By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Vatican and Palestinian representatives have finalized the text of a formal agreement recognizing freedom of religion in the “State of Palestine” and outlining the rights and obligations of the Catholic Church, its agencies and its personnel in the territory.

Staff Report Saturday May 16th The Archdiocese of Cincinnati newly ordained Priest. Have a Holy Hour at home to pray for our newly ordained Priest: Rev. Mr. Adrian Hilton, Rev. Mr. Ethan Moore, and Rev. Mr. Eric Wood. During the Holy Hour pray for these men, as well as our …

By Catholic News Service PHILADELPHIA — Philadelphia Archbishop Charles J. Chaput May 13 urged prayers for all affected by the Amtrak train derailment in the city’s Port Richmond neighborhood that left at least six people dead and injured more than 200 others. “I urge all people of goodwill to join …

By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY  — The closer two people are to each other, the more care is required in respecting the other’s freedom and feelings, Pope Francis said. Even Jesus knocks at the door of a person’s heart awaiting permission to enter, he said May 13 …

By Carol Glatz Catholic News Service  VATICAN CITY — The Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors received temporary approval of its first set of statutes. U.S. Cardinal Sean P. O’Malley of Boston — one of the pope’s top cardinal advisers and president of the pontifical commission — had submitted …

By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis’ July 5-12 visit to Latin America will not take him to his native Argentina, but it will put him closely in touch with his Jesuit roots and with one of the main characteristics of his ministry as archbishop of …

Staff Report Members of Orgullo Mexicano (Mexican Pride) under the direction of Imelda Ayala, performed for teachers and guests at the 26th Annual Miami Valley Teacher Awards Banquet in Kettering May 5 or Cinco de Mayo.

For centuries St. Francis of Assisi has pointed others to Christ. His writings, associated legends and popular sayings have inspired priests, laity and even the present Holy Father. Popular culture knows the founder of the Franciscan orders for his commitment to poverty and love of animals, but these alone do …

Staff Report The association of a Holy Door with jubilee years in the Catholic Church dates back to sometime before 1475. Each of the four papal basilicas in Rome has a holy door that is usually sealed shut, until a jubilee year, when it is opened and pilgrims passing through …

Report The Catholic Social Action, Mission, and Family and Respect Life Offices, and the Society of St. Vincent De Paul, will participate in a celebration “In the Sprit of Romero,” 7-9 p.m. Wednesday, May 20, at Bellarmine Chapel on the campus of Xavier University. Archbishop Oscar Romero of El Salvador, …