Retired pastor's nearly $1M donation will fund Colorado State faculty position that examines God: There are plenty of voices for math, science and history on the Colorado State University campus, and next year a new voice will talk about God.
That’s because a retired Catholic pastor is funding a professor of theology position at CSU with nearly $1 million from his own pocket. Father Don Willette, the former pastor at Saint John XXIII Catholic Church in Fort Collins, said he made the donation to make room for serious religious discussions at the secular, land-grant institution.
Monday, December 31, 2018
When covering Catholic wars over sex, it’s clear there are questions the Gray Lady refuses to ask
When covering Catholic wars over sex, it's clear there are questions the Gray Lady refuses to ask — GetReligionMATTINGLY: You have read this story before. You can count on reading it again and again.
In recent years, American newsrooms have produced a river of stories about LGBTQ Catholics who have lost their jobs in Catholic schools, parishes or other institutions. In most cases they were fired after announcing a same-sex marriage or taking part in some other public act stating their views on sexuality.
Why did they lose their jobs? There are several possible answers that need to be explored in these stories.
In recent years, American newsrooms have produced a river of stories about LGBTQ Catholics who have lost their jobs in Catholic schools, parishes or other institutions. In most cases they were fired after announcing a same-sex marriage or taking part in some other public act stating their views on sexuality.
Why did they lose their jobs? There are several possible answers that need to be explored in these stories.
The rich tapestry of faith on New Year’s Day
The Rich Tapestry Faith On New Years Day - Community in Mission : Community in MissionPOPE: The feast day of January 1st is a very complex tapestry, both culturally and liturgically. Perhaps we can use the second reading by St. Paul to the Galatians as a way to weave through some of the many details. We can look at it in three parts. The text from St. Paul’s letter to the Galatians says, When the fullness of time had come... Most people are going about today saying, “Happy New Year!” And rightfully so, for it is the beginning of a new year; but most people think of New Year’s Day in almost wholly secular terms. Sadly, it is best known as an occasion for loud parties and excessive drinking.
The untold story of money, power and Humanae Vitae
How a network of Americans advocated for a new Catholic position on birth controlJONES: The controversy over Humanae Vitae, the papal encyclical that reaffirmed Catholic teaching on contraception 50 years ago, cannot be understood apart from the context of a well-funded advocacy network for population control after the Second World War. The network includes big names in grantmaking like the Ford Foundation and John D. Rockefeller III. One scholar has been writing about this network for decades. “The campaign to persuade Catholics, leaders and the lay public, that traditional views of sexuality, abortion, and marriage were antiquated was extensive and conducted on many fronts,” Arizona State University history professor Donald Critchlow told CNA.
Mary is the Mother of God because she is the mother of Jesus, Who is God
The Sacred Page: Mary, Mother of GodBERGSMA: January 1 is the Solemnity (Holy Day) of Mary, Mother of God. To call Mary the “Mother of God” must not be understood as a claim for Mary’s motherhood of divinity itself, but in the sense that Mary was mother of Jesus, who is truly God. The Council of Ephesus in 431—long before the schisms with the Eastern churches and the Protestants—proclaimed “Mother of God” a theologically correct title for Mary. So far from being a cause of division, the common confession of Mary as “Mother of God” should unite all Christians, and distinguish Christian orthodoxy from various confusions of it, such as Arianism...
Is skipping Mass on Holy Days of Obligation a mortal sin? A priest explains the hard truth...
Is Missing Mass on Holy Days Sinful? This Priest Explains the Hard Truth | ChurchPOP: January 1st is the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God.
People who willfully exempt oneself from Mass on a Holy Day carry the consequence of being in mortal sin. It is the same exact consequence for those who willfully exempt themselves from going to any Sunday Mass.
That’s right: to willfully exempt yourself from Sunday Mass is mortally sinful. Period.
I am not talking about those shut in by infirmity, hospitalization, illness, caring for an ill person, incarceration, or similar maladies.
Just because I have so busied my life with building earthly kingdoms through work and sports, or find pleasure more to my taste does not exempt me from Mass. God isn’t something else I fit into the schedule: He is the first priority.
People who willfully exempt oneself from Mass on a Holy Day carry the consequence of being in mortal sin. It is the same exact consequence for those who willfully exempt themselves from going to any Sunday Mass.
That’s right: to willfully exempt yourself from Sunday Mass is mortally sinful. Period.
I am not talking about those shut in by infirmity, hospitalization, illness, caring for an ill person, incarceration, or similar maladies.
Just because I have so busied my life with building earthly kingdoms through work and sports, or find pleasure more to my taste does not exempt me from Mass. God isn’t something else I fit into the schedule: He is the first priority.
Looking for a New Year’s resolution? Give up politics...
Looking For A New Year’s Resolution? Give Up PoliticsCLARK: A friend of mine owns a plasma TV with the emblem of “FoxNews” burnt into the corner of the screen. In other words, he has spent so much time watching that channel that the television still displays “FoxNews” even when it isn’t on. This got me thinking about New Year’s resolutions. Whether it’s quitting smoking, losing weight, or conquering addictions, resolutions normally focus on bettering one’s life. And thinking of my friend’s TV, it dawned on me that the best resolution some people can make for 2019 is to give up watching political shows altogether.
The story behind why soccer players sit in race car seats
The Story Behind Why Soccer Players Sit In Race Car Seats: While watching the FIFA World Cup a few weeks ago, my boss noticed players sitting in race car seats, and ordered me to figure out why. So I reached out to one of the biggest race car seat manufacturers, Recaro. Here’s what I learned. While I’m not sure who makes the exact seats coddling the butts of soccer players at this year’s World Cup (since numerous inquiries to Fédération Internationale de Football Association went unanswered), I did learn about how heavily-bolstered sports car seats wound up on the sidelines of a football pitch in the first place. At least, according to German automotive seat maker, Recaro.
The Catholic Church ends 2018 with a heavy spirit
Scandal, Loss of Confidence Contribute to a Heavy Spirit as 2018 EndsDESOUZA: It is not the series of scandals alone, but the loss of confidence in the traditional solution in times of crisis, namely recourse to Rome, as adequate to the task.
The year began with the most catastrophic papal trip in history. The aftermath of the disaster in Chile tainted everything that followed and seriously weakened the capacity of Pope Francis to take effective action.
The papal trip to Chile in January had to deal with the “Barros affair,” the decision in January 2015 of Pope Francis to transfer Bishop Juan Barros from the military diocese to that of Osorno.
The year began with the most catastrophic papal trip in history. The aftermath of the disaster in Chile tainted everything that followed and seriously weakened the capacity of Pope Francis to take effective action.
The papal trip to Chile in January had to deal with the “Barros affair,” the decision in January 2015 of Pope Francis to transfer Bishop Juan Barros from the military diocese to that of Osorno.
In search of Leonard, my martyred ancestor
In search of Leonard, my martyred ancestor - BBC News: Eastern Turkey had a large and thriving community of Christians a little over 100 years ago, but since then most have been dispersed or killed. The BBC's Eli Melki went to look for traces of a relative, who was martyred at the age of 33.
One evening in June, I sat in the sunset among the Roman ruins of Zirzawan hill, in south-east Turkey. This is where it's said the remains of one of my ancestors are buried in a mass grave. Leonard Melki was about 33 years old at the beginning of World War One, and his fate was determined by his Christian faith.
One evening in June, I sat in the sunset among the Roman ruins of Zirzawan hill, in south-east Turkey. This is where it's said the remains of one of my ancestors are buried in a mass grave. Leonard Melki was about 33 years old at the beginning of World War One, and his fate was determined by his Christian faith.
The Twilight Zone’s 10 best twist endings
The Twilight Zone's 10 Best Twist Endings | Mental Floss: Television plays host to a number of holiday traditions. In addition to repeated airings of It’s a Wonderful Life and A Christmas Story, the end of the year is also a time for people to revisit The Twilight Zone, Rod Serling’s seminal series that used fantasy elements as metaphors for social issues.
Senators accused of anti-Catholic ‘bigotry’ for targeting Knights of Columbus
Kamala Harris, Mazie Hirono target Brian Buescher Knights of Columbus membership - Washington Times: Senate Democrats are facing renewed charges of anti-Catholic discrimination after quizzing a federal judicial nominee about his membership in the Knights of Columbus.
Democratic Sens. Kamala D. Harris and Mazie Hirono were accused of “religious profiling” after they zeroed in on judicial nominee Brian Buescher’s membership in the 137-year-old fraternal Catholic charitable organization earlier this month in written questions.
“The Knights of Columbus has taken a number of extreme positions,” said Ms. Hirono, Hawaii Democrat, citing the group’s opposition to same-sex marriage. “If confirmed, do you intend to end your membership with this organization to avoid any appearance of bias?”
Ms. Harris asked Mr. Buescher, who became a member 25 years ago as a teenager, “Were you aware that the Knights of Columbus opposed a woman’s right to choose when you joined the organization?”
Democratic Sens. Kamala D. Harris and Mazie Hirono were accused of “religious profiling” after they zeroed in on judicial nominee Brian Buescher’s membership in the 137-year-old fraternal Catholic charitable organization earlier this month in written questions.
“The Knights of Columbus has taken a number of extreme positions,” said Ms. Hirono, Hawaii Democrat, citing the group’s opposition to same-sex marriage. “If confirmed, do you intend to end your membership with this organization to avoid any appearance of bias?”
Ms. Harris asked Mr. Buescher, who became a member 25 years ago as a teenager, “Were you aware that the Knights of Columbus opposed a woman’s right to choose when you joined the organization?”
Senators use stalking horse to oppose Catholic judicial nominee
Senators employ stalking horse to oppose Catholic judicial nomineeALLEN: In hunting, a “stalking horse” is a screen in the shape of a horse or some other animal that someone hides behind to disguise themselves from their prey. It’s a similar concept in politics, when you go after one target but your real intent is to strike another.
We got a perfect illustration recently when two U.S. senators objected to the nomination of Brian Buescher for the U.S. district court in Nebraska on the grounds that he’s a member of the Knights of Columbus.
According to Senators Mazie Hirono of Hawaii and Kamala Harris of California, both Democrats, the Knights’ positions on abortion and same-sex marriage could interfere with Buescher’s ability to fairly judge the sorts of cases that come before federal courts.
We got a perfect illustration recently when two U.S. senators objected to the nomination of Brian Buescher for the U.S. district court in Nebraska on the grounds that he’s a member of the Knights of Columbus.
According to Senators Mazie Hirono of Hawaii and Kamala Harris of California, both Democrats, the Knights’ positions on abortion and same-sex marriage could interfere with Buescher’s ability to fairly judge the sorts of cases that come before federal courts.
How we got New Year’s Day
How We Got New Year's Day- The Imaginative ConservativeLONGENECKER: Some atheists, Muslims and Christian fundamentalists like to grumble and gibe that the celebration of Christmas and Easter are “pagan.” They are right and they are wrong. They are right inasmuch as the wellsprings of our Western culture are deep in the pre-Christian cultures of Europe. They are wrong because the early Christians, like the Hebrews before them, saw their religion as a contrast and a corrective to the prevailing pagan culture.
Anastasia: The patron saint of Christmas
Anastasia: The Patron Saint of Christmas | God-Haunted LunaticBECKER: Good friends of ours have a daughter named Anastasia. One day, long ago, I betrayed an astonishing ignorance by expressing curiosity about why she’d been named after a Russian princess instead of a saint. “What are you talking about?” my wife remonstrated with relish. “Anastasia is mentioned in the Roman Canon!”
She was right, of course, and I was justly chastened. But how could I’ve missed St. Anastasia in my hagiographic formation? As a convert, the lives of the saints were front and center in my acclimation to things Catholic, and yet, somehow, Anastasia fell completely off my map.
She was right, of course, and I was justly chastened. But how could I’ve missed St. Anastasia in my hagiographic formation? As a convert, the lives of the saints were front and center in my acclimation to things Catholic, and yet, somehow, Anastasia fell completely off my map.
In our days as in Herod’s, Holy Innocents are in grave danger
In Our Day as in Herod’s, Holy Innocents are in Grave DangerPOPE: On Friday Dec. 28, we observed the Feast of the Holy Innocents, which commemorates the young children murdered by the ruthless Herod “the Great.” In addition to ordering the slaying of all boys aged two and under after the birth of Jesus, Herod had numerous people killed over the years, including his first wife and several of his children. His fear that others might usurp or limit his power bordered on paranoia.
Vatican spokesman Greg Burke and his deputy abruptly resign; temporary successor named
Holy See Press Office Director Greg Burke Resigns: Pope Francis today accepted the resignations of Greg Burke and Paloma García Ovejero after almost two and a half years’ service as respective director and vice director of the Holy See Press Office.
The Vatican announced the news in a brief statement, adding that Alessandro Gisotti, currently coordinator of social media for the Vatican Dicastery for Social Communication, would temporarily take over the running of the office until a new structure is put in place.
In comments on Twitter, Burke, an Opus Dei numerary and native of St. Louis, said “at this time of transition in Vatican communications, we think it’s best the Holy Father is completely free to assemble a new team.”
The Vatican announced the news in a brief statement, adding that Alessandro Gisotti, currently coordinator of social media for the Vatican Dicastery for Social Communication, would temporarily take over the running of the office until a new structure is put in place.
In comments on Twitter, Burke, an Opus Dei numerary and native of St. Louis, said “at this time of transition in Vatican communications, we think it’s best the Holy Father is completely free to assemble a new team.”
