Jupiter, Venus to converge in Star of Bethlehem moment - CBS News: Starting on Tuesday, Jupiter and Venus will be so close in the night sky that you could cover them both with the tip of an outstretched finger.
The two planets will be just a third of a degree apart as seen from North America.
"To the eye they'll look like a double star," said Kelly Beatty, a senior editor at Sky & Telescope magazine. "Anyone who hasn't glanced at the evening sky for a while will be surprised by how dramatically tight the pairing is."
They will be easy to spot as the brightest objects in the sky, after the sun and moon. Venus, appearing as a crescent, will be even brighter than its neighbor. Not far to their upper left, appearing much fainter, is Regulus, the alpha star in the constellation Leo.
Tuesday, June 30, 2015
The Church will survive gay marriage if it sticks to its guns
Same-Sex Marriage -- Churches Must Remain Steadfast after Supreme Court Ruling | National Review Online: Even before the Supreme Court concocted a constitutional right to gay marriage, American religious liberty was being systematically undermined. There were widespread efforts to exclude orthodox Christian organizations from American colleges and universities, occasional attempts to literally coerce Christians into voicing support for homosexual conduct, and well-known efforts to destroy businesses that aren’t willing to participate in gay weddings.
Islamic mosque donates thousands of dollars to help repair vandalized Catholic church
Mississauga mosque helps vandalized church clean up | Toronto Star: Love thy neighbour as thyself.
A mosque in Mississauga has taken the holy words to heart and is donating thousands of dollars to help a nearby Catholic church clean up after it was hit with a spate of vulgar acts of vandalism last month.
After hearing of the incidents through the media, Hamid Slimi, imam of the Sayeda Khadija Centre in Mississauga, paid a visit to nearby St. Catherine of Siena Roman Catholic Church. He was shocked after Father Camillo Lando showed him some of the vandal’s behaviour caught on security video.
A mosque in Mississauga has taken the holy words to heart and is donating thousands of dollars to help a nearby Catholic church clean up after it was hit with a spate of vulgar acts of vandalism last month.
After hearing of the incidents through the media, Hamid Slimi, imam of the Sayeda Khadija Centre in Mississauga, paid a visit to nearby St. Catherine of Siena Roman Catholic Church. He was shocked after Father Camillo Lando showed him some of the vandal’s behaviour caught on security video.
The (Roman) Empire strikes back
The (Roman) Empire Strikes BackLONGENECKER: After my most recent visit to Rome I’ve been reading more about the history of Rome, and the parallels with twenty first America are fascinating.
Many people know about the fall of the Roman Empire and follow the usual narrative that Rome collapsed from within because of moral decadence.
Of course, the story is more complicated than that, and it begins not with the fall of the empire, but with the beginning of the Empire.
Many people know about the fall of the Roman Empire and follow the usual narrative that Rome collapsed from within because of moral decadence.
Of course, the story is more complicated than that, and it begins not with the fall of the empire, but with the beginning of the Empire.
On loneliness: Stabbing our grief with a plastic knife
On Loneliness: Stabbing Our Grief with a Plastic Knife: Here’s a memory I have only shared with one other person before:
I was 13 years old, walking home with my neighborhood friends after a long night of our drug of choice: video games.
Discontentment abruptly sequestered my mind: Video games. Always video games. That’s all we ever did.
How pathetic is this?
I thought.
I was 13 years old, walking home with my neighborhood friends after a long night of our drug of choice: video games.
Discontentment abruptly sequestered my mind: Video games. Always video games. That’s all we ever did.
How pathetic is this?
I thought.
We've been here before: Marriage and the Room of Tears
We’ve Been Here Before: Marriage and the Room of Tears | Word On FireBARRON: Just last week, I had the privilege of spending four hours in the Sistine Chapel with my Word on Fire team. Toward the end of our filming, the director of the Vatican Museums, who had accompanied us throughout the process, asked whether I wanted to see the “Room of Tears.” This is the little antechamber, just off of the Sistine Chapel, where the newly-elected Pope repairs in order to change into his white cassock. Understandably, tears begin to flow in that room, once the poor man realizes the weight of his office.�
Why modern man listens more willingly to witnesses than to teachers
Why Modern Man Listens More Willingly to Witnesses Than to Teachers | Philip KosloskiKOSLOSKI: The world around us will not listen to our Gospel message, unless we live a life of Christian beauty. If we boldly proclaim the truth, but fail to live a life a holiness, our message is empty and has no weight. It does not affect the people we meet and they dismiss it without giving it a second thought.
We can not simply teach the truth boldly and expect that everyone will flock to the Church. We must live it out first and foremost before we can be believable and change the hearts of those seduced by the world.
We can not simply teach the truth boldly and expect that everyone will flock to the Church. We must live it out first and foremost before we can be believable and change the hearts of those seduced by the world.
In the wake of the SCOTUS opinion, I believe this could be the Church's finest hour
Court Decision Will Renew Campaign for Marriage - Crisis MagazineMORSE: The Court’s cavalier disrespect for the rights of children is its most striking feature. Redefining marriage redefines parenthood. Up until now, marriage has been the primary institutional structure that attaches mothers and fathers to each other, and to their children.
With Obergefell, this historic social purpose of marriage has come to an end. Nothing remains of marriage in Justice Kennedy’s telling but a government registry of friendships. Of course, no one truly needs a government registry of friendships. We will soon hear calls to abolish even this vestigial form of marriage.
With Obergefell, this historic social purpose of marriage has come to an end. Nothing remains of marriage in Justice Kennedy’s telling but a government registry of friendships. Of course, no one truly needs a government registry of friendships. We will soon hear calls to abolish even this vestigial form of marriage.
5 extraordinary Eucharistic miracles that left physical evidence
5 Extraordinary Eucharistic Miracles that Left Physical Evidence (With Pictures!) | ChurchPOPMILLEGAN: Catholics believe that Jesus Christ is really, truly, and substantially present in the Eucharist. There are many stories of miracles throughout Church history that seem to confirm this important teaching.
It’s important to note that no Catholic is required to believe any of these stories. Even if they have been investigated and approved by the Church, the Church does not give any absolute guarantee to their authenticity. Nor does the Catholic dogma of transubstantiation depend on the authenticity of these stories (it is based on Scripture and Tradition).
It’s important to note that no Catholic is required to believe any of these stories. Even if they have been investigated and approved by the Church, the Church does not give any absolute guarantee to their authenticity. Nor does the Catholic dogma of transubstantiation depend on the authenticity of these stories (it is based on Scripture and Tradition).
Ticking time bomb: Why Obergefell is "Roe on steroids"
With Weak Protections For Conscience, "Obergefell is Roe on Steroids" |Blogs | NCRegister.comDESMOND: Liberals and conservatives have compared the U.S. Supreme Court's Roe v. Wade decision with Obergefell v. Hodges. Both are landmark decisions, in which the high court takes sides in a fractious national debate that was far from decided in the minds of many voters. But Bill McGurn, the Wall Street Journal columnist, takes issue with that assessment, at least as it involves the likely impact of the court's decision to legalize same-sex marriage.
Vatican releases itinerary for Pope Francis’s U.S. visit
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Subject: NCREGISTER: Vatican Releases Itinerary for Pope Francis's U.S. Visit
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AUTHOR=REGISTER STAFF: The Vatican Tuesday released the comprehensive itinerary for Pope Francis' journey to the United States and Cuba, including his schedule for Philadelphia on Sept. 26-27. Here is the Holy Father's complete... #kk2churchnews
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Everything is not fine
Everything is Not Fine |Blogs | NCRegister.comMATTARCHBOLD: I woke up this morning with a clear memory of my departed brother's face in my mind. He was smiling. I was so thankful for it because even seeing a picture isn't the same as a clear picture in your mind. So I woke up thankful. And that's a nice way to wake up.
It's an odd thing about losing a loved on. When they pass away, it's not just that you can't imagine them not being in this world; it's that you can't understand the world going on without them. I remember when my brother passed away, I walked outside the hospice and was surprised to see cars zooming by and even clouds moving. You can't quite believe everything and everyone is acting like the most important thing in the world didn't just happen. And there's a part of you that can't quite forgive the world for turning.
It's an odd thing about losing a loved on. When they pass away, it's not just that you can't imagine them not being in this world; it's that you can't understand the world going on without them. I remember when my brother passed away, I walked outside the hospice and was surprised to see cars zooming by and even clouds moving. You can't quite believe everything and everyone is acting like the most important thing in the world didn't just happen. And there's a part of you that can't quite forgive the world for turning.
Waiting to convert
Wating to Convert |Blogs | NCRegister.comBECKER: Becoming a Catholic is a huge deal for evangelical Protestants, and it frequently leads to disrupted relationships – family, friends, co-workers, you name it. Nonetheless, once you’re convinced that the Catholicism is true, and you start craving the Sacraments, and it’s so hard to not receive the Eucharist, you’re raring to go – full speed ahead! It is, in fact, imperative to act on those convictions, for to suppress or dismiss them is really a rejection of God and the ordinary means of salvation he wants us to have. “Whosoever, therefore, knowing that the Catholic Church was made necessary by Christ, would refuse to enter it,” Vatican II taught us, “could not be saved.”
Francis is not the only pope facing a divorce dilemma
Francis is not the only pope facing a divorce dilemma | CruxALLEN: As Pope Francis gears up for a showdown over divorce and remarriage at October’s Synod of Bishops, marking the latest chapter in a polarizing debate that’s left some Catholics delighted and others disenchanted, he can take consolation that he’s not the pope in the hottest water over the issue.
The world’s other major Christian leader who holds the same title, Pope Tawadros II of Egypt’s Coptic Orthodox Church, is also facing stiff blowback related to a divorce debate. Unlike Francis, however, some members of his own flock don’t just want him to change course, but they actually want him fired.
The world’s other major Christian leader who holds the same title, Pope Tawadros II of Egypt’s Coptic Orthodox Church, is also facing stiff blowback related to a divorce debate. Unlike Francis, however, some members of his own flock don’t just want him to change course, but they actually want him fired.
A scriptural guide for our troubled and confused times...
In Times Like These – A Scriptural Guide for Troubled and Confused Times : Community in MissionPOPE: There’s an old hymn that says, “In times like these, you need a Savior, in times like these, you need an anchor. Be very sure, be very sure, Your anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock.”
And indeed, there are very few faithful Catholics who are not astonished and dismayed at the rapidity of decline into confusion (sexual and otherwise) of a culture we once described as Judeo-Christian. Whatever our sectarian differences of the past (and honestly they were significant and embarrassingly many), there was at least a basic agreement on the fundamentals of biblical morality and the authority of the Word of God. Most of this is gone—and it has gone quickly.
And indeed, there are very few faithful Catholics who are not astonished and dismayed at the rapidity of decline into confusion (sexual and otherwise) of a culture we once described as Judeo-Christian. Whatever our sectarian differences of the past (and honestly they were significant and embarrassingly many), there was at least a basic agreement on the fundamentals of biblical morality and the authority of the Word of God. Most of this is gone—and it has gone quickly.
Ecco Papa: At long last, Francis' U.S. dance card...
Whispers in the Loggia: Ecco Papa – At Long Last, Francis' US Dance CardPALMO: After a notably longer wait than usual, this morning the schedule for the Pope's late September swing through the Northeast was released by the Holy See and the USCCB with some 90 days to spare before the journey takes place.
For the Vatican, the 22-27 September Stateside trek is the second leg of a tour that'll first see Francis spend four days in Cuba. In any case, now comes the chaotic part – the ticketing for the public, and the credentialing for a press contingent tipped to number close to 10,000.
For the Vatican, the 22-27 September Stateside trek is the second leg of a tour that'll first see Francis spend four days in Cuba. In any case, now comes the chaotic part – the ticketing for the public, and the credentialing for a press contingent tipped to number close to 10,000.
Vatican releases official schedule for Pope's September visit to U.S.
Here is the Holy Father's complete... - National Catholic Register: Here is the Holy Father's complete schedule for his September visit to Cuba and the United States, courtesy of the Holy See Press Office and the USCCB...
Monday, June 29, 2015
Avila to Aspen (Day 27): We live in unsettled times, but have confidence in Christ...
Spiritualdirection.com | Catholic Spiritual Direction | Comfort from Blessed Paul VI: Day 27 with Fr Hilton Catholic Spiritual DirectionHILTON: I started in a little town called Mercer, in the North Woods area of Wisconsin. A lot of people come here on vacations from Green Bay, Chicago and Milwaukee, and you can see why. Beautiful trees, rolling countryside, gorgeous blue skies. We found some fire pits in the woods, so we might even start a campfire tonight...
