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August 2017

August 4

Ethicists warn of problems as U.S. scientists alter human embryo genes

August 4, 2017

WASHINGTON – Researchers in Oregon have announced that they have successfully altered genes in a human embryo for the first time in the United States, but Catholic ethicists warn that the procedure was morally objectionable for many reasons.

August 5

Review: The Emoji Movie

August 5, 2017

NEW YORK – Tech savvy viewers will especially enjoy the wacky proceedings of "The Emoji Movie" (Columbia). But patrons of all stripes will appreciate the film's themes of loyal friendship and faithful romance.

Catholic schools are a pillar of Church in Sudan

August 5, 2017

KHARTOUM, Sudan – Dust and mud brick houses everywhere – as far as the eye can see. The houses are indistinguishable in colour from the ground on which they stand. Trees are few and far between.

Religious leaders unite to fight Holy Land environmental issues

August 5, 2017

JERUSALEM – A heat wave in Israel and the Palestinian territories in July and near-record electricity usage – where it was available – are indications that, despite the continuous political tensions here, Christians, Muslims and Jews are facing a common enemy that needs to be confronted in a united manner.

August 6

Italian priest takes Virgin Mary on a paddle boat to bless beachgoers

August 6, 2017

ROME, Italy – Every August, for the feast of the Madonna of the Sea, Italian priest Father Mario Calogiuri takes to the beach of San Foca to bless swimmers and seafarers "between the deckchairs and umbrellas" in a blue swimsuit, according to Italian source La Repubblica.

New film recalls faith, sacrifice of Maryknoll chaplain killed in Vietnam

August 6, 2017

MARYKNOLL, N.Y. – Fifty years after he put himself between a wounded Marine and fatal enemy gunfire, the story of Maryknoll Father Vincent R. Capodanno's faith and sacrifice is being retold in a new movie.

Filipino Jesuit on road to sainthood under Pope’s new beatification category

August 6, 2017

MANILA, Philippines – Brother Richie Fernando was a 26 year-old Jesuit seminarian from the Philippines when in 1996 he died protecting his Cambodian students from a hand grenade.

August 7

Sandwiches for homeless changing lives of recipients, parishioners alike

August 7, 2017

WASHINGTON – While driving to work with his son, Eric Von Gay Sr. noticed a homeless man walk out of his tent to look for food in the grass. That's when Eric Gay Jr. got the idea to "keep what Father Bill started."

Oklahoma farm community honours hometown hero on path to sainthood

August 7, 2017

OKARCHE, Okla. – Past the grain elevator and the bar famous for its fried chicken, Oklahoma Highway 3 leads to a century-old church where Father Stanley Francis Rother served as an altar boy.

Ancient order, modern times: Order of Malta focuses on renewal

August 7, 2017

ROME – For more than 900 years, the Sovereign Order of the Knights of Malta has seen its fair share of victories, defeats and institutional changes.

August 8

West Bank priests stress nonviolence as youths protest Israeli occupation

August 8, 2017

JERUSALEM – With tensions still high in the Old City following weeks of violence, Fr. Firas Aridah completed his work at the Latin Patriarchate early so he could leave Jerusalem for his West Bank parish before any possible violence began.

Archaeologists think they’ve unearthed hometown of three apostles

August 8, 2017

JERUSALEM – After decades of searching, Israeli archaeologists working on the shores of the Sea of Galilee believe they have uncovered the lost Roman city of Julias, home of the apostles Peter, Andrew and Philip.

Phoenix Diocese says retired bishop 'categorically denies' abuse claim

August 8, 2017

PHOENIX – The Diocese of Phoenix said retired Bishop Thomas J. O'Brien, who headed the diocese from 1982 to 2003, "categorically denies" an allegation that he sexually abused a young boy while the youngster was in grade school in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

Pope Francis planning to visit Myanmar, say unconfirmed reports

August 8, 2017

YANGON, Myanmar – Pope Francis is expected to focus on trying to improve the troubles of about a million ethnic Muslim Rohingya when he visits Myanmar the last week of November, reported ucanews.com.

Pope orders Belgian religious order to stop euthanizing patients

August 8, 2017

MANCHESTER, England – Pope Francis has given a Belgian religious order until the end of August to stop offering euthanasia to psychiatric patients.

Canadian bishops say TWU case could have “profound impact” on religious organizations

August 8, 2017

OTTAWA – A case coming this fall to the Supreme Court of Canada could have “a profound impact on all faith-based education, health care and social service facilities,” according to Canada’s bishops.

August 9

NWT parish set to open new church

August 9, 2017

After a long and arduous journey, Sacred Heart Church in Fort Simpson, N.W.T., is rising again.

Southern dioceses stepping up aid to North

August 9, 2017

Not all missions are foreign missions.

Church must open its arms to lonely nation

August 9, 2017

Have we become a lonely nation?

Vatican official hints at unofficial agreement with China on bishops

August 9, 2017

HONG KONG – A senior Vatican official has hinted there is an unofficial agreement between the Holy See and Beijing on the appointment of bishops, even as negotiations to formalize arrangements continue to hit roadblocks, reported ucanews.com.