Sunday, December 30, 2018
A homily for the Feast of the Holy Family
A Homily for the Feast of the Holy Family - Community in Mission : Community in MissionPOPE: Here in the middle of the Christmas Octave, the Church bids us to celebrate the feast of the Holy Family. On the old calendar, the feast of the Holy Family falls on the Sunday after Epiphany, which makes some sense. It is a bit odd to read, a mere five days after celebrating Jesus’ birth, a Gospel in which He is 12 years old. And then, next week, we have the Feast of Epiphany in which Jesus is an infant again.
How to understand the readings for the Feast of the Holy Family
The Sacred Page: Readings for the Feast of the Holy FamilyBERGSMA: The Sunday within the octave of Christmas is always dedicated to contemplation of the Holy Family, giving us the opportunity to meditate on the way in which the family structure, established by God and perfectly mirrored in the Holy Family, reflects His own familial nature (as Father, Son, and Spirit) and shows us the truth about ourselves and our deepest longings for love, acceptance, and communion with other persons.
Pope’s Sunday Angelus: “The family of Nazareth is holy because it was centered on Jesus”
On Holy Family feast, Pope Francis offers advice for healing family wounds: Pope Francis prayerfully entrusted troubled families to the protection of the Holy Family of Nazareth Sunday and offered his advice for healing family wounds.
“When there are problems in families, we assume that we are right and we close the door to others. Instead, one must think: ‘What does this person have?’ And marvel at this ‘good.’ This helps family unity,” Pope Francis said in his Angelus address Dec. 30.
On the feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, the pope offered a special prayer “for all families of the world, especially those in which, for various reasons, there is a lack of peace and harmony.”
“When there are problems in families, we assume that we are right and we close the door to others. Instead, one must think: ‘What does this person have?’ And marvel at this ‘good.’ This helps family unity,” Pope Francis said in his Angelus address Dec. 30.
On the feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, the pope offered a special prayer “for all families of the world, especially those in which, for various reasons, there is a lack of peace and harmony.”
How Jesus is like another Samuel
The Boy Jesus – A New Samuel – Fr. Dwight LongeneckerLONGENECKER: Luke chooses two stories of Jesus’ boyhood - the Presentation in the temple and the Finding in the Temple.
There must have been other stories about his childhood. The tradition says St Luke gathered the information about the nativity from the Blessed Mother herself.
Why did he choose those two stories?
Because, along with the principle first established by Matthew, St Luke is intent on showing how Christ the Lord recapitulates or gathers up the whole Old Testament story into himself.
Matthew shows Jesus to be the new Moses. John the Baptist the new Elijah. Jesus the Shepherd-King is the new David. The one to whom the rulers of Sheba come with gifts means he is the new Solomon.
There must have been other stories about his childhood. The tradition says St Luke gathered the information about the nativity from the Blessed Mother herself.
Why did he choose those two stories?
Because, along with the principle first established by Matthew, St Luke is intent on showing how Christ the Lord recapitulates or gathers up the whole Old Testament story into himself.
Matthew shows Jesus to be the new Moses. John the Baptist the new Elijah. Jesus the Shepherd-King is the new David. The one to whom the rulers of Sheba come with gifts means he is the new Solomon.
Saturday, December 29, 2018
No, Pope Francis didn’t deny the Immaculate Conception
The Pope Didn’t Deny the Immaculate Conception | Matthew SchneiderSCHNEIDER: It’s crazy what gets spread online today. One website was posting that Pope Francis denied the Immaculate Conception in his Christmas greetings to Vatican employees. Really? I will include their claim, explain why it’s wrong, point to the times Francis affirmed the Immaculate Conception, and conclude with a note on interpretation.
Want to know who Christ really is? Look at the Holy Family
Want to know who Christ really is? Look at the Holy Family - Angelus News - Multimedia Catholic NewsLOPEZ: “Daddy, why do people go to church on Christmas?”
The prompt for the question was a security line going into Christmas midnight Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Manhattan two years ago. As we lined up on Madison Avenue for an initial screening, people asked many other questions, mostly, “Is this the line for the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree?” That was only topped by the woman I had encountered while inside the church some days before Christmas. She stood dead center, her back to the altar. “Damn it! I thought you could see the tree from here.” If she only knew what she was missing!
The prompt for the question was a security line going into Christmas midnight Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Manhattan two years ago. As we lined up on Madison Avenue for an initial screening, people asked many other questions, mostly, “Is this the line for the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree?” That was only topped by the woman I had encountered while inside the church some days before Christmas. She stood dead center, her back to the altar. “Damn it! I thought you could see the tree from here.” If she only knew what she was missing!
A mall banned a crib and the “Holy Family” turned up
A Mall Banned a Crib and the ‘Holy Family’ Turned UpTURLEY: This is truly a Christmas tale.
It starts with a modern-day Scrooge.
A Scottish shopping mall decided to ban the display of a Christmas crib. The shopping mall owners flaunted their decision stating that it proclaimed the “Good News” of how politically correct they were and displayed how they favored no religion.
As if anyone cared what the owners of a shopping mall thought about politics or religion. And, why a shopping mall in a small Scottish city felt the need to eradicate a Christian symbol from a holiday season that only makes sense on account of that symbol and the Child it represents was baffling.
Given some of things that have been happening in modern Scotland, low level sectarianism and high level demands that Catholic schools adhere to government guidelines around the family that bear no relation to Catholic teaching, sadly, one is not surprised at all.
It starts with a modern-day Scrooge.
A Scottish shopping mall decided to ban the display of a Christmas crib. The shopping mall owners flaunted their decision stating that it proclaimed the “Good News” of how politically correct they were and displayed how they favored no religion.
As if anyone cared what the owners of a shopping mall thought about politics or religion. And, why a shopping mall in a small Scottish city felt the need to eradicate a Christian symbol from a holiday season that only makes sense on account of that symbol and the Child it represents was baffling.
Given some of things that have been happening in modern Scotland, low level sectarianism and high level demands that Catholic schools adhere to government guidelines around the family that bear no relation to Catholic teaching, sadly, one is not surprised at all.
The four Thomases of Canterbury: Becket, More, Eliot and Cranmer
Canterbury’s Four Toms – Fr. Dwight LongeneckerLONGENECKER: In 2015 my friend Joseph Pearce and I led a memorable pilgrimage to England to pray at the shrines of the English martyrs and the graves of the greatest literary figures. We packed an enormous amount into ten days, and I will always remember Joseph huddling with me in the priest hole at Oxborough Hall and singing the Salve Regina.
One of our visits was to Canterbury Cathedral, and on the bus journey from London I gave a talk on Canterbury’s Three Toms. They are St. Thomas a Becket, St Thomas More, T.S.Eliot and Thomas Cranmer.
One of our visits was to Canterbury Cathedral, and on the bus journey from London I gave a talk on Canterbury’s Three Toms. They are St. Thomas a Becket, St Thomas More, T.S.Eliot and Thomas Cranmer.
A close look at Jan Vermeer’s “Allegory of the Catholic Faith”
Vermeer’s Catholic “Allegory” - The Catholic ThingMINER: The Dutch painter Johannes (often Jan) Vermeer (1632-1675) was born in Delft and was baptized in a Dutch Reformed church there. When he was 21, he married Catharina Bolenes, the Catholic daughter of a well-connected Delft woman, who was very much involved in a “hidden” Jesuit church (schuilkerk) next door. (It was illegal then to celebrate Mass in the Netherlands, although the Dutch were then – as now – more tolerant than some other Protestant countries. Back when that was a virtue.)
It’s assumed Vermeer embraced Catholicism before the wedding.
But he was not thereafter merely Catholic-in-marriage-only. The faith mattered greatly to him, and this can be seen clearly in one of the canvases he painted between 1670 and 1672, Allegory of the Catholic Faith (the image below) or, as Protestant sources often refer to it, simply Allegory of Faith.
It’s assumed Vermeer embraced Catholicism before the wedding.
But he was not thereafter merely Catholic-in-marriage-only. The faith mattered greatly to him, and this can be seen clearly in one of the canvases he painted between 1670 and 1672, Allegory of the Catholic Faith (the image below) or, as Protestant sources often refer to it, simply Allegory of Faith.
McCarrick abused youth during confession, lawyer charges
McCarrick abused youth during confession, lawyer charges: A man who says he was serially sexually abused by Archbishop Theodore McCarrick testified Thursday as part of a Vatican investigation regarding the archbishop’s history of sexual abuse and misconduct.
James Grein testified Dec. 27 in a canonical deposition conducted by officials of the Archdiocese of New York, the Washington Post has reported.
Grein’s attorney, Patrick Noaker, told CNA that the New York officials were acting as “auditors,” or delegates of the Holy See, adding that Grein was told that his testimony was part of an administrative process at the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, the Vatican office charged with investigating and adjudicating charges of clerical sexual abuse.
James Grein testified Dec. 27 in a canonical deposition conducted by officials of the Archdiocese of New York, the Washington Post has reported.
Grein’s attorney, Patrick Noaker, told CNA that the New York officials were acting as “auditors,” or delegates of the Holy See, adding that Grein was told that his testimony was part of an administrative process at the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, the Vatican office charged with investigating and adjudicating charges of clerical sexual abuse.
The 15 greatest survival stories of 2018
The 15 Greatest Survival Stories of 2018: 2018 has been a year full of good news and bad. Throughout it all, there were great stories of survival—of people beating odds and killing rattlesnakes with rocks while they waited for rescue. Here are fifteen of our favorites.
Friday, December 28, 2018
Farewell Pontifical Commission ‘Ecclesia Dei’?
Farewell Pontifical Commission ‘Ecclesia Dei’?PENTIN: Pope Francis is expected to issue a papal decree in the coming weeks that will effectively dissolve the pontifical commission charged with bringing separated traditionalist Catholics back into full communion. Various reliable sources have confirmed to the Register that the Pontifical Commission ‘Ecclesia Dei’ is to be abolished and its work absorbed into the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, of which the commission is already a part.
The Pope’s “motu proprio” authorizing the change is allegedly still in its drafting stages, but is expected to be published in January. Others say it has already been written and signed.
The Pope’s “motu proprio” authorizing the change is allegedly still in its drafting stages, but is expected to be published in January. Others say it has already been written and signed.
‘Stairway to Heaven’: A whimsical look at a Led Zeppelin song
Stairway to Heaven: A Whimsical Look at a 1970s Song - Community in Mission : Community in MissionPOPE: In the Office of Readings for December 26th (Feast of St. Stephen, Martyr) there is a meditation by Saint Fulgentius of Respe describing love and forgiveness as the way by which the heavens were opened for St. Stephen. Saint Fulgentius commends the forgiving love of St. Stephen for his enemies and calls love a stairway to heaven. My brothers, Christ made love the stairway that would enable all Christians to climb to heaven. Hold fast to it, therefore, in all sincerity, give one another practical proof of it, and by your progress in it, make your ascent together…. He who walks in love can neither go astray nor be afraid: love guides him, protects him, and brings him to his journey’s end
2018 ends with potential turning point in Vatican/Iraqi relations
2018 ends with potential turning point in Vatican/Iraqi relationsALLEN: Though the week between Christmas and New Year’s is traditionally a fairly slow period on the Vatican beat, this is the Pope Francis era, when tradition and a Euro will buy you a cup of cappuccino in a Roman café.
Thus it’s entirely fitting that arguably one of the Vatican’s most important diplomatic encounters of 2018 came the day after Christmas, when Italian Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Secretary of State, met Iraqi President Barham Salih in Baghdad.
During the meeting, Salih extended an invitation to Pope Francis to visit the Iraqi city of Ur, the Biblical city of Abraham, for an interreligious summit. It’s a trip that St. John Paul II desperately wanted to make in 2000, during a jubilee year pilgrimage to sites associated with salvation history, but the security situation at the time made such a trip impossible.
Thus it’s entirely fitting that arguably one of the Vatican’s most important diplomatic encounters of 2018 came the day after Christmas, when Italian Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Secretary of State, met Iraqi President Barham Salih in Baghdad.
During the meeting, Salih extended an invitation to Pope Francis to visit the Iraqi city of Ur, the Biblical city of Abraham, for an interreligious summit. It’s a trip that St. John Paul II desperately wanted to make in 2000, during a jubilee year pilgrimage to sites associated with salvation history, but the security situation at the time made such a trip impossible.
The true story of World War I’s Christmas truce
The Inspiring Story of WWI's Christmas Truce and Its Call for PeaceBECKER: “Snoopy’s Christmas” must be in the running for cheesiest holiday ditty of all time, but if you listen carefully, it holds an unlikely prompt to peace. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the conclusion of World War I, which is maybe why it’s sticking out to me when I hear it everywhere in the stores and radio.
The Royal Guardsmen recorded the song in 1967 and based the story in the lyrics on characters in Charles Schulz’s Peanuts comic. It starts off with sounds of cannon fire and a choir’s rendition of the opening lines of “O Tannenbaum” (in German). Then the Guardsmen’s drummer kicks in with a perky, militaristic snare, and the singer paints a picture of an impending clash. It’s Christmas Eve, and Snoopy’s World War I nemesis, the Red Baron (a Peanuts version of the real WWI ace, Manfred von Richthofen), was on the move. Reluctantly, the intrepid beagle takes to his doghouse to meet him in imaginary aerial combat.
