News
Swiss bishops say ‘marriage equality’ proposal ignores rights of children
Switzerland's proposed law is an attempt to resolve "problems of discrimination by ignoring the differences" between a civil union and a marriage, said the country's bishops.
Jupiter, Saturn to put on ‘Christmas Star’ show at winter solstice
The Great Conjunction of 2020 will yield an expected spectacular astronomical sight involving the two planets unseen in nearly eight centuries. The "Star of Bethlehem" points to the birth of Jesus.
40 Catholic eighth graders awarded full scholarships to high school
The Connelly Foundation has awarded its 2021 Neumann Scholars, who competed among 459 grade-school students. The four-year awards allow the winners to attend the archdiocesan high school of their choosing.
Funeral set for Father Raymond Himsworth, retired pastor
A priest who knew the name of each of his parishioners, he was the beloved pastor emeritus of St. James Parish, Elkins Park, where his funeral will be celebrated Dec. 12.
Pope proclaims year dedicated to St. Joseph
Pope Francis proclaimed a yearlong celebration dedicated to the foster father of Jesus. The pope said the saint is "an intercessor, a support and a guide in times of trouble."
Pope says Catholics can receive plenary indulgence for Guadalupe devotion
With the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe closed for her feast to prevent the spread of COVID-19, Pope Francis said Catholics still can receive blessings Dec. 11 and 12 under certain conditions.
Virus halts Guadalupe processions, but not other ways to safely celebrate feast
The annual huge procession swirling through downtown Houston in honor of the Dec. 12 feast day of Our Lady of Guadalupe has been canceled because of the pandemic, organizers said.
As pandemic devastates Latin America, pope prays to St. Juan Diego
Marked the feast day of St. Juan Diego Dec. 9, Pope Francis sought the intercession of the first Indigenous saint of the Americas, "whom Our Lady of Guadalupe chose as her envoy."
Immaculate Conception ‘a spiritual force’ during pandemic, says priest
The Dec. 8 solemnity, marking Mary's divine preservation from original sin, "allows God to prepare us for a new indwelling of his Son" during Christmas amid COVID, said Father Dennis Gill.
Seniors create messages of peace, beauty at Christmas
Older adults served by archdiocesan Catholic Housing and Community Services shared their artistic visions for the holiday in the agency's first-ever Christmas card contest.