Legal marriage is not the endgame of the gay agenda. It never was. Moral approval is the endgame...
Ending Tax Exemptions Means Ending Churches: Mark Oppenheimer of The New York Times is now calling for the government to remove tax-exempt status from churches. After I posted a link to his article� on Facebook, a pastor friend commented: “I’m not sure our small church could survive.” That, my friends, is the point. And Oppenheimer knows it.
Legal gay marriage is not the endgame for the gay-rights movement. It never was. Moral approval is the endgame. The agenda is not tolerance for different beliefs and lifestyles. The agenda is a demand that everyone get on board with the moral revolution or be punished. That means if you or your church won’t get with the program, then the revolutionaries will endeavor to close you down.
Legal gay marriage is not the endgame for the gay-rights movement. It never was. Moral approval is the endgame. The agenda is not tolerance for different beliefs and lifestyles. The agenda is a demand that everyone get on board with the moral revolution or be punished. That means if you or your church won’t get with the program, then the revolutionaries will endeavor to close you down.
We delude ourselves if we think we are expanding our freedom by driving the Faith into retreat...
What Gay “Marriage” DoesSHEA: The mindset that puts no brake on the power of the strong over the weak is the root of slavery. �It is the inevitable corollary of the destruction of the Christian tradition. �Slavery is the normal room temperature state of fallen man. �It took centuries for the Christian tradition to beat it back and the victory has always been tenuous and provisional. �Get rid of Christian influence and it will flood back.
Pope's rules of the road to new metropolitans: "Teach prayer by praying, proclaim faith by believing"
Whispers in the Loggia: "Teach Prayer By Praying, Proclaim Faith By Believing, Give Witness By Living!" – To New Archbishops, Pope's Rules of the RoadPALMO: On this foundational feast of the church of Rome, the Pope again commemorated Saints Peter and Paul by giving the pallium to the 46 new metropolitan archbishops named over the last year... yet in a change from the ritual devised by St. John Paul II in 1984, the group weren't vested with the lambswool band signifying their new jurisdiction by Francis, but will instead have it placed over their shoulders in Cathedral Masses at home over the coming months.
U.S. Supreme Court upholds use of controversial lethal injection drug
Supreme Court Upholds Use of Controversial Lethal Injection Drug | Daily News | NCRegister.com: The Supreme Court has ruled in favor of the continued use of a drug that has been accused of causing excruciating pain in several controversial state executions.
The 5-4 ruling in Glossip v. Gross was announced June 29.
Lawyers for three death-row inmates in Oklahoma had argued before the court that the state’s three-drug protocol for executions violated constitutional bans on cruel and unusual punishment.
The 5-4 ruling in Glossip v. Gross was announced June 29.
Lawyers for three death-row inmates in Oklahoma had argued before the court that the state’s three-drug protocol for executions violated constitutional bans on cruel and unusual punishment.
Sunday, June 28, 2015
We are obliged to resist! “Clear and emphatic opposition is a duty”
We are obliged to RESIST! “Clear and emphatic opposition is a duty” | Fr. Z's BlogZUHLSDORF: In the wake of the June 26 U.S. Supreme Court opinion that legalized same-sex "marriage" throughout the United States, everyone should review the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith’s document from 2003, which is called Considerations Regarding Proposals to Give Legal Recognition to Unions Between Homosexual Persons...
Pope officially paves the way for Saint Thérèse's parents to be canonized
Pope officially paves the way for Saint Therese's parents to be canonized :: Catholic News Agency (CNA): Pope Francis formally approved on Saturday the decrees necessary for Blesseds Louis and Zelie Martin – known for being the parents of St. Therese of Lisieux – to be declared saints later this year.
The two blesseds will be the first couple ever to be canonized at the same ceremony, which will be held Oct. 18 in the Vatican. The event will take place fewer than three weeks after the Oct. 1 feast of their daughter, and doctor of the Church, St. Therese of the Child Jesus.
The two blesseds will be the first couple ever to be canonized at the same ceremony, which will be held Oct. 18 in the Vatican. The event will take place fewer than three weeks after the Oct. 1 feast of their daughter, and doctor of the Church, St. Therese of the Child Jesus.
Pope's Sunday Angelus: "What is faith? Faith is to touch Jesus and draw saving grace from Him"
Pope Francis' answer to 'What is faith?' :: Catholic News Agency (CNA): The Pope focused on the virtue of faith during his Sunday Angelus address, saying the whole gospel is written in its light.
“Faith is this: to touch Jesus and to draw from him the grace which saves,” Pope Francis explained June 28 at St. Peter's Square, reflecting on the healing of a haemorrhaging woman in the day's Gospel reading. She believed that if she could but touch Christ's clothes, she would be healed.
“Faith is this: to touch Jesus and to draw from him the grace which saves,” Pope Francis explained June 28 at St. Peter's Square, reflecting on the healing of a haemorrhaging woman in the day's Gospel reading. She believed that if she could but touch Christ's clothes, she would be healed.
Pope Francis approves the decrees for canonization of Louis and Zélie Martin
Pope Francis approves the decrees for canonization of Louis and Zelie Martin Vatican Radio: Pope Francis approved on Saturday the decrees allowing for the canonization of Louis and Zelie Martin, the parents of St. Therese of the Child Jesus (of Lisieux).�
The Holy Father approved the decrees allowing Louis and Zelie Martin to be canonized during the Ordinary Consistory in the Apostolic Palace of the Vatican.
The couple will be the first to be canonized together as husband and wife, giving testimony to their ‘extraordinary witness of conjugal and familial spirituality’, said Cardinal Angelo Amato, the Prefect for the Congregation for the Causes of the Saints.
The Holy Father approved the decrees allowing Louis and Zelie Martin to be canonized during the Ordinary Consistory in the Apostolic Palace of the Vatican.
The couple will be the first to be canonized together as husband and wife, giving testimony to their ‘extraordinary witness of conjugal and familial spirituality’, said Cardinal Angelo Amato, the Prefect for the Congregation for the Causes of the Saints.
From despair to deliverance: The journey of Jairus...
From Despair to Deliverance: The Journey of Jairus – A Homily for the 13th Sunday of the Year : Community in MissionPOPE: The gospel today focuses on a man named Jairus and a journey he makes from despair to deliverance, with the help of Jesus. Of course Jairus is not merely a synagogue official who lived two thousand years ago. You are Jairus and his journey is your journey.
We also meet in this gospel a woman of great faith, to whom the Lord points as an exemplar. If you are ready to accept it, she also can be you.
Let’s observe this gospel in six stages, as Jairus makes his journey.
We also meet in this gospel a woman of great faith, to whom the Lord points as an exemplar. If you are ready to accept it, she also can be you.
Let’s observe this gospel in six stages, as Jairus makes his journey.
John Kerry needs a lesson on anti-Christian persecution in Egypt
John Kerry needs a lesson on anti-Christian persecution in Egypt | CruxALLEN: On Thursday, the US State Department released its annual report on the protection of human rights around the world, and at least judging by its treatment of Egypt, American Secretary of State John Kerry could benefit from some face time with a Christian named Nabil Soliman.
Soliman, 54, is basically a modern-day Job in terms of the misfortune he’s endured, and the omission of his story and others like it from the State Department account is both puzzling and alarming.
Soliman, 54, is basically a modern-day Job in terms of the misfortune he’s endured, and the omission of his story and others like it from the State Department account is both puzzling and alarming.
Pope Francis on weapons: 12 things to know and share
Pope Francis on Weapons: 12 things to know and share |Blogs | NCRegister.comAKIN: Recently Pope Francis made some impromptu remarks about weapons manufacturers at a meeting with young people in Turin.
These were poorly misreported in the press and have resulted in a number of questions being asked.
First we will take a look at what he said and then look at some of the questions that have been asked.
Here are 12 things to know and share...
These were poorly misreported in the press and have resulted in a number of questions being asked.
First we will take a look at what he said and then look at some of the questions that have been asked.
Here are 12 things to know and share...
Saturday, June 27, 2015
Pope Francis creates new secretariat overseeing all Vatican communications
Pope Francis creates new secretariat overseeing all Vatican communications :: Catholic News Agency (CNA): The Vatican’s nine communications offices will soon be consolidated under the authority of the newly-established Secretariat for Communications, per a Saturday directive of Pope Francis.
The Roman Pontiff instituted the new secretariat with a motu proprio titled The current communication context, promulgated June 27.� The letter states that the new management body will take effect June 29.
The Roman Pontiff instituted the new secretariat with a motu proprio titled The current communication context, promulgated June 27.� The letter states that the new management body will take effect June 29.
Catholics and Orthodox should meet, cooperate more often, Pope exhorts
Catholics and Orthodox should meet, cooperate more often, Pope exhorts :: Catholic News Agency (CNA): Greeting a delegation of the leader of Eastern Orthodoxy on Saturday, Pope Francis voiced hope that Catholics and Eastern Orthodox would encounter each other more often, so as to overcome prejudices.
“I hope, therefore, that opportunities may increase for meeting each other, for exchange and cooperation among Catholic and Orthodox faithful, in such a way that as we deepen our knowledge and esteem for one another, we may be able to overcome any prejudice and misunderstanding that may remain as a result of our long separation,” the Bishop of Rome said June 27 at the Vatican's Apostolic Palace.
“I hope, therefore, that opportunities may increase for meeting each other, for exchange and cooperation among Catholic and Orthodox faithful, in such a way that as we deepen our knowledge and esteem for one another, we may be able to overcome any prejudice and misunderstanding that may remain as a result of our long separation,” the Bishop of Rome said June 27 at the Vatican's Apostolic Palace.
Google’s artificial-intelligence bot thinks the purpose of life is 'to live forever'
Google tests new artificial-intelligence chatbot - Business Insider: This week, Google released a research paper chronicling one of its latest forays into artificial intelligence.
Researchers at the company programmed an advanced type of “chatbot” that learns how to respond in conversations based on examples from a training set of dialogue.
Researchers at the company programmed an advanced type of “chatbot” that learns how to respond in conversations based on examples from a training set of dialogue.
Politico Magazine keeps up the pressure: "It's time to legalize polygamy"
It’s Time to Legalize Polygamy - Fredrik deBoer - POLITICO Magazine: Welcome to the exciting new world of the slippery slope. With the Supreme Court’s landmark ruling this Friday legalizing same sex marriage in all 50 states, social liberalism has achieved one of its central goals. A right seemingly unthinkable two decades ago has now been broadly applied to a whole new class of citizens. Following on the rejection of interracial marriage bans in the 20th Century, the Supreme Court decision clearly shows that marriage should be a broadly applicable right—one that forces the government to recognize, as Friday’s decision said, a private couple’s “love, fidelity, devotion, sacrifice and family.”
11 facts about Domino's Pizza founder Tom Monaghan (in 30 minutes or less)
11 Facts About Domino's Pizza Founder Tom Monaghan (in 30 Minutes or Less) | Mental Floss: Domino's Pizza was founded by brothers Tom and Jim Monaghan in 1960. At the time, it wasn't called Domino's (it was an established restaurant called DomiNick's), and the brothers faced plenty of challenges getting their new business off the ground. Today, Domino's Pizza is the #2 pizza chain, second only to Pizza Hut.
9 stunning facts about La Sagrada Familia
9 Stunning Facts About La Sagrada Familia | Mental Floss: The stunning La Sagrada Família is a must-see for any tourist passing through Barcelona. The towering, still-under-construction basilica is beloved architect Antoni Gaudí’s most celebrated work. The building of this ornamental wonder began in 1882 and is currently ongoing. Though it is the most visited monument in Spain, welcoming more than three million visitors each year, La Sagrada Família is still very much a place of worship—so much so that Pope Benedict XVI consecrated the church in 2010. The Temple holds Sunday mass once every couple of months, and there are special visiting hours for The Chapel of the Holy Sacrament and Penitence, which is reserved for prayer.
Sights, sounds and stories from a five-country European speaking tour
The Dawn Patrol: Chaste to Europe and back!Sights, sounds, & stories of my five-country speaking tourEDEN: So much has happened since I last updated you on my life and apostolate! I returned June 12 from my three-week European speaking tour, and my heart is full of gratitude as I look back upon the wonderful people I encountered and the beautiful experiences I had speaking in five countries. Most of what I will share here are the public highlights; omitted are many of the friendships I made or renewed on this trip. Every person I spent time with in Europe, those mentioned here and those not mentioned, remains in my thoughts and prayers.
