Page 1577 – Archdiocese of Baltimore

What a wonderful column on “Humanae Vitae” by Archbishop O’Brien (CR, Aug. 28). Praise God! It brought me to tears that finally someone has the courage to publicly proclaim and defend “Humanae Vitae.” In the 40 years since it was published in 1968, I have never heard it mentioned from a pulpit.

Editorial reflects uncertainty regarding labor

The editorial, “U.S. workforce continues to evolve,” (CR, Aug. 28) reflects the uncertainty we all feel about the value and dignity of our labor. It rightly praises the Catholic Church for its steadfast embrace of workers’ rights. Bombarded by the virtues of the “free market” since the 1980’s, and urged to accept its omnipotence and our impotence before it, the “standard of human dignity” noted in the editorial recedes farther and farther from our grasp.

Parental notice law back on California ballot, faces well-funded foes

SAN FRANCISCO – Pro-life groups are asking California voters to approve a measure that would prohibit abortions involving underage girls until 48 hours after a parent or other family member has been notified.

Church petitions Indian Supreme Court to protect Christians in Orissa

NEW DELHI – The Catholic Church in India has petitioned the country’s Supreme Court to protect Christian lives and property in Orissa state.

Former Colombian hostage says meeting pope was ‘dream come true’

ROME – Former Colombian hostage Ingrid Betancourt said it was “a dream come true” to meet Pope Benedict XVI.

Towson parishioners rebuild after tragic loss

John and Gat Meredith planned on marking the first anniversary of their daughter’s death quietly.

In new book, Columbia parishioner recounts ordeals in Vietnam

Hai Dang Nguyen’s world was crumbling around him in April 1975. The Communists were on the verge of completely overrunning South Vietnam and Mr. Nguyen knew he had to get his family out of the country.

Archbishop Curley’s reach extends to Jamaica

When Gene Hoffman sat down to check his e-mail Aug. 27, a story from the Catholic News Service about a Bible camp in Jamaica waited in his inbox.

Thurmont parish celebrates Labor Day with fun

THURMONT – Just as Jane Sprague finished heaping creamy globs of homemade potato salad into a large bowl, it was time to fill another – and then another and another. Hundreds of hungry visitors had gathered in the parish hall in eager anticipation of the chicken dinner at Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Thurmont Sept. 1, and Ms. Sprague was one of 40 volunteers who worked feverishly to keep up with the round-the-clock demand. The doors opened at noon during the parish’s annual Labor Day Festival, and the ravenous crowds kept coming for five hours straight.

In new book, Columbia parishioner recounts ordeals in Vietnam

Brother James Horan, S.J.

A funeral Mass for Brother James Horan, S.J., will be offered Sept. 3 at St. Vincent de Paul, Baltimore, at 11 a.m. A wake will be held at 10 a.m. Brother Horan, a Jesuit for 53 years, died of cancer at the University of Maryland Medical Center Aug. 29. He was 76.

Houma-Thibodaux feared Louisiana diocese hit hardest by Gustav