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VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Francis has declared as saints 16 Carmelite martyrs executed by guillotine during the French Revolution and confirmed the martyrdom and heroic virtues of five others in a series of decrees published Dec. 18 .Using what the Vatican called an "equipollent" or equivalent canonization, Pope Francis approved adding to the canon of saints Blessed Teresa of St. Augustine and 15 other members of the Carmelites of Compiègne killed during the French Reign of Terror.

Almost 500 years ago, a poor peasant wearing a simple cloak came face-to-face with a heavenly reality in the hills of Mexico – changing the lives of millions of people forever. When Juan Diego, a native Aztec and Christian convert, set out for catechism class one morning in December, he heard a voice calling him by name. He climbed the nearby Tepeyac hill and encountered the most beautiful woman he had ever seen – Our Lady of Guadalupe. 

We, the Catholic Bishops of Arizona, wish to congratulate those recently elected officials who have been chosen by the people for public office.  We also wish to thank all those who served as candidates.  Public service is a noble calling and at the very heart of our democracy and citizenship.  With the conclusion of the recent elections, it is important to remember that we must always put our faith in God before all else and maintain a spirit of hope.   While harmful Arizona ballot propositions relating to abortion and immigration were unfortunately approved by voters this November, we need to be steadfast in our commitment to life and remain confident in God’s love.

In a heartfelt celebration of nearly a century of service, Catholic Charities Community Services marked its 91st anniversary with a special Mass presided by Bishop John Dolan at Blessed Sacrament Roman Catholic Parish in Scottsdale, Ariz., last week. The occasion highlighted the organization's ongoing commitment to instilling hope in the lives of Arizona's most vulnerable residents since its founding in 1933. 

For 110 years, the Claretian Missionaries carried on the spirit of their founder — St. Anthony Mary Claret — in spreading the Gospel in...

Phoenix, — Catholic Charities Community Services of Arizona is joining with the Catholic Charities network around the country to participate in We Are There,...

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- There is a prayer for every state of mind and spiritual need in the Book of Psalms, Pope Francis said. "There are many psalms that help us forge ahead. Get into the habit of praying the psalms. I assure you that you will be happy in the end," the pope said during his June 19 general audience. The pope also reminded people that June 20 marks World Refugee Day, established by the United Nations to focus on solidarity with refugees. "We are all called to welcome, promote, accompany and integrate those who knock on our doors," he said.

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Francis plans to launch a humanitarian project in Gaza or the West Bank with the possible help of the traditional Good Friday collection for the Holy Land, said the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches. "The outbreak of the war in Gaza, after the events of October 7, paralyzed the Holy Land. The lack of pilgrims and tourists has put thousands of families in difficulty," the dicastery said in its annual appeal to bishops around the world asking them to urge their people to generously support this year's collection.

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Millions of pilgrims flock to Rome every 25 years to mark a Holy Year, or jubilee, the Catholic Church's more modern celebration of an ancient Jewish practice of forgiveness. And through partnerships with prisons and incarcerated persons, the Vatican hopes to show those visitors that the spirit of forgiveness remains front and center of the church's long tradition of celebrating Holy Years.

Each year Arizona Interfaith Movement honors individuals, businesses, organizations, and youth who exemplify the Golden Rule – treating others as you would like to be treated – in their lives and in our community. Catholic Charities President and CEO, Paul Mulligan, accepted the Darl Andersen Honoree award at the November 9th Golden Rule Banquet award ceremony held at the Mesa Convention Center.