Catholic Church Settles With Minn. Abuse Victims for $210 Million | Time: The Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis announced a $210 million settlement Thursday with 450 victims of clergy sexual abuse as part of its plan for bankruptcy reorganization, making this the second-largest payout in the scandal that rocked the nation’s Roman Catholic Church.
Victims’ attorney Jeff Anderson said the money, a total of $210,290,724, will go into a pot to pay survivors, with the amount for each survivor to be determined.
Anderson said a formal reorganization plan will now be submitted to a bankruptcy judge for approval, and then it will be sent to the victims for a vote. Anderson expected they will readily approve it.
Thursday, May 31, 2018
Rarely-seen color photographs from World War I
The Color Photographers of World War I | Getty Images FOTO: World War I is known for its spark (the assassination of Austria's Archduke Franz Ferdinand), for the first large-scale use of chemical weapons (mustard gas, among others), and its deadly toll (9 million combatants perished). It is not known for color photography. When the war broke out in 1914, photography was still in its toddlerhood — equipment was bulky and slow — but a few vanguard photographers were, in fact, working in color during the Great War. And these rare color photographs show the war in a different — and in many ways, more relatable — light.
4 rules for effective leaders
Four Rules for Effective Leaders - Community in Mission : Community in MissionPOPE: In modern bibles and in the breviary, Psalm 101 is often called the “Avowal of a Good Ruler.” In other words, it is a kind of oath a ruler takes pledging to promote virtue in the kingdom and to refute error and sin. One can imagine King David saying this himself.
While this psalm is surely a good plan for a ruler, it applies to us as well, for in fact we are rulers too. We are called to rule our very self. In addition, most of us attain to rule by becoming parents, priests, religious, or other types of leaders. Thus, Psalm 101 provides a good source for reflection for all of us.
While this psalm is surely a good plan for a ruler, it applies to us as well, for in fact we are rulers too. We are called to rule our very self. In addition, most of us attain to rule by becoming parents, priests, religious, or other types of leaders. Thus, Psalm 101 provides a good source for reflection for all of us.
No, Catholic parents should NOT let small kids “decide for themselves” about the Faith
No, Catholic Parents Should NOT Let Small Kids "Decide For Themselves" About the Faith | ChurchPOP: I feel the necessity to say this at least once a week to parents when it comes to their role in the spiritual development of their children:
You. Are. The. Parent.
When your child was baptized, you said you would take the lead in the spiritual and moral development of your children. This idea that that you let your child decide if they are going to be involved in that development is a dereliction of duty.
I would assume good parents don’t let their child decide whether or not they go to school.
I would assume good parents don’t let their child determine their diet.
You. Are. The. Parent.
When your child was baptized, you said you would take the lead in the spiritual and moral development of your children. This idea that that you let your child decide if they are going to be involved in that development is a dereliction of duty.
I would assume good parents don’t let their child decide whether or not they go to school.
I would assume good parents don’t let their child determine their diet.
We are about to fall off a demographic cliff of priestly vocations
Our Sad Decline in Priestly Vocations: Most Priests will Retire in 2015-2025 - Taylor MarshallMARSHALL: Over the years, whenever the “priestly shortage” comes up in conversation, someone is quick to reply with some encouragement like this: “Oh yes, but we have so many young orthodox vocations! Things will change in a few years!”
I agree with this encouraging fact: We have some great seminarians! I’ve personally taught Catholic seminarians in America and in Rome and I can confirm that there are some dynamic, orthodox, and impressive seminarians moving into the sacerdotal pipeline.
But I am also aware of a gaping problem that hardly anyone mentions. The seminarian numbers are not there.
I agree with this encouraging fact: We have some great seminarians! I’ve personally taught Catholic seminarians in America and in Rome and I can confirm that there are some dynamic, orthodox, and impressive seminarians moving into the sacerdotal pipeline.
But I am also aware of a gaping problem that hardly anyone mentions. The seminarian numbers are not there.
Reboot your router like the FBI says, but don't stop there
VPNFilter Malware Factory Reset Router Fix: Last week, the FBI sent out a warning: Reboot your router because a dangerous piece of malware, VPNFilter, has compromised hundreds of thousands of them.
If you did that, good. If not, do it now. But if you really want to be rid of the cyberscourge, you'll have to go a little further and reset your device to its factory settings.
VPNfilter is a nasty little bugger that could spy on your internet traffic or even brick your router. But before it can do any of that, it has to load itself up.
If you did that, good. If not, do it now. But if you really want to be rid of the cyberscourge, you'll have to go a little further and reset your device to its factory settings.
VPNfilter is a nasty little bugger that could spy on your internet traffic or even brick your router. But before it can do any of that, it has to load itself up.
An amazing flyover of New York in a resolution higher than your monitor can handle
An Amazing Flyover of New York in a Resolution Higher Than Your Monitor Can Handle �TwistedSifter: To film this jaw dropping 12K flyover of New York City, Phil Holland had to create a one-of-a-kind aerial camera array consisting of...
Man pinned by huge stone found at Pompeii
The History Blog Blog Archive Man pinned by huge stone found at Pompeii: After the discovery of the first complete remains of a horse, the Regio V excavation in Pompeii has unearthed the skeletal remains of a man captured at a dramatic moment of death. He was attempting to flee the eruption of Vesuvius when he was struck by a massive stone that crushed his thorax and pinned him to the ground for 2,000 years. Preliminary examination of the remains and context indicate that the victim, an adult male about 30 years of age, survived the first phase of the eruption in Pompeii, the heavy fall of pumice which caused the death of many of the town’s residents in roof collapses. He took refuge in an alley after the pumice fall had created a whole new ground level. His body was found at at the corner of the newly-unearthed Alley of the Balconies and the Alley of the Silver Wedding, but not at street level. By the time he got to that alley, the thick layer of volcanic stones had raised it to the height of the first floor, about seven feet above street level.
Pope sends investigators to Chilean diocese in latest move on abuse crisis
Pope Sends Investigators to Chilean Diocese in Latest Move on Abuse Crisis: The Vatican announced Thursday that Pope Francis will send Archbishop Charles Scicluna and Msgr. Jordi Bertomeu to the diocese of Osorno to help with the process of healing in Chile, and will issue a pastoral letter on the Chilean church’s sexual abuse crisis.
A May 31 statement from Vatican spokesman Greg Burke said in order to “advance the process of healing and reparation for victims of abuse” in Chile, Malta Archbishop Scicluna, and Msgr. Bertomeu of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith will travel to Osorno in the coming days.
The Diocese of Osorno has been in the international spotlight the past few years after the controversial appointment of Bishop Juan Barros in 2015, who has been accused of covering up the crimes of his longtime friend Father Fernando Karadima, one of Chile’s most notorious abusers.
A May 31 statement from Vatican spokesman Greg Burke said in order to “advance the process of healing and reparation for victims of abuse” in Chile, Malta Archbishop Scicluna, and Msgr. Bertomeu of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith will travel to Osorno in the coming days.
The Diocese of Osorno has been in the international spotlight the past few years after the controversial appointment of Bishop Juan Barros in 2015, who has been accused of covering up the crimes of his longtime friend Father Fernando Karadima, one of Chile’s most notorious abusers.
Jumping John the Baptist
Jumping John the Baptist | Fr. Dwight LongeneckerLONGENECKER: That line in the gospel from today’s feast always delights me. “The child leapt in my womb!”
Jumping baby John the Baptist reminds me of that guy who was healed by St Peter and it says “he went leaping and jumping and praising God.”
Which also reminds me of the Big Bible Baptist Church that some folks used to attend when I was in college. There was a fellow who used to attend that church with the nickname Sunshine. Well, when he would get all fired up with the Holy Spirit he’d run up and down the aisles waving his arms, shouting “Amen and Hallelujah!” and would be jumping and leaping and praising God.
Jumping baby John the Baptist reminds me of that guy who was healed by St Peter and it says “he went leaping and jumping and praising God.”
Which also reminds me of the Big Bible Baptist Church that some folks used to attend when I was in college. There was a fellow who used to attend that church with the nickname Sunshine. Well, when he would get all fired up with the Holy Spirit he’d run up and down the aisles waving his arms, shouting “Amen and Hallelujah!” and would be jumping and leaping and praising God.
Pope Francis names apostolic visitor for pastoral care in Medjugorje
Pope Francis names apostolic visitor for pastoral care in Medjugorje: Pope Francis Thursday extended the mandate of his special envoy to Medjugorje, tasking him with oversight of the pastoral needs of both the local parish community, and pilgrims who come to visit the site of alleged Marian apparitions that took place in the city.
Henryk Hoser, archbishop emeritus of Warszawa-Praga, was tapped as the pope's special envoy to study the pastoral situation of Medjugorje in February 2017.
On May 31 Francis named him apostolic visitor to the site for an undetermined amount of time “ad nutum Sanctae Sedis,” or “at the desire of the Holy See.”
Henryk Hoser, archbishop emeritus of Warszawa-Praga, was tapped as the pope's special envoy to study the pastoral situation of Medjugorje in February 2017.
On May 31 Francis named him apostolic visitor to the site for an undetermined amount of time “ad nutum Sanctae Sedis,” or “at the desire of the Holy See.”
Wednesday, May 30, 2018
Stevie Nicks confirms she wrote hit song ‘Sara’ about baby she aborted with Don Henley
Stevie Nicks confirms she wrote hit song about baby she aborted with Don Henley | News | LifeSite: Stevie Nicks is no stranger to rumours. She finally confirmed longstanding conjecture that she wrote one of her best-known songs partly about the child she conceived with Eagles frontman Don Henley, then aborted.
Henley said more than 20 years ago that the Fleetwood Mac song Sara, which hit number 7 on the Billboard charts in 1979, was about the baby they never saw.
“I believe, to the best of my knowledge, [that Nicks] became pregnant by me. And she named the kid Sara, and she had an abortion – and then wrote the song of the same name to the spirit of the aborted baby,” he told GQ magazine in 1991. "I was building my house at the time, and there’s a line in the song that says, ‘And when you build your house, call me.'”
Henley said more than 20 years ago that the Fleetwood Mac song Sara, which hit number 7 on the Billboard charts in 1979, was about the baby they never saw.
“I believe, to the best of my knowledge, [that Nicks] became pregnant by me. And she named the kid Sara, and she had an abortion – and then wrote the song of the same name to the spirit of the aborted baby,” he told GQ magazine in 1991. "I was building my house at the time, and there’s a line in the song that says, ‘And when you build your house, call me.'”
The last words from my pastor were the ones I’ve needed for years
The last words from my pastor were the ones I’ve needed for yearsMILLS: “So how’s your day going so far?” the man at the counter asked, as he rang up the two pots of bee balm and the deer repellent. We had stopped at the local family-owned garden shop on our way home from our pastor’s last Mass as our pastor. I’ve been having friendly conversations with this man for 20 or 25 years.
“It’s been okay,” I said. I could have said, “We just came from our pastor’s last Mass, and we’re really going to miss him, so it’s not really a good day so far,” and gotten sympathy and maybe a few questions, genuinely asked. But I didn’t really trust myself to talk about it. It’s hard to explain the feeling of loss. He would have been moved in a year or two anyway. Yet, still. We’d grown to love him over the 10 years he’d served our parish. He’d meant a lot to our family and especially to my wife and me. I wrote a little about it a couple weeks ago.
“It’s been okay,” I said. I could have said, “We just came from our pastor’s last Mass, and we’re really going to miss him, so it’s not really a good day so far,” and gotten sympathy and maybe a few questions, genuinely asked. But I didn’t really trust myself to talk about it. It’s hard to explain the feeling of loss. He would have been moved in a year or two anyway. Yet, still. We’d grown to love him over the 10 years he’d served our parish. He’d meant a lot to our family and especially to my wife and me. I wrote a little about it a couple weeks ago.
Diocese of Lafayette post credits statue of St. Francis for saving animals during massive zoo fire
Diocese Reports Miracle Statue Saved Animals During Massive Fire at Zoo | ChurchPOP: The Diocese of Lafayette in the U.S. state of Louisiana has shared an amazing story on their Facebook page. Last Saturday, a massive fire broke out last weekend at Zoosiana, a zoo in Acadiana, Louisiana. Despite the fire being huge and causing lots of damage to the zoo’s facilities, no animals were injured, and the zoo’s owner credits it all to… St. Francis of Assisi. Really. “The fire was enormous,” the diocese’s post reads. “The flames rose three stories high. It was so hot, the concrete slab started to explode.”
