Franciscans rallying to have Good Fr. Frédéric declared saint
By Alan Hustak, Catholic Register SpecialMONTREAL – As the 100th anniversary approaches of the death of “Good Fr. Frédéric,” Franciscans are rallying to have Pope Francis finally declare Frederic Janssoone a saint.
Survey finds growing interest among Catholics in reading the Bible
By Colleen Dulle, Catholic News ServiceWASHINGTON – When Deacon Joseph Jensen entered Our Lady of Good Counsel Passionist Seminary in Warrenton, Missouri, in the late 1950s, he realized he was the only student in his class who had read the Bible.
Jesus restores life through compassion, not magic, pope says
By Junno Arocho Esteves, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY – Even in the midst of suffering and death, Christians can become witnesses of the Resurrection and the power of God's compassion, Pope Francis said as he proclaimed two new saints.
Pope calls for gathering to find ways to end, prevent drug abuse
By Carl Glatz, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY – Pope Francis has requested a special study session at the Vatican to look at how to solve the growing problem of drug abuse, especially narcotics.
Good priests don't own gloves, they get their hands dirty, says Pope Francis
By Junno Arocho Esteves, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY – Like the Good Shepherd, good priests do not privatize their time and demand to be left alone, but rather are always willing to risk everything in search of the lost sheep, Pope Francis said at the closing Mass of the Jubilee for Priests and Seminarians.
Church needs courageous women like Mary, Pope says at morning Mass
By Junno Arocho Esteves, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY – The Church needs the service of the many women who continue to follow Mary's example of courage and service despite the odds, Pope Francis said.
Pope Francis tells Internet celebrities to take 'path of optimism and hope'
By Rosie Scammell, Religion News ServiceVATICAN CITY – Pope Francis is already a celebrity and an internet sensation in his own right, so it was perhaps no surprise that he had words of wisdom for some of YouTube’s top stars in a meeting over the weekend — and that a few Hollywood A-listers were also lining up for a photo-op.
Ignore the church schedule and serve the people, pope tells deacons
By Junno Arocho Esteves, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY – Deacons are called to be servants who set aside their own self-serving plans and are generous with their lives, Pope Francis said.
Woodworker creates ministry building caskets out of reclaimed lumber
By Katie Scott, Catholic News ServiceFRONT ROYAL, Va. – Above the hum of the table saw, one story was told, then another.
In Lebanon, Muslims and Christians visit Marian shrine at Harissa
By Doreen Abi Raad, Catholic News ServiceHARISSA, Lebanon – High on a summit overlooking the Mediterranean, Our Lady of Lebanon stands majestically with her arms outstretched, welcoming her children.
New Polish saint calls people to 'contemplate God's mercy,' bishops say
By Jonathan Luxmoore, Catholic News ServiceWARSAW, Poland – The founder of the first Polish male religious order, who will be canonized in Rome June 5, calls people "to contemplate God's mercy and proclaim that God's heart is open to all," said Poland's bishops.