The worst result of the SCOTUS marriage opinion won't be persecution
The Worst Result of the SCOTUS Marriage Decision Won't Be Persecution | ChurchPOPMILLEGAN: As everyone knows, the U.S. Supreme Court recently ruled gay marriage is a constitutionally protected right.
Christians around the country have already lost jobs and businesses because they believe in traditional, one-man one-woman marriage, and many fear that this ruling will lead to more persecution.
That may be so. But even if that does happen, it won’t be the worst result of our country’s acceptance of gay marriage.
Christians around the country have already lost jobs and businesses because they believe in traditional, one-man one-woman marriage, and many fear that this ruling will lead to more persecution.
That may be so. But even if that does happen, it won’t be the worst result of our country’s acceptance of gay marriage.
What's the best way to love those with same-sex attraction?
What’s the Best Way to Love Those with Same-Sex Attraction? | Catholic World Report - Global Church news and views: While most people are familiar with Janet E. Smith because of her work to clarify the Church’s teaching on contraception, she has recently expanded her focus to include those with same-sex attraction and those who minister to them.
Smith, who holds the Father Michael J. McGivney Chair of Life Ethics at Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit, has teamed up with Courage, the international Catholic apostolate ministering to those with same-sex attraction, to organize a conference entitled “Welcoming and Accompanying Our Brothers and Sisters With Same-Sex Attraction,” to be held August 10-12 in Plymouth, Michigan.
Smith, who holds the Father Michael J. McGivney Chair of Life Ethics at Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit, has teamed up with Courage, the international Catholic apostolate ministering to those with same-sex attraction, to organize a conference entitled “Welcoming and Accompanying Our Brothers and Sisters With Same-Sex Attraction,” to be held August 10-12 in Plymouth, Michigan.
Pope Francis promulgates Motu Proprio instituting the ‘Secretariat for Communications’
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Date: Saturday, June 27, 2015
Subject: NEWS.VA: Pope Francis promulgates Motu Proprio instituting the 'Secretariat for Communications'
To: kcknight@gmail.com
Pope Francis promulgated on Saturday, 27 June 2015, a Motu Proprio instituting the Secretariat for Communications and nominating Rev. Msgr. Dario Edoardo Viganò as Prefect of the new Secretariat.
The Motu Proprio establishes that all communications offices will be incorporated under the direction of the new Secretariat for Communications, including the Pontifical Council for Social Communications, the Holy See Press Office, Vatican Internet Service, Vatican Radio, the Vatican Television Center (CTV), the Osservatore Romano, Vatican Typography, Photograph Service, and the Vatican Publishing House (Libreria Editrice Vaticana).
The new Dicastery will also work in union with the Secretariat of State for the direction of the institutional website of the Holy See, www.vatican.va and the Twitter account of the Holy Father: @pontifex .
Those nominated to direct the Secretariat are:
-Prefect: Rev. Msgr. Dario Edoardo Viganò, current Director of the Vatican Television Center (CTV)
-Secretary: Rev. Msgr. Lucio Adrian Ruiz, current Office Head of the Vatican Internet Service
-Director General: Dr. Paolo Nusiner, current Director General of Avvenire, Nuova Editoriale Italiana
-Vice Director General: Dr. Giacomo Ghisani, current Head of International Relations Office and Legal Affairs of the Vatican Radio and member of the Administrative Council of the Vatican Television Center (CTV)
The Secretariat for Communications officially comes into existence on 29 June 2015 and will have as its provisional seat Palazzo Pio on Piazza Pio 3.
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Friday, June 26, 2015
Say not, "Modern art is bad"
Say Not, “Modern Art is Bad” | Dominic Bouck, O.P. | First ThingsBOUCK: This week in New York, the “One Faith: East and West” art exhibition is at the Catholic Center of NYU, after stops in Beijing and Moscow. The exhibition is a concrete expression of Christian unity, and the artists are from several different countries and confessions: Roman and Byzantine Catholic, Russian and Romanian Orthodox, and Protestant. On June 27, the artist Clement Fuchs will present on the “Hermeneutics of Continuity in Sacred Art.” This lecture will attempt to show the importance of “working within tradition on the one hand and avoiding a limited, backward looking historicism on the other.”
How do you convert your friends and family?
Conversion StoryGREGWILLITS: Years ago I worked in the IT industry, leading teams to develop software systems, which gave me the awesome opportunity to work with a wide and diverse range of people.
Around that same time (late 90’s/early 2000’s), I was experiencing a re-awakening of my faith, and an absolutely unquenchable desire to save souls for Jesus Christ.
Like many people, I had friends and family members who had long ago fallen away from the faith, but everyday at my job I worked with people who had no faith at all.
One of my co-workers was a programmer named Ram (short for Sriman), and we went to lunch together frequently where one day I learned that Ram really had no idea who this Jesus Christ guy was.
Around that same time (late 90’s/early 2000’s), I was experiencing a re-awakening of my faith, and an absolutely unquenchable desire to save souls for Jesus Christ.
Like many people, I had friends and family members who had long ago fallen away from the faith, but everyday at my job I worked with people who had no faith at all.
One of my co-workers was a programmer named Ram (short for Sriman), and we went to lunch together frequently where one day I learned that Ram really had no idea who this Jesus Christ guy was.
QUIZ: Can you name these liturgical vestments?
QUIZ: Can You Name These Liturgical Vestments? | ChurchPOP: Select the name of the vestment shown in each picture...
The next step: Punishing those who wish to withhold cooperation from same-sex marriage
Supreme Court affirms cultural shift, rejects traditional marriageSHAW: Far from ending the conflict of moral and cultural values at the heart of the same-sex marriage debate, the Supreme Court’s June 26 decision declaring its discovery of a previously undiscovered constitutional right to same-sex marriage propels this struggle onto a broader front.
Given the long-range goal of the ideology driving this movement, that has always been certain to happen. For the ideological objective here is no less that a revolution in thinking and practice concerning sexuality that will either sweep marriage and religion aside or else sweep them along with it.
Given the long-range goal of the ideology driving this movement, that has always been certain to happen. For the ideological objective here is no less that a revolution in thinking and practice concerning sexuality that will either sweep marriage and religion aside or else sweep them along with it.
Photos: Bullet holes in Pope St. John Paul II's undershirt
Orbis Catholicus Secundus: Bullet Holes in Pope St. John Paul II's Undershirt: "Hanro," made in Switzerland, size 9.� The red cotton initials "JP" stitched by Polish sisters.� Three holes in the abdomen.� Blood and antiseptic stains.� What difficult times we live in.� It was very painful to pray before this relic.� My heart ached.� The Church has much to suffer.�
Vatican panel recognizes Oklahoma priest as first possible U.S. martyr
Vatican Panel Recognizes Oklahoma Priest as Possible Martyr - Aleteia: There has never been a canonized martyr from the United States, but a vote at the Vatican this week may lead to an Oklahoma priest becoming the first.
A special Theological Commission at the Congregation of the Causes of Saints in Rome voted Tuesday to formally recognize Father Stanley Rother a martyr. The determination of martyrdom is a critical step in the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City’s Cause to have Father Rother beatified.
A special Theological Commission at the Congregation of the Causes of Saints in Rome voted Tuesday to formally recognize Father Stanley Rother a martyr. The determination of martyrdom is a critical step in the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City’s Cause to have Father Rother beatified.
A warning from Canada: Same-sex marriage will erode your fundamental rights
A Warning From Canada: Same-Sex Marriage Erodes Fundamental Rights - Aleteia: I am one of six adult children of gay parents who recently filed amicus briefs with the US Supreme Court, asking the Court to respect the authority of citizens to keep the original definition of marriage: a union between one man and one woman to the exclusion of all others, so that children may know and may be raised by their biological parents. I also live in Canada, where same-sex marriage was federally mandated in 2005.
The marriage battle was lost in the culture long before it was lost in the courts
The Church and the “New Normal” | Catholic World Report - Global Church news and viewsWEIGEL: The New Normal will not leave the Catholic Church alone. Like everyone else who contests the New Normal’s ideology of Anything Goes, the Catholic Church will be aggressively attacked for daring to oppose that ideology. So the Church must learn, fast, how to play good defense, defending the right of our people and our institutions to be themselves; it will do a service to America in the process.
What is the most effective way to preserve marriage when society falls apart?
What is the Most Effective Way to Preserve Marriage When Society Falls Apart? |Blogs | NCRegister.comKOSLOSKI: While the recent decision by the U.S. Supreme Court to legalize same-sex marriage is not surprising, it does reveal how far our society has gone and how much work needs to be done. It shows that our society does not know the purpose of marriage and confuses it with companionship and pleasure instead of a love that reflects the mystery of God.
Then again, it shouldn’t be surprising with the rise of divorce over the past 50 years. The institution of marriage has been crumbling before our eyes for decades and so this decision by the U.S. Supreme Court only confirms this truth.�
Then again, it shouldn’t be surprising with the rise of divorce over the past 50 years. The institution of marriage has been crumbling before our eyes for decades and so this decision by the U.S. Supreme Court only confirms this truth.�
The Art of Manliness: How to use a hotel concierge
How to Use a Hotel Concierge | The Art of Manliness: A few years ago, Kate and I took a trip to San Francisco for business. The company that flew us out there set us up in a high-end hotel right near the Embarcadero. We usually stay at something like a Holiday Inn Express, so this was a completely new experience for us.
When we entered the hotel lobby, I noticed a little desk to the side that had the word “Concierge” on the front of it in big gold letters. My only knowledge of concierges at this point had come from watching Tim Curry play one in Home Alone 2. I had a vague idea they were there to help hotel guests, but I thought it was something extra you had to pay for.
When we entered the hotel lobby, I noticed a little desk to the side that had the word “Concierge” on the front of it in big gold letters. My only knowledge of concierges at this point had come from watching Tim Curry play one in Home Alone 2. I had a vague idea they were there to help hotel guests, but I thought it was something extra you had to pay for.
Saint Cyril of Alexandria's defense of Mary, the Mother of God
Saint Cyril of Alexandria's Defense of Mary: Saint Cyril of Alexandria was the Patriarch of Alexandria during the early part of the 5th century and a key figure in the Christological controversies of his time. His debate with the heretic Nestorius was the impetus for the Council of Ephesus in 431 AD where the Church officially adopted the long held understanding that Mary is Theotokos, “Mother of God.” Because of Saint Cyril’s steadfast defense of orthodoxy, he is called a Pillar of Faith and a Doctor of the Church. In his defence of Christianity, Cyril was known to be somewhat brusque, often employing sarcasm and an acerbic style...
Quick lessons from the Catechism: The Sacrament of Holy Matrimony
Quick Lessons from the Catechism: The Sacrament of Holy Matrimony | TOM PERNAPERNA: In case you haven’t heard yet, the Supreme Court here in the United States just made same-sex marriage legal in all 50 states. A historical decision as decisions go and one that is going to have implications for years to come. This day will be remembered as the day that can society began to implode on itself here in the United States (which are not as united as they once were). It’s a decision not made with the law in mind, but with an agenda in mind. It’s an agenda to destroy all things pertaining to God, humanity, and the common good.
The Holy See and the State of Palestine sign a general Agreement
VIS news - Holy See Press Office: The Holy See and the State of Palestine sign a general Agreement: Today, Friday 26 June, in the Vatican Apostolic Palace, a Comprehensive Agreement was signed between the Holy See and the State of Palestine. The accord follows on the Basic Agreement which was signed between the Holy See and the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) on 15 February 2000 and is the result of the negotiations undertaken by a bilateral working commission over the past years.
Archbishop Paul R. Gallagher, secretary for Relations with States, signed on behalf of the Holy See and Riad Al-Malki, minister of Foreign Affairs, signed for the State of Palestine.
Archbishop Paul R. Gallagher, secretary for Relations with States, signed on behalf of the Holy See and Riad Al-Malki, minister of Foreign Affairs, signed for the State of Palestine.
Here's how to respond to the Supreme Court's judicial activism on marriage...
Here's How to Respond to Court's Judicial Activism on Marriage: Today is a significant setback for all Americans who believe in the Constitution, the rule of law, democratic self-government, and marriage as the union of one man and one woman. The U.S. Supreme Court got it wrong: It should not have mandated all 50 states to redefine marriage.
A handy infographic in the wake of Laudato Si: What's really warming the world?
What's Really Warming the World? Climate deniers blame natural factors; NASA data proves otherwise: The Earth has warmed 1.4 degrees Fahrenheit since 1880. So which factors account for this? From Bloomberg Business and NASA's Goddard Institute for Space Studies.
