Cleveland bishop cites vascular dementia as reason for early resignation
IMAGE: CNS photo/L’Osservatore Romano By Dennis Sadowski CLEVELAND (CNS) — Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of Bishop Richard G. Lennon of Cleveland. He has headed the diocese since 2006. Bishop Lennon, who turns 70 in March, said during a news conference at diocesan offices Dec. 28 that he had …
‘Creating a Culture of Encounter’ theme for National Migration Week
IMAGE: CNS photo/Yahya Arhab, EPA By WASHINGTON (CNS) — “Creating a Culture of Encounter” is the theme of 2017’s National Migration Week, an annual observance the U.S. Catholic bishops began over 25 years ago. Taking place Jan. 8-14, the week “is an excellent opportunity to highlight biblical tradition and our …
Even complaining to God is a form of prayer, pope says
IMAGE: CNS photo/Giorgio Onorati, EPA By Junno Arocho Esteves VATICAN CITY (CNS) — To complain to God in moments of doubt and fear like Abraham did is not something bad but rather is a form of prayer that requires the courage to hope beyond all hope, Pope Francis said. While …
50th World Day Peace Mass to be celebrated January 1st
The archdiocese will mark the 50th World Day of Peace Jan. 1, the Solemnity of Mary the Holy Mother of God, with two special Masses. Archbishop Dennis M. Schnurr will celebrate Mass at the Cathedral of St. Peter in Chains in downtown Cincinnati. Auxiliary Bishop Joseph R. Binzer will preside …
Local priest a guest on national program about conversion
By Gail Finke Fans of EWTN’s The Journey Home program saw a familiar face Monday: Father Tom Wray, the Archdiocese of Cincinnati’s Director of Evangelization and Discipleship. Once an Episcopal pastor, Father Wray converted to Catholicism and, after several years of work as a layman, was ordained a Catholic priest …
In Christmas messages, patriarchs call for peace amid Christian persecution
IMAGE: CNS pohoto/Musa Al Shaer, pool via EPA By Doreen Abi Raad BEIRUT (CNS) — Lamenting the exodus of Christians from their ancestral homelands, Catholic patriarchs of the Middle East pleaded for peace and security in their annual Christmas messages. In separate statements, the prelates shared their anguish regarding the …
Felony Penalties for Assisted Suicide in Ohio
December 23, 2016 (Cincinnati, OH): During the slate of legislative activity the past few weeks during lame duck session, the Ohio House and Senate added class 3 felony penalties to existing sanctions against assisted suicide in Ohio, signed into law by Governor Kasich. These human life protections were in …
Archbishop Wester blasts effort to bring back grocery tax in New Mexico
IMAGE: CNS photo/Octavio Duran By SANTA FE, N.M. (CNS) — Santa Fe Archbishop John C. Wester attacked an effort to reinstate tax on groceries in New Mexico. In a statement a week before Christmas, he said such a tax burdens the poor and working families. “Our neighbors are hungry!” he …
Pope asks people to offer love, tears, prayers for persecuted Christians
IMAGE: CNS/Vatican Museums By Carol Glatz VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Despite increased persecution and attacks against Christians, the faithful must strengthen their courage and joyful desire to follow Christ no matter the cost, Pope Francis said. By choosing God’s path of truth, “light and life” over all else, Christians continue …
World scarred by war, greed must welcome prince of peace, pope says
IMAGE: CNS/Paul Haring By Junno Arocho Esteves VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The song of the angels that heralded the birth of Christ urges men and women to seek peace in a world divided by war, terrorism and greed, Pope Francis said. “Today this message goes out to the ends of …