Father of boy killed in bombings grateful for ‘thoughts and prayers’
By Catholic News Service BOSTON (CNS) — The first name released of someone killed in the April 15 explosions at the Boston Marathon was that of 8-year-old Martin Richard, whose picture in newspapers showed him grinning broadly, apparently at his first Communion. Two bombs that exploded near the end of …
Pope offers prayers for victims, first responders in Boston

By Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis responded to the bombings in Boston by invoking peace for the souls of the departed, consolation for the suffering and strength for emergency and medical personnel. In a message sent to Cardinal Sean P. O’Malley of Boston, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone …
Cardinal O’Malley of Boston releases statement on bombings

Staff Report Just days after the Archdiocese of Boston celebrated the good news of hearing that Cardinal Sean P. O’Malley was named as one of eight close advisers to Pope Francis, tragedy struck in the form of a pair of bombings at the Boston Marathon on Monday. A CNN report …
Pro life pioneer Barbara Willke dead at 90

Staff Report Cincinnati Right to Life reported on its website Monday that Barbara Willke, co-founder along with her husband Dr. John Willke and former chairman of the organization for 28 years, died at the age of 90 Sunday night. The report said Willke died peacefully at Good Samaritan Hospital in …
Archdiocese of Boston urges prayers after 2 killed in explosions at Boston Marathon

Staff Report A pair of explosions detonated near the finish line of the Boston Marathon Monday around the four-hour mark of the race. Several news agencies reported a third explosion at Boston’s JFK library, but it was unknown if the blasts were related. Catholic Online reported that at least two …
City Council resolution calls for parades to be more inclusive

By John Stegeman The Catholic Telegraph A local chapter of a gay rights organization was not permitted to march in the 2013 Cincinnati St. Patrick’s Day parade. As a result, most members of Cincinnati City Council backed out of the parade and the story made national headlines. In early April …
Pope Francis reaffirms Vatican’s call for reform of U.S. nuns’ group

By Carol Glatz Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis reaffirmed the Vatican’s call for reform of the U.S.-based Leadership Conference of Women Religious. Archbishop Gerhard Muller, prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, told the U.S.-based nuns’ group that he had “recently discussed the …
Vatican office looks at challenges facing couples from different faiths

By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Catholics need to know that marrying someone from a different Christian community or, even more so, from a different religion will create extra challenges in their marriage, but church leaders also must learn how to help people in mixed marriages …
La Salle, McAuley vocal ensembles perform well in New York
Press Release The La Salle High School Vocal Ensemble competed in the Performing Arts Consultants Big Apple Classic Music Festival in New York City and received first place gold in the Men’s choir division and first place gold in the Mixed Concert Choir division. The McAuley Women’s Ensemble took first …
Update: Vatican denies Spanish media report of Pope Emeritus’ failing health

Staff Report UPDATE: The Vatican denied Wednesday that Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI sufferers from any serious illness other than the problems associated with old age. A Newsmax report claims that Vatican spokesman Father Federico Lombardi denied reports in a Spanish newspaper that the former pope was facing any specific illness. …