News
Children separated under Trump policy to be reunited with families
The Biden administration is seeking to reunite more than 1,000 families and at least 2,342 children affected by the Trump administration's "zero tolerance" family separation policy.
Decades of marriage honored at wedding anniversary Mass
Some 120 couples gathered for a May 1 liturgy celebrated by Archbishop Nelson Pérez, who said "a connection with Christ was essential” to living out the sacrament of matrimony amid "ups and downs."
Transitional deacons to be ordained for Philadelphia this Saturday
Archbishop Nelson Perez will ordain six deacons for the archdiocese and three for other dioceses at the cathedral May 8. All are invited to participate prayerfully via livestream.
Homelessness ministry ‘the very visible face of God,’ says archbishop
During a recent visit, Archbishop Nelson Pérez thanked staff and volunteers at St. John's Hospice in Philadelphia for bringing "incredible" help and hope to those struggling to find permanent housing.
Biden raises cap on refugee admissions to U.S., but with caveat
The president will raise the historically low refugee cap of 15,000 left by the Trump administration. But the new number of refugees, 62,500, might not be resettled in what remains of the fiscal year. Biden cited undoing "the damage of the last four years."
Agency launches appeal to help India’s response to COVID-19
Catholic Near East Welfare Association, based in New York, has begun an emergency campaign to help India's local churches respond to the escalating COVID-19 crisis. India has 20 million reported cases, second only to the U.S.
First Communion recipient overcomes obstacle, gives hope to others
Carson Crosby has a genetic disease that prevents him from consuming food and drink orally. Since the Eucharist may not be received through a feeding tube, his family worked with their pastor and bishop to find a solution he could tolerate.
Lebanese sanctuary where Mary, Jesus rested is ‘very holy land’
Tradition says Mary waited for her son Jesus while he was preaching in Sidon and Tyre, thus the name, "Our Lady of Mantara," or "waiting." Today, pilgrims pray in the cave shrine and "like to see the Virgin Mary waiting" for them.
Pope to institute formal ‘ministry of catechist’
The formal ministry of the Catholic Church will be detailed in a new papal letter coming May 11. Some 3 million catechists teach and lead people to good works in Catholic parishes worldwide and, increasingly, lead mission communities.
New saint a ‘great blessing’ for persons with disabilities, say local advocates
The recent canonization of Margaret of Castello, who suffered visual and physical impairments, shows "God can do great things for us and through us when we keep our hearts fully open to him," say pastoral and educational leaders.