News
Ambassador says tensions did not prevent US-Vatican cooperation
ROME (CNS) — Miguel Diaz, preparing to leave his post as U.S. ambassador to the Holy See, acknowledged tensions between the Obama administration and the U.S. Catholic bishops, but said his goal always was to build bridges between the U.S. government and the Vatican. Meeting a small group of reporters Nov. 8, Diaz said he […]
Donations, volunteers stream in to help tightknit enclave in Brooklyn
BROOKLYN, N.Y. (CNS) — A steady stream of volunteers and donations of goods arriving from around the country for victims of Hurricane Sandy in Gerritsen Beach are meeting the short-term needs of many residents, but there is still a long road of recovery ahead. “What we’re doing here is not even a fraction of the […]
Legal actions win stay of execution for Pa. inmate
Hubert Lester Michael Jr., who sits on death row in a Pennsylvania prison, lost one of his last chances to avoid the death penalty Nov. 7 when the Pennsylvania Board of Pardons voted unanimously to reject his petition for clemency. But the next day a federal court issued a stay of the execution.
CRS to work with Guatemalan partners after Pacific earthquake
MEXICO CITY (CNS) — Catholic Relief Services will work with its partners in Guatemala and will offer whatever assistance is necessary after a magnitude-7.4 earthquake struck the country, said the agency’s country director. Anne Bousquet told Catholic News Service from Guatemala City that the agency contacted its partners Nov. 7 and would be working in […]
Pope sends $1 million in aid for Syria, cardinal delegate to Lebanon
Pope Benedict XVI appealed for dialogue to end the Syrian conflict, saying: "We have to do everything possible because one day it could be too late."
Local collection for Sandy relief coming Sunday after Thanksgiving
Archbishop Charles J. Chaput invites all 257 parishes in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia to consider taking up a special second collection for relief efforts in the wake of Hurricane Sandy during the weekend of Nov. 24-25, the archdiocese announced Nov. 8.
Sexuality and Catholic teaching topic of talk
Regina Coeli Academy and the archdiocesan Office for Life, Family and Laity present “Beyond the Birds and the Bees” with Catholic authors Dr. Greg and Lisa Popcak Friday, Nov. 30 at 7:30 p.m. in the auditorium of Our Lady Help of Christians Church, 1500 Marian Road, Abington. This lecture is for parents, grandparents, clergy and […]
Gift of $20 million helps launch Georgetown Environment Initiative
WASHINGTON (CNS) — A $20 million gift is expected to help boost Georgetown University’s profile as a major center for environmental education and research. The gift from an anonymous donor affiliated with the school launches the Georgetown Environment Initiative, which university officials said will advance the interdisciplinary study of the environment in relation to society […]
Don’t be satisfied with achievements; pursue greater good, pope says
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Benedict XVI called on people to never be satisfied with their earthly achievements because true happiness entails seeking out the greater good. He said people should “not be discouraged by fatigue or by obstacles born of our sins,” because striving for the greater good is demanding and cannot be built or […]
Latin Americans ponder abortion laws, safety and exceptions
SAO PAULO (CNS) — Maria Lucia Tavares, 43, works as a maid in one of the most affluent neighborhoods in Sao Paulo, Brazil. The mother of three girls is four months pregnant and hoping for a boy this time. “Although I don’t know how me and my husband will make ends meet with the extra […]