Mass to pray for migrants who died in Arizona’s desert

A Jan. 11 Mass at St. Timothy Parish in Mesa is being held to pray for the repose of the souls of 750 unidentified migrants who died in Arizona’s Sonora Desert between 2001 and 2013.

True faith is driven by zeal to change world with God’s love, pope says

True faith is marked by the daring desire to change the world with the loving heart of Jesus, Pope Francis said as he celebrated the feast of the Most Holy Name of Jesus at the Church of the Gesu, the Jesuits' main church in Rome Jan. 3. The Mass was also a celebration of thanksgiving for the recent canonization of St. Peter Faber, a founding member of the Society of Jesus and the first of the Jesuits to be ordained a priest.

Courts give some last-minute relief from HHS contraceptive mandate

In the midst of their New Year's Eve celebration with low-income elderly residents, the Baltimore-based Little Sisters of the Poor learned that the Supreme Court issued an injunction temporarily protecting them from the Affordable Care Act's contraceptive mandate.

Photographer captures final stages of abandoned churches, factories

Philadelphia photographer Matthew Christopher strongly believes in restoring abandoned buildings, but says if a structure is going to be demolished, it should at least be documented.

Milwaukee project makes, markets soaps to help former prostitutes

They drive around the surrounding neighborhoods where street prostitution is active. They try to meet people's basic needs, offering food, first aid and personal care items. Perhaps more importantly, they listen to their stories, often tales of sexual abuse as children and feelings of being unloved and feeling hopeless.

Response to ‘On Eagle’s Wings’ over the years humbling for composer

Fr. Jan Michael Joncas has composed more than 300 liturgical songs, but his name is widely known for the one that tops a list of favorites: "On Eagle's Wings."

Pope, on feast of first martyr, prays for persecuted Christians

Observing the feast of the church's first martyr, Pope Francis prayed for Christians suffering persecution and discrimination around the world, even in countries that nominally honor religious liberty.

‘Gimme Shelter’ film highlights plight of homeless pregnant teens

Pro-life leaders from around the Diocese of Phoenix were treated to a preview Dec. 13 of “Gimme Shelter,” a film that chronicles the story of Apple Bailey, a young girl who flees from her drug-addicted, prostitute mother and seeks help from her biological father.

Christmas is time to feel God’s closeness, experience peace, pope says

Celebrating the first Christmas since his election, Pope Francis preached the goodness and tenderness of God, and prayed that men and women around the world would allow God's grace to transform them into peacemakers.

‘Red Mass’ to kick off legislative year, will feature retired N.M. bishop

Lawyers, elected officials, canonists and judges will gather Jan. 14 at St. Mary’s Basilica to take part in the annual “Red Mass,” sponsored by the St. Thomas More Society and the Diocese of Phoenix.