Officials in China’s eastern Jiangxi province have replaced religious images displayed by Christian families with portraits of the country’s leader, Xi Jinping.
International News
In Myanmar, Bangladesh, Pope Travels to Peripheries
Pope Francis’ call to ‘go into the peripheries’ is real. In his brief pontificate, he has shown his concern for the poor by calling the Church ‘of the poor and for the poor.’ He has drawn the attention of the world leaders and all concerned by declaring Nov. 19 as a day of the world poor.
World Day of the Poor
Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio has written to all pastors and administrators in the diocese asking that they observe Pope Francis’ request to celebrate Sunday, Nov. 19, as the First World Day of the Poor.
Vatican Bans Sale of Cigarettes
Concerned by the damage caused by smoking, Pope Francis has banned the sale of cigarettes in Vatican City State.
‘Mother’, ‘Father’ to be Eliminated From School Admissions Forms
The terms “mother” and “father” will be banned from Catholic schools’ admissions forms in England and Wales following a complaint the terms discriminated against gay and stepparents.
Brooklyn Priest Become Taiwanese Citizen
A Maryknoll missionary priest from Brooklyn who has lived and served in Taiwan for most of the last 54 years joined with elementary school children to sing the Taiwan national anthem during National Day celebrations on Oct. 10.
Book Reaffirms John Paul I Died of Natural Causes
Two women may hold the key to clearing up questions still surrounding the death of Pope John Paul I and to overcoming the first hurdle on his path to canonization.
Walk from Assisi to Rome Is No Roman Holiday
After weeks of navigating difficult terrain, avoiding wild animals and steep cliffs, the devoted pilgrims and hiking enthusiasts who manage to traverse the 155 miles between Assisi and Rome on foot arrive in St. Peter’s Basilica and report a special kind of payoff.
Irish Claim Halloween Tradition Began in their Homeland
An Irish folklife expert says there is evidence that the tradition of carving pumpkins, which is synonymous with Halloween jack-o-lanterns in the U.S., actually began in Ireland.
Mexicans Pray for Deceased On the Dia de los Muertos
by Amy Wise Taylor
BLUFFTON, S.C. (CNS) – When Jennifer Bermejo was growing up in Aguascalientes, Mexico, her family celebrated Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, every year.