News
Elite Vatican squad scales high spots to keep basilica spic and span
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The sounds of a woman chanting in a side chapel blended with the less traditional hum of a hydraulic lift one recent morning in St. Peter’s Basilica. Pilgrims were pressed against a barricade pointing cameras at workmen strapped in climbing harnesses, teetering atop the baldacchino, the massive bronze canopy over the […]
Motives said to be as varied as the perpetrators in killing sprees
WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Although the recent spate of mass gun attacks has the same results -- multiple deaths and woundings -- the motivations behind those attacks can be nearly as varied as those who commit those atrocities. "People talk about the profile as if there's one population of perpetrators," said Peter Langman, a clinical psychologist based in Allentown, Pa. "There's not one perpetrator, there's multiple types."
Pope writes on Christmas for major financial newspaper
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- In the Vatican's latest move to expand its use of media, an article on the meaning of Christmas by Pope Benedict XVI appeared Dec. 20 in Britain's Financial Times newspaper. "While Christmas is undoubtedly a time of great joy, it is also an occasion for deep reflection, even an examination of conscience," the pope wrote. "At the end of a year that has meant economic hardship for many, what can we learn from the humility, the poverty, the simplicity of the crib scene?"
Sister Mary Ellen Eckardt, I.H.M., dies at 87; founded first IHM Literacy Center
Sister Mary Ellen, I.H.M., formerly Eleanor Marie Eckardt, died in Camilla Hall, Immaculata, Dec. 14 in the 68th year of her religious life. She was 87 years old. Born in Philadelphia Sister Mary Ellen entered the Congregation of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in 1944 from St. Henry Parish in Philadelphia, […]
Annual Archbishop’s Christmas Benefit treats 400 needy children to fun party
“I’m never ready for Christmas until I do this,” said Douglas Dunn, who has played Santa Claus for the past 17 years at the Archbishop's Christmas Benefit for Children Dec. 18. “For me, it is just to see the joy and happiness of the children. I try to visit every child in the room.” That’s a tall order, considering there were 400 children at the party representing the 16,000 children who benefit during the year from residential and community-based programs offered by archdiocesan Catholic Social Services.
Deacon Thompson remembered for Christ-like charity and holiness
Deacon James A. Thompson, 82, a retired permanent deacon who had been assigned to Stella Maris Parish in Philadelphia, died Dec. 13. Born in Philadelphia, he graduated from La Salle College and served in the United States Navy from 1952 to 1956. He was a federal civil service employee for 39 years, and to further […]
Bishop blesses Nativity scene near Philadelphia’s City Hall
Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia John J. McIntyre presided over the 16th annual blessing of the Nativity scene Dec. 19 at Love Park in Philadelphia. The annual event was organized by the Christmas Creche Committee and sponsored by the Ancient Order of Hibernians and the Knights of Columbus. Students from St. Francis Xavier Parish Elementary School […]
SS. Philip and James’ 2nd graders stage Christmas play
The second grade classes of SS. Philip and James School, Exton, performed “The Christmas Story” for their parents and the school community Dec. 13 and 14. Accompanied by a choir and narrators, the cast told the story of Mary, Joseph and the birth of Jesus. The story included how the angels appeared to the shepherds […]
At funerals, Newtown pastor tells mourners child victims were gift from the start
RYE, N.Y. (CNS) -- Addressing mourners at the first two funerals for young victims of the Dec. 14 school shooting in Connecticut, Msgr. Robert Weiss, pastor of St. Rose of Lima Church in Newtown asked, "Where else but the church could we bring this unspeakable act?" "Where else but the altar could we find some resolution? People bring their wounded and shattered selves here for healing, mending and transcendence," he said.
Strength of faith comes from trusting God, pope says at audience
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Mary's role in the birth and life of Jesus shows all Christians that the strength of faith lies in trusting God, even when his will is mysterious and life seems dark, Pope Benedict XVI said. "The power of God, in our lives as well, works with the often silent power of truth and love," the pope said Dec. 19. Preparing for Christmas and continuing his Year of Faith series of audience talks, the pope focused on what Christians can learn about faith from Mary.