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Pope amends church law on Mass translations, highlights bishops’ role
IMAGE: CNS/Nancy Phelan Wiechec By Cindy Wooden MEDELLIN, Colombia (CNS) — In changes to the Code of Canon Law regarding translations of the Mass and other liturgical texts, Pope Francis highlighted respect for the responsibility of national and regional bishops’ conferences. The changes, released by the Vatican Sept. 9 as …
On ‘sacred ground’ of suffering, pope prays for reconciliation
By Cindy Wooden VILLAVICENCIO, Colombia (CNS) — In a raw, honest prayer service where victims and perpetrators of violence stood under the gaze of a bomb-damaged crucifix, Pope Francis urged Colombians to summon the courage to make peace. Symbolically presiding over the event Sept. 8 was what remained of a …
Catholic Charities USA, K of C give millions for hurricane relief
IMAGE: CNS photo/courtesy Catholic Charities By SAN ANTONIO (CNS) — Catholic Charities USA presented a $2 million check Sept. 4 representing donations received to date for immediate emergency assistance for those impacted by Hurricane Harvey and its catastrophic flooding. One hundred percent of the funds raised will go directly to …
Be the first to take a step for peace, pope says at Mass with victims
By Cindy Wooden VILLAVICENCIO, Colombia (CNS) — If just one victim of Colombia’s civil war forgives his or her aggressor, it can set off a chain reaction of hope for reconciliation and peace, Pope Francis said. Celebrating Mass Sept. 8 in Villavicencio, a city filled with those who fled their …
Defend life, equality, unity, pope tells Colombians
IMAGE: CNS photo/Paul Haring By Cindy Wooden BOGOTA, Colombia (CNS) — Consolidating peace in Colombia will mean overcoming “the darkness” of inequality and a lack of respect for human life, Pope Francis said. “Here, as in other places, there is a thick darkness which threatens and destroys life,” the pope …
In TV interview, Steve Bannon slams church, bishops over immigration
IMAGE: CNS photo/Joshua Roberts, Reuters By Rhina Guidos WASHINGTON (CNS) — In an interview set to air Sept. 10 on the CBS TV program “60 Minutes,” former White House strategist Steve Bannon criticized the Catholic Church and U.S. bishops for their views on immigration, saying “they need illegal aliens to …
Pope urges bishops to contribute to peace as pastors, not politicians
IMAGE: CNS photo/Paul Haring By Cindy Wooden VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Quoting celebrated Colombian author Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Pope Francis told the country’s bishops he knows “it is easier to begin a war than to end one” and that, to succeed, Colombia needs bishops who are pastors, not politicians. “All …
Parish life still thrives at flood-damaged Houston church
By James Ramos HOUSTON (CNS) — The 22nd week in ordinary time of the church’s liturgical year has been no ordinary time for Father Martin Eke, a Missionary of St. Paul, or his parish, St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Houston. “Ever since the rain started … my life …
Colombia youths must teach elders to forgive, to move on, pope says
By Cindy Wooden BOGOTA, Colombia (CNS) — As Colombia strives to build a lasting peace, the country’s elders need the encouragement and insistence of young people, who believe with all their hearts that forgiveness is possible and grudges don’t have to last for decades, Pope Francis said. The pope turned …
Pursue peace through social inclusion, pope tells Colombian officials
IMAGE: CNS photo/Paul Haring By David Agren BOGOTA, Colombia (CNS) — Pope Francis urged Colombians to put aside prejudice and pursue peace through social inclusion, fighting inequality and paying attention to the plight of the country’s most marginalized populations, such as campesinos, Afro-Colombians and indigenous peoples. Speaking alongside President Juan …