Baptist church removing Jesus statue it deems too ‘Catholic’
Baptist church removing Jesus statue it deems too 'Catholic': A Baptist church in South Carolina plans to remove a hand-carved statue of Jesus Christ because some congregants believe it’s too “Catholic” for their place of worship.
The hand-carved, 7-foot (2-meter) statue and accompanying reliefs depicting scenes from Christ’s life have been displayed outside Red Bank Baptist Church in Lexington for a decade.
But in a letter to the artist, Pastor Jeff Wright said the art would be removed this week.
“We have discovered that there are people that view the art as Catholic in nature,” Wright wrote in the letter to Delbert Baker Jr. A friend of Baker’s posted the letter on Facebook.
The hand-carved, 7-foot (2-meter) statue and accompanying reliefs depicting scenes from Christ’s life have been displayed outside Red Bank Baptist Church in Lexington for a decade.
But in a letter to the artist, Pastor Jeff Wright said the art would be removed this week.
“We have discovered that there are people that view the art as Catholic in nature,” Wright wrote in the letter to Delbert Baker Jr. A friend of Baker’s posted the letter on Facebook.
If Starbucks were really against racism, they would shun Planned Parenthood
Civil Rights, Pro-Life Leaders: Starbucks Should Shun Racist Planned ParenthoodZMIRAK: You’ve heard of the whipped-up controversy. A Starbucks manager evicted two non-customers. They happened to be black. It led to a national uproar. A new policy opening Starbucks restrooms to everyone. And a national day-long closure of Starbucks stores for “sensitivity training.”
You know what this fracas didn’t do? It didn’t stop Starbucks from supporting America’s most prominent racist group, Planned Parenthood. Thus the message of an open letter published by civil rights leader Alveda King and other pro-life activists and groups.
You know what this fracas didn’t do? It didn’t stop Starbucks from supporting America’s most prominent racist group, Planned Parenthood. Thus the message of an open letter published by civil rights leader Alveda King and other pro-life activists and groups.
Whataboutism isn’t just a fallacy, it’s evil
Whataboutism isn’t just a fallacy, it’s evil – SIMCHA FISHERFISHER: Back around 2003, I had a conversation about abortion with a liberal friend. She couldn’t get her head around the idea that I, a pro-lifer, sincerely cared about some inconsequential cluster of cells that happened to be human, happened to be technically alive. She wasn’t a cold or cruel person; she just didn’t understand the point of even mustering up a thought for a person you can’t even see.
What kept her up at night, she told me, was the thought of an Iraqi mother scrambling around in the bombed-out ruins of her house, calling out the names of her children, fearfully searching for their bloody remains. That’s the scene that brought a lump to her throat and made her feel panicked, made her feel the urge to rescue, to change things. Not abortion.
What kept her up at night, she told me, was the thought of an Iraqi mother scrambling around in the bombed-out ruins of her house, calling out the names of her children, fearfully searching for their bloody remains. That’s the scene that brought a lump to her throat and made her feel panicked, made her feel the urge to rescue, to change things. Not abortion.
How St. Joan of Arc conquered Mark Twain
How Joan of Arc conquered Mark Twain | America MagazineGIOIA: A young boy approached Mark Twain one day, after spotting the famous author standing alone on a stone bridge in Redding, Conn. Twain was a familiar presence in the community, and the boy had awaited such a chance to express his admiration. “I was glad that he was alone,” Coley Taylor recalled years later in an article in American Heritage. “I had wanted to tell him how much I had enjoyed Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn.”
CDF Prefect: It’s ‘definitive’ that women can’t be ordained as priests
CDF Prefect: It’s ‘Definitive’ That Women Can’t Be Ordained as Priests: The teaching of the Catholic Church on the impossibility of ordaining women to the priesthood, now or in the future, is clear — and to sow confusion by suggesting otherwise is a serious matter, wrote the Vatican’s top authority on doctrine.
In a May 29 article in Vatican newspaper L’Osservatore Romano, Cardinal-elect Luis Ladaria, head of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, wrote that “Christ wanted to give this sacrament [of holy orders] to the twelve apostles, all men, who, in turn, transmitted it to other men.”
“The Church has always recognized herself bound by this decision of the Lord, which excludes that the ministerial priesthood can be validly conferred on women.”
In a May 29 article in Vatican newspaper L’Osservatore Romano, Cardinal-elect Luis Ladaria, head of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, wrote that “Christ wanted to give this sacrament [of holy orders] to the twelve apostles, all men, who, in turn, transmitted it to other men.”
“The Church has always recognized herself bound by this decision of the Lord, which excludes that the ministerial priesthood can be validly conferred on women.”
“I'll be with you, every minute of the day” — This father spent a week on the streets with his homeless son...
This Father Spent A Week On The Streets With Homeless Son. Now, You Can Hear Their Story | CPR: Chris Conner knew he had something special when an essay landed on his desk. Conner, the program administrator for Denver's Road Home, poured over the story from a man named Frank, a father in San Diego who knew his son was somewhere in Colorado, homeless and addicted to heroin. In a last-ditch attempt to connect with his son, Frank -- who asked that we not use his last name -- tracked him down and spent a week with him on the streets, and then recounted the experience in the essay.
15 things you might not know about Finding Nemo
15 Things You Might Not Know About Finding Nemo | Mental Floss: Although we now recognize 2003's Finding Nemo as one of Pixar’s most critically and commercially successful films, the underwater masterpiece didn’t exactly kick off production as a guaranteed goldmine. Here are a few little-known facts about the rocky road leading up to the film’s status as a bona fide blockbuster, on the 15th anniversary of its release.
Catholicism is no longer cool — and that's a good thing
Catholicism Is No Longer Relevant & That is a Good Thing! - Catholic Missionary Disciples - College Station, TXLEJEUNE: My teen years were in the late 80s and early 90s. I used to wear Vans and had long bangs (both have made a comeback). I lived those years in a constant search of being relevant and cool with my peers. In some ways I achieved my goal. I had friends and we all pretty much liked the same things - movies on VHS tapes, video arcades, Star Wars, Trapper Keepers, and MTV, when they had music. We thought we were cool. But, the story doesn't end there. We all change eventually, sometimes for the better. I grew up and left behind my childhood notions of what was relevant and cool. I now understand that cool is a cultural phenomenon that really doesn’t define who I am, what I care about, or how I live my life. Too bad it took me so long to figure that out.
Will risk of abuse turn the tide on ‘vagabond priests’?
Will risk of abuse turn the tide on 'vagabond priests'?ALLEN: Back in 2001, the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples - by the way, everybody in Rome still calls it by its old name, “Propaganda Fidei” - put out a document which, by Vatican standards anyway, was remarkably on-point and practical.
Propaganda Fidei oversees the life of the Church in so-called “mission territories,” mostly in the developing world, and the text was called, “Instruction on the Sending Abroad and Sojourn of Diocesan Priests from Mission Territories.”
Its main concern was the growing phenomenon of priests from places such as Africa and Asia going to Europe or North America, often allegedly to “study,” and then basically never going home - floating around here or there, usually without any specific assignment or supervision, normally because they’ve become accustomed to first world standards of living and don’t want to go back.
Propaganda Fidei oversees the life of the Church in so-called “mission territories,” mostly in the developing world, and the text was called, “Instruction on the Sending Abroad and Sojourn of Diocesan Priests from Mission Territories.”
Its main concern was the growing phenomenon of priests from places such as Africa and Asia going to Europe or North America, often allegedly to “study,” and then basically never going home - floating around here or there, usually without any specific assignment or supervision, normally because they’ve become accustomed to first world standards of living and don’t want to go back.
Pope's Wednesday Audience: ‘The Holy Spirit is the invisible gift of God’
The Holy Spirit is the invisible gift of God, Pope Francis says: Pope Francis said Wednesday that confirmation is the sacrament in which Catholics are marked with a seal that solidifies their belonging to Christ through the Holy Spirit, who he said is God's invisible gift to each person who receives the sacrament.
Referring to how candidates for confirmation are told to “receive the seal of the Holy Spirit given to you as a gift,” Pope Francis said May 30 that the Holy Spirit “is the invisible gift bestowed” on candidates, and the holy oil they are anointed with, called “chrism,” is the “visible seal” of this gift.
Referring to how candidates for confirmation are told to “receive the seal of the Holy Spirit given to you as a gift,” Pope Francis said May 30 that the Holy Spirit “is the invisible gift bestowed” on candidates, and the holy oil they are anointed with, called “chrism,” is the “visible seal” of this gift.
Tuesday, May 29, 2018
Leaning on green: Of ice skating, Down syndrome, and ordinary time
Leaning on Green: Of Ice Skating, Down Syndrome, and Ordinary TimeBECKER: Wednesday was field trip day to the University of Notre Dame for my son Nicholas and his seventh-grade class. I happily got to tag along as a parent-chaperone. The morning was spent on a wide-ranging – and, frankly, exhausting – campus scavenger hunt. Although I’m not a graduate, I’ve gotten to know the campus pretty well since two of my kids started attending there, so I thought our team might have an edge. Starting at the Grotto, our crew worked our way south in a meandering fashion, checking off landmarks and notable buildings and getting group photos in front of each.
A biblical meditation on aging
A Biblical Meditation on Aging - Community in Mission : Community in MissionPOPE: Last week in the Office of Readings we concluded the Book of Ecclesiastes. One of the more beautiful passages in the Old Testament is the 12th Chapter of Ecclesiastes. It is a melancholy but soulful meditation on old age. Its poetic imagery is masterful, as it draws from the increasingly difficult effects of old age such as hearing loss, fading eyesight, difficulty walking, digestive issues, and even gray hair.
Making a diverse college of cardinals work
Making a Diverse College of Cardinals WorkWEIGEL: With the exception of the two consistories held by Pope John XXIII in 1958 and 1959, every creation of new cardinals since Pope Pius XII has decreased the percentage of Italian members of the College of Cardinals while internationalizing it. (John XXIII’s first consistory actually increased the Italian membership to 40% of an expanded college.)
That pattern of internationalization and, if you will, de-Italianization, has continued with Pope Francis. The college now includes members from 15 countries (such as Tonga, Laos and Papua New Guinea) that have never given the Church a cardinal before.
That pattern of internationalization and, if you will, de-Italianization, has continued with Pope Francis. The college now includes members from 15 countries (such as Tonga, Laos and Papua New Guinea) that have never given the Church a cardinal before.
Supreme Court allows Arkansas to enforce anti-abortion pill law
Supreme Court allows Arkansas to enforce anti-abortion pill law | Fox News: The Supreme Court on Tuesday allowed Arkansas to enforce a law restricting medication abortions, rejecting an appeal from the Planned Parenthood affiliate in the state.
Abortion referendum: Ireland rejects Catholic Church and liberalism
Abortion Referendum: Ireland Rejects Catholic Church & Liberalism | National ReviewFRANKOVICH: Until the results started to come in, it was natural to see Ireland’s abortion referendum through the prism of Brexit, Trump, and a larger, transatlantic populist revolt by the common people against cosmopolitan elites. Were the culchies lying in wait to strike again? They were not. According to Friday’s exit poll by the Irish Times, whose top line (68 Yes, 32 No) was close to the final result (67, 33), three-fifths of rural voters cast their ballots to repeal the nation’s ban on abortion.
The US-Canada border splits this road down the middle — and makes life strange for local residents
New Advent: The US-Canada border splits this road down the middle — and makes life strange for local residents: Rue Canusa (or Canusa Avenue) is a street that's split in two by a border: the northern part is in Stanstead, Canada, and the southern part is in Derby Line, USA — and border crossings here aren't as easy as they used to be.
Ireland elects to annihilate its future
Ireland Elects to Annihilate Its Future - Crisis MagazineTURLEY: Almost one hundred years ago the Irish poet W.B. Yeats wrote The Second Coming. It is a strange nightmarish poem. It tells of events that are both seen and unseen, of an ominous elemental horror that is imminent, one that “slouches” from its centuries-old hibernation towards Bethlehem to be “born.”
Last Friday, May 25, 2018, the citizens of the Irish Republic voted to remove the Eighth Amendment of the Irish Constitution, Article 40.3.3. On a turnout of just over 64 percent of the electorate, 66.4 per cent voted for repeal of the Eight Amendment while 33.6 percent opposed it. This voting pattern, with minor variations, was consistent across the country.
