News
CELAM presidents voice support for pope, pledge to fight regional crisis
Presidents of the 22 Latin American and Caribbean bishops' conferences have expressed their support for Pope Francis and their commitment to address the region's challenges through pastoral work.
Seven become new priests as families, friends share in joy
Archbishop Charles Chaput ordained new priests for service in the Philadelphia Archdiocese May 18 at the standing-room-only Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul. For the seven, it's a dream come true.
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.