News
Philadelphia priest chaplain earns Bronze Star for ministry in Afghanistan
After Mass at a typical parish, it’s fellowship over coffee and donuts. But for troops stationed in Afghanistan, after Mass it’s cigars smoked down to the nub. Father Stephen McDermott, a priest of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and a U.S. Army chaplain who recently was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for his service in Afghanistan, just completed a year-long tour of duty in the country. “I never realized the power of a cigar when it comes to ministry,” he said.
Boston interfaith service stresses city’s grace and strength in tragedy
BOSTON (CNS) -- In an April 18 interfaith prayer service, religious and political leaders emphasized the enduring strength of the people of Boston and urged them to find consolation and healing in their continued support of one another. Boston Cardinal Sean P. O'Malley welcomed the congregation that packed the cathedral and told them the service was offered in solidarity with those who lost their lives or were injured in the bombings at the Boston Marathon April 15.
Catholic doctor running in Boston cared for bomb victims, relied on spiritual strength
BOSTON (CNS) — Though events at the 2013 Boston Marathon included mayhem and the need for swift action, the father of a heroic runner slowed down to reflect in prayer at a Catholic shrine the next day. After experiencing firsthand the events as two bombs exploded April 15 at the finish line, Dr. Joseph Stavas, […]
Pope calls for prayers for victims of Texas factory explosion
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis called for prayers for the victims of a deadly explosion in Texas. In a short message sent from his @Pontifex Twitter account, the pope told the more than 2.3 million followers on his English account to “Please join me in praying for the victims of the explosion in Texas […]
Advocates study immigration reform bill introduced in Senate
Among other provisions, the bill introduced April 17 incorporates the popular DREAM Act, without an upper age limit; would offer a 13-year path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants who arrived before 2012; would expand the pool of visas for skilled and unskilled workers; dramatically changes the process for adult children or siblings of legal residents to immigrate; and would create a new set of "triggers" for determining that the border is "secure" before parts of the law may be implemented.
Drop debate over arming Syria; forge efforts for peace, says patriarch
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Unless western nations immediately find ways to bring peace to Syria instead of debating whether to arm opposition forces, the country will continue to be in turmoil and a victim of the West’s indecision, said a Syrian patriarch. “It’s truly a pity, a great pity to not think in terms other […]
Battle with the devil: Pope Francis frames the fight in Jesuit terms
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — In the teaching of Pope Francis, the devil has a more dastardly agenda than just convincing people to break one of the Ten Commandments; “the enemy” wants them to feel weak, worthless and always ready to complain or gossip. In his first month in office, Pope Francis continually preached about God’s […]
Sister Mary Arthur Hoagland, I.H.M, dies at 97, was long-time librarian
Sister Mary Arthur Hoagland, I.H.M., formerly Lucille Hoagland, died April 12 in Camilla Hall, Immaculata, in the 78th year of her religious life, the day before she was to have celebrated her 75th anniversary of religious profession. She was 97 years old. Born inNew York City, Sister Mary Arthur entered the Congregation of the Sisters, […]
Philadelphia-area Catholics meet Pope Francis during visit to offer $8.6 million
When 120 officials, donors and their family members from around the United States signed on for the Bala Cynwyd-based Papal Foundation’s annual pilgrimage to Rome to present the Holy Father with this year’s grant they had no idea they would be meeting a brand-new pope. At the April 11 meeting in the Vatican’s Clementine Hall when the $8.6 million grant was presented, Pope Francis personally greeted each of the pilgrims instead of reading his prepared statement.
Korean-American Catholics worried about relatives in South Korea in face of threats of war
BROOKLYN, N.Y. (CNS) — While North Korea marked the April 15 anniversary of its founder’s birth with flowers and remembrances, rather than more threatening rhetoric and missile tests, concerns about a nuclear attack on the U.S. continued to loom. Following weeks of war threats, April brings two significant anniversaries for North Korea. One was April […]