Last Friday, May 25, 2018, the citizens of the Irish Republic voted to remove the Eighth Amendment of the Irish Constitution, Article 40.3.3. On a turnout of just over 64 percent of the electorate, 66.4 per cent voted for repeal of the Eight Amendment while 33.6 percent opposed it. This voting pattern, with minor variations, was consistent across the country.
We already know how to build a time machine
We Already Know How To Build a Time Machine: In September 2015, cosmonaut Gennady Padalka arrived back on Earth for the last time. He had just completed his sixth mission in space and broke the record for most cumulative time spent beyond Earth’s atmosphere—879 days. And because of these two-and-a-half years spent orbiting the planet at high speeds, Padalka also became a time traveler, experiencing Einstein’s theory of general Relativity in action.
Women priests and the Marriage Supper of the Lamb
Women Priests and the Marriage Supper of the Lamb | Fr. Dwight LongeneckerLONGENECKER: One of the arguments against the ordination of women is called the “iconic” argument. That is to say, “It the liturgy the priest functions as an image or icon of Christ the Great High Priest. The priest is in persona Christi. Because Jesus was a man, a woman cannot fulfill this role.” OK, the feminists argue that the iconic role is that of a human being–not simply a man. They quote St Paul who says, “In Christ there is neither slave nor free, male or female.” (Galatians 3:28). The verse is taken out of context. St Paul is not referring to human sexuality, but unity in Christ. But let it stand.
Cardinal-elect Toribio Ticona of Bolivia denounces rumors of a wife and children
Bolivian Cardinal-Elect Denounces Rumors of a Wife and Children: Cardinal-elect Toribio Ticona of Bolivia, issued a statement Tuesday that strongly denounced rumors that he has a wife and children.
“As a result of the false accusation which is being spread in the media regarding my private life, it is my duty to declare and emphatically make clear that its content does not correspond to the truth,” the bishop emeritus of Corocoro said in a statement released by the Bolivian Bishops’ Conference.
The cardinal-elect said he interprets the rumors as an attack not only against himself, but against Pope Francis, who recently chose him to be elevated to the position of cardinal.
“If these accusations persist, I will have no problem filing a libel lawsuit against those promoting or propagating this,” he said.
“As a result of the false accusation which is being spread in the media regarding my private life, it is my duty to declare and emphatically make clear that its content does not correspond to the truth,” the bishop emeritus of Corocoro said in a statement released by the Bolivian Bishops’ Conference.
The cardinal-elect said he interprets the rumors as an attack not only against himself, but against Pope Francis, who recently chose him to be elevated to the position of cardinal.
“If these accusations persist, I will have no problem filing a libel lawsuit against those promoting or propagating this,” he said.
Did you know? The reason why Sitting Bull wore a crucifix...
Did You Know? The Reason Why Chief Sitting Bull Wore a Crucifix | uCatholic: Sitting Bull is the legendary first chieftain of the entire Lakota Sioux nation, a commonplace figure among the Wild West history of the American Frontier. Most everyone in grade school learns the history of his involvement with resistance against the government, his time spent with Buffalo Bill, and his unfortunate death. What most people don’t know about him, however, is that Sitting Bull wore a crucifix. Here’s why…
Peruvian scientists use DNA to trace origins of Inca emperors
Peruvian scientists use DNA to trace origins of Inca emperors: Researchers in Peru believe they have traced the origins of the Incas —the largest pre-Hispanic civilization in the Americas—through the DNA of the modern-day descendants of their emperors.
From their ancient capital Cusco, the Incas controlled a vast empire called Tahuantinsuyo, which extended from the west of present-day Argentina to the south of Colombia.
They ruled for more than two hundred years before being conquered by the invading Spanish in the 16th century.
The empire included the mountain-top citadel of Machu Picchu in modern-day Peru—now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a major tourist attraction.
After becoming fascinated by the Inca culture, their organizational skills and their mastery of engineering, researchers Ricardo Fujita and Jose Sandoval of Lima's University of San Martin de Porresit became interested in the genetic profile of their descendants.
From their ancient capital Cusco, the Incas controlled a vast empire called Tahuantinsuyo, which extended from the west of present-day Argentina to the south of Colombia.
They ruled for more than two hundred years before being conquered by the invading Spanish in the 16th century.
The empire included the mountain-top citadel of Machu Picchu in modern-day Peru—now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a major tourist attraction.
After becoming fascinated by the Inca culture, their organizational skills and their mastery of engineering, researchers Ricardo Fujita and Jose Sandoval of Lima's University of San Martin de Porresit became interested in the genetic profile of their descendants.
What does Jesus mean when he says we must be salted with fire?
What Does Jesus Mean When He Says We Must Be Salted with Fire? - Community in Mission : Community in MissionPOPE: Two images of salt and fire come together here, but the result is the same: purification. We have already seen how salt purifies. Fire does the same thing through the refining process. Precious metals come from the ground admixed with iron and many other metals. Subjecting them to fire purifies the gold or silver, separating it from the iron and other metals.
Both salt and fire purify by burning, each in its own way. Hence the Lord marvelously brings those two images together, telling us that we will all be “salted with fire.”
Both salt and fire purify by burning, each in its own way. Hence the Lord marvelously brings those two images together, telling us that we will all be “salted with fire.”
Catholic doctors must resist ‘difficulties and hardships’ to speak up for the right to life, Pope Francis says
Catholic doctors must speak up for the right to life, Pope Francis says | CatholicHerald.co.uk: Catholic doctors should speak up for the right to life, Pope Francis has urged.
Speaking to a group of physicians on Monday, the Pope called on them to resist ideologies that trample on the dignity of human life.
“The Church is for life, and her concern is that nothing may be against life in the reality of a concrete existence, however weak or defenceless it may be, even if not developed or advanced,” the Pope said.
He acknowledged that doctors may face “difficulties and hardships” when they stay true to Church teaching, however they must not forget that they should “affirm the centrality of the patient as a person and his dignity with his inalienable rights, primarily the right to life.”
Speaking to a group of physicians on Monday, the Pope called on them to resist ideologies that trample on the dignity of human life.
“The Church is for life, and her concern is that nothing may be against life in the reality of a concrete existence, however weak or defenceless it may be, even if not developed or advanced,” the Pope said.
He acknowledged that doctors may face “difficulties and hardships” when they stay true to Church teaching, however they must not forget that they should “affirm the centrality of the patient as a person and his dignity with his inalienable rights, primarily the right to life.”
How you can get plenary indulgences this summer
How You Can Get Plenary Indulgences This SummerPRONECHEN: Summer presents a spiritual surprise. Several plenary indulgences are possible for you, your family and friends to gain for yourself or to apply to any soul in purgatory.
These indulgences are in addition to those particular ones the Church allows on a daily basis — and which so few people realize are available. We’ve discussed daily ones before and will review them later, but let’s begin with those falling during summer.
These indulgences are in addition to those particular ones the Church allows on a daily basis — and which so few people realize are available. We’ve discussed daily ones before and will review them later, but let’s begin with those falling during summer.
Teaching Dante in Catholic schools
Teaching Dante in Catholic SchoolsPEARCE: Lovers of the Great Books argue interminably about which is the greatest? Among philosophers, the argument might focus on the relative merits of the works of Plato and Aristotle, or of Augustine and Aquinas. Among lovers of literature, some will argue that Homer’s epics are the greatest, others, possibly, though perhaps less convincingly, that Virgil deserves the laurel. And then there are those who will insist that Shakespeare is as good as it gets. And yet, for Catholics, we can hardly leave Dante out of the discussion. From a purely Catholic literary perspective he must surely stand supreme. He is to Catholic literature what Thomas Aquinas is to Catholic philosophy. If Thomas is rightly called the Angelic Doctor, might Dante not deserve to be called the Angelic Poet?
Monday, May 28, 2018
A Memorial Day miracle: The Kansas town Mary spared
A Memorial Day miracle: The Kansas town Mary sparedHOOOPES: The people of the small town of St. Benedict, Kansas, will be remembering their war dead on Memorial Day. But they won’t remember any from World War II, Korea, or Desert Storm.
The town has sent many young men to war, but none were lost — and local Catholics credit the Rosary.
Larry Buessing remembers St. Mary’s Church in the tiny town of St. Benedict as the church his grandfather helped build in 1893. “He was a little boy and he led the mule that raised the rock to put in place for the church,” he said.
The church, built by the Benedictines of Atchison, Kansas, is plain on the outside, but breathtakingly beautiful inside, such that it was a finalist for one of the “8 Wonders of Kansas” in a recent statewide contest.
The town has sent many young men to war, but none were lost — and local Catholics credit the Rosary.
Larry Buessing remembers St. Mary’s Church in the tiny town of St. Benedict as the church his grandfather helped build in 1893. “He was a little boy and he led the mule that raised the rock to put in place for the church,” he said.
The church, built by the Benedictines of Atchison, Kansas, is plain on the outside, but breathtakingly beautiful inside, such that it was a finalist for one of the “8 Wonders of Kansas” in a recent statewide contest.
On the “Memorare” of Memorial Day
On the “Memorare” of Memorial Day - Community in Mission : Community in MissionPOPE: Memorial Day for many means the beginning of summer. To others, it is a day off to go shopping. But as I am sure you know, Memorial Day is really a day to honor those who have died in the service of this country. Here are some thoughts based on two words that arise on a day like this: “memorial” and “monument.”
The word “memorial” comes from the Latin memorare, an imperative that means “Remember!” Therefore, Memorial Day is “Remember!” Day. To remember something is to allow it to be present to our mind and heart so that we are grateful, sober, aware, and different because of it.
The word “memorial” comes from the Latin memorare, an imperative that means “Remember!” Therefore, Memorial Day is “Remember!” Day. To remember something is to allow it to be present to our mind and heart so that we are grateful, sober, aware, and different because of it.
“To these, O Lord, and to all that rest in Christ...”
Whispers in the Loggia: "To These, O Lord...."PALMO: Fortunately for once, the standard reality that's long seen US holidays coincide with outbreaks of Peak Francis hasn't been the case this weekend... maybe the Boss was told that Memorial Day was last week.
In any case, and all seriousness, if there's a day on the civic calendar to pause and reflect, this is it – all the more as, far from the beaches and barbecues that mark the occasion for many, the ultimate sacrifice continues...
In any case, and all seriousness, if there's a day on the civic calendar to pause and reflect, this is it – all the more as, far from the beaches and barbecues that mark the occasion for many, the ultimate sacrifice continues...
Memorial Day 2018
A Prayer for Memorial Day: Remembering the men and women who have sacrificed for freedom...
Sunday, May 27, 2018
The Blessed Trinity is a mystery, not a puzzle
The Blessed Trinity is a Mystery, Not a PuzzleRUTLER: An MRI scan gives more details about someone than a portrait, but it is the portrait that conveys personality. Dating agencies ask for photographs, not X-rays. So it is with using diagrams and natural analogies to explain the Blessed Trinity. They are inadequate for conveying the oneness of threeness.
For instance, to compare the Father, Son and Holy Spirit to water, which can be liquid, ice and steam, would mean that the Father morphs into the Son and the Son into the Holy Spirit. As a formal heresy, this is called Modalism, condemned at the Council of Constantinople in 381. A similar mistake is to portray the Father as Creator, the Son as Redeemer, An MRI scan gives more details about someone than a portrait, but it is the portrait that conveys personality. Dating agencies ask for photographs, not X-rays. So it is with using diagrams and natural analogies to explain the Blessed Trinity. They are inadequate for conveying the oneness of threeness.
For instance, to compare the Father, Son and Holy Spirit to water, which can be liquid, ice and steam, would mean that the Father morphs into the Son and the Son into the Holy Spirit. As a formal heresy, this is called Modalism, condemned at the Council of Constantinople in 381. A similar mistake is to portray the Father as Creator, the Son as Redeemer, An MRI scan gives more details about someone than a portrait, but it is the portrait that conveys personality. Dating agencies ask for photographs, not X-rays. So it is with using diagrams and natural analogies to explain the Blessed Trinity. They are inadequate for conveying the oneness of threeness.
Sneaky ways Costco gets you to spend more money
New Advent: Sneaky ways Costco gets you to spend more money: Costco is a wholesale retail store known for its great bargains. It offers food samples, cheap gas, and sale items to attract customers and make their shopping experiences worthwhile. But strategies like these also encourage customers to stay longer and spend more.
