Two years after his visit to the United States in September 2015, Pope Francis is still enjoying widespread approval in the country.
National News
Countercultural Parish Gaining Members in San Francisco
Offering a worship style that is more traditional, Star of the Sea Church in San Francisco, Calif., is experiencing a rebirth with higher Mass attendance, more registered parishioners and new vocations.
Bishop Caggiano Blesses New Fatima Shrine in DC
About 1,500 pilgrims from Bridgeport boarded buses for the one-day trip to Washington; the other 500 came on their own. Pilgrims talked about the experience in tweets and in Facebook postings. “We’ve made it to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception! Positively joyful atmosphere here!” one person said in a Facebook post.
Grand Canyon Parish Is Quite a Sight to See
Father Rafael Bercasio pastors perhaps the smallest parish in America – and the most uniquely situated.
Cardinal Dolan Says Church Should Admit to Its Flaws
New York Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan suggested to more than 400 priests of the state of Louisiana that humbly and openly sharing the “wounds” and shortcomings of the Church might bring those who are alienated back to the practice of the faith.
Hurricane’s Damage in PR Seen as ‘Apocalyptic’
Puerto Rico, as well as other places affected by September’s back-to-back hurricanes, first Irma and now Maria, has a long way to go before life returns to normal.
Bishops: Health Care Bill Must Protect the Poor
The U.S. bishops’ effort urging senators to protect the poor and amend the Graham-Cassidy bill, meant to replace the Affordable Care Act, may be a moot subject as opposition to the bill stiffened amid frantic rewriting to get critical senators’ votes.
As Deadline For Refugee Ceiling Looms, US Church Backs Greater Welcome
President Trump has until Oct. 1 to set a deadline as to how many refugees the U.S. will allow this coming fiscal year. The president is reportedly looking to cap the number at 50,000. The USCCB is advocating to admit at least 75,000 refugees.
U.S. Bishops Urge Caution On Republican-Backed Healthcare Bill
The United States bishops are urging caution on the proposed Graham-Cassidy healthcare bill that is currently scheduled for a Senate vote next week. Four bishops from pro-life, migration, religious liberty, and justice and human development committees sent on a letter on Thursday rejecting the partisan bill and its rushed timeline.
Catholic Bishop Says Debate Over Racism More Complicated Than Statues
Bishop Edward Braxton says the debate over Confederate and Civil War monuments is not a black and white issue, but one that should be engaged via local and communal discussions.