News
Elderly face danger of ‘covert euthanasia,’ pope says in book
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — While the fight to preserve life is often centered on abortion and capital punishment, the future Pope Francis also warned against a more subtle form of disregard for human dignity: what he called “covert euthanasia.” “In this consumerist, hedonist and narcissistic society, we are accustomed to the idea that there are […]
In Mary’s month, Pope Francis prays at ancient Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome
The pope returned to the basilica, the oldest church in the West dedicated to the mother of Jesus, May 4 to pray the rosary in observance of May as the traditional month of Mary. According to legend, its construction during the pontificate of Pope Liberius (352-366) was inspired by a miraculous snowfall here in the early morning hours of Aug. 5.
Newark priest resigns after banned contact with minors discovered
NEWARK, N.J. (CNS) -- A priest of the Archdiocese of Newark resigned from active ministry May 2 after reports surfaced of his being with minors in apparent violation of a court's memorandum of understanding that forbids him from contact with underage people. While the Newark archdiocese had said Father Michael Fugee, 53, was working under supervision, it later acknowledged the priest had not asked permission to be part of retreats with teenagers. Photos of him with the teenagers were published by a Newark newspaper.
School-choice movement gains slow but steady momentum
The movement was given a big boost in late March when the Indiana Supreme Court upheld one of the country's most comprehensive school-choice programs. Currently, there are 30 school-choice programs in 17 states and the District of Columbia, serving more than 250,000 students.
Immigration advocates pleased by recent court rulings
WASHINGTON (CNS) — The Supreme Court April 29 let stand a lower-court ruling that tossed out restrictive provisions of an Alabama immigration law. Later in the week, three jurisdictions acted to make it easier for people without legal immigration status to get driver’s licenses. Without comment, the court rejected Alabama’s appeal of an 11th Circuit […]
Philadelphia Mass for Bishop McFadden set for his birthday
Catholics in the Philadelphia Archdiocese will have an opportunity to pray together for Bishop Joseph P. McFadden, who died May 2. A memorial Mass will be celebrated on what would have been his 66th birthday, May 22, at 7 p.m. in the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul, Philadelphia. All are welcome to participate. […]
Immigrants at rally say legislation fight is all about the papers
GEORGETOWN, Del. (CNS) — For the residents of this small town in agriculture-focused Sussex County, the pending immigration reform legislation in Congress is first and foremost about papers. Work permits, Social Security cards, permanent residency or green cards, and driver’s licenses — that’s what the mostly Guatemalan immigrants in Georgetown say they most look forward […]
Pope, Lebanese president appeal for aid for Syrian refugees
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Meeting at the Vatican May 3, Pope Francis and Lebanese President Michel Sleiman called on the international community to offer concrete aid to Lebanon and other countries hosting hundreds of thousands of refugees from Syria. Aides to Sleiman told reporters the president was unable to come to the Vatican for Pope […]
Pope: People have guts to be ambitious; instead, be courageous for God
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — People are courageous in pursuing their careers, personal ambitions and jealousies, but they really should be using that courage to believe in the resurrected Christ, pray to him and spread the Gospel, Pope Francis said. When the church loses courage, it is enveloped by a “tepid atmosphere,” with “lukewarm Christians without […]
Bishops hail repeal of capital punishment in Maryland
WASHINGTON (CNS) — One U.S. Catholic bishop hailed the repeal of the death penalty in Maryland as “a courageous step toward a culture of life.” The comment, by Bishop Stephen E. Blaire of Stockton, Calif., chairman of the U.S. bishops’ Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development, was issued May 2, the day Maryland Gov. […]