Trinidad and Tobago archbishop apologizes at Black Power 50th anniversary
IMAGE: CNS photo/Laura Ann Phillips By Laura Ann Phillips PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CNS) — On Feb. 26, 1970, 200 angry youths stormed the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Port of Spain, draped its statues in black cloth and criticized the church on its failure to challenge race and …
Fighting abuse in lay movements: Vatican mandates norms, guidelines
IMAGE: CNS photo/courtesy Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life By Cindy Wooden VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Organizations, Catholic or not, led by a charismatic leader who is followed uncritically and commands or demands control over members are at risk for cases of physical, sexual and psychological abuse, said Jesuit Father …
Humanity, ethics must be at center of AI technology, pope says
IMAGE: CNS photo/Yves Herman, Reuters By Junno Arocho Esteves VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The use of artificial intelligence in science and medicine must be guided by ethical standards that place humanity and the pursuit of the common good first, Pope Francis said. "The ethical development of algorithms — ‘algor-ethics’ — …
Leap year’s extra day has a Catholic origin
IMAGE: CNS photo/Rosanna Aguilera, San Angelo Standard-Times via Reuters By Donis Tracy BOSTON (CNS) — The extra day we get approximately once every four years is a way to adapt the calendar year to the astronomical year. But did you know the present system of calculating the leap years was …
Houston Catholic recalls standing her ground on train by staying seated
IMAGE: CNS photo/courtesy of Gertrudejane Holliday Stone By Jo Ann Zuniga HOUSTON (CNS) — Gertrudejane Holliday Stone, a parishioner at St. Mary of the Purification Church in Houston, was a Freedom Rider even before the term was coined. In an interview during Black History Month, the octogenarian recalled when she …
Post-hurricane partnership is rejuvenating homes, communities in Bahamas
IMAGE: CNS photo/Tom Tracy By Tom Tracy FREEPORT, Grand Bahama (CNS) — In response to the most damaging storm in the modern history of the Bahamas, a regional office of Caritas International has moved forward in its two-year commitment to promote housing refurbishment and mental wellness in the islands. Category …
Question of Faith: Catholic Masons?
Question: I know of Freemasons who are also practicing Catholics. I always thought that this was forbidden, but I was told that these men had permission from their pastors to join. Is it permissible for a Catholic to become a Mason? Is this addressed in canon law? Answer: The Church …
Priest’s pro-life, spiritual Lenten campaign aimed at Latino Catholics
IMAGE: CNS photo/Life Savers By Sydney Clark WASHINGTON (CNS) — As a new Lenten season begins, Father Jorge Obregon from Houston is encouraging young Latino Catholics to participate in a new spiritual campaign titled Life Savers. "I hope this can get to as many Spanish-speaking people starting in Spain and …
Being Pro-Life: Pro-Life Internationally
A few months ago I was contacted by a man in active pro-life ministry in Hong Kong who regularly listens to my “Being Pro-Life” podcast and offered to participate in it. I was intrigued by the idea of what the big pro-life issues are across the world, so I went …
In prepared speech, pope warns clergy on pitfalls of bitterness
IMAGE: CNS photo/Vatican Media By Junno Arocho Esteves VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Confronting and not giving in to bitterness helps priests realize that they are not all-powerful beings but sinners who have been forgiven and called by God, Pope Francis said. Bitterness is "a subtle enemy" that hides and "robs …