News
Pope appeals for aid to Lebanon, still suffering one year after blast
After one of history's largest non-nuclear explosions killed at least 214 and displaced 300,000, Pope Francis called upon the world to aid the Middle East nation "not only with words but with concrete actions."
Sister Mary Heenan, ministering in Phila. region, dies at 79
A sister of St. Joseph since 1960 and formerly known as Sister Joseph Constance, the native of Atlantic City served in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and the Diocese of Trenton. Funeral services will be livestreamed Aug. 5.
Mass for Cuba and its people set for Aug. 8 in Phila.
Archbishop Nelson Perez will celebrate the Mass on Sunday afternoon at Holy Innocents Church in Philadelphia in solidarity with the people who led protests recently in response to civil unrest. All are welcome to attend.
MagniFest raises songs of praise in Chester County
More than 100 people including young adults and families enjoyed the first of a three-night summer concert series on a warm evening July 31 at St. Mary of Providence Center in Elverson. Two more concerts are set for Aug. 7 and 14, the latter including Mass and a talk.
Vatican releases rules for online learning for ecclesiastical universities
In an Aug. 2 statement, the Congregation for Catholic Education encouraged pontifical universities to expand course access to prisoners, migrants, the homeless, monks, contemplative nuns and even busy bishops.
USCCB, Catholic groups, politicians back Mississippi in court abortion case
The state's ban on abortion after 15 weeks of pregnancy will come under review by the Supreme Court next term, and could lead to a reexamination of the court's key abortion decisions.
Latin-rite bishop says separatists bar priests from eastern Ukraine
Auxiliary Bishop Jan Sobilo of the Diocese of Kharkiv-Zaporizhia urged Western church leaders to speak out amid new fears of violence from Russian-backed forces, ahead of a visit from Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople.
Hundreds march for voting rights, justice near U.S. Capitol; 200 arrested
Protesters at the Aug. 2 "Moral Monday" rally demanded Congress pass a bill to expand voting access, boost ethics rules and counter corruption and big money in politics.
US bishops helping resettle Afghan translators, interpreters
The conference's Migration and Refugee Services agency is "proud to welcome and assist those who have kept Americans safe" in Afghanistan, according to a July 30 statement.
True joy comes from doing God’s will, pope tells young people
Speaking Aug. 1 at the Medjugorje Marian festival, Pope Francis said Mary's surrender to the divine plan points the way to eternal fulfillment, despite hardships.