News
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. […]
At least two die in Tanzanian church bombing; nuncio unhurt
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- The deadly bombing of a new church in northern Tanzania left at least two people dead and a dozen injured while the Vatican nuncio escaped unharmed after the attack.
Religious life calls Air Force vet who once produced nuclear weapons
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (CNS) — Salesian Sister Jennifer Kane is a living conversion story, who has gone, she said, from “bombs to Bibles.” A 16-year military veteran who at one time was a missile systems engineer working on intercontinental nuclear weapons, Sister Jennifer is preparing to make her first profession of vows with the Salesian Sisters […]
Only defense against devil, hatred is word of God, humility, pope says
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Dialogue doesn’t work with the devil; the only defense is the word of God, humility and meekness, especially in response to his works of hatred and persecution, Pope Francis said. “Humility and meekness: These are the weapons that the prince of the world, the spirit of the world does not tolerate, […]
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.