Stories of persecution suffered by religious led Marist brother to vocation
IMAGE: CNS photo/Tyler Orsburn By Tyler Orsburn BROWNSVILLE, Texas (CNS) — It was the stories of how his teachers, Mexican-born religious brothers, had suffered persecution that steered Marist Brother Paul Phillipp of south Texas, now 92, to his religious vocation. Reared on a farm some 25 miles west of Brownsville, …
HHS says California can require that all health plans cover elective abortions
By WASHINGTON (CNS) — A federal agency has determined that California can continue to demand that all health plans under the jurisdiction of the state’s Department of Managed Health Care — “even those purchased by churches and other religious organizations” — cover elective abortions for any reason. The coverage includes …
Unity, honor and hope on pope’s agenda for Armenia
By Cindy Wooden VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis said he would travel to Armenia June 24-26 to promote closer bonds with the Armenian Orthodox church, honor the Armenian people’s steadfast faith in the face of tragedy and support them in their efforts to build a peaceful future. In a …
Before Brexit vote, liturgy highlights plight of refugees
IMAGE: CNS photo/Graham Lacdao, Chapter of St Paul’s By Dale Gavlak LONDON (CNS) — As Europe held its breath on whether Britain would vote to remain or exit the European Union, the U.N. refugee agency, UNHCR, reported that numbers fleeing war and persecution have soared four times over the past …
Benedict shows core of priesthood is being ‘immersed in God,’ pope says
IMAGE: CNS photo/L’Osservatore Romano via Reuters By Carol Glatz VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Benedict XVI’s decision to retire and live a life fully dedicated to prayer represents one of the most important lessons he gives the world’s priests, Pope Francis said. In retirement, Pope Benedict shows “in an even …
Christians don’t exclude, they welcome, pope says at general audience
IMAGE: CNS/Paul Haring By Junno Arocho Esteves VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Flanked by a group of refugees, Pope Francis appealed to Christians to care for and welcome those whom society often excludes. “Today I’m accompanied by these young men. Many people think they would have been better off if they …
Newly ordained permanent deacons share their journeys
Archbishop Dennis M. Schnurr ordained 18 men April 30 to the permanent diaconate during a Mass at Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Parish in Dayton. The newly ordained deacons will serve in their own parishes, where they will be agents for God’s grace in the celebration of baptisms, weddings …
Chicago archdiocesan outreach to gay community remembers Orlando victims
IMAGE: CNS photo/Karen Callaway, Catholic New World By Joyce Duriga CHICAGO (CNS) — When members of the Chicago Archdiocesan Gay and Lesbian Outreach gathered the evening of June 19 for their regular weekly Mass at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, they had as their focus the victims of the …
Death penalty fosters revenge, not justice, pope says
By Junno Arocho Esteves VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Use of the death penalty is an unacceptable practice that sows vengeance and does not bring justice to the victims of crime, Pope Francis said. No matter how serious the crime, to kill a convicted person is “an offense to the inviolability …
Vatican marks ‘Laudato Si” anniversary with new website
By Cindy Wooden ROME (CNS) — Marking the first anniversary of Pope Francis’ encyclical on the environment, the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace launched a new website dedicated to the document and efforts around the world to put its teaching into practice. The site — www.laudatosi.va — “witnesses not …