News
Christmas came early for St. Eleanor’s CYO girls’ volleyball
For the second consecutive season, the team captured the state CYO championship, defeating Pittsburgh’s Louise de Marillac in two sets Nov. 24 at St. John Paul II High School in Royersford.
Amid ‘supercharged’ politics, faithful urged to look to good news of Christmas
The Ukrainian Catholic bishops of the United States said in their Christmas message that Jesus himself "came into a world that was far from neat, peaceful or welcoming." They added that God "will never abandon us as we seek to live in holiness, dignity, and mutual love."
Grenade blast outside Philippine cathedral might have targeted military
A Dec. 22 explosion outside the Catholic cathedral in the city of Cotabato wounded at least 12 people, including eight soldiers on patrol. Attacks in nearby towns that wounded at least eight people may be related, although no group has yet claimed responsibility.
Catholic leaders in Holy Land pray Christmas season will bring justice
In a joint message, the patriarchs and heads of churches in Jerusalem affirmed the "hope and life" brought by Jesus' birth, even amid inequality and war. A separate message condemned the Dec. 21 burning of public Christmas trees in two villages in Galilee.
Latino tradition is a ‘dress rehearsal’ for Christmas
"Las Posadas," which reenact Mary and Joseph's journey to Bethlehem over nine evenings, keep area faithful focused on the true meaning of the holiday through song, Scripture and homemade snacks.
Legionaries report ‘chain of abuse’ as victims went on to abuse others
In a Dec. 21 analysis, the Rome-based order stated that the order's deceased founder, Father Marcial Maciel Degollado, sexually abused at least 60 minors and that at least another 51 youngsters were abused in connection with his actions.
Christmas show turns tears into triumph
After his mother's death last month, Father Angelo Hernandez didn't have the heart to stage his annual kids' Christmas drama -- until he consulted his executive producer.
Pope sets term of office for dean of College of Cardinals
After accepting the resignation of 92-year-old Cardinal Angelo Sodano as the college's dean, Pope Francis changed the norms so that the dean would be elected to a five-year term renewable only once.
‘Christendom no longer exists,’ pope says, explaining need to revamp Curia
Ridigity and fear of change prevent the church from fulfilling its mission to preach the Gospel, Pope Francis told cardinals and Vatican officials at a Dec. 21 meeting. The pope stressed that "at the center of everything is the stability of God."
Released from ICE detention, couple comes home to South Philly for Christmas
Five months after being arrested by immigration officials -- and 20 years after fleeing religious and ethnic persecution -- an Indonesian husband and wife return to family and friends, with stronger faith and hope for eventual U.S. citizenship.