From Boston to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, faithful across the nation are reaching out to bring material and spiritual aid to those impacted by the devastating July 4 flash floods in the Texas Hill Country.
National News
Understanding the Brown Scapular: A Symbol of Mary’s Love and Protection
On July 16, 1251, the Virgin Mary appeared to Carmelite priest St. Simon Stock and presented him with a brown scapular. “It must be a sign and a privilege for you and for all Carmelites,” she promised him. “Whoever dies wearing the scapular will not suffer eternal fire.”
Catholic Colleges, Universities Explore ‘Thorniest Issues’ of AI
Colleges and universities — including those affiliated with the Catholic Church — are working to navigate on the ever-expanding landscape of artificial intelligence.
White House Agrees To Exempt PEPFAR From Rescissions Package
The Senate took up for consideration a request from the White House to rescind approximately $9 billion in previously appropriated funds for international aid programs and public broadcasting, among other cuts. However, Senate negotiators likely will reject cuts to PEPFAR, the U.S. government’s global effort to combat HIV/AIDS, with the White House’s agreement.
Catholic Matchmaker Uses Faith To Help Bring Couples Together
Patty Montagno, a Catholic who grew up in Greenwich Village and now lives in Winter Park, Florida, has always enjoyed playing matchmaker for her friends and has introduced many men and women who wound up happily married.
Trump Administration To Appeal After Judge Blocks ICE Detentions Based on Race
The Trump administration plans to appeal a federal judge’s July 11 ruling that bars immigration officers in Southern California from conducting immigration enforcement actions based solely on a person’s race or the fact that person is speaking Spanish.
ICE Deports Iowa Parishioner to Guatemala Homeland as Supporters Pray for His Release
Hours after a July 6 prayer vigil that Bishop Dennis G. Walsh of Davenport, Iowa, led for immigrant construction worker Pascual Pedro Pedro, Immigration and Customs Enforcement authorities deported the 20-year-old West Liberty, Iowa, parishioner to Guatemala, his homeland.
Catholic Baseball Player Now in the Big Leagues Says Faith, Family Still Rank No. 1 for Him
Toronto Blue Jays left fielder Will Robertson takes home field advantage wherever he goes: he’s a proud Catholic from mid-Missouri.
Judge Blocks Trump Birthright Citizenship Order as Part of Class Action Lawsuit
A federal judge on July 10 placed a temporary nationwide block on President Donald Trump’s executive order to to end the practice of birthright citizenship as part of a class action lawsuit.
San Bernardino Diocese Suspends Mass Obligation for Those With ‘Genuine Fear’ of ICE Raids
Amid concern over immigration enforcement raids in the area, the bishop of San Bernardino, California, on July 8 issued a dispensation from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass for the faithful if they fear for their well-being.