Sulpicians mark 225 years of training men to be priests
IMAGE: CNS photo/courtesy Will Kirk By Christopher Gunty BALTIMORE (CNS) — In October 1791, five men began studies for the priesthood at the first seminary in the United States, just a couple years after the Diocese of Baltimore was established as the first in the country in 1789. At the …
For Cuban exiles, painful memories mix with relief at Castro’s death
IMAGE: CNS photo/Tom Tracy By Ana Rodriguez-Soto MIAMI (CNS) — While many celebrated loudly on the streets, the death of Fidel Castro triggered a more subdued reaction among the Cuban exiles who attended the noon Mass Nov. 26 at the National Shrine of Our Lady Charity. “Today is a day …
Grace, not money, must guide financial choices of religious, pope says
By Cindy Wooden VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Just as “the habit does not make the monk,” taking a vow of poverty does not automatically mean a consecrated person lives with a detachment from material things and in solidarity with the poor, Pope Francis said. In fact, “the hypocrisy of consecrated …
As Vatican Christmas tree goes up, pope’s Christmas schedule released
IMAGE: CNS/Reuters By VATICAN CITY (CNS) — As a towering spruce tree was erected in St. Peter’s Square, the Vatican released Pope Francis’ liturgy schedule for Advent, Christmas and the month of January. The 82-feet-tall Christmas tree arrived in the square Nov. 24. According to the papal calendar released by …
45 OHIO SCHOOLS AND 460 TEACHERS RECEIVE GOVERNOR’S THOMAS EDISON AWARDS

The Ohio Academy of Science today selected 45 Ohio schools and 460 teachers to receive Governor’s Thomas Edison Awards for Excellence in STEM Education for their accomplishments during the 2015-2016 school year. Each school will receive a special Governor’s Award certificate, and each teacher will receive a complementary membership to …
Pope asks scientists to find solutions, declare rules to save planet
IMAGE: CNS/L’Osservatore Romano By Carol Glatz VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Humanity does not own God’s gift of creation and has no right to pillage it, Pope Francis said. “We are not custodians of a museum and its masterpieces that we have to dust off every morning, but rather collaborators in …
CEMETERY MAGAZINE HONORS GATE OF HEAVEN

Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Montgomery, a ministry of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, was one of three runners-up for the annual ACE (American Cemetery Excellence) award from American Cemetery & Cremation magazine. “This year’s three runners-up stood out not only for their performance, professionalism and innovation,” the magazine wrote, “but …
Fair Trade Sale offers global shopping close to home

Gift-giving will bless both family and friends, as well as families around the world, for shoppers at the annual Fair Trade Sale Dec. 3, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the University of Dayton’s River Campus, 1700 S. Patterson Blvd., across from the Carillon Historic Park in Dayton. Beautiful …
THE MANGER: DISCOVER THE LATIN FLAVOR OF THE NATIVITY STARTING NOV. 26

DAYTON, Ohio — The University of Dayton will showcase the Latin flavor of the Nativity as part of the annual exhibit “At the Manger: World Nativity Traditions.” Free and open to the public, the display begins Saturday, Nov. 26, with a family-friendly grand opening celebration from 1 to 5 p.m. …
For engaged couple, jubilee year always will be part of their love story
IMAGE: CNS photo/Dave Hrbacek, The Catholic Spirit By Matthew Davis MINNEAPOLIS (CNS) — Hundreds filled the front steps of the Basilica of St. Mary in Minneapolis Nov. 20 following Mass to witness the closing of the church’s Holy Doors, marking the end of the Catholic Church’s Jubilee Year of Mercy. …