The Royal Guardsmen recorded the song in 1967 and based the story in the lyrics on characters in Charles Schulz’s Peanuts comic. It starts off with sounds of cannon fire and a choir’s rendition of the opening lines of “O Tannenbaum” (in German). Then the Guardsmen’s drummer kicks in with a perky, militaristic snare, and the singer paints a picture of an impending clash. It’s Christmas Eve, and Snoopy’s World War I nemesis, the Red Baron (a Peanuts version of the real WWI ace, Manfred von Richthofen), was on the move. Reluctantly, the intrepid beagle takes to his doghouse to meet him in imaginary aerial combat.
Vatican court convicts Italian businessman on money laundering charge
Vatican court convicts Italian businessman on money laundering charge: On Thursday the Vatican announced a two-and-a-half-year prison sentence for a Roman construction magnate found guilty of confiscating and laundering more than $1.14 million from the Vatican bank.
Angelo Proietti, who owned and managed an Italian construction company called “Edil Ars,” was placed under house arrest in 2016 on charges of aggravated fraudulent bankruptcy.
At the time, police seized several accounts he held in the Institute for the Works of Religion (IOR), commonly referred to as the “Vatican bank,” and Proietti was detained for allegedly siphoning off and pocketing some $9.1 million from his building and art renovation contractor company.
Angelo Proietti, who owned and managed an Italian construction company called “Edil Ars,” was placed under house arrest in 2016 on charges of aggravated fraudulent bankruptcy.
At the time, police seized several accounts he held in the Institute for the Works of Religion (IOR), commonly referred to as the “Vatican bank,” and Proietti was detained for allegedly siphoning off and pocketing some $9.1 million from his building and art renovation contractor company.
Thursday, December 27, 2018
How does loving one’s enemies work, really?
How Does Loving One’s Enemies Work, Really? | Word on FireSCALIA: A friend of mine and I were comparing notes on how challenged we feel, sometimes, to offer real forgiveness to friends and family, and the question of enemies.
“Jesus said we are to forgive without limit,” my friend said, “but does that mean we’re supposed to keep putting ourselves out there to be victimized by people who really know how to hurt us and seem to enjoy doing it?”
It’s a conundrum, isn’t it? We are supposed to love everyone, forgive “unto seventy times seven” (Matthew 18:21-22), and we know that forgiveness is essential to our spiritual health, even if—in some cases—some people just feel like they prefer the tormentor’s role in our personal narratives. “To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you,” writes the theologian Lewis Smedes, and he’s completely right.
“Jesus said we are to forgive without limit,” my friend said, “but does that mean we’re supposed to keep putting ourselves out there to be victimized by people who really know how to hurt us and seem to enjoy doing it?”
It’s a conundrum, isn’t it? We are supposed to love everyone, forgive “unto seventy times seven” (Matthew 18:21-22), and we know that forgiveness is essential to our spiritual health, even if—in some cases—some people just feel like they prefer the tormentor’s role in our personal narratives. “To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you,” writes the theologian Lewis Smedes, and he’s completely right.
Way more Americans may be atheists than we thought
Way More Americans May Be Atheists Than We Thought | FiveThirtyEight: After signing an executive order earlier this month that seeks to relax restrictions on the political activities of tax-exempt churches, President Trump said the order was an important affirmation of the American identity. “We’re a nation of believers,” he said. Trump is right in one sense — 69 percent of Americans say a belief in God is an important part of being American — but he’s wrong demographically: Atheists constitute a culturally significant part of American society.
DC Knights of Columbus respond to senators’ criticism
DC Knights of Columbus respond to senators' criticism: A Washington, DC council of the Knights of Columbus has invited two U.S. senators to join them in charitable service, after those senators objected to a federal judicial nominee's membership in the organization.
The Patrick Cardinal O’Boyle Council 11302 of the Knights of Columbus published this week an open letter to Senators Mazie Hirono (D-HI) and Kamala Harris (D-CA), addressing the senators’ recent objections to social and political positions affiliated with the Knights of Columbus.
The Patrick Cardinal O’Boyle Council 11302 of the Knights of Columbus published this week an open letter to Senators Mazie Hirono (D-HI) and Kamala Harris (D-CA), addressing the senators’ recent objections to social and political positions affiliated with the Knights of Columbus.
Here are 12 paradoxes that surround Christmas
Paradoxes of Christmas - Community in Mission : Community in MissionPOPE: In the ancient Church and up until rather recently, one genuflected at the two references to the Incarnation during the Mass: during the Creed and in the Last Gospel (John 1). Why was this done? It was explained to me that the mystery of the Incarnation is so deep, one can only fall in silent reverence.
There are many paradoxes and seeming impossibilities in the Incarnation. They cannot be fully solved, so they claim our reverence. We genuflected in the past, and today we bow at the mention of the Incarnation in the Creed, for it is a deep mystery.
There are many paradoxes and seeming impossibilities in the Incarnation. They cannot be fully solved, so they claim our reverence. We genuflected in the past, and today we bow at the mention of the Incarnation in the Creed, for it is a deep mystery.
Wednesday, December 26, 2018
Why ‘The Worst Christmas Story’ is worth reading
Why The Worst Christmas Story is Worth Reading - Crisis MagazineFITZPATRICK: There are few Christmas stories that begin with a scene so ragged and rich as a threadbare, moth-gnawed Santa Claus who, returning to his flat after hearing the desires of adoring urchins, pulls bottles of chianti from his boots for himself and an old friend on Christmas afternoon. Christmas stories are all about the shabby and the glorious, for heaven’s glory is often hard to perceive through the world’s rags. Sometimes, all one can see clearly is the trash and the tragedy, like Eliot’s melancholy Magi. Despite the joy of Christmas, there is often something inexplicably sad about it. “The Worst Christmas Story” by Christopher Morley takes up this mystery in the vein of Andersen’s Matchgirl and Fir Tree. It is not the best Christmas story, but it is certainly not the worst either, for it challenges the tired symbols of a secularized season to something solid, yet sad, far beyond the hollow platitudes of Hallmark.
Meet the man with the keys to the Vatican
Meet the Man With the Keys to the Vatican: Gianni Crea is intimately familiar with the contours of history. Almost every morning for the past six years, he’s opened the doors to the Vatican Museums. He’s experienced the stillness of the Sistine Chapel at dawn, studied the shadows of Caravaggio, and admired the textures of ancient Egypt.
“Yes, I’m a key keeper, head key keeper, but I’m still a doorman that opens a museum,” says Crea, a devout Catholic. “But I open the doors to the history of art and the history of Christianity—and it’s the biggest and most beautiful history that exists in the world.”
“Yes, I’m a key keeper, head key keeper, but I’m still a doorman that opens a museum,” says Crea, a devout Catholic. “But I open the doors to the history of art and the history of Christianity—and it’s the biggest and most beautiful history that exists in the world.”
Fake Catholic priest unmasked in Spain after 18 years
Fake Catholic priest unmasked in Spain after 18 years - BBC News: A man who pretended to be a priest for more than 18 years has been dismissed by the Catholic Church in Spain.
Miguel Angel Ibarra carried out weddings and baptisms, first in Colombia and then in southern Spain, despite having never been ordained.
Those ceremonies will still be recognized, the Church says, but not his communions or the confessions he heard.
He was found to be an impostor after a complaint was filed in Colombia.
The complainant alleged Mr Ibarra had forged his documents.
After a "thorough investigation", it was found that he had never been ordained and he has now been ordered to return to Colombia, Church officials say.
Miguel Angel Ibarra carried out weddings and baptisms, first in Colombia and then in southern Spain, despite having never been ordained.
Those ceremonies will still be recognized, the Church says, but not his communions or the confessions he heard.
He was found to be an impostor after a complaint was filed in Colombia.
The complainant alleged Mr Ibarra had forged his documents.
After a "thorough investigation", it was found that he had never been ordained and he has now been ordered to return to Colombia, Church officials say.
St. Stephen’s Day connects Christ’s birth to his salvific mission, Pope says
Pope Francis: St. Stephen’s Day Connects Christ’s Birth to his Salvific Mission: The feast of the first Christian martyr, St. Stephen, falls the day after Christmas — timing that contains an important spiritual lesson, Pope Francis said Wednesday.
“It might seem strange to approach the memory of St. Stephen at the birth of Jesus because the contrast between the joy of Bethlehem and the drama of Stephen, stoned in Jerusalem in the first persecution against the nascent Church, emerges,” Pope Francis said Dec. 26.
“In reality, it is not so, because the Child Jesus is the Son of God made man, who will save humanity by dying on the cross,” he continued.
In a special weekday Angelus address for the feast day, Pope Francis connected the imagery of the Child Jesus in the crib to his burial after the Crucifixion.
“It might seem strange to approach the memory of St. Stephen at the birth of Jesus because the contrast between the joy of Bethlehem and the drama of Stephen, stoned in Jerusalem in the first persecution against the nascent Church, emerges,” Pope Francis said Dec. 26.
“In reality, it is not so, because the Child Jesus is the Son of God made man, who will save humanity by dying on the cross,” he continued.
In a special weekday Angelus address for the feast day, Pope Francis connected the imagery of the Child Jesus in the crib to his burial after the Crucifixion.
Soho pilgrimage: A Christmas meditation
Soho Pilgrimage: A Christmas Meditation | George Weigel | First ThingsWEIGEL: Advent and Christmastide are full of journeys and pilgrimages: Mary goes to Judea to visit Elizabeth. Mary and Joseph journey to Bethlehem, ostensibly to fill out their tax forms, in truth to fulfill an ancient prophecy. Amazed shepherds leave the hills, come to town, and find the desire of the nations. The Magi go on a star-led trek and then return to the mysterious East. Mary, Joseph, and the Holy Child go on pilgrimage to Jerusalem for what we celebrate on February 2 as the Feast of the Presentation. The Holy Family flees to Egypt, then journeys back to Nazareth.
From sex abuse to money, 2018 tested Pope Francis on reform
From sex abuse to money, 2018 tested Pope Francis on reformSANMARTIN: When he was elected to the papacy in March 2013, Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio knew he was chosen on a “reform” mandate. However, it’s been unclear what reform means for Pope Francis: revitalizing the public image of the Church, addressing the global clerical sexual abuse crisis, reforming the Vatican itself or leading Catholics around the world into a “pastoral conversion.”
Francis was forced to address reform on multiple fronts during the past 12 months, all testing him in different ways.
Francis was forced to address reform on multiple fronts during the past 12 months, all testing him in different ways.
Planned Parenthood discriminates against its pregnant employees — I’m not surprised
Planned Parenthood discriminates against its pregnant employees — I'm not surprised | TheHill: Planned Parenthood infamously prides themselves on being a purveyor of women's equality. Yet, according to a recent New York Times investigation, former and current employees have accused the organization of discriminating against them when pregnant. The Times turned up what seems to be a consistent lack of sympathy for gestating women and their need for doctor-ordered rest, maternity leave, and even lunch breaks.
Yes, this is big news — the hypocrisy of this so-called champion of women — but is it really all that surprising? After all, Planned Parenthood is in the (big) business of ending pregnancies, not supporting them.
Yes, this is big news — the hypocrisy of this so-called champion of women — but is it really all that surprising? After all, Planned Parenthood is in the (big) business of ending pregnancies, not supporting them.
Tuesday, December 25, 2018
Bob Cratchit, Lazarus and American capitalism
Bob Cratchit, Lazarus and American CapitalismCLARK: One of the rewards of great literature is that each new reading reveals aspects that were somehow previously hidden. This idea struck me recently as I was re-acquainting myself with Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, and I noticed the similarities between Bob Cratchit and Lazarus.
Both poor men hoped for the scraps of rich men—Lazarus awaited crumbs from the rich man’s table, while Bob Cratchit’s paychecks consisted of the fifteen shillings per week that somehow escaped Scrooge’s tight fist. Bob Cratchit had six children—one of whom was dying, which, as the story makes clear, was a direct result of his poverty. Lazarus had no family; he died alone—a result of the rich man’s indifference.
The rich men were not alone in their fault, nor was apathy confined to the upper class: no one else seemed to notice, either. Others could have helped Lazarus: surely they saw the dogs licking his sores. Others could have helped Bob Cratchit: did no one else take note of Tiny Tim’s well-worn crutch?
Both poor men hoped for the scraps of rich men—Lazarus awaited crumbs from the rich man’s table, while Bob Cratchit’s paychecks consisted of the fifteen shillings per week that somehow escaped Scrooge’s tight fist. Bob Cratchit had six children—one of whom was dying, which, as the story makes clear, was a direct result of his poverty. Lazarus had no family; he died alone—a result of the rich man’s indifference.
The rich men were not alone in their fault, nor was apathy confined to the upper class: no one else seemed to notice, either. Others could have helped Lazarus: surely they saw the dogs licking his sores. Others could have helped Bob Cratchit: did no one else take note of Tiny Tim’s well-worn crutch?
I hear music in the air: A homily for Christmas midnight
I Hear Music in the Air – A Homily For Christmas Midnight - Community in Mission : Community in MissionPOPE: The mysteries of Christmas are many. Among them is the mystery of the music heard that night. The angels shouted the great declaration, “Glory to God in the highest,” and creation took it up as a song. Why this music? Is it merely window dressing, or does it disclose a mystery to us? Is the declaration only for us, or do the angels also need it?
