Page 1461 – Archdiocese of Baltimore

AMMAN, Jordan – For some Muslim and Catholic analysts, the papal visit to Jordan May 8-11 could spark a renewal of interreligious relations.

University decision to rename Columbus Day observance sparks debate

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – In a debate over Brown University’s decision to rename the school’s weekend observance of Columbus Day, some feel the change should allow further study of Christopher Columbus’ role in the New World and others express concern it may show disdain for Christianity and Western culture.

Years after civil war, Guatemalan activists still face challenges

GUATEMALA CITY – When Auxiliary Bishop Juan Gerardi Conedera of Guatemala City was bludgeoned to death in his garage 11 years ago, government officials and Catholic leaders vowed his death would not be in vain.

Northern Michigan Catholics plant 12,000 trees in honor of Earth Day

MARQUETTE, Mich. – Catholic parishes across northern Michigan planned to participate in an interfaith project sponsored by the Upper Peninsula EarthKeepers to plant 12,000 native trees across the state in honor of Earth Day 2009.

Smiles, kisses and therapy: Haifa home offers care for disabled kids

HAIFA, Israel – The creamy stones of the Sacred Heart Home gleam in the sun, and squeals of delight echo in the corridors when Sister Pascale Jarjour enters a room.

St. Mary’s scholar-athlete is humble role model, leader

When Jason Gonos was a sophomore at St. Mary’s High School in Annapolis, his class got into a shouting match with the other grades. It was part of a “spirit day” celebration and students tried to outmatch one another in showing pride for their class.

Nigerian archbishop, sultan say ‘religious’ violence is political

WASHINGTON – A Nigerian Catholic archbishop and the sultan of Sokoto said the so-called religious violence between Muslims and Christians in Nigeria is not, in fact, about religion.

Bishop: Notre Dame invitation to Obama has led to ‘terrible breach’

WASHINGTON – Saying that the president of the University of Notre Dame has offered “a flawed justification” for the decision to invite President Barack Obama to speak and receive an honorary degree at commencement, the local bishop urged action to “heal the terrible breach which has taken place between Notre Dame and the church.”

Arab mayor’s invite to papal audience withdrawn after Israeli protest

JERUSALEM – An invitation for the controversial mayor of an Arab-Israeli village to a papal audience in Vatican City was withdrawn following protests by the Israeli minister of tourism.

Philadelphia Catholics give support to Italy’s earthquake victims

PHILADELPHIA – Philadelphia Cardinal Justin Rigali celebrated an April 19 Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul in Philadelphia remembering earthquake victims in Abruzzo, Italy.

UN conference was exploited for extremist remarks, says Vatican rep

VATICAN CITY – An international conference dedicated to combating racism unfortunately was used as a platform for taking “extreme and offensive political positions the Holy See deplores and rejects,” said the chief Vatican representative to U.N. agencies in Geneva.

Air Force hopes scholarship draws more service chaplains