LOCAL NEWS

“Unbelievable,” “goosebumps,” “breathtaking,” “ecstatic,” “once in a life time,” “amazing,” “tears to my eyes”: these were some of the words and phrases inmates used to describe their encounters with Pope Francis at the Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility in northeast Philadelphia Sept. 27.

The elevation of Fr. Junípero Serra to sainthood offers important lessons for today’s debates over the treatment of immigrants and other less fortunate people. That was the message of a thoughtful, balanced lecture by author Jeff Campbell on Fr. Serra’s canonization by Pope Francis. The lecture took place Sept. 21 at St. Mary’s Basilica, as part of a week-long celebration surrounding the Franciscan missionary’s canonization. His canonization Sept. 23 was the first to take place in the United States.

All Saints Day in the Diocese of Phoenix this year will feature a coordinated effort helping English and Spanish-speaking Catholics of all ages embrace their call to holiness.

PHILADELPHIA — Closing remarks by the Holy Father during the Festival of Families prompted a Valley seminarian to pause in deep gratitude. An emotional Frank Cicero, who is in his sixth year at St. John Vianney Theological Seminary, wept as he spoke about his love for his mother.

Dcn. James Battista, 88, who once served at All Saints Parish in Mesa, died Sept. 29. Dcn. Battista was ordained Feb. 13, 1982 for the Diocese of Rockford, Illinois.

Taking place during the month in which Catholics worldwide renew devotion to the rosary — and thereby draw closer to Christ — the Arizona Rosary Celebration is celebrating its 40th year.

The annual diocesan celebration of all 35 elementary and high schools serving the Diocese of Phoenix will allow guests to get a firsthand taste of life on a Catholic school campus.

Orden de Frailes Menores (Franciscanos) Fundada: Italia, 1209 Fundador: San Francisco de Asís Carisma: El servicio a los pobres En este mes de octubre del 2015, proclamado por el Papa...

When Catholics across the country, and the world, watched Pope Francis canonize St. Junípero Serra on American soil Sept. 23, the Franciscan community and lay faithful of the Diocese of Phoenix had their own celebration at St. Mary’s Basilica.

Claretian Father Darrin Merlino was baptized a Catholic but not raised as one. It wasn't until young adulthood that that he nonchalantly prayed, "Whatever Your will is for me, God."