On marriage, the Court's last word
Whispers in the Loggia: On Marriage, The Court's Last WordPALMO: In a sweeping ruling that represents the ultimate civil judgment on same-sex marriage, this morning a 5-4 majority of the Supreme Court held full recognition of gay unions as a constitutional right of equal protection under the 14th Amendment, thus redefining the institution across the 50 states.
With 36 states and the District of Columbia already having extended marriage to same-sex couples – a significant increase since the 2013 Windsor decision striking down the federal Defense of Marriage Act – yet again the majority opinion was written by Justice Anthony Kennedy, a Catholic. Among the high court's six-justice Catholic bloc, Kennedy was joined by Justice Sonia Sotomayor, while the other four – Chief Justice John Roberts and Associate Justices Antonin Scalia, Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito – dissented.
With 36 states and the District of Columbia already having extended marriage to same-sex couples – a significant increase since the 2013 Windsor decision striking down the federal Defense of Marriage Act – yet again the majority opinion was written by Justice Anthony Kennedy, a Catholic. Among the high court's six-justice Catholic bloc, Kennedy was joined by Justice Sonia Sotomayor, while the other four – Chief Justice John Roberts and Associate Justices Antonin Scalia, Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito – dissented.
Abortion drone to launch Saturday, carrying its noxious cargo into Catholic Poland
Abortion Drone to Launch June 27, Carrying Its Noxious Cargo Into Catholic Poland |Blogs | NCRegister.comSCHIFFER: A coalition of feminist groups from several European nations has joined together this week to fly a drone across the border from Germany to Poland, to bring abortion to the women of that traditionally pro-life country.
The women's groups involved in the project are Women on Waves; Cocia Basia, a Berlin-based abortion support group for Polish women; Feminteka Foundation from Warsaw; and the 8th of March women's rights collective. (March 8 is celebrated in Russia and around the world as International Women's Day.)
The women's groups involved in the project are Women on Waves; Cocia Basia, a Berlin-based abortion support group for Polish women; Feminteka Foundation from Warsaw; and the 8th of March women's rights collective. (March 8 is celebrated in Russia and around the world as International Women's Day.)
If marriage is the sanctuary of life, what happens when that sanctuary is redefined?
If Marriage Is the Sanctuary of Life, What Happens When That Sanctuary Is Redefined? |Blogs | NCRegister.comDESMOND: The U.S. Supreme Court has finally ruled on the constitutionality of same-sex marriage, invoking the Fourteenth Amendment to require every state to license marriages between people of the same sex.
Over the years, gay activists have convinced some of the public that the inclusion of same-sex couples in legal marriage would not harm a vital social institution. But scant attention has been paid to how the redefinition of marriage will shape our legal system's treatment of nascent human life and the rights of natural parents.
Over the years, gay activists have convinced some of the public that the inclusion of same-sex couples in legal marriage would not harm a vital social institution. But scant attention has been paid to how the redefinition of marriage will shape our legal system's treatment of nascent human life and the rights of natural parents.
Of the glory of kings and the killing of cats
Of the Glory of Kings and the Killing of Cats |Blogs | NCRegister.comSHEA: Curiosity is, on the whole, good. But curiosity about absolutely everything is not necessarily good. There are some things (like, f'rinstance, the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil) about which curiosity is not necessarily a great idea, particularly when somebody who you know to be trustworthy has warned you of the consequences of such curiosity. That's why one good summary of human history, according to the Catholic poet Pavel Chichikov is "What could it hurt?" followed sometime later by, "How was I supposed to know?"
Prayers aren't what they used to be
Prayers Aren't What They Used To Be |Blogs | NCRegister.comPOPE: So often, prayers aren’t what they used to be. Prayers used to look to God and long for heaven. More commonly today, even when they look to God, they speak more of this earth and ask God to make it more comfortable.�
While Catholics do not pray aloud extemporaneously as often as Protestants, I have been in enough settings where the faithful do pray in this way — often at retreats and revivals, and listening to typical� Prayers of the Faithful — and I notice that many, if not most prayers, ask God to fix something here: “Fix my finances, Lord; fix my health; fix my situation at work; help people who are suffering; fix it all Lord!”
While Catholics do not pray aloud extemporaneously as often as Protestants, I have been in enough settings where the faithful do pray in this way — often at retreats and revivals, and listening to typical� Prayers of the Faithful — and I notice that many, if not most prayers, ask God to fix something here: “Fix my finances, Lord; fix my health; fix my situation at work; help people who are suffering; fix it all Lord!”
Breaking: U.S. Supreme Court legalizes same-sex marriage nationwide
Breaking: U.S. Supreme Court Legalizes Same-Sex Marriage Nationwide | Daily News | NCRegister.com: The U.S. Supreme Court has just released its decision in Obergefell v. Hodges, holding by a 5-4 margin that Fourteenth Amendment requires a state to license a marriage between two people of the same sex.
Thursday, June 25, 2015
Medjugorje and the authentic work of God
Medjugorje and the Authentic Work of God |Blogs | NCRegister.comDANBURKE: As I was making my way to the Catholic Church, I was deeply blessed by an encounter with a 17th century priest who taught me, through his writings, how to overcome aridity in prayer. This was a significant breakthrough for me and brought me tremendous relief. I developed an instant affinity to this priest and looked for other writings of his that might help me. By God’s grace, I didn’t find anything else about him until I became Catholic and discovered that his teachings were condemned by the Church.
Waiting for a Medjugorje decision: 12 things to know and share...
Waiting for a Medjugorje Decision: 12 things to know and share |Blogs | NCRegister.comAKIN: We are now in the period of waiting before the Holy See announces a decision regarding the reported apparitions at Medjugorje.
In recent days, several developments have emerged which people have examined to see what they might reveal about that decision.
One set of stories claims to know the decision reached by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.
Here are 12 things to know and share
In recent days, several developments have emerged which people have examined to see what they might reveal about that decision.
One set of stories claims to know the decision reached by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.
Here are 12 things to know and share
Knock knock! Who's there? A Catholic...
Knock knock! Who's there? A Catholic. |Blogs | NCRegister.comFISHER: Between my adequate-ish knowledge of scripture and our 175-pound mastiff, I think we've seen the last of this particular Jehovah's Witness.
The woman who came to our door this morning had been here before (back when the dog was smaller and less ... avid), but I think she's finally chalked us up as a lost cause. She said that she had been raised Catholic -- that her own mother is a Eucharistic Minister in my parish. I hate to think what her catechesis was like! She was under the impression that Catholics don't read the Bible or think about what it means. I was able to persuade her otherwise, just by quoting a few lines of the Gospel that I've heard a thousand times at Mass; so at least there's that.
The woman who came to our door this morning had been here before (back when the dog was smaller and less ... avid), but I think she's finally chalked us up as a lost cause. She said that she had been raised Catholic -- that her own mother is a Eucharistic Minister in my parish. I hate to think what her catechesis was like! She was under the impression that Catholics don't read the Bible or think about what it means. I was able to persuade her otherwise, just by quoting a few lines of the Gospel that I've heard a thousand times at Mass; so at least there's that.
Drug-crazed intruder kills Samuel Traut, popular Bible teacher at NDSU Newman Center
Drug-Crazed Intruder Kills Samuel Traut, Popular Bible Teacher at NDSU Newman CenterSCHIFFER: “A good young man unknowingly opened his back door to a monster.”
At a news conference regarding back-to-back slayings in Fargo, North Dakota, Police Chief Dave Todd repeated the line he’d heard Wednesday, explaining why 24-year-old Samuel Traut had been killed. The young man, who taught bible studies and other courses at the Newman Center at North Dakota State University, was hammered to death after opening his door and offering a stranger a glass of water.
At a news conference regarding back-to-back slayings in Fargo, North Dakota, Police Chief Dave Todd repeated the line he’d heard Wednesday, explaining why 24-year-old Samuel Traut had been killed. The young man, who taught bible studies and other courses at the Newman Center at North Dakota State University, was hammered to death after opening his door and offering a stranger a glass of water.
Avila to Aspen (Day 23): Fellow Christians on the road in rural Minnesota
Spiritualdirection.com | Catholic Spiritual Direction | Fellow Christians on the Road: Day 23 with Fr Hilton Catholic Spiritual DirectionHILTON: What would Minnesota be without Paul Bunyan? I passed this big statue of him early on my trip today in the town of Akeley. Babe, the Blue Ox, was across the street.
Wes was bicycling on the same road as me. We stopped and had a great conversation. He is a Christian gentleman. It’s encouraging when you meet fellow followers of the Lord along the way.
Wes was bicycling on the same road as me. We stopped and had a great conversation. He is a Christian gentleman. It’s encouraging when you meet fellow followers of the Lord along the way.
Why did God destroy Sodom and Gomorrah?
Why Did God Destroy Sodom and Gomorrah?LONGENECKER: One of those interesting details has surfaced which reminds you that everything is connected.
It is now predicted that the Supreme Court will give its ruling on same sex marriage on June 30.
The Mass readings for that day are Genesis 19.15-29 – the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah.
We should be clear. The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah was not simply because the city was full of homosexuality.
The violent homosexual rapists were a symptom of a deeper ugliness in Sodom and Gomorrah.
It is now predicted that the Supreme Court will give its ruling on same sex marriage on June 30.
The Mass readings for that day are Genesis 19.15-29 – the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah.
We should be clear. The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah was not simply because the city was full of homosexuality.
The violent homosexual rapists were a symptom of a deeper ugliness in Sodom and Gomorrah.
Sick people are vulnerable, and vulnerable people don’t need to be told they’re better off dead...
Will suicide bill die a natural death? - SFGate: When Senate Bill 128, which would legalize physician-assisted suicide for terminally ill patients, passed the state Senate, supporters hailed the measure’s success as a sign of it inevitability. And what Democrat in this heavily left-leaning Legislature wants to be on — say it slowly — The Wrong Side of History?
It turns out reports of the measure’s slam-dunkedness were greatly exaggerated. Opponents of SB128 expected the bill to sail through the Senate, but then get mired in the Assembly. Sure enough, this week co-sponsors state Sens. Lois Wolk, D-Davis, and Bill Monning, D-Monterey, had to pull a scheduled vote in the Assembly Health Committee and delay it until July 7 because, as The Chronicle’s Melody Gutierrez reported, six committee Democrats are not on board. Five are members of the Latino caucus. Ergo the new spin on the bill, advanced by Wolk, is that the Catholic Church in all its might is leaning on its flock to kill the bill.
It turns out reports of the measure’s slam-dunkedness were greatly exaggerated. Opponents of SB128 expected the bill to sail through the Senate, but then get mired in the Assembly. Sure enough, this week co-sponsors state Sens. Lois Wolk, D-Davis, and Bill Monning, D-Monterey, had to pull a scheduled vote in the Assembly Health Committee and delay it until July 7 because, as The Chronicle’s Melody Gutierrez reported, six committee Democrats are not on board. Five are members of the Latino caucus. Ergo the new spin on the bill, advanced by Wolk, is that the Catholic Church in all its might is leaning on its flock to kill the bill.
11 great Catholic scientists from the past 700 years
11 Great Catholic Scientists - Epic Pew: When it comes the Catholic Church and science all we tend to hear about is the Galileo affair. St. John Paul II apologized for various aspects the Church’s handling of Galileo, but it is a lot more complicated than post-modern scientists like to let on. Galileo is a way for Rationalists to assault faith. It is to paint the Church as anti-science and superstitious. To be sure, there are some Christians who are anti-science, who have accepted a false concordism. That is not the Catholic Church’s position. In fact, the Church has its own scientific wing, namely the Pontifical Academy of Sciences, which not only welcomes the work of Catholics, but people of many faiths, including atheists. For now let’s abandon this tired narrative and look at 11 groundbreaking Catholic scientists, many of whom were priests.*
Details on the upcoming World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia
New Advent: Details on the upcoming World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia: A Vatican news conference unveiled details about the upcoming World Meeting of Families June 25.
CDF reaches negative judgment on Medjugorje, Italian journalists report
CDF reaches negative judgment on Medjugorje, Italian journalists report : News Headlines - Catholic Culture: The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF) has reached a negative conclusion regarding the authenticity of the reported Marian apparitions at Medjugorje, according to Italian media reports.
The CDF reportedly held a feria quarta meeting on June 24, at which the prelates discussed the findings of a special papal commission that had investigated the Medjugorje phenomenon. According to several Italian journalists—notably Vatican-watch Gianluca Barile—the CDF agreed with that commission’s finding that there is no evidence of supernatural activity at Medjugorje.
