Aggression against Catholic priests and religious — including kidnappings, imprisonment, and murder — is on the rise.
National News
Continuing Conversion: Becoming Catholic Feels ‘Like a New Beginning’
John Johnson, 65, is living proof that it’s never too late to start a new chapter in one’s life. And he’s also proof that joining the Catholic faith is something that is possible for anyone of any age.
Hundreds Of ‘Rescued Relics’ Are On Display For Veneration at NJ Church
Joseph Santoro has recognized the importance of Catholic relics since he was just a teenager in Williamsburg. His Italian great-grandparents maintained devotion to several saints while attending Our Lady of Mount Carmel, and he was still in high school when he was given his first relic at the Shrine of St. John Neumann.
Activist Nun Leads Push to Delay Execution of Texas Death Row Inmate
Sister Helen Prejean, a longtime activist against the death penalty, is leading a campaign to delay the scheduled execution of Texas death row inmate Ivan Cantu on Feb. 28.
Catholics Must Have Religious Liberty to ‘Meet Migrants’ Basic Human Needs,’ Bishops Say
The ability of Catholic and other faith-based groups to “meet migrants’ basic human needs” at the U.S.-Mexico border is a religious liberty issue and must be defended, U.S. bishops said in recent statements.
Trump Calls on GOP To Protect IVF in All 50 States, a Move Opposed by the Catholic Church
Former President Donald Trump on Feb. 23 responded to the Alabama Supreme Court’s in vitro fertilization ruling in a statement saying he supports the “availability of IVF” and calling on the state’s Legislature to “act quickly to find an immediate solution” to preserve access to fertility treatment in the state.
Church Vandalism on the Rise Locally Is Also Occurring Across the U.S.
The New York Catholic Churches that have recently been vandalized are not alone. Across the country in the past two months, statues of Mary have been attacked in Washington and Nebraska. In Philadelphia, stained glass windows were broken at one church and outdoor Nativity scene statues were toppled and broken at another.
Haitian Bishop Badly Burned in Explosion Is Recovering in Miami
According to Archbishop Thomas Wenski of Miami, Haitian Bishop Pierre-André Dumas of Anse-à-Veau and Miragoâne, who was injured in a Feb. 18 explosion, will soon arrive in the archdiocese to receive additional treatment and recover.
El Paso Bishop Defends Migrant Shelter Under Attack by Texas Attorney General
From the perspective of the local bishop, the recent effort by the Texas Attorney General to close a Catholic migrant shelter in El Paso shows the impossible situation such organizations are in, balancing federal and state responses with their own mission to serve.
Louisiana Considers Resuming Death Penalty Executions, Using Electrocution and Nitrogen Gas
Louisiana, which has not executed a death row inmate since 2010, primarily because the state has not been able to obtain the lethal injection drugs needed, is looking to resume executions by using electrocution and nitrogen gas.