News
Christmas bazaar sign of vibrancy at St. Athanasius Parish
The Northwest Philadelphia parish, home to two churches and a Catholic school, invited the community to its fun daytime event and hosted an evening cabaret. The parish boasts numerous ministries and clubs.
Pope blesses statues of baby Jesus, ‘face of the neediest’
Pope Francis invited children to pause in prayer on Christmas Day and, like Jesus, to be bridges where they live. "What is better, building bridges or walls?" he asked them. "Bridges," they shouted.
Prayers of the old are powerful, pope tells elderly peers
On the eve of his 83rd birthday, Pope Francis met with a group that defends the rights of older workers. "Talk to young people," he said, "not to clobber them" but "to sow something. This dialogue is the future."
Marking 50 years as priest, pope presents writings of his mentor
Pope Francis personally presented a multi-volume collection of writings Dec. 13 by his longtime spiritual director, the late Jesuit Father Miguel Angel Fiorito, calling it a "distillation" of "spiritual mercy."
‘God has all of me:’ Crisis led woman to life as virgin
Next May, Miriam Marston, 38, will wear a white dress, receive a ring and stand in front of the altar. The former agnostic, having fallen in love with God, will be consecrated to him in one of the oldest rites of the church.
U.S. clothing drive helps babies in Christ’s hometown
The ask was simple: "Swaddling clothes needed." A collection of onesies by Washington's Franciscan Monastery will help swaddle some of the 4,700 babies born each year in Holy Familiy Hospital, Bethlehem.
Nebraska bishop to take medical leave of absence
At the request of Bishop James Conley of Lincoln, Pope Francis granted his temporary leave due to what the bishop said was medically diagnosed depression and anxiety. He will undergo "the best psychological and medical treatment available"
Key kicks, late TD seal close 19-15 state title for Archbishop Wood
Defense, offense and special teams all contributed to the Vikings' PIAA Class 5A state championship Dec. 6, the program’s third state title in three years and sixth in the past nine.
Pressed into service, a junior leads Prep to state football title
With star quarterback Kyle McCord sidelined with an injury, St. Joseph's Prep relied on backup QB Malik Cooper to run the offense and, with a stellar defense, win the PIAA Class 6A championship.
Detained by ICE, family longs to be home in South Philly for Christmas
A Catholic Indonesian couple have been in separate Pennsylvania prisons since July, away from their two daughters, while federal immigration procedures wend slowly and at great cost. Still, their faith remains unshaken.