The CDF reportedly held a feria quarta meeting on June 24, at which the prelates discussed the findings of a special papal commission that had investigated the Medjugorje phenomenon. According to several Italian journalists—notably Vatican-watch Gianluca Barile—the CDF agreed with that commission’s finding that there is no evidence of supernatural activity at Medjugorje.
Pope Francis: "The true authority of the Church of Rome is the charity of Christ"
Pope: True authority of Church of Rome is the love of Christ Vatican Radio: “The true authority of the Church of Rome is the charity of Christ.” That was the message of Pope Francis to members of the Pontifical Eccesiastical Academy, the “Accademia” – the Roman institution responsible for preparing priests for the diplomatic service of the Holy See.
Marian Court College downplayed its Catholic identity. Now it's closing. Will others learn the lesson?
Will Catholic Colleges Learn From Marian Court’s Closing? |Blogs | NCRegister.comWILSON: “We hide the word ‘Catholic’ from prospective students.”� So said a staff member at Regis Jesuit University in a widely-read Atlantic article last year.� Sadly, such an approach to marketing is no anomaly among Catholic colleges and universities, many of which are filling seats with students whose focus is on practical concerns and secular interests but not Catholic formation. �
Small Catholic institutions, however, do the greatest harm to themselves by downplaying what makes them unique.� They lack the resources of universities with top-notch facilities and dozens of majors to choose from.� Without hearing a strong case for Catholic education, many high schoolers are left wondering why they would ever attend a small, liberal arts college.
Small Catholic institutions, however, do the greatest harm to themselves by downplaying what makes them unique.� They lack the resources of universities with top-notch facilities and dozens of majors to choose from.� Without hearing a strong case for Catholic education, many high schoolers are left wondering why they would ever attend a small, liberal arts college.
‘Batkid Begins’ is one of the better superhero movies in recent years
SDG Reviews ‘Batkid Begins’ | Daily News | NCRegister.comGREYDANUS: I still remember my disappointment, 40 or so years ago, when I first saw my Halloween costume the year I was supposed to be my favorite superhero, Spider-Man. Kids’ Halloween costumes were not as good then as they are today, and this costume came with a molded plastic face mask, which was fine — but the rest was a poncho bearing a picture of the web-slinger, head and all, with the words “The Amazing Spider-Man.”
Why don't your eyelashes and eyebrows grow long like head hair?
Why Don’t Eyelashes and Eyebrows Grow Long Like Head Hair? | Mental Floss: Hair is pretty amazing stuff. It sprouts from almost every inch of skin on our bodies—only the palms of your hands, the soles of your feet, and your lips are officially fuzz-free. Apparently, the average person grows 590 miles of hair during their lifetime. But have you ever wondered why your eyelashes and eyebrows don’t just keep on growing until they’re as long as the hair on your head?
2 things that lead to a happy life, backed by research
2 Things That Lead to a Happy Life, Backed By Research | TIME: I’ve posted a number of times about two nearly-lifelong studies: the Terman Study (covered in The Longevity Project) and the Grant Study (covered in Triumphs of Experience.)
While different in some respects, both followed a sample of people from youth until death and provided insights into what makes for a happy life.
What two big ideas do they both strongly agree on?
While different in some respects, both followed a sample of people from youth until death and provided insights into what makes for a happy life.
What two big ideas do they both strongly agree on?
Wednesday, June 24, 2015
Dear fellow Hirsute Flabmeisters: A call to action...
Dear Fellow Hirsute Flabmeisters: A Call to Action | Quartermaster of the BarqueBOWERS: As self-appointed President of the Hirsute Flabmeisters of America (HFA, pronounced “Heifer”), I object to anyone — especially a bishop of the Holy Roman Catholic Church — using our beloved adjectives in such a violent fashion.
I am aggrieved by this micro-aggression that we have been forced to endure. Why should everyone else be “affirmed” for who they are and not us!? Doesn’t Jesus love us too?!
It’s so convenient for His Excellency to complain about others when his own wardrobe full of fancy bishop robes and pointy hats (lovingly maintained by staff) is right next to the sanctuary. All *he* has to do is put on his *uniform* for mass, whereas we must select apparel that fits properly, doesn’t strangle us by overheat and constriction, isn’t stained by food...
I am aggrieved by this micro-aggression that we have been forced to endure. Why should everyone else be “affirmed” for who they are and not us!? Doesn’t Jesus love us too?!
It’s so convenient for His Excellency to complain about others when his own wardrobe full of fancy bishop robes and pointy hats (lovingly maintained by staff) is right next to the sanctuary. All *he* has to do is put on his *uniform* for mass, whereas we must select apparel that fits properly, doesn’t strangle us by overheat and constriction, isn’t stained by food...
Were there really 9 million Catholic reverts in 2013?
Nuzzel - Nine New Million Catholic Reverts in 2013?: Since 2000, the Catholic Church around the world has added about 15 million new Catholics each year. In 2013 it added 25 million, according to recently released Vatican statistics. This is interesting as it coincides with the year Pope Francis began leading the Church.
CARA recently released a report on global trends in the Church since 1980. After that report was released we got our 2013 copy (i.e., most recent) of the Annuarium Statisticum Ecclesiae (ASE). This book represents the Vatican’s awareness of the state of the Church on December 31, 2013. The table below updates key data from our recent global report. In the same year as the big jump in Catholics, the Church increased its number of parishes, priests (diocesan and religious), permanent deacons, secondary students in Catholic schools, and adults entering the faith.
CARA recently released a report on global trends in the Church since 1980. After that report was released we got our 2013 copy (i.e., most recent) of the Annuarium Statisticum Ecclesiae (ASE). This book represents the Vatican’s awareness of the state of the Church on December 31, 2013. The table below updates key data from our recent global report. In the same year as the big jump in Catholics, the Church increased its number of parishes, priests (diocesan and religious), permanent deacons, secondary students in Catholic schools, and adults entering the faith.
"I work on Sunday. Can I go to Mass on another day?"
ASK FATHER: I work on Sunday. Can I go to Mass on another day? | Fr. Z's BlogZUHLSDORF: The Church’s law is clear. �As Catholics, we are obliged to hear Mass on all Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation. We can fulfill that obligation by either attending Mass on the Sunday or Holy Day itself, or on the evening of the day before each.
If it is truly impossible for you to attend Mass on Sundays or Holy Days, because of work obligations or Mass times, then the obligation to attend Mass is lifted. Remember though, God is not mocked, nor is He deceived (Galatians 6:7). �If it’s merely difficult to attend Mass, or inconvenient, do not skip Mass and then think you are justified.
If it is truly impossible for you to attend Mass on Sundays or Holy Days, because of work obligations or Mass times, then the obligation to attend Mass is lifted. Remember though, God is not mocked, nor is He deceived (Galatians 6:7). �If it’s merely difficult to attend Mass, or inconvenient, do not skip Mass and then think you are justified.
Some of Francis’s critics are all-in. Their rejection is total. They risk being prodigal sons who don’t come back...
The Challenging Truth of Pope Francis' Encyclical on the Environment - AleteiaMILLS: The Holy Father’s release of his encyclical Laudato Si has produced the amusing, and bemusing, sight of conservative Catholics hauling out the arguments used by dissenting Catholics and looking at the pope with the same attitudes. Change a few words and you could be reading the liberal reactions to Bl. Paul VI and Humanae Vitae or to St. John Paul II shutting the door on ordaining women to the priesthood or to Benedict XVI allowing the use of the old Mass.
Avila to Aspen (Day 22): Crossing into Minnesota over the Red River
Spiritualdirection.com | Catholic Spiritual Direction | He Must Increase: Day 22 From the Road with Fr Hilton Catholic Spiritual DirectionHILTON: I stopped for a snack and cold drink at a combination diner, bar, general store, and bait shop in the town of Osage. It’s in the lake district and known for its fishing. I couldn’t help but laugh at their sign, even though I was hesitant to eat in their restaurant.
Msgr. Raun and I spend the night in this beautiful town of Park Rapids. This lake is one of many in the area and is in the heart of the town. I guess this makes the geese urban dwellers.
Msgr. Raun and I spend the night in this beautiful town of Park Rapids. This lake is one of many in the area and is in the heart of the town. I guess this makes the geese urban dwellers.
Stem cell ambiguity: The Gordie Howe case highlights the need for clearer terminology
Stem Cell Ambiguity: The Gordie Howe Case Highlights the Need for Clearer Terminology |Blogs | NCRegister.comSCHIFFER: Adult stem cells: They're the good kind, right? They come from tissue contributed by an adult donor, right?
Well, not exactly. This week, pro-lifers criticized the treatments administered to two prominent sports heroes, hockey great Gordie Howe and retired pro quarterback John Brodie, utilizing “adult stem cells” which were, contrary to earlier reports, drawn from an aborted fetus.�
Why the confusion? Well, back in February Dave McGuigan, vice president of Stemedica Cell Technologies, the San Diego biopharmaceutical company which developed and manufactured the biological compounds used to treat Howe and Brodie, assured the media that “only adult stem cells were used” in the injections. Stemedica president Maynard Howe (who is not related to Gordie) said the same thing.
Well, not exactly. This week, pro-lifers criticized the treatments administered to two prominent sports heroes, hockey great Gordie Howe and retired pro quarterback John Brodie, utilizing “adult stem cells” which were, contrary to earlier reports, drawn from an aborted fetus.�
Why the confusion? Well, back in February Dave McGuigan, vice president of Stemedica Cell Technologies, the San Diego biopharmaceutical company which developed and manufactured the biological compounds used to treat Howe and Brodie, assured the media that “only adult stem cells were used” in the injections. Stemedica president Maynard Howe (who is not related to Gordie) said the same thing.
Has Etsy banned the sale of sacramentals?
Has Etsy Banned the Sale of Sacramentals? |Blogs | NCRegister.comFISHER: Sellers of "metaphysical" items (and I nominate this use of the word "metaphysical" as the word crime of the century) used to get around the requirement of yielding a "new, tangible, physical item" by offering a card or a download announcing that you were now the proud owner of a love spell or the capacity to lose weight the metaphysical way (sorry, Aristotle. I'm so sorry); but Etsy has clarified that sellers can no longer promise that any physical change will occur.�
Pope's Wednesday Audience: Address family wounds directly or they will worsen
Pope Francis to Families: Address Your Wounds Directly or They Will Worsen | Daily News | NCRegister.com: Family wounds that aren’t dealt with in a healthy and timely manner can have devastating effects on both spouses and children, Pope Francis has said. He encouraged wounded families to work toward healing without letting bitterness build up.
“We know well that every family on occasion suffers moments when one family member offends another,” the Pope told pilgrims present in St. Peter’s Square for his June 24 general audience.
“We know well that every family on occasion suffers moments when one family member offends another,” the Pope told pilgrims present in St. Peter’s Square for his June 24 general audience.
So the Confederate flag should come down but a racist like Margaret Sanger belongs on the $20 bill?
So the Confederate Flag Should Come Down But Margaret Sanger Belongs on the $20 Bill? |Blogs | NCRegister.comMATTARCHBOLD: Margaret Sanger had more than a passing affiliation with racism. She embraced it. And not just the kind of racism where she locks the doors of her car when she passed through urban neighborhoods. No. The kind of racism that wants to empty all neighborhoods of black people.
In the April 1932 Birth Control Review, she wrote, "Birth control must lead ultimately to a cleaner race." In the book, "Woman, Morality, and Birth Control" in 1922, she wrote, "We should hire three or four colored ministers, preferably with social-service backgrounds, and with engaging personalities. The most successful educational approach to the Negro is through a religious appeal. We don’t want the word to go out that we want to exterminate the Negro population, and the minister is the man who can straighten out that idea if it ever occurs to any of their more rebellious members."
In the April 1932 Birth Control Review, she wrote, "Birth control must lead ultimately to a cleaner race." In the book, "Woman, Morality, and Birth Control" in 1922, she wrote, "We should hire three or four colored ministers, preferably with social-service backgrounds, and with engaging personalities. The most successful educational approach to the Negro is through a religious appeal. We don’t want the word to go out that we want to exterminate the Negro population, and the minister is the man who can straighten out that idea if it ever occurs to any of their more rebellious members."
Tuesday, June 23, 2015
Avila to Aspen (Day 21): Joined in Fargo by a longtime friend
Spiritualdirection.com | Catholic Spiritual Direction | Friends for 40 Years and Two Saints: Day 21 with Fr Hilton Catholic Spiritual DirectionHILTON: The farmlands of eastern North Dakota near the city of Fargo. I rode 94 miles in record time with a strong wind at my back under a stormy sky. I also visited the beautiful Cathedral of St. Mary in Fargo, North Dakota, which is home to an active parish. And take a look at this photo: Only in North Dakota do you get rules for living along the highway.
