News
Iraq announces COVID-19 restrictions ahead of papal trip
Due to rising cases of the virus, the government announced the closure of mosques and churches "until further notice," including throughout the visit of the pope, who called himself "the pastor of people who are suffering."
Pope marks anniversary of Christians martyred in Libya
Marking the sixth anniversary of the beheading of 21 Christians on a beach in Libya, Pope Francis said on the Day of Contemporary Martyrs that they gave witness to Christ through their martyrdom.
Spanish lawyers act to prevent removal of crosses by local officials
Local officials in Spain are trying to remove crosses in public parks and streets, claiming that Christian symbols are linked with the country's former dictatorship.
Black priest a model for racial healing in church, society, says pastor
Father Augustus Tolton, now on the path to sainthood, can show "what it means to be one nation under God" and one church receiving "the same holy Eucharist," said Father Stephen Thorne of St. Martin de Porres Parish.
Cathedral rites on Ash Wednesday to mark start of Lent
Archbishop Nelson Perez will celebrate Mass Feb. 17 at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul -- see our link for the livestream -- as Christians around the world begin their 40-day Lenten journey.
Food giveaway draws crowds in ‘moment of evangelization’
Cars and pedestrians lined city streets for a Feb. 6 archdiocesan distribution at a Northeast Philadelphia parish, whose pastor called the event "an invitation to connect with God."
Vaccine access one of many fights facing vulnerable Global South
The global network of Catholic charities has been reminding the international community that poorer countries "will be last on the list" to receive the vaccine, and they are challenged by lack of infrastructure.
Dispensation from Sunday Mass in Detroit expires March 13
Although the obligation to attend Sunday Mass and holy days will return in the Archdiocese of Detroit, the archbishop will allow exceptions for the sick, elderly and those with "significant fear or anxiety of becoming ill by being at Mass."
Catholic agency gets $1 million grant to help fire-devastated cities
The grant from the Center for Disaster Philanthropy to Catholic Charities USA will allow 10 Catholic Charities agencies to deliver aid over the next 12 to 18 months in Colorado, California, Oregon and Washington.
After 11 months, what is there left to give up this Lent?
The age-old question "What are you giving up for Lent?" has new meaning this year. On the heels of the coronavirus and many challenges, many believe this Lent should be a time for deep reflection.