News
German diocese promises ‘transparency’ after claims of extravagance
OXFORD, England (CNS) -- Germany's Limburg Diocese pledged "dialogue and transparency" after a former Vatican nuncio was sent to defuse complaints of extravagance against Bishop Franz-Peter Tebartz-van Elst.
Permanent Deacon Steven Santoleri, ordained one year early, dies at 55
Deacon R. Steven Santoleri, 55, in ministry at St. Cornelius Parish in Chadds Ford, died Sept. 13. He was ordained by Bishop Daniel E. Thomas on June 2, 2012, one year ahead of his scheduled ordination date because of his very grave diagnosed cancer. Bishop Thomas will also be celebrant and homilist at Deacon Santoleri's scheduled Sept. 17 funeral Mass.
As Navy Yard shooting details are sorted out, leaders ask for prayers
WASHINGTON (CNS) -- As military, police and federal investigators searched for a second suspect in the Sept. 16 shootings at the Washington Navy Yard that left at least 12 dead, religious leaders and public officials offered prayers for the victims and their families.
New book on Padre Pio focus of event at Italian consulate in Philadelphia
To mark the 45th anniversary of the death of St. Pio of Pietrelcina, commonly known as Padre Pio, a book presentation and photo exhibit of the saint will be held 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 19 at the Consulate General of Italy in Philadelphia. The consulate is located at 150 South Independence Mall West, Philadelphia. The new […]
Veteran journalist named communications director for Pittsburgh Diocese
PITTSBURGH (CNS) -- Bishop David A. Zubik has appointed Ann Rodgers as the director of communications for the Diocese of Pittsburgh, effective Jan. 1. She will succeed Robert Lockwood, who has held the post since October 2001. To transition to her new position, Rodgers will join the staff of the diocese Sept. 30. Rodgers has covered religion for the secular media since 1980.
Church shows mercy by upholding truth about marriage, speakers say
ROME (CNS) -- Pope Francis recently made remarks about the need for a stronger pastoral approach to marriage and divorced couples. But the comments do not signal the church is overturning its laws or practice of denying communion to Catholics who divorce and remarry, said two canon law experts.
Under Pope Francis, liberation theology comes of age
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Francis' Sept. 11 meeting with Dominican Father Gustavo Gutierrez was an informal one, held in the in the pope's residence, the Domus Sanctae Marthae, and not listed on his official schedule. Yet the news that Pope Francis had received the 85-year old Peruvian priest, who is widely considered the father of liberation theology, has excited interest far beyond the Vatican's walls.
Deacon Davaro of St. Dorothy’s, Drexel Hill, dies at 87
Deacon John J. Davaro, 87, a retired permanent deacon formerly assigned to St. Dorothy Parish, Drexel Hill, died Sept. 11. Deacon Davaro, who attended the former St. Agatha School in West Philadelphia, graduated from St. Thomas More High School and served in the U.S. Army during World War II. Following service he entered the American […]
Conference at Neumann U shows sports as path to peace
Playing sports provides many valuable life lessons such as how to work as a team, how to be a good sport and how to get along with others. The last lesson was incorporated into a “Beyond the Divide” conference hosted by Neumann University Sept. 10. The all-day conference focused on how sports can bridge religious differences and reduce conflict.
46 parishes begin self-study phase of planning process
Parishioners at 46 parishes in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia learned at Masses last weekend that their parishes will begin a program of self-study that may lead to mergers next year, the Archdiocese announced Sunday, Sept. 16. The parishes are grouped in seven Pastoral Planning Areas in sections of Bucks, Delaware and Montgomery counties, plus South Philadelphia.