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Thank you for subscribing to this newsletter from CatholicPhilly.com, vol. 3, no. 36. Please forward it to a friend, and remember this newsletter represents just some of the content on the website of CatholicPhilly.com, which is updated every day.
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Listen to Archbishop Charles Chaput’s Christmas blessing.
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In a public witness of faith in Philadelphia, Auxiliary Bishop John McIntyre led the 18th annual blessing of the Nativity scene on Wednesday, Dec. 17 at Love Park in Philadelphia.
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Jorge Fernandez of Bucks County, who escaped Cuba at age 9, knows most Cubans support normalizing relations with the U.S. He credits Pope Francis, with whom he lived for a week last year, for the breakthrough.
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The pope’s actions were part of a major diplomatic effort by the Vatican, which hosted direct talks between American and Cuban officials. A letter by the pope “gave greater impetus and momentum for us to move forward,” an Obama administration official said.
For his part, the pope was happy that diplomacy worked to bring "people's hearts closer together."
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Father Charles Pfeffer can still pack the faithful into a church, as they did for his memorial Mass at Blessed Virgin Mary Parish in Darby last Sunday.
CatholicPhilly.com's editor wonders if it may be time to begin the process of sainthood for Father Chuck.
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Following the release of audited financial statements for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s Office for Financial Services in November, the archdiocese today released similar information for 15 more church organizations.
See more Local News stories.
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There is still time to enjoy Christmas concerts -- see them at area parish plus other events at archdiocesan parishes in our lively Calendar of Events section.
See all of our brief news items including the latest Neumann Scholars in the People and Events section.
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Actor Frank Runyeon put on a tour de force perfomance and got all the parishioners of St. Philip Neri, Pennsburg into the Christmas spirit with his rousing show “The 3 1/2 Stories of Christmas” last Saturday night.
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U.S. women religious welcomed the conciliatory tone of a Vatican report on religious life and appreciated acknowledgement of the important ministry that they practice day in and day out in the life of the church.
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Cardinal cuts ties with Priests for Life, says reforms needed
New York Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan said he wants “nothing further to do” with Priests for Life, which has its headquarters on Staten Island, which is in the New York Archdiocese. He said he had been asked by the Vatican Congregation for the Clergy to assist the group's national director, Father Frank A. Pavone, with “several necessary reforms,” but he said the priest has not cooperated.
See more National News.
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On the occasion of his 78th birthday Wednesday, Pope Francis started a series of talks in Rome on the family with a reflection on the Holy Family as a model for all Christian families. The series will prepare for October 2015 Synod of Bishops on the family.
See more World News stories.
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As many people prepare to give and receive something new, whether needed or not, Maureen Pratt points out there’s a beauty in appreciating something that has served a long time.
Read more in our Commentaries section.
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The fulfillment of God’s promises happens according to his design but that requires our response of loving obedience, writes Msgr. Joseph Prior on the Fourth Sunday of Advent. Brush up on the readings before Mass.
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The rules for whether a holy day is obligatory vary greatly, and whether it’s an obligation on a Saturday or Monday confuses many people. Father Ken Doyle tries to clear up the dilemma.
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