Vatican publishes rules for verifying Marian apparitions

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- To help bishops determine the credibility of alleged Marian apparitions, the Vatican has translated and published procedural rules from 1978...

Fortnight for Freedom June 21-July 4

On April 12, the Ad Hoc Committee on Religious Liberty of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) issued a document, "Our First, Most...

Files documenting claims of abuse by California Franciscans made public

LOS ANGELES (CNS) -- More than 8,500 pages of material detailing claims of sexual abuse by a group of Franciscan priests and brothers in...

Poll finds most value religious freedom even when it conflicts with law

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (CNS) -- Nearly three-quarters of Americans in a Knights of Columbus-Marist poll said freedom of religion should be protected in this...

Each human being is a miracle loved by God the father, pope says

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Addressing God as "Father" is an acknowledgement that God is the one who created, supports and guides humanity, Pope Benedict...

States must not force Church health care providers to violate morality

GENEVA (CNS) -- The Vatican praised national efforts to provide universal and affordable health care access and coverage, noting that policies based on the...

Schools display case: May accomplishments

School ends for most Catholic campuses in the diocese this week. That hasn’t stopped many students from continuing to grow in the faith nor...

Masses in Baltimore, Washington to open, close fortnight for freedom

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Masses at well-known basilicas in Baltimore and Washington will open and close the "fortnight for freedom," a special period of prayer,...

Cristero War took her father but strengthened her faith, says woman

LOS ANGELES — As she shut off the garden hose and set it next to her recently planted flowers, Maria Meza greeted a visitor. "Yes,...

Local catechists celebrate ministry milestones

Six of the  146 local confirmation and First Communion Masses scheduled this spring will get underway this week. Overall, more than 25,000 children participated...