News
Bishop Madden urges ‘culture of encounter’ among Catholics, Lutherans
PITTSBURGH (CNS) -- Citing the words of Pope Francis, the chairman of the U.S. bishops' Committee on Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs called for a "culture of encounter" among Catholics and Lutherans during the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America's churchwide assembly in Pittsburgh. Auxiliary Bishop Denis J. Madden of Baltimore told the assembly Aug. 13 that the 500th anniversary of the Reformation in 2017 offers an opportunity to "point the way toward Christian unity" rather than focusing on what keeps the two faith communities divided.
Ukrainian Catholics dedicate new cathedral in Kiev
OXFORD, England (CNS) -- The Ukrainian Catholic Church dedicated its new cathedral in Kiev, Ukraine, a move some hope will help the church being designated a patriarchate. More than 20,000 people attended the dedication of Resurrection Cathedral, the main event in the anniversary of the 988 baptism of Grand Prince Vladimir, who declared Christianity the official religion in Kievan Rus, lands now making up parts of Belarus, Ukraine and Russia.
Vatican ambassador: World must help end Syria’s ‘serious crisis’
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- The Vatican ambassador to Syria said the international community must help find a political solution to the "serious crisis" continuing in the country.
Christian leaders in Jerusalem pray for end of violence in Egypt
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican and Lutheran leaders in Jerusalem prayed for an end to violence and bloodshed in Egypt and the protection of the values of "democracy, dignity and religious freedom."
Ivory Coast bishop calls for continuation of reconciliation commission
YAMOUSSOUKRO, Ivory Coast (CNS) -- A national reconciliation commission, launched in September 2011 after months of armed conflict over disputed election results, should continue working past its mandated closure in September, said the president of the Ivory Coast Catholic bishops' conference.
St. Barbara Parish gearing up for September flea market
A flea market sponsored by the St. Barbara Social Trendsetters will be held Saturday, Sept. 21 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the St. Barbara Parish Yard, 54th Street and Lebanon Avenue, Philadelphia. The rain date is the following Saturday, Sept. 28. The fee for space at the flea market is $10, and participants […]
Oktoberfest fun coming to Holy Redeemer Sisters’ motherhouse
The Sisters of the Holy Redeemer will host their Oktoberfest celebration at the Provincialate House in Huntingdon Valley Saturday, Sept. 28 from 12 noon to 8 p.m. and Sunday, Sept. 29 from 12 noon to 5 p.m. The event will feature German food, a beer garden, games and activities, crafts, hayrides and pony rides. Entertainment will be provided […]
Beauty and beer: Monks’ outreach is part of new evangelization
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Even before retired Pope Benedict XVI set up a pontifical council for new evangelization and convoked a world Synod of Bishops on the theme, a new group of Benedictine monks was using Latin and liturgy to reach out to those whose faith was weak or nonexistent. Now they've added beer to the blend, and people are flocking to the monastery in Norcia, the birthplace of St. Benedict, about 70 miles northeast of Rome in the Umbrian countryside.
Father Chuck Pfeffer’s vision of leadership lives on at CLI
Catholic Leadership Institute, based in Wayne, has recently announced the formation of the Father Chuck Pfeffer Society as a part of their annual fund.The society honors the memory of Father Charles Pfeffer (1951-2004), a priest of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, by recognizing donors for their leadership and support through gifts of at least $1,000 to the Catholic Leadership Institute.
Malvern Retreat House touts fall retreats for spiritual growth
Malvern Retreat House invites men, women, families and married couples to attend retreats this fall that provide spiritual growth, fellowship with others and time for reflection. Owned and operated by Catholic lay leadership since 1912, Malvern is the oldest and largest Catholic retreat house in the country. It hosts 20,000 people annually through 250 retreats […]