“Lord, I want to realize... that you are the Bread of my Life”
Whispers in the Loggia: "Lord, I Want To Realize... That You Are The Bread of My Life"COATOFARMS: Joseph with Mary his spouse, went up “to the city of David called Bethlehem.” Tonight, we too, go to Bethlehem, there to discover the mystery of Christmas.
Bethlehem: the name means house of bread. In this “house”, the Lord today wants to encounter all mankind. He knows that we need food to live. Yet he also knows that the nourishments of this world do not satisfy the heart. In Scripture, the original sin of humanity is associated precisely with taking food: our first parents “took of the fruit and ate”, says the Book of Genesis (cf. 3:6). They took and ate. Mankind became greedy and voracious. In our day, for many people, life’s meaning is found in possessing, in having an excess of material objects. An insatiable greed marks all human history, even today, when, paradoxically, a few dine luxuriantly while all too many go without the daily bread needed to survive.
Bethlehem: the name means house of bread. In this “house”, the Lord today wants to encounter all mankind. He knows that we need food to live. Yet he also knows that the nourishments of this world do not satisfy the heart. In Scripture, the original sin of humanity is associated precisely with taking food: our first parents “took of the fruit and ate”, says the Book of Genesis (cf. 3:6). They took and ate. Mankind became greedy and voracious. In our day, for many people, life’s meaning is found in possessing, in having an excess of material objects. An insatiable greed marks all human history, even today, when, paradoxically, a few dine luxuriantly while all too many go without the daily bread needed to survive.
Pope’s Christmas ‘Urbi et Orbi’ blessing: ‘God is a good Father and we are all brothers and sisters’
Pope's 'Urbi et Orbi' Blessing - ZENIT - English: ‘May the little Child whom we contemplate today in the manger, in the cold of the night, watch over all the children of the world, and every frail, vulnerable and discarded person. May all of us receive peace and consolation from the birth of the Savior and, in the knowledge that we are loved by the one heavenly Father, realize anew that we are brothers and sisters and come to live as such!’
Monday, December 24, 2018
Silent Night? Are we with the shepherds, or Herod’s soldiers?
Silent Night? Are We With the Shepherds … Or Herod’s Soldiers?GREYDANUS: On this very night, exactly two hundred years ago, the world received a great gift: one without which tonight would not be the same for so many of us. In 1818, in a small church in a small town in what is now Austria, for the first time, the Christmas carol “Silent Night” was sung.
Many people don’t know that the lyrics for “Silent Night” were written by a young Catholic priest, Father Joseph Mohr, who asked a church organist named Franz Gruber to set it to music. There’s a popular legend about the organ being damaged by mice or water which I won’t go into.
Many people don’t know that the lyrics for “Silent Night” were written by a young Catholic priest, Father Joseph Mohr, who asked a church organist named Franz Gruber to set it to music. There’s a popular legend about the organ being damaged by mice or water which I won’t go into.
God became man, and wore diapers
God Became Man, and Wore DiapersGRONDELSKI: My favorite meditation for Christmas comes from the Venerable Stefan Cardinal Wyszyński, the Primate of Poland (1948-81) who kept Catholicism and the Church alive in that country despite communist repression. John Paul II would not have been who he was without Wyszyński’s mentorship, a truth attested by the new Pope’s embrace of the septuagenarian during the homagium at the Pope’s installation.
Wyszyński’s meditation is part of a larger work, “Above Everything, Love” (Miłość ponad wszystko). The meditation is entitled “God in Diapers” (“Bóg w pieluszkach”).
Luke (2:12) reminds us that Mary gave birth and wrapped the newborn baby in “swaddling clothes,” i.e., diapers.
Wyszyński’s meditation is part of a larger work, “Above Everything, Love” (Miłość ponad wszystko). The meditation is entitled “God in Diapers” (“Bóg w pieluszkach”).
Luke (2:12) reminds us that Mary gave birth and wrapped the newborn baby in “swaddling clothes,” i.e., diapers.
A blessed Christmas to all of you — and especially to those who grieve
Crying as We Rejoice: The Bereaved at Christmas – WE'RE LATE FOR CHURCHGERD: I secretly cried after Mass yesterday. My kids told me that one of the new altar boys that they served with had his grandparents in town for Christmas. The enthusiastic Nanna and Papa were so gleefully proud, they couldn’t refrain from snapping photos to memorialize their beloved grandsons’ biggest moments. Clearly, their hearts swelled with pride for their daughter’s treasured offspring.
On the drive home, I told my boys that if Grandma Maureen and Grandpa Jerry were living, they would have taken loads of pictures too. How proud they would be. How proud they are. “Maybe they’re taking photos from heaven…” I mused. Then the quiet tears.
On the drive home, I told my boys that if Grandma Maureen and Grandpa Jerry were living, they would have taken loads of pictures too. How proud they would be. How proud they are. “Maybe they’re taking photos from heaven…” I mused. Then the quiet tears.
Rooftop skiing in France
New Advent: Rooftop skiing in France: Richard Permin’s everyday life is definitely out of the ordinary.
‘Silent Night’ turns 200
‘Silent Night’ Turns 200MCDONALD: Oberndorf, Austria, Christmas Eve, 1818: In the ensuing centuries, stories will be told about what happens this night. Father Joseph (Josef) Mohr, assistant pastor of St. Nicholas Church, has words he wants set to music for tonight’s Mass. He brings the lyrics to a schoolteacher named Franz Gruber, who serves part time as the church’s organist and choir director. By that evening, Gruber has created a melody for two voices, choir and guitar accompaniment. For years, people will wonder: Why guitar, when the Church had an organ? Is it simply because Father Mohr played the guitar and could accompany himself?
When to sing the Christmas Proclamation
ASK FATHER: When to sing the Christmas Proclamation | Fr. Z's BlogZUHLSDORF: We are talking here about the Kalendas, the solemn announcement of the birth of the Savior. It was sung at Prime. Since Prime isn’t being sung in many places, and since we need to have these good customs in far greater use, I say go ahead and sing it before Midnight Mass in the Usus Antiquior. In the proclamation, the birth of Christ follows a list of important events, set points in history, which therefore puts the birth of Christ into the context of the history of salvation, beginning with the Creation of the world and culminating in the Nativity.
Try this trick to slow down Christmas Day
Try this trick to slow down Christmas day: When I was a kid, Christmas day seemed to last forever. Just the time it took for my parents to get out of bed, come to our rooms, and give us permission to sprint for the living room and see what Santa had left seemed like a whole day. And after that there were still presents to unwrap, breakfast to eat, wrapping paper to clean up, and toys to assemble and test, all before 10 a.m.
Why we feast: A matter of life and death
Why We Feast: A Matter of Life and Death - Crisis MagazineSTAUDT: The Church tells us that we exist for the purpose of giving glory to God. We see that happening most directly in the liturgy of the Mass, but our entire life exists for liturgy, the praise and glory we owe to the Creator. This end or purpose does conflict with our intrinsic longings and personal fulfillment. God is our happiness and he is glorified by the life that blossoms in us. Festivity is a key way that we express the joy, gratitude, and happiness that we have from God. It forms a liturgy of our life in which we gather together to praise God through fellowship, food and drink, music, and prayer.
12 reasons to listen to Handel’s “Messiah”
12 Reasons to Listen to Handel’s “Messiah” | Word on FireBECKLO: As a Catholic, my favorite work of classical music—an oratorio composed by a devout Lutheran, with text compiled from the King James Bible by a devout Anglican—might be an unconventional one.
I was always drawn toward Handel’s Messiah, but it was the frenetic energy of the Les Musiciens du Louvre version conducted by Marc Minkowski—paired with footage of gamblers, inmates, and various social misfits in the strange but compelling 1999 documentary Messiah—that sealed the deal. In recent years, I’ve been listening to the oratorio year-round. I play it in our home, in our Honda, in my headphones—enough that it’s become a sort of running joke with my wife.
I was always drawn toward Handel’s Messiah, but it was the frenetic energy of the Les Musiciens du Louvre version conducted by Marc Minkowski—paired with footage of gamblers, inmates, and various social misfits in the strange but compelling 1999 documentary Messiah—that sealed the deal. In recent years, I’ve been listening to the oratorio year-round. I play it in our home, in our Honda, in my headphones—enough that it’s become a sort of running joke with my wife.
Why was Christ born of a woman instead of appearing on Earth by His own power?
Why Was Christ Born of a Woman Instead of Appearing on Earth by His Own Power? - Community in Mission : Community in MissionPOPE: On this Christmas Eve we ponder the approaching mysteries. A question so basic that it does not occur to some to even ask is this: Why did the Lord choose to come to us through a woman, Mary, when He could have come in any manner He pleased?
He could have bypassed conception, gestation, birth, infancy, and youth entirely. He could have appeared suddenly on earth as a grown man — but He did not. Why not?
He could have bypassed conception, gestation, birth, infancy, and youth entirely. He could have appeared suddenly on earth as a grown man — but He did not. Why not?
Around the country, Baby Jesus figures are increasingly being stolen from nativity scenes
How to Keep Baby Jesus in the Manger? Bolts, Cameras and Tethers - The New York Times: Away in a manger on Bethlehem’s public square, a woman approached a statue of the baby Jesus one dark, December night. Then she stole it.
The theft, from a Nativity scene outside City Hall, raised alarm in this eastern Pennsylvania city that shares a name with the real Jesus Christ’s birthplace.
When the missing baby Jesus was found, it had been damaged, and Bethlehem’s police chief had to glue its leg back on. Then the city took action, positioning a concealed security camera exclusively on baby Jesus and assigning police officers to monitor the footage. In the two years since, the statue has been left at peace, asleep on the hay as the camera, nicknamed the “Jesus cam” by some residents, rolls.
The theft, from a Nativity scene outside City Hall, raised alarm in this eastern Pennsylvania city that shares a name with the real Jesus Christ’s birthplace.
When the missing baby Jesus was found, it had been damaged, and Bethlehem’s police chief had to glue its leg back on. Then the city took action, positioning a concealed security camera exclusively on baby Jesus and assigning police officers to monitor the footage. In the two years since, the statue has been left at peace, asleep on the hay as the camera, nicknamed the “Jesus cam” by some residents, rolls.
NORAD’s Santa Tracker began with a typo and a good sport
NORAD's Santa Tracker Began With A Typo And A Good Sport : NPR: This Christmas Eve people all over the world will log on to the official Santa Tracker to follow his progress through U.S. military radar. This all started in 1955, with a misprint in a Colorado Springs newspaper and a call to Col. Harry Shoup's secret hotline at the Continental Air Defense Command, now known as NORAD.
Shoup's children, Terri Van Keuren, 65, Rick Shoup, 59, and Pam Farrell, 70, recently visited StoryCorps to talk about how the tradition began.
The Santa Tracker tradition started with this Sears ad, which instructed children to call Santa on what turned out to be a secret military hotline. Kids today can call 1-877 HI-NORAD (1-877-446-6723) to talk to NORAD staff about Santa's exact location.
Courtesy of NORAD
Terri remembers her dad had two phones on his desk, including a red one. "Only a four-star general at the Pentagon and my dad had the number," she says.
Shoup's children, Terri Van Keuren, 65, Rick Shoup, 59, and Pam Farrell, 70, recently visited StoryCorps to talk about how the tradition began.
The Santa Tracker tradition started with this Sears ad, which instructed children to call Santa on what turned out to be a secret military hotline. Kids today can call 1-877 HI-NORAD (1-877-446-6723) to talk to NORAD staff about Santa's exact location.
Courtesy of NORAD
Terri remembers her dad had two phones on his desk, including a red one. "Only a four-star general at the Pentagon and my dad had the number," she says.
What does death have to do with Christmas? Everything...
What does death have to do with Christmas? EverythingNOBLE: If we were to learn about Christmas from movies and malls it wouldn’t be about much more than Mariah Carey’s breathy vocals, hot chocolate, the sparkle of snowflakes, and couples kissing as they ice skate. All those things are nice, but they are not Christmas. Neither is Christmas the superficial glitz and empty commercialism that bursts into stores and onto screens from July to December.
Lift your heart to Heaven: French seminarians chant “Alma Redemptoris Mater” in French chapel for Advent
Lift Your Heart to Heaven: French Seminarians Chant “Alma Redemptoris Mater” in Notre Dame Chapel for Advent | ChurchPOP: This is beyond beautiful.
Seminarians at the Saint Vincent de Paul Seminary in France posted a video that will set your heart ablaze! The beautiful Gregorian chant of “Alma Redemptoris Mater” honors the Blessed Mother.
This chant is actually one of the four Marian antiphons, and is traditionally sung throughout advent until Candlemas.
The description of the Saint Vincent de Paul Seminary YouTube video reads, “While waiting for the coming of the Messiah, the School of Saint Vincent de Paul proposes you to listen to the ‘Alma Redemptoris Mater.’ A beautiful prayer to the Most Holy Mother of God at the end of Advent.”
Seminarians at the Saint Vincent de Paul Seminary in France posted a video that will set your heart ablaze! The beautiful Gregorian chant of “Alma Redemptoris Mater” honors the Blessed Mother.
This chant is actually one of the four Marian antiphons, and is traditionally sung throughout advent until Candlemas.
The description of the Saint Vincent de Paul Seminary YouTube video reads, “While waiting for the coming of the Messiah, the School of Saint Vincent de Paul proposes you to listen to the ‘Alma Redemptoris Mater.’ A beautiful prayer to the Most Holy Mother of God at the end of Advent.”
