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

VATICAN CITY – A new Vatican instruction calls on local bishops and pastors to respond generously to Catholics who seek celebration of the Mass according to the 1962 Roman Missal, commonly known as the Tridentine rite.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 – The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith has written a circular letter to bishops’ conferences around the world on preparing policies and guidelines for dealing with cases of clerical sexual abuse of minors.Read More

Instead of asking for presents for her seventh birthday, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Edgewater, parishioner Sophie Smith asked her friends to help sponsor a child in Haiti. Sophie, her brother Sam Smith and other young people have taken the lead in raising money for Our Lady of Perpetual Help’s new sister parish, St. Elizabeth...Read More

VATICAN CITY – The Second Vatican Council’s renewal of the liturgy wasn’t so much about changing texts or gestures as it was about changing Catholics’ attitude toward the Mass and helping the liturgy change their lives, Pope Benedict XVI said.Read More

FUSHUN, China (CNS) -- Ninety-year-old Sister Peter has worked in a bus factory, built houses, reinforced river embankments and spent time in jail and a mental institution. Bishop Pius Jin Peixian of Liaoning, 83, spent 10 years in prison and later was sent to a work farm. In 1966, at age 19, Cecilia Tao Beiling...Read More

WASHINGTON – Catholics of all ages from throughout the Washington area, with roots in countries around the world, came together at the Pope John Paul II Cultural Center May 1 to remember the life and holiness of a man who that day was declared as “Blessed” by his successor, Pope Benedict XVI.Read More