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National & World News
‘Great War’ brought Catholics, bishops into mainstream of U.S. society
By Mark Pattison Editor’s Note: This CNS backgrounder was first posted Aug. 4, 2014, to mark the 100th anniversary of the beginning of World War I. We are reposting it today, because April 6 marks the 100th anniversary of the United States’ entrance into the war. On April 2, 1917, …
Papal envoy praises ‘spiritual climate’ of Medjugorje
By MEDJUGORJE, Bosnia-Herzegovina (CNS) — While he said he had no authority or expertise to discuss the authenticity of the alleged apparitions of Mary at Medjugorje, Pope Francis’ envoy to the town said it was clear “there is a special spiritual climate here.” Polish Archbishop Henryk Hoser of Warsaw-Praga, named …
Christian, not communist: Catholics in Rome embrace counterculture
IMAGE: CNS/Paul Haring By Robert Duncan ROME (CNS) — In an Italian nature reserve surrounded by a forest inhabited by wild boar and foxes, a group of families is seeking to embrace the lifestyle of New Testament-era Christians. “In the Acts of the Apostles, it is written that they lived …
Cupich: Church will do everything it can ‘to end scourge of violence’
IMAGE: CNS photo/Karen Callaway, Chicago Catholic By Joyce Duriga CHICAGO (CNS) — Chicago Cardinal Blase J. Cupich April 4 announced a new initiative to increase the work of current anti-violence programs in parishes and schools and those run by Mercy Home for Boys and Girls, Catholic Charities and Kolbe House, …
Make room for kindness, not hopeless ‘mafia’ mentality, pope says
By Junno Arocho Esteves VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Hope cannot remain hidden within but must break free to overcome vengeful, mafia-like mentalities with mercy and humility, Pope Francis said. Christians must give witness to hope through their lives as Jesus did and make room for him in their hearts to …
Collection set for Mother’s Day to support national shrine’s dome project
IMAGE: CNS photo/Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception By WASHINGTON (CNS) — A special one-time national collection will be taken at U.S. parishes at Masses on Mother’s Day, May 14, to support the mosaic ornamentation of the Trinity Dome, the “crowning jewel” of the Basilica of the …
U.S. bishop remembers Martin Luther King at Vatican development meeting
By Cindy Wooden VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The work of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. to promote the “integral human development” of all peoples is a work that must continue today in the world and in the Catholic Church, Bishop Edward K. Braxton of Belleville, Illinois, told participants at …
Pope approves provisions to recognize marriages of SSPX faithful
By Junno Arocho Esteves VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Continuing initiatives aimed at a reconciliation with the Priestly Society of St. Pius X, Pope Francis has made it possible for bishops to ensure the validity of marriages celebrated in the traditionalist communities. A letter published by the Vatican April 4 said …
Georgetown sets date to rename buildings honoring a slave, black teacher
IMAGE: CNS photo/Tyler Orsburn By Rhina Guidos WASHINGTON (CNS) — Georgetown University has chosen April 18 as the date to rename two buildings on campus previously named for priests who sold 272 women, children and men into slavery for financial gain in 1838. The Jesuit university based in Washington announced …
Art exhibit puts Botticelli’s spiritual journey in historical framework
IMAGE: CNS photo/Muscarelle Museum of A By Carol Zimmermann WILLIAMSBURG, Va. (CNS) — The culture wars of today have nothing on those from Renaissance times. In Florence, Italy, in 1497 — after people had been repeatedly warned that some instruments, books, sculptures, paintings and clothes could lead them away from …