News
Don’t be a sourpuss, be joyful, Pope Francis says
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Using a phrase that translates literally as "the face of a pickled pepper," Pope Francis said that when Christians have more of a sourpuss than a face that communicates the joy of being loved by God, they harm the witness of the church.
Pope says evangelists build bridges, not walls
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Like Jesus who dined with Pharisees and sinners and St. Paul who preached to idol worshippers, true evangelizers build bridges that lead unbelievers into the church, not walls to protect it, Pope Francis said. The pope’s words came in a homily May 8 during morning Mass in the Domus Sanctae Marthae, […]
Sister Mary Owen Mulhern, I.H.M., teacher, principal, dies at 91
Sister Mary Owen, I.H.M., formerly Elizabeth T. Mulhern died May 2nd in Camilla Hall, Immaculata, Pa. in the 71st year of her religious life. She was 91 years old. Born in Philadelphia, Pa., Sister entered the Congregation of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in 1941 from Transfiguration Parish, Philadelphia, and professed her first […]
Homily of Bishop Barres at the Solemn Funeral Mass for Bishop Joseph P. McFadden
May 8, 2013 To John and Mary Jo, Sister Jane, Ellen and Pat and Bishop McFadden’s large and loving extended family, to the Cardinals, to the Archbishops, to his brother bishops, to the priests, deacons, religious and the people of God of the Diocese of Harrisburg and the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, we offer you our prayers and sympathy as we celebrate this Solemn Funeral Mass for the soul of Bishop McFadden and for the people he has served.
Vatican, U.S. sign deal to cooperate in fight against financial crime
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — In an effort to strengthen its ability to fight money laundering and the financing of terrorism, the Vatican signed an agreement with the United States to share information regarding suspect financial transactions. The Vatican’s Financial Information Authority signed a “Memorandum of Understanding” in Washington D.C. May 7 with the U.S. Financial […]
Pope tells sisters the church needs them, they need the church
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis told 800 superiors of women’s orders from around the world that the Catholic Church needs religious women and that religious women need to be in harmony with the faith and teachings of the church. “What would the church be without you?” the pope told the women May 8. “It […]
Cardinal says both sides in LCWR case must be open to dialogue
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- A day after the Vatican issued a statement saying the congregations for doctrine and for religious were united in wanting a reform of the U.S.-based Leadership Conference of Women Religious, the head of the congregation for religious repeated his call for more dialogue with the sisters.
Only Holy Spirit can fill hearts thirsting for love, peace, pope says
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Listen to the Holy Spirit because he is giving people the good news that God loves them and can renew, purify and transform their lives, Pope Francis said. The Holy Spirit is the living water that “quenches the thirst in our lives because he tells us that we are loved by […]
Nazareth Academy to graduate 106 seniors June 2
Nazareth Academy High School, 4001 Grant Avenue in Philadelphia, will welcome 106 graduating seniors to its graduation ceremonies Sunday, June 2, at 11:30 a.m. at Holy Family University Center, Philadelphia. Sister Mary Joan Jacobs, C.S.F.N., principal of Nazareth Academy High School, will preside. The welcome address will be given by Molly Theresa Scullion, class president. The valedictorian is Victoria Christine Szafara. The salutatorian is Michelle Ann Hillsman. The Baccalaureate Mass will be celebrated the same day at 9:45 a.m. at Nazareth Academy High School Chapel. The main celebrant and homilist will be Father Kevin M. Nadolski, O.S.F.S.
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.