Based on responses to a questionnaire sent to all U.S. dioceses, the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate estimates there are about 19,000 deacons in the United States today.

Visually stunning, the new feature — directed by Elaine Bogan with co-director Ennio Torresan Jr. — is also family-friendly. It can, accordingly, be recommended for all but small fry, who might find its action scenes too frightening.

The remains of St. Peter may have been and possibly still could be buried in catacombs under the Mausoleum of St. Helena after being moved from the Vatican hillside during anti-Christian persecutions in the third century, according to a paper published recently by three Italian researchers.

Lifting a long-standing prohibition on the ability of scientists to culture human embryos in the lab past 14 days shows “an utter disregard” for the value of human life and is “an affront to the sanctity of human life,” said two Catholic members of Congress, Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J., and Sen. Mike Braun, R-Ind.

“It is hard to believe that 100 years ago people could think and act in such a way. It is unthinkable. Still, it happened,” Bishop Konderla said.

Archbishop J. Michael Miller of Vancouver said he was “filled with deep sadness” after learning of the discovery of the bodies of more than 200 children buried on the site of what was once Canada’s large Indigenous residential school.

A series of laws and procedures promulgated by now-retired Pope Benedict XVI and, especially, by Pope Francis to protect children, promote the investigation of allegations of clerical sexual abuse and punish offenders are included in a heavily revised section of the Code of Canon Law.

Dubbed the Xingu screech owl, the little creature was given a scientific name of “Megascops stangiae” in honor of the late Sister Dorothy Stang, a U.S.-born Sister of Notre Dame de Namur.

Alligators are a dime a dozen in south Louisiana, but Father Stephen Dardis, pastor of Holy Family Church in Luling, said he was dutifully impressed by the ambitious journey of a 7-foot gator that ended within a few feet of the front steps of the church.

Memorial Day is “for everyone who’s departed — military, nonmilitary, moms, dads, children,” stated Miller.