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July 2017

July 13

There’s hope for the future in Ukraine, says Cardinal Sandri during visit

July 13, 2017

KYIV, Ukraine – Shortly after Pope Francis donated money to help those suffering from Ukraine's ongoing conflict, Cardinal Leonardo Sandri arrived in the country, saying that while pained, he sees hope for the future.

Former president, treasurer of Pope’s hospital charged with misuse of funds

July 13, 2017

VATICAN CITY – The Vatican announced Thursday (July 13) that an investigation involving the former president and treasurer of the Vatican-owned Bambino Gesù hospital in Rome will proceed to trial before the Vatican court.

Cardinal Muller refutes claims about conversation with Pope

July 13, 2017

VATICAN CITY – Cardinal Gerhard Muller has strenuously denied media reports alleging Pope Francis asked the German prelate five pointed questions before informing him that his term as prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith was not being renewed.

Malta vote to legalize same-sex marriage over Catholic Church protest

July 13, 2017

VALLETTA, Malta – Lawmakers in predominantly Roman Catholic Malta legalized same-sex marriage Wednesday (July 12), joining much of Western Europe by replacing the traditional "you are now husband and wife" declaration in civil ceremonies with "you are now spouses."

Serbs, Croats conclude study of Blessed Stepinac's controversial life

July 13, 2017

VATICAN CITY – A commission of Croatian and Serbian experts studying Blessed Alojzije Stepinac's life said they were unable to reach a conclusion on questions regarding the controversial martyr's history.

Hong Kong Catholics pray for Nobel winner days before his death

July 13, 2017

HONG KONG – Hong Kong Christians came together to pray for terminally ill Liu Xiaobo, less than a week before his death.

20 years on, Harry Potter still captivates fans, cultivating theological debates

July 13, 2017

WASHINGTON – Two decades since the publication of its first book, the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling continues to draw countless readers into its pages, gaining ground among some faithful initially put off by the much-debated themes of magic and witchcraft.

After strong earthquake, some Philippine communities need to be relocated

July 13, 2017

MANILA, Philippines – A week after a magnitude 6.5 earthquake hit the central Philippine province of Leyte, hundreds of residents were still living in temporary shelters.

Holy Land Franciscans build interreligious bridges with Buddhist camp

July 13, 2017

WASHINGTON – Some of the children seemed fascinated with the life-size scene of Jesus on the cross. Some of the youngest wondered what was happening, why did people look so sad, they asked looking at the scene of Calvary.

July 14

Speaking Out: Food and family go together

July 14, 2017

Despite our busy and often conflicting schedules, my parents, brother and I try to eat at least one meal a day together. During this time, we share stories, make jokes and catch up on each other’s lives.

Comment: This time, Jesus is invited for our wedding vows

July 14, 2017

My wife and I, in our 40th year of married life, are renewing our vows this month at a special Mass in the Marian chapel of our home parish at London’s St. Peter’s Cathedral Basilica.

Residential school survivor awarded Vanier scholarship to further PhD research

July 14, 2017

Terrance Pelletier has lived through the tragedy of residential schools and all its social and political fallout.

Young farmers in the U.S., Uganda learn to help each other

July 14, 2017

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – If a man is taught to farm, he is sustained for life.

An answer to prayers: priestly ordinations reach new peak in Scotland

July 14, 2017

EDINBURGH, Scotland – Twelve men are set to be ordained priests in Scotland this year, a 20-year high that Catholic leaders credited to prayers and other work to encourage vocations.

Despite Melinda Gates’ hopes, Pope can’t change teaching on contraception

July 14, 2017

WASHINGTON – Pope Francis cannot change Church’s long-standing teaching on contraception, despite the hopes of Melinda Gates, says a theology and ethics professor.

Church is learning to deal with reality of declining number of weddings

July 14, 2017

A flowing white wedding gown is not an everyday sight along the busy streets of Rome.

July 15

Boy choristers from Spain called 'messengers of peace, beauty'

July 15, 2017

WASHINGTON – Since the 13th century, the Escolania de Montserrat has sung daily for pilgrims at Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey in Catalonia, Spain.

A Franciscan friar trades a field of dreams for an empire for the poor

July 15, 2017

SONSONATE, El Salvador – His Boston Red Sox baseball hat is almost as big a part of him as his brown Franciscan habit. Anywhere Franciscan Father Flavian Mucci goes in El Salvador, he's known not only for his love of baseball, but more importantly, for the only thing he loves more than the game: the poor.

Loneliness among the elderly is a growing problem around the world

July 15, 2017

DENVER, Colo. – It was August in Rome, the dog days of summer, and most people had left the Eternal City for the beach or another summer holiday destination.

El Salvador nonprofit keeps mission to serve the poor through war, disasters

July 15, 2017

SONSONATE, El Salvador – In 1977, when Franciscan Father Flavian Mucci found himself away from home, he decided to host Christmas dinner for the homeless in a rural zone of El Salvador. It was a meal the young friar would never forget.