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Catholic News Agency
Catholic homilies shortest of all denominations, study finds
By Christine Rousselle Washington D.C., Dec 16, 2019 / 03:10 pm (CNA).- A new analysis from the Pew Research Center shows that many Catholic priests are holding to Pope Francis’ advice to keep their homilies on the shorter side, especially compared to Protestant denominations. An analysis of nearly 50,000 sermons, …
Catholic dating gets a makeover
By Mary Farrow Washington D.C., Dec 17, 2019 / 03:06 am (CNA).- It all started with a Twitter rant. A single Catholic in D.C. (CNA’s Christine Rousselle, to be exact) sounded off in personal disappointment about a speed dating event that she was attending at a local parish. Per the …
Pope Francis lifts pontifical secret from legal proceedings of abuse trials of clerics
By Hannah Brockhaus Vatican City, Dec 17, 2019 / 04:12 am (CNA).- Pope Francis declared Tuesday that the pontifical secret will no longer apply in cases of accusations and trials involving abuse of minors or vulnerable persons, and in cases of possession of child pornography by clerics. With the instruction …
Bishop Conley announces medical leave of absence from Lincoln diocese
Lincoln, Neb., Dec 13, 2019 / 12:34 pm (CNA).- Bishop James Conley announced Friday that he is taking a medical leave of absence from his ministry as Bishop of Lincoln, Neb. “I have been medically diagnosed with depression and anxiety, along with chronic insomnia and debilitating tinnitus, which is a …
Pope Francis celebrates 50th ordination anniversary by honoring his mentor
By Courtney Mares Vatican City, Dec 13, 2019 / 06:00 am (CNA).- Fifty years ago on Dec. 13, Jorge Mario Bergoglio was ordained a Jesuit priest in Argentina. As pope, he will celebrate his ordination anniversary Friday by honoring one of his early spiritual mentors, Fr. Miguel Angel Fiorito. Fiorito, …
US bishops in Rome ask Pope Francis about McCarrick report
By Courtney Mares Vatican City, Dec 13, 2019 / 09:56 am (CNA).- American bishops from the Midwest met with Pope Francis this week with questions about the outcome of the Vatican’s investigation of Theodore McCarrick. “I did ask about the McCarrick situation. That was something that all of us were …
Archbishop Gomez asks prayers for Francis on his 50th anniversary of priestly ordination
Los Angeles, Calif., Dec 11, 2019 / 03:50 pm (CNA).- As Pope Francis prepares to celebrate the 50th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood Friday, Archbishop Jose Gomez of Los Angeles, president of the U.S. bishop’s conference, is asking Catholics throughout the country to pray for the Pope. “In …
Fact or fiction? Nine popular myths about Our Lady of Guadalupe
Mexico City, Mexico, Dec 12, 2019 / 04:00 am (CNA).- In the 500 years since Our Lady of Guadalupe appeared, the image of Our Lady has become the subject of several popular myths and legends, especially in Mexico, where she appeared. Fr. Eduardo Chávez was the postulator for Juan Diego’s …
Sainthood cause advances for religious sister, educator who fought racism
Baltimore, Md., Dec 11, 2019 / 12:30 am (CNA).- In the race to see who will become the first canonized black American saint, one candidate’s cause has advanced: Mother Mary Lange, a renowned educator and founder of the Oblate Sisters of Providence, the first community of religious sisters in the …
DC basilica attack leaves ‘Mary’s Shrine’ shaken, and at prayer
By Matt Hadro Washington D.C., Dec 10, 2019 / 04:55 pm (CNA).- A violent attack at “Mary’s Shrine” in Washington D.C. on Tuesday shook the community and prompted prayer and solidarity among staff and regular attendees. “It was evil, it was tragic—it could have been worse,” Monsignor Vito Buonanno, associate …