Some 80 years before the Pilgrims voyaged west seeking religious freedom in the “New World,” the Catholic faith was already embraced by some longtime inhabitants of North and South America — the native people.
National News
‘No One Expected This Outpouring of Support’
On Friday, Dec. 17, the scene at the parish center of Christ the King Catholic Church in Madisonville, Ky., was organized chaos anchored on a single purpose: to meet the needs of those reeling from devastation.
In One Town, Survivors Cherish Life As Best Christmas Present
On Saturday, Dec. 18, Elko was out in front of his house loading a U-Haul truck with whatever he could save from his home, which was crushed by a fallen tree. His neighborhood was in the direct path of the tornado, only about a mile from the candle factory where eight people died.
Prosecution of Ex-Cardinal McCarrick Takes Next Step in Massachusetts
A Dec. 21 motion for transcript, audio, and video recordings of depositions related to the criminal charges against ex-Cardinal Theodore McCarrick was an important step for the prosecution, according to one of his alleged victims present in the courtroom.
Supreme Court Sends Texas Abortion Case to Federal Appeals Court
Less than a week after the Supreme Court ruled that the Texas abortion law could stay in place, the court sent back a lawsuit against the state’s abortion law to a federal appeals court, not to the District Court judge who had tried to block the law.
New Group Offers Advice, Support for Priests With Role in Catholic Schools
Catholic priests have a “critically important” role in Catholic schools and need a source of advice and support for that role, said Father Peter M. J. Stravinskas.
Despite Promises, Little Has Changed For Migrants Under Biden Administration
On a Dec. 20 trip visiting with migrants across the border in Ciudad Juárez, Bishop Mark Seitz of El Paso found that little has changed with the Biden administration’s re-implementation of the Migrant Protection Protocols.
Mass Goes On in Makeshift Quarters in Hard-Hit Kentucky Town
At the 10 o’clock Mass for Resurrection Parish on Sunday, Dec. 19, musician Karen Wallace couldn’t hold back tears as she sang and played her 12-string guitar. It was her first Mass since a tornado destroyed her home, and much of the city, on Dec. 10.
Vatican Answers Questions on Limits Regarding Pre-Vatican II Mass
Responding to 11 questions it said had been raised about Pope Francis’ document restricting celebrations of the pre-Vatican II Mass, the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Sacraments offered a few concessions to bishops but insisted the entire Latin-rite Catholic Church must move toward celebrating only one form of the Mass and sacraments.
Vaccinating Kids Essential to Ending Pandemic, Vatican Official Says
As Europe rolls out its vaccination campaign for young children this week, a top Vatican official has endorsed the move, saying children have been uniquely impacted by the pandemic and must be protected and cared for.