By Amy Wise Taylor BLUFFTON, S.C. (CNS) — When Jennifer Bermejo was growing up in Aguascalientes, Mexico, her family celebrated Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, every year. Bermejo, assistant for Hispanic ministry at St. Gregory the Great Church in Bluffton, recalls it as a fusion of …

By Junno Arocho Esteves ROME (CNS) — The acceptance of artificial contraception by some Christian churches and communities beginning in the 1930s has led “to the monstrosity of what is today known as procreative medicine,” which includes abortion, said German Cardinal Walter Brandmuller. Inaugurating an Oct. 28 conference anticipating the …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Bob Roller By Wallice J. de la Vega LARES, Puerto Rico (CNS) — Hurricane-related deaths in Puerto Rico have been attributed to drowning and illness, but many Puerto Ricans, including local media professionals, see a link between such deaths and poverty. On a recent tour through Puerto Rico’s …

By Carol Glatz VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The joyful hope that flows from faith can change the world, which is why Christians have a crucial part to play in revitalizing Europe, Pope Francis said. “To speak of a Christian contribution to the future of the continent means, before all else, …

From our print edition: Every fall, Catholics in the United States observe National Black Catholic History Month, a reminder that from the Church’s earliest days, Catholics have come from all races, cultures, and nations. The following explanation is from the National Black Catholic Congress, founded in1889 by Cincinnati publisher Daniel …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Karen Callaway, Chicago Catholic By Joyce Duriga CHICAGO (CNS) — Hearing the faith journey of Hollywood actor and businessman Mark Wahlberg left an impression on the hearts of many young adults at the Archdiocese of Chicago’s first (re)Encounter event Oct. 20 at the UIC Pavilion. “It’s powerful for …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Bob Roller By Wallice J. de la Vega SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (CNS) — Above all material and financial considerations after Hurricane Maria’s severe damage in Puerto Rico, one must highlight the brotherly spirit shown by the island’s people during the ongoing recovery period, said the island’s top …

IMAGE: CNS/Robert Duncan By Matthew Fowler and Robert Duncan VATICAN CITY (CNS) — After weeks of navigating difficult terrain, avoiding wild animals and steep cliffs, the devoted pilgrims and hiking enthusiasts who manage to traverse the 155 miles between Assisi and Rome on foot arrive in St. Peter’s Basilica and …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Jaclyn Lippelmann, Catholic Standard By Rhina Guidos WASHINGTON (CNS) — U.S. Vice President Mike Pence criticized the United Nations’ efforts to help persecuted Christians in the Middle East in a speech Oct. 25. Since the organization “failed” to help Christians and other minority religious communities, he said, aid …

IMAGE: CNS photo/James Lawler Duggan, Reuters By Junno Arocho Esteves ROME (CNS) — Pope Francis called on the people of the United States to welcome migrants and urged those who are welcomed to respect the laws of the country. “To all people (of the U.S.) I ask: take care of …