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Catholic News Agency
Denver initiative aims to reduce barriers between Catholics, lonely seniors
By Jonah McKeown Denver, Colo., Dec 22, 2019 / 04:01 pm (CNA).- When John O’Brien was in high school, his father, while only in his forties, was admitted to an assisted living facility because of Pick’s disease, a rare disorder similar to Alzheimer’s. “I spent many nights of my high …
Catholics in Camden help working families get homes of their own
By Kevin Jones Camden, N.J., Dec 23, 2019 / 07:19 am (CNA).- Affordable housing is a problem for many Americans, but for the low-income residents of Camden, a Catholic non-profit is working hard to make sure they have the budgeting skills, the life skills, and the community connections to become …
Benedict XVI creates foundation for Catholic journalism in Germany
Würzburg, Germany, Dec 20, 2019 / 10:24 am (CNA).- In what came as a surprise to many members of the Catholic elite in Germany, Pope emeritus Benedict XVI has launched a foundation for Catholic journalism in his home country. “I want the Catholic voice to be heard,” the retired Roman …
Erie diocese opens sainthood cause of lay educator, advocate for those with disabilities
By Mary Farrow Erie, Pa., Dec 20, 2019 / 03:45 pm (CNA).- When Dr. Gertrude Barber became the assistant superintendent of the Erie School District in Pennsylvania, the standard practice for educating children with disabilities and special needs was to institutionalize them. This did not sit well with Barber, who …
Pope Francis accepts resignation of dean of cardinals, sets 5-year term limit
By Hannah Brockhaus Vatican City, Dec 21, 2019 / 07:54 am (CNA).- Pope Francis Saturday accepted the resignation of Cardinal Angelo Sodano as dean of the College of Cardinals and declared that the position will now have a five-year term limit with the possibility of renewal. Previously, cardinal dean, considered …
What a decade! A look at the biggest Catholic stories of the 2010s
Vatican City, Dec 21, 2019 / 04:00 am (CNA).- When Church historians look back on the last ten years, they’ll have several historic and important moments to study. And Catholics who’ve lived through the last decade may feel that changes, often one right after another, were both dizzying and exciting. …
SCOTUS to hear Catholic school religious freedom cases
by Christine Rousselle Washington D.C., Dec 18, 2019 / 06:00 pm (CNA).- The U.S. Supreme Court will decide two religious freedom cases concerning Catholic schools during its upcoming term, the court announced on Wednesday, Dec. 18. The court consolidated the cases Our Lady of Guadalupe School v. Morrissey-Berru and St. …
Does ‘The Two Popes’ fairly represent Francis and Benedict? Critics say ‘no’
By Hannah Brockhaus Vatican City, Dec 18, 2019 / 11:36 am (CNA).- A new Netflix production, “The Two Popes” centers on several imagined meetings between Pope Benedict XVI and Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio in the period between the 2005 conclave which elected Benedict and the 2013 conclave which elected Pope Francis. …
Cathedral in Iraq’s largest Christian town to be rebuilt in 2020
By Courtney Mares Mosul, Iraq, Dec 19, 2019 / 03:01 am (CNA).- The Great Al-Tahira Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Bakhdida remains charred black inside, five years after the Islamic State plundered and set it aflame; however, in 2020 the Syriac Catholic cathedral will be restored as Iraq’s largest Christian community …
Pope Francis: Nativity scenes show a ‘domestic Gospel’
By Hannah Brockhaus Vatican City, Dec 18, 2019 / 03:12 am (CNA).- Pope Francis Wednesday called Christmas nativity scenes a “domestic Gospel,” which helps to make the Holy Family present in one’s home. He also encouraged every family to have one in their home at Christmas time. During his last …