U.S. & World News
Md. county official says in new decree schools cannot open before Oct. 1
Citing regulations to circumvent Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan’s related Aug. 3 emergency order, Montgomery County’s health officer issued a new directive Aug. 5 again stating that due to increasing rates in the spread of COVID-19, nonpublic schools there cannot reopen for in-person instruction until at least Oct. 1.
Is seeing believing? How the Church faces claims of Marian apparitions
The Catholic Church has always been very cautious when it comes to judging reported Marian apparitions.
Mary foretold COVID-19 pandemic, alleged visionary claims
An Italian woman who claims to regularly experience supernatural visions said Mary told her in September 2019 that a new disease would soon emerge from China.
Complicated crossings: Pandemic has not stopped migration
The coronavirus pandemic has complicated the situation of migrants and refugees, but it has not stopped people from seeking safety and a better life abroad, and it has not diverted the Vatican’s attention from their plight.
Knights of Columbus called to redouble efforts to fight racism, violence
Every day Knights of Columbus live out the principles of charity, unity and fraternity, and through this daily witness in society, they must redouble their efforts to combat racism, violence and hatred, the top Knight told his confreres.
Weapons must be set aside for peace to flourish, pope says
For peace to flourish, weapons of war must be set aside, especially nuclear weapons that can obliterate entire cities and countries, Pope Francis said on the 75th anniversary of the nuclear bombing of Hiroshima.
Pope names six women to previously all-male Council for Economy
Renewing the membership of the Vatican Council for the Economy, Pope Francis named six women to the previously all-male board that oversees the financial operations of all Vatican offices and entities.
In light of pandemic, pope will begin new series on social doctrine
In light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and social and environmental crises worldwide, Pope Francis announced he would begin a new series of general audience talks aimed at helping build “the future that we need.”
Knights pilgrimage center will focus on founder’s spirituality, charity
A new Blessed Michael McGivney Pilgrimage Center planned by the Knights of Columbus will focus on “the spirituality and charitable vision of our founder and his legacy,” said Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson in announcing the new center Aug. 4.
Citing COVID-19 economic toll, Newark closing five schools, merging three
Citing the toll COVID-19 is taking on school enrollments and finances, the Archdiocese of Newark’s Office of Schools announced Aug. 4 that five elementary schools will not reopen this fall and three elementary schools will consolidate with nearby school communities.
Lebanon’s Catholic leaders seek help; here’s where you can donate
As Lebanon’s Catholic leaders appealed for help for their country, international and U.S. organizations appealed for donations for Beirut, capital of a country already suffering from a severe economic downturn.
Pope calls for prayers for Lebanon after deadly explosion in Beirut
After a massive fire triggered a deadly explosion in Beirut, Pope Francis called for prayers and a united effort to help Lebanon overcome “this serious crisis.”
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