by PETER JESSERER SMITH 06/19/2013 CNA - PHILADELPHIA — The Liberty Bell stands in Philadelphia as an icon of American freedom and independence since 1776. Today, Philadelphia Archbishop Charles Chaput warns that the bell is tolling for religious liberty in the United States, and lay Catholics must determine whether it rings in the rebirth or the end of that cherished freedom. Read More

by CNA/EWTN NEWS 06/18/2013 Cardinal Sean O'Malley of Boston – Alan Holdren/CNA WASHINGTON — The U.S. bishops’ point man on pro-life issues is calling on federal legislators to support a bill that would ban late-term abortions after unborn children are able to feel pain. Read More

In a letter to federal legislators, the U.S. bishops’ point man on pro-life issues links the legislation to Gosnell’s crimes.

Washington D.C., Jun 11, 2013 / 02:07 pm (CNA/EWTN News).- Citing the health and wellbeing of young girls, critics slammed the Obama administration’s decision to allow children of any age to purchase “emergency contraception” over-the-counter.

“Irresponsibly removing the important opportunity for a health-care provider to identify and intervene in cases of abuse, and giving a potentially life-ending drug to young girls without any understanding of the medical implications unnecessarily exposes them to risk,” said Dr. Charmaine Yoest, president of Americans United for Life. Read More

New York City, N.Y., Jun 10, 2013 / 02:30 pm (CNA/EWTN News).- Stressing that immigration reform is needed to “correct injustices,” Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan said that the proposed bill in the U.S. Senate makes serious progress in efforts to balance humanitarian and security concerns.

“The Senate proposal, while not perfect, goes a long way toward correcting injustices in the system,” the Archbishop of New York wrote in a June 9 column for USA Today. “Despite its shortcomings, the bill significantly improves upon the status quo and will assist millions of families.” Read More

June 5, 2013 CNA-“Parents are parents for eternal life,” reflected Father John Hardon, S.J., “God gives them children in this world, but not for this world.”

Father Hardon was right. The vocation of parents is to prepare their children for their eternal destiny – a life in Jesus Christ, sharing in heaven itself. The job of a parent is to prepare children to become saints. To know their worth, their dignity, and their beauty as redeemed sons and daughters of the Father. Read More