A Christmas story at the border: Who are the holy families in your midst?
In this Advent and Christmas season, as we reflect on the Holy Family and their hasty departure to Egypt fleeing Herod, we can look closer and see those who are fleeing from other perils.
U.N. reports significant rise in hunger in Latin America, Caribbean
A report released by several U.N. agencies warned that the number of those suffering from hunger in Latin America and the Caribbean is at its highest point in 15 years.
Vatican judge says case a ‘construction site’ as trial is postponed
A Vatican judge gave prosecutors more time to build their case against several defendants accused of financial malfeasance and corruption.
Despite age, surgery, the pope is still energetic, his nephew says
Pope Francis will turn 85 years old Dec. 17. And according to his nephew, Jesuit Father José Luis Narvaja, he is still rarin' to go.
Pilgrims return to Guadalupe basilica but in smaller numbers
Jesús Martínez Aguilar walked two days from the state of Puebla to the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, arriving at dusk on the eve of the Dec. 12 feast day. He posed for a selfie with his family at the basilica's gates, then prepared to enter and give thanks to the patroness.
Pope: Through Mary, Latin America can move toward conversion, renewal
Festive music, dancing and prayers in honor of Mary echoed through St. Peter's Square as hundreds gathered to commemorate the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Mourning, prayer and a resolve to rebuild follow devastating tornadoes
Mourning, prayer and a resolve to rebuild shattered lives, homes and businesses in Mayfield followed one of the most powerful twisters in U.S. history that leveled the city of 10,000 in western Kentucky overnight Dec. 10.
Disability or chronic illness does not make life less sacred, pope says
Every human being is precious and has a value that does not depend on his or her abilities, but on the fact that he or she is a person created in the image of God, Pope Francis said.
Vatican releases text for installing catechists, explains ministry
Catholic men and women formally installed in the new ministry of catechists are not simply religious education teachers but are engaged in "the proclamation and transmission of the faith, carrying out this role in collaboration with the ordained ministers and under their guidance," said a letter accompanying the Latin text of the Rite of Institution of Catechists.
When religious authority is not service, people are harmed, pope says
When the superior of a religious community does not live his or her authority as a form of service, the result is an abuse of power that harms individuals and can destroy a vocation, Pope Francis said.
