News
Administration imposes travel restrictions on six African, Asian countries
In a Jan. 31 decision denounced by faith-based groups and immigration advocates, Nigeria, Kyrgyzstan, Tanzania, Eritrea, Sudan and Myanmar were added to a list of nations that "failed to meet minimum security requirements" for U.S. travel visas.
Diocese of Buffalo, N.Y., considering bankruptcy filing
Citing consequences from the abuse scandal, a financial statement lists a $5 million loss for fiscal year 2019. Albany Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger, temporarily leading the diocese, said in a Jan. 30 statement that Chapter 11 is being considered.
Sister Ruth Ruster dies, was convert then religious for 66 years
After her family moved to Philadelphia and entered school, she converted to Catholicism at age 10. She later entered the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth and served until her death at 82.
Science, creativity meet at St. Michael School’s flower show
The parochial school in Levittown, Bucks County celebrated Catholic Schools Week with a flower exhibit and contest that joined horticultural science, history, art and even recycling through an innovative program.
At Villanova U, Vatican expert on abuse crisis speaks of trauma, progress
Jesuit Father Hans Zollner told an audience Jan. 29 how the church is grappling with “institutional traumatization,” its roots in clericalism and current responses including responsibility, accountability and transparency.
Center City parish hosts Sarum Vespers for Candlemas Eve
St. Patrick's Church in Philadelphia will celebrate a Feb. 1 solemn choral Vespers according to the medieval use of Sarum, the regional form of the Latin Rite used in England before the Reformation.
Late great football coach Jim Algeo recalled by LC players
The former legendary coach at Lansdale Catholic died Jan. 20 at age 83. Perhaps more than his magnificent coaching career, his former players reflected on the character and the Catholic faith of their mentor.
Rwandan Catholic Church to build cathedral at former prison
A swap of land with the government means the old, small cathedral in the capital, Kigali, will be replaced with a larger church. It is seen as a sign of improving relations between church and state.
Parties working to get U.S., Russia to discuss nuclear arms reduction
The Vatican is promoting efforts to bring U.S. and Russian negotiators to the table as the New Strategic Arms Limitation Treaty, or New START, is set to expire next year, said an official Jan. 30 in Washington.
Arizona marchers calling for end to abortion, show support for moms
Pro-life advocates staged some 60 demonstrations in January throughout the southwestern state, with speaker Abby Johnson calling for a "transformational" movement during a Jan. 18 rally in Phoenix.