News
Bishops promise to continue ‘vigorous efforts’ against HHS violations of religious freedom in health care reform mandate
WASHINGTON — The U.S. bishops are strongly united in their ongoing and determined efforts to protect religious freedom, the Administrative Committee of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) said in a March 14 statement. The Administrative Committee, chaired by Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan of New York, president of the USCCB, is the highest […]
Rally for religious freedom at Independence Hall
Philadelphia Catholics and pro-life supporters will gather at a Rally for Religious Freedom to voice their concerns regarding the HHS Mandate which Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap., has called, “flawed and dangerous.” Friday, March 23, 2012 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Independence Hall, 500 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia On January 20, the U.S. Department of […]
Former archdiocesan CFO arrested for embezzlement, most losses recovered or insured
The Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s former chief financial officer, Anita Guzzardi, was arrested after turning herself in to Philadelphia detectives March 13. Guzzardi, 42, was charged with five counts mostly of theft stemming from her alleged embezzlement of more than $900,000 in archdiocesan funds from 2005 to summer of 2011, according to a press release from the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office.
Reverend Louis C. Bier placed on administrative leave
Father Louis C. Bier, pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Springfield, Delaware County, has been placed on administrative leave by Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, according to a statement by the archdiocesan Office for Communications March 12. The action came in response to concerns regarding Father Bier’s current suitability for ministry. The concerns are […]
Archbishop holds town hall with Catholic students
Archbishop Charles Chaput hosted an in-person and virtual town hall meeting with student representatives from the 17 archdiocesan Catholic high schools March 8 at the Archdiocesan Pastoral Center in Philadelphia.
Pa. Bishops announce day of prayer, fasting and abstinence for religious liberty
The Catholic Bishops of Pennsylvania have called for Friday, March 30, 2012, to be a day of prayer, fasting and abstinence for religious liberty.
More than 1,000 men gather to grow in their faith, spirituality
The fourth annual Men’s Spirituality Conference, held March 3 at Archbishop Ryan High School in Northeast Philadelphia, broke its own tradition by featuring a woman for the day’s keynote address. It was an extraordinary step, but Immaculee Ilibagiza was an extraordinary speaker. In 1994, during 100 terrible days, Hutu rebels massacred 800,000 Tutsis in Rwanda, […]
Montco coroner releases report on Cardinal Bevilacqua’s death
Suspicion surrounding the death of Cardinal Anthony Bevilacqua, former Archbishop of Philadelphia, has been laid to rest. He died of natural causes Jan. 31 at St. Charles Seminary in Wynnewood, according to Montgomery County Coroner Walter I. Hofman. “Elderly people with pre-existent natural disease often die quite suddenly,” Hofman said March 8 at press conference […]
Retired Bishop Reiss of Trenton, N.J., dies at age 89
TRENTON, N.J. (CNS) — Retired Bishop John C. Reiss of Trenton, who served as auxiliary bishop and bishop in his home diocese, died March 4 at Morris Hall, the diocesan home for the aged in Lawrenceville. He was 89. The eighth ordinary in the diocese’s history, Bishop Reiss served as auxiliary bishop from 1967 to […]
Mary Mother of Captives support group helps families of prisoners
Her name is Maryann and she doesn’t want her last name published. She is a 12-year survivor of breast cancer. She also has a son who is 25. He is in prison serving a term of two to five years. Maryann, 60, attends regular support group meetings for her breast cancer. She also has started […]