California wildfires, the SEEK25 conference and the appointment of the new archbishop of Washington are among top headlines at OSV News this week — listen to more stories in our daily OSV Newscast podcast, and read more of our stories at osvnews.com and on social media @OSVNews.
Megan Marley
Digital Editor
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Catholic parishes offer shelter, relief to evacuated families near LA fires
Catholic parishes across Los Angeles County have become sanctuaries for families displaced by wind-driven wildfires wreaking havoc in the area. The Archdiocese of Los Angeles has launched a fund to aid fire-impacted parishes and schools. For more information or to donate, visit lacatholics.org/california-fires.
CATHOLIC CHURCH: Wildfires force multiple Catholic churches, schools in LA area to close, evacuate
PRESIDENT: Biden cancels final foreign trip, including papal audience, amid California wildfires
RETREAT CENTER: Seeing Passionist retreat house badly damaged by LA fire is ‘heartbreaking,’ director says
SURVIVORS: LA wildfires: Survivors lean on faith through the flames
In Pacific Palisades, paradise lost
“I have trouble talking about the loss without tearing up, as if the smoke and ash from Los Angeles traveled across country to find me.” Greg Erlandson reflects on his family’s loss.
McElroy goes to Washington: Cardinal brings intellect, policy interest and controversy
Cardinal McElroy has been widely described — both with praise and censure — as a progressive bishop.
APPOINTMENT: Cardinal McElroy chosen to succeed Cardinal Gregory as Washington’s shepherd
CHURCH & STATE: New Washington cardinal’s tenure to overlap with second Trump administration
Families are ‘not alone’ in sorrow over deaths, injuries suffered in NOLA terror attack, Biden says
U.S. President Joe Biden joined grieving families at an interfaith prayer service at St. Louis Cathedral in New Orleans Jan. 6 to honor the 14 victims of a New Year’s Day terrorist attack on Bourbon Street.
March for Life speakers to include DeSantis, Bishop Thomas
Gov. Ron DeSantis, R-Fla., and Bishop Daniel E. Thomas of Toledo, Ohio, chairman of the USCCB’s Committee on Pro-Life Activities, will be among the speakers at the 52nd annual March for Life, the organization reported Jan. 9. The 2025 March for Life Rally is scheduled for Jan. 24 on the Washington Monument grounds in Washington.
CALIFORNIA: Attorney, archdiocese spar over list of credibly accused priests
MISSOURI: Ahead of US Franciscans’ synod, friars say ‘communal discernment’ long-held tradition for order
NEW YORK: NY Catholic policy group praises governor’s plans to expand child tax credit
WASHINGTON, D.C.: Catholic Social Ministry Gathering to return with a mandate for building hope
WASHINGTON, D.C.: Carter state funeral mourners celebrate former president as man of faith, ideals
SEEK25 events in US, Germany energize youth to share hope in Jesus
Over 17,000 Catholics gathered in Salt Lake City for the SEEK25 conference, hosted by the Fellowship of Catholic University Students, from Jan. 1-5. Another 3,000 attended SEEK in Washington, from Jan. 2-5. This year also marked SEEK’s first foray into Europe as several hundred joined the FOCUS-run event in Cologne, Germany, from Dec. 31 to Jan. 2. Next year, SEEK will be held Jan. 1-5, 2026, in three U.S. cities: Columbus, Ohio; Denver and Fort Worth, Texas.
UTAH: SEEK25 in Salt Lake City shows young adults full of hope for the church
Notre Dame’s first concert a ‘moment of grace’ for young composer of Marian choral piece
With places fully booked at Paris’ iconic cathedral for months ahead, Notre Dame is not only back to its former glory but also to its full concert schedule. Following 10 days of solemn Masses, the cathedral’s choir, La Maîtrise Notre Dame de Paris, performed its first sacred music concert in the renovated space Dec. 17.
BANGLADESH: Christian woman hospitalized after attack; Christians demand rights in Bangladesh
BRAZIL: At age 116, religious sister from Brazil is the oldest person on the planet
INDIA: India’s Syro-Malabar Catholic Church begins synod amid liturgy row
PHILIPPINES: Black Nazarene draws massive crowds to traditional Philippine procession
POLAND: Polish Three Kings Parades break records with 2 million participants in Jubilee Year
SPAIN: Spain’s famed Camino wraps up the year with a record half million pilgrims
As last major hospital lies in ruins, people of Gaza dying ‘slow death,’ Caritas rep says
Gaza is facing a devastating health crisis after Israeli forces destroyed the last functioning hospital in northern Gaza, Kamal Adwan, on Dec. 28. Anton Asfar, head of Caritas Jerusalem, says the situation is beyond dire with basic medical supplies running out, and deadly diseases spreading fast. “It’s a slow death, one way or another,” Asfar told OSV News.
Preserving apostolic tradition: Newman on women in holy orders
Deacon Dominic Cerrato: The question of admitting women to the diaconate has captured the attention of theologians, pastors, and faithful Catholics alike. It raises profound theological and historical concerns about the nature of holy orders, the unity of the church and fidelity to divine revelation.
God does not reject, forget anyone, pope says on feast of Epiphany
“God does not reveal himself to exclusive groups or to a privileged few, but offers his companionship and guidance to those who seek him with a sincere heart,” Pope Francis said in his homily on the feast of the Epiphany. “God seeks everyone, always.”
DICASTERY: Pope names Consolata Missionary as the first woman dicastery prefect
HUMAN DIGNITY: Pope condemns economy that ‘does not respect life,’ exploits children
JUBILEE: St. Peter’s Holy Door sees more than half million pilgrims in two weeks
PAPAL SCHEDULE: Vatican publishes list of papal liturgies for January, February
TECHNOLOGY: Media literacy needed to counter polarization, narrow thinking, pope says