Page 1808 – Archdiocese of Baltimore

WASHINGTON – The “old-fashioned” virtues of prudence, the pursuit of the common good, and the duty to stand with the poor and vulnerable are needed to address the issue of climate change, U.S. bishops’ official John Carr said in testimony June 7 before the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works. Carr, secretary for social development and world peace for the U.S. bishops’ conference, said ingenuity, creativity, entrepreneurship and economic markets can help develop the knowledge, technology and measures to make progress against climate change and limit its damage. “This is a crucial time to build up the common ground for common action to pursue the common good for all of God’s children and creation,” Carr said.

Japanese martyrs lived under series of dictators

FUKOKA, Japan – The 188 Japanese martyrs whom Pope Benedict XVI cleared for beatification June 1 lived under a series of dictators.

Ordination will mark end and beginning of adventure for four men

For six years they have studied and prepared for the end of their journey.

Steibe-Pasalich named to National Review Board

A native of Baltimore has been named to the National Review Board of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Ladies get away day at Our Lady of Perpetual Help

The ladies of the Magnificat Mom’s Club gathered 50 women at Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Edgewater, parish hall for a day of pampering and activities created just for them. Throughout the day the ladies were treated to pottery classes, Mary Kay Cosmetic representatives, jazzercise classes, scrapbook activities and a planting project. The ladies were treated to a continental breakfast, hors d ‘oeuvres from Tastefully Simple and lunch from Bayside Bull. A nutritionist and a doctor were invited to speak to the women about their physical and mental health and the importance of spirituality in their life.

Archdiocese collects scrap metal for statue of Pope John Paul

MEXICO CITY – The Archdiocese of Leon is collecting scrap metal to create a life-size statue of Pope John Paul II.

Doing ads against obesity yet shilling for junk food: What the Shrek?

If advertising weren’t effective, it wouldn’t be so pervasive. Part of the pervasiveness of advertising lies in the fact that with so many ads out there – not only on TV but billboards, signs, online and other electronic media – some eye-catching gimmick has to be used to lure folks to the message.

Efforts to protect religious freedom around world mark 10th year

WASHINGTON – With the daily news from Capitol Hill focused on the often-combative process of passing legislation to reform immigration, fund the war in Iraq or even reauthorize the farm bill, it’s refreshing to look back at another carefully negotiated bill that took a less contentious course.

Diocese exploring how to develop a ministry to homosexuals

TUCSON, Ariz. – The Diocese of Tucson will develop a ministry to homosexuals, Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas said in a column in his diocesan newspaper, “The New Vision.” In the May edition of the paper, Bishop Kicanas said he thinks the church should be doing more to minister to people with a same-sex orientation than the approach he and his priests’ council settled upon several years ago.

Papal honors presented to 19 in the archdiocese

A lawyer, a member of the second deacon class of the archdiocese, the president of a Catholic hospital and an administrator for Stella Maris in Timonium, are among 19 individuals in the Archdiocese of Baltimore who have been awarded papal honors. Cardinal William H. Keeler will present the awards at a special ceremony June 24, at 6 p.m., at the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen, Homeland.

Cool under pressure: Papal guards handle many pilgrims discreetly

VATICAN CITY – Pope Benedict XVI’s security guards are known for composure under pressure, and they showed it when a deranged German tried to jump onto the pope’s jeep at a general audience. Within seconds, 11 Vatican plainclothes agents – Swiss Guards and policemen – subdued the 27-year-old man and pinned him to the ground. He was unarmed, and the pope was unharmed in the June 6 incident. The whole thing happened so quickly and quietly that it went unnoticed by most people in the square, including the pope. No guns were drawn and no alarms were sounded. The pope’s jeep never sped up, and most of the faithful, even those right in front of the scene, just kept snapping pictures of the pontiff.

U.S. Archdiocese for the Military Services has new headquarters