BROOKLYN, N.Y. – A “hierarchy of values” exists, which means not all political issues are of equal value, said Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio of Brooklyn. “Our faith must inform our political decisions,” he said, and Catholic voters are obliged to distinguish “between moral evil,” such as abortion, “and matters of prudential judgment,” such as tuition tax...Read More
ARMAGH, Northern Ireland – Cardinal Sean Brady of Armagh, celebrating the funeral for a man who “disappeared” more than 30 years ago, said the paramilitaries suspected of murdering and secretly burying him were trying to play God.Read More
LOURDES, France – From an altar ringed with wheelchairs and stretchers, Pope Benedict XVI encouraged thousands of sick people at Lourdes to seek solace in Mary’s smile and maternal love.Read More
WASHINGTON – Although nearly three-quarters of American Catholics say they are somewhat or very familiar with church teachings on marriage, many mistakenly believe that a non-Catholic spouse must promise to raise the couple’s children as Catholic and that church teaching accepts divorce in cases of marital infidelity.Read More
VATICAN CITY – Pope Benedict XVI would welcome having an electric popemobile as a further sign of his commitment to protecting natural resources and safeguarding the earth, said a top Vatican official.Read More
PARIS – Pope Benedict XVI warned that Western cultural efforts to marginalize religion and believers would bring disaster for humanity and ultimately “play into the hands of fanaticism.”Read More
PHOENIX – While the NFL and advertisers used Super Bowl XLII as a chance to further their enterprises and increase profits, some Benedictine sisters in Phoenix used the big game as an opportunity to further the work of the Catholic Church in spreading the Gospel.Read More
CHICAGO – The Catholic Conference of Illinois has urged the state’s General Assembly to reject a Senate bill legalizing civil unions for same-sex couples.Read More
SAN FRANCISCO – Responding to an invitation to meet with him to discuss church teaching on abortion and other topics, U.S. House Speaker Nancy House Speaker Pelosi said she would “welcome the opportunity” to meet with Archbishop George H. Niederauer of San Francisco “to go beyond our earlier most cordial exchange about immigration and needs...Read More
There’s an interesting transformation that happens in stores right after the Christmas holidays. As the sights and sounds of Christmas disappear, suddenly store shelves are filled with Valentine’s decorations, candies and gifts.Read More
Some places work on you. They touch your heart and inspire awe. Omaha Beach in Normandy, Independence Hall, stops on the Underground Railroad. Recently, I visited one of those places, a defunct Woolworths, now the International Civil Rights Center & Museum in Greensboro, N.C..Read More