NEWS

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The reforms to the annulment process introduced by Pope Francis serve only to avoid delays in cases where marriages are clearly not valid, two synod fathers said. Cardinal Lluís Martínez Sistach of Barcelona, Spain, and Cardinal Wilfrid F. Napier of Durban, South Africa, told journalists at a Vatican news conference Oct. 20 that the new process has safeguards against any improper shortcuts.

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — While Church doctrine must stay unchanged, an Australian archbishop expressed his hope that the Synod of Bishops will the lead the Church to a genuine pastoral approach using a new language of mercy toward families, particularly those in difficult situations.

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis called on people to replace their thirst for power with the joy of quiet and humble service, as he proclaimed four new saints, including the parents of St. Thérèse of Lisieux. All of Christ’s disciples, especially its pastors, are called to model themselves after Jesus and “suppress our instinctive desire to exercise power over others, and instead exercise the virtue of humility.”

"A national house in which harmony and justice, honesty and respect for each person's dignity will reign," the bishops said.

All Saints Day in the Diocese of Phoenix this year will feature a coordinated effort helping English and Spanish-speaking Catholics of all ages embrace their call to holiness.

PHILADELPHIA — Closing remarks by the Holy Father during the Festival of Families prompted a Valley seminarian to pause in deep gratitude. An emotional Frank Cicero, who is in his sixth year at St. John Vianney Theological Seminary, wept as he spoke about his love for his mother.

In a childless marriage, some men "become careless with their married life," which can lead to polygamy, adultery or "other abuses in married life," and women become traumatized, he said.

Dcn. James Battista, 88, who once served at All Saints Parish in Mesa, died Sept. 29. Dcn. Battista was ordained Feb. 13, 1982 for the Diocese of Rockford, Illinois.

Taking place during the month in which Catholics worldwide renew devotion to the rosary — and thereby draw closer to Christ — the Arizona Rosary Celebration is celebrating its 40th year.

"An atmosphere of fear does not exist because we believe in the Holy Spirit. We also believe in the guidance of the Holy Father, who has to regulate this," Archbishop Gadecki, president of the Polish bishops' conference, told journalists Oct. 15.