Author Archive
Update: CDC report shows continued decline in U.S. abortion rate
IMAGE: CNS photo/David Maung By WASHINGTON (CNS) — The archbishop who chairs the U.S. bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities cheered news that the abortion rate in the United States continues to shrink, as does the number of abortions overall. "I am gratified that the number of abortions in the United …
From beach to basilica: ‘Sand Nativity’ brings unique style to Vatican
IMAGE: CNS photo/Paul Haring By Junno Arocho Esteves VATICAN CITY (CNS) — From the beach town of New Smyrna, Florida, just a stone’s throw away from Daytona Beach, Rich Varano never imagined his unique talent of sculpting sand would take him to the heart of Christianity. Varano is the artistic …
Catholic migrant advocates have mixed reaction to Tijuana border events
IMAGE: CNS photo/ Kim Kyung-Hoon By David Agren MEXICO CITY (CNS) — The chaotic scene in Tijuana Nov. 25 — when migrants, including women and children, were repelled from the U.S. border with tear gas — prompted the closure of one of the world’s busiest border crossings. It also showed …
International group of women’s superiors urge sisters to report abuse
IMAGE: CNS photo/Sivaram V, Reuters By Carol Glatz VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The International Union of Superiors General has called on women religious who have suffered abuse to come forward and report it to their congregations and church and state authorities. "If the UISG receives a report of abuse, we …
Consumerism is the enemy of generosity, pope says
IMAGE: CNS photo/Vatican Media By Junno Arocho Esteves VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The desire to spend vast amounts on shopping and needless extravagances can prevent Christians from being generous with others, Pope Francis said. "Consumerism is a great disease today. I am not saying that we all do this, no. …
Vatican, World Youth Day officials release pope’s Panama itinerary
IMAGE: CNS photo/Bob Roller By Junno Arocho Esteves VATICAN CITY (CNS) — When Pope Francis visits Panama for World Youth Day in January, he will meet with young people not able to attend the festivities: some in jail and with some living with HIV. He also will dedicate the altar …
Helping others can change the world, pope tells young people
IMAGE: CNS/Paul Haring By Junno Arocho Esteves VATICAN CITY (CNS) — In a video message to young men and women around the world, Pope Francis called on them to provoke an uprising of change by serving others. In helping those who are suffering, both young believers and nonbelievers can find …
People must confront their evil desires, beg God for mercy, pope says
IMAGE: CNS photo/Paul Haring By Carol Glatz VATICAN CITY (CNS) — God handed down his commandments not for people to hypocritically follow the letter of the law with a proud and righteous heart, but for people to recognize the truth of their weaknesses and acknowledge their need for help, healing …
‘Every day is Thanksgiving,’ says Cherokee chief
IMAGE: CNS photo/Sarah Webb, CatholicPhilly.com By Gina Christian PHILADELPHIA (CNS) — Thanksgiving should be a daily attitude rather than an annual observance, according to an American Indian leader in Pennsylvania. Chief Buffy Red Feather Brown, leader of the Southeastern Cherokee Confederacy of Pennsylvania Earth Band, says that a true appreciation …
Huge Catholic-run food pantry creates Thanksgiving blessing for the poor
IMAGE: CNS photo/Katie Rutter By Katie Rutter INDIANAPOLIS (CNS) — Jesus himself might have set the all-time food record when he miraculously served 5,000 men with a few loaves and fish. In this day and age, however, the Indianapolis Council of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul might hold …