5 references to the Holy Trinity in the Old Testament
5 References to the Trinity in the Old Testament --AleteiaKOSLOSKI: A fundamental tenet of the Christian faith is the belief in a Trinitarian God. As the Catechism of the Catholic Church states, “The mystery of the Most Holy Trinity is the central mystery of the Christian faith and of Christian life. God alone can make it known to us by revealing himself as Father, Son and Holy Spirit.” While Christianity didn’t come into existence until the incarnation of Jesus Christ and the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, God was preparing his people for this counter-cultural religion from the beginning of time. In fact, there are many places in the Old Testament where we can see little seeds of faith that would later bear fruit.
Musings on a big Saturday on the Vatican news beat
Musings on a big Saturday on the Vatican news beatALLEN: There’s no such thing as a slow news day in the Pope Francis era, and Saturday brought triumphant proof of the point. Three things happened, all with important Catholic consequences - two initiated by the pontiff himself, and one that came crashing in on him from the outside. Francis named Cardinal-designate Giovanni Becciu, who’s served since 2011 as the “substitute,” or all-important number two official in the Secretariat of State since 2011, as the new prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints.
4 good non-Christian books by Christian authors
Four Non-Christian Books by Christian Authors - The Imaginative ConservativeLONGENECKER: C.S. Lewis once observed that we don’t need more Christian books, we need more Christian writers. In other words, people of faith who have the gift should write not just worthy books on prayer. They should write novels and children’s stories and cookbooks and travel books, fantasy, fiction, poetry, and drama. His point was that for Christianity to be real it has to be diffused into the culture in a realistic and practical way. If you like, it needs to be the heart of the culture, not just the head.
I have four worthy books to review that attempt just that. They are by Christian authors, but they are not Christian books. Instead, all four authors, from different perspectives, are attempting contemporary fiction with a Christian heart. This is a risky business, and I’m not sure they succeed completely. This is why reading all four books has been an invigorating challenge.
I have four worthy books to review that attempt just that. They are by Christian authors, but they are not Christian books. Instead, all four authors, from different perspectives, are attempting contemporary fiction with a Christian heart. This is a risky business, and I’m not sure they succeed completely. This is why reading all four books has been an invigorating challenge.
In my opinion, the death of ‘cultural Catholicism’ can’t come too soon
Ireland and the End of Cultural Catholicism | Fr. Dwight LongeneckerLONGENECKER: The vote to allow abortion in Ireland has revealed what we already knew–that Ireland’s Catholic faith has eroded, and the once great and powerful Irish church has become a husk of what it once was.
I am no expert on Ireland, Irish history or the Irish church, but I expect the malaise has the same roots at the decline of the institutional church not only in the other European countries, but also in the decline of cultural Catholicism in the United States.
I understood the impact and influence of cultural Christianity when I was a minister in the Church of England. We used to joke that “C of E” meant “church of everybody” and that people would greet you in the street and say, “Oh, you’re the vicar of St Chad’s? Yes. That’s the church I don’t attend.” They hadn’t a clue what Christianity was about, but there was a sense that the big old musty medieval building in the middle of the town was somehow “their church” because they were English and after all, its’s the Church of England right?
I am no expert on Ireland, Irish history or the Irish church, but I expect the malaise has the same roots at the decline of the institutional church not only in the other European countries, but also in the decline of cultural Catholicism in the United States.
I understood the impact and influence of cultural Christianity when I was a minister in the Church of England. We used to joke that “C of E” meant “church of everybody” and that people would greet you in the street and say, “Oh, you’re the vicar of St Chad’s? Yes. That’s the church I don’t attend.” They hadn’t a clue what Christianity was about, but there was a sense that the big old musty medieval building in the middle of the town was somehow “their church” because they were English and after all, its’s the Church of England right?
Across the land of St. Patrick, night has fallen
Across the land of St. Patrick, night has fallen | Opinion | LifeSiteTURLEY: This September, Pope Francis is due to visit Ireland almost exactly 39 years after the first reigning pontiff set foot on Irish soil.
The current Holy Father would, however, be visiting a country greatly changed from the one to which his predecessor came.
The reception Pope St. John Paul II received was what one would expect from a Catholic nation, especially one with a history of persecution. It is estimated that approximately 1,250,000 people, one quarter of the population of the island—one third of the Republic’s population — attended the visit’s opening Mass in Dublin’s Phoenix Park. More than 250,000 more attended a service near the Irish Border later that same evening—most of those present travelling from British-controlled Northern Ireland. Later again, hundreds of thousands lined the streets of Dublin as a night time motorcade made its way to the Presidential Residence. The next two days were to be similar in their exuberance, for this was more than just a “welcome”; it was closer to a national celebration, and one that seemed to say that, in spite of everything, the Faith had not only survived but had triumphed.
The current Holy Father would, however, be visiting a country greatly changed from the one to which his predecessor came.
The reception Pope St. John Paul II received was what one would expect from a Catholic nation, especially one with a history of persecution. It is estimated that approximately 1,250,000 people, one quarter of the population of the island—one third of the Republic’s population — attended the visit’s opening Mass in Dublin’s Phoenix Park. More than 250,000 more attended a service near the Irish Border later that same evening—most of those present travelling from British-controlled Northern Ireland. Later again, hundreds of thousands lined the streets of Dublin as a night time motorcade made its way to the Presidential Residence. The next two days were to be similar in their exuberance, for this was more than just a “welcome”; it was closer to a national celebration, and one that seemed to say that, in spite of everything, the Faith had not only survived but had triumphed.
That time we nuked Mississippi
That time we nuked Mississippi | AL.com: In 1963 and 1964, at the height of the Cold War, tensions were high between the United States and the Soviet Union, as both nations stockpiled tens of thousands of nuclear devices.
Both countries had signed a treaty to stop testing nuclear devices on the surface or underwater, but the treaty did not cover underground tests. Scientists didn't know if underground tests could reliably be detected by seismographs, so they did the only thing they could to find out: they detonated two nuclear devices deep underground in Mississippi.
In the photo, Henry G. Vermillion, office of information director for U.S. Atomic Energy Commission, details the area of the test site.
Both countries had signed a treaty to stop testing nuclear devices on the surface or underwater, but the treaty did not cover underground tests. Scientists didn't know if underground tests could reliably be detected by seismographs, so they did the only thing they could to find out: they detonated two nuclear devices deep underground in Mississippi.
In the photo, Henry G. Vermillion, office of information director for U.S. Atomic Energy Commission, details the area of the test site.
Pope’s Sunday Angelus: God is not indifferent to you — he's close and personal
God is not indifferent – he's close and personal, Pope Francis says: Pope Francis marked the feast of the Holy Trinity stressing the personal love and interest God has in each one of his children, saying the Lord is not ever far away, but is an attentive and loving Father to all.
“God does not want so much to reveal to us that he exists, but rather that he is the 'God with us,' that he loves us, is interested in our personal story and cares for each person, from the smallest to the greatest,” the pope said May 27.
Even though God is in heaven, he is also on earth, Francis said, adding that because of this, “we don't believe in a distant, indifferent entity.”
“God does not want so much to reveal to us that he exists, but rather that he is the 'God with us,' that he loves us, is interested in our personal story and cares for each person, from the smallest to the greatest,” the pope said May 27.
Even though God is in heaven, he is also on earth, Francis said, adding that because of this, “we don't believe in a distant, indifferent entity.”
Saturday, May 26, 2018
Trinity Sunday: Are you beautiful at Mass?
WDTPRS – Trinity Sunday: Are you beautiful at Mass? | Fr. Z's BlogZUHLSDORF: At some point we wind up taking a stab at explaining the Trinity to someone. Results vary.
Today, to get at the mystery of the Most Holy Trinity, let’s use the final prayer at Holy Mass in the venerable, traditional form of the Roman Rite as a crowbar.
Here is the Postcommunio of the Feast of the Most Holy Trinity in the 1962MR.
Today, to get at the mystery of the Most Holy Trinity, let’s use the final prayer at Holy Mass in the venerable, traditional form of the Roman Rite as a crowbar.
Here is the Postcommunio of the Feast of the Most Holy Trinity in the 1962MR.
One and One and One are One - A homily for Trinity Sunday
One and One and One Are One - A Homily for Trinity Sunday - Community in Mission : Community in MissionPOPE: On the Feast of the Most Holy Trinity we do well to remember that we are pondering a mystery that cannot fit in our minds.
A mystery, though, is not something wholly unknown. In the Christian tradition, the word “mystery” refers to (among other things) something that is partially revealed, something much more of which remains hidden. As we ponder the Trinity, consider that although there are some things we can know by revelation, much more is beyond our understanding.
Let’s ponder the Trinity by exploring it, seeing how it is exhibited in Scripture, and observing how we, who are made in God’s image, experience it.
A mystery, though, is not something wholly unknown. In the Christian tradition, the word “mystery” refers to (among other things) something that is partially revealed, something much more of which remains hidden. As we ponder the Trinity, consider that although there are some things we can know by revelation, much more is beyond our understanding.
Let’s ponder the Trinity by exploring it, seeing how it is exhibited in Scripture, and observing how we, who are made in God’s image, experience it.
Are there UFOs in religious art? (And more weird questions!)
Are There UFOs in Religious Art? (And More Weird Questions!)AKIN: In this episode of Catholic Answers Live (May 25, 2018, 2nd hour), Jimmy answers the following questions:
Why do we associate good with “up” and down with “bad”?
Why do some Medieval religious paintings look like they have spacemen and UFOs in them?
Could a priest or the pope bless an entire ocean and make it holy water?
How can we solve the “Trolley Problem” for self-driving cars? Does it make a difference if the five people who get hit are nuns and the one person who lives is an escaped convict?
Did Mary or Jesus ever get sick? Could they?
If we colonize another planet in the future, how would the Church on Earth communicate with Catholic colonists? What would need to be done before sending Catholics to such a colony?
Why do we associate good with “up” and down with “bad”?
Why do some Medieval religious paintings look like they have spacemen and UFOs in them?
Could a priest or the pope bless an entire ocean and make it holy water?
How can we solve the “Trolley Problem” for self-driving cars? Does it make a difference if the five people who get hit are nuns and the one person who lives is an escaped convict?
Did Mary or Jesus ever get sick? Could they?
If we colonize another planet in the future, how would the Church on Earth communicate with Catholic colonists? What would need to be done before sending Catholics to such a colony?
The serpents return: Ireland votes by landslide to legalize abortion
Ireland Votes to Repeal Abortion Ban: Early results on Saturday morning are projecting the repeal of the abortion ban in Ireland, a decision pro-life groups are calling tragic and disappointing.
Exit polls by the RTÉ are projecting 69.4 percent of citizens voted on May 25 against keeping the Eighth Amendment, which recognizes the equal right to life of the mother and the unborn child, in the Republic of Ireland’s constitution, while 30.6 percent voted to keep it, according to the BBC.
80 percent of the votes have been counted, according to the New York Times, but official results are expected on Saturday evening.
“The result of today’s referendum is a profound tragedy for the Irish people and the entire world,” said Marjorie Dannenfelser, president of the Susan B. Anthony List, in a May 26 press release.
Exit polls by the RTÉ are projecting 69.4 percent of citizens voted on May 25 against keeping the Eighth Amendment, which recognizes the equal right to life of the mother and the unborn child, in the Republic of Ireland’s constitution, while 30.6 percent voted to keep it, according to the BBC.
80 percent of the votes have been counted, according to the New York Times, but official results are expected on Saturday evening.
“The result of today’s referendum is a profound tragedy for the Irish people and the entire world,” said Marjorie Dannenfelser, president of the Susan B. Anthony List, in a May 26 press release.
Friday, May 25, 2018
Goodbye Catholic Ireland: Lessons from the abortion referendum
Goodbye Catholic Ireland: Lessons from the Abortion Referendum: Catholic Ireland saved civilization from extinction in the dark ages, produced copious missionaries and saints. But that is no more. It didn’t die a great battle but in a whimper. Years of English persecutions could not break Catholic Ireland, but in a much shorter time of apathy has more or less extinguished the faith. This nation had 87% weekly Mass attendance when I was a boy but today voted 2:1 to legalize abortion. That is quite a shift.
