News
Bishops seek negotiated cease-fire in Syria; shun arming of combatants
WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Two bishops have called for the United States to seek a negotiated cease-fire in Syria's civil war rather than arming combatants. "Instead of arming both sides, the international community should be emphasizing the need for a negotiated solution to the conflict," wrote Bishops Richard E. Pates of Des Moines, Iowa, and Gerald F. Kicanas of Tucson, Ariz., in a letter to U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry.
New Evangelization, life and family ministry focus of archdiocesan changes
Last June the Archdiocese of Philadelphia created the Office for Life, Family and Laity, with Steven Bozza as director, to lead the local Church’s efforts in those areas. The office represented a consolidation of former offices and personnel. One year later, the office is undergoing another evolution. Starting July 1, it will be reconfigured into […]
House rejects farm bill; Catholic advocates had called for fairness
UPDATED -- WASHINGTON (CNS) -- The House of Representatives June 20 voted down the farm bill 234-195. Catholic leaders had urged Catholics nationwide to call their representatives in the House and ask for a farm bill that does not make deep cuts into food assistance programs both here and abroad. Bread for the World, the Christian citizens' anti-hunger lobby, said the farm bill deserved to be defeated.
Niger archbishop says Christians living in fear after Islamist attacks
OXFORD, England (CNS) -- The head of the Catholic Church in Niger warned that much of Africa's Sahel region is facing a "coordinated Islamist campaign" that is leaving Christian communities "living in anxiety and fear." Archbishop Michel Cartateguy of Niamey said attacks by Islamist rebels have been limited to non-religious targets, but that the well-coordinated actions are sending clear messages to non-Muslims.
House OKs measure called ‘most important’ pro-life bill in 10 years
WASHINGTON (CNS) -- The U.S. House June 18 passed the Pain Capable Unborn Protection Act to prohibit abortion nationwide after 20 weeks of gestation, approximately the stage at which scientists say unborn babies are capable of feeling pain.
Italian media report miracle putting Blessed John Paul close to sainthood
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Although the process is not complete and is supposed to be secret at this point, Italian media are reporting that the canonization of Blessed John Paul II is another step closer. The Italian news agency ANSA and many Italian papers say Vatican sources confirmed June 18 that the theological consultants to the Congregation for Saints' Causes affirmed that the description of prayers and events surrounding an alleged miracle provide evidence that the healing was accomplished through the intercession of the late pope.
West Catholic alumni heading to N.J. for ‘Burrs at the Beach’
The 26th annual “Burrs at the Beach” event hosted by the West Catholic Alumni Association will be held Sunday, July 7 from 1 to 7 p.m. at Westy’s Irish Pub in North Wildwood, N.J. Proceeds will provide needy Catholic students of West Catholic High School with tuition support. Each year approximately 60 students receive financial […]
Information offered for prospective deacons
If you are a man in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia considering a call to Holy Orders as a permanent deacon, please plan on attending an information morning beginning at 8:45 a.m. in Immaculate Conception Chapel, St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, on Saturday, Aug. 3. Married men must attend with their wives and preregistration is required. If […]
Flash flood due to snow, heavy rain, closes Lourdes shrine again
TOULOUSE, France (CNS) -- Flash flooding created by heavy rains forced officials to close the Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes June 18. The Lourdes grotto, where Mary is reported to have appeared to St. Bernadette Soubirous in 1858, was under as much as 5 feet of water.
Adding St. Joseph’s name to Mass texts, popes share their devotion
UPDATED -- VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Francis and retired Pope Benedict XVI have a special devotion to St. Joseph and have assured that devotion regularly will be shared at Mass by Catholics around the world. The Congregation for Divine Worship and the Sacraments said Pope Francis confirmed a decision originally made by Pope Benedict to include St. Joseph permanently in the eucharistic prayers used at most Masses in the Latin rite. (See the text of the prayers for the Mass in English.)