News
Two pilgrimages of faith offered in 2014
The Philadelphia Archdiocese is sponsoring a trip to Rome in April for the canonization of Blessed Popes John XXIII and John Paul II. Another trip, led by Archbishop Chaput, is set for September to see the Catholic shrines of Canada.
Cabrini College earns fair trade status
The honor makes the Radnor college only one of 17 in the country to be so named as a result of its advocacy of the purchase and sale of goods that were produced in an ethical and just manner.
Prince Charles ‘deeply troubled’ by plight of Christians in Middle East
In a Dec. 17 address at London's Clarence House, the Prince of Wales said the Mideast's Christians were being persecuted by "Islamist fundamentalist militants," and he called upon the followers of Christianity, Judaism and Islam to unite to end the suffering.
Rape of elderly nun shocks Pittsburgh area; teen arrested, charged
PITTSBURGH (CNS) -- An 18-year-old Pennsylvania man has been charged in the Dec. 13 rape of an 85-year-old retired member of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Baden. The sister was attacked in the parking lot of St. Titus Church in Aliquippa, about 30 miles northwest of Pittsburgh.
Christmas offers lesson in humility, Pope Francis says
God "descends to earth as someone small and poor," the pope said Dec. 18 in Rome, "which means that to be like him we should not put ourselves above others, but on the contrary ... give ourselves in service, make ourselves small with the small and poor with the poor."
Pope proclaims sainthood of Jesuit companion of St. Ignatius
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Francis issued a decree declaring one of his favorite Jesuits, Blessed Peter Faber, a saint. The "equivalent canonization" means the pope inserts the name of the new saint in the calendar of saints without verifying a miracle performed through his intercession and without formal ceremony.
Judge says employer objections to HHS mandate based on religious rights
NEW YORK (CNS) -- A spokesman for the New York Archdiocese said the archdiocese "welcomes and applauds" a Dec. 13 ruling by a federal judge granting Catholic organizations in the archdiocese and the neighboring Diocese of Rockville Centre a permanent injunction on having to comply with the federal contraceptive mandate in the health care law.
Minn. Archbishop steps down from public ministry after allegation
St. PAUL, Minn. (CNS) -- Archbishop John C. Nienstedt of St. Paul and Minneapolis is voluntarily stepping aside from all public ministry, effective immediately, while St. Paul police investigate an allegation that he inappropriately touched a male minor on the buttocks in 2009 during a group photography session following a confirmation ceremony.
Letter says Koch grant to Catholic University sends ‘confusing message’
WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Fifty prominent Catholics have signed a letter to The Catholic University of America questioning the decision to accept a $1 million pledge from the Charles Koch Foundation to help fund a new business school. The letter released Dec. 16 contrasts the ideological agenda of industrialists Charles and David Koch with Catholic social teaching.
Pope celebrates birthday by having breakfast with homeless men
Updated - VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- As part of a low-key celebration of his 77th birthday, Pope Francis had breakfast with three people who live on the streets near the Vatican. A small dog, belonging to one of the homeless men, was also on the guest list.