News

Vatican officials support continued care of man in vegetative state

The cardinal and archbishop issued a statement May 21 regarding the case of Vincent Lambert, a 42-year-old French man who has been in a vegetative state since being involved in a motorcycle accident in 2008.

Brazilian bishop accused of theft, covering up abuse resigns

Bishop Vilson Dias de Oliveira, 60, is being investigated by authorities for extortion of priests, mismanagement of the diocese's funds and covering up alleged cases of abuse against minors by area priests. His resignation was announced May 17.

Officials say Vatican must continue to monitor financial activity

Any time money changes hands, there is a potential for financial misconduct, but the leaders of the Vatican's Financial Information Authority said the Holy See has made enormous strides in reducing its risks.

Virginia woman makes whimsical wigs for children experiencing hair loss

Holly Christensen converted her one-car garage into a wig-making workshop and invited her friends to help. In just a few years, the Magic Yarn Project has sent more than 16,500 yarn wigs to children experiencing hair loss.

Merger of 4 city parishes into one akin to Emmaus journey

With the merging on July 1 of Nativity, St. Adalbert, Mother of Divine Grace and St. George into a single parish for Port Richmond, Father James Olson told his parishioners that "together we will see where the Holy Spirit is leading us.”

South Philly students write their own children’s books

At a May 3 celebration, kids at St. Gabriel's Out of School Time program debuted their new releases while unveiling a new library at the site, one of 12 operated by archdiocesan Catholic Social Services.

Summer camps deepen young men’s faith while they’re having fun

Starting in June, the archdiocesan Vocation Office for the Diocesan Priesthood will offer three sessions that combine spirituality, study and works of mercy, plus a splash in the pool and a trip to the art museum.

El Salvador lays to rest another priest presumably killed by gangs

Father Cecilio Perez Cruz, 35, was found dead in his home May 18 with a note that said he had not paid "rent," a gang euphemism for extortion money. He had denounced environmental problems in the area.

Funeral pays tribute to homeless man who lived by Indianapolis cathedral

William "Paco" Pryor never considered himself homeless during the more than 20 years that he lived behind SS. Peter and Paul Cathedral in Indianapolis. Instead, he found his own version of what most people long for in a "home" -- a place where he was welcomed and embraced by people who cared about him.

Former Jerusalem patriarch: Time to move away from war

Seemingly addressing U.S. President Donald Trump, Archbishop Sabbah said since the president says he believes in the Bible, he should read it and pay attention to what is written there about peace.