SAO PAULO, Brazil – Pope Benedict XVI canonized Brazil’s first native-born saint, an 18th-century Franciscan friar renowned for his charity to the poor and his legacy of miraculous healings. At an outdoor Mass May 11, the pope read a decree proclaiming sainthood for Father Antonio Galvao, prompting a surge of applause among the hundreds of...Read More

WASHINGTON – Franciscan Sister Rosemary Lynch, who prayerfully called for the end of nuclear weapons testing in the Nevada desert for more than 33 years, died Jan. 9, four days after being hit by a car during an early morning walk. She was 93.Read More

Catholic colleges in the archdiocese have secured an archbishop, a magazine editor, and a seminary president as commencement speakers for this year's graduation ceremonies in May. Archbishop Pietro Sambi, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States appointed by Pope Benedict XVI, will give the commencement address at Mount St. Mary's University's 199th commencement exercises May 20...Read More

NEW YORK – In response to recent statistics revealing that 41 percent of pregnancies in New York City in 2009 ended in abortion, New York Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan reiterated the pledge of his predecessors to help any pregnant woman in need.Read More

WASHINGTON – The head of the U.S. bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities welcomed President George W. Bush’s May 3 promise to “veto any legislation that weakens current federal policies and laws on abortion.” Cardinal Justin Rigali of Philadelphia also expressed gratitude in a May 4 statement for pledges by 155 members of the House of...Read More

WASHINGTON – Five U.S. cardinals and more than two dozen other U.S. bishops could retire because of age this year.Read More

HOPELAWN, N.J. – When young men are discerning the vocation of priesthood, it is important that they have a quiet place for prayer and reflection while learning about the life that would come with being a priest. Through the work and support of many individuals, the Metuchen Diocese has created such a setting for those...Read More

VATICAN CITY – New revelations about clerical sex abuse cases, particularly in Europe, led Pope Benedict XVI and his top aides in 2010 to look for ways to refine policies for handling accusations and strengthening child protection programs.Read More