Lafayette diocese donates $50k to Baptist churches destroyed by arson
Lafayette, La., Nov 4, 2019 / 02:30 pm (CNA).- Catholic parishes throughout the Diocese of Lafayette in Louisiana raised more than $50,000 for three black Baptist churches that were the targets of arson attacks that have been characterized as hate crimes. Bishop Douglas Deshotel of Lafayette presented the funds to …
Kentucky shirtmaker wins discrimination case over LGBT festival
By Matt Hadro Frankfort, Ky., Nov 1, 2019 / 07:30 am (CNA).- The Kentucky state Supreme Court on Thursday ruled in favor of a Christian business owner who declined to serve an LGBT pride festival, and who was punished by a local government for discrimination. “Today’s decision makes clear that …
Buttigieg’s comments on restricting religious freedom prompt calls for clarification
By Matt Hadro Washington D.C., Nov 4, 2019 / 12:13 pm (CNA).- Democratic primary candidate Pete Buttigieg has said that religious freedom must be curbed if it is used to “harm,” prompting calls for clarification about what the presidential hopeful considers grounds for restricting religious practice. Adam Wren, a reporter …
Update: USCCB president disinvites Bishop Bransfield from fall assembly
IMAGE: CNS photo/Bob Roller By Dennis Sadowski WASHINGTON (CNS) — Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, in consultation with the members of the USCCB Administrative Committee, has taken the highly unusual step of disinviting a fellow bishop from the conference’s fall general assembly. The …
All of life should be journey toward God, pope says at memorial Mass
IMAGE: CNS photo/Vatican Media By Carol Glatz VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Jesus invites everyone to always go to him, which, Pope Francis said, also means no longer making life revolve around oneself. "What direction is my journey going? Do I only try to make a good impression, to protect my …
Celebrating Mass in catacombs, pope recalls all persecuted Christians
IMAGE: CNS photo/Vatican Media By Cindy Wooden ROME (CNS) — In what he said was his first visit to the catacombs, Pope Francis celebrated Mass for the feast of All Souls with special words of remembrance for Catholics who still today must worship in secret. The website of the Catacombs …
Walking in the Footsteps of Saint Julie
By Judy Back Gerwe To my great privilege, the leadership team of the Ohio Province of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur invited me to attend a pilgrimage where the foundress of the order, St. Julie Billiart, worked and lived. There were nine of us who took part in …
Chance Encounter Leads to Vocation
By John Stegeman When 21-year-old math and secondary education major Aaron Wessman would clean the halls of the theology department at St. John’s University, a certain priest would often be in the way. Time after time, young man and the priest met in the hallways, and eventually, the seed of …
Question of Faith: Why is Jesus Called the Bridegroom?
Question: In the Scriptures, why is Jesus referred to as the bridegroom, and what is the theological meaning pf the term? Answer: Each of us is made for union with God, but we do not always live up to this calling. Unlike us, God is faithful and He desires to …
Polish actress read saint’s diaries to prepare for film role
IMAGE: CNS photo/courtesy Kondrat-Media By Mark Pattison WASHINGTON (CNS) — Kamila Kaminska, the Polish actress who played St. Faustina Kowalska in the new movie "Love and Mercy: Faustina," read the diaries her fellow countrywoman wrote to help prepare for the role. "It was an amazing experience," Kaminska told Catholic News …