The “Diakonia Veritatis” at the upcoming Synod on the Family
Moral Self Determination and “Diakonia Veritatis” at the Upcoming Synod on the Family | With Good ReasonBERG: In this article I intend to address a series of problematic and closely related ideas bearing on perennial Catholic moral teaching and its underlying understanding of the human person. All of them, in one way or another, have already manifested themselves in the run-up to the 14th General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops—to be held in October on the theme of “the vocation and mission of the family in the Church and in the contemporary world.”
Report: Pope Francis revealed blunt thoughts on Medjugorje during visit to Rio de Janeiro
Te Deum laudamus!: Pope Francis revealed blunt thoughts on Medjugorje in interview in Brazilian bookKORZENIEWSKI: A pro-Medjugorje website in Brazil is reporting that Pope Francis, while in Rio de Janeiro for World Youth Day, made some rather blunt comments concerning Medjugorje, and about activities of the alleged visionaries. �The title of the post says a lot: �"Pope Francis says those who say they see Our Lady have psychological problems and that the seers of Medjugorje lie to the people." �
Now, we are at the mercy of the website which is supplying this information and I'm merely passing along what they report.
Now, we are at the mercy of the website which is supplying this information and I'm merely passing along what they report.
Dating back 1,782 years, this is the oldest still-standing church on the planet
1,782 Years Old: Inside the Oldest Church in the World | ChurchPOP: The Church is the mystical body of Christ. In Scripture, Jesus says “where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” (Mt 18.20)
So the Church doesn’t strictly need special buildings, because the Church is the people. Nonetheless, from early on, Christians dedicated buildings for their communal worship to God. Most of these early churches are long lost to history, yet a few from the first few centuries still remain, at least in some condition.
So the Church doesn’t strictly need special buildings, because the Church is the people. Nonetheless, from early on, Christians dedicated buildings for their communal worship to God. Most of these early churches are long lost to history, yet a few from the first few centuries still remain, at least in some condition.
Sister Nirmala, former head of Missionaries of Charity, dies in India
Sister Nirmala, former head of Missionaries of Charity, dies in India :: Catholic News Agency (CNA): Catholics around the world are mourning the death of Sister Nirmala Joshi, who passed away Tuesday. Sr. Nirmala had succeeded Blessed Teresa of Calcutta as superior general of the Missionaries of Charity, serving in that capacity from 1997 to 2009.
Sr. Nirmala, who was 81, had suffered ill health for some years, and was hospitalized and then brought home a few days ago, dying at a Missionaries of Charity home in Kolkata in the early hours of June 23.
Sr. Nirmala, who was 81, had suffered ill health for some years, and was hospitalized and then brought home a few days ago, dying at a Missionaries of Charity home in Kolkata in the early hours of June 23.
Why same-sex couples possess no conjugal rights
Nuzzel - Why Same-Sex Couples Possess No Conjugal Rights: Often in discussions on whether the term “marriage” should be reserved for relationships between persons of opposite sex, advocates for same-sex “marriage” claim that there is no distinguishing characteristic in male/female commitments that would make only those commitments truly marital. The obvious response that children come only from opposite sex relationships is quickly dismissed since few are willing to deny that elderly or otherwise infertile men and women can truly marry as much as the young and fertile. Since everyone accepts the infertile male/female couple, only bigotry or animus can be at the root of the refusal to recognize as marital the commitments between persons of the same sex.
Vatican releases 'Instrumentum Laboris' for October's Synod on the Family
Synod guiding document: families need the Church's message of mercy :: Catholic News Agency (CNA): The document set to guide this year’s synod discussions on the family touches on hot-button issues such as homosexuality and divorced and remarried couples, stressing that mercy is something every family needs from the Church.
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“For the Church it’s about starting from the concrete situations of families of today, all are in need of mercy, beginning with those who suffer most,” the document reads.
Published June 23, the document said that although mercy doesn’t break with the essential truths Church teaching is founded on, it could be communicated better, particularly in regards to irregular family situations such as separations, mixed marriages and divorce.
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“For the Church it’s about starting from the concrete situations of families of today, all are in need of mercy, beginning with those who suffer most,” the document reads.
Published June 23, the document said that although mercy doesn’t break with the essential truths Church teaching is founded on, it could be communicated better, particularly in regards to irregular family situations such as separations, mixed marriages and divorce.
Seeking "an open, inviting language," Synod II is set
Whispers in the Loggia: Seeking "An Open, Inviting Language," Synod II Is SetPALMO: And after a second round of global consultation, here it is – at Roman Noon, the instrumentum laboris (baseline text) for October's climactic Synod on the Family was released... for now, however – much like last year's first volume – the full sequel is only available in Italian.
Stacking out at 147 paragraphs – some 20,000 words – the text is arranged around three pillars: the challenges families face, the "discernment of the family's vocation," and "the mission of the family today," each of them slated to take up a week of the discussions at the 4-25 October assembly.
Stacking out at 147 paragraphs – some 20,000 words – the text is arranged around three pillars: the challenges families face, the "discernment of the family's vocation," and "the mission of the family today," each of them slated to take up a week of the discussions at the 4-25 October assembly.
Monday, June 22, 2015
Four common tactics that the Devil uses against you
Four Common Tactics of the Devil : Community in MissionPOPE: In recent years there has been a resurgence of interest in demonic possession. Movies and books, along with human fears and fascinations, are largely the cause. Although actual demonic possession is somewhat rare, it does occur. Each diocese ought to have an appointed exorcist to assess possession. This exorcist, with the permission of the bishop, should use the Rite of Major Exorcism when true and morally certain possession has been determined.
Avila to Aspen (Day 20): Heading to Fargo, North Dakota
Spiritualdirection.com | Catholic Spiritual Direction | The God Who Cares: Day 20 with Fr Hilton Catholic Spiritual DirectionHILTON: The last couple of days I told you about the Badlands of North Dakota and Theodore Roosevelt National Park. But I've left that rugged western part of North Dakota and entered the eastern part of the state, which is mostly farmland. It's much more open, full of green and lush fields. It's what we call in Aspen a "bluebird day". I'll end the night in Jamestown and then it's on to Fargo...
Doctors say they'll euthanize healthy 24-year-old who's thought of suicide since she was a kid
Doctor Will Kill Healthy 24-Year-Old in Euthanasia Who's Thought of Suicide Since She Was a Kid | LifeNews.com: The Belgian euthanasia insanity continues with the case of a 24-year-old healthy woman (Laura) who will die by euthanasia this summer for psychological reasons.
The smartest man I ever met...
The Smartest Man I Ever Met | Catholic AnswersKEATING: “I speak, more or less fluently, eight languages and have a reading knowledge of eleven others, necessary for my research.” He could have spoken to almost anyone in the world in that person’s native tongue. He was very much a catholic Catholic.
Born in 1909 under the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Erik von Kuehnelt-Leddihn’s childhood languages, as I recall him explaining, were German, Hungarian, and Latin. Maybe there were one or two others languages too. I forget, but he seemed never to have forgotten anything. I never met anyone with a mind so capacious and so filled, not just with facts but with connections among those facts.
Born in 1909 under the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Erik von Kuehnelt-Leddihn’s childhood languages, as I recall him explaining, were German, Hungarian, and Latin. Maybe there were one or two others languages too. I forget, but he seemed never to have forgotten anything. I never met anyone with a mind so capacious and so filled, not just with facts but with connections among those facts.
Vatican vintage two-wheeler: Teen mechanics restore motorcycle for Pope Francis
Vatican Vintage Two-Wheeler: Teen Mechanics Restore Motorcycle for Pope Francis | Daily News | NCRegister.comGAGLIARDUCCI: A group of teenagers at a Salesian-run professional school in Italy have restored a motorcycle as a gift for the Pope.
The Itom 50 model that dates back to the 1960s was present in Turin during Pope Francis’ meeting with Salesians at the House of Valdocco, the motherhouse of the Salesian congregation.
The teens plan to give it to the Pope in a private audience in the Vatican in the near future.
About 10,000 young people gathered Sunday in front of the Church of Mary Auxiliatrix in the quarter of Valdocco in the city of Turin. Many came from the Salesian schools and oratories in Italy and other parts of the world.
The Itom 50 model that dates back to the 1960s was present in Turin during Pope Francis’ meeting with Salesians at the House of Valdocco, the motherhouse of the Salesian congregation.
The teens plan to give it to the Pope in a private audience in the Vatican in the near future.
About 10,000 young people gathered Sunday in front of the Church of Mary Auxiliatrix in the quarter of Valdocco in the city of Turin. Many came from the Salesian schools and oratories in Italy and other parts of the world.
The real geology of Tibetan Flood Myths and Noah's Ark
The Real Geology of Tibetan Flood Myths and Noah's Ark: I came to Tibet in the spring of 2002 to investigate a geologic mystery: How had the mighty Tsangpo River cut through the rising Himalaya to carve the deepest gorge in the world? Origin questions like this one fascinate me. I’m a geomorphologist—I study landforms and construct scientific narratives to explain the evolutionary processes that created and molded them. For years, I believed that my stories stood apart from myth in that they were forged in the topography of real landscapes—in the shape of hills to the lay of valleys. But that was before I visited the Tsangpo.
Ignore the polls and get back to Tradition
Back to the Tradition! |Blogs | NCRegister.comSHEA: Given the signal failure of democracy, along with all the other forms of government and philosophy on the day that man showed himself unworthy of the God he so enthusiastically nailed to a cross, it is not terribly surprising that the New Testament does not concern itself overmuch with things like Pew Surveys. The popularity of the Church has ever waxed and waned and the reasons for that are all over the map. Sometimes the Church is popular because it is right. Sometimes it is unpopular because it is right. Sometimes a saint is beloved because he is a saint. Sometimes a saint is martyred because he is a saint.
How you can better understand the logic of Baptism
The Logic of Baptism |Blogs | NCRegister.comAKIN: Although many of our Protestant brethren, including Anglicans, Lutherans, Methodists, Church of Christ members, and many Presbyterians are prepared to acknowledge that baptism has a role in imparting salvation, others do not. This viewpoint is principally found in groups that are popular in American Evangelicalism, including Baptists and many non-denominational Christians.
A powerful parable against the premises of unbelief
A Powerful Parable Against the Premises of Unbelief : Community in MissionPOPE: There are many reasons for the unbelief rampant in our times. Among them is the claim by some that because they do not see or hear evidence of God or an afterlife, our belief in these is just wishful thinking on our part so as to avoid the conclusion that everything ends with our death, that this world is all there is. A parable currently circulating on the Internet addresses this sort of unbelief. A Facebook friend (Vicki) called it to my attention. I have adapted a bit and will present it to you here. Some sites indicate that the original author is Útmutató a Léleknek, while other sites are silent as to the source. I am only adapting it here because I have seen various forms of it and am not sure of the original. Nevertheless it is an effective parable in its essence.
Another week, another wait. Or several...
Whispers in the Loggia: Another Week, Another Wait... Or SeveralPALMO: While the skirmishes over Laudato Si’ are still barely breaking out – if only the combatants had taken the time to actually read it – this Monday brings the final hours of anticipation for another papal text of critical import.
With Francis in Turin for a two-day visit to its cherished Shroud (video above) – and even more poignantly, a private family reunion today with the cousins who remained in the Piemonte after Jorge Bergoglio's parents and paternal grandparents sailed for Argentina some 85 years ago – Tuesday brings the release of the instrumentum laboris (baseline text) for October’s Ordinary Synod of Bishops on "the vocation and mission of the family in the church and the modern world," whose conclusions are expected to form the base of potential changes to church's pastoral approach to couples and families, especially those in difficult situations where the Magisterium is concerned.
With Francis in Turin for a two-day visit to its cherished Shroud (video above) – and even more poignantly, a private family reunion today with the cousins who remained in the Piemonte after Jorge Bergoglio's parents and paternal grandparents sailed for Argentina some 85 years ago – Tuesday brings the release of the instrumentum laboris (baseline text) for October’s Ordinary Synod of Bishops on "the vocation and mission of the family in the church and the modern world," whose conclusions are expected to form the base of potential changes to church's pastoral approach to couples and families, especially those in difficult situations where the Magisterium is concerned.
G.K. Chesterton's prediction about St. Thomas More is coming true...
NCRegister | The Importance of St. Thomas More Today: In 1929, G.K. Chesterton said that Thomas More “is important today, but he is not as important now as he will be in 100 years from today.”
