DePaul Cristo Rey joins new all-Christian athletic conference
DePaul Cristo Rey High School announced March 21 that the school will join the newly formed Ohio Valley Christian Conference (OVCC) for all sports beginning with the 2016-17 school year. The Bruins had been members of the Ohio Valley Athletic League since the school opened in 2011. The new league …
Amid prayer and fear, Muslim refugee family thanks pope for help
IMAGE: CNS/Paul Haring By Cindy Wooden ROME (CNS) — Walking in a crowded Rome neighborhood with his prayer beads wrapped around one hand, Hassan said, “You must write: Big thanks to the pope because he helps my kids — really.” Hassan and his family, who are Muslim, are being hosted …
Holy Week is memorial of God’s infinite mercy, pope says at audience
IMAGE: CNS/Paul Haring By Junno Arocho Esteves VATICAN CITY (CNS) — God’s love is limitless and the church’s Holy Week services offer Christians a deeper understanding of his infinite mercy, Pope Francis said. The Easter Triduum is a memorial to a love story “that gives us the certainty that we …
Ultimate relief from mandate may lie beyond the courts, say plaintiffs
IMAGE: CNS photo/Anne-Marie Welsh, Dioc By Kurt Jensen WASHINGTON (CNS) — On the eve of the March 23 oral arguments before the Supreme Court in Zubik v. Burwell, best known as the Little Sisters of the Poor case, two plaintiffs appealed the case in the court of public opinion, and …
Pope to celebrate Holy Thursday with young refugees
IMAGE: CNS photo/ Tony Gentile, Reuters By Cindy Wooden VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis will celebrate the Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord’s Supper with young refugees in Castelnuovo di Porto, about 15 miles north of Rome. “Washing the feet of the refugees, Pope Francis is asking for respect …
Moving to her own rhythm, gymnast defies limits of Down syndrome
By VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis will deliver his monthly prayer intentions on video over social media as part of a Jesuit-run global prayer network. The new video messages, featuring the pope asking for prayers and action on various challenges facing the world today, will begin Jan. 6, the …
Archdiocese celebrates annual Chrism Mass (Photos)
The Archdiocese of Cincinnati celebrated its annual Chrism Mass Tuesday, March 22 at the Cathedral of St. Peter in Chains as part of Holy Week. At the Chrism Mass, Archbishop Dennis M. Schnurr blessed the oils that will be used in baptisms, confirmations and anointing of the sick at all …
Pope condemns ‘cruel abominations’ of Belgium attacks
IMAGE: CNS/Paul Haring By Junno Arocho Esteves VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Assuring his prayers for the victims and families of the terrorist attack in Brussels, Pope Francis condemned the “cruel abominations” and prayed for the conversion of those who adhere to violent fundamentalism. “To all, I ask that you persevere …
U.S. Army chaplain sets marching speed record, inspiring troops
IMAGE: CNS photo/Chaz Muth By Chaz Muth VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Don’t fall for hate and fearmongering from others; make new friends instead and always help and show concern for others, Pope Francis told the world’s teens. “Be brave and go against the tide, be friends of Jesus, who is …
Pew study finds women generally more religious than men
IMAGE: CNS photo/Justin Lane, EPA By Dennis Sadowski WASHINGTON (CNS) — Women, especially among Christians around the world, generally are more devout than men when standard measures of religious commitment are considered, a Pew Research Center study found. Christian women are more likely to attend weekly religious services, be involved …