New Zealand's Catholic bishops have expressed horror and distress at a terrorist attack in two mosques in Christchurch that saw at least 49 people killed. The shootings took place at or near the Al Noor Mosque, where 41 people were killed, and at the Linwood Mosque, where 7 were killed. One more person subsequently died at Christchurch Hospital. Muslims had gathered at the mosques for Friday prayers. Some of those killed were children, it has been reported.

Ascension’s Sacred Heart Health System has announced plans to launch a $47 million project to rebuild facilities and services at Bay Medical Sacred Heart in Panama City. Sacred Heart plans to reopen 144 additional beds in the hospital’s south tower and relocate other services and physician offices that were impacted by Hurricane Michael last year.

The Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee is pleased to announce that Douglas Martin, a former Episcopal minister, will be ordained as a transitional deacon on May 11, 2019 at the Co-Cathedral of St. Thomas More in Tallahassee. Mr. Martin, who was received in the Catholic Church in 2001, will be ordained to the priesthood later this year.

Pope Francis sent his prayers and condolences to Alabama Wednesday after devastating tornadoes over the weekend killed 23 people and left dozens of survivors without homes. “Deeply saddened to learn of the tragic loss of life and the injuries caused by the tornado which struck Alabama in recent days, His Holiness Pope Francis expresses heartfelt solidarity with all affected by this natural disaster,” a telegram sent on behalf of the pope stated March 6.

The November 2018 bishops' meeting was Bishop W. Shawn McKnight's first as a prelate, having been named to lead the Diocese of Jefferson City, Missouri, a year earlier. Normally, a new bishop would refrain from speaking from the floor, but after the surprise announcement to delay action on sex abuse until after the Vatican global summit on the topic in February, McKnight couldn't keep silent.