News
Supreme Court agrees to take up Louisiana abortion case this term
It is the first abortion case the court is taking up since Justices Brett Kavanaugh and Neil Gorsuch joined the bench and also without the swing vote of Justice Anthony Kennedy, who retired in 2018.
English bishop: Court considered parents in ruling on brain-damaged child
Auxiliary Bishop John Sherrington of Westminster welcomed a court ruling allowing a brain-damaged girl to be treated in Italy against the wishes of U.K. doctors.
Proclaim God’s word, avoid boring speeches, pope tells new bishops
Ordaining four new bishops, Pope Francis reminded them that a bishop is first and foremost an apostle, not an administrator who doles out dull discourses.
Court urged to hear Louisiana, Indiana abortion cases and overturn Roe
UPDATED - A group of national pro-life leaders gathered outside the Supreme Court Oct. 2 to release a petition with 250,000 signatures calling for the overturn of the 1973 Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton decisions, which legalized abortion virtually on demand nationwide.
Pope accepts New Zealand bishop’s resignation after investigation
Bishop Charles Drennan, who had worked at the Vatican on Popes John Paul II and Benedict XVI, tendered his resignation following an investigation into a complaint made by a young woman of unacceptable sexual behavior of a sexual nature.
On feast of St. Francis, pope joins Amazonians to plant tree at Vatican
At the gathering, Pope Francis welcomed Amazonian church workers and indigenous people ahead of the Oct. 6-27 Synod of Bishops for the Amazon, which he consecrated to the beloved saint known for his care for creation.
Amid conflict and pessimism, St. Rita shrine offers ‘impossible hope’
Through retreats, youth outreach and even a few contests, the South Philadelphia site (devoted to a patron of difficult situations) is bringing a message of peace, forgiveness and patient suffering to the faithful of all ages.
Fewer in number, Father and Sister can’t minister alone
An analysis of the number of priests in the Philadelphia Archdiocese over the past 50 years and projections for the next 20 years shows marked decline in numbers available for ministry, and the need for greater participation by lay people.
Catholic school teachers need not burn out, become cynical, says author
Education is a divine calling that only the Lord himself can sustain, author Jonathan Doyle reminded some 2,000 Catholic school educators during an Oct. 2 professional day held at two area high schools. Teachers need to "get to the end of themselves" and rely on God.
Buffalo bishop says he welcomes Vatican-authorized visitation
For more than a year, Buffalo Bishop Richard Malone has faced questions about how he has handled allegations of abuse against diocesan priests. Brooklyn Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio, leading the visitation, said he will "do my best to learn the facts."