News
Abuse survivor, advocate for other survivors, dies at 69
Phil Saviano, who was abused by a Catholic parish priest when he was a child in the 1970s and who as an adult in 2002 helped shed light on clergy sex abuse in the Archdiocese of Boston, died Nov. 28. His advocacy led to major reforms in the church.
‘A Soulful Christmas’ returns to Kimmel Center Dec. 14
The inspiring gathering of regional choirs -- including the Philadelphia Catholic Gospel Mass Choir -- will perform holiday spirituals and gospel favorites featuring a soloist, musicians, dancers and words by pastors, including a Catholic priest.
Father Richard McAndrews dies, was pastor of Epiphany, Plymouth Meeting
One of 10 children raised in Good Shepherd Parish in West Philadelphia, he was ordained in 1967. He served at several parishes, taught at Cardinal Dougherty High School and was pastor until 2009, ministering actively until 2016.
Sainthood causes advance, including priest murdered at Dachau
Pope Francis cleared the way for the canonization of a 20th-century martyr, the Dutch Carmelite friar Blessed Titus Brandsma, murdered by the Nazis for defending Jews and press freedom. Several other causes were also approved.
Paris archbishop denies report, offers to resign to avoid being divisive
A news article claimed Archbishop Michel Aupetit of Paris mismanaged his archdiocese and had an affair with a woman while he was vicar general. He has opposed liberal legislation on abortion, euthanasia and bioethics.
Congress urged to pass bill protecting health care workers
The Conscience Protection Act, introduced in Congress by a Catholic physician, would prohibit government discrimination against health care providers who object to participating in medical procedures, namely abortion.
After racist comments, Catholic University replaces stolen icon with copy
The university's law school had displayed an icon of Mary holding Jesus, whom some thought to resemble George Floyd. A storm of comments on social media ensued and the icon was stolen. CUA replaced it with a copy.
St. Agatha-St. James’ new mosaic reflects its multicultural faithful
In a city that is famous for its colorful murals, a new mosaic, “That All May Be One” was blessed at the West Philadelphia parish and Penn-Drexel Newman Center. It faithfully captures the spirit of multicultural community.
Closing assembly, Latin American church leaders call for synodal church
Nearly 1,000 church leaders -- lay and religious -- from Latin America and the Caribbean called for a more inclusive church, one that pays attention to people's realities and takes the Gospel to the peripheries of society.
Church not as committed to economic pastoral 35 years later, say panelists
Poverty, unemployment and the experience of the Black community and immigrants "are still with us today," but "domestic workers, farmworkers, child care aides" are not part of the discussion on the economy addressed in 1986's "Economic Justice for All."