News

Christ ‘meets, but does not leave us where we are,’ says archbishop

The Lord finds us wherever we are, but invites us to "something better," said Archbishop Nelson Pérez during a Sept. 21 pastoral visit to Archbishop Ryan High School.

Bishops in Belgium authorize prayer for committed gay couples

The bishops said the decision reflects "a need for a recognition" of same-sex unions, "on the condition it is clear that it is not equivalent to a wedding blessing." The Vatican had not yet commented as of Sept. 20.

Pope decries savagery, monstrosities against people in Ukraine

At his Sept. 21 general audience, Pope Francis urged faithful to pray for the "noble and martyred" Ukrainian populace, amid the seventh month of a Russian invasion that has resulted atrocities and threats of nuclear force.

Grace plays key role in restoring mental health, says priest

"The darkness we can't see behind is not the end," said Father Marc Capizzi of St. Andrew Parish in Newtown, as the nation marks Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.

Bishop Shanahan HS college fair readies students for life beyond graduation

Representatives from some 120 colleges and universities throughout the U.S. -- plus a two schools from Ireland -- will be on hand at the Sept. 27 event, which is free and open to all area high school students and their families.

Bishops speak against transport of migrants; it ‘offends God,’ says one

Sending migrants to out-of-state cities, as two governors have so far done, "destroys society and shows how low individuals can (stoop) for personal gains," said San Antonio Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller.

New crisis pregnancy guide ‘more important than ever,’ says agency director

"Peace Be With You," released by the archdiocesan Office for Life and Family, contains more than 90 pages of area outreaches and social supports for those at risk for abortion, and those grieving a miscarriage or seeking post-abortion healing.

Papal envoy delivers aid to Ukraine under gunfire

Polish Cardinal Konrad Krajewski said in a Sept. 17 interview he and fellow clergy escaped attack while delivering humanitarian aid to suffering Ukrainians on Pope Francis' behalf.

Bishop Robert Maginnis, retired auxiliary of Philadelphia, dies at age 88

The Philadelphia native, who passed away Sept. 14 after a lengthy illness, left "an indelible legacy of missionary discipleship" that touched countless lives, said Archbishop Nelson Pérez, who will be the principal celebrant of the Sept. 22 funeral.

Pakistani bishops say they need more help after deadly flooding

Record monsoons have created a dire need for emergency food, structural repairs and medical aid, said three bishops whose dioceses have been hit hard.