How to switch from Martha to Mary in an instant
How to Switch from Martha to Mary in an InstantGRESS: At some point in every woman’s life one desires the advice of someone older and wiser; to provide counsel about how to manage each day, negotiate odd predicaments or navigate pitfalls. There is a long Catholic tradition of selecting a saint to guide us through a year. Sometimes we pick the saint, or sometimes it seems like the saint picks us. This year, I am journeying through life with St. Anna the Prophetess. Very little is known about her other than that she was in the Temple on the day Our Lord was Presented there by his parents. St. Luke tells us that...
How to make your own BBQ spice rubs
How to Make Your Own BBQ Spice Rubs | The Art of Manliness: Many great meats start with a great spice rub. While you can buy any number of blends from the store, why not try your hand at creating your own? There’s no better place to get started with creating your own spice blends than with DIY BBQ rubs. Whether you’ll be massaging it into ribs or pork butt or brisket, BBQ rub has a number of uses and can enhance many of your summer-grilling favorites. A rub creates a dark, crusty “bark” on the meat that adds a nice layer of tasty texture above the tender meat it covers. You can also add BBQ sauce to this bark, or leave it to stand on its own, depending on the taste and texture you’re going for.
Irish Times exit poll projects Ireland has voted by landslide to legalize abortion
Irish Times exit poll projects Ireland has voted by landslide to repeal Eighth Amendment: Ireland has voted by a landslide margin to change the constitution so that abortion can be legalised, according to an exit poll conducted for The Irish Times by Ipsos/MRBI. The poll suggests that the margin of victory for the Yes side in the referendum will be 68 per cent to 32 per cent – a stunning victory for the Yes side after a long and often divisive campaign. See here for liveblog coverage of events across Friday in the referendum vote.
13 inconvenient truths about what has been happening in Gaza
13 Inconvenient Truths About What Has Been Happening in Gaza – Tablet Magazine: The cacophony that accompanies every upsurge in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict can make it seem impossible for outsiders to sort out the facts. Recent events in Gaza are no exception. The shrillest voices on each side are already offering their own mutually exclusive narratives that acknowledge some realities while scrupulously avoiding others.
But while certain facts about Gaza may be inconvenient for the loudest partisans on either side, they should not be inconvenient to the rest of us.
To that end, here are 13 complicated, messy, true things about what has been happening in Gaza. They do not conform to one political narrative or another, and they do not attempt to conclusively apportion all blame. Try, as best you can, to hold them all in your mind at the same time.
But while certain facts about Gaza may be inconvenient for the loudest partisans on either side, they should not be inconvenient to the rest of us.
To that end, here are 13 complicated, messy, true things about what has been happening in Gaza. They do not conform to one political narrative or another, and they do not attempt to conclusively apportion all blame. Try, as best you can, to hold them all in your mind at the same time.
Cardinal Arinze: Holy Communion is exclusively for Catholics in a state of grace, and “it is Christ who said it”
Cardinal Arinze: we cannot share Communion with non-Catholics like beer or cake | CatholicHerald.co.ukCALDWELL: Holy Communion is exclusively for Catholics in a state of grace and not something to be shared between friends like beer or cake, said a former senior adviser to two popes.
Nigerian Cardinal Francis Arinze said any moves to give greater access to Communion to divorced and remarried Catholics and to non-Catholic spouses of Catholics represented “serious” challenges to the teaching of the Church on the Eucharist.
In an interview with Catholic News Service, he implicitly objected to interpretations of Pope Francis’s 2016 apostolic exhortation “Amoris Laetitia” that would permit divorced and remarried Catholics who had not received an annulment to receive Communion in certain circumstances.
Nigerian Cardinal Francis Arinze said any moves to give greater access to Communion to divorced and remarried Catholics and to non-Catholic spouses of Catholics represented “serious” challenges to the teaching of the Church on the Eucharist.
In an interview with Catholic News Service, he implicitly objected to interpretations of Pope Francis’s 2016 apostolic exhortation “Amoris Laetitia” that would permit divorced and remarried Catholics who had not received an annulment to receive Communion in certain circumstances.
Deacons vesting in dalmatics for concelebrations
ASK FATHER: Deacons vesting in dalmatics for concelebrations | Fr. Z's BlogZUHLSDORF: What’s with the vestimentary and liturgical stinginess when it comes to deacons? Deacons are clerics, but NO! they can’t wear clerical clothing unless its gray or in some other way altered. Deacons are liturgical ministers, ordained for service at the altar, but NO! they can’t put on their proper vestments.
This is absurd. Deacons should be able to wear the dalmatic when serving at the altar.
Consider this outside of the context of concelebration. In the traditional way of doing things, when there is a procession, as for example in the case of the upcoming Corpus Christi, priests and deacons would wear, respectively, their chasuble and dalmatics over their choir dress. You put on an amice and you put on the chasuble or dalmatic and off you go!
This is absurd. Deacons should be able to wear the dalmatic when serving at the altar.
Consider this outside of the context of concelebration. In the traditional way of doing things, when there is a procession, as for example in the case of the upcoming Corpus Christi, priests and deacons would wear, respectively, their chasuble and dalmatics over their choir dress. You put on an amice and you put on the chasuble or dalmatic and off you go!
Could Pope Francis be shifting his stand on gay influence?
Could Pope Francis be shifting his stand on gay influence? | Catholic CultureLAWLER: No sooner had I spotted one hopeful sign in the Pope’s handling of the Chilean sex-abuse scandal when today’s news brought another. Pope Francis has reaffirmed the Church’s policy barring active homosexuals from seminaries.
I know; I know. This concern about homosexual influence contrasts quite sharply with the Holy Father’s reported advice to a gay Chilean abuse victim to “be happy with who you are.” It contrasts with the most famous words of his pontificate, uttered in response to questioning about a homosexual cleric: “Who am I to judge?” But if Pope Francis is finally recognizing the damage that homosexual influence has done to the Church, that is surely a hopeful sign.
I know; I know. This concern about homosexual influence contrasts quite sharply with the Holy Father’s reported advice to a gay Chilean abuse victim to “be happy with who you are.” It contrasts with the most famous words of his pontificate, uttered in response to questioning about a homosexual cleric: “Who am I to judge?” But if Pope Francis is finally recognizing the damage that homosexual influence has done to the Church, that is surely a hopeful sign.
The awesome beauty of Jupiter captured by the Juno spacecraft, in 13 photos
The awesome beauty of Jupiter captured by Juno, in 13 photos - Vox: On July 4, 2016, NASA’s Juno spacecraft arrived at Jupiter traveling at a blistering 130,000 mph. Its mission — to orbit the gas giant closer than any craft had done before — was not easy.
Like Earth, Jupiter is surrounded by a field of magnetic radiation. But Jupiter’s is much, much stronger. If Juno didn’t hit a precise region at the poles where the magnetic field is the weakest in its entry, it wouldn’t have survived; the radiation would have fried the craft.
Like Earth, Jupiter is surrounded by a field of magnetic radiation. But Jupiter’s is much, much stronger. If Juno didn’t hit a precise region at the poles where the magnetic field is the weakest in its entry, it wouldn’t have survived; the radiation would have fried the craft.
Here’s why Padre Pio’s father went to live in New York
Padre Pio became a priest because of his father's hard work in New York --AleteiaKOSLOSKI: Padre Pio was born to a poor peasant family in the rural town of Pietrelcina, Italy. They had little money and his parents could not read or write. However, Pio’s parents had high hopes their son could one day follow his calling to be a priest.
As a young boy Pio had related to his parents a desire to become a religious and they asked a local Capuchin community of friars if they would accept him. At the time Pio only had about three years of public school education and the friars said he needed more in order to be admitted.
As a young boy Pio had related to his parents a desire to become a religious and they asked a local Capuchin community of friars if they would accept him. At the time Pio only had about three years of public school education and the friars said he needed more in order to be admitted.
The amazing humanities department that was shut down after too many students converted to Catholicism
The Amazing Humanities Dept. that was Shut Down After Too Many Students Converted to Catholicism | ChurchPOP: FOCUS missionary Ethan Stueve recently tweeted about an amazing story: in the 1970s there used to be a humanities program at the University of Kansas that got shut down because too many of its students were converting to Catholicism.
Really.
Here’s the story:
Three professors, Dr. Dennis Quinn, Dr. John Senior, and Dr. Frank Nelick, ran a program called the Integrated Humanities Program at the University of Kansas from 1970 to 1979. A “great books” program that started with the ancient Greeks and led students on a journey up to the present, the motto was Nascantur in Admiratione, translated “Let Them Be Born in Wonder.”
Really.
Here’s the story:
Three professors, Dr. Dennis Quinn, Dr. John Senior, and Dr. Frank Nelick, ran a program called the Integrated Humanities Program at the University of Kansas from 1970 to 1979. A “great books” program that started with the ancient Greeks and led students on a journey up to the present, the motto was Nascantur in Admiratione, translated “Let Them Be Born in Wonder.”
Thursday, May 24, 2018
Pondering Isaiah’s advice to close our Eyes lest we ‘look on evil’
Pondering Isaiah’s Advice to Close Our Eyes Lest We “Look on Evil” - Community in Mission : Community in MissionPOPE: In this age of nearly instantaneous communication, there is an overwhelming amount of news and information available to us. There is nothing wrong with news and information, but each of us must decide how much exposure, in terms of time and content, is good for us. Not all “Breaking News!” is really that urgent. Too much news can distract us, overwhelm us, and provoke anxiety and anger. Further, the “news” is heavily filtered to feature what is bad, strange, unusual, violent, and dangerous. It does not represent the reality most of us live in nor is it something on which we should be focused. Frankly, most of us lead routine and “boring” lives. This doesn’t make for riveting news, but it is more representative of our lives.
Video: Our Lady of Guadalupe statue reportedly weeping rose-scented tears; Diocese of Las Cruces to investigate
Miracle Statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe is Crying Tears in New Mexico (See the Video!) | ChurchPOP: A statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Hobbs, New Mexico is allegedly miraculously crying tears that smell like roses (videos below!).
“It is a miracle, nothing short of a miracle,” parishioner Paul Campos told local TV station KRQE. “You can even get a sense of her presence. You can smell roses in her tears. I’ve got a tissue that I’ve taken, wiped from her mantle.”
Parishioners say they first noticed the tears after the noon Mass last Sunday. Word has quickly spread and hundreds of pilgrims have already come through.
“It is a miracle, nothing short of a miracle,” parishioner Paul Campos told local TV station KRQE. “You can even get a sense of her presence. You can smell roses in her tears. I’ve got a tissue that I’ve taken, wiped from her mantle.”
Parishioners say they first noticed the tears after the noon Mass last Sunday. Word has quickly spread and hundreds of pilgrims have already come through.
In closed-door meeting with bishops, Pope Francis reportedly warns against admitting homosexuals to seminary
Report: Pope Francis affirms Church practice against admitting gay men to seminary: In a closed-door speech to Italian bishops on Monday, Pope Francis reportedly spoke about the number and quality of seminary candidates, including concerns about their sexual orientation.
At the start of his May 21 audience with Italian bishops, Pope Francis voiced three areas of concern for the Church in Italy, the first of which was the lack of vocations.
Francis' brief remarks on his concerns, which also touched on evangelical poverty and transparency and the incorporation of Italian dioceses, were televised; however, his discussion with the bishops afterward was not.
At the start of his May 21 audience with Italian bishops, Pope Francis voiced three areas of concern for the Church in Italy, the first of which was the lack of vocations.
Francis' brief remarks on his concerns, which also touched on evangelical poverty and transparency and the incorporation of Italian dioceses, were televised; however, his discussion with the bishops afterward was not.
Wounded warriors head to Lourdes to seek healing and peace
Wounded veterans seek healing and peace in the waters of Lourdes: American veterans in search of healing attended a recent pilgrimage to Lourdes, through the Archdiocese for Military Services and the Knights of Columbus.
Among the pilgrims was Charles Baldinger, a West Point-educated infantry officer who had to retire due to Stage 4 brain cancer.
“We came for physical healing with my right side and speech. We got spiritual healing and strength for the journey instead and it was more important,” he said in a video recap for the Knights of Columbus.
The pilgrimage coordinator, Col. Charles Gallia, USMC (Ret.), said the event gives “the moral courage and spiritual strength to address the issues and problems of your life whether they’re physical, mental, moral. That’s the healing power of Lourdes and the Blessed Mother.”
Among the pilgrims was Charles Baldinger, a West Point-educated infantry officer who had to retire due to Stage 4 brain cancer.
“We came for physical healing with my right side and speech. We got spiritual healing and strength for the journey instead and it was more important,” he said in a video recap for the Knights of Columbus.
