatican puts words in context
When Pope Francis publicly used strong language about abortion Jan. 13, his words had even more impact given the setting: not before clergy or Catholic doctors, but in a room full of ambassadors, mostly from countries where abortion is legal.
Confirmation schedule for parishes in Philadelphia Archdiocese annnounced
See the full listing for parish celebrations of the sacrament of confirmation this spring. Find your parish, and the date and time for each Mass, in our list organized by the name of the conferring bishop.
Kerry, Vatican counterpart meet on Syria, Mideast, U.S. health mandate
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Cardinal-designate Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state, hosted a lengthy meeting with his U.S. counterpart, John Kerry, to discuss ongoing tensions in the Middle East, as well as the U.S. bishops' concerns about the Obama administration's health care mandate.