News
Brother James Gavin, beloved Franciscan friar, dies at 89
The Capuchin Franciscan was born to a large family in Ireland and eventually made his way to Pennsylvania and, through religious life, a 20-year assignment at St. John the Evangelist Parish in center city Philadelphia where he was humble but not meek.
Catholic high school graduate drafted, signs with Kansas City Royals
Shane Panzini, who attended Red Bank Catholic High School in New Jersey, said "it felt really cool" to graduate to the majors.
N.J. Catholic high school alum breaks world record to win 400m hurdle gold
Sydney McLaughlin crossed the finish line to win the gold in the 400-meter hurdles Aug. 3 in Tokyo, as former classmates from Union Catholic High School in Scotch Plains cheered at home.
Congo’s bishops want an end to attacks on Catholic Church, its leaders
A pattern of church bombings, vandalism and verbal attacks in the African nation poses "a serious attack on freedom of religion and expression" and "a violation of democracy," said conference secretary Father Donatien Nshole in an Aug. 2 statement.
CDC urges continuation of public health rule that keeps out migrants
The Biden administration announced Aug. 2 it would continue to turn away migrants at U.S. border crossings to keep COVID-19 at bay.
Pope appeals for aid to Lebanon, still suffering one year after blast
After one of history's largest non-nuclear explosions killed at least 214 and displaced 300,000, Pope Francis called upon the world to aid the Middle East nation "not only with words but with concrete actions."
Sister Mary Heenan, ministering in Phila. region, dies at 79
A sister of St. Joseph since 1960 and formerly known as Sister Joseph Constance, the native of Atlantic City served in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and the Diocese of Trenton. Funeral services will be livestreamed Aug. 5.
Mass for Cuba and its people set for Aug. 8 in Phila.
Archbishop Nelson Perez will celebrate the Mass on Sunday afternoon at Holy Innocents Church in Philadelphia in solidarity with the people who led protests recently in response to civil unrest. All are welcome to attend.
MagniFest raises songs of praise in Chester County
More than 100 people including young adults and families enjoyed the first of a three-night summer concert series on a warm evening July 31 at St. Mary of Providence Center in Elverson. Two more concerts are set for Aug. 7 and 14, the latter including Mass and a talk.
Vatican releases rules for online learning for ecclesiastical universities
In an Aug. 2 statement, the Congregation for Catholic Education encouraged pontifical universities to expand course access to prisoners, migrants, the homeless, monks, contemplative nuns and even busy bishops.