The pilgrimage coordinator, Col. Charles Gallia, USMC (Ret.), said the event gives “the moral courage and spiritual strength to address the issues and problems of your life whether they’re physical, mental, moral. That’s the healing power of Lourdes and the Blessed Mother.”
Justin Trudeau and the dictatorship of relativism
Justin Trudeau and the dictatorship of relativism - Denver CatholicWEIGEL: You’ve probably never heard of the Waupoos Family Farm. I hadn’t either, until I met some folks involved in it during a recent visit to Ottawa. Their story vividly illustrates the dictatorship of relativism at work.
The farm is a vacation site for poor families who can’t afford a holiday together. It’s run by Christians who apply only one criterion to their potential guests: applicants must have an income below Statistics Canada’s poverty line. That’s it. No religious requirements. No work-for-play requirements. All you have to be is poor.
The farm is a vacation site for poor families who can’t afford a holiday together. It’s run by Christians who apply only one criterion to their potential guests: applicants must have an income below Statistics Canada’s poverty line. That’s it. No religious requirements. No work-for-play requirements. All you have to be is poor.
If someone asked you to prove that God exists, what would you say?
Proving God’s existence - Denver CatholicSTAUDT: What would you have to draw upon to answer this question — revelation, science, or philosophy? Revelation gives us knowledge of God as a free gift and does not require us to prove its contents, but to understand them with the help of the Church. Science cannot prove God’s existence, because God is not an object of empirical study that can be measured with earthly means. This leaves us the option of philosophy — making arguments of reason based upon the nature of things and the dynamics of causality.
‘Solo’ isn't a total waste of time, but...
SDG Reviews ‘Solo’GREYDANUS: In the 40-plus years since Star Wars took the box office and pop culture by storm, no plot point or line of dialogue, however essential or trivial, has avoided endless scrutiny and second-guessing from fans and skeptics alike. How could the Death Star’s catastrophic vulnerability, so obvious that Rebel analysts spotted it immediately, have been overlooked by Imperial engineers? How could Han Solo boast that the Millennium Falcon “made the Kessel Run in under 12 parsecs” when a parsec is a unit of distance, not time?
Pope to closed-door meeting of bishops: ‘If there is any doubt about homosexuality, better not let them enter the seminary’
“If there is any doubt about homosexuality, better not let them enter the seminary” - La Stampa: “If in doubt, better not let them enter”. With the bishops of the Italian Episcopal Conference, with whom he held a three-hour dialogue behind closed doors on the occasion of the 71st General Assembly, Francis addressed the extremely delicate issue of the admission of homosexual to seminaries. Pope Bergoglio expressed his opinion on the question, repeating de facto what he had already said a few years ago, albeit in a more implicit way: “Keep an eye on the admissions to seminaries, keep your eyes open”, he said in an audience with the Congregation for the Clergy.
BBC survey: The 100 stories that shaped the world
BBC - Culture - The 100 stories that shaped the world: In April, BBC Culture polled experts around the world to nominate up to five fictional stories they felt had shaped mindsets or influenced history. We received answers from 108 authors, academics, journalists, critics and translators in 35 countries – their choices took in novels, poems, folk tales and dramas in 33 different languages, including Sumerian, K’iche and Ge’ez.
Working with HSLDA, Google makes education tool suite available to homeschoolers
More tools for homeschoolers: Editor’s note: Our goal at Google is to make technology that works for everyone. Last year we made Classroom available to more students and teachers, including homeschoolers, and today we’re also updating the eligibility guidelines for G Suite for Education so homeschool co-ops in the U.S. can collaborate using G Suite for Education. We’ve worked closely with several organizations to make this happen, including National Black Home Educators and Home School Legal Defense Association. Today’s guest author Darren Jones shares more about why this matters.
The unlikely new contestant on NBC’s American Ninja Warrior is a Catholic priest
Ninja priest? Meet the unlikely new contestant on a hit TV show: Among the contestants on season 10 of NBC’s American Ninja Warrior, there’s one who stands out.
In addition to being a physical trainer, Father Stephen Gadberry is also a Catholic priest. He hopes that his participation in the upcoming season of American Ninja Warrior will make the clergy appear more human and available.
Physical activity can be a “simple way to start a conversation with a spiritual leader, with a pastor, where [people] may be too nervous or hesitant to start [deeper] conversations right off the bat,” he told CNA.
In addition to being a physical trainer, Father Stephen Gadberry is also a Catholic priest. He hopes that his participation in the upcoming season of American Ninja Warrior will make the clergy appear more human and available.
Physical activity can be a “simple way to start a conversation with a spiritual leader, with a pastor, where [people] may be too nervous or hesitant to start [deeper] conversations right off the bat,” he told CNA.
Humanae Vitae needs no update, commission chairman says
Humanae Vitae needs no update, commission chair says: The professor who chaired a Vatican study group on Humanae Vitae stressed that the Bl. Paul VI’s encyclical “needs no updating.” Professor Gilfredo Marengo, of the Pontifical Theological Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family, spoke with CNA at the presentation of his latest book, “Chiesa senza storia, storia senza Chiesa” (Church without history, history without the Church), which explores the implications and consequences of Gaudium et Spes, the Second Vatican Council’s pastoral constitution on the Church in the modern world. Professor Marengo told CNA that, according to his studies, “one of the biggest knots in drafting Humanae Vitae was really that of going beyond the polarization between doctrine and pastoral issues.”
Jazz musician Wynton Marsalis says rap and hip-hop are ‘more damaging than a statue of Robert E. Lee’ (paywall)
Jazz musician Wynton Marsalis says rap and hip-hop are ‘more damaging than a statue of Robert E. Lee’ - The Washington Post: “My words are not that powerful. I started saying in 1985 I don’t think we should have a music talking about niggers and bitches and hoes. It had no impact. I’ve said it. I’ve repeated it. I still repeat it. To me that’s more damaging than a statue of Robert E. Lee.”
Wynton Marsalis covered all the bases. Race. His role in New Orleans’s removal of Confederate statues last year. His deep antipathy to rap and hip-hop. And the damage he believes the genres inflict on African Americans. “I feel that that’s much more of a racial issue than taking Robert E. Lee’s statue down,” Marsalis told me in the latest episode of “Cape Up.” “There’s more niggers in that than there is in Robert E. Lee’s statue.”
Wynton Marsalis covered all the bases. Race. His role in New Orleans’s removal of Confederate statues last year. His deep antipathy to rap and hip-hop. And the damage he believes the genres inflict on African Americans. “I feel that that’s much more of a racial issue than taking Robert E. Lee’s statue down,” Marsalis told me in the latest episode of “Cape Up.” “There’s more niggers in that than there is in Robert E. Lee’s statue.”
Pilgrimage of John XXIII's remains refutes religion's demise
Pilgrimage of John XXIII's remains refutes religion's demiseALLEN: On Thursday morning, a small convoy with police protection will depart from the Vatican bound for the northern Italian city of Bergamo, almost six and a half hours away. In a sense, it’s actually a papal motorcade, but of a highly unusual sort. A pope will indeed be making his way north, but not the current occupant of the office. Instead, the motorcade will be carrying the remains of another pontiff, one Pope Francis himself canonized - St. Pope John XXIII, “Good Pope John,” who convened the Second Vatican Council and who’s cherished today as the native son of Sotto il Monte, a tiny town of some 4,000 people located near Bergamo.
Saint's statue removed from Catholic church as repression gathers pace in China
Saint's statue removed as repression gathers pace in China - ucanews.com: A statue of a martyr saint has been removed from a Catholic church in Hebei province as Chinese authorities continued their clampdown on religious freedom.
The statue of St. John Wu Wenyin was unveiled at Dongertou Catholic Church in Yongnian parish of Handan Diocese on May 3 but a source told ucanews.com that authorities asked the church to remove the statue after the ceremony "stirred a commotion on the internet."
Wu Wenyin, who was executed after being tortured during the Boxer Rebellion in Hebei in 1900, was canonized by the late St. Pope John Paul II in October 2000.
The removal of the statue in the northern province follows an increase in repression against Christians across China, particularly in Henan, the province with the most Christians.
The statue of St. John Wu Wenyin was unveiled at Dongertou Catholic Church in Yongnian parish of Handan Diocese on May 3 but a source told ucanews.com that authorities asked the church to remove the statue after the ceremony "stirred a commotion on the internet."
Wu Wenyin, who was executed after being tortured during the Boxer Rebellion in Hebei in 1900, was canonized by the late St. Pope John Paul II in October 2000.
The removal of the statue in the northern province follows an increase in repression against Christians across China, particularly in Henan, the province with the most Christians.
Firemen save tabernacle from New Jersey church fire
Firemen Heroically Save Tabernacle From Church Fire, Sister Posts Haunting Pics of Aftermath | ChurchPOP: Lord, have mercy.
A few days ago, a four-alarm blaze engulfed the chapel at Mary Help of Christians Academy in North Haledon, NJ, an all-girls high school run by the Salesian Sisters of St. John Bosco. The fire alarm went off at 1:29am on May 18th, and though firefirghters came from four nearby municipalities, the fire wasn’t extinguished until around 4am.
“Though our hearts are heavy,” the official statement from the Salesian Sisters reads, “we are fortunate to be able to report that no one was harmed and that firemen were able to rescue the most precious item in the chapel: the tabernacle.”
Wow, praise the Lord!
A few days ago, a four-alarm blaze engulfed the chapel at Mary Help of Christians Academy in North Haledon, NJ, an all-girls high school run by the Salesian Sisters of St. John Bosco. The fire alarm went off at 1:29am on May 18th, and though firefirghters came from four nearby municipalities, the fire wasn’t extinguished until around 4am.
“Though our hearts are heavy,” the official statement from the Salesian Sisters reads, “we are fortunate to be able to report that no one was harmed and that firemen were able to rescue the most precious item in the chapel: the tabernacle.”
Wow, praise the Lord!
Wednesday, May 23, 2018
Pope hints at new CDF document on end-of-life issues
Pope Hints at New CDF Document on End-of-Life IssuesAKIN: Not a lot of people are aware of it, but the pope periodically meets with and gives a speech to the different departments at the Holy See.
Every January, for example, he gives an address to the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF) and the Roman Rota (one of the major legal courts at the Vatican).
He also gives periodic speeches to groups associated with the Holy See, like the Pontifical Biblical Commission and the International Theological Commission.
This is not something new with Pope Francis. It’s been going on for years, including other recent popes, like John Paul II and Benedict XVI.
I watch for these speeches, because they frequently contain indicators both of the pope’s thought on issues and about what’s going to happen in the future.
Every January, for example, he gives an address to the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF) and the Roman Rota (one of the major legal courts at the Vatican).
He also gives periodic speeches to groups associated with the Holy See, like the Pontifical Biblical Commission and the International Theological Commission.
This is not something new with Pope Francis. It’s been going on for years, including other recent popes, like John Paul II and Benedict XVI.
I watch for these speeches, because they frequently contain indicators both of the pope’s thought on issues and about what’s going to happen in the future.
The last ride of legendary tornado chaser Tim Samaras
Chasing an Impossible Storm | Literary Hub: Tim, Carl, and Paul hit the turn onto Reformatory Road just after 6:15. Rain now rips over the road in dense horizontal sheets. Objects plunge through the air like knots of sparrows. Carl rounds the corner and guns it north, with conditions pushing the Cobalt to its limits. Each second is precious. Whether or not they realize it, the tornado is lunging for them.
In our day, as during the time of Luther, what happens in Germany will not stay in Germany
What Happens in Germany | Charles J. Chaput | First ThingsCHAPUT: In The Making of Martin Luther, the Cambridge scholar Richard Rex notes that 1518, not 1517, marks the real birth of Luther’s public profile. Luther’s Ninety-Five Theses hit the wider German market in January 1518. He wrote his Instructions for Confession and his Sermon on the Proper Preparation of the Heart for the Reception of Communion in the spring of the same year. The Sermon, especially, bore the early seeds of Luther’s later full-blown attack on Catholic sacramental theology—a fact that Cardinal Thomas Cajetan had already sensed when he met with Luther and pressed him to recant his more problematic views in Augsburg in October 1518.
