News
Vatican, U.S. sign deal to cooperate in fight against financial crime
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — In an effort to strengthen its ability to fight money laundering and the financing of terrorism, the Vatican signed an agreement with the United States to share information regarding suspect financial transactions. The Vatican’s Financial Information Authority signed a “Memorandum of Understanding” in Washington D.C. May 7 with the U.S. Financial […]
Pope tells sisters the church needs them, they need the church
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis told 800 superiors of women’s orders from around the world that the Catholic Church needs religious women and that religious women need to be in harmony with the faith and teachings of the church. “What would the church be without you?” the pope told the women May 8. “It […]
Cardinal says both sides in LCWR case must be open to dialogue
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- A day after the Vatican issued a statement saying the congregations for doctrine and for religious were united in wanting a reform of the U.S.-based Leadership Conference of Women Religious, the head of the congregation for religious repeated his call for more dialogue with the sisters.
Only Holy Spirit can fill hearts thirsting for love, peace, pope says
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Listen to the Holy Spirit because he is giving people the good news that God loves them and can renew, purify and transform their lives, Pope Francis said. The Holy Spirit is the living water that “quenches the thirst in our lives because he tells us that we are loved by […]
Nazareth Academy to graduate 106 seniors June 2
Nazareth Academy High School, 4001 Grant Avenue in Philadelphia, will welcome 106 graduating seniors to its graduation ceremonies Sunday, June 2, at 11:30 a.m. at Holy Family University Center, Philadelphia. Sister Mary Joan Jacobs, C.S.F.N., principal of Nazareth Academy High School, will preside. The welcome address will be given by Molly Theresa Scullion, class president. The valedictorian is Victoria Christine Szafara. The salutatorian is Michelle Ann Hillsman. The Baccalaureate Mass will be celebrated the same day at 9:45 a.m. at Nazareth Academy High School Chapel. The main celebrant and homilist will be Father Kevin M. Nadolski, O.S.F.S.
Vatican says its departments collaborate, including on decision on American nuns
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Two days after the head of the Vatican office overseeing religious life said he had not been consulted by the Vatican's doctrinal office about a controversial investigation of American nuns, the two offices affirmed their "common commitment" to reform of the U.S.-based Leadership Conference of Women Religious. A Brazilian cardinal's remarks were an unusual example of a Vatican official speaking publicly about the lack of communication and coordination among Roman Curia offices, which many cardinals tried to address during the meetings before the conclave that elected Pope Francis.
Three preparing for priesthood reflect on God’s calling in their lives
Three transitional deacons -- Sean Loomis, John Stokely and Thomas Viviano -- will be ordained to the priesthood by Archbishop Charles J. Chaput on May 18 at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul. (Everyone in the Archdiocese is invited to the ordination, which begins at 10 a.m.) The three men have two things in common: all are relatively young and all are on fire for the Lord.
Spouses love as Christ loves, Archbishop says at wedding anniversary Mass
The Mass celebrated on the evening of May 4 by Archbishop Charles Chaput for couples celebrating their 25th or 50th anniversaries of married life or even more, was in keeping with a Philadelphia custom dating back for more than 30 years. “We Catholics say that marriage is a sacrament," he said. "What that means is your marriage in the Catholic Church is a sign to the rest of us, to the world, what God’s love for us is like."
Science can create a monster if too prideful, said future pope
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — With a specialized education in both chemistry and theology, Pope Francis is no stranger to the relationship between science and faith. “Science has its autonomy that must be respected and encouraged,” the future pope said in a recently published book. “There is no reason to meddle with scientists’ autonomy, except when […]
Cardinal says dialogue was missing from Vatican’s look at LCWR
ROME (CNS) — The Vatican-ordered revision of the statutes of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious will continue, but it must be accompanied with a real dialogue, which has been missing from the process, said Brazilian Cardinal Joao Braz de Aviz, prefect of the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life. […]