As worshippers entered the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington for the noon Mass March 2, they saw at the base of the sanctuary a large portrait of a bespectacled, smiling Pope Francis, with a vase in front of the portrait bearing gold and white flowers — the colors of the Vatican flag.
National News
Percentage of U.S. Hispanics Who are Catholic Declining, Study Shows
A recent study on religion in America shows that while the percentage of the white, Black, and Asian adults in the United States who identify as Catholic has remained relatively steady since 2007, the percentage of Hispanic adults who identify as Catholic has steeply declined.
Vance Acknowledges the Pope’s Criticism, Prays for His Recovery
PROSPECT HEIGHTS — In response to Pope Francis’ criticisms of the Trump administration’s immigration policies, Vice President JD Vance, while not backing off of his hardline stance, was conciliatory, commending the Holy Father for his care of the flock and praying for his health and recovery. “Every day since I heard of Pope Francis’ illness […]
How Christianity Shaped Bob Dylan’s Life and Music
In the late 1970s, music icon Bob Dylan was struggling through a low point in his career. His album “Street Legal” had received mixed reviews and his movie “Renaldo and Clara” had not been received as well as he had hoped.
The Unsung Hero Behind Brooklyn’s First Black Catholic Community
In 1915, a group of black Catholics met at a home on Pacific Street in Prospect Heights, across from what is today the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph. The Spanish Colonial-style church with two bell towers was completed just three years earlier to replace the previous parish church, which was built in 1861, the same year the American Civil War began.
Pew: U.S. Christianity Downturn Leveling, but Catholics Suffer ‘Greatest Net Losses’
A multiyear decline in Christianity in the U.S. may have leveled off, according to a new survey by Pew Research Center. However, the Catholic Church, the survey found, is seeing the greatest net losses of believers compared to other religions in the U.S.
Pope Moves Kansas-Born Military Chaplain Closer to Sainthood
Pope Francis has advanced the sainthood cause of Father Emil J. Kapaun, a U.S. Army chaplain who gave his life ministering to fellow soldiers in a North Korean prison camp.
Knights of Columbus Mark 125 Years of Patriotic Degree at St. Patrick’s Cathedral
The Knights of Columbus, the world’s largest Catholic fraternal service organization, celebrated the 125th anniversary of its patriotic fourth degree with an exemplification ceremony, Mass, and unveiling of a statue of its founder Blessed Michael J. McGivney at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City.
Central Park’s Seneca Village Has Pre-Civil War Legacy of Resilience
Many New Yorkers can attest to the countless hidden gems scattered throughout the city. One destination in particular, although not still standing, lives on as a poignant symbol of resilience and community in African American history — Seneca Village.
Meet the Sister of Charity Making Sure Catholics ‘Never Forget’ the Holocaust
The National Catholic Center for Holocaust Education was founded in 1987 by Sister Gemma Del Duca and Sister Mary Noel Kernan, both Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill. It was one of the first of its kind in the country.