Lord we pray "Help me to continually increase parish vitality and reflect the presence of Christ in the world."

Browsing News Entries

Browsing News Entries

Vatican to Publish Pope Leo XIV’s First Encyclical May 25

cna

Leo XIV and the Legacy of Europe’s Great Churches

news

Excommunicated Zambian prelate dies at 78 (ACI Africa)

Archbishop Telesphore Mpundu, who led Zambia’s most prominent see from 2006 until 2018, died on May 15 at the age of 78.

In 2024, Archbishop Mpundu incurred an automatic excommunication when he ordained a bishop without papal approval.

Archbishop Mpundu “was widely respected for his strong advocacy on governance, social justice, and national affairs, courageously speaking out on matters of truth and justice while shepherding the faithful with compassion and wisdom,” said Archbishop Alick Banda, his successor as archbishop of Lusaka.

Asian Christian body marks Asia Sunday (Christian Conference of Asia)

The Christian Conference of Asia, an ecumenical body of Orthodox churches and Protestant ecclesial communities, marked Asia Sunday yesterday.

The day’s theme was “Hope for Redemption of Groaning Creation Amidst Bondage to Decay,” a reference to Romans 8:22.

“As political and economic instability, ongoing conflicts and violence, militarization, environmental degradation, rising unemployment, cultural fragmentation, weak healthcare systems, and the widespread effects of rapid technological change continue to shape the realities of the region, CCA member churches are urged to reflect on the anguish and suffering caused by decay and bondage, while holding on to the hope of renewal and new life,” said Mathews George Chunakara, the body’s general secretary.

In Charlotte diocese, ranks of pastors decline amid surge in administrators (CWN)

Intensifying a trend begun last year, a North Carolina bishop appointed parochial administrators rather than pastors to lead eight of his diocese’s parishes.

Lagos archbishop calls for caution in integrating former terrorists into military, society (The Sun)

Archbishop Alfred Adewale Martins of Lagos, Nigeria’s largest city, called for caution in integrating former terrorists into the military and society.

Speaking with journalists on World Communications Day, Archbishop Martins said that “whereas it is true that anybody can repent and change, it is also important to recognize the fact that these persons are coming into a society that has been hurt very badly by their actions.”

“To just simply say that they have repented and can go back into society can be a dangerous thing because the intent of the human heart is hidden and we can only see their faces,” he added. “Perhaps when all the violence is gone and all the terrorism is gone, they can be reintegrated in a way that will create confidence in the people.”

Cardinal Czerny warns against confrontation with Cuba, calls for of humanitarian aid (CWN)

Without mentioning President Donald Trump by name, Cardinal Michael Czerny, S.J., criticized the president’s policies toward Cuba, which have included a fuel blockade and discussion of a takeover of the nation.

Irish episcopal conference recalls Laudato Si' Week, calls for transition from fossil fuels (CWN)

Bishop Martin Hayes of Kilmore, the episcopal coordinator of Laudato Si’ for the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference, issued a statement yesterday for Laudato Si’ Week, named after Pope Francis’s 2015 encyclical letter on care for our common home.

Pomposa Abbey marks 1,000 years (CWN)

Archbishop Gian Carlo Perego of Ferrara-Comacchio, Italy, celebrated a Mass on May 9 marking the thousandth anniversary of Pomposa Abbey (video).

Dedication of new church among signs of hope for Church in Myanmar (CWN)

In a prominent front-page article in its May 16 edition, L’Osservatore Romano drew attention to signs of hope for the Church in Myanmar, where a military coup in 2021 precipitated a civil war.