The Catholic Sun

The Catholic Church closely safeguards the sanctity of marriage because it is a reflection of Christ's union with his bride, the Church, Pope Francis said.

MESA — Scorching triple-digit temperatures didn’t deter young adults from making history this week. They labeled themselves a downtown college’s first students and they clearly labeled themselves Catholic. Benedictine University at Mesa students spent their lunch break Sept. 4 in a one-mile eucharistic procession, adoration and Mass. It was the first Mass as a college community.

Pope Francis asked leaders of the world's 20 largest economies to "lay aside the futile pursuit of a military solution" to the Syrian civil war and promote instead a "peaceful solution through dialogue and negotiation."

As threats of military intervention against Syria escalate and the country's future remains uncertain, a U.S. cardinal said that, no matter what transpires, prayer is urgently needed.

Echoing the appeal of Pope Francis and Catholic prelates in Syria, two leaders of the U.S. bishops' conference urged President Barack Obama to seek a political solution in Syria.

Pope Francis' appeal to pray for peace in Syria has a particular urgency for Catholics in the region, who say their countries are most likely to suffer the brunt of any attacks on Damascus.

When James Wall was installed by the Vatican as Bishop of the Diocese of Gallup in 2009, he knew there were festering issues regarding allegations of priest sex abuse, but not to the extent that has brought the sprawling southwestern diocese to the doors of U.S. Bankruptcy Court.

In response to Pope Francis’ invitation, a local vigil will be held at Ss. Simon and Jude Cathedral, 6351 N. 27th Ave. Phoenix, on Saturday, Sept. 7, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., corresponding with Pope Francis’ vigil in Rome.

The beautiful Whirlwind Golf Club at Wild Horse Pass, located at 5692 W. North Loop Road, Chandler is the site of the 21th annual Joe Hasulak Memorial Golf Tournament hosted by the Corpus Christi Knights of Columbus.

On the evening of Sept. 7, days before U.S. lawmakers vote on President Barack Obama's proposal for a military attack on Syria, Pope Francis will lead thousands in St. Peter's Square in a prayer vigil for peace.