Author Archive
Amid these trying times, faithful urged to look to good news of Christmas
IMAGE: CNS photo/courtesy Ukrainian Archeparchy of Philadelphia By PHILADLEPHIA (CNS) — In a world and culture that makes believers weary and wary, the Ukrainian Catholic bishops of the United States in a Christmas pastoral message reminded all of the faithful that Jesus didn’t have it so easy himself, being born …
Everyday Heroes: NFL kicker’s friendship with teammate strengthens faith
IMAGE: CNS photo/Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports via Reuters By Andrew Fowler Catholic faith is a big part of Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker’s life, which also includes dozens of accolades acquired since joining the NFL in 2017. But while attending Georgia Tech, that wasn’t the case. At that point, …
Before Christmas, Pope Francis meets with children, talks about St. Joseph
IMAGE: CNS photo/Vatican Media By VATICAN CITY (CNS) — When a group of children sang a belated "Happy Birthday" to Pope Francis and gave him a big cake, he needed to think twice before not eating some of it before lunch. "The cake looks good," the pope told children served …
Legionaries report ‘chain of abuse’ as victims went on to abuse others
IMAGE: CNS photo/courtesy Legionaries of Christ By Cindy Wooden ROME (CNS) — Demonstrating a strong "chain of abuse," the Legionaries of Christ said its founder, the late Father Marcial Maciel Degollado, sexually abused at least 60 minors and that at least another 51 youngsters were abused by Father Maciel’s victims …
Pope sets term of office for dean of College of Cardinals
IMAGE: CNS photo/Paul Haring By Cindy Wooden VATICAN CITY (CNS) — After accepting the resignation of 92-year-old Cardinal Angelo Sodano as dean of the College of Cardinals, Pope Francis changed the norms of the office so that the dean would be elected to a five-year term renewable only once. Cardinal …
‘Christendom no longer exists,’ pope says, explaining need to revamp Curia
IMAGE: CNS photo/Paul Haring By Cindy Wooden VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The ongoing reform of the Roman Curia is a necessary part of the Catholic Church’s fidelity to its mission to proclaim the Gospel, recognizing that very few countries today can be described as "Christian" and that new ways of …
Update: At year’s end, humanitarian aid for migrants moves across border
IMAGE: CNS photo//Henry Romero, Reuters By Rhina Guidos WASHINGTON (CNS) — Over the last year, Catholic dioceses on the U.S. side of the border with Mexico, in places such as El Paso and Brownsville, Texas, scrambled to accommodate the growing number of children, men and women crossing the border, seeking …
Before the bell: Pope pays surprise visit to Rome high school
IMAGE: CNS photo/Vatican Media By ROME (CNS) — On the last day of school before Christmas vacation, the students of Rome’s Pilo Albertelli High School were summoned to the school’s courtyard. Some 800 students met Pope Francis there Dec. 20; he was ready to listen to their questions and offer …
Pope, U.N. chief record video with their Christmas wishes for peace
IMAGE: CNS photo/Filippo Monteforte, pool via Reuters By Cindy Wooden VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis and the secretary-general of the United Nations said that, like millions of people around the world, during the Christmas season their thoughts turn to yearnings for peace and for the well-being of those in …
Prayer service at holidays consoles those grieving loss of loved ones
IMAGE: CNS photo/Katie Rutter By Katie Rutter ST. MEINRAD, Ind. (CNS) — For most, the holidays are bright days of cheer, filled with laughter, joy and time spent with loved ones. But for some, the darkness of grief smothers the Christmas spirit. There is an empty seat at the dinner …