Political divides now seen in ‘Merry Christmas’ vs. ‘Happy Holidays’
By Mark Pattison WASHINGTON (CNS) — What’s in a name? Plenty, apparently depending on your political persuasion. A report issued Dec. 19 by the Public Religion Research Institute indicates that Democrats and Republicans differ even on what they want cash-register clerks to say in December. Asked, “Do you think stores …
Jerusalem archbishop: Mideast Christians suffer but keep faith strong
IMAGE: CNS photo/Debbie Hill By Judith Sudilovsky JERUSALEM (CNS) — Except for specific incidents in Egypt and one in Libya, Christians in the Middle East are suffering the same fate as their fellow citizens, Archbishop Pierbattista Pizzaballa, apostolic administrator of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, told media in response to …
Homeless, prisoners among pope’s birthday well-wishers
IMAGE: CNS photo/L’Osservatore Romano, handout via EPA By Junno Arocho Esteves VATICAN CITY (CNS) — People from around the world, especially the poor and the homeless, had a chance to send their good wishes for Pope Francis’ 80th birthday. Eight homeless people — two women and six men — made …
Put aside ideology and work to rebuild Aleppo, say Catholic leaders
By Doreen Abi Raad BEIRUT (CNS) — Mideast Catholic leaders are urging people to put aside ideology and blame and work to rebuild the city of Aleppo, Syria. “The world is divided. Each one is accusing the other,” said Syrian-born Catholic Patriarch Gregoire III Laham. “Between the superpowers bickering, a …
Pope Francis to visit Fatima in May 2017
IMAGE: CNS photo/Paulo Chunho, EPA By Junno Arocho Esteves VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The Vatican confirmed that Pope Francis will visit Portugal in 2017 to mark the 100th anniversary of the Marian apparitions of Fatima. The pope, who accepted the invitation made by President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa and the …
A picture says a thousand words: Andrew Adam headed to the Tournament of Roses Parade
Bishop Fenwick sophomore musical standout, Andrew Adam will be marching with the Bands of America National Honor Band in the Tournament of Roses Parade on January 2, 2017 in Pasadena, California. This special opportunity was earned last spring when Andrew, as just a freshman, auditioned against thousands of other musicians …
Bringing joy back to the Christmas season
By Jeanne Hunt St Augustine tells us that when you sing, you pray twice. Well, it looks like the marketplace has taken this advice too far. Early in November, the Christmas carols started singing their hearts out in the malls, discount stores, and even in the grocery. Shortly before Thanksgiving, …
‘Who is waiting for you?’ Filipino Catholics celebrate Simbang Gabi
IMAGE: CNS photo/Ben Nelms By Alicia Ambrosio VANCOUVER, British Columbia (CNS) — Two figures dressed as Mary and Joseph made their way down the center aisle of Vancouver’s Holy Rosary Cathedral. At various points, they stopped and asked a parishioner playing the part of an innkeeper for a place to …
USCCB forms working group to monitor needs of migrants, refugees
IMAGE: CNS photo/Jorge Duenes, Reuters By WASHINGTON (CNS) — The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops is establishing a working group charged with developing spiritual, pastoral and policy advocacy support for immigrants and refugees. Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, USCCB president, has named members of the working group, with the …
A picture says a thousand words: Jacob Kroger to be in Tournament of Roses Parade
La Salle Senior Jake Kroger has been selected to participate in the Touornament of Roses Honor Band. He is one of 300 high school students from across the country who will be participating in the Honor Band. Jake will be traveling out to Pasadena, CA in late December to spend …
