News

Sister Clare Graven, I.H.M., longtime educator, dies at 88

The former Julia Theresa Graven of St. Gabriel Parish in Philadelphia and the daughter of Irish immigrants, spent most of her 69 years in religious life serving in Catholic schools.

West Phila. parish makes Christmas bright for area families

St. Cyprian teamed up with five sister parishes in the suburbs and city to bring gifts -- and above all, hope -- to area families hard hit by the COVID pandemic.

Catholic school receives $1M from anonymous donor

A "secret Santa" gifted St. Francis de Sales School in Philadelphia with two years of tuition scholarships, just in time for Christmas.

Supreme Court rules against 2 states on pandemic worship restrictions

Once again siding with houses of worship, the high court ordered lower federal courts in Colorado and New Jersey Dec. 15 to reexamine state-imposed indoor worship restrictions.

Young adults share faith, cultural gifts at Mass in Elkins Park

The third in a series of pilgrimage Masses in the archdiocese brought together young adult leaders representing multicultural Catholic communities with the Office for Pastoral Care of Migrants and Refugees.

Donors stock diaper pantry for Bucks County babies

Catholic Social Services' Levittown center recently received much-needed support for its diaper pantry, thanks to St. Andrew School in Newtown and the Bucks County COVID-19 Recovery Fund.

In Nigeria, nun cares for abandoned children labeled as witches

Since 2007 Sister Matylda Iyang has cared for dozens of malnourished and homeless children abandoned by their mothers -- and worse, including violence and death.

Pope says Vatican City will aim for net-zero carbon emissions

Pope Francis urged everyone to be part of a new culture of care for others and the planet. "The time has come for a change in direction. Let us not rob the new generations of their hope in a better future."

Away with the manger? Vatican’s Nativity scene spurs controversy

People have a right to express their dislike of the untraditional Nativity scene at St. Peter's Square, said a priest who specializes in catechesis through art, but he encouraged a "more mature understanding of their faith."

In predominantly Christian Uganda, some still fear attacks

Millions of Christians in Uganda face persecution from radical Muslims and members of traditional African religions. In the country's decentralized government, one region has become a self-governed Shariah fiefdom.