News
Recent tragedy frames El Paso gathering in support of migrants
Bishops celebrated Mass at St. Pius X Church in El Paso, Texas, during a Sept. 23-27 pastoral visit. The aim of the visit was to highlight the church's ministry to migrants, the border conditions and immigration laws affecting them, and their material and spiritual needs.
Manila bishop urges Filipinos to have children vaccinated against polio
Philippine health officials declared the outbreak after a 3-year-old girl and a 5-year-old boy reportedly tested positive for the crippling disease, the first cases since 2000, when the country was declared polio-free.
Guatemalan cardinal-designate known for social justice work, speaking out
Despite his work in peripheral dioceses, Cardinal-designate Alvaro Ramazzini Imeri of Huehuetenango has been heard throughout the country.
Decline in baptisms, marriages seen as harbinger, call to community
Since 1961 infant baptisms have dropped 79% and Catholic marriages 69% in the Philadelphia Archdiocese, where the long-term trends will inform future planning. A local priest explains the communal experience of sacraments in parishes.
For Ohio priest, bilingual Mass is in English and American Sign Language
Father David J. Cornett, pastor of Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish in Barnesville, celebrates the 11 a.m. Sunday Mass at Assumption Church in both English and American Sign Language at the same time.
Pro-life leaders cheer low abortion rate, eye complex factors
No single reason exists for the decline in abortions to the lowest number since 1973, but new figures suggest "declines in births and pregnancies overall" as well as recent legal restrictions.
Father Francis Bartos, Vietnam War chaplain, dies at 91
The former pastor of St. Justin Martyr Parish, Narberth served as a U.S. Air Force chaplain for 20 years, earning a Bronze Star and Purple Heart in Vietnam. His funeral Mass will be Sept. 24.
Catholics recall good advice of good St. Pio: Pray, hope, don’t worry
The "gruff, even grumpy" 20th century saint's fierce holiness reflected a deep love for Christ which several area parishes celebrated with Masses, talks and veneration of his relics in honor of his feast day, Sept. 23.
Sexual harassment among U.S. seminarians rare, new study finds
UPDATED - The University of Notre Dame Sept. 21 released a groundbreaking report that found just 6% of seminarians reported experiencing sexual harassment or misconduct, while 90% reported none.
St. Mary Medical Center aims to heal whole person — body and soul
The 357-bed hospital with a trauma unit and rehab facility is one of five remaining Catholic hospitals in the Philadelphia region. St. Mary's, part of Trinity Health, practices pastoral care as much as physical healing.