Have you ever wondered how they clean St. Peter’s Basilica, the world’s largest church?
Cleaning St. Peter’s Basilica — TravelAngelBERGAMIN: Have you ever wondered what it takes to maintain the sparkle of the world’s largest Basilica? The behind-the-scenes cleaning and maintenance of the Basilica of St. Peter’s take place daily thanks to the large team of specialized staff (including electricians and other tradesmen) known as Sampietrini, or as I like to call them – the building blocks of St. Peter’s, since their Italian name also translates to the word ‘cobblestones’. You’ll hardly even notice their presence when you’re inside the Basilica, but if you do make eye contact give them a smile because the sparkle and shine is due to their hard work.
Modern science offers evidence for Christmas story
Modern Science Offers Evidence for Christmas Story - Crisis MagazineKRANICK: I was privileged recently to go on a pilgrimage with Fr. Dwight Longenecker and forty-eight other pilgrims to the Holy Land. We were retracing the steps of the Magi from Jordan into Israel. The pilgrimage was based on the historical detective work that Fr. Longenecker produced in his book Mystery of the Magi: The Quest to Identify the Three Wise Men. One of the main points of this intriguing book is to demythologize the story of the Magi and root them in history. Why does this story need demythologizing? There is nothing overtly harmful to the faith in the present-day retelling of the “three kings,” typically named “Melchior, Caspar, and Balthasar,” who come from distant countries like “Persia, Babylonia, and India.” The only issue is that parts of it are fable. It is these fable-parts that are used to attack the faith, calling it just another made-up myth of the Church. Fr. Longenecker’s book blunts this attack by placing the Magi in a historical context.
Indonesia mobilizes 90,000 police and soldiers to protect churches from attacks during Christmas
Christmas guards for Indonesian churches- ucanews.com: Nearly 50,000 churches across Indonesia, including some previously attacked by terrorists, are to be guarded during the Christmas period.
The massive operation is to involve more than 90,000 police and soldiers and a moderate Muslim youth group will join the protection effort.
National Police spokesperson Brig. Gen Dedi Prasetyo said that Christmas security this year will be focused on churches in 13 provinces, including on the main islands of Java and Sumatra as well as Bali, East Nusa Tenggara, North Sulawesi, Maluku and Papua.
The deployments would be to "anticipate" possible security threats, Prasetyo added.
The massive operation is to involve more than 90,000 police and soldiers and a moderate Muslim youth group will join the protection effort.
National Police spokesperson Brig. Gen Dedi Prasetyo said that Christmas security this year will be focused on churches in 13 provinces, including on the main islands of Java and Sumatra as well as Bali, East Nusa Tenggara, North Sulawesi, Maluku and Papua.
The deployments would be to "anticipate" possible security threats, Prasetyo added.
Sunday, December 23, 2018
ChurchFathers.org asks: What did the Fathers say about it?
ChurchFathers.org asks: What did the Fathers say about it?BECKLO: The Church Fathers—a contingent of ancient preachers and teachers who provide a window into the earliest centuries of the Christian faith—remain a source of great discussion, confusion, and fascination for Christians. Their writings play a conspicuous role in the spiritual journeys (and indeed the conversions) of many; but in some Christian circles, they are conspicuous only by their absence.
Pope’s Sunday Angelus: ‘Mary is blessed because she believed; Zechariah doubted and remained mute’
Angelus Address: Fourth Sunday of Advent, Which Highlights the Figure of Mary - ZENIT - English: Here is a ZENIT translation of the address Pope Francis gave today, before and after praying the midday Angelus with those gathered in St. Peter’s Square.
Saturday, December 22, 2018
What is the perfect Catholic cocktail? A group of 8 Catholic writers weighs in
What is the perfect Catholic cocktail? | Catholic Herald: When I approached our friends and colleagues about this little symposium, each one responded immediately with a moving appeal for their candidate. Clearly, they’d all given the matter some thought before. I like to imagine each of them toddling home from Mass one afternoon, whipping up a batch of their preferred oh-be-joyful, plopping themselves down into an overstuffed armchair by the fire or a wicker couch on the veranda, and silently musing: “This really is the perfect Catholic cocktail.” Here are the fruits of those musings, guaranteed to get you thoroughly jingled well before Santa’s sleigh touches down.
Why all parents should let their kids experience Midnight Mass
Why all parents should let their kids experience Midnight Mass: At midnight on Christmas Eve, you can sometimes see your breath hang in the air like crystals. If the sky is clear, a Mass-goer might pause for a moment to see the stars prodigally thrown across the sky like so many saints looking down on the world. They twinkle like candles in the window of the heavenly mansion. On Christmas Eve the atmosphere is charged with a rare sense of aliveness, as if on this night the entire world is enchanted and creation strains in anticipation. If the Savior of the universe can be born under a sky such as this, who knows what other miracles are possible in my life or yours?
Catholicism and the power of myth
Catholicism and the Power of Myth – Fr. Dwight LongeneckerLONGENECKER: At Christmas there is invariably the usual talk about the gospels being myth. As C.S.Lewis (who as a literary critic understood myth) observed, those who say the gospels are myth have probably not read either very many myths or the gospels.
One person who did understand myth was Joseph Campbell. I’m fascinated with Campbell–who was brought up as a Catholic but left the faith. By the way, I met a fellow who gave good anecdotal witness that Campbell was reconciled with the church on his deathbed. I’m intrigued by Campbell for several reasons. First, because of his encyclopedic knowledge of world religions, myth and story. He really did master the subject. I’m also delighted that he went his own way and, like Russell Kirk, never really fit in with the academic establishment. They were both genuine intellectuals and scholars, but not academics. I’m also interested in the reason Campbell left the Catholic Church.
One person who did understand myth was Joseph Campbell. I’m fascinated with Campbell–who was brought up as a Catholic but left the faith. By the way, I met a fellow who gave good anecdotal witness that Campbell was reconciled with the church on his deathbed. I’m intrigued by Campbell for several reasons. First, because of his encyclopedic knowledge of world religions, myth and story. He really did master the subject. I’m also delighted that he went his own way and, like Russell Kirk, never really fit in with the academic establishment. They were both genuine intellectuals and scholars, but not academics. I’m also interested in the reason Campbell left the Catholic Church.
A Detroit priest, a controversial homily, and Romans 8
ACTS Apologist Blog: A Detroit Priest, A Controversial Homily, and Romans 8OKEEFE: One of the ideas which sprouted from the Protestant movements is an ideology called “eternal security” or more colloquially “once saved, always saved” (OSAS). It means that once a sinner is brought into the sheepfold of Christ, nothing can possibly remove him/her from that status. Such a person could theoretically murder millions of people and never jeopardize his/her salvation. In Catholic terms, the doctrine amounts to a denial of the existence of mortal sin. Mortal sins are grave offenses against God which are capable of sending a Christian to hell. So if OSAS says Christians are incapable of going to hell, it means there is no such thing as mortal sin.
Sacred art is the triumph of beauty and truth
Sacred Art is the Triumph of Beauty and Truth | Elizabeth LevTURLEY: Elizabeth Lev is a Rome-based American-born art historian.
After finishing her studies at the University of Chicago in 1989, Elizabeth moved to Northern Italy to do graduate work at the University of Bologna. She moved to live in the Eternal City in 1997 and, today, with her family, lives just minutes from St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums.
Shortly after her decision to live in Rome, Elizabeth began giving guided tours, soon passing the official licensing exams. In 2001, she began teaching Art History at Duquesne University’s Italian campus where she continues to be a faculty member to this day. After teaching Renaissance Art at John Cabot University for five years, she has since joined the teaching staff at the Pontifical University of the Angelicum in Rome, as well as at Christendom College.
After finishing her studies at the University of Chicago in 1989, Elizabeth moved to Northern Italy to do graduate work at the University of Bologna. She moved to live in the Eternal City in 1997 and, today, with her family, lives just minutes from St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums.
Shortly after her decision to live in Rome, Elizabeth began giving guided tours, soon passing the official licensing exams. In 2001, she began teaching Art History at Duquesne University’s Italian campus where she continues to be a faculty member to this day. After teaching Renaissance Art at John Cabot University for five years, she has since joined the teaching staff at the Pontifical University of the Angelicum in Rome, as well as at Christendom College.
The Virgin of Guadalupe is Mexico’s ‘No. 1 Mother,’ a binding force across divides
Virgin of Guadalupe Is ‘No. 1 Mother’ in Mexico, a Binding Force Across Divides - The New York Times: His mother was grievously ill, nearing death. So Jesús Vicuña, 17, made a deal with the heavens. In his prayers for her recovery, he vowed to make a certain painful sacrifice in exchange.
Which is how he found himself the other day walking on his knees, under the weight of a heavy backpack, along a crowded sidewalk in Mexico City.
He winced with each step, and every few paces he fell onto his arms with a groan, seeking a moment of relief that never came.
But more than 20 blocks after he began this ordeal — the last stage of a three-day journey — he knee-shuffled the last few yards into the New Basilica of Guadalupe, Mexico’s most important shrine, and collapsed face down on the cool stone floor, gasping for air. Mr. Vicuña had reached his goal.
Which is how he found himself the other day walking on his knees, under the weight of a heavy backpack, along a crowded sidewalk in Mexico City.
He winced with each step, and every few paces he fell onto his arms with a groan, seeking a moment of relief that never came.
But more than 20 blocks after he began this ordeal — the last stage of a three-day journey — he knee-shuffled the last few yards into the New Basilica of Guadalupe, Mexico’s most important shrine, and collapsed face down on the cool stone floor, gasping for air. Mr. Vicuña had reached his goal.
The divine gentleness of Advent
The Gentleness Of AdventLILLES: As the Christmas mystery draws near, we are tested by Divine Gentleness to a greater love. Our meanness of spirit is revealed in flashes of anger over something trivial or in a bitter judgment of heart that we want to forget, but find ourselves unable to let go. We wound with a glance and kill with a single whisper. Even our smiles in a tense moment betray hostility. In all of this, we confront how countless banalities and irrational judgments threaten our freedom to love. We also discover our sluggishness toward God. We distract ourselves from the promptings of the Gentle God because they are inconvenient, and then we wonder why He seems so distant.
No one goes away from Jesus unchanged
No One Goes Away from Jesus Unchanged - Community in Mission : Community in MissionPOPE: Let us review the impact that the star of Christmas had on the wise men, the Magi.
The star moved them to seek meaning outside themselves; it made them look out and up.
The star called them beyond what was familiar in their own country and world and expanded their horizons toward Christ and His Kingdom.
The star summoned them to seek Christ, and when they found Him, to worship Him.
The star drew them to be generous to a poor family in Bethlehem; they made sacrifices as they lay costly gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh before the Lord.
The star roused them to conversion; they “returned to their country by another route,” following the straight and narrow path rather than the wide and destructive one.
The star moved them to seek meaning outside themselves; it made them look out and up.
The star called them beyond what was familiar in their own country and world and expanded their horizons toward Christ and His Kingdom.
The star summoned them to seek Christ, and when they found Him, to worship Him.
The star drew them to be generous to a poor family in Bethlehem; they made sacrifices as they lay costly gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh before the Lord.
The star roused them to conversion; they “returned to their country by another route,” following the straight and narrow path rather than the wide and destructive one.
Judicial nominee faces Senate scrutiny over Knights of Columbus membership
Judicial nominee faces Senate scrutiny over Knights of Columbus membership: A judicial nominee faced questions from Senators this month about whether membership in the Knights of Columbus might impede his ability to judge federal cases fairly. The Knights of Columbus say that no candidate for public office should have to defend his membership in a Catholic service organization. Senators Mazie Hirono (D-HI) and Kamala Harris (D-CA) raised concerns about membership in the Knights of Columbus while the Senate Judiciary Committee reviewed the candidacy of Brian C. Buescher, an Omaha-based lawyer nominated by President Trump to sit on the United States District Court for the District of Nebraska.
Friday, December 21, 2018
Amid year of scandals, a choice “between David and Judas”
Whispers in the Loggia: Amid Year of Scandals, "The State of The Church" – A Choice "Between David and Judas"PALMO: In terms of policy, Christmas at the Vatican is a tale of two speeches – the season's end in early January brings the annual address to the Holy See's accredited diplomats long known as "The State of The World," while the start to the festivities sees a talk that's only recently become a pontiff's most consequential annual reflection on the life of the Church. The latter practice begun by Benedict XVI with his first Christmas "greeting" to the Roman Curia in 2005 – a sweeping message still cited as the programmatic text of his reign – under Francis, the speech has become ever more loaded, and consistently geared toward his charted reform of the Church's central government: a process both practical and spiritual.
SDG reviews ‘Aquaman’: A ridiculous, glorious mess
SDG Reviews ‘Aquaman’: A Ridiculous, Glorious MessGREYDANUS: A couple of weeks ago, on the night of an Aquaman screening, I accidentally went to the wrong theater, and was chagrined for more reasons than one to find myself sitting through the first few minutes of Peter Jackson’s dystopian Mortal Engines. Since I had blown my chance to catch Aquaman that night, I briefly toyed with the idea of staying for Mortal Engines, but quickly decided against it. What I saw in those few minutes struck me as off-puttingly bleak, ugly and dull, like so much Hollywood spectacle these days.
