Adelaide Mena

Adelaide Mena

Adelaide Mena was the DC Correspondent for Catholic News Agency until 2017 and is a 2012 graduate of Princeton University.

Articles by Adelaide Mena

Supreme Court hears abortion zone case, declines 20-week ban

Jan 17, 2014 / 02:07 am

The Supreme Court will rule this year on a case involving “buffer zones” outside abortion clinics, but it has declined to hear a case on state abortion bans after 20 weeks of pregnancy.

Federal abortion funding harms women, experts tell Congress

Jan 13, 2014 / 17:05 pm

A proposed law blocking federal funding of abortion would be a big step towards “women's health” and a true “women's agenda,” experts told members of Congress at a recent hearing.

Helping migrants a life and family issue, dioceses say

Jan 10, 2014 / 17:07 pm

The assistance given to all immigrants is a carrying out Catholic social teaching, promoting families, and building up a culture of life, Catholic groups around the country have said.

Reports of Christian martyrdom nearly doubled in 2013

Jan 9, 2014 / 16:51 pm

Nearly twice the number of Christians were reported as dying for their faith in 2013 than the previous year, according to a new study by an organization monitoring global religious persecution.

Christian baker files religious freedom appeal in marriage ruling

Jan 8, 2014 / 17:29 pm

A Christian baker in Colorado is appealing a judge's ruling that he must violate his religious beliefs and bake a cake for a same-sex wedding ceremony.

Islamism in Nigeria places Africa 'at risk', bishop says

Jan 8, 2014 / 16:41 pm

Christians in Nigeria face violence and persecution in their homeland as militant group Boko Haram uses inequality and instability in the country to advance its ideology, a bishop has warned.

Supreme Court halts 'gay marriage' in Utah pending appeal

Jan 6, 2014 / 17:20 pm

The U.S. Supreme Court has issued a temporary stay blocking “gay marriage” in Utah until the state can complete its appeal of a federal judge's order to recognize the unions.

Bishop Pates visits Holy Land in hopes of encouraging peace

Jan 6, 2014 / 15:57 pm

The US bishops' representative for international justice and peace is traveling to Palestine and Israel to support peace efforts in the region, and the Catholic Church in the Holy Land.

Calif. community grieves loss of murdered pastor

Jan 3, 2014 / 04:06 am

The people of Humboldt County, located on California's North Coast, are grieving the loss of Fr. Eric Freed, a “wonderful” pastor, who was murdered early on New Years’ Day.

Little Sisters granted mandate relief by Justice Sotomayor

Jan 2, 2014 / 17:15 pm

A group of religious sisters that cares for the elderly poor in the U.S. was among several religious organizations to gain protection from the federal contraception mandate shortly before it took effect on Jan. 1.

Release imprisoned pastor, congressional hearing urges Iran

Dec 27, 2013 / 09:19 am

A congressional hearing about Pastor Saeed Abedini, a U.S. citizen imprisoned in Iran, produced more calls for his speedy release and warnings that his situation reflects Iran’s continued poor human rights record.

Dominican carolers bring joy of Christmas to downtown DC

Dec 24, 2013 / 09:54 am

Passers-by stopped for a moment to pause and listen in the busy streets of Washington, D.C., as Dominican brothers, sisters and friars gathered in joyful song to wish people a Merry Christmas.

Lesbian feminist: suspending Duck Dynasty star is 'fascist'

Dec 20, 2013 / 15:55 pm

Camille Paglia, a feminist, lesbian professor, harshly criticized the suspension of Phil Robertson for his statements supporting the traditional Christian view of sexuality, saying such condemnation rejects the freedom of speech.

Duck Dynasty suspension over gay comments sparks criticism

Dec 19, 2013 / 17:44 pm

The recent suspension of “Duck Dynasty” patriarch Phil Robertson over comments made on homosexual behavior has prompted a storm of controversy and major boycott threats. 

NY judge orders first permanent block against HHS mandate

Dec 17, 2013 / 18:02 pm

A federal judge in New York has issued the first permanent injunction against the federal contraception mandate, a ruling that religious freedom advocates are praising as a major victory.

Wife of imprisoned pastor says faith helps her persevere

Dec 16, 2013 / 17:21 pm

The wife of a Christian pastor imprisoned in Iran is relying on her faith as she speaks out to ask for prayers and concrete aid in helping secure the return of her husband to the United States.

Church teaching on immigration is a 'humane position'

Dec 13, 2013 / 04:00 am

The Church’s welcoming stance on immigration is rooted in the person-centered recognition of human dignity, said one of the leading Hispanic bishops in the U.S. Church.

Congressman highlights ongoing Philippines recovery efforts

Dec 12, 2013 / 04:35 am

Despite facing a long path to recovery after the devastation of Typhoon Haiyan, the people of the Philippines have not given up hope, says a U.S. Congressman who recently visited the country.Congressman highlights ongoing Philippines recovery efforts

Catholics joyful at Pope's 'Person of the Year' recognition

Dec 11, 2013 / 17:19 pm

Catholics from around the U.S. have welcomed Pope Francis' selection as Time Magazine's 2013 “Person of the Year,” the third pontiff to win the American magazine's yearly honor since its start in 1927.

Funding for adult stem cell research increasing, report finds

Dec 11, 2013 / 04:22 am

A recent report has found that research on ethically-sourced adult stem cells is rising in popularity, leaving advocates pointing to its advantages – in both ethics and outcome – over embryonic stem-cell research.