We haven’t reached the centennial of Chesterton’s prediction, but it has already come true.
Within six years of Chesterton’s quote, Pope Pius XII canonized Cardinal John Fisher and Thomas More, describing them as “bright champions and the glory of their nation,” who sacrificed their lives in witness to the unity of the Church.
We haven’t reached the centennial of Chesterton’s prediction, but it has already come true.
Within six years of Chesterton’s quote, Pope Pius XII canonized Cardinal John Fisher and Thomas More, describing them as “bright champions and the glory of their nation,” who sacrificed their lives in witness to the unity of the Church.
"Let's defend our children": Massive crowd rallies in Rome to support life, marriage
'We Are a Million' Marchers for Marriage in Rome | Daily News | NCRegister.comPENTIN: A far higher crowd than expected descended on the piazza outside the “Mother of All Churches” in Rome on Saturday to take part in a protest against same-sex rights legislation currently passing through the Italian Parliament and the indoctrination of gender ideology in schools.
"We are a million," organizers said from the stage, according to the Italian daily newspaper Corriere della Sera. The throng, many of them families, came to the piazza of St. John Lateran to take part in "Family Day". Its aim was to support a child’s right to a mother and father, and to assert that they should not be taught sex education from infancy nor “gender ideology.” The piazza has a capacity of 300,000 but it easily exceeded that, according to organizers.
"We are a million," organizers said from the stage, according to the Italian daily newspaper Corriere della Sera. The throng, many of them families, came to the piazza of St. John Lateran to take part in "Family Day". Its aim was to support a child’s right to a mother and father, and to assert that they should not be taught sex education from infancy nor “gender ideology.” The piazza has a capacity of 300,000 but it easily exceeded that, according to organizers.
Sunday, June 21, 2015
What every Catholic father should do this Father's Day
This Father’s Day: Vow to be a Committed Catholic Father | Catholic World Report - Global Church news and viewsCHRISTOFF: It is mid-June, so it is time for the annual national “head nod” to fathers on Father’s Day. For many, Father’s Day will pass unrecognized; for others, Father’s Day will be celebrated with “man-gifts” (e.g. tools, sports gear, etc.) and perhaps with a pleasant BBQ with family. But how many will ponder the dismal state of fatherhood and what each father could do better?
The Sacrament of Penance and Hollywood
The Sacrament of Penance and Hollywood - The Catholic ThingThe Catholic ThingMCCLOSKEY: As a priest with decades of experience, having heard many thousands of confessions, I can attest to the importance of this sacrament for a healthy society. As the Catechism of the Catholic Church says, to the eyes of faith no evil is graver than sin and nothing has worse consequences for sinners themselves, for the Church, and for the whole world. Therefore, we have been given this sacrament as a means to return to the grace of God, who is rich in mercy and solicitous of our salvation. In addition, the graces received in the sacrament help us combat temptations to sin again.
My advice to you is this: If your father is still alive, spend as much time with him as you can
Father’s Day without Dad | TOM PERNAPERNA: In forty-one years of life, this is the very first Father’s Day that doesn’t include my Dad. On April 22, my father, Thomas M. Perna passed into eternal life after complications and an infection due to his forty year chronic suffering with Crohn’s Disease. Although it’s extremely difficult to write this post today, I know in my heart that Dad is with Our Lord no longer enduring the physical suffering he endured while on earth.
I can’t thank enough my friends as well as my co-workers and the parishioners at the parish who have prayed, supported, and prayed some more for our family at this time. Although we each have our bad days, and I imagine those days will continue for the months ahead, I know that Jesus Christ, his Blessed Mother, the Saints and Angels, as well as the Mystical Body of Christ in heaven, purgatory, and on earth will continue to hold us up in prayer.
I can’t thank enough my friends as well as my co-workers and the parishioners at the parish who have prayed, supported, and prayed some more for our family at this time. Although we each have our bad days, and I imagine those days will continue for the months ahead, I know that Jesus Christ, his Blessed Mother, the Saints and Angels, as well as the Mystical Body of Christ in heaven, purgatory, and on earth will continue to hold us up in prayer.
15 GIFs that remind us why dads are awesome
15 Gifs that Remind Us Why Dad's are Awesome: Our culture places many pressures on fathers today. They must be strong, yet sensitive; hardworking, yet spend quality time with their families; have well behaved children, yet not be too authoritative. The list could go on. Society expects men to be perfect fathers, yet most don’t know where to begin. We know that there is only one perfect father, our Father in heaven. We value our earthly dads not for their perfection, but for the love they show to us daily. Pray for eyes to see the ways your dad has guided you.
Shroud of Turin reminds us of all human suffering, Pope Francis says
Shroud of Turin reminds us of all human suffering, Pope Francis says :: Catholic News Agency (CNA): Pope Francis prayed before the Shroud of Turin on Sunday and reflected on the role the reputed burial cloth of Jesus Christ can play in Christian spiritual life.
“The Shroud attracts (us) toward the martyred face and body of Jesus,” the Pope said June 21.
“At the same time, it pushes (us) toward the face of every suffering and unjustly persecuted person. It pushes us in the same direction as the gift of Jesus’ love,” the pontiff said during his noontime Angelus address at Turin’s Piazza Vittorio Veneto.
“The Shroud attracts (us) toward the martyred face and body of Jesus,” the Pope said June 21.
“At the same time, it pushes (us) toward the face of every suffering and unjustly persecuted person. It pushes us in the same direction as the gift of Jesus’ love,” the pontiff said during his noontime Angelus address at Turin’s Piazza Vittorio Veneto.
The encyclical’s footnotes say a lot about this pope
The encyclical’s footnotes say a lot about this pope | CruxALLEN: Quite obviously, the big Vatican story this week was the release of Pope Francis’ encyclical letter on the environment, Laudato Si. It was so big, in fact, there were actually two launches – the official presentation in the Vatican’s synod hall on Thursday, and the leaked version that appeared in the Italian media on Monday.
In the main, the text offered few surprises. Francis clearly endorsed the scientific consensus that the planet is warming due in large part to human activity. He ticked off a series of other challenges such as a loss of biodiversity and threats to safe water, and insisted on a strong link between environmental problems and poverty.
In the main, the text offered few surprises. Francis clearly endorsed the scientific consensus that the planet is warming due in large part to human activity. He ticked off a series of other challenges such as a loss of biodiversity and threats to safe water, and insisted on a strong link between environmental problems and poverty.
12th Sunday of the Year: My soul looks back and wonders how I got over...
My Soul Looks Back and Wonders How I Got Over – A Homily for the 12th Sunday of the Year : Community in MissionPOPE: The gospel today is something of a storm journal, a kind of picture of the Christian life as we journey through a stormy world against winds contrary to the gospel. There are distinctive stages, beginning with the call of Jesus to cross to the other shore. But as we cross there are surely storms and difficulties that assail us. No matter, the charge to have and keep making the crossing remains the same. Let’s look in more detail at the stages of this gospel and see how the disciples get over to the other shore with Jesus.
Saturday, June 20, 2015
16 Father's Day thoughts you'll never find in a greeting card
16 Father's Day Thoughts You'll Never Find in a Greeting Card |Blogs | NCRegister.comPRONECHEN: Father’s Day, like Mother’s Day, should be celebrated every day, not just once a year. While a greeting card is thoughtful, and the sentiment might be right or maybe very short on real thought and meaning, standout members of our Church have given fathers — including grandfathers and godfathers — much to consider and to follow along what fatherhood should be or not be. Here are a few thoughts from them for Father’s Day every day.
Bruce Jenner is right: Transformation brings happiness. But only if it's transformation in Christ...
We Do Need to Alter Ourselves to Be Happy - But With Jesus | ChurchPOPSEWELL: The two top stories of the past couple weeks — that of Rachel Dolezal and of Bruce/Caitlyn Jenner — have stirred up a lot of media attention and brought up some interesting questions. But even more, these two unfortunate and controversial stories bring up a more timeless and more fundamental issue — the struggle to find happiness amidst real human suffering.
A call for disunity and anti-fragility in the prolife movement
A Call for Disunity in the Pro-Life Movement | The StreamJONESZMIRAK: Go to a pro-life event of almost any size, or follow commentary online, and you’ll hear it again and again: Discussions of why the pro-life movement isn’t more effective. And there’s good reason to wonder why our cause hasn’t yet triumphed.
But one of the causes we hear most often cited is disunity, the fact that there are hundreds of pro-life organizations out there, run by people with different priorities, strategies, and even final goals. Some would agree to politically popular exceptions to abortion laws, while others reject them.
But one of the causes we hear most often cited is disunity, the fact that there are hundreds of pro-life organizations out there, run by people with different priorities, strategies, and even final goals. Some would agree to politically popular exceptions to abortion laws, while others reject them.
Look west for the next few days! Venus and Jupiter are in the process of converging...
Look West Tonight! Venus and Jupiter Are in the Process of "Converging" | Mental Floss: If you’re looking to see a fantastic show this month, go outside at sunset and look west. Throughout June, Venus and Jupiter, two of the brightest objects in our sky, are converging. They'll glide closer and closer to each other until they appear to form a single bright glow on the horizon.
Their slow dance started at the beginning of the month, with both planets visible low in the sky at dusk and early evening. On a clear night, you can’t miss them: after the Sun and the moon, Venus and Jupiter are the third and fourth brightest objects in the sky. Tonight, June 20, the planets will be just 6 degrees apart—and things start to get really interesting as they’re joined by the waxing crescent moon to form a celestial triangle.
Their slow dance started at the beginning of the month, with both planets visible low in the sky at dusk and early evening. On a clear night, you can’t miss them: after the Sun and the moon, Venus and Jupiter are the third and fourth brightest objects in the sky. Tonight, June 20, the planets will be just 6 degrees apart—and things start to get really interesting as they’re joined by the waxing crescent moon to form a celestial triangle.
German climatologist refutes claims he promotes population control
German Climatologist Refutes Claims He Promotes Population Control | Daily News | NCRegister.comPENTIN: German professor Hans Schellnhuber was one of the most influential scientists advising Pope Francis on his encyclical on the environment Laudato Si (The Care for Our Common Home).
As the founder and director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, the climatologist and self-professed atheist was involved from the beginning to the conclusion of Laudato Si, and helped to arrange all four meetings on the encyclical, most recently acting as the spokesman of established climate research, according to the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung.
As the founder and director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, the climatologist and self-professed atheist was involved from the beginning to the conclusion of Laudato Si, and helped to arrange all four meetings on the encyclical, most recently acting as the spokesman of established climate research, according to the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung.
Friday, June 19, 2015
Of our Guardian Angels and the care of the Father (as seen in a commercial)
Of Our Guardian Angels and the Care of the Father – As Seen in a Commercial : Community in MissionPOPE: With Father’s Day approaching, the commercial below seems very appropriate. God the Father is surely the origin of all fatherhood here on Earth.
And yet most of us struggle with the fact that God allows bad things to happen. Why does he not intervene more often to protect us from attacks of various sorts and from events that cause sadness, setbacks, or suffering?
And yet most of us struggle with the fact that God allows bad things to happen. Why does he not intervene more often to protect us from attacks of various sorts and from events that cause sadness, setbacks, or suffering?
A Northerner bows, deeply, to the merciful people of Charleston
A Bow to Charleston - Peggy Noonan's Blog - WSJNOONAN: Nine beautiful people slaughtered Wednesday night during Bible study at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church, and their relatives were invited to make a statement today in court. Did you hear what they said?
They spoke of mercy. They offered forgiveness. They invited the suspect, who was linked in by video from jail, to please look for God.
There was no rage, no accusation—just broken hearts undefended and presented for the world to see. They sobbed as they spoke.
They spoke of mercy. They offered forgiveness. They invited the suspect, who was linked in by video from jail, to please look for God.
There was no rage, no accusation—just broken hearts undefended and presented for the world to see. They sobbed as they spoke.
Archbishop Nienstedt sought to limit investigation of his conduct, report charges
Archbishop Nienstedt sought to limit investigation of his conduct, report charges : News Headlines - Catholic Culture: Archbishop John Nienstedt, who resigned his week from his post as Archbishop of St. Paul-Minneapolis, Minnesota, had earlier tried to limit an investigation into charges of personal misconduct that had been lodged against him, according to an investigative report by Minnesota Public Radio (MPR).
MPR, which has been highly critical of Archbishop Nienstedt, reports that in April 2014, all of the archbishop’s top advisers encouraged him to step down. In fact, the report continues, two auxiliary bishops traveled to Washington, DC, to tell the apostolic nuncio, Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano, that Archbishop Nienstedt should be replaced. In fact the archbishop remained in office for over a year.