If that LA auxiliary bishop had been a priest, here’s how the story would have been different
A Different Story When a Bishop, Not a Priest, Is Accused (LA Auxiliary) | Matthew SchneiderSCHNEIDER: The Archdiocese of Los Angeles was aware of accusations against Auxiliary Bishop Alexander Salazar since 2005. The Vatican investigated around that time and decided to give him secret restrictions on his ministry. However, he was only barred from public ministry this week. How would have this case gone down were he a priest? It would have been quite different. I will quote the story then relevant norms.
Jesus vs. the Zombies
Ethika Politika | Jesus vs. the Zombies: An Advent MeditationMILLS: If current popular art reports correctly, zombies can’t be beaten. They can only be escaped, and that probably for only a little while. They want what they want, which is to eat people alive, and they don’t stop until they get it. Anyone might join them.
In our culture they stand for despair, the writer David Goldman explained a few years ago, the despair people feel when they don’t really believe that God loves them and will love them forever. They stand for the belief that death and nothingness have the last word. Which seems, looking at the world, to be probable. What can defeat reasonable despair? Who can beat the zombies?
In our culture they stand for despair, the writer David Goldman explained a few years ago, the despair people feel when they don’t really believe that God loves them and will love them forever. They stand for the belief that death and nothingness have the last word. Which seems, looking at the world, to be probable. What can defeat reasonable despair? Who can beat the zombies?
We don’t need no education
We Don’t Need No Education | Classical Catholic EducationLANGLEY: Sometimes in life we need to face difficult truths. If we have been on the wrong side of an issue, we need to be open to change, and open to declaring an “about-face.” Even if it hurts!
And so, after thirty years of teaching and promoting education, after thirty years of giving largely unsolicited advice to parents about educating their children, after thirty years fighting an uphill battle to help market education for struggling schools that purport to “educate,” I think it is now time to consider a different point of view. Do we really need to educate our children?
Why not just baptize them and give them a good training?
And so, after thirty years of teaching and promoting education, after thirty years of giving largely unsolicited advice to parents about educating their children, after thirty years fighting an uphill battle to help market education for struggling schools that purport to “educate,” I think it is now time to consider a different point of view. Do we really need to educate our children?
Why not just baptize them and give them a good training?
Pope delivers annual message to Roman Curia, saying abusers must “convert, surrender to authorities, prepare for God’s justice”
Pope to Abusers: Convert, Surrender to Authorities, Prepare for God’s Justice: Pope Francis strongly condemned clerical sex abuse in his annual Christmas speech to the Roman Curia on Friday, promising that the Church leadership will never again cover-up abuse or treat such cases lightly.
“Let it be clear that before these abominations the Church will spare no effort to do all that is necessary to bring to justice whosoever has committed such crimes. The Church will never seek to hush up or not take seriously any case,” Pope Francis said in Vatican’s City’s Apostolic Palace Dec. 21.
“It is undeniable that some in the past, out of irresponsibility, disbelief, lack of training, inexperience, or spiritual and human short-sightedness, treated many cases without the seriousness and promptness that was due. That must never happen again. This is the choice and the decision of the whole Church,” he continued.
“Let it be clear that before these abominations the Church will spare no effort to do all that is necessary to bring to justice whosoever has committed such crimes. The Church will never seek to hush up or not take seriously any case,” Pope Francis said in Vatican’s City’s Apostolic Palace Dec. 21.
“It is undeniable that some in the past, out of irresponsibility, disbelief, lack of training, inexperience, or spiritual and human short-sightedness, treated many cases without the seriousness and promptness that was due. That must never happen again. This is the choice and the decision of the whole Church,” he continued.
8 boooks for Christmas
Books for Christmas - Denver CatholicWEIGEL: Dr. Wright’s remarkable ability to explicate the New Testament gives familiar passages new depths of meaning. His reconstruction of what Saul of Tarsus experienced on the Damascus road is deeply moving, even thrilling. And in this season of Catholic anger and grief, Wright’s analysis of Paul’s pastoral struggles is a helpful reminder that the Church has always been something of a mess.
The importance of the word “will” in the angel’s greeting to Mary
The importance of the word “will” in the angel’s greeting to Mary – Fr. Regis ScanlonSCANLON: Many people today find it hard to believe that anyone can control themselves in the area of chastity and purity for a life time. They even think that in the relationship between Mary and Joseph at Nazareth Joseph must have been an old man while Mary was a young girl. They think that this is the only way that Mary and Joseph could have lived celibately. The painting, “La Natividad,” by Larenzo Lotto 1523 contains an example of this kind of thinking. The artist depicts Mary as a young woman but Joseph is a man of about 70 years old. This gives the impression that Joseph related to Mary as her father rather than her husband. But there is 100 miles between the beginning of the journey at Nazareth to Bethlehem where Jesus was born. If Joseph was as old as he is pictured in this painting, he would have been the one riding the donkey instead of Mary.
Thursday, December 20, 2018
Vintage secrets to being a good conversationalist
Vintage Secrets to Being a Good Conversationalist | The Art of Manliness: The character of a person is revealed by his conversation as much as by any one quality he possesses, for strive as he may he cannot always be acting. To be able to converse well is an attainment which should be cultivated by every intelligent man and woman. It is better to be a good talker than a good singer or musician, because the former is more widely appreciated, and the company of a person who is able to talk well on a great variety of subjects, is much sought after. The importance, therefore, of cultivating the art of conversation, cannot easily be overestimated. It should be the aim of all intelligent persons to acquire the habit of talking sensibly and with facility upon all topics of general interest to society, so that they may both interest others and be themselves interested, in whatever company they may chance to be thrown.
For my money, this is the best hymn ever composed...
My Entry for the Best Hymn Ever Written - Community in Mission : Community in MissionPOPE: Anthony Esolen recently wrote a piece about the beauty of the older poetic and metrical hymns as compared to many modern asymmetrical and syncopated songs. I wrote a post about the beautiful hymn “Rorate Caeli Desuper” yesterday.
The hymn writers of old knew that in order to get a large congregation to sing together, a steady beat or meter was needed. Most modern church songs have complex, uneven rhythms. It is no wonder that many Catholics just stand there while cantors and choirs sing for them. For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle? The lyrics of most modern church songs are also far from noble or memorable; some of them are even theologically questionable.
The hymn writers of old knew that in order to get a large congregation to sing together, a steady beat or meter was needed. Most modern church songs have complex, uneven rhythms. It is no wonder that many Catholics just stand there while cantors and choirs sing for them. For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle? The lyrics of most modern church songs are also far from noble or memorable; some of them are even theologically questionable.
Mary, Queen Mother of the Crown Prince: The 4th Sunday of Advent
The Sacred Page: Mary, Queen Mother of the Crown Prince: The 4th Sunday of AdventBERGSMA: The Fourth Sunday of Advent marks a switch in focus from John the Baptist (on the previous two Sundays) to the events immediately leading up to the birth of Christ.
The Readings for this Sunday focus on Jesus’ royalty: his descent from the line of Davidic kings. As we will see, this royal status also accrued to his mother Mary, and this is the basis for the practice of Marian veneration in the Catholic Church. In fact, the first instance of Marian veneration by another human being takes place in this Sunday’s Gospel.
The Readings for this Sunday focus on Jesus’ royalty: his descent from the line of Davidic kings. As we will see, this royal status also accrued to his mother Mary, and this is the basis for the practice of Marian veneration in the Catholic Church. In fact, the first instance of Marian veneration by another human being takes place in this Sunday’s Gospel.
How Taiwan’s ‘silent majority’ stopped same-sex ‘marriage’ momentum
How Taiwan’s ‘Silent Majority’ Blocked Same-Sex ‘Marriage’ MomentumGAETAN: Until local elections that were held Nov. 24, Taiwan was considered the San Francisco of Asia — the most “gay-friendly” country in the region, set to redefine marriage to include same-sex couples, as ordered by the country’s highest court.
What happened instead surprised even Catholic clergy deeply involved in defending pro-family laws.
In a set of five referendum questions, Taiwan overwhelmingly affirmed traditional marriage and voted to remove content reflecting gender ideology from elementary- and junior-high-school curricula; 66.1% of approximately 19 million eligible voters participated.
A diverse coalition of religious groups fueled the pro-family campaign, including Buddhists and adherents to Daoism. Some secular associations were engaged, too.
What happened instead surprised even Catholic clergy deeply involved in defending pro-family laws.
In a set of five referendum questions, Taiwan overwhelmingly affirmed traditional marriage and voted to remove content reflecting gender ideology from elementary- and junior-high-school curricula; 66.1% of approximately 19 million eligible voters participated.
A diverse coalition of religious groups fueled the pro-family campaign, including Buddhists and adherents to Daoism. Some secular associations were engaged, too.
Two men are simultaneously attempting to become the first person to cross Antarctica alone and unsupported
Tracking the Race Across Antarctica - The New York Times: For Colin O’Brady, an American adventure athlete, and Louis Rudd, a captain in the British Army, the attempt to cross Antarctica is not only a race against each other, but also the ultimate challenge against the most unforgiving forces of nature. Here’s a day-by-day look at their progress, most recent first.
Archaeologists figured out that some of the world's oldest cave drawings don’t just depict animals — they’re constellations of stars
Ancient cave drawings depict star constellations - Business Insider: Many historians credit ancient Greek scholars like Plato and Aristotle for advancing the field of modern astronomy. But researchers in Europe now believe that humans living thousands of years before the ancient Greeks already had a nuanced understanding of the stars.
After studying previously known cave paintings depicting animals across Spain, France, Turkey, and Germany, two researchers realized the illustrations weren't just drawings of nearby wildlife. The art, which includes drawings of bulls, rams, leopards, scorpions, and fish, actually represents constellations of stars in the night sky, they said.
After studying previously known cave paintings depicting animals across Spain, France, Turkey, and Germany, two researchers realized the illustrations weren't just drawings of nearby wildlife. The art, which includes drawings of bulls, rams, leopards, scorpions, and fish, actually represents constellations of stars in the night sky, they said.
Trigonometry is more important than you realize. Here are the basics...
Trigonometry Is Essential to Physics. Here Are the Basics | WIRED: You might have already passed that silly course with a title something like "Introductory Algebra and Trigonometry." It covered a bunch of stuff, but the important part was that the class was a prerequisite for your physics course.
But do you really understand the very basic concepts of trig? Yes, I just call it "trig" because I always misspell trigonometry. Maybe you can use the double angle formula and you don't have a problem with trig identities. It's very easy to do some of the more complicated parts of trig while forgetting about the essence of trig (a nice name for a perfume, don't you think?).
But do you really understand the very basic concepts of trig? Yes, I just call it "trig" because I always misspell trigonometry. Maybe you can use the double angle formula and you don't have a problem with trig identities. It's very easy to do some of the more complicated parts of trig while forgetting about the essence of trig (a nice name for a perfume, don't you think?).
Dioceses failed to disclose 500 clergy abuse allegations, says Illinois attorney general
Illinois AG: Dioceses Failed to Disclose 500 Clergy Abuse Allegations: Illinois attorney general Lisa Madigan released a report Wednesday outlining the early findings into an investigation into clerical sexual abuse in the state’s six Catholic dioceses, alleging the dioceses collectively failed to reveal more than 500 credibly accused priests, could not effectively police themselves per the Dallas Charter, and were doing a poor job of healing and reconciling victims in the Church.
Madigan began an investigation in August, following the release of a Pennsylvania grand jury report detailing seven decades of clerical sexual allegations in six dioceses of that state.
Madigan’s Dec. 19 “status update” was released to provide “an overview of the investigation to date.”
Madigan began an investigation in August, following the release of a Pennsylvania grand jury report detailing seven decades of clerical sexual allegations in six dioceses of that state.
Madigan’s Dec. 19 “status update” was released to provide “an overview of the investigation to date.”
Getting un-tilted this Advent
Getting Un-Tilted this Advent | One Thousand Words a WeekBECKER: We have ancient, high-mileage, “decaying-when-we-bought-‘em” cars and vans. We also have a inclined driveway – about 10, maybe 15 degrees. One winter, our behemoth Chevy Express slid down that iced-over driveway and into the street overnight. Fortunately, nobody was hurt, and the Express now stays curbside every winter.
The other problem associated with our vehicle/driveway combo has to do with gas gauges. At street level, the Chevy and the Toyotas will show a quarter-tank full, but put them up on the inclined driveway, and the needles will drop to empty. Late-model vehicles don’t have this problem because the sensors are located lower down in the tanks. Older vehicles, like ours, are prone to angle-sensitive gauge fluctuations.
The other problem associated with our vehicle/driveway combo has to do with gas gauges. At street level, the Chevy and the Toyotas will show a quarter-tank full, but put them up on the inclined driveway, and the needles will drop to empty. Late-model vehicles don’t have this problem because the sensors are located lower down in the tanks. Older vehicles, like ours, are prone to angle-sensitive gauge fluctuations.
The gift of listening: Of cursors, nurses, and Amazon A.I.
The Gift of Listening: Of Cursors, Nurses, and Amazon A.I.BECKER: James Gips died last summer. You’ve probably never heard of him. Me neither. But I happened across his obituary in the Wall Street Journal, and the title intrigued me: “Professor Helped Disabled Use Cursors.” I read on.
Gips taught computer science at Boston College, and his research helped spur an innovation in eye-controlled cursor technology. At first, he and his colleagues thought their work would have a gaming application, and they dubbed their product EagleEyes. “It involves attaching electrodes to skin around the eyes so they can pick up electrical signals generated by eye movements and relay them to a computer.” Pretty cool stuff. Just the kind of flashy electronic accessory to give the edge to a new gaming platform.
