News
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."
Agency works to end hunger, one jar at a time
Throughout October, archdiocesan Nutritional Development Services will collect 50,000 pounds of peanut butter and jelly to stock food cupboards throughout the five-county area. The lunchtime favorite plays a key role in preventing malnutrition.
Forgiveness for brother’s killer was act of Christian love, Dallas bishop says
Brandt Jean forgave former Dallas police officer Amber Guyger in court, and gave her a hug, after a jury convicted her of fatally shooting Jean's brother, Botham. The act deeply impressed Bishop Edward Burns, who prayed "we can all follow the example of this outstanding young man."
St. Genevieve Parish Lecture Series- “Ashley Garecht-Harassed But Not Silenced”
Ashley Garecht, who was harassed by State Rep. Brian Sims while praying at a Planned Parenthood facility in Center City, will speak on why & how she began praying for life outside Planned Parenthood facilities, her harassment by Rep. Sims & the fallout resulting from that harassment.
Synod document is to aid discussion, not be church teaching, cardinal says
Brazilian Cardinal Claudio Hummes said the working document for the Synod of Bishops for the Amazon is not official church teaching, but rather a way for bishops to listen to the local church's concerns.
Peru’s church leaders call for end to corruption amid political crisis
Peruvian church leaders called for dialogue and an end to corruption amid a political crisis that erupted Sept. 30, when President Martin Vizcarra dissolved Congress and the legislature then voted to remove him from office.