MPR, which has been highly critical of Archbishop Nienstedt, reports that in April 2014, all of the archbishop’s top advisers encouraged him to step down. In fact, the report continues, two auxiliary bishops traveled to Washington, DC, to tell the apostolic nuncio, Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano, that Archbishop Nienstedt should be replaced. In fact the archbishop remained in office for over a year.
Laudato Si’ (On Care For Our Common Home)
Laudato si' (24 May 2015)COATOFARMS: More than fifty years ago, with the world teetering on the brink of nuclear crisis, Pope Saint John XXIII wrote an Encyclical which not only rejected war but offered a proposal for peace. He addressed his message Pacem in Terris to the entire “Catholic world” and indeed “to all men and women of good will”. Now, faced as we are with global environmental deterioration, I wish to address every person living on this planet. In my Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii Gaudium, I wrote to all the members of the Church with the aim of encouraging ongoing missionary renewal. In this Encyclical, I would like to enter into dialogue with all people about our common home.
"What will come next?" Jewish extremists desecrate, burn monastery in Israel
Catholics in Holy Land Aggrieved by Arson Attack on Monastery in Israel | Daily News | NCRegister.com: Catholic leaders have been joined by Israeli leaders in their concerned reaction to Thursday’s attack on a church located on the Sea of Galilee, which has hospitalized two persons and caused extensive damage.
In the early hours of June 18, the attackers started a fire at the Church of the Multiplication in Tabgha, located 120 miles north of Jerusalem. The church is built on the site where Christ fed the 5,000 through the multiplication of loaves and fish, and is joined to a Benedictine monastery. As a result of the arson, a monk and a staff member were hospitalized and treated for smoke inhalation.
In the early hours of June 18, the attackers started a fire at the Church of the Multiplication in Tabgha, located 120 miles north of Jerusalem. The church is built on the site where Christ fed the 5,000 through the multiplication of loaves and fish, and is joined to a Benedictine monastery. As a result of the arson, a monk and a staff member were hospitalized and treated for smoke inhalation.
60-second reviews of Inside Out, Jurassic World, Spy, and San Andreas
Inside Out, Jurassic World, Spy, San�Andreas: in�60�seconds! |Blogs | NCRegister.comGREYDANUS: As you know if you saw my new review, I’m super-excited about this weekend’s release of Pixar’s Inside Out.
Of course we’ll be talking about lots of other things too, including Jurassic World and themes linking Pixar’s Wall-E with Pope Francis’ new eco-encyclical Laudatum Si’.
You can also watch David and me review Inside Out and Love and Mercy on “Reel Faith”, followed by an encore of last week’s episode, when we reviewed Jurassic World, San Andreas and Spy.
And you can also see my 60-second reviews for those last three below, along with an extended take on Inside Out.
Of course we’ll be talking about lots of other things too, including Jurassic World and themes linking Pixar’s Wall-E with Pope Francis’ new eco-encyclical Laudatum Si’.
You can also watch David and me review Inside Out and Love and Mercy on “Reel Faith”, followed by an encore of last week’s episode, when we reviewed Jurassic World, San Andreas and Spy.
And you can also see my 60-second reviews for those last three below, along with an extended take on Inside Out.
Why you should give Mass cards to Protestants
Why You Should Give Mass Cards to Protestants |Blogs | NCRegister.comBECKER: When I was working full-time as an oncology and hospice nurse, I’d go to funerals pretty regularly. It wasn’t a required part of the job, but you grow pretty close to patients and their families when you provide that kind of care. After accompanying them on the final, often tumultuous stages of living and dying, it only seemed fitting to be a part of the final leave-taking whenever possible.�
Yet, my presence as a healthcare provider could be a troubling reminder of what might’ve been a painful, agonizing process, so I always liked to keep a very low profile. Usually I’d arrive just as the service commenced, sign the book of remembrance in the vestibule, and sit in the back of the church. I’d sing and pray and cry with everyone else gathered, but then scoot out at the very end, but not before slipping a Mass card in the appropriate receptacle, regardless of the deceased’s church affiliation.�
Yet, my presence as a healthcare provider could be a troubling reminder of what might’ve been a painful, agonizing process, so I always liked to keep a very low profile. Usually I’d arrive just as the service commenced, sign the book of remembrance in the vestibule, and sit in the back of the church. I’d sing and pray and cry with everyone else gathered, but then scoot out at the very end, but not before slipping a Mass card in the appropriate receptacle, regardless of the deceased’s church affiliation.�
"Gift of unity": Is Pope Francis going to change the date of Easter?
‘Gift of Unity’: Will Pope Francis Change the Date of Easter? | Daily News | NCRegister.com: Speaking to a global gathering of priests, Pope Francis signaled an openness to changing the date of Easter in the West so that all Christians around the world could celebrate the feast on the same day.
The Pope on June 12 said “we have to come to an agreement” for a common date on Easter. �
His comments came in remarks to the World Retreat of Priests at the Basilica of St. John Lateran in Rome. The event drew priests from five continents.
The Pope on June 12 said “we have to come to an agreement” for a common date on Easter. �
His comments came in remarks to the World Retreat of Priests at the Basilica of St. John Lateran in Rome. The event drew priests from five continents.
Avila to Aspen (Day 17): The hardest ride so far...
Spiritualdirection.com | Catholic Spiritual Direction | The Hardest Ride So Far: Day 17 with Fr. Hilton Catholic Spiritual DirectionHILTON: I was in the town of Circle, Montana and saw a priest walking down Main Street. Stopping to introduce myself, Fr. Alphonsus greeted me warmly and invited me to his rectory for lunch. He is a priest from Nigeria and a member of the Missionary Society of Saint Paul who is serving in Montana along with several other members of his community.
U.S. Senate will vote on pro-life bill banning late-term abortions
Senate Will Vote on Pro-Life Bill Banning Late-Term Abortions After 20 Weeks | LifeNews.com: Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, during a speech today to a conservative conference, guaranteed that the Senate will vote on a House-passed pro-life bill that bans abortions from after 20-weeks of pregnancy up to the day of birth.
The bill was introduced last week and a timetable for the vote has not yet been announced.
McConnell said a vote on the measure to stop abortions late in pregnancy when science confirms unborn babies feel pain would be “good news for our entire country.”
The bill was introduced last week and a timetable for the vote has not yet been announced.
McConnell said a vote on the measure to stop abortions late in pregnancy when science confirms unborn babies feel pain would be “good news for our entire country.”
"Who then is this whom even the wind and sea obey?": Readings for Mass this Sunday...
The Sacred Page: "Who then is this whom even the wind and sea obey?": Readings for the Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary TimeBERGSMA: In the Gospel reading for this Sunday Jesus silences the storm, prompting the disciples to wonder about his true identity.
For ancient Jews, God was the one with power over the wind and the sea. Here Jesus demonstrates that his disciples' fears were an expression of their lack of trust in him.
Indeed, the book of Job, which is read in our First Reading expresses similar concerns; the problem of suffering raises the question, "Does the God of the universe really know what he is doing?"
The lectionary readings for this Sunday tackle this very question. Let's have a look at them.
For ancient Jews, God was the one with power over the wind and the sea. Here Jesus demonstrates that his disciples' fears were an expression of their lack of trust in him.
Indeed, the book of Job, which is read in our First Reading expresses similar concerns; the problem of suffering raises the question, "Does the God of the universe really know what he is doing?"
The lectionary readings for this Sunday tackle this very question. Let's have a look at them.
How can you better understand St. Paul? By remembering that he was a Catholic convert...
Paul the Convert |Blogs | NCRegister.comSHEA: Unlike the original apostolic circle, Paul had not experienced the long slow process of discipleship to Christ. There were, for Paul, no long days of trekking around Judea and Galilee, listening to the preaching of Jesus, sharing a meal with him, or being astonished by his miracles. There was no moment at which love and devotion turned to cowardice and bitter tears of regret. On the contrary, for Paul, the walk of discipleship began with the stark conviction that Jesus was a monstrous imposter who deserved what he got.
I would never trust a spiritual director who uses the enneagram...
My Spiritual Director Uses the Enneagram. What's Wrong with That? |Blogs | NCRegister.comDANBURKE: In America and abroad the enneagram is a very popular system of personality types. Strictly speaking, the enneagram is a circle marked with nine points (ennea means "nine" in Greek, and gram means "line drawing"). Inside the circle two figures connect the nine points, a triangle and an oddly shaped six pointed figure.
However, by "enneagram" most people mean a personality typology system based on this drawing. In workshops people learn that only nine personality types exist and that every person fits into one of them. Each type is a personality compulsion, a wrong or even "demonic" way of behaving. Once a person identifies his or her type (usually classified by a number on the enneagram), then he or she can learn how to improve or avoid getting worse spiritually.
However, by "enneagram" most people mean a personality typology system based on this drawing. In workshops people learn that only nine personality types exist and that every person fits into one of them. Each type is a personality compulsion, a wrong or even "demonic" way of behaving. Once a person identifies his or her type (usually classified by a number on the enneagram), then he or she can learn how to improve or avoid getting worse spiritually.
The Pope’s eco-manifesto looks like a game-changer in the U.S.
Pope’s eco-manifesto looks like a game-changer in the US | CruxALLEN: Now that Pope Francis finally has released his long-awaited encyclical letter on the environment, blaming “unfettered greed” for mounting pollution, global warming, and climate change, and framing strong limits on fossil fuels and greenhouse gases as a clear moral imperative, the question becomes: So what?
Despite a remarkable degree of hype in the run-up to Thursday’s presentation of Laudato Si’, the title of the pontiff’s 184-page ecological manifesto — which, among other things, caused the Vatican website to crash in response to massive demand to read the text — it’s still reasonable to wonder whether the pope’s exhortations will have any real-world impact.
Despite a remarkable degree of hype in the run-up to Thursday’s presentation of Laudato Si’, the title of the pontiff’s 184-page ecological manifesto — which, among other things, caused the Vatican website to crash in response to massive demand to read the text — it’s still reasonable to wonder whether the pope’s exhortations will have any real-world impact.
Big families say “Laudato Si!” Because the oven stays on for 45 minutes, no matter how big the meatloaf...
Big Families Say “Laudato Si!”FISHER: Got a big family? Then you already know that you’re crazy, a traitor to feminism, and a slave to the patriarchy; you’re neglecting most of your kids and robbing the rest of their childhood; you’re a burden on the system in general, and you probably don’t own a TV.
But wait, there’s more! Don’t forget, you’re also destroying the earth.
It’s become fashionable, in the name of the planet, to denounce large families as irresponsible, even selfish. Some politicians and a good many combox blabbermouths even say that it should be illegal for people to have more than one or two “replacement” children. Illegal!
But wait, there’s more! Don’t forget, you’re also destroying the earth.
It’s become fashionable, in the name of the planet, to denounce large families as irresponsible, even selfish. Some politicians and a good many combox blabbermouths even say that it should be illegal for people to have more than one or two “replacement” children. Illegal!
Thursday, June 18, 2015
13 things to know and share about Laudato Si
Pope Francis’s Environmental Encyclical: 13 Things to Know and Share |Blogs | NCRegister.comAKIN: Whether the earth is getting warmer and the degree to which we may be responsible for that are matters of science, not faith. They stand or fall by the scientific evidence, which is why the pope appeals to scientific studies.
If good science supports manmade global warming, that gives Catholics (and everyone else) reason to believe it. If good science opposes manmade global warming, that gives everyone reason to disbelieve it.
If good science supports manmade global warming, that gives Catholics (and everyone else) reason to believe it. If good science opposes manmade global warming, that gives everyone reason to disbelieve it.
Should you read Laudato Si? Take this handy quiz and find out...
Should You Read Laudato Si? A Quiz |Blogs | NCRegister.comFISHER: Laudato Si is here, and not a moment too soon. Any day now, all the pundits and politicians and armchair theologians were going to start feeling ashamed for going so berserk over an encyclical that hadn't been released yet. Any day, I'm sure of it!.�
Now that it's here, should you read it? It is kind of long, and there aren't any pictures or gifs to break it up. Here's a short quiz to help you determine whether or not you should invest the time and effort. The more points you get, the more urgent it is that you read the encyclical.
Now that it's here, should you read it? It is kind of long, and there aren't any pictures or gifs to break it up. Here's a short quiz to help you determine whether or not you should invest the time and effort. The more points you get, the more urgent it is that you read the encyclical.
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