News
Pope asks Castro for more church freedom, Good Friday holiday
HAVANA (CNS) — Pope Benedict XVI spent more than 40 minutes meeting privately with Cuban President Raul Castro and asked the Cuban leader for further freedoms for the Catholic Church in Cuba and attention to certain “humanitarian” situations. Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, the Vatican spokesman, told reporters late March 27 that Cuban President Raul Castro […]
Landmark clergy sex abuse trial begins in Philadelphia
State prosecutors and defense lawyers for Msgr. William J. Lynn and Father James J. Brennan all decried the issue of sexual abuse of children at the start of a criminal trial March 26 in Philadelphia. Despite that apparent agreement, the attorneys embarked on sharply divergent paths as they made opening arguments before presiding Judge Teresa […]
Archdiocesan Superintendent of Schools resigns
With great reluctance, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia announces that it has accepted the resignation of Mary E. Rochford, Superintendent of Schools. Her decision was made in order to devote time to providing physical care for members of her family unable to do so on their own. Rochford said, “It has been my privilege to serve […]
Pope bids warm farewell to Mexico, heads to Cuba
SILAO, Mexico (CNS) — Pope Benedict XVI bade Mexico a warm “adios,” emphasizing he meant, “Remain with God,” concluding a trip marked by outpourings of faith and affection from people in the world’s second-most populous Catholic country. “I leave full of unforgettable experiences, not the least of which are the innumerable courtesies and signs of […]
Rally for Religious Freedom held at Independence Hall
As one of approximately 140 such demonstrations around the country, on March 23 a throng of about 800 gathered for a noonday rally at Philadelphia’s Independence Hall, the birthplace of American liberty, to protest what they firmly believe is an infringement on their freedom of religion – the new requirement imposed by the Obama administration […]
Pennsylvanians for Human Life host annual banquet
Life-changing moments can come at unexpected times. Georgette Forney will never forget that heart-wrenching conversation begun at a family dinner in a restaurant 14 years ago. “Mom, were you married when you were 16?” asked Rebecca who was 8 years old at the time. “Of course not, what kind of a crazy question is that?” […]
Archdiocese announces new president of West Catholic High School
The Archdiocese of Philadelphia announces with great pleasure the appointment of Brother Richard Kestler, F.S.C., as president of West Philadelphia Catholic High School, effective July 1. Brother Richard brings with him over 50 years of experience as an educator, administrator and Brother of the Christian Schools. Brother Richard previously served at West Catholic as principal […]
St. Joseph Parish in Downingtown breaks ground on new church building
DOWNINGTOWN – St. Joseph Roman Catholic Parish in Downingtown, Chester County, broke ground for a new church March 18 at the site of the new church, 460 Manor Ave. in Downingtown following the noon Mass which was celebrated by Archbishop Charles Chaput. A reception followed the groundbreaking ceremony. To accommodate future growth, the parish began […]
Archbishop Chaput forms Archdiocesan Pastoral Council
Archbishop Charles Chaput has instituted a mostly-lay and highly diversified Archdiocesan Pastoral Council (APC) which met with him for the first time Feb. 25. Although similar pastoral councils have been in place in the parishes, this is the first time there has been a similar archdiocesan council. The Archdiocesan Pastoral Council, which is similar to […]
Archbishop Chaput receives honorary degree from Neumann University
Archbishop Charles Chaput received an honorary degree from Neumann University on March 14. The university presented the award during an academic convocation to celebrate Charter Day, the 47th anniversary of its founding. “I hope to be an agent of good change in your life,” Archbishop Chaput told the crowd of more than 200 during remarks […]