News
Spirited sparring between federal judges, lawyers marks HHS appeal
WASHINGTON (CNS) — In the first federal appellate-level hearing on a lawsuit challenging the HHS contraceptive mandate Dec. 14, spirited sparring between judges and attorneys marked proceedings that went twice their scheduled length. In the hearing, conducted in Washington at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, lawyers could barely complete […]
‘Sacramental sense’ of priest’s response after shooting called powerful
RYE, N.Y. (CNS) -- The "sacramental sense" of a Catholic pastor's outreach after the horrific violence that took place at a Connecticut elementary school "has brought the church to bear in the most intimate and powerful way," said the director of communications for the Diocese of Bridgeport, Conn. Msgr. Robert Weiss, pastor of St. Rose of Lima Church in Newtown, "has brought a sense of God and the beginning of healing to everything he has done under considerable stress."
Irish government announces plans to legalize abortion, with limits
DUBLIN (CNS) — The Irish government has announced plans to legalize abortion in limited circumstances, but Minister for Health James Reilly insisted his plans will take “full account of the equal right to life of the unborn child.” The announcement contradicts a 2011 campaign promise by Prime Minister Enda Kenny that his government would not […]
‘No words’ can describe shock, sadness after Conn. shooting, says priest
NEWTOWN, Conn. (CNS) -- Msgr. Robert Weiss, pastor of St. Rose of Lima Church in Newtown, was at Sandy Hook Elementary School almost immediately after the horrific shooting Dec. 14. "There was a lot of hugging, a lot of crying, a lot of praying, a lot of just being silent," he said. At least eight of the children who died in the shooting belonged to the parish and will be buried from St. Rose.
Pope condemns doping, calls for legal, ethical practices in sports
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Benedict XVI condemned “doping” in sports and called on athletes and coaches to strive for victory through ethical and legal practices. “Every sport, both on amateur and professional levels, requires fairness in competition, respect for one’s body, a sense of solidarity and altruism and also joy, satisfaction and celebration,” he […]
God’s love asks people to decide how to live their lives, pope says
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — God’s love is unconditional yet demanding, asking all to choose how they will live their gift of life, Pope Benedict XVI said. “The love of God sometimes follows paths one could never have imagined, but it always reaches those who are willing to be found,” the pope said in his message […]
Pope expresses grief over Newtown shooting, calls for acts of peace
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- After 20 children and six adults were shot dead in Connecticut, Pope Benedict XVI offered his condolences and prayers, urging all to dedicate themselves to acts of peace in the face of such "senseless violence." "I assure the families of the victims, especially those who lost a child, of my closeness in prayer," he said Dec. 17. "May the God of consolation touch their hearts and ease their pain."
Mothers and daughters share tea, learn about fertility
The Blessed Mother must have been smiling as the special mother-daughter fertility appreciation program took place at Immaculate Conception Parish in Jenkintown on Nov. 11. The Mother-Daughter Tea drew more than 85 participants and was well-attended by girls between the ages of 10 to 14 in the company of their mothers, aunts, grandmothers and the special women in their lives.
Priests, religious near Conn. school shooting quick to offer assistance
NEWTOWN, Conn. (CNS) -- As law enforcement officers tried to piece together the Dec. 14 shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School that left 20 children and seven adults dead, priests from nearby parishes rushed to the scene to comfort families and staff.
Bishop to bless Nativity scene near Philadelphia’s City Hall
In keeping with the true meaning of the season, Auxiliary Bishop John J. McIntyre will preside at the blessing of the Christmas Creche in Love Park, west of Philadelphia’s City Hall on Wednesday, Dec. 19 at 3 p.m. The large creche, which has become a tradition in recent years, is sponsored by area Knights of […]