I want to express my strong support for Archbishop Edwin F. O'Brien. He is a real hero to not only the Catholics he leads, but to all people. His tireless efforts to help our local communities’ spiritual welfare and to improve their schools and educational systems should be recognized and applauded.Read More
Though Father Joseph G. Bochenek finds everlasting solace in his Catholic faith, the 62-year-old pastor of St. Brigid, Canton, has discovered the four hours of karate he studies each week keeps him nimble and in top form. A fan of Eastern disciplines, Father Bochenek joins 20 other disciples in a basement martial arts studio in...Read More
FREDERICK – In a move that seems inspired by the parable of the loaves and fishes, Terry Mahoney is hoping he can turn $6,000 into $60,000 for disabled veterans, thanks to some training hikes as long as 55 miles.Read More
WASHINGTON – The Vatican Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith has ordered a “doctrinal assessment” of the “activities and initiatives” of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious, the Maryland-based association whose members represent about 95 percent of the 67,000 women religious in the United States.Read More
COLOGNE, Germany – Remarks made by German bishops during a recent visit to the West Bank have caused a storm of reaction from Jewish leaders in Germany. The Central Council of Jews in Germany and the Israeli Embassy responded angrily to comments by Bishop Gregor Hanke of Eichstaett, who compared the situation of Palestinians in...Read More
VATICAN CITY – This year’s meditation for Pope Benedict XVI’s Good Friday Way of the Cross has a distinctly Asian perspective, referring to Hindu scriptures, an Indian poet and Mahatma Gandhi.Read More
WASHINGTON – Fated to be remembered principally as the vice presidential nominee who had to step down because of treatment for depression, Sen. Thomas Eagleton also made his mark in the Senate as a strong opponent of abortion and harsh critic of the war in Vietnam. Sen. Eagleton died March 4 at St. Mary’s Health...Read More
HAGERSTOWN – A 13-year-old girl with pink hair, black fingernails, a shiny silver belt and a hip-hop cap sat two pews in front of an elderly woman with a black veil over her head during a special Tridentine Mass celebrated Sept. 11 at St. Mary in Hagerstown.Read More
MANILA, Philippines – Bishops in the Philippines have expressed concern over potential human rights violations which could result from an anti-terrorism bill. Bishop Martin Jumoad of Isabela said that, although he is “glad” the Human Security Act was passed by Congress, an independent body is needed to avoid such violations. “There should be another body...Read More
SOMERSET, Pa. – Sept. 11, 2001, was a routine Tuesday morning at the Miller Funeral Home in Somerset. Wallace “Wally” Miller, Somerset County coroner, was in his office and his father, Wilbur, who lived with him, was in his customary place on the couch, watching television.Read More