Pope’s decision to punt on Communion question is ‘puzzling,’ says Canadian Jesuit archbishop
Germany’s communion discussion ‘puzzling,’ says Canadian archbishop: Even a consensus among German Catholic bishops allowing intercommunion with Protestants cannot change Catholic teaching, says a Canadian archbishop. “Even more important is the challenge to remain faithful to Catholic doctrine and not to propose practices that undermine the faith, and the need to foster loyalty and communion with the universal Church,” said Archbishop Terrence Prendergast, SJ, of Ottawa in an interview. “It is puzzling to learn that the Holy Father told the bishops that whatever they determine is acceptable as long as they all agree.” A majority of German bishops would like to offer communion to Protestant spouses of Catholics under some circumstances. A minority disagrees...
Little-known facts about 6 U.S. bishops
Little-Known Facts About 6 U.S. BishopsGRAVES: Bishop of Oakland, California, Michael Barber, in addition to being diocesan bishop, has been a commissioned officer for the U.S. Navy Reserve for 27 years. In 1991, while studying in Rome, he was asked to celebrate Mass onboard naval vessels heading to and from the First Gulf War. He was told, “Father, the next time you come aboard, we’re going to get you some [U.S. Navy Chaplain Corps] gold stripes for your suit.”
After meeting Navy chaplains and a period of prayer, he requested and received permission from his superiors (he’s a Jesuit) to join the U.S. Navy Reserve.
After meeting Navy chaplains and a period of prayer, he requested and received permission from his superiors (he’s a Jesuit) to join the U.S. Navy Reserve.
‘Gay doesn’t matter’ remark continues ‘shadow magisterium’
‘Gay Doesn’t Matter’ Remark Continues ‘Shadow Magisterium’DESOUZA: Pope Francis has pioneered a new form of papal teaching, massively influential but officially nonexistent. It is something of a shadow magisterium, but on occasion it shines a brighter light than the official magisterium.
The latest example regards the nature of homosexuality. Juan Carlos Cruz, one of the Chilean sexual-abuse victims who spent several days with Pope Francis in April, related the following from his conversations with the Holy Father about being gay.
“Juan Carlos, that you are gay doesn’t matter,” he said Francis told him. “God made you like this and loves you like this, and it doesn’t matter to me. The Pope loves you like this; you have to be happy with who you are.”
The latest example regards the nature of homosexuality. Juan Carlos Cruz, one of the Chilean sexual-abuse victims who spent several days with Pope Francis in April, related the following from his conversations with the Holy Father about being gay.
“Juan Carlos, that you are gay doesn’t matter,” he said Francis told him. “God made you like this and loves you like this, and it doesn’t matter to me. The Pope loves you like this; you have to be happy with who you are.”
Why did tongues of fire appear at Pentecost?
Tongues of Fire and Bishops in Pointy Hats (Acts and 1 Enoch) - Taylor MarshallMARSHALL: Why tongues of fire? Why not lips of fire or words of fire? Why not a fiery dove to conform to the baptism of Christ at the Jordan?
The tongues likely evoke the Hebrew concept of “tongues” praising God. As such, there is a Jewish mystical tradition that God’s heavenly temple above is surrounded by praising “tongues of fire.” Enoch is entering the Temple of Heaven and seeing God there amidst the tongues of fire
The tongues likely evoke the Hebrew concept of “tongues” praising God. As such, there is a Jewish mystical tradition that God’s heavenly temple above is surrounded by praising “tongues of fire.” Enoch is entering the Temple of Heaven and seeing God there amidst the tongues of fire
Singer Andrea Bocelli walks on knees in reverence at Fatima, says “every breath becomes a prayer”
Singer Andrea Bocelli Walks on Knees in Reverence, Says "Every Breathe Becomes a Prayer" at Fatima | ChurchPOP: Amen!
Famous opera singer Andrea Bocelli recently performed at the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary in Fatima, Portugal, as part of an on-going celebration of the 100th anniversary of the apparitions there.
And he posted about it on social media with some really interesting comments!
Famous opera singer Andrea Bocelli recently performed at the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary in Fatima, Portugal, as part of an on-going celebration of the 100th anniversary of the apparitions there.
And he posted about it on social media with some really interesting comments!
16 tips to improving your parish hospitality
16 Tips To Improving Your Parish Hospitality - Catholic Missionary Disciples - College Station, TXLEJEUNE: Every parish has visitors, but not every visit is the same. Are your visitors having a positive experience? Will they come back? Do they feel welcomed? How is our hospitality to these visitors?
Think of the last time you visited another parish for the first time. Did you know where to park? Did you find your way around easily? Did you feel welcomed? Were you a bit nervous? What was positive about the experience and what was negative?
Many Catholics are able to look beyond the negatives in a parish, because they are insiders who understand the reality of the Eucharist. But, most outsiders to our parishes are unable to do the same and they may focus on the externals we may gloss over. The challenge for us is to see our parishes through the eyes of our visitors, so we can be more welcoming to them.
Think of the last time you visited another parish for the first time. Did you know where to park? Did you find your way around easily? Did you feel welcomed? Were you a bit nervous? What was positive about the experience and what was negative?
Many Catholics are able to look beyond the negatives in a parish, because they are insiders who understand the reality of the Eucharist. But, most outsiders to our parishes are unable to do the same and they may focus on the externals we may gloss over. The challenge for us is to see our parishes through the eyes of our visitors, so we can be more welcoming to them.
Keeping Catholic schools Catholic in a “love is love” culture
Keeping Catholic schools Catholic in a “love is love” culture – Catholic World ReportFRASER: For the last few years we have sent our oldest child to our beautiful local parish school. The education there has given us and our child many blessings—frequent visits to the church, interaction with the priests, strengthened connection to the parish and diocese, as well as a sense of community. The list of wonderful things goes on. However, recent events have driven home to us how quickly and surely education can be compromised.
What if Helena Daily were for priests?
What if Helena Daily Was for Priests? — Helena DailyGRESS: When we launched Helena Daily, a dear priest friend voiced his concern that we were being a bit sexist. I offered to remedy it by adding an occasional piece for men, or better, we could make a collection exclusively for our beloved priests. So here is our specially (tongue-in-cheek) cultivated collection for the Men in Black.
On entering the Church: When a friend becomes family
On entering the Church: When a friend becomes familyMILLS: On Sunday afternoon at the Church of the Holy Family in New York City near the United Nations, my young friend Barbara stood in front of a priest. She stood by herself except for a nun, her sponsor, standing at her side and slightly behind her.
The priest, the nun, and my friend made a small island in the wide space in front of the altar. At the center was the small young woman in a long flowered skirt that was, like her, restrained and festive. Barbara had invited her friends to see her change her life.
She said, “I believe and profess all that the holy Catholic Church believes, teaches, and proclaims to be revealed by God.” The priest then confirmed her and she returned to her seat and the Mass went on.
The priest, the nun, and my friend made a small island in the wide space in front of the altar. At the center was the small young woman in a long flowered skirt that was, like her, restrained and festive. Barbara had invited her friends to see her change her life.
She said, “I believe and profess all that the holy Catholic Church believes, teaches, and proclaims to be revealed by God.” The priest then confirmed her and she returned to her seat and the Mass went on.
Origami robots just helped build the world’s smallest house
Origami Robots Just Helped Build the World's Smallest House: Pushing the tiny-house movement to bizarre new limits, French scientists have constructed the "world's smallest house" on the tip of an optical fiber.
With each wall spanning about 0.0006 inches in length, the humble chalet is too small to accommodate a dust mite, an amoeba or a sperm cell. It's about 10,000 times too small to host a tardigrade; it's even too small to hold a piece of tardigrade poop. So, why build a house so small that even a tardigrade can't make use of it? Mainly just to prove it can be done. According to a new paper published in the May issue of the Journal of Vacuum Science and Technology, this project was a test of a new nanoconstruction platform known as the MicroRobotex (or μRobotex) station — a high-tech rig built at the Femto-ST Institute in Besançon, France, with the sole purpose of affixing microscopic, 3D components onto ridiculously small surfaces.
With each wall spanning about 0.0006 inches in length, the humble chalet is too small to accommodate a dust mite, an amoeba or a sperm cell. It's about 10,000 times too small to host a tardigrade; it's even too small to hold a piece of tardigrade poop. So, why build a house so small that even a tardigrade can't make use of it? Mainly just to prove it can be done. According to a new paper published in the May issue of the Journal of Vacuum Science and Technology, this project was a test of a new nanoconstruction platform known as the MicroRobotex (or μRobotex) station — a high-tech rig built at the Femto-ST Institute in Besançon, France, with the sole purpose of affixing microscopic, 3D components onto ridiculously small surfaces.
Pope worries about Europe 'hemorrhaging' priests, nuns: Can you spot the big hole in this AP story?
Pope worries about Europe 'hemorrhaging' priests, nuns: Spot big hole in short AP story? (updated) — GetReligionMATTINGLY: I apologize for going on and on about this subject, but when it comes to the religion beat this is only one of the most important Catholic news stories in the world.
Come to think of it, questions about changing birth rates and demographics are important when covering Judaism, Islam, Pentecostal Christianity, Mormons, liberal Protestantism and other major faith groups, as well.
So let's connect some dots here, starting with another one of those formal Pope Francis statements that receives little mainstream news coverage, as opposed to the off-the-cuff or maybe even misquoted Francis statements (click for the latest) that leap into the headlines.
Come to think of it, questions about changing birth rates and demographics are important when covering Judaism, Islam, Pentecostal Christianity, Mormons, liberal Protestantism and other major faith groups, as well.
So let's connect some dots here, starting with another one of those formal Pope Francis statements that receives little mainstream news coverage, as opposed to the off-the-cuff or maybe even misquoted Francis statements (click for the latest) that leap into the headlines.
Where is the original Siloam Pool from the Bible?
Where Is the Original Siloam Pool from the Bible? - Biblical Archaeology Society: Where is the original Siloam Pool, the water pool that fed Jerusalem in the First Temple period and is mentioned in the Bible (2 Kings 20:20; 2 Chronicles 32:2–4)? Although the Second Temple-period Siloam Pool—which appears in John 9 where Jesus heals a blind man—was discovered in 2004, the earlier Siloam Pool remains unknown. BAR Editor Hershel Shanks investigated a possible location for the Biblical Pool of Siloam from King Hezekiah’s time in the article “The Pool of Siloam Has Been Found, but Where Is the Pool of Siloam?” published in the January/February 2017 issue of Biblical Archaeology Review.
Philadelphia’s unnecessary war on Catholics (Washington Post paywall)
Philadelphia’s unnecessary war on Catholics - The Washington Post: At a time when more than 400,000 children are in foster care nationwide, the city of Philadelphia is threatening to cut ties with Catholic Social Services because of the group’s policy against placing foster children in same-sex households.
On the surface, one might say this is a classic case of state vs. church: The city must uphold its policies forbidding discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. And CSS must honor Catholic teaching and not place children in LGBTQ households...
On the surface, one might say this is a classic case of state vs. church: The city must uphold its policies forbidding discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. And CSS must honor Catholic teaching and not place children in LGBTQ households...
Pope laments vocations ‘hemorrhage,’ wants ‘clear rules’ on money
Pope laments vocations 'hemorrhage,' wants 'clear rules' on moneyALLEN: Speaking to the powerful Italian bishops’ conference Monday, Pope Francis tagged three “preoccupations” in the only country in the world where he rules as Primate: a “hemorrhage” of vocations, “evangelical poverty and transparency,” and the need for a “consolidation” of Italy’s sprawling number of dioceses.
Francis told the bishops he wasn’t sharing these concerns to “beat you up,” but rather as points for further “dialogue and reflection.” He also said he wanted to hear their questions, even their criticisms, because “it’s not bad to criticize the pope, it’s useful.”
Francis told the bishops he wasn’t sharing these concerns to “beat you up,” but rather as points for further “dialogue and reflection.” He also said he wanted to hear their questions, even their criticisms, because “it’s not bad to criticize the pope, it’s useful.”
When priests are formed to lead spiritual warfare, the vocations crisis will take care of itself
A Cry for the Warrior Priest | Fr. Dwight LongeneckerLONGENECKER: John Allen reports at CRUX today on the Holy Father’s brisk and realistic discussion with the Italian bishops about the crisis in the Italian church.
There are money problems, clergy living high off the hog, bishops being sly with the loot and a general falling away from the faith. As I have written elsewhere, the situation in the church right now is not so different from the church at the threshold of the Protestant Revolution. Go here for my analysis.
Allen points to one of the outstanding character in the present corruption...
