Priest on mission to commit good deeds across the U.S.

Pope assigned missionaries to spread kindness, forgiveness, joy

Biblical city of Bethlehem boasts largest Christmas in years

BETHLEHEM, West Bank – Pilgrims from around the world flocked to Bethlehem on Monday for what was believed to be the biblical West Bank city’s largest Christmas celebrations in years. ...

Pope: Forgo greed and gluttony of Christmas for simple love

VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis urged Christians on Monday to forgo the greed, gluttony and materialism of Christmas and to focus instead on its message of simplicity, charity and love. ...

Christmas services in Durango, Bayfield and Ignacio

Many local churches will hold special services during the Christmas holiday. All services will take place Christmas Eve, Monday, unless otherwise noted. Services marked with an a...

Victims, accountability on agenda at pope’s sex abuse summit

VATICAN CITY – The Vatican on Tuesday released the first details of Pope Francis’ upcoming high-stakes sex abuse prevention summit, making clear that bishops attending the gathering must rea...

Pope accepts resignation of LA bishop accused of misconduct

LOS ANGELES – Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of a Los Angeles auxiliary bishop, Monsignor Alexander Salazar, after an allegation of misconduct with a minor in the 1990s, officials...

New figures show fewer Mormons in Utah’s biggest county

SALT LAKE CITY – Fewer than half the residents of Salt Lake County belong to the Mormon church, according to new figures that illustrate how Utah’s largest county is becoming more religiousl...

Can astronomy explain the biblical Star of Bethlehem?

Bright stars top Christmas trees in Christian homes around much of the world. The faithful sing about the “Star of Wonder” that guided the wise men to a manger in the little town of Bethlehe...

Church renovation lifts Christmas spirit in Bethlehem

BETHLEHEM, West Bank – A historic renovation of the Church of the Nativity is lifting spirits in the biblical town of Bethlehem ahead of Christmas, offering visitors a look at ancient mosaic...

Polygamous group lets go of sprawling Arizona worship center

SALT LAKE CITY – A polygamous group based on the Utah-Arizona border is letting go of the sprawling building where its members worshipped, in the latest sign that the sect run by imprisoned ...

The celebration of Hanukkah has evolved in America

Hanukkah may be the best known Jewish holiday in the United States. But despite its popularity in the U.S., Hanukkah ranks as one of Judaism’s minor festivals, and nowhere else does it garne...

St. Columba Middle School to perform ‘The Promised One’

St. Columba Middle School will perform “The Promised One” at 7 p.m. Dec. 7 and at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Dec. 8 at the school, 1801 East Third Ave. The play incorporates modern-day ch...