The major events of Pope Francis’ trip to the Holy Land this weekend will be shown live on NET-TV.
International News
Harvard ‘Black Mass’ Is Called a Sacrilege
CAMBRIDGE, Mass. (CNS) – A Harvard University student group’s plan to conduct a satanic ritual “black mass” May 12 on campus brought a public outcry, leading to its formal cancellation and an apparently impromptu off-campus version of the event, as well as a well-attended alternative Catholic holy hour. The planned event had drawn wide criticism from religious leaders as well as students, alumni and faculty at Harvard.
Nuns’ Group Responds To Cardinal’s Criticism
WASHINGTON (CNS) – The recent rebuke of the officers of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR) by the head of the Vatican’s doctrinal office should be viewed as one part of his entire remarks and one aspect of the group’s visits and ongoing dialogue with Vatican officials, according to a statement by LCWR officers.
Vandalism in the Holy Land – Anti-Christian Graffiti Where Pope Is Scheduled to Visit
JERUSALEM (CNS) – The Latin patriarch of Jerusalem called a continuing wave of vandalism against Christian, Muslim and Druze properties a “blight on Israeli democracy” and urged authorities to step up prosecution against the perpetrators. Patriarch Fouad Twal said during a May 11 news conference in the northern city of Haifa that the attacks, which […]
Bishops Speak Out for Kidnapped Nigerian Teens
WASHINGTON (CNS) – Among the U.S. leaders speaking out for action to track down and return 276 kidnapped schoolgirls in Nigeria are the chairman of a Catholic bishops’ committee, the director of the Africa Faith and Justice Network and first lady Michelle Obama. Bishop Richard E. Pates of Des Moines, Iowa, and Dominican Father Aniedi […]
Pope Reappoints Local Priest as Interreligious Dialogue Advisor
Pope Francis recently reappointed Brooklyn priest Father James Massa to another five-year term as one of 50 advisors to the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue.
‘Gimme Shelter’ Lady Says: ‘I Love My Work’
WASHINGTON (CNS) – Kathy DiFiore has spent more than half of her life as the “shelter lady,” taking vacant convents and other buildings in New Jersey and turning them into shelters for unwed pregnant women. The work of DiFiore, now 67, was made into a feature film, “Gimme Shelter.”
UN Questions Vatican On Clergy Sex Abuse
VATICAN CITY (CNS) – Appearing before a U.N. committee monitoring adherence to an international treaty designed to fight torture, Vatican officials repeatedly were asked about efforts to investigate allegations of clerical sexual abuse, punish offenders and cooperate in prosecuting perpetrators.
Pro-Abort Pols Told to Pass on Communion
ROME (CNS) – Catholic politicians and judges who support laws in conflict with Church teaching on abortion, euthanasia, marriage and related issues commit “sacrilege” and cause “grave scandal” if they receive Communion, said the U.S. cardinal who heads the Vatican’s highest court.
Syrian Patriarch Brings Peace Mission to B’klyn
Syrian Catholics have a part to play in re-establishing peace in their homeland, despite the fact that they are a minority. But before any serious attempt is made, foreign troublemakers, who include terrorists and bandits, must leave the country.
That’s the opinion of Patriarch Gregorios III, the Melkite Patriarch of Syria and Lebanon.