Mexican bishops promise new pastoral approach, accompanying people
MEXICO CITY (CNS) — The Mexican bishops’ conference has pledged to pursue a new pastoral vision, in which the Church is considered close to the needs of the people, the poor are the priority and prelates speak prophetically on issues like violence, inequality and corruption among the elites, who currently count on the hierarchy as an ally.
All Souls feast is time to remember, to hope, pope says
ROME (CNS) — The Mass for the feast of All Souls is “realistic, concrete” in calling Catholics to remember the people and events of their past, to consider how they live today and to hope for eternal life with God and their loved ones who preceded them, Pope Francis said.
Catholic aid groups urge more humanitarian response to migrant crisis
The number of migrants crossing to Europe have increased sharply with growing violence in the Middle East and North Africa with more than 3,600 rescued at sea in 17 different operations in just one day in early May, according to the Italian coast guard.
The Holy Family is our example, says workshop presenter
PHILADELPHIA — Most Catholic homes have a depiction of the Holy Family framed or on a mantle, but their example should extend beyond a sacramental. The Holy Family serves as the example for Catholic families striving for love, joy and holiness in a world fraught with pain and distress.
Pope challenges religious to create ministries that inspire young people
PHILADELPHIA (CNS) — Pope Francis encouraged Pennsylvania’s Catholic clergy and women and men religious to challenge young people to develop “high ideals, generosity of spirit and love for Christ and the Church.”
Wichita bishop brings formal report on war-hero priest to Vatican
A week after the 65th anniversary of Fr. Emil J. Kapaun's capture in North Korea, the bishop of Wichita, Kansas, formally presented a report on the Army chaplain's life, virtues and fame of holiness to the Congregation for Saints' Causes.
Pope Francis joins prayers for victims of bloody weekend in U.S.
WASHINGTON (CNS) — Pope Francis joined Catholic Church leaders expressing sorrow after back-to-back mass shootings in the United States left at least 29 dead and dozens injured in Texas and Ohio Aug. 3 and 4.
New center in Hawai’i aims to teach visitors about local saints’ ministry
HONOLULU (CNS) — Sandwiched between a specialty store selling Hawai’ian products and a shirt souvenir shop, a new building is going up near Waikiki Beach that also hopes to attract tourists, but not to buy trinkets and sunscreen.
Philippine trip highlights pope’s tenacity, attention to details
New situations are opportunities to learn new things, even about the 78-year-old Pope Francis. After two days of watching the pope tenaciously keep his appointments in the Philippines despite pouring rain Jan. 17-18, one lesson is that the papal wardrobe needs to be expanded to include rain gear.
Don’t confess other’s faults, own up to sins, pope says at audience
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Fear and the shame of admitting one’s own sins leads to pointing fingers and accusing others rather than recognizing one’s own faults, Pope Francis said.
