Salvation is free, not a ‘pay to save’ deal with God, pope says
By Junno Arocho Esteves VATICAN CITY (CNS) — When it comes to salvation, God does not seek any form of compensation and offers it freely to those in need of his love, Pope Francis said. A Christian who complains of not receiving a reward for going to Mass every Sunday …
Pope offers prayers for victims of Texas shooting
IMAGE: CNS photo/Sergio Flores, Reuters By VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Calling the mass shooting in a Texas Baptist church Nov. 5 an “act of senseless violence,” Pope Francis asked the local Catholic archbishop to convey his condolences to the families of the victims and to the injured. Cardinal Pietro Parolin, …
‘Victims’ charter’ is next step in fighting trafficking, academy says
By Carol Glatz VATICAN CITY (CNS) — After 7-year-old Rani Hong was stolen from her mother in a small village in India and sold into slavery, her captors kept her in a cage to teach her to submit completely to her “master.” “This is what the industry of human trafficking …
Teach students role of justice in migration, pope says
IMAGE: CNS/L’Osservatore Romano By Carol Glatz VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Catholic universities need to study the root causes of forced migration and ways to counter the discrimination and xenophobic reactions it provokes in so many traditionally Christian nations, Pope Francis said. “I would also like to invite Catholic universities to …
About that photo: Bertie Jane Domineack

Felicia Domineack sent the following information about this photo, which was part of one of two photo collages in our November print issue featuring images of African-American Catholics in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati over our history: “The woman in the picture at the bottom of page 7, being presented with …
Statewide day of adoration set for November 8, 2017

A Statewide Day of Adoration for Vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life is set for Wednesday, November 8th. More than 30 local sites and parishes from across the state are joining in to pray for vocations all day. This will be a great opportunity to not only pray for vocations to …
USCCB president decries massive shooting at Baptist church in Texas town
By WASHINGTON (CNS) — The U.S. Catholic Church stands “in unity” with the First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, Texas, and the larger community after a shooting during Sunday services took the lives of at least 25 people and injured several more. A 14-year-old girl, Annabelle Pomeroy, was among the dead. Her father, …
Jeanne Hunt for November: Our personal communion of saints

Catholics spend two days in prayer for the souls of those who have died in early November. All Souls Day and All Saints Day become the focus of our prayers as we grieve a little and remember a little the lives of those who have gone before us. When I …
U.S. Justice Department says it was misled in immigrant teen’s case
By WASHINGTON (CNS) — In a petition filed with the U.S. Supreme Court Nov. 3, the Justice Department said it had been misled by lawyers representing a pregnant immigrant teen about the timing of her abortion. In its petition, the Justice Department said it was about to appeal a lower …
Jesus shows that death is not the last word, pope says
By Carol Glatz VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Hope in the Lord’s promise of everlasting life does not disappoint, Pope Francis said. “God is faithful and our hope in him is not in vain.” the pope said in a memorial Mass homily Nov. 3. Pope Francis celebrated the Mass in St. …