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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.

Now that the summit on the Protection of Minors in the Church has concluded in Rome, I thought it best to share some of my thoughts with our local church.

Pope Francis Sunday outlined eight points that the Church will focus on in an “all-out battle” against the sexual abuse of minors to, he said, “turn this evil into an opportunity for purification.” “We need to recognize with humility and courage that we stand face to face with the mystery of evil, which strikes most violently against the most vulnerable, for they are an image of Jesus,” Pope Francis said Feb. 24 following the Vatican summit’s closing Mass in the Sala Regia.

The Holy Father Francis’ concluding address - "Dear Brothers and Sisters, As I thank the Lord who has accompanied us during these days, I would like to thank all of you for the ecclesial spirit and concrete commitment that you have so generously demonstrated.

There are four programs in the state of Florida which help make Catholic education affordable for a greater number of families.

Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo, Archbishop of Galveston-Houston and President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, has issued the following statement upon the decision of the Holy See announced today regarding Theodore McCarrick.

An independent investigation into the interaction last month between Covington high school students and a Native American man has exonerated the students, the Diocese of Covington has announced. In a Feb. 11 message to Covington Catholic High School parents, posted on the diocesan website, Bishop Roger Foys said a third-party inquiry had determined that “our students did not instigate the incident that occurred at the Lincoln Memorial.”

The bishops of Florida join with Catholics and others of goodwill in reacting in horror and disgust to the recently passed law in New York State that legalizes abortion essentially for any reason through all nine months of pregnancy and removes any protection for children born alive after abortion. Sadly, similar bills were proposed in Virginia and elsewhere. As Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann, Chairman of the U.S. Bishops' Committee on Pro-Life Activities, stated, "This legislation is evil, pure and simple."

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann of Kansas City, KS and Chairman of the U.S. Bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities has issued the following statement in response to several states moving forward with legislation that would permit a baby to be aborted at nine months.

Florida Catholic Conference celebrates 50 years as a consistent voice for life, dignity and the common good. The Florida Catholic Conference (FCC) was established on February 1, 1969, as an agency of the Catholic bishops of Florida.

Check out this year's CSA videos in English and Spanish here!

National Catholic Schools Week Begins January 27-February 2; With the Theme, “Catholic Schools: Learn. Serve. Lead. Succeed.”

Bishop O'Connell from the Diocese of Trenton announces the death of Most Rev. John Mortimer Smith, bishop emeritus of the Diocese of Trenton. Bishop Smith was the third bishop of our diocese. He served from 1991-1995. Eternal rest, grant unto him O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.

In a joint statement, Florida’s Catholic bishops continued an annual tradition of recognizing the Jan. 22, 1973, U.S. Supreme Court decision in Roe v. Wade. Catholic dioceses in the United States designate Jan. 22 as a “Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children”.

The U.S. Catholic Bishops’ retreat, held at Mundelein Seminary in January 2019, was an extraordinary event in many ways. Whereas the bishops normally attend annual retreats within their various regions, Pope Francis strongly encouraged that all bishops should come together for several days of reflection and prayer.

Reverend George Sammut, of St. Anne Parish (Bellview), has resigned as pastor due to health issues, effective Dec. 31, 2018, and is retired.