News
Health is universal good to be defended, not commoditized, says pope
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Good health is a benefit that needs to be defended and guaranteed for all people, not just for those who can afford it, Pope Benedict XVI told hundreds of health care workers. The new evangelization is needed in the health field, especially during the current economic crisis “that is cutting resources […]
O’Hara students collect supplies for Hurricane Sandy victims
Students from Cardinal O’Hara High School in Springfield, PA collected non-perishable food items, toiletries, cleaning supplies and other basic essentials for victims of Hurricane Sandy during the week of November 12th. The students competed to see which grade could collect the most items. Their principal Dr. William McCusker promised a dress down day to the […]
Little Flower HS hosts Philadelphia police speaker
Little Flower High School’s Home and School Association will host a speaker from the Philadelphia Police Department’s Heads Up program for the next meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 4 at 7 p.m. in the school auditorium. Parents of Little Flower students are encouraged to attend. Parking is available in the school lot.
Top student fundraiser wins chance to color principal’s hair
The students at St. Joseph-St. Robert School in Warrington recently achieved their school fundraising goal of selling 800 discount cards for the school. In recognition of the students’ spirit, principal Deborah Jaster sported a new red, white and blue hairdo for the day. Second grader Ryan Byrne (shown above at left) won the opportunity to […]
Pakistani High Court dismisses blasphemy charge against Christian girl
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (CNS) — The Islamabad High Court ordered police to dismiss blasphemy charges against a Christian Pakistani girl whose arrest and detention drew international condemnation. The ruling from Chief Justice Iqbal Hammeed ur Rehman Nov. 19 said there was no evidence that Rimsha Masih burned papers from the Quran, reported Pakistan’s Dawn news agency. […]
Trenton Diocese coping with historic storm’s impact
TRENTON, N.J. (CNS) — In the weeks since Hurricane Sandy waged a relentless 48-hour assault along the mid-Atlantic shoreline, carving a swath of devastation throughout and beyond the four-county Diocese of Trenton, the Catholic community has answered back in faith and solidarity. “Priests and parishioners, first responders and volunteers, community leaders and ordinary citizens, old […]
Missionary spirit of India’s Syro-Malabar Church hailed on jubilee
NEW DELHI (CNS) — The missionary zest and vibrancy of the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church was lauded at a celebration of the church’s first missionary venture. “The Syro-Malabar church has contributed to not only the evangelization of India but outside,” said Archbishop Salvatore Pennacchio, apostolic nuncio to India and Nepal, at a public meeting Nov. 18 […]
Catholic workers, Missionaries of Charity praised by Muslim refugees in Indian camps
KOKRAJHAR, India (CNS) — Besides her family, the most valuable things Majoni Bibi has these days are a few clothes, medicated mosquito nets, cooking utensils, water storage buckets and sleeping mats. Bibi, a Muslim refugee forced with her family from their home as fighting erupted in July between tribal Bodos and Muslim settlers in Assam […]
In Boston, 288 parishes to share limited resources in 135 ‘collaboratives’
BRAINTREE, Mass. (CNS) -- A pastoral plan approved by Boston Cardinal Sean P. O'Malley calls for the Boston Archdiocese to organize its 288 parishes into approximately 135 groups called "parish collaboratives." Led by one pastor, a group of priests, deacons and lay ecclesial ministers, called a pastoral team, would provide pastoral services to parishes in the collaborative. Under the plan, each parish in the collaborative group will maintain its separate identity and retain control of its own property and assets.
Holy Child Sister Mary Henry O’Connell dies at 102
Sister Mary Henry O’Connell, S.H.C.J., who was a Sister of the Holy Child Jesus for 79 years, died of heart failure at Holy Child Center in Rosemont Nov. 16. She was 102. Born in Morton, Delaware County, Sister Mary Henry graduated from the former St. Leonard’s Academy in Philadelphia in 1930 then entered the Convent of the Sisters […]