LOCAL NEWS

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has called for a two-week period of prayer and penance in defense of marriage, life and religious liberty. The “Fortnight for Freedom,” held for the first time during 2012, begins June 21.

Women considering an abortion will soon have a new window into the womb that could change their mind, thanks to the Knights of Columbus. Nine months ago, five local Knights of Columbus councils began fund raising efforts in order to help 1st Way Pregnancy Center purchase a 4-D ultrasound machine.

When Fr. José Antonio Fortea Cucurull began his ministry as an exorcist, he was the only one in all of Spain. That was some 15 years ago.

A federal mandate issued by the Obama administration is the target of 44 separate lawsuits, 58 cases and 190 plaintiffs — many of them Catholic — from across the country.

The Queen of Heaven is so revered for her relationship with Christ and her love and guidance of her earthly children, the Catholic Church has dedicated the month of May in her honor.

Founding Notre Dame Preparatory principal David Gonsalves is retiring after 12 years at the helm of the Scottsdale Catholic high school.

Nearly 1,100 students are expected to graduate from the six local Catholic high schools this month. They will do so wholly prepared for higher education, grounded in their Catholic faith and instilled with a desire to serve their community.

Payback with Satan is rotten as he pushes people to be loveless and selfish, finally leaving them with nothing and alone, Pope Francis said. "Satan always rips us off, always!" he said during a morning Mass homily.

The Catholic Community Foundation’s signature fundraiser, the Crozier Gala, celebrated its silver anniversary April 20, but that didn’t mean the event was business as usual. Its board of directors did away with a formal “ask” two years ago and this year awarded “surprise” grants as a means of showcasing the good works the foundation does for local Catholic outreach.

Many Catholics are unaware of the various Eastern rite communities within the Church. Pope Francis would not be one of them. Bishop Gerald N. Dino of the Byzantine Holy Protection Eparchy of Phoenix said the election of Pope Francis bodes well for Eastern rite Catholics.