’Tis The Season For Giving Catholic schoolchildren around the diocese proved that they know the real meaning of the Christmas season when they donated toys, clothing and even spare change to their neediest neighbors in time for Christ’s birth. Gathered ’round the school creche, eighth grade Student Council officers from St. Joseph School, […]
Uncategorized
Anointing of Sick Not a ‘Minor’ Sacrament
VATICAN CITY (CNS) – Anointing of the sick is not a minor sacrament, said Pope Benedict XVI, but one that “deserves greater consideration today” because of its spiritual benefits to both minister and recipient. The pope’s words appeared in a message for the 2012 World Day of the Sick, released by the Vatican Jan. 3. […]
22 U.S. Prelates Could Retire This Year
by Nancy Frazier O’Brien WASHINGTON (CNS) – Two U.S. cardinals and 20 other U.S. bishops could retire because of age this year. There are eight active U.S. bishops, including a cardinal, who have already turned 75. Another cardinal and 13 other bishops will celebrate their 75th birthday in 2012. At age 75, bishops are required […]
26 Church Workers Killed in 2011
VATICAN CITY (CNS) – At least 26 Catholic pastoral workers were killed in mission lands or among society’s most disadvantaged communities in 2011, although they were more often the victims of violent crimes than persecution for their faith, said a Vatican news agency. The agency said that it registered the deaths of 18 priests, four […]
The Pope In 2012: Highlights of Benedict’s Year to Include Travels, Ad Liminas, and Synod
VATICAN CITY (CNS) – A trip to Latin America, a Synod of Bishops on new evangelization, the start of the Year of Faith, creation of new cardinals and proclamations of new saints are all on Pope Benedict XVI’s calendar for 2012. Of particular interest to the United States, the pope will also continue his meetings […]
Nigerian Bishops See Bombings as Equivalent to War
LAGOS, Nigeria (CNS) – The Nigerian bishops’ conference described the Christmas church bombings as the equivalent of war and declared Dec. 31 a day of fasting and prayer to ask God’s forgiveness for the acts. “Pray for Nigeria in distress and pray for peace in our nation and pray for good governance,” said the Dec. […]
Bishop’s Christmas Luncheon
The Bishop’s Christmas Luncheon held Dec. 13 at Russo’s on the Bay, Howard Beach, raised more than $800,000 for scholarships to Catholic elementary schools in Brooklyn and Queens. The event raised $534,926, which was generously matched by The Children’s Scholarship Fund on a 1:2 basis. Over 750 people took part in this Christmas tradition sponsored […]
Pope Tells Prisoners That They Are Loved
by Cindy Wooden ROME (CNS) – Pope Benedict XVI told inmates at a Rome prison that people say nasty things about him, too, but it’s important to remember that there are other people ready to offer their love and support. During a visit Dec. 18 to Rome’s Rebibbia prison, the pope gave a short speech […]
Blessed Kateri – Pope Advances Sainthood Cause of First Native American to be Beatified
by Carol Glatz VATICAN CITY (CNS) – Pope Benedict XVI advanced the sainthood causes of Blessed Marianne Cope of Molokai and Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha, both of whom have ties to New York State. He also formally recognized the martyrdom of 64 victims of the Spanish Civil War and advanced the causes of 18 other men […]
Dead Sea Scrolls – Historic Religious Texts Are Currently on Display in Manhattan
The oldest known written version of the Ten Commandments is now on display for the first time in New York City at Discovery Times Square, until Jan. 2.