News
With no Ash Wednesday Masses, bishops in northern Italy share prayers
Parishes in several dioceses offered alternative ways to begin the celebration of Lent, as liturgies were cancelled to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
As Great Fast begins, Ukrainian Catholic prelate seeks forgiveness
Metropolitan-Archbishop Borys Gudziak of the Archeparchy of Philadelphia asked the faithful to begin Lent by pardoning him for "offenses and unfulfilled expectations," and urged them to do the same for each other.
Appeals court upholds Trump administration’s Title X ‘Protect Life Rule’
In a Feb. 24 decision, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed the ban on using taxpayer funds to promote or provide abortion as family planning.
Men invited for inspiration, encouragement at Man Up Philly
The 12th annual Man Up Philly Conference is set for March 7 and seeks to energize men through prayer, impactful talks and community. Speakers include former Eagles tight end Brent Celek, Immaculee Ilibagiza and Steve Bollman, with Archbishop Perez celebrating Mass.
Reconciling oneself to God leads to healing, pope says in Lenten message
Pope Francis called for increased compassion and "personally participating in the building of a better world" in observing Lent, which begins on Feb. 26 for Latin-rite Catholics.
Catholic Charities Appeal wins at Sixers game
A Feb. 20 match helped benefit the campaign, which raises vital funds for an array of archdiocesan ministries that assist tens of thousands. Catholic Human Services secretary James Amato received an official team shirt, to the delight of several program clients.
Supreme Court to examine religious liberty, foster care by same-sex couples
The court announced Feb. 24 that it will examine if the city of Philadelphia can exclude Catholic Social Services from the city's placement program, since the agency will not accept same-sex couples as foster parents.
Mexican bishops call for action, boosting families as femicide increases
Recent brutal murders, with one victim just 7 years old, have sparked outrage across Mexico, forcing the nation to "confront an authentic educational emergency" that signals a loss of "the basic references of getting along together," the bishops said.
Australian High Court releases submissions for Cardinal Pell’s appeal
On March 11, the court will decide whether to grant the prelate a final chance to be cleared of historic child sexual abuse crimes. If leave is not granted, the cardinal will return to prison and serve out his term, at least 32 more months.
Mediterranean must be crossroad of peace, dialogue, pope says
Pope Francis condemned a "growing attitude of indifference and even rejection" of the poor and migrants as he addressed 60 bishops from Europe, the Middle East and North Africa Feb. 23 at the end of a five-day meeting in the Italian coastal city of Bari.