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 …
Tell Us: Were You Affected by Your parents’ divorce?
Was your life impacted by your parents’ divorce? We want to hear from you for the October issue. We will not publish any names or identifying information, but you do need to identify yourself in your email so we know you’re real. Send your answer to one or both …
National Day of Remembrance for Aborted Children Observances Saturday
By Gail Finke Saturday is the 5th annual National Day of Remembrance for Aborted Children. Sponsored nationally by Citizens for a Pro-Life Society, Priests for Life, and the Pro-Life Action League, the day was established so that prayer services would be said at the graves of aborted children, and at …
Pope arrives to help promote healing in Colombia, scarred by war
IMAGE: CNS photo/Paul Haring By David Agren BOGOTA, Colombia (CNS) — Pope Francis arrived in Colombia Sept. 6 for a five-day visit to promote reconciliation in a deeply Catholic country scarred and reticent to offer forgiveness after decades of war. The pope was greeted was welcomed by Colombian President Juan …
U.S. bishops, other Catholic groups back conscience protection bill
By WASHINGTON (CNS) — The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and 32 other organizations have signed a joint letter of support for the Conscience Protection Act of 2017. The bill, which has House and Senate versions, is intended to close loopholes that ignore the conscience rights of medical professionals on …
Villavicencio: Colombian city of ‘victims and victimizers’
IMAGE: CNS photo/David Agren By David Agren VILLAVICENCIO, Colombia (CNS) — People in need in this city set in the heart of Colombia’s cattle country line up outside the Pope Francis food bank, a warehouse built with a donation from the pontiff. Father Carlos Ricardo, director of social ministries for …
Villavicencio: Colombian city of ‘victims and victimizers’
IMAGE: CNS photo/courtesy Congregation of Holy Cross By David Agren WASHINGTON (CNS) — U.S. Catholic parishes and schools located in the 70-mile-wide path of the total solar eclipse Aug. 21 plan to take part in this rare event with everything from providing parking spaces or viewing sites to offering overnight …