News
Immigration policy ‘will have terrible human consequences,’ bishop says
In the statement, Bishop Joe S. Vasquez, of Austin, Texas, warned of the consequences to communities, including more separation of families and increasing fear among immigrant communities in the U.S.
Taking Way of Cross through streets shows support for migrants, refugees
The event was organized in response to the news that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers were to begin carrying out deportation orders for some immigrants July 14 in 10 cities nationwide, including Baltimore.
Texas faith leaders say chaplains shouldn’t be banned from executions
More than 180 faith leaders in Texas, including 18 Catholics, signed a statement sent to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice July 23 asking the agency to change its policy banning prison chaplains from execution chambers.
Pilgrims find healing, renewal in waters of Canadian lake
Thousands of pilgrims came for the 130th annual Lac Ste. Anne Pilgrimage July 20-25 in Alberta. Indigenous people for millennia have come to the site for healing. The Sioux called it God's Lake, the Cree called it Spirit Lake and Christian missionaries named it for Mary's mother.
Mercy Sister Mary Ellen O’Connell, 81, dies after long education ministry
The former principal of St. Catherine of Siena School, Horsham and St. Paul School, Allentown taught children for many years and later helped adults preparing for their GED and with computer training.
Dominick Bucciarelli, former head of St. Vincent de Paul Society, dies at 81
The husband and father of seven children was an active member of St. Anselm Parish for many years and president of the social outreach society on the parish and archdiocesan levels.
Sister of Mercy Margaret Rastatter, longtime teacher, dies at 92
The former studies director at Archbishop Ryan High School and vice-principal at Little Flower High School taught in elementary and high schools in the Philadelphia Archdiocese, and loved to travel.
Church official warns lawmakers over Duterte’s death penalty bid
The church official called the death penalty "anti-life" and "anti-poor" and that instituting it would not reduce crime.
Delco native, St. Joseph Sister Eileen Kean, 89, dies
Raised in Sacred Heart Parish in Manoa, she entered the congregation in 1949 and would go on to minister in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and the dioceses of Allentown, Harrisburg and Trenton.
Sister Jordan Marie Goeke, longtime hospital nurse, dies at 95
A member of the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia for 71 years, the Trenton native ministered as a nurse and supervisor for almost a half-century in Philadelphia, plus service throughout the Mid-Atlantic region.