The Catholic population in the United States has grown by about two million people in 10 years. With nearly 62 million people, it continues to constitute the largest religious body in 36 US states, according to the latest religion-focused survey of America’s religious congregations. Over the last decade, many Catholics, the survey found, have moved…
Canadian Church reflects on Pope’s ‘pilgrimage of penance’ The Canadian bishops have released a reflection on Pope Francis “words of healing and reconciliation” during his ‘penitential pilgrimage’ to Canada last July. The Canadian Conference of Catholic bishops’ message marking the National Day of Prayer in Solidarity with Indigenous Peoples, celebrated in Canada on December 12…
The Biden administration may not force Catholic organisations and medical professionals to perform gender-transition surgeries or provide insurance coverage for them, the US Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals has said in a recent ruling that cited religious freedom grounds. “The federal government has no business forcing doctors to violate their consciences or perform controversial procedures…
Even the greatest believer goes through the tunnel of doubt John the Baptist, hearing of Jesus’ works, is seized with doubt as to whether he is really the Messiah or not. In fact, he imagined a stern Messiah who would come and do justice with power by chastising sinners. Now, on the contrary, Jesus has…
France’s Catholic bishops have set up what they believe to be the world’s first major national church court, replacing a previous network of local tribunals, although sexual abuse cases involving children will still be referred to the Vatican. “As a community of believers, the Church has developed a comprehensive legal system, which includes the right…
A group of Spanish Catholics sent a petition to the Madrid cardinal and Pope Francis’ ambassador, asking help to prevent the removal of a giant cross and a Benedictine monastery from a civil war cemetery and memorial outside Madrid. “These Benedictines carry out an invaluable task: They pray for the people buried there, for peace…
by Barb Umberger Parishioners at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Minneapolis, about half of whom are deaf, had the chance to attend Mass celebrated by the first deaf man ordained a Roman Catholic priest in the US, Fr Tom Coughlin. About 80 people attended the Mass last month at the small church, a…
Pilgrims are breathing fresh life into the city of Christ’s birth, writes Judith Sudilovsky On the third Sunday of Advent the pews of St Catherine’s Church were overflowing, with families and young children, teenagers and older parishioners attending Mass in anticipation of Christmas. We go out, we go shopping, we have places where we eat…
Six months after the Pentecost Sunday attack on Sts Francis Xavier Owo Catholic Parish in Ondo Diocese, which left 39 Catholic worshipers killed and more than 80 injured, there have been arrests and promises but no prosecution, Bishop Felix Femi Ajakaye has lamented. “December 5, 2022, is the sixth month of the evil attack, the…
Pope Francis reflects on the origins and wonder of the nativity scene The enchanting image of the Christmas crèche, so dear to the Christian people, never ceases to arouse amazement and wonder. The depiction of Jesus’ birth is itself a simple and joyful proclamation of the mystery of the Incarnation of the Son of God.…