NEWS

After claiming 2014 to be the worst year for religious persecution in China since the Cultural Revolution, observers in and outside the country say 2015 saw the situation deteriorate further.

There were a dozen of them known by name in the last year. The interfaith gathering also remembered those who remain unknown.

"We can work toward a new world, characterized by equality, peace, charity and mutual respect, so that mercy becomes a common culture within public and family lives," the Latin patriarch said.

Where God is born, so is hope and peace, with no room for hatred and war, Pope Francis said in his Christmas message.

If any St. Gregory second-graders are getting a pet for Christmas, they are more most likely ready for the responsibility.

An economic blockade is to blame. Shortages on fuel, gas, medicine and food plus unreliable electricity made conditions "worse than after the earthquake."

Phoenix was as part of a national five-city tour for Sirius Radio’s Lino Rulli Dec. 10 as he promoted his daily two-hour program “The Catholic Guy.” Rulli, who also serves as personal media advisor to Cardinal Timothy Dolan, has hosted the light-hearted radio show for nine years.

Making time to stop and smell the roses will have a a two-way benefit for Valley residents through Christmas Eve.

It was a reading of a book while a student at Seton Catholic Preparatory that set her on a social justice path that helped earn her such an honor.

One of the smallest chapels in the Diocese of Phoenix became a world pilgrimage site Dec. 13 and already welcomed a couple from out of state.