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Fighting poverty would limit trafficking, Vatican’s U.N. observer says
UNITED NATIONS (CNS) — The political commitment to combat human trafficking must be backed by concrete actions to ensure that victims gain their freedom from modern-day slavery, said the Vatican’s representative to the United Nations. Addressing a U.N. General Assembly meeting to develop a global plan to address human trafficking May 13-14, Archbishop Francis A. […]
Father Pavone: ‘Truth of abortion’ exposed in trial will bring end to abortion
MADISON, Wis. (CNS) — Father Frank Pavone, national director of Priests for Life, predicted “the end of abortion in our lifetime” in a recent talk he gave in Madison sponsored by Wisconsin Right to Life. The trial of abortionist Dr. Kermit Gosnell in Philadelphia exposed the grisly truths about the abortion industry, the priest said. […]
Major grant aims to help Catholic high schools boost enrollment
This week the Faith in the Future Foundation received a big boost in its mission to run the Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s 17 Catholic high schools and four schools of special education with a $600,000 grant from the Philadelphia Schools Partnership.
Pope says head of mission office teaches him about reality of church
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Francis said the prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, which cares for the church in mission territories, has been teaching him about the nuts and bolts reality of the universal Catholic Church. "He is a professor and comes to me and says, 'This diocese is here and is like this,'" the pope told national directors of the pontifical mission societies from around the world. Referring to Cardinal Fernando Filoni, Pope Francis said, "I learn the church from him -- and without paying him."
Recognize your sin, ask forgiveness, pope says at Mass
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The key problem in everyone’s relationship with God is not that they sin, but that they are not ashamed of their sin and don’t ask forgiveness, Pope Francis said. In a homily about St. Peter’s relationship with Jesus, Pope Francis said Peter thought he was a good disciple, but ended up […]
Missio: Pope Francis unlocks app for Pontifical Mission Societies
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- With slightly more of a swipe than a tap, Pope Francis helped the Pontifical Mission Societies of the United States broaden its reach around the world by unlocking a smartphone app. At the end of an audience with national directors of pontifical mission societies from around the world May 17, Oblate Father Andrew Small, national director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in the United States, brought an iPad up to the pope for the launch.
Helen Alvare blasts ‘sexual expressionism,’ government interference
WASHINGTON (CNS) -- In dealing with several serious issues confronting the church and society today, "the only question is how you respond, not whether you should," said Helen Alvare at the National Catholic Prayer Breakfast, held May 9 in Washington. The response Alvare suggested to her audience: "As our leader (Pope Francis) is fearless, let us be fearless leaders."
Papal honors come to two lay Catholics in Archdiocese
One of the last acts of Pope Benedict XVI before his surprising retirement in February was to bestow papal honors to two Catholics in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Donna Farrell, the former director of communications for the archdiocese and Richard V. McCarron, the former secretary for Catholic education, both received letters dated May 8 from Archbishop Charles Chaput conveying the good news and inviting them to a formal award ceremony during the 6:30 p.m. Mass on Sunday, June 2 at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul.
Little Flower High School partners with Holy Family U to expand courses, cut costs
Little Flower Catholic High School for Girls and Holy Family University in Philadelphia agreed to work together closely in a partnership announced May 16. The agreement will enable students of the girls-only high school who graduate with at least a 2.5 grade point average to apply to the university without paying application fees. Dual-credit courses will be available for the students at Holy Family and credits will count toward both high school and college requirements.
Catholics called to mark May 24 as day of prayer for culture of life
Abortion doctor Kermit Gosnell will likely spend the rest of his life in prison but the efforts to oppose abortion and build a culture of life continue through prayer and sacrifice. All parishes are being “strongly encouraged” to participate in a day of prayer and penance on Friday, May 24, according to an unsigned letter […]