News
Chinese couples planning larger families as China rethinks one-child policy
MANILA, Philippines (CNS) — Young Chinese adults born under the nation’s one-child policy are planning their families based on personal experience as Chinese government officials debate the future of the state’s population control strategy. Many cite issues such as loneliness growing up and pressure as an adult to take care of elders as reasons to […]
Failure to evangelize makes ‘mother church’ a ‘baby sitter,’ pope says
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — All of the baptized and not just the clergy are called to spread the Gospel, even in times of persecution, Pope Francis said in his morning homily April 17. The pope spoke at Mass in the chapel of the Domus Sanctae Marthae, the Vatican guesthouse where he has been living since […]
Best defense against sin, temptation is Jesus, pope says at audience
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Surrounded by the devil’s temptations and being susceptible to sin, people can always find help, support and forgiveness in Jesus Christ, Pope Francis said at his weekly general audience. (In Spanish) “My dearest brothers and sisters, we have this advocate; we’re not afraid to go to him and ask him for […]
Boston cardinal says all feel ‘deep sorrow’ for victims of explosions
UPDATE -- BOSTON (CNS) -- Within hours of two explosions taking place near the finish line of the Boston Marathon April 15, Cardinal Sean P. O'Malley sent a message of prayer and support for those injured, their loved ones and those who experienced the trauma of the tragedy. "The Archdiocese of Boston joins all people of good will in expressing deep sorrow following the senseless acts of violence perpetrated at the Boston Marathon today," he said.
Father of boy killed in bombings grateful for ‘thoughts and prayers’
BOSTON (CNS) -- The first name released of someone killed in the April 15 explosions at the Boston Marathon was that of 8-year-old Martin Richard, whose picture in newspapers showed him grinning broadly, apparently at his first Communion. Two bombs that exploded near the end of the marathon route, about four hours into the race, left at least three people dead and more than 170 injured. The Dorchester Reporter, the local newspaper in Martin's hometown, said his sister, Jane, 7, suffered a "grievous injury" to her leg and their mother, Denise, was critically injured.
As Gosnell trial continues, voices rise against regulatory lapses
When a team of investigators looking into illegal drug use raided Dr. Kermit Barron Gosnell's Women's Medical Society in West Philadelphia Feb. 18, 2010, they happened upon what many are calling a "house of horrors." He was arrested in January 2011 and charged with seven counts of infanticide and one count of murder in the case of a Nepalese woman who died during an abortion. During the fifth week of his trial, prosecutors were continuing to call witnesses who testified about the squalid conditions they saw at the clinic. Meanwhile observers reflected on the laws regulating such clinics, including a Pennsylvania law enacted after Gosnell's arrest.
Religious leaders mark 50th anniversary of famed King letter from jail
WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Fifty years ago, the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. took a group of white Alabama clergymen to task for suggesting he find ways, other than demonstrations and protests, to seek racial equality. The letter, written by King while he was held in solitary confinement for eight days for violating the Birmingham's ban on civil rights demonstrations, was addressed to "My Dear Fellow Clergymen" and became the famous "Letter from Birmingham Jail."
Pope’s G-8: Troubleshooters, outspoken leaders will help reform curia
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- The eight cardinals named by Pope Francis to begin work on ways to reorganize the Roman Curia are predominantly active archbishops of very large archdioceses, but they also have a wide range of pastoral and organizational experiences and skills. The Vatican announced the members of the group April 13.
BVM Parish celebrates 100 years serving Darby, Delaware County
Every parish has distinctive features. Blessed Virgin Mary, Darby, where Archbishop Charles Chaput celebrated a 100th anniversary Mass on Sunday, April 14, is diverse -- it always was and probably always will be. The nicest thing about it, all the people pretty much get along with one another, they always have and probably always will.
Kansas, Virginia join states passing new restrictions on abortion
WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Kansas and Virginia have joined the growing list of states that this year have passed new restrictions on abortion. Kansas lawmakers passed a bill declaring that life begins "at fertilization" and which bans sex-selection abortions. "Unborn children have interests in life, health and well-being that should be protected," said the bill, which Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback, a Republican, has said he will sign.