News
Archbishop says church won’t see much change under China’s new leaders
BROOKLYN, N.Y. (CNS) — A high-ranking Vatican official from China says he doesn’t expect much to change in church-state relations with the new Chinese government. “I don’t think there will be a big change in the immediate future for the religious policy in China. It’s not one of the immediate priorities of the new government. […]
Cardinal O’Brien visits Holy Land with message of solidarity, peace
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- On the eve of his first trip to the Holy Land as grand master of the Knights of the Holy Sepulcher, Cardinal Edwin F. O'Brien said he hoped to encourage the region's Christian minority with a message of solidarity from Pope Benedict XVI and other Catholics in the West. "The church in the Holy Land has been under unfriendly domination throughout the centuries, and the fact that we still exist there is almost a miracle," Cardinal O'Brien told Catholic News Service Nov. 24. "We have to do everything we can as a Catholic people to encourage them and to let them know that we are one with them in their struggle."
Pope names US archbishop, Benedictine abbot to advise Vatican offices
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Benedict XVI named U.S. Archbishop Jose H. Gomez of Los Angeles a member of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications and U.S. Benedictine Abbot Christopher M. Zielinski to help manage the staff of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Sacraments. The Vatican announced the appointments Nov. 24. [hotblock] Archbishop […]
‘Grateful tweets,’ thankful posts make social media a font of gratitude
ARLINGTON, Va. (CNS) -- A little bird says gratitude is making a comeback. With Thanksgiving in November, the days of the month are popular ones for calling to mind all for which we are grateful. And now, thanks to social media, those thankful thoughts can be read, commented on and shared by family, friends and, yes, even total strangers.
Ice Cream Sundae Saturday at St. Barbara’s
The St. Barbara Social Trendsetters’ “Ice Cream Sundae Saturday” is Saturday, Dec. 15 from 1 to 4 p.m. in the St. Barbara Parish Hall, 54th Street and Lebanon Avenue. Make your own sundae, and we’ll have lots of toppings, Belgium waffles, chips, pretzels and more. Visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and have a fun […]
Bible publisher wins temporary injunction against HHS mandate
WASHINGTON (CNS) — A Washington-based federal judge made the right decision in granting a temporary injunction against enforcement of a federal contraceptive mandate in a suit brought by an Illinois-based Christian publisher, according to the lawyer representing the company. U.S. District Judge Reggie Walton ruled Nov. 16 that Tyndale House Publishers, which produces Bibles and […]
Cabrini College, Catholic Social Services bring Thanksgiving feasts to 280 families
Cabrini College and Catholic Social Services helped make festive Thanksgiving feasts for 280 families in Montgomery County by donating 1,289 pounds of turkeys and all the trimmings – including fresh produce and baked goods – to CSS’ emergency food cupboard in Norristown Nov. 20.
African American Catholics celebrate faith, family, community
The theme was “It’s a Family Affair: Praising Loving and Living 2012” when about 200 African American Catholics and their friends gathered joyfully for the Sixth Annual Philadelphia Peter Claver Award Banquet held Nov. 18th at the Drexelbrook in Drexel Hill. Sponsoring the gala were the Knights of Peter Claver and the Knights of Peter Claver Ladies Auxiliary, and the principal honoree was Father Stephen Thorne, pastor of St. Martin de Porres Parish, Philadelphia.
Catholics on both sides of Gaza border pray for hostilities to end
JERUSALEM (CNS) — As diplomatic efforts were underway to reach a ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel Nov. 20, Catholics on both sides of the Gaza border prayed for peace. “When we pray for peace, we pray for peace for everyone,” said Father Yoel Salvaterra, who serves the Hebrew-speaking Catholic community in the southern Israeli […]
Pope condemns escalating Gaza conflict, calls for truce, talks
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Benedict XVI condemned escalating hostilities between Israel and the Palestinians, saying hatred and violence are never an appropriate solution to problems. He also called for greater efforts to promote a truce and peace negotiations. “I am following with great concern the escalation of violence between Israelis and Palestinians in the […]