Many religious leaders viewed President Donald Trump’s executive order on religious freedom, which he signed in a White House Rose Garden ceremony May 4, as a step in the right direction.
National News
Nuncio to Seminarians: No Office Hours for Priests
A priest’s “office hours” are unlimited and the priesthood is not solely focused on administrative work, the apostolic nuncio to the United States told students at the nation’s only Vatican-affiliated seminary.
Final Blessing for the Greatest Show on Earth
Father Jerry Hogan’s cellphone “went wild” when shocked Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus workers called him with the news: The 145th edition of “The Greatest Show on Earth” would be its last.
Trump Steers Funding Away From PP’s Abortion Clinics
President Donald Trump signed a bill into law that allows states to redirect Title X family planning funding away from clinics performing abortions and to community clinics providing comprehensive health care for women and children.
Thousands Enter Church At Easter Vigils in the US
During what the Roman Missal describes as the “mother of all vigils,” the U.S. Catholic Church welcomed thousands of new Catholics at the Easter Vigil in churches big and small across the country.
Why a Physical Resurrection Matters
Catholics and other Christians have grown up believing in the Resurrection, but the Apostles themselves were among the first who were skeptical that Jesus arose from the dead.
Guilty Plea in Plan to Attack Pope in U.S.
A New Jersey teen pleaded guilty April 3 of plotting an attack on Pope Francis during the pontiff’s visit to Philadelphia in 2015 during the World Meeting of Families.
Botticelli Exhibit Reflects Tension of Middle Ages
A current U.S. exhibition of Botticelli’s works, many of them appearing in this country for the first time, places the modern audience right in the middle of this tumultuous period and also shows how this time of intense spiritual scrutiny impacted the artist.
Chicago Cardinal Increases Anti-Violence Program Aid
Chicago Cardinal Blase J. Cupich announced a new initiative to increase the work of current anti-violence programs in parishes and schools and those run by Mercy Home for Boys and Girls, Catholic Charities and Kolbe House, the archdiocese’s jail ministry.
Great Women Recognized
First lady Melania Trump presents Sister Carolin Tahhan Fachakh of Syria with the 2017 Secretary of State’s International Women of Courage Award.