Gips taught computer science at Boston College, and his research helped spur an innovation in eye-controlled cursor technology. At first, he and his colleagues thought their work would have a gaming application, and they dubbed their product EagleEyes. “It involves attaching electrodes to skin around the eyes so they can pick up electrical signals generated by eye movements and relay them to a computer.” Pretty cool stuff. Just the kind of flashy electronic accessory to give the edge to a new gaming platform.
Was William Shakespeare part of a covert Catholic resistance movement?
Was Shakespeare Part of a Covert Catholic Resistance Movement?TURLEY: The debate over whether William Shakespeare was a Catholic, the nature of his religious beliefs and their relationship to his work has reignited with the publication of a new book, Shakespeare and the Resistance: The Earl of Southampton, the Essex Rebellion and the Poems That Challenged Tudor Tyranny (PublicAffairs) by Clare Asquith.
Building upon her 2005 work Shadowplay: The Hidden Beliefs and Coded Politics of William Shakespeare (PublicAffairs), Asquith both develops and nuances some of the recent scholarship on Shakespeare’s Catholicism, positioning Shakespeare and his writings at the heart of a covert resistance movement.
Building upon her 2005 work Shadowplay: The Hidden Beliefs and Coded Politics of William Shakespeare (PublicAffairs), Asquith both develops and nuances some of the recent scholarship on Shakespeare’s Catholicism, positioning Shakespeare and his writings at the heart of a covert resistance movement.
Wednesday, December 19, 2018
How to evangelize fallen-away Catholics
How To Evangelize Fallen-Away Catholics - Catholic Missionary Disciples - College Station, TXLEJEUNE: She once worked in full-time ministry jobs, but stopped going to Mass 2 years ago and most of her family and closest Catholic friends don’t even know she stopped. She reached out to tell me her story after reading my previous post on lonely Catholics. But, that isn’t the end of the story.
I will keep her anonymous, but I want you to hear her story. She grew up in a very active Catholic family. She discerned a religious vocation for a while, she never had any big issues with Catholicism, and then after college she worked for 2 major Catholic apostolates and several parishes in full-time work for years. But, she never found deep Catholic relationships or community that cared enough to reach out to her. Maybe it was because she was single. Maybe it was something else. Whatever it was, she never felt like she mattered to others, at least not in a life-giving way.
I will keep her anonymous, but I want you to hear her story. She grew up in a very active Catholic family. She discerned a religious vocation for a while, she never had any big issues with Catholicism, and then after college she worked for 2 major Catholic apostolates and several parishes in full-time work for years. But, she never found deep Catholic relationships or community that cared enough to reach out to her. Maybe it was because she was single. Maybe it was something else. Whatever it was, she never felt like she mattered to others, at least not in a life-giving way.
Do you desire true liberty? Then let the children live!
Do You Desire True Liberty? Then Let the Children Live! ~ The Imaginative Conservative: St. John the Baptist came to prepare the way of the Lord by proclaiming the Good News of the coming of the Redeemer, and by turning the hearts of the disobedient to the wisdom of the just. According to Abba Apollo, a desert father who lived about 1,700 years ago, the devil has no knees. He had them once, but they atrophied through disuse and withered away because he would not bend his own will in humble obedience to God. His proud motto is ‘Non Serviam – I will not serve!” In the guise of a serpent, he enticed our first parents to commit the primal act of disobedience, promising them that this would lead to their equality with God; and, ever since, our wounded human nature has been disposed to disobedience, and to pursuing its own desires in radical autonomy.
Is Catholic Ireland dead?
Is Catholic Ireland Dead? | Principles: For centuries, Ireland had been a defender and promoter of the Catholic faith. And yet, on May 25, 2018, the Irish people chose the wrong way forward, with 66.4% voting to repeal the 8th Amendment, thereby revoking the right to life extended to unborn persons in the Constitution of Ireland. On September 18, legal abortion took effect with President Michael Higgins signing the new bill into law.
For many Catholics around the world, the victory of secularist ideology in Ireland—considered by many to be a last bulwark of Christian civilization—came as a shock. It is now a fair question to ask: is Catholic Ireland dead?
For many Catholics around the world, the victory of secularist ideology in Ireland—considered by many to be a last bulwark of Christian civilization—came as a shock. It is now a fair question to ask: is Catholic Ireland dead?
The Bible that left the exodus out of Exodus
The Slave-Owners' BibleMILLS: It was published for slaves by people allied to slave owners, and you can guess what kind of things the “Slave Bible” of 1809 kept in and kept out. The cover page describes the book as “Parts of the Bible, Selected for the use of the Negro Slaves of the British West-India Islands.” Parts. Just parts. Because some parts of Scripture the editors didn’t want slaves hearing.
It’s the subject of a new special exhibit at the Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C. (You can find a scan of the book here.) As far as I can find, it was published by the Incorporated Society for the Conversion and Religious Instruction and Education of the Negro Slaves in the British West India Islands. This ministry (here’s their report from 1825) included abolitionists, though many of the ministers they employed owned slaves.
It’s the subject of a new special exhibit at the Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C. (You can find a scan of the book here.) As far as I can find, it was published by the Incorporated Society for the Conversion and Religious Instruction and Education of the Negro Slaves in the British West India Islands. This ministry (here’s their report from 1825) included abolitionists, though many of the ministers they employed owned slaves.
A gadget-less gift guide for Catholic men
Jason Craig’s Gadget-Less Gift Guide for Catholic MenCRAIG: No, you don’t have to do particular things in order to be a “real man,” but real men always do particular things, so the following gifts can, in fact, help you be a man. I have selected the following with the simple requirements that they help one in pursuits worth pursuing and in relation to our relations (i.e. they serve the man but also his family). So, here is my gadget-less gift guide for men, that leans heavily on good solid gifts that most men would find useful, attractive, and edifying to own.
I have come to believe and to know
I Have Come to Believe and to Know - The Coming Home NetworkGRODI: Recently, a non-Catholic Historian posted several challenges in an online dialogue with some well-known Catholic bloggers concerning why they remain in the Catholic Church in the midst of this present scandal. I appreciated the debate, but didn’t stick my toe in the water because I know I’m not a “worthy enough swimmer.” However, having had the undeserved privilege of interviewing nearly a thousand converts/reverts to the Catholic Church over the past twenty-plus years, may I give one simple response.
How the idea of hell is compatible with the idea of an all-good and loving God
God & Hell: Our Infinite Hunger – Shameless PoperyHESCHMEYER: Is the idea of hell – an eternity of suffering apart from God – compatible with the idea of an all-good and loving God? I think that this is one of the strongest arguments against traditional Christian doctrine. I would argue that it is, but that to see this we need to see something about ourselves, and about God in relation to us, before we can see why. That’s what I’ll be exploring over the next four days. I’ll be making four major points:
We have an infinite craving for the good. Everything we do is in pursuit of the good;
Because no earthly goods are capable of satisfying our hearts, life is cruel… unless there is a good capable of satisfying the infinite longings of our hearts.
God, as infinite and perfect good, is the only one who can fill our hearts.
Eternity without God would necessarily be hellacious.
Let’s start with the first of these points...
We have an infinite craving for the good. Everything we do is in pursuit of the good;
Because no earthly goods are capable of satisfying our hearts, life is cruel… unless there is a good capable of satisfying the infinite longings of our hearts.
God, as infinite and perfect good, is the only one who can fill our hearts.
Eternity without God would necessarily be hellacious.
Let’s start with the first of these points...
A meditation on an often-forgotten Advent hymn
A Meditation on an Often-Forgotten Advent Hymn - Community in Mission : Community in MissionPOPE: One of the less-well-known Advent hymns is “Rorate Caeli Desuper” (Heavens, drop dew from above). It is a plaintive hymn that recalls our desperate need for a savior and concludes with consolations from God, who has heard our cries and hastens to save us.
The refrain, which comes from Isaiah 45:8, is shown below in both Latin and English
The refrain, which comes from Isaiah 45:8, is shown below in both Latin and English
Strange waves rippled around the world on November 11, and nobody knows why
Strange earthquake waves rippled around Earth, and nobody knows why: On the morning of November 11, just before 9:30 UT, a mysterious rumble rolled around the world.
The seismic waves began roughly 15 miles off the shores of Mayotte, a French island sandwiched between Africa and the northern tip of Madagascar. The waves buzzed across Africa, ringing sensors in Zambia, Kenya, and Ethiopia. They traversed vast oceans, humming across Chile, New Zealand, Canada, and even Hawaii nearly 11,000 miles away.
The seismic waves began roughly 15 miles off the shores of Mayotte, a French island sandwiched between Africa and the northern tip of Madagascar. The waves buzzed across Africa, ringing sensors in Zambia, Kenya, and Ethiopia. They traversed vast oceans, humming across Chile, New Zealand, Canada, and even Hawaii nearly 11,000 miles away.
The Apollo astronauts who read Genesis to the world on Christmas Eve — and got sued
Astronauts Who Read Genesis on Christmas Eve — and Got SuedARCHBOLD: This is one of the most beautiful and amazing videos I've ever seen. On Christmas Eve 1968, as they orbited the moon for the first time, astronauts Frank Borman, Jim Lovell and Bill Anders recited the first ten verses of the book of Genesis during a program viewed worldwide. In 2017, Borman and Lovell fondly recall discuss how that came to be. It's an amazing story about how the wife of a journalist who grew up in a convent came up with the idea to read the first verses of Genesis to the world. And then they laughingly recall how they were sued for doing it.
4 ways Evangelical Protestants start acting like Catholics every Christmas
4 Ways Evangelical Protestants Curiously Turn Catholic Every Christmas | ChurchPOP: For some Protestants, these points won’t apply because they share these devotional practices with Catholics all year round.
But for other Protestants, mostly evangelicals and fundamentalists, who are normally very critical of Catholic devotional practices, here is some friendly food for thought.
Here are 4 ways they seem to curiously “turn Catholic” every Christmas
But for other Protestants, mostly evangelicals and fundamentalists, who are normally very critical of Catholic devotional practices, here is some friendly food for thought.
Here are 4 ways they seem to curiously “turn Catholic” every Christmas
Embracing Christ’s nativity means a life of joy
Holiday grumblesLOPEZ: I was lingering in a church after a funeral Mass one recent Saturday afternoon. An older woman, a generous volunteer, I suspect, was clearly stressed. At some point while she was ironing linens on the altar, a man came attending to odd jobs, ultimately vacuuming.
“This is just crazy,” I overheard her tell him. “This is just out of control. How many more funerals are there going to be? They’ve been nonstop. There better not be another one next Saturday. There is too much work to do.”
“This is just crazy,” I overheard her tell him. “This is just out of control. How many more funerals are there going to be? They’ve been nonstop. There better not be another one next Saturday. There is too much work to do.”
Pope doesn't back down from skepticism about gays in priesthood
Pope doesn't back down from skepticism about gays in priesthoodSANMARTIN: In a book recently published in Spanish that will soon come out in English, Pope Francis is quoted saying that having gays in the clergy “is something that worries me,” remarking that some societies consider homosexuality a “fashionable” life style.
The comments made a splash, with some saying that it contradicts the gay-friendly image of the “Who am I to judge?” pope, while for others, it was a reinstatement of their belief that the Argentine pontiff is an anti-gay pope due to his repeated criticism of what he calls “gender ideology.”
The comments made a splash, with some saying that it contradicts the gay-friendly image of the “Who am I to judge?” pope, while for others, it was a reinstatement of their belief that the Argentine pontiff is an anti-gay pope due to his repeated criticism of what he calls “gender ideology.”
Report: Jesuits have been housing abusive priests on Gonzaga University’s campus for years
Report: Jesuits have been housing abusive priests at Gonzaga for years | America Magazine: On the surface, Father James Poole seemed like the cool priest in Nome, Alaska. He founded a Catholic mission radio station that broadcast his Jesuit sermons alongside contemporary pop hits. A 1978 story in People magazine called Poole "Western Alaska's Hippest DJ . Comin' at Ya with Rock'n'Roll 'n' Religion." Behind the radio station's closed doors, Poole was a serial sexual predator. He abused at least 20 women and girls, according to court documents. At least one was 6 years old. One Alaska Native woman says he impregnated her when she was 16, then forced her to get an abortion and blame her father for raping her. Her father went to prison.
We need a revolution of beauty. Catholic art can show the way...
Catholic Art and Spiritual Revival | National ReviewLOPEZ: Art and the saints are the greatest apologetic for our faith,” Pope Benedict XVI (now pope emeritus) has contended. In How Catholic Art Saved the Faith: The Triumph of Beauty and Truth in Counter-Reformation Art, American-born art historian extraordinaire Elizabeth Lev (you haven’t quite seen the art of Rome — where she lives — if you haven’t had her as a guide) focuses on a time of “glorious examples of holiness as well as beautiful sacred art in opposition to the ugliness, confusion, betrayal, and loss rampant” in the same era.
Here’s the suicide homily preached by Fr. Don LaCuesta. Read and judge for yourself...
Fr. LaCuesta Homily - names redacted.pdf | Powered by Box: Is there any hope to offer in this moment? Must we only speak of our profound grief, our indescribable sorrow, even our anger and confusion at how such a thing could have happened? Is there any word from God that might break into our darkness like a ray of light? Yes, yes, a thousand times. If we Christians are right in believing that salvation belongs to Jesus Christ, that it does not come from us--and that our hand cannot stop what God allows for us, then yes, there is hope in eternity even for those who take their own lives.
