Communities such as Bachajon have come to depend on indigenous deacons like Anselmo Hernandez, who play an important part in serving the Church and evangelizing remote regions of Chiapas state.
International News
Eucharistic Congress Opens in the Philippines
Los Angeles Auxiliary Bishop Robert Barron said popular culture’s message of individuals being “infinitely right” is “repugnant to (Catholics’) eucharistic faith.” But he also said Christianity is “running on fumes” as it tries to counter the trend of people leaving the Church or staying away from the Eucharist.
Foot-washing Rite Is Not for Men Only
Following a request by Pope Francis, the Vatican issued a decree specifying that the Holy Thursday foot-washing ritual can include “all members of the people of God,” including women – a practice already observed by the pope and many priests around the world.
Monastery In Iraq Destroyed
Catholic clergy lamented the destruction of Iraq’s oldest Christian monastery, St. Elijah, and urged the international community to do more to stop such assaults.
‘Creation’ Series Highlights Catholic Environmental Principles
God may have needed just six days to make all of creation, but for the new video series “Creation,” well, it took a bit longer.
Same-Sex Marriage Splits Anglicans, Episcopalians
Because of the U.S. Episcopal Church’s moves to change canon law to allow same-sex marriage, Anglican leaders voted to suspend Episcopalians from positions representing the Anglican Communion and from participating in Anglican bodies.
El Paso Diocese Cancels Plans For Concurrent ‘Papal’ Mass
The Diocese of El Paso has scrapped plans for a border Mass that would have taken place at the same time as the closing Mass of Pope Francis’ visit to Mexico in February.
At Synagogue, Pope Says Covenant Is Not Broken
While the Catholic Church affirms that salvation comes through Jesus, it also recognizes that God is faithful and has not revoked his covenant with the Jewish people, Pope Francis said.
Lack of Respect for Faith Is The Paradox of a PC Culture
A world that carefully adheres to the dictates of being “politically correct” yet refuses to respect people’s faith in God is a “sad paradox,” the Vatican newspaper said.
Ghana’s Bishops Criticize Guantanamo Prisoners
Ghana’s bishops have criticized the government for accepting two former prisoners from Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, describing the situation as wrong and dangerous.