News
Irish missionary says women can foster peace in Nigeria’s conflict
DUBLIN (CNS) — Women can play an important role in bringing peace and stability to violence-wracked northern Nigeria if some of the country’s discriminatory social rituals ended, an Irish missionary sister working in the West African nation said. Sister Kathleen McGarvey, 45, a member of the Sisters of Our Lady of Apostles and a lecturer […]
Priest retirements announced
The following priests of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia have been named pastor emeritus or have retired. CatholicPhilly.com wishes each priest many more years in the Lord's service -- ad multos annos!
Bishops warn against changes in immigration bill that could kill it
SAN DIEGO (CNS) -- Three bishops weighed in on the ongoing congressional debate on immigration reform legislation June 10, warning against amending a Senate bill in ways that would block the path to legalization for undocumented immigrants. "Each day in our parishes, social service programs, hospitals and schools, we witness the human consequences of a broken immigration system,” said Los Angeles Archbishop Jose H. Gomez, chairman of the USCCB's Committee on Migration. "Families are separated, migrant workers are exploited, and our fellow human beings die in the desert."
Catholic schools advocate Sister Patricia Spingler, I.H.M., dies at 71
Sister M. K. Patricia Spingler, I.H.M., formerly Sister Patricia Marian, I.H.M., died in Camilla Hall, Immaculata, on June 3 in the 53rd year of her religious life. She was 71 years old.
Clergy assignment changes announced
Most Reverend Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap., Archbishop of Philadelphia, announces the following appointments effective July 1, 2013: PAROCHIAL VICAR Reverend Angelo J. Hernandez, from Coordinator, Hispanic Ministry, Delaware County, to Parochial Vicar, Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul, Philadelphia RESIDENCE Reverend Steven J. Harris, Staff, Office of the Metropolitan Tribunal and Chancery Office, from […]
Miraculous Medal Shrine offers summer novena
The Miraculous Medal Shrine invites everyone to its Summer Novena of Faith, June 9-17, at 500 East Chelten Ave., in the Germantown section of Philadelphia. The theme is “Our faith: The passion, death and resurrection of Christ Jesus.” Bishop Joseph F. Martino will celebrate the formal closing of the novena with Mass at 12:05 p.m. on June 17.
Ohio Council of Churches say mandate raises religious liberty concerns
CINCINNATI (CNS) -- A Cincinnati archdiocesan official called it an "exciting breakthrough" that mainline Protestant churches in Ohio have joined with the Catholic Church in objecting to the federal contraceptive mandate based on religious freedom concerns. The Ohio Council of Churches, which represents 18 denominations, adopted a statement May 29 saying that with the mandate of the Affordable Care Act, the government is defining what constitutes a religious belief and who has a right to that belief.
College loans revisited: Costs to go up if Congress can’t reach deal
A year ago, Congress examined federally subsidized student loans for low- and middle-income students and passed a one-year extension on their 3.4 percent interest rate. If lawmakers fail to come up with another plan by July 1, that rate is set to double to 6.8 percent. The Senate failed to take up two separate bills on June 6 that would have kept the rate from doubling.
Pope drops ‘boring’ speech, answers students’ questions instead
One teenage boy told the pope that he was trying hard to believe in God and be faithful, but that he often struggled with doubt. "What can you say to help me and others like me?" he asked the pope. Life's journey "is truly the art of looking at the horizon, reflecting on where I want to go, but also putting up with the fatigue from this journey," the pope said. "Don't be afraid of failure," he insisted. The problem with the journey of life and faith isn't falling; it's not getting back up. "Get right back up, immediately, and keep going," he said.
June 30 set aside for ‘Justice for Immigrants’ day in Philadelphia
Sunday, June 30 is “Sunday for Justice for Immigrants” in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, Archbishop Charles J. Chaput announced June 7. He will celebrate a Mass for the intention of justice for immigrants at 6:30 p.m. on June 30 at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul, Philadelphia. The archbishop encouraged all people in Southeastern Pennsylvania to respond to the issue of immigration on that day in three ways.