God bless Fr. LaCuesta
God bless Fr. LaCuesta | In the Light of the LawEDPETERS: If the text recently sent to me really was the homily that Fr. Don LaCuesta preached at the funeral Mass of a young man who suddenly killed himself a few days ago, for which homily LaCuesta has been savaged in the print and electronic media and even deprived of faculties for preaching, all I can say is, God bless Fr. LaCuesta. Note, first, how short this homily is. Perfectly in line with canonical and liturgical norms for such cases.
The backlash to a priest’s homily for a teen who died by suicide is missing a few key points
The backlash to a priest’s homily for a teen who died by suicide is missing a few key points.: Maison Hullibarger’s parents describe the 18-year-old college freshman as “passionate and opinionated,” a strong student and a devoted Pittsburgh Steelers fan. So when Maison killed himself on Dec. 4, his parents wanted to plan a funeral service that would capture the way he lived, not the way he died. Jeff and Linda Hullibarger met with the priest at Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Temperance, Michigan, and requested an uplifting message. To their horror, however, the Rev. Don LaCuesta delivered a homily that acknowledged Maison’s suicide explicitly and contemplated the fate of his eternal soul. Jeff Hullibarger was so disturbed that he says he approached the priest in the pulpit as he spoke, and whispered: “Father, please stop.”
12 things to remember about Confession
Twelve Things to Remember About Confession – Fr. Dwight LongeneckerLONGENECKER: Catholics are expected to go to confession at least once a year. Advent is a penitential season, and in the midst of the Christmas rush it’s a good idea to also get to confession.
One of the things I love about the Catholic Church is the sacrament of confession. This is because the church gives us some very clear teaching about sin, its consequences and its remedies. The more objective we are about our sin–the more we face it squarely and honestly–the more we will be able, by God’s grace, to find the cure.
We should always remember that sin is bad because it hurts people. It hurts us and it hurts other people. Most of all it alienates us from God. Sin takes us away from him and away from happiness. Forgiveness puts us back on the right road.
One of the things I love about the Catholic Church is the sacrament of confession. This is because the church gives us some very clear teaching about sin, its consequences and its remedies. The more objective we are about our sin–the more we face it squarely and honestly–the more we will be able, by God’s grace, to find the cure.
We should always remember that sin is bad because it hurts people. It hurts us and it hurts other people. Most of all it alienates us from God. Sin takes us away from him and away from happiness. Forgiveness puts us back on the right road.
O Antiphons - A devotional meditation
O Antiphons - A Devotional Meditation - Community in Mission : Community in MissionPOPE: The Catholic Church has been singing the “O Antiphons” since about the 8th century. They were first composed as antiphons to accompany the singing of the Magnificat in Vespers of the Divine Office. They were composed for the last week of Advent, December 17th – 23rd.
They are a compact and beautiful theology that draws on biblical themes of the Old Testament. As such, they proclaim the coming Christ as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and hopes. They also express current longings rooted in those themes. And although the prophecies are fulfilled, they remain an ever-longing aspect of all human hearts.
They are a compact and beautiful theology that draws on biblical themes of the Old Testament. As such, they proclaim the coming Christ as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and hopes. They also express current longings rooted in those themes. And although the prophecies are fulfilled, they remain an ever-longing aspect of all human hearts.
After Transatlantic tug of war, another bishop falls
Whispers in the Loggia: After Transatlantic Tug of War, Another Bishop FallsPALMO: Precisely six months into the US Church’s latest full-on storm of abuse revelations, the scandals have claimed a fourth American prelate – this time, in the nation’s largest diocese.
At Roman Noon this Wednesday, the Pope accepted the resignation of Auxiliary Bishop Alexander Salazar of Los Angeles, who turned 69 last month.
An immigrant from Costa Rica who settled with his family in Southern California in his boyhood, Salazar was named a deputy in the 5 million-member outpost in 2004 by now-Saint John Paul II.
Initially assigned to the archdiocese's San Pedro Region, in the late 2000s Salazar was quietly transferred to an office at the archdiocese's Wilshire Boulevard headquarters – a shift which today's move helps to explain in hindsight.
At Roman Noon this Wednesday, the Pope accepted the resignation of Auxiliary Bishop Alexander Salazar of Los Angeles, who turned 69 last month.
An immigrant from Costa Rica who settled with his family in Southern California in his boyhood, Salazar was named a deputy in the 5 million-member outpost in 2004 by now-Saint John Paul II.
Initially assigned to the archdiocese's San Pedro Region, in the late 2000s Salazar was quietly transferred to an office at the archdiocese's Wilshire Boulevard headquarters – a shift which today's move helps to explain in hindsight.
Pope Francis accepts L.A. auxiliary bishop’s resignation after credible abuse report
Pope Francis Accepts L.A. Auxiliary Bishop’s Resignation after Credible Abuse Report: Pope Francis accepted the resignation of Auxiliary Bishop Alexander Salazar of Los Angeles Wednesday after the archdiocese’s oversight board found a prior allegation of misconduct with a minor to be credible.
Bishop Salazar’s alleged misconduct, which is said to have occurred while he was a parish priest in the 1990s, was previously investigated by both law enforcement in 2002 and the Vatican’s Congregation of the Doctrine of Faith, which imposed precautionary measures on the bishop’s ministry after 2005.
“In the interest of due process, I requested and received permission from the Congregation for Bishops at the Holy See to submit the allegation to the Archdiocese’s independent Clergy Misconduct Oversight Board,” Archbishop José Gomez of Los Angeles said in a letter released Dec. 19.
Bishop Salazar’s alleged misconduct, which is said to have occurred while he was a parish priest in the 1990s, was previously investigated by both law enforcement in 2002 and the Vatican’s Congregation of the Doctrine of Faith, which imposed precautionary measures on the bishop’s ministry after 2005.
“In the interest of due process, I requested and received permission from the Congregation for Bishops at the Holy See to submit the allegation to the Archdiocese’s independent Clergy Misconduct Oversight Board,” Archbishop José Gomez of Los Angeles said in a letter released Dec. 19.
Tuesday, December 18, 2018
What was the Blessed Virgin Mary thinking the week before giving birth to Our Lord?
What Was the Mary Thinking the Week Prior to Giving Birth to Jesus? – EpicPewPERNA: In the liturgical calendar of the Latin Church, December 18 has been known as the Expectation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Although it is not currently in the liturgical calendar, I first came upon this feast in 2013 after reading through an old missal that was given to me as a gift. As someone that has a love and devotion for the Blessed Mother, I found the feast to be fascinating and took it upon myself to learn more about it.
Trying to grasp exactly what Our Lady was thinking one week before giving birth to Jesus is difficult since, nothing of her own thoughts has been revealed to us in the Sacred Scriptures. At this point, her thoughts and feelings are purely speculative. We know what Saint Luke tells us in Chapter 2 of his Gospel, however, we don’t know much more than this record. We understand that Mary’s Immaculate Conception would have allowed her to “see” God’s hand, but does that mean she knew exactly what was to happen?
Trying to grasp exactly what Our Lady was thinking one week before giving birth to Jesus is difficult since, nothing of her own thoughts has been revealed to us in the Sacred Scriptures. At this point, her thoughts and feelings are purely speculative. We know what Saint Luke tells us in Chapter 2 of his Gospel, however, we don’t know much more than this record. We understand that Mary’s Immaculate Conception would have allowed her to “see” God’s hand, but does that mean she knew exactly what was to happen?
Despite appearances, the Coen brothers don’t “believe in nussing.” They believe in the ordinary...
The New Cool | Peter J. Leithart | First ThingsLEITHART: More than any other filmmakers, the Coen brothers have wormed their way into my everyday. The Hudsucker Proxy is my all-time favorite comedy. I often emphasize the “stac” in “obstacle” in reference to O Brother, Where Art Thou? I answer texts with Sidney Musburger’s quick-fire “Sure, sure” (Hudsucker). I used to find out which students had seen The Big Lebowski by saying that nihilists “believe in nussing.” The ones who laughed had seen the film.
Pope appoints Andrea Tornielli editorial director of Vatican’s Dicastery for Communications
Pope Appoints Andrea Tornielli Editorial Director of Vatican’s Dicastery for Communications - ZENIT - English: Pope Francis has appointed Italian Vatican journalist Andrea Tornielli, 54, editorial director of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Communications.
Announced in a Holy See Press Office bulletin, Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2018, Tornielli will hold this position which coordinates Vatican media. In the same bulletin, it was announced that the Pope nominated Andrea Monda as Director of L’Osservatore Romano.
Born in Chioggia, part of Venice in northern Italy, on March 19, 1964, Andrea Tornielli graduated in the History of the Greek Language from the University of Padua. He was editor at the monthly magazine 30 Giorni, then worked from 1996 to 2011 for the daily Il Giornale.
Announced in a Holy See Press Office bulletin, Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2018, Tornielli will hold this position which coordinates Vatican media. In the same bulletin, it was announced that the Pope nominated Andrea Monda as Director of L’Osservatore Romano.
Born in Chioggia, part of Venice in northern Italy, on March 19, 1964, Andrea Tornielli graduated in the History of the Greek Language from the University of Padua. He was editor at the monthly magazine 30 Giorni, then worked from 1996 to 2011 for the daily Il Giornale.
Surely this tired and complicated world has never needed Christ more
Archbishop Chaput’s Weekly Column: Christmas 2018 – Archdiocese of PhiladelphiaCHAPUT: This year, as we’ve journeyed through Advent, I’ve tried a little experiment. I’ve kept track of how often I’ve heard about “the holidays,” “holiday sales” and “holiday gift-giving” . . . and how little I’ve heard about the heart and meaning of the season: Christmas.
Try it yourself. Listen to the radio. Watch a little television. Read the magazine and newspaper ads. You’ll still find the word “Christmas,” but it seems less and less a part of our public festivities. And this despite the fact that the great majority of Americans still describe themselves as Christians, and tens of millions still actively practice their faith.
Christians — in other words, followers of Jesus Christ – celebrate December 25 not as just another secular holiday, but as the birthday of the messiah; the birthday, in the words of St. Leo the Great, of life itself.
We live in a special time of joy every Advent and Christmas, and it has very little to do with holiday sales. Jesus Christ is Emmanuel – “God with us.” Sharing presents with friends and family is a wonderful tradition that springs eagerly from our Christmas joy. But the noise of mere things should never drown out the quiet voice of God’s love made flesh in the birth of Jesus. Bethlehem, for each of us individually and the world as a whole, is the beginning of something entirely new and utterly beautiful if we ask God for the purity of heart to possess it.
Try it yourself. Listen to the radio. Watch a little television. Read the magazine and newspaper ads. You’ll still find the word “Christmas,” but it seems less and less a part of our public festivities. And this despite the fact that the great majority of Americans still describe themselves as Christians, and tens of millions still actively practice their faith.
Christians — in other words, followers of Jesus Christ – celebrate December 25 not as just another secular holiday, but as the birthday of the messiah; the birthday, in the words of St. Leo the Great, of life itself.
We live in a special time of joy every Advent and Christmas, and it has very little to do with holiday sales. Jesus Christ is Emmanuel – “God with us.” Sharing presents with friends and family is a wonderful tradition that springs eagerly from our Christmas joy. But the noise of mere things should never drown out the quiet voice of God’s love made flesh in the birth of Jesus. Bethlehem, for each of us individually and the world as a whole, is the beginning of something entirely new and utterly beautiful if we ask God for the purity of heart to possess it.
25 wonderful facts about ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’
25 Wonderful Facts About It’s a Wonderful Life | Mental Floss: Mary Owen wasn’t welcomed into the world until more than a decade after Frank Capra’s It’s a Wonderful Life made its premiere in 1946. But she grew up cherishing the film and getting the inside scoop on its making from its star, Donna Reed—who just so happens to be her mom. Though Reed passed away in 1986, Owen has stood as one of the film’s most dedicated historians, regularly introducing screenings of the ultimate holiday classic, including during its annual run at New York City’s IFC Center. She shared some of her mom’s memories with us to help reveal 25 things you might not have known about It’s a Wonderful Life.
The endurance of Charles Dickens’ ‘A Christmas Carol’
The Endurance of ‘A Christmas Carol’: It is a generous letter, fully in keeping with the generosity of the people he is addressing. Still, like many people who write to express their thanks for unexpected or unwanted Christmas gifts, it seems that Dickens could not resist poking gentle fun at the purchasers’ taste, not least by hinting that sending him a turkey the size of a small child was perhaps being generous to a fault. Is there a note of reproach in “My Dear Sirs”? There is certainly more than one sense in which a turkey that hangs around for a week might be thought of as “that blessed bird,” as is clear from Dickens’s decision to pump up “turkey” into “Turkey,” the double insistence on its final reappearance “yesterday—I repeat it, yesterday,” and the drawn-out sentence that describes the many attempts made by the Dickens household to finish it off (“seven grills, one boil, and a cold lunch or two”), like a chorus of “The Twelve Days of Christmas” in which partridges in pear trees and swans a-swimming have been usurped by this one “blessed bird.” Even the reference to the turkey’s “astonishing capabilities” seems suspended between wonder and worry, as if a turkey that produced so many leftovers came close to being a real-life version of those enchanted objects and creatures—pots overflowing with porridge, or geese laying limitless supplies of golden eggs—that throng the pages of fairy tales.
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