Bishop Markw Oconnell News Today

Cardinal Seán O'Malley has approved lowering the age of confirmation within the Archdiocese of Boston from 10th grade to eighth grade.

LOS ANGELES (OSV News) -- During his seven years as auxiliary bishop in Los Angeles, Bishop David G. OConnell made many friends -- and a strong impression -- among his brother bishops. The native of County Cork, Ireland, was one of three priests named auxiliary bishops for Los Angeles by Pope Francis in July 2015. The pope was known to refer privately to the future bishops -- then-Father OConnell, then-Father Robert E. Barron, a Chicago-born media evangelist, and then-Msgr. Joseph V. Brennan,

ST. LEO, Fla. (CNS) -- Rabbi A. James Rudin, who has built strong Catholic-Jewish relations around the world working with popes and other faith leaders, was named a knight of the Equestrian Order of St. Gregory the Great in ceremonies at St. Leo University in Florida. During the investiture Nov. 20 at the university, Rabbi Rudin became just the third American rabbi to earn the honor. Auxiliary Bishop Mark W. OConnell of Boston conducted the ceremony on behalf of Pope Francis. Boston Cardinal

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- For some U.S. prelates, such as Bishop Robert J. Brennan of Brooklyn, New York, the Feb. 24 news of Russias invasion of Ukraine hit close to home.

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops president encouraged Catholics to pray and fast to bring an end to the conflict in Ukraine.

WASHINGTON —  For some U.S. prelates, such as Bishop Robert J. Brennan of Brooklyn, New York, the Feb. 24 news of Russia's invasio...

Bishop Joseph Bambera of Scranton was among prelates nationwide praying for the people of Ukraine. Brooklyns bishop prayed that the situation