News
Writing to Putin, pope leads diplomatic push against strikes on Syria
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Francis asked leaders of the world's 20 largest economies to "lay aside the futile pursuit of a military solution" to the Syrian civil war and promote instead a "peaceful solution through dialogue and negotiation." The pope's words appeared in a letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin, host of the G-20 summit in St. Petersburg, Russia, Sept. 5-6. The letter was dated Sept. 4 and released by the Vatican the following day, as U.S. lawmakers prepared to vote on President Barack Obama's proposal for a military attack on Syria.
Military archdiocese remembers sainthood candidate killed in Vietnam
WASHINGTON (CNS) -- As the sainthood cause for a Vietnam War chaplain gathers momentum, the priest was remembered at a Sept. 4 memorial Mass as a man "completely dedicated to the spiritual care of his Marines." Father Vincent Capodanno, who died in Vietnam Sept. 4,1967, was one of the "great priest chaplains," said Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio of the Archdiocese for the Military Services in his homily at the Mass, celebrated at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington.
Mexican bishops’ ministry urges action after derailment kills migrants
MEXICO CITY (CNS) -- The Mexican bishops' ministry for people on the move called for prayer, reflection and action after a train carrying northbound Central Americans derailed in southern Mexico, killing 11 migrants. "Let us act so that this situation may be resolved; that people have the right to free transit; sufficient security to reach their destination; (and) ... in their own nation, possibilities for development, security and peace," said the statement, signed by Bishop Guillermo Ortiz Mondragon of Cuautitlan, director of the ministry.
Special students start new year with blessing at St. Katherine Day School
The sun was shining brightly in the Philadelphia area on Sept. 4 and nowhere more brightly than at a little school tucked away at 930 Bowman Avenue in Wynnewood. That would be St. Katherine Day School, where some very special children with learning and in some cases physical disabilities were starting their very first day of the school year, and there was not an unhappy face among them. (See a photo gallery and watch a video.)
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 […]