Like pope, local pilgrims headed to first World Youth Day in Rio
The 13th global World Youth Day celebration kicking off July 23 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil will feature several firsts and local Catholics will be there to experience some of them.
United Nations asks Vatican to account for all sex abuse allegations
A United Nations' committee concerned with children's rights is requesting that the Vatican provide complete details about every accusation it has ever received of the sexual abuse of minors by clergy.
Catholic support for immigration reform called a ‘moral imperative’
Catholics need to put aside "any partisan differences" they have on the immigration issue and come together to pray for the welfare of their brother and sister immigrants and for Congress to pass much-hoped-for comprehensive immigration reform, said Bishop David M. O'Connell of Trenton.
Local Catholics mourn loss of priests, sisters
The faithful are mourning the loss of two priests and two religious sisters with ties to the Diocese of Phoenix who died in recent weeks.
‘Sun’ associate publisher elected president of Catholic Press Association
Rob DeFrancesco’s silver Ford Focus is one of the first cars to pull into the downtown Diocesan Pastoral Center underground parking garage. On many nights, it’s one of the last cars to leave.
Benedictine University offers new leadership program in Mesa
They’re first-generation college students poised to make a name for themselves and their college. What’s more, it’s all set to unfold in their own...
Young Catholics raise money for missionary work
Mariah Butcher, 18, a St. Bernadette parishioner and Eveling Ortega, 26, a St. Joan of Arc parishioner, are two local young adult missionaries joining 130 of their peers nationwide for a year of service through NET Ministries.
Deacon Petersen elected president of Catholic Physicians Guild
Deacon Dick Petersen, M.D., has been elected president of the Catholic Physicians Guild of Phoenix. Deacon Petersen, who was ordained in 1997, graduated from Creighton University Medical School in 1965. The father of three and grandfather of three has been a member of the Catholic Physicians Guild for the last 20 years.
Be generous givers of mercy, not condemnation, disapproval, pope says
God wants people to be generous and merciful, not full of condemnation toward others, Pope Francis said. God is well aware of "our miseries, our difficulties, even our sins, and he gives all of us this merciful heart," capable of being loving and merciful toward others, he told pilgrims gathered outside the papal summer villa.
Texas stiffens abortion restrictions; pro-lifers rally to support bill
The drama in Texas over abortion that drew national and international attention came to an end for the moment after the state House of Representatives then the state Senate voted to adopt tougher abortion regulations. Gov. Rick Perry promised to sign the bill into law soon.
