News
Precedent and sacrifice: Papal decision offers options for future
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — For a Catholic so aware of the importance of tradition, even traditions with a small “t,” Pope Benedict XVI had to know he was setting a precedent by resigning. “This development will offer options that maybe were not too obvious before this courageous decision of Pope Benedict,” said U.S. Cardinal Edwin […]
Charismatic Mass with prayers for healing set for St. Richard Church
A Charismatic Mass will be celebrated by Norbertine Father John Zagarella at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 19 at St. Richard Church, 18th and Pollock streets in South Philadelphia. Prayers for healing will be offered after Mass.
Maronite patriarch, on ecumenical visit to Syria, prays for peace
DAMASCUS, Syria (CNS) — Lebanon’s Maronite Catholic patriarch, visiting war-torn Syria for the enthronement of Greek Orthodox Patriarch John, prayed for peace in the country. Celebrating Mass on the feast of St. Maron Feb. 9 at the Maronite Cathedral of St. Anthony, Cardinal Bechara Rai said in his homily, “We pray each day for the […]
On Ash Wednesday, pope preaches on humility, Christian unity
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Celebrating what was expected to be the last public liturgy of his pontificate two weeks before his resignation, Pope Benedict XVI preached on the virtues of humility and Christian unity and heard his highest-ranking aide pay tribute to his service to the church. Jesus “denounces religious hypocrisy, behavior that wants to […]
Pope Benedict adds few farewells to his original February schedule
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- With the exception of a special farewell meeting with members of the College of Cardinals Feb. 28 and separate meetings with the prime minister and president of Italy, the Vatican confirmed Pope Benedict XVI's original schedule for late February.
Sadness, celebration mark pope’s first public event since announcement
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Sadness and celebration marked Pope Benedict XVI’s first public appearance since announcing Feb. 11 that he was stepping down. Compared to his other public events, this time the chants and cheers had more punch; loud, long supportive applause erupted more often, and the singing had the air of adieu. Some 7,000 […]
Pope Benedict thanks faithful, asks them to pray for next pope
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — At his first public appearance since he announced that he would resign at the end of February, Pope Benedict XVI thanked the faithful for their love and prayers and asked them to pray for his successor. “I have felt, almost physically in these days — which haven’t been easy for me […]
Charismatic Mass with prayers for healing set for Bucks County parish
Father Michael Davis, pastor of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, Croydon, will celebrate a Charismatic Mass Thursday, March 14 in the church at 601 Bristol Pike and Walnut Avenue in Croydon. Confessions begin at 6 p.m., followed by praise and worship music at 6:45 and Mass at 7:15. Healing prayers will follow the Mass. An elevator […]
‘This is our house’: Parishioners help snowbound churches dig out
BURLINGTON, Mass. (CNS) -- After the Blizzard of 2013 dumped more than 2 feet of snow on New England Feb. 8 and 9, Catholic parishes in the region were among those facing the challenge of digging out after the storm.
Pope Benedict has made 24 trips outside Italy during pontificate
WASHINGTON (CNS) — Although traveling the globe was a hallmark of Pope John Paul II, Pope Benedict XVI, who when elected was not expected to do too much traveling, logged a lot of miles during his own pontificate. The pope, who announced his resignation Feb. 11, made 24 trips to six continents outside Italy in […]