News
USCCB weighs in on Syria with letters to Obama, Congress
WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Echoing the appeal of Pope Francis and Catholic prelates in Syria, two leaders of the U.S. bishops' conference urged President Barack Obama to seek a political solution in Syria.
With future uncertain for Syria, U.S. cardinal says prayer is needed
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- As threats of military intervention against Syria escalate and the country's future remains uncertain, a U.S. cardinal said that, no matter what transpires, prayer is urgently needed. Cardinal Edwin F. O'Brien, grand master of the Knights of the Holy Sepulchre, said that "whatever happens, if there is going to be peace in Syria and anywhere, prayer has to be a part of it."
St. Teresa of Avila plans parish social night
St. Teresa of Avila Parish will celebrate its Fall Parish Social Saturday, Sept. 28. The beef ‘n beer-style social starts at 6:30 p.m. The event is not a parish fundraiser, but rather a way to bring parishioners together for a night of good food, music, dancing, drinks and laughter. Tickets will be sold after Masses at St. Teresa’s […]
Blessing of School Bags part of Mass at St. Helena, Blue Bell
St. Helena School in Blue Bell will celebrate its annual Blessing of School Bags with a Mass for students in kindergarten to grade eight Tuesday, Sept. 24 at 9 a.m. Since it is also the feast of Our Lady of Mercy, the school community will also celebrate Mercy Day. The school children will also have […]
Rights of religious minorities must be protected, Muslim leader says
WASHINGTON (CNS) -- The world's Islamic leaders must hear stories about the persecution of religious minorities in majority Muslim countries so that such incidents are not overlooked as people "bury their own heads in the sand," said the president of the Islamic Society of North America.
Lebanon’s Maronite bishops: Intervention in Syria poses ‘grave dangers’
BEIRUT (CNS) — Lebanon’s Maronite Catholic bishops warned against military intervention in neighboring Syria. “The bishops denounce the use of chemical weapons in Syria, but they call for being aware of the risks of a potential military strike,” the bishops said in a statement following their monthly meeting Sept. 4. The bishops said foreign intervention […]
Pope’s Syria appeal has special urgency for Catholics in Mideast
JERUSALEM (CNS) -- Pope Francis' appeal to pray for peace in Syria has a particular urgency for Catholics in the region, who say their countries are most likely to suffer the brunt of any attacks on Damascus. In Bethlehem, West Bank, Father Marwan Di'ides said parishioners at St. Catherine Church would offer special prayers of peace during all eight Masses over the weekend of Sept. 7.
Archbishop Chaput to open Cathedral Saturday night for Syria prayers
Responding to Pope Francis’ call for Catholics around the world to fast and pray for peace in Syria and the Middle East, Archbishop Charles Chaput invites Catholics and everyone in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia to participate this Saturday, Sept. 7, the feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul in Philadelphia will be open from 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday night for exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. Communal prayers for peace will be offered every hour.
Romanians flock to beatification of ‘major apostolic vagabond’
BUCHAREST, Romania (CNS) -- A pavilion designed for trade fairs became Eastern Europe's biggest church when more than 10,000 people participated in the beatification of Msgr. Vladimir Ghika, tortured to death at age 80 in 1954. As believers from across the country flowed into the massive, round hall, volunteers greeted each with a scarf to wear, printed with the martyr's serene face and signature white beard.
Diocese of Gallup, N.M., poised to file for bankruptcy protection
GALLUP, N.M. (CNS) -- When Bishop James Wall was installed as Bishop of the Diocese of Gallup in 2009, he knew there were festering issues regarding allegations of clergy sex abuse, but not to the extent that has brought the sprawling southwestern diocese to the doors of U.S. Bankruptcy Court.