A new book shows Bishop Robert Barron's ambitious plans to evangelize culture in the United States.

"Alta," which means "higher" in Spanish, and "Baja" California, or "lower," were once one territory. In the 19th century, the vast area was governed first by Spain and then by Mexico.

A diocesan bishop is the sole judge in the streamlined process for handling marriage annulments, Pope Francis said.

“The Senate proposal is fundamentally flawed as written and requires amendment,” said Bishop Frank J. Dewane in a Nov. 22 letter to senators.

The change was in “no way” a response to the C.C.H.D.’s persistent online critics, an archdiocesan official says.

"These threats to so many vulnerable immigrant and refugee families must end now."