Catholic News Service
December 21, 2018
Priest apologizes for funeral homily that focused on teen's suicide
WASHINGTON – A Michigan priest criticized for emphasizing suicide in his homily during a recent funeral for an 18-year-old who took his own life has since apologized.
Published in
International
December 21, 2018
Jesus is the greatest Christmas gift, Pope Francis says
VATICAN – This Christmas will people go to adore and be amazed by Jesus, or will they let themselves be detoured by distractions? Pope Francis asked.
Published in
Faith
VATICAN – Acknowledging the gravity of the clerical sexual abuse crisis, Pope Francis told members of the Roman Curia that the church's strength does not depend on its members' perfection, but on the willingness to recognize its failings and correct them.
Published in
International
December 20, 2018
'Everything changes' with Christ's birth, Pope Francis says
VATICAN – The Annunciation – the Angel Gabriel announcing to Mary that she will bear God's son -- was such a tremendous, history-changing event that preaching about it is extremely difficult, Pope Francis said.
Published in
Reflections
VATICAN – Delegations from the Vatican and from Vietnam reported continued progress in their discussions, including agreeing on "upgrading" relations with a permanent papal representative "in the near future," a Vatican press statement said.
Published in
International
CHICAGO – Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan's report claiming that the clergy sexual abuse of minors in the state is "significantly more extensive" than what the state's dioceses had previously reported is unfair and "just false," according to the top lawyer for the Archdiocese of Chicago.
Published in
International
December 19, 2018
Christmas is not just a cozy holiday but a chance to turn tables, Pope Francis says
VATICAN – Christmas will not be authentic if people get caught up in a frenzy of shopping, presents and meals, all while ignoring the poor and forgetting who the celebration is really all about, Pope Francis said.
Published in
Faith
QUEBEC CITY – In the province of Quebec, one of the most secular societies in the world, debates around Christmas carols are not so much about faith and religion as they are about culture. A choir and sacred music specialist believes these carols remain beloved because people especially preserve the emotion associated with them.
Published in
Arts News
December 18, 2018
Police, Muslim youth help guard churches at Christmas in Indonesia
JAKARTA, Indonesia – More than 90,000 police and soldiers and a moderate Muslim youth group will help guard nearly 50,000 churches across Indonesia, including some previously attacked by terrorists, during the Christmas period.
Published in
International
December 18, 2018
Ask for grace to seek truth in dreams, be silent like St. Joseph, Pope Francis says
VATICAN – While St. Joseph was a practical, down-to-earth man, he had enough faith to be open to God speaking through dreams, Pope Francis said at morning Mass.
Published in
Reflections