IMAGE: CNS photo/Bob Roller By Carol Zimmermann ORLANDO, Fla. (CNS) — From July 1-4 the main floor of the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Orlando was transformed into a huge parish hall with places for worship, prayer, discussion, and even coffee and doughnuts during the “Convocation of Catholic Leaders: The Joy …

By Dennis Sadowski ORLANDO, Fla. (CNS) — For some it was about keeping young people in the church. Others wanted to hear about diocesan ministries in another locale and perhaps bring an idea home. A few more were glad they could be heard by a bishop or two. Whatever their …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Max Rossi, Reuters By Carol Glatz VATICAN CITY (CNS) — While there had been problems and complaints in the past, the Vatican-owned Bambino Gesu Children’s Hospital was working resolve them, said Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican secretary of state, who oversees the hospital. In responding to an investigative …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Bob Roller By Dennis Sadowski ORLANDO, Fla. (CNS) — Jesus took a few loaves and fishes and turned them into a feast for thousands, offering the church an example of faith in action, Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston said in sending 3,500 delegates home from the “Convocation …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Bob Roller By Carol Zimmermann ORLANDO, Fla. (CNS) — Delegates at the “Convocation of Catholic Leaders. The Joy of the Gospel in America” have their work cut out for them but they are equipped to do it, said speakers at the final plenary session July 4. “The saints …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Bob Roller By Carol Zimmermann ORLANDO, Fla. (CNS) — In the July 3 closing Mass for the Fortnight for Freedom, Baltimore Archbishop William E. Lori called on Catholics to thank God for the gift of freedom and to pray that they “use this gift well and wisely.” “It’s …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Shannon Stapleton, Reuters By Rhina Guidos WASHINGTON (CNS) — Agencies and organizations that help refugees start new lives in the U.S. worry about the fate that awaits migrants in transit as well as those who will not be allowed into the country as the partial ban that the …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Bob Roller By Dennis Sadowski ORLANDO, Fla. (CNS) — Being Christian is more than accepting Jesus as savior, but requires the faithful to go to the peripheries of society where people are struggling materially and spiritually, Archbishop Jose H. Gomez of Los Angeles told the “Convocation of Catholic …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Alonso Cupul, EPA By Junno Arocho Esteves VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The international community must not remain resigned to the plight of those suffering hunger and malnutrition, which is often caused by indifference and selfishness, Pope Francis said. In a message to the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization …

IMAGE: CNS/family handout, courtesy Featureworld By Carol Glatz VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis called for respecting the wishes of a terminally ill child’s parents to accompany and care for their child “until the end.” Greg Burke, Vatican spokesman, said the pope was following “with affection and emotion” the events …