What did Pope Francis say about civil unions? A CNA Explainer
by JD Flynn “Francesco,” a newly released documentary on the life and ministry of Pope Francis, has made global headlines, because the film contains a scene in which Pope Francis calls for the passage of civil union laws for same-sex couples. Some activists and media reports have suggested that Pope …
Syracuse bishop revives Ember Days, calls for prayer and fasting for vocations
by Mary Farrow Denver Newsroom, Dec 18, 2020 / 12:01 pm MT (CNA).- In a revival of an historic custom of the Church, Bishop Douglas Lucia of Syracuse has invited Catholics of his diocese to participate in the Ember Days, traditional days of fasting and prayer, for the intention of …
Eight elderly religious sisters die of coronavirus in Wisconsin
CNA Staff, Dec 19, 2020 / 04:01 am MT (CNA).- Eight elderly religious sisters died of COVID-19 complications in one week at a retirement home for the School Sisters of Notre Dame near Milwaukee. “Even though they’re older and most of the sisters that did go to God are in …
Citing timing, SCOTUS declines to allow in-person learning to resume in Kentucky
CNA Staff, Dec 18, 2020 / 05:01 pm MT (CNA).- The Supreme Court on Thursday rejected a Kentucky Christian school’s plea to reopen for in-person learning, upholding a health order from the governor that barred in-person K-12 education in most areas until January. Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear’s Nov. 18 executive …
December 19 – Blessed Pope Urban V
Blessed Pope Urban V was born Guillaume de Grimoard at Grisac in Languedoc, 1310. He studied canon law and theology in Avignon and became a Benedictine monk. He was named abbot of his monastery in 1352, and served as a papal diplomat and was eventually sent as an ambassador to …
Pope Francis names new bishop for Diocese of Greensburg
Vatican City, Dec 18, 2020 / 05:05 am MT (CNA).- Pope Francis appointed Friday a new bishop of Greensburg, Pennsylvania. The pope named Msgr. Larry J. Kulick Dec. 18 as the sixth bishop of the diocese founded in 1951. Kulick, a 54-year-old canon lawyer, has served as diocesan administrator since …
As Christmas nears, Catholic priest sees ‘signs of hope’ at COVID hospital in Rome
by Hannah Brockhaus Rome, Italy, Dec 18, 2020 / 04:00 am MT (CNA).- A Catholic chaplain at a COVID hospital in Rome said he has seen many reasons for hope this Advent, especially in the dedication of medical workers who give their all to save the lives of coronavirus patients. …
Tim Nealeigh: North Star’s Traveling St. Nick
by Susie Bergman “The most important thing I want to share is that I do not have an agenda. I am not out to get rid of Santa Claus!” Tim Nealeigh is a humorous and delightful man on a historically important mission. That mission spans decades of his life, yet …
Pope Francis calls for ‘culture of care’ in 2021 World Peace Day message
by Courtney Mares Vatican City, Dec 17, 2020 / 06:05 am MT (CNA).- Pope Francis appealed for a “culture of care” in his message for the 2021 World Day of Peace released Thursday. “The culture of care … calls for a common, supportive and inclusive commitment to protecting and promoting …
Shine On: The Giver of Gifts
Johnny had always wanted to help when his Uncle Mike dressed up as Santa and delivered gifts to kids in need before Christmas. His family collected gift lists from a local hospital or homeless shelter, then they’d get their neighbors or school families to donate gifts. And then, Uncle Mike …
