News
New particle may unlock new discoveries, says Vatican astronomer
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The discovery of a new sub-atomic particle — the so-called Higgs boson — may help scientists discover how the hidden structure of all matter in the universe works, a Vatican astronomer said. “It indicates that reality is deeper and more rich and strange than our everyday life,” U.S. Jesuit Brother Guy […]
Mexican Church officials laud presidential vote
MEXICO CITY (CNS) — The Mexican bishops’ conference expressed satisfaction with “the exemplary participation of citizens” in the July 1 federal elections, which returned the once long-ruling Institutional Revolutionary Party to power. “As pastors of the Catholic Church, we are pleased to notice that our call to go to the polls in a conscious and […]
16th-century Peruvian convent and its historic art eyed for restoration
LIMA, Peru (CNS) — Half-hidden behind palm trees at the end of a once elegant avenue in a now rundown neighborhood, the Convento de los Descalzos — the Convent of the Barefoot Friars — has witnessed half a millennium of Peruvian history. Age, economic woes and benign neglect have taken their toll, and the convent […]
Pope defends Vatican secretary of state against ‘unjust criticism’
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Benedict XVI reaffirmed his trust in the Vatican’s secretary of state and defended him against a barrage of “unjust criticism” in the Italian media. In a letter addressed to “dear brother” Italian Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, 77, the pope expressed his “profound appreciation for your discreet presence and wise counsel, which […]
Appeals panel overturns language mandate for pro-life pregnancy centers
RICHMOND, Va. (CNS) — In a ruling hailed by Baltimore Archbishop William E. Lori as “a major victory for the First Amendment,” a federal appeals court in Richmond said two Maryland pregnancy centers cannot be compelled to post notices that they do not have licensed medical professionals on staff. In separate decisions, a three-judge panel […]
Holy See budget shows major loss despite rise in donations
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The Holy See sustained its largest budget deficit of the past decade in 2011 as a result of global financial trends, the Vatican said July 5. But Vatican City State, which includes the income-generating Vatican Museums and Vatican post office, ended 2011 with a surplus of 21.8 million euros ($27 million). […]
Fortnight for Freedom brings focus on challenges to religious freedom
The Fortnight for Freedom, an initiative of the Catholic bishops of the United States, ended on Independence Day after two weeks of efforts to increase awareness among Catholics of threats to religious freedom in America. Archbishop Charles Chaput provided a fitting end to the initiative by serving as homilist for a Mass celebrated for the […]
In Washington, Archbishop Chaput calls for public witness to the truth
Philadelphia is the place where both the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution were written. For more than two centuries, these documents have inspired people around the globe. So as we begin our reflection on today’s readings, I have the privilege of greeting everyone here today -- and every person watching or listening from a distance -- in the name of the Church of my home, the Church of Philadelphia, the cradle of our country’s liberty and the city of our nation’s founding. May God bless and guide all of us as we settle our hearts on the Word of God.
St. Cyprian Parish to launch Wisdom Ball for young people
The Wisdom Ball Committee at St. Cyprian Parish in West Philadelphia announces its inaugural Cotillion-Beautillion Ball and Scholarship Program. The program is designed to celebrate exceptional young men and women in the community while they attain scholarship money. Those who are accepted into the program take part in an eight-week series of workshops and activities […]
Archbishop Chaput announces clerical changes
Most Reverend Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap., Archbishop of Philadelphia, announces the following appointments effective as noted: GRADUATE STUDIES Reverend Anthony J. DiGuglielmo, from Graduate Studies, Catholic University of America, Washington, to Graduate Studies at the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas (Angelicum) in Rome, beginning with the Fall 2012 semester RESIDENCE Reverend Michael V. […]