News
Pope Francis to live in Vatican guesthouse, not papal apartments
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Francis has decided not to move into the papal apartments in the Apostolic Palace, but to live in a suite in the Vatican guesthouse where he has been since the beginning of the conclave that elected him. A typical suite in the residence has a sitting room with a desk; a bedroom with dresser; and a private bathroom.
Persons with disabilities called ‘a chosen race’ at annual Mass in Cathedral
It’s an honor for an altar server to hold the book for the archbishop during a special liturgy. The young man who held the Missal during the liturgy for Archbishop Charles Chaput during the Mass for Persons with Disabilities at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul on March 23 truly felt the honor. “He kept saying ‘Alleluia, Alleluia,’” the archbishop noted in his homily. “You are not supposed to say Alleluia during the six weeks of Lent.” But in this case it was very appropriate, he suggested.
Vatican confirms pope to lead full slate of Holy Week, Easter liturgies
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- The Vatican confirmed Pope Francis will lead a full slate of Holy Week and Easter liturgies in Rome and at the Vatican, keeping pace with a usually busy papal schedule. The pontiff will celebrate the Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord's Supper in a Rome juvenile detention facility rather than in St. Peter's Basilica.
North Dakota lawmakers OK bill defining life starts at conception
BISMARCK, N.D. (CNS) -- The North Dakota Catholic Conference applauded the state Senate's passage March 15 of a bill that would ban abortions for the purpose of sex selection or genetic abnormality and another bill that would ban abortion after the detection of a fetal heartbeat, which could be as early as six weeks.
Sister Mary Elaine Joyce, I.H.M.
Sister Mary Elaine Joyce, I.H.M., formerly Sister Bernard Mary, I.H.M., died suddenly March 9 in Camilla Hall, Immaculata, in the 68th year of her religious life. She was 86 years old. Born in Kulpmont, Pa., Sister Mary Elaine entered the congregation of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in 1944 from St. Joseph Parish, Locust […]
From Mount of Olives to Jerusalem, world’s Christians mark Jesus’ entry
JERUSALEM (CNS) -- The winding road from the Mount of Olives to the streets of the Old City of Jerusalem was alive with music and song in many languages as global pilgrims joined local Christian Palestinians in the traditional Palm Sunday procession commemorating Jesus' entry into the city.
Lebanese youths lament violence, emigration in Way of Cross reflections
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Meditating on Christ's passion and the ways people contribute to his suffering, Lebanese youths lamented the ongoing emigration from and violence in the Middle East, divisions among Christians, the abuse of women and children, and the promotion of abortion. But despite the hardships, horrors and despair, Christians are called to walk with Christ because "suffering, embraced in faith, is transformed into the path to salvation," the youths said in meditations for the March 29 Way of the Cross service at Rome's Colosseum.
Pope on Palm Sunday: Christ’s passion leads to joy
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis celebrated his first Palm Sunday Mass as pope March 24, telling an overflow crowd in St. Peter’s Square that Christ’s death on the cross is a source of eternal consolation and joy. “A Christian can never be sad. Never give way to discouragement,” the pope said in his homily, […]
Pope Francis meets retired Pope Benedict, says ‘we’re brothers’
CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy (CNS) -- With a warm embrace, a helping hand, shared prayer, a long discussion and lunch together, Pope Francis spent several hours with retired Pope Benedict XVI March 23 at the papal summer villa.
Thousands, including Philadelphians, expected to march for marriage Tuesday
More than 200 people from the Archdiocese of Philadelphia will take part in the Marriage March to support traditional marriage Tuesday, March 26 in Washington, D.C., where thousands are expected to join them.