Catholic Relief Services (CRS), the U.S. bishops’ overseas relief and development agency, launched a five-year program for drought-stricken Ethiopia March 16. Called the Joint Emergency Operation Program (JEOP), it will provide $1.3 billion in humanitarian assistance over five years in support of more than 8.5 million people.
CRS, USAID help Ethiopia ‘at a time of great need’ amid devastating drought
Peruvian journalist hopeful after meeting with pope
Peruvian journalist Paola Ugaz said her meeting with Pope Francis was a much-needed boost in her struggle against persistent lawsuits after exposing abuses in a controversial Catholic group.
‘Forgive me, father’: Vatican seminar looks at why people avoid confession
Msgr. Krzysztof Nykiel, regent of the Apostolic Penitentiary, gives a rundown of the most common “good” reasons people give for not going to confession, followed by a faith-based response to each objection.
Catholic Charities sets up water distribution in response to Miss. flooding
Catholic Charities in the Diocese of Jackson, Mississippi, has begun distributing water to help residents besieged by a failing water system in the state’s capital city.
U.S. baby formula shortage hits food pantries run by church, other agencies
National out-of-stock rates for baby formula soared to 43% the week of May 9, according to the Virginia-based pricing data firm Datasembly, which has predicted that “shortages will continue to worsen.”
‘Thirst for peace’: Cameroon bishops, Catholics rededicate nation to Mary
On April 23-24, more than 1,200 Catholics gathered around their bishops at the pilgrimage site in Marienberg to reconsecrate Cameroon to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
U.N. official: Ukraine exodus is fastest-growing refugee crisis since WWII
As of March 8, at least 2 million have fled Ukraine in the 10 days following Russia’s Feb. 24 invasion of the East European nation, said Filippo Grandi, the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees.
Learn from times of crisis, avoid conflict, pope tells Curia officials
Crises are a normal part of life, including the life of faith, and must be accepted as challenges to discern and to change, leaving behind what is not essential, Pope Francis said Dec. 21.