Holy Land Franciscans again offer virtual Way of the Cross during Lent
The Franciscan Custody of the Holy Land launched a virtual Way of the Cross project for pilgrims during Lent because the Holy Land is not accessible for a second year in a row due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
True dialogue begins with commitment to love, pope says
Promoting sincere ecumenical dialogue can be achieved only when Christians are committed to loving their neighbors rather than viewing them with doubt or suspicion, Pope Francis said.
Severe weather prompts emergency response from church leaders as Lent begins
Below-zero temperatures, teeth-chattering wind chills and deep snow turned the southern Plains into an Arctic landscape, forcing Catholic Charities agencies to adopt emergency measures to get people to safety.
Retired nurse on mission to urge people of color to get COVID-19 vaccine
Having the ability to educate and advocate for her family inspired Joyce Christian of Somerville, Tennessee, to become a nurse.
Bishop: Blanket DNR orders for Britons with learning disabilities ‘immoral’
Medical orders against attempting to resuscitate patients with learning disabilities during the latest COVID-19 lockdown in the U.K. are "wholly unacceptable and immoral," said the bishops of England and Wales.
Vatican reminds bishops of Holy Week guidelines during pandemic
As the COVID-19 pandemic nears its first full year, the Vatican Congregation for Divine Worship and the Sacraments reminded bishops that the guidelines it issued last year for celebrating the Holy Week and Easter liturgies would still be valid this year.
For Lent, ask if one’s life is centered on God or oneself, pope says
Lent is a time to reconsider the path one is taking in life and to finally answer God's invitation to return to him with one's whole heart, Pope Francis said.
House bill recognizes fetal pain, would bar most abortions after 20 weeks
Citing leading experts in the field of fetal pain, U.S. Rep. Chris Smith, R-New Jersey, said the proposed Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act would end the "excruciating suffering and physical pain of unborn babies" by barring most abortions after 20 weeks gestation.
On ‘Today’ show, Cardinal Gregory reflects on his faith journey, racism
In a Feb. 15 segment for the "Today" show's "Changemakers" and "Black Voices" series, Cardinal Wilton D. Gregory of Washington reflected on his faith journey and on his own experiences with racism.
Biden reestablishes White House faith-based partnership office
President Joe Biden signed an executive order Feb. 14 reestablishing the White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships as a means to work with religious and secular organizations to help with COVID-19 and economic recovery and confront systemic racism.
