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In message for World Sick Day, pope calls for health care for all

Praying for the sick and those who help them, Pope Francis called on Christians to practice what they preach, including by guaranteeing equal access to health care for all people.

St. Rita Shrine’s RAW deal offers prayer, healing

The South Philadelphia national shrine has begun a monthly gathering that focuses participants on reconciliation, adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and personal witness.

Two Catholic members of Congress reflect on Capitol attack, work ahead

Catholic Congressmen and daily communicants from Nebraska and Montana called the Jan. 6 assault in the name of justice "twisted" and a threat to "the idea of America."

Police, priest bring warmth to cold streets

Oblate Father Steven Wetzel and members of the Michael the Archangel Ministry recently distributed winter gear to clients of Kensington-based St. Francis Inn.

What Democrats’ Georgia wins mean for Senate’s future, Biden agenda

The wins by Jon Ossoff and the Rev. Raphael Warnock will give Democrats control of both houses of Congress. That means "more power-sharing in general," said one expert, due to the 50-50 split between the parties for the first time since 2001.

Washington pastors reflect on Capitol attack that hit close to home

For Father William Gurnee and Father Gary Studniewski, the attack was personal. Before becoming priests, one served as a Capitol Hill staffer and the other was a captain in the U.S. Army. Now they both lead parishes near the Capitol.

Jesuit priest will deliver invocation at Biden’s presidential inauguration

Jesuit Father Leo O'Donovan will offer prayers at the presidential inauguration of Joe Biden Jan. 20. The priest, a former president of Georgetown University, is a friend of the Biden family who was the main celebrant at the funeral Mass for Biden's son Beau.

Federal appeals court blocks Trump order on refugee resettlement

The ruling means that resettlement agencies no longer must approach each individual government jurisdiction in which they help refugees put down roots. Overall, 42 governors and more than 100 local authorities had agreed to continue refugee resettlement.

Christians lift others up by listening, sharing God’s love, pope says

Jesus saves, not with "a show of force" but "by coming to meet us and taking our sins upon himself," the pope said Jan. 10, the feast of the Baptism of the Lord. Because Jesus wants to be with sinners "he gets in line with them" at his baptism "to immerse himself in the same condition we are in."

Pope too felt ‘caged’ during lockdown, but ‘took life as it came’

Pope Francis reflected on the COVID-19 restrictions and said that receiving the COVID vaccine, when available, was "the ethical option because you are playing with your health, life, but you also are playing with the lives of others."