Those who accompany the incarcerated have said there is a lot to do in ministering to a population that has committed crimes and had to live with the consequences of those actions.
HHS issues new ‘sex-based definitions’ following Trump executive orders
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced Feb. 19 it has started to send out guidance on “clear sex-based definitions” to government agencies, outside organizations and the public.
Advocacy group launches Philippine database on abuse; cardinal reiterates need for accountability
An international online database of clergy who face allegations or have been convicted of child sexual abuse launched its Philippine listing Jan. 29, drawing a sharp response from the Philippine bishops’ conference, which reiterated the need for efforts to hold the church accountable for abuse.
Exorcist pleads not guilty to battery charge over alleged incident during relics tour
Father Carlos Martins, a known exorcist and co-host of “The Exorcist Files” podcast, pleaded not guilty Jan. 27 in an Illinois court to a misdemeanor charge of battery over an alleged incident that took place during a national relic tour.
Black Nazarene draws massive crowds to traditional Philippine procession
The streets of the Philippine capital of Manila were packed Jan. 9 with throngs of faithful devotees jostling for a brush with the encased icon of the Black Nazarene.
Jail ministry, little noticed but in demand, ‘helps people hear the voice of Christ’
The work of Catholic prison and jail ministry has been carried out in the United States for decades, according to members of the Catholic Prison Ministries Coalition.
Ascension to sell 9 Illinois hospitals to for-profit health system
The largest Catholic health system in Illinois cleared a significant step in the process of trying to sell more than half of its hospitals in the state to a for-profit health system.
Filipino Simbang Gabi Masses more and more rooted in the US
The Masses, called “Simbang Gabi” or “Night Mass,” are mostly on an evening anticipatory schedule. Filipino-Americans have brought the tradition to their adopted homeland and added some multicultural flair to their celebrations.
Rwandan genocide shaped his vision of priesthood, Japanese cardinal-designate says
Archbishop Tarcisio Isao Kikuchi of Tokyo, a recently announced cardinal-designate, first met Pope Francis on the first Friday of this year’s Synod on Synodality in Rome.
Experts: Church must better educate Catholics about IVF moral objections, alternatives
In vitro fertilization is a topic that received significant national attention during the past election season as candidates made it a policy issue. A costly, but widely accepted option in society for conceiving children through artificial means, IVF also involves significant moral and ethical concerns.
DePaul University president ‘appalled’ by attack on two Jewish students on campus
Two Jewish students were attacked on the campus of Catholic-run DePaul University in Chicago Nov. 6 and the school’s president said he was “appalled” by the incident. The attack was part of a wave of anti-Jewish hostility in the Chicago area in recent weeks.
Pope’s point man on travel inspired by the boss’s love for the poor
Cardinal-designate Koovakad, 51, is the second youngest of the new cardinals the pope will create.