French bishops called for fasting and prayer as abortion was enshrined in the constitution by an overwhelming 780-72 vote, accompanied by a standing ovation when the result was announced as the parliament met in Versailles.
When St. John Paul II arrived in Ottawa in 1984, the first pontiff to visit this country, greeting him in Ottawa was Canada's 18th prime minister, Brian Mulroney, one of 10 Catholics who have held that office since 1867.
A historic place of prayer in Portland, Oregon, sustained significant damage to one of its buildings, while a priest narrowly escaped harm, in a Feb. 28 vandalism attack.
In a display of unity and assistance, St. Michael and St. Mary in Stillwater and a home for pregnant women who lack a home of their own set up a community baby shower Feb. 6 that drew more than 50 women.
A candidate for sainthood is inspiring Catholic Scouts in Illinois to earn a new patch while deepening their relationship with Christ in the Eucharist.
In 1946, less than 30 years after her death, aged 67, Mother Frances Xavier Cabrini was canonized by Pope Pius XII. Four years later, she was named the patron saint of immigrants. To judge by the luminous profile "Cabrini" (Angel Studios), however, she might just as easily be regarded as the patroness of the indomitable.
More than 200 people participated in online listening sessions set up Feb. 25 and Feb. 27 by the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis for the ongoing Synod of Bishops at the Vatican as Pope Francis encourages a more welcoming Church ready to walk with people in their struggles.