The ecology of burial: Choices reflect beliefs about life after death
IMAGE: CNS/Paul Haring By Robert Duncan VATICAN CITY (CNS) — In a craftsman’s workshop on the edge of Rome’s Campo Verano cemetery, two designers are working to revive what they see as a dying art: burial. Unlike the masons who make the cemetery’s gravestones and memorials, Anna Citelli and Raoul …
Pope: Catholics, Lutherans must continue to seek common ground
By Junno Arocho Esteves VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Although great strides have been made through 50 years of ecumenical dialogue, Catholics and Lutherans must continue to work toward becoming a full and visible sign of unity for the world, Pope Francis said. A continued “communion of harmony” will allow Catholics …
2017 brings new hopes for life
Long-time March for Life participants are looking to this year’s national event with hope and expectation. While both Republicans and Democrats have occupied the White House in the 44 years since Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton, no candidate for president has ever promised to do more to restrict …
Throwback Thursday: Prayer for the President and our Representatives
With Friday being Inauguration Day, This prayer, from the U.S. edition of the Book of Blessings (no. 1965), is an adaptation of the prayer for the Church and for civil authorities which was composed by Archbishop John Carroll for use on the occasion of the inauguration of George Washington in …
Congress urged to keep health care gains, protect life, conscience rights
IMAGE: CNS photo/Jonathan Bachman, Reuters By WASHINGTON (CNS) — The chairman of the U.S. bishops’ domestic policy committee said Jan. 18 that a repeal of the federal health care law should not take place without immediate passage of a plan that preserves people’s access to adequate health care and also …
On eve of Trump inauguration, Catholic communities will pray for immigrants
IMAGE: CNS photo/Mike Nelson By Rhina Guidos WASHINGTON (CNS) — Acknowledging the fear some immigrants have expressed as Donald Trump becomes president, Jesuit parishes, schools and other communities plan to pray for those who fear him and his proposals on the eve of his Jan. 20 inauguration as the country’s …
Prayer brings light of hope in dark times, pope says at audience
IMAGE: CNS/Paul Haring By Junno Arocho Esteves VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Prayer has the power to awaken hope in men and women, even in the face of death and destruction, Pope Francis said. People often feel unworthy to turn to God when they are in need “as if it were …
Children of Mary establish local motherhouse
For the past three years, the Children of Mary have spread love and reverence for the Eucharistic Lord through their ministry and presence in the archdiocese. In November, Archbishop Dennis M. Schnurr erected the semi-contemplative religious community as a Public Association of the Faithful. On Nov. 21, the archbishop offered …
Encounter fosters community, helps young, old look at reality with faith
IMAGE: CNS photo/Gregory A. Shemitz By Anna Capizzi NEW YORK (CNS) — This year’s New York Encounter drew a crowd of 10,000 for a three-day cultural gathering of presentations, exhibits and performances centered on the theme “Reality has never betrayed me.” What struck first-time participant Giovanna Maiello was the “bridge …