News
Fetuses from Gosnell clinic won’t be released for burial, coroner says
Despite requests by Archbishop Charles Chaput and Priests for Life founder Father Frank Pavone to bury 47 fetuses killed at the Women’s Medical Society led by abortion doctor Kermit Gosnell, the Philadelphia Medical Examiner’s Office says the remains “will not be released to any unrelated third party,” said spokesman Jeff Moran in a statement.
Pope returns to Marian shrine, entrusts WYD to Mary’s care
APARECIDA, Brazil (CNS) -- Comfortable in the presence of Mary and at a shrine that symbolizes one of his most important experiences as a member of the Latin American bishops' council, Pope Francis kicked off five days of intense activity with an act of devotion.
400,000 brave wind, rain for World Youth Day opening Mass
RIO DE JANEIRO (CNS) -- The mosaic of hundreds of national flags waving in the cold wind on Copacabana beach was symbolic, as pilgrims from all backgrounds, driven by a single faith, participated in the opening Mass for World Youth Day. "We come from different cultures, speak different languages, but we sing the same songs and have the same faith," said Nancy Issa of Ramallah, West Bank.
Federal judge stops enforcement of North Dakota fetal heartbeat law
BISMARCK, N.D. (CNS) -- A federal judge's temporary injunction stopping enforcement of a new North Dakota law barring abortion when a fetal heartbeat is detected "is not surprising and is typical in most legal challenges to pro-life laws," said the North Dakota Catholic Conference.
Teacher for 46 years in area schools, Franciscan Sister Clare Marita Pearce dies at 88
Sister Clare Marita Pearce, O.S.F., 88, died July 22 in Assisi House, Aston. She had been a professed member of the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia for 66 years. Sister Clare Marita (Clare Elaine Pearce) was born in Philadelphia where she was a member of St. Columba Parish in North Philadelphia and a graduate […]
Escaped priest now helps Syrian refugees resettle in British Columbia
VANCOUVER, British Columbia (CNS) -- A priest who escaped from Syria is now helping other Christian refugees flee oppression and resettle in cities in British Columbia. "I know what it's like to be a refugee there," said Father Sarmad Biloues of SS. Peter and Paul Chaldean mission. "They lost everything, even their dignity."
St. Jerome parishioners sit under stars for family movie night
Members of St. Jerome Parish in Northeast Philadelphia gathered on the parish lawn June 17 for the first family movie night of the summer. Parishioners young and old enjoyed a beautiful summer evening of community spirit watching “Wreck-It Ralph.” The movie night was hosted by the parents of St. Jerome School.
Church-run youth programs win grant for effort to stop bullying
Two Out of School Time programs (OST) have won a $10,000 grant to support an anti-bullying campaign. The programs, run by Catholic Social Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, serve 50 students in the summer camps at St. Martin de Porres in North Philadelphia and De Paul School in Germantown.
Rio protesters, barricades, put damper on pope’s well-wishers
RIO DE JANEIRO (CNS) — The dream of trying to see Pope Francis up close ended at a police barricade for 74-year-old Odaleia Bastos. “I don’t understand why we can’t get closer,” she said as she argued with police officers. “The population will protect the pope,” she kept telling them. Bastos, like many residents of […]
1808 Society helps Catholics support Church far into the future
The 1808 Society, with its motto “Serving God by Serving One Another,” targets older Catholics who might wish to leave a bequest in their will, set up a charitable trust or charitable gift to benefit the Archdiocese or any of its entities -- perhaps a parish, a school, the Catholic Charities Appeal or a facility for the young or the aged.