News
Teachers’ tent city drives people away from Mexico City cathedral
MEXICO CITY (CNS) -- They come and go, running riot in the Mexican capital, but they always return to a tent city in the central Zocalo Square -- right in front of the Metropolitan Cathedral, which Catholic officials say has been negatively affected by the presence of so many protesting teachers. "It's not very easy to access for the faithful or visitors," said Father Hugo Valdemar Romero, spokesman for the Archdiocese of Mexico City.
Franciscan in Holy Land fears U.S. strike on Syria would inflame region
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (CNS) -- The president of the Franciscan Foundation for the Holy Land said his Christian counterparts in the region worry that U.S. strikes in Syria would further inflame a situation where many nations ply for influence. "The concern is that if the U.S. does start military operations in Syria, then Iran will try to do something in Israel and set off a bloody chain of events that it could be a powder keg," Franciscan Father Peter Vasko said.
Dominican official to investigate claims of sexual abuse against nuncio
sexual abuse allegedly committed by the apostolic nuncio to the Dominican Republic, just a day after the Vatican confirmed its own investigation into the allegations. Archbishop Jozef Wesolowski, appointed as nuncio in 2008, was removed from the post Aug. 21. A Dominican bishop confirmed in early September that the dismissal was due to the sexual abuse scandal unfolding in the Caribbean country.
For the pope, making peace is now part of the job
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Francis is leading the Catholic Church on an extraordinary campaign to prevent President Barack Obama's proposed military strike on Syria.
Pope: Sanctity of marriage rooted in Christ’s union with church
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- The Catholic Church closely safeguards the sanctity of marriage because it is a reflection of Christ's union with his bride, the church, Pope Francis said. Jesus often uses the imagery of a bridegroom to help people see the nature of his relationship with the church, the pope said Sept. 6 during his morning Mass in his residence of the Domus Sanctae Marthae.
Federal funds should not cover Congress members’ abortions, bishops say
WASHINGTON (CNS) -- The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops is urging the Obama administration to comply with a long-standing policy against subsidizing federal employee health care plans that cover abortions for members of Congress and their staffs. A new rule proposed by the federal government makes no "mention of any limitation with respect to abortion coverage" for members of Congress and their staff, according to comments submitted by the USCCB to the federal Office of Personnel Management.
Latin America’s growth industries can be matter of life and death
LIMA, Peru (CNS) -- The gas, oil, minerals and timber that have spurred economic growth in Latin America over the past decade are becoming a matter of life and death in remote communities, church workers say.
Week 1 of Catholic League football sees La Salle dominate, and a Bonner-Prendie nailbiter
Every year at this time, there’s a palpable excitement among high school sports fans that’s difficult to ignore. It’s football time. In a time-honored tradition at CatholicPhilly.com (the digital successor to The Catholic Standard and Times), we bring you a roundup of the first weekend of competition featuring Catholic League high school teams.
Bishop to bless renovated St. Andrew School in Drexel Hill
Bishop Daniel E. Thomas will celebrate Mass to open the school year at St. Andrew School, Drexel Hill, on Wednesday, Sept. 11 at 10 a.m. Following Mass he will preside over the blessing and dedication of the two school buildings. The main entry to the school, administrative offices, pre-K and kindergarten classrooms were recently renovated. […]
Norristown nursing home hosts family bazaar
Regina Nursing Center will host a family bazaar Saturday, Sept. 7 from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the facility located at 550 East Fornance Street in Norristown. The 27th annual event will feature sale of baked goods, raffle tickets, plants, “white elephant” antiques and surprise items, plus refreshments. Proceeds from the bazaar provide for […]