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 …
Ohio House Mulls “Heartbeat Bill” Veto Override

By Gail Finke A coalition of pro-life groups that includes both Cincinnati and Cleveland Right to LIfe are supporting an effort to override Governor Kasich’s veto of the “Heartbeat Bill.” The bill would outlaw most abortions in Ohio by limiting killing an unborn baby to the time before his or …
Catholic college dedicates sacred space as place for all faiths to pray
IMAGE: CNS photo/Gerry Serrano, courtesy St. Mary’s College By Michele Jurich MORAGA, Calif. (CNS) — The small space has served over the years as the pastor’s office, a reconciliation room and the office of an Episcopal parish-without-walls whose members worship on the St. Mary’s College of California campus in Moraga. …