The Catholic Sun

Days before the Senate began debate over gun-control legislation, Bishop Stephen E. Blaire of Stockton, Calif., urged senators to support a bill that "builds a culture of life by promoting policies that reduce gun violence and saves people's lives in homes and communities."

Christianity in Asia has been a long and bitter struggle. One thinks of St. Francis Xavier, S.J., and many more who will likely never see canonization but are still great heroes of the faith, such as Fr. Robert di Nobili, S.J. in India, Fr. Matteo Ricci, S.J. in China, and Bro. Bento de Goes, S.J., who discovered Cathay and China were the same after an epic journey over the Silk Road.

The criminal trial of Kermit Gosnell, a Philadelphia abortionist on trial for murdering seven babies during a grisly procedure in which he or his assistant snipped the newborns’ necks, continues. Gosnell faces the death penalty for his actions at the clinic dubbed the “House of Horrors.”

Ten local parishes are taking turns hosting an exposition of sacred relics starting April 7. Catholics will find more than 150 relics on display, some believed to be as old as 2,000 years.

Baltimore Archbishop William E. Lori, chairman of the U.S. bishops' Ad Hoc Committee for Religious Liberty, said he has "deep gratitude" and "solidarity and appreciation" for those who have challenged the contraceptive mandate of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that forces employers to pay for contraceptive services.

A Christian isn't a person who simply follows some commandments, but is a person who tries to think like Christ, "act like him, love like him," Pope Francis said at his weekly general audience.

The 40 Days for Life’s spring campaign, which formally drew to a close on Good Friday, brought news of hope for the pro-life movement in Arizona.

The head of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Korea said North Korea's recent threats of aggression may be an attempt to shore up foreign aid while preserving pride.

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Thousands of people in Miami, New Jersey, Boston, California, Illinois and other places gathered in early April to call for immigration reform legislation, to urge an end to deportation policies that separate families, and generally to open a nationwide push for immigration-focused changes aimed at Congress and the White House.

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Pope Francis' priorities will include working for the poor, protecting God's creation, strengthening interreligious dialogue, reforming the Roman Curia and evangelizing, a Jesuit priest told journalists at an April 3 event at the National Press Club in Washington.