News
Father Terrence Toland, former president of St. Joseph’s, dies at 90
PHILADELPHIA (CNS) — Jesuit Father Terrence Toland, who as president of St. Joseph’s College welcomed the admission of women to the school, died of heart failure Oct. 18. He was 90. A funeral Mass was planned for Oct. 28 at St. Matthias Church in Bala Cynwyd. A priest for 61 years, Father Toland served as […]
Christians, Jews must fight discrimination together, pope says
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Christians and Jews must work together to fight all forms of discrimination and persecution, Pope Francis told a delegation from the Simon Wiesenthal Center. “Where any minority is persecuted and marginalized because of its religious convictions or ethnicity, the good of the entire society is in danger,” the pope said Oct. […]
Roman Catholic fundraiser sees record night, honors top lawyer in city
Roman Catholic High School raised $215,000 at its annual Greater Philadelphia Area Leadership Award dinner Oct. 17 at the Union League in Philadelphia. It was the highest amount raised in the 22-year history of the event, which has raised more than $2 million for scholarships and tuition assistance at Roman Catholic.
Sister Maria Barbara Danko, I.H.M., taught in Philadelphia, Allentown diocese
Sister Maria Barbara Danko, I.H.M., formerly Mary A. Danko, died Oct. 11 in Camilla Hall, Immaculata, in the 79th year of her religious life. She was 96 years old. Born in Connecticut, Sister Maria Barbara entered the Congregation of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in 1935 from St. Cyril Parish […]
Biotechnology must consider ethics, compassion, says Cardinal Turkson
DES MOINES, Iowa (CNS) -- He came to engage in conversations about hunger. Ghanaian Cardinal Peter Turkson, president of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, came to Des Moines for the World Food Prize. He talked with scientists, researchers, policymakers and students. He also made time to talk with those who have concerns about genetically modified food and family farms.
French court: No conscience clause for mayors in same-sex marriage
OXFORD, England (CNS) -- French Catholics criticized a Constitutional Court judgment denying local officials the right to opt out of conducting same-sex marriages. "This ruling could have dramatic consequences for religious freedom both here and abroad," said the leader of a French Catholic family group.
Teens ready to walk through Catholic cemetery in Bucks County
High school aged teenagers from Bucks County are invited to attend a night time cemetery walk Thursday, Oct. 24 at 7 p.m. at Our Lady of Grace Cemetery in Penndel. The group, led by Father James DeGrassa of Our Lady of Grace Parish, will gather at the back gate of the cemetery and with lanterns […]
Pope says he’s drawn to prisoners because he’s human like they are
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Francis said his care, concern and prayers for those in prison flow from a recognition that he is human like they are, and it's a mystery they fell so far and he did not. "Thinking about this is good for me: When we have the same weakness, why did they fall and I didn't? This is a mystery that makes me pray and draws me to prisoners," the pope said Oct. 23 during a brief audience with about 200 Italian prison chaplains.
Pope authorizes leave of absence for German ‘luxury bishop’
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Francis has authorized a leave of absence for a German bishop at the center of controversy over expenditures for his residence and diocesan center.
West Chester parish hosts tea for mothers, daughters
Women and their daughters are invited for tea and discussion to explore God’s gift of human fertility. The tea will be held Sunday, Nov. 3 from 1 to 4 p.m. at SS. Simon and Jude Church, 10 Cavanaugh Court in West Chester. The afternoon will feature light refreshments and fun along with life-affirming conversations. Talks will […]