Author Archive
Nix being ‘normal,’ selfish, slaves of success, pope tells seminarians
By Carol Glatz VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis told a group of seminarians that seeking a so-called “normal” life in the priesthood would turn them into pastors who were “mediocre or worse.” A priest who is tempted to live the way most people live today “begins to settle for …
Pope plans to visit Sweden to commemorate Reformation anniversary
By Carol Glatz VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis will visit Sweden in October to participate in an ecumenical service and the beginning of a year of activities to mark the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation. Leaders from the Catholic Church and the Lutheran World Federation had already been …
Learning curve: Public schools chart new ground with religious holidays
By Carol Zimmermann WASHINGTON (CNS) — A growing number of U.S. public school districts are combining lessons in world religions with U.S. government and politics as they grapple with closing schools for religious holidays. “The question is not should we do it. We have to do it to live with …
Cardinal Dolan: Newborn in manger a positive sign of a culture of life
IMAGE: CNS photo/Gregory A. Shemitz By Mark Pattison WASHINGTON (CNS) — A baby in a manger is proof enough for Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan of New York that Americans can express a culture of life. And it wasn’t the Christ child. Instead, it was a newborn infant left by his …
Don’t confuse marriage with other kinds of unions, pope says
By Carol Glatz VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis said there can be no confusion between God’s plan for marriage as an indissoluble bond between one man and woman who are open to life, and other sorts of unions. “The church, in fact, can demonstrate God’s unwavering merciful love toward …
Bishop Zubik calls for pro-lifers to ‘connect the dots’ on life issues
IMAGE: CNS photo/Bob Roller By Mark Pattison WASHINGTON (CNS) — Bishop David A. Zubik of Pittsburgh urged Massgoers preparing to rally in Washington for the annual March for Life to “connect the dots” linking all manner of life issues. At a Jan. 22 Mass at the Basilica of the National …
Year after year, Capitol Hill church reliable way station for pro-lifers
By Kurt Jensen WASHINGTON (CNS) — March for Life hospitality at St. Peter’s on Capitol Hill Catholic Church starts at 4 a.m. That’s when the first volunteers arrive at the basement parish hall to fire up 20 rented urns for coffee, tea and hot chocolate. It takes an hour for …
Pope: Speak truth with love, denounce evil without alienating sinners
By Carol Glatz VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Use the power of communication to build bridges and heal wounds, not generate hatred or misunderstanding, Pope Francis said. The Catholic Church, too, must proclaim the truth and denounce injustice without alienating everyone in need of God’s help, he said in his message …
Blizzard won’t stop march, but safety concerns cancel some trips to D.C.
IMAGE: NS photo/Lisa Johnston, St. louis Review By Jennifer Brinker WASHINGTON (CNS) — Sometimes being pro-life means making difficult decisions. Because of a predicted snowstorm in Washington, the St. Louis archdiocesan Catholic Youth Apostolate canceled its Generation Life pilgrimage to the March for Life. About 2,200 teens, adult chaperones, volunteers …
Foot-washing ritual not limited to men, Vatican says in new decree
IMAGE: CNS photo/Victor Aleman, Vida Nueva By Junno Arocho Esteves VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Following a request by Pope Francis, the Vatican issued a decree specifying that the Holy Thursday foot-washing ritual can include “all members of the people of God,” including women — a practice already observed by the …