There are money problems, clergy living high off the hog, bishops being sly with the loot and a general falling away from the faith. As I have written elsewhere, the situation in the church right now is not so different from the church at the threshold of the Protestant Revolution. Go here for my analysis.
Allen points to one of the outstanding character in the present corruption...
Pope’s Wednesday Audience: Christians are salt and light, made so by the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit makes our works effective, Pope Francis says: The Holy Spirit helps Catholics to do good works by giving them the gifts they need to be effective 'salt and light' in the world, Pope Francis said at the general audience Wednesday.
Like Jesus said: “You are the salt of the earth… you are the light of the world,” the pope said May 23, explaining that the images of salt and light “make us think of our conduct, because both the lack and the excess of salt make food disgusting, as the lack and the excess of light prevent us from seeing.”
“Who can really make us salt that gives flavor and preserves from corruption, and light that enlightens the world?” he asked. “It is only the Spirit of Christ!”
Like Jesus said: “You are the salt of the earth… you are the light of the world,” the pope said May 23, explaining that the images of salt and light “make us think of our conduct, because both the lack and the excess of salt make food disgusting, as the lack and the excess of light prevent us from seeing.”
“Who can really make us salt that gives flavor and preserves from corruption, and light that enlightens the world?” he asked. “It is only the Spirit of Christ!”
A closer look at those Justice Kennedy retirement rumors
A Closer Look at Justice Kennedy Retirement RumorsDESMOND: Rumors are flying that Justice Anthony Kennedy, 81, will tender his resignation by summer.
The closely watched “swing” vote on the ideologically divided high court, Kennedy is the subject of furious speculation by court watchers.
Republicans are eager to replace the California native with a more reliably conservative jurist, while Democrats seek to delay another Supreme Court confirmation fight as long as possible—or at least until after the midterm elections when the GOP could lose control of the Senate.
“Kennedy is going to retire around sometime early summer,” Sen. Dean Heller, R-Nev., contended earlier this month in Las Vegas, according to comments published by Politico.
“I think a new Supreme Court justice will get them motivated.”
The closely watched “swing” vote on the ideologically divided high court, Kennedy is the subject of furious speculation by court watchers.
Republicans are eager to replace the California native with a more reliably conservative jurist, while Democrats seek to delay another Supreme Court confirmation fight as long as possible—or at least until after the midterm elections when the GOP could lose control of the Senate.
“Kennedy is going to retire around sometime early summer,” Sen. Dean Heller, R-Nev., contended earlier this month in Las Vegas, according to comments published by Politico.
“I think a new Supreme Court justice will get them motivated.”
Tuesday, May 22, 2018
Bishops’ fates in the balance, Pope to consult Chile victims — again...
Whispers in the Loggia: Doubling Down – Bishops’ Fates In the Balance, Pope To Consult Chile Victims. Again.PALMO: Five days after all the Chilean bishops moved to offer their historic joint resignation to the Pope, late tonight brought a further sign of Francis' immersion in the country's abuse crisis – a sudden Vatican announcement that a second group of victims would spend next weekend staying with the pontiff at the Domus (above) for private talks.
Most critically of all, the five men – survivors of what, in a striking description, the Vatican termed the "systemic abuse" or "abusive system" of the now-removed predator priest Fernando Karadima – are all now priests in their own right, marking the first occasion that a Pope will have met with clerics who have themselves been victims.
Most critically of all, the five men – survivors of what, in a striking description, the Vatican termed the "systemic abuse" or "abusive system" of the now-removed predator priest Fernando Karadima – are all now priests in their own right, marking the first occasion that a Pope will have met with clerics who have themselves been victims.
Why is there such strong hatred for the Church?
Why Is There Such Strong Hatred for the Church? - Community in Mission : Community in MissionPOPE: In the final week of Easter, there were frequent references in the readings to the fact that the world would hate true Christians. For example,
If the world hates you, understand that it hated Me first. If you were of the world, it would love you as its own. Instead, the world hates you, because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. Remember the word that I spoke to you
If the world hates you, understand that it hated Me first. If you were of the world, it would love you as its own. Instead, the world hates you, because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. Remember the word that I spoke to you
The silence, richness and beauty of the Traditional Latin Mass
The ‘Latin Mass’ is still relevant - Denver CatholicMAURICIO: Many Catholics would be skeptical to walk into a Mass that seems straight out of the Middle Ages, a Mass they could barely understand. The stigmas surrounding the “Latin Mass” has led numerous Catholics to question it: If the Church changed it, why go back to the “old ways”? Can I even get anything out of it? Wasn’t it invalidated?
But the Tridentine Mass or the Rite of St. Gregory the Great (names for the “traditional Latin Mass”) isn’t bad at all. In fact, many Catholics have “re-fallen” in love with it – not to mention the many saints it has sustained throughout history. It helps the faithful dive into a journey of the Mystery of the Mass through the silence, richness and beauty it radiates – and the fact that it’s in Latin actually helps.
But the Tridentine Mass or the Rite of St. Gregory the Great (names for the “traditional Latin Mass”) isn’t bad at all. In fact, many Catholics have “re-fallen” in love with it – not to mention the many saints it has sustained throughout history. It helps the faithful dive into a journey of the Mystery of the Mass through the silence, richness and beauty it radiates – and the fact that it’s in Latin actually helps.
Cardinal Sarah is now proto-deacon of the College — the one who gets to announce ‘Habemus Papam’
Cardinal Sarah will be next to announce ‘Habemus Papam’: Cardinal Robert Sarah has become the “proto-deacon”: that is to say that in case of conclave, he will be responsible for announcing the name of the future new pope, and will thus pronounce the famous “Habemus papam” from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, noted the newspaper La Croix on May 21, 2018. That, of course, is presuming that there would be a conclave before his tenure as proto-deacon ends … and also presuming that he himself wouldn’t be elected the next pope!
New technology lets parents hold 3D-printed likenesses of their unborn babies
Embryo 3D: Expectant Parents in Russia Hold 3D Printed Likenesses of Their Babies | 3DPrint.com | The Voice of 3D Printing / Additive Manufacturing: Whether you are just having your first child—and may have waited quite some time to experience the wonders of pregnancy—or whether you are having your third or fourth child, the magic and the anticipation are like little else you will ever experience in life, especially as you have been responsible for creating it. Most parents spend countless moments and hours imagining what their babies will be like, how they will sound, smell, and of course, who they will resemble the most.
Pope laments vocations ‘hemorrhage,’ wants ‘clear rules’ on money
Pope laments vocations 'hemorrhage,' wants 'clear rules' on moneyALLEN: Speaking to the powerful Italian bishops’ conference Monday, Pope Francis tagged three “preoccupations” in the only country in the world where he rules as Primate: a “hemorrhage” of vocations, “evangelical poverty and transparency,” and the need for a “consolidation” of Italy’s sprawling number of dioceses.
Francis told the bishops he wasn’t sharing these concerns to “beat you up,” but rather as points for further “dialogue and reflection.” He also said he wanted to hear their questions, even their criticisms, because “it’s not bad to criticize the pope, it’s useful.”
On vocations, the pontiff didn’t mince words.
Francis told the bishops he wasn’t sharing these concerns to “beat you up,” but rather as points for further “dialogue and reflection.” He also said he wanted to hear their questions, even their criticisms, because “it’s not bad to criticize the pope, it’s useful.”
On vocations, the pontiff didn’t mince words.
Australian archbishop convicted of child sex abuse cover-up
Australian archbishop convicted of child sex abuse cover-up: An Australian archbishop on Tuesday became the most senior Roman Catholic cleric in the world convicted of covering up child sex abuse and faces a potential two years in prison when he is sentenced next month.
Magistrate Robert Stone handed down the verdict against Archbishop of Adelaide Philip Wilson in Newcastle Local Court, north of Sydney, following a magistrate-only trial.
Wilson, 67, had pleaded not guilty to concealing a serious crime committed by another person — the sexual abuse of children by pedophile priest James Fletcher in the 1970s.
Magistrate Robert Stone handed down the verdict against Archbishop of Adelaide Philip Wilson in Newcastle Local Court, north of Sydney, following a magistrate-only trial.
Wilson, 67, had pleaded not guilty to concealing a serious crime committed by another person — the sexual abuse of children by pedophile priest James Fletcher in the 1970s.
Monday, May 21, 2018
Married priests and Synod of the Amazon
Married priests and Synod of the Amazon | In the Light of the LawEDPETERS: There is no canonical or doctrinal objection to ordaining married men for priestly ministry.
Whether it makes practical sense, however, to ordain married men is quite another matter, and whether such ordinations would detract from the appreciation of celibacy itself as “a special gift of God” that has finally, Deo gratias, made its way into codified law (Canon 277), is also quite a different matter. Both of these concerns require searching consideration, this, especially in times not given to doing searching consideration of complex issues.
Here, though, I make two different points.
Whether it makes practical sense, however, to ordain married men is quite another matter, and whether such ordinations would detract from the appreciation of celibacy itself as “a special gift of God” that has finally, Deo gratias, made its way into codified law (Canon 277), is also quite a different matter. Both of these concerns require searching consideration, this, especially in times not given to doing searching consideration of complex issues.
Here, though, I make two different points.
After Pentecost, we sing and pray the Salve Regina
After Pentecost, We Sing and Pray the Salve ReginaMANN: This is one of the four Marian antiphons the Church uses throughout the liturgical year. The Alma Redemptoris Mater is chanted from the First Vespers of the First Sunday of Advent through the Feast of the Purification on February 2. The Ave, Regina Caelorum/Hail, O Queen of Heaven is the antiphon from the Purification until the Wednesday of Holy Week. Since Easter Sunday, the Church has been singing the Regina Caeli/Queen of Heaven with its repeated Alleluias. As we enter the long season of Ordinary Time, we sing and pray this most familiar of the four Marian antiphons. It is so familiar because we usually pray it at the end of the Rosary and because it is the basis of a popular Marian hymn.
‘The woman’ and ‘the two’
‘The woman’ and ‘the two’KRANICK: There has been a lot of discussion recently about women, such as with the “Weinstein Effect” and #MeToo. Misogyny in our culture is on notice, and the idea of womanhood has come to the forefront. In many respects, we have never before seen a moment like this, focused on the dignity of women.
Perhaps it is time the modern world should look toward an older idea of womanhood, that which permeates our Catholic faith.
Perhaps it is time the modern world should look toward an older idea of womanhood, that which permeates our Catholic faith.
They Might Be Giants on joy, death and unlikely anagrams
They Might Be Giants on joy, death and unlikely anagrams - Angelus News - Multimedia Catholic NewsEDEN: When Pope Francis, writing in “Evangelii Gaudium”, said that “the Church will have to initiate everyone” into the “art of accompaniment,” he probably didn’t mean every Catholic should learn to sing while playing an instrument. Yet the long-running musical duo They Might Be Giants, whose 20 studio albums have sold more than 4 million copies, perform for their fans a kind of accompaniment that, in a limited but real sense, complements the pope’s mission.
Vetoing life, vetoing women’s care
Vetoing Life, Vetoing Women’s Care | Public DiscoursePHILPOTT: Late last month, the mayor of my city, South Bend, Indiana, vetoed a zoning request put forth by the Women’s Care Center, the nation’s largest pregnancy resource center, to open a branch next door to the anticipated site of an abortion clinic.
The mayor, Pete Buttigieg, a winsome young politician who is often compared to John F. Kennedy and touted for leadership in the national Democratic Party, explained his decision by paraphrasing what candidate Barack Obama told pastor Rick Warren in the 2008 presidential campaign: “Issues on the legality or morality of abortion are dramatically beyond my paygrade as a mayor.” It was rather safety, security, and stability that motivated him, the mayor said. “I don’t think it would be responsible to situate two groups, literally right next door to each other, in a neighborhood, that have diametrically opposed views on the most divisive social issue of our time.”
The mayor, Pete Buttigieg, a winsome young politician who is often compared to John F. Kennedy and touted for leadership in the national Democratic Party, explained his decision by paraphrasing what candidate Barack Obama told pastor Rick Warren in the 2008 presidential campaign: “Issues on the legality or morality of abortion are dramatically beyond my paygrade as a mayor.” It was rather safety, security, and stability that motivated him, the mayor said. “I don’t think it would be responsible to situate two groups, literally right next door to each other, in a neighborhood, that have diametrically opposed views on the most divisive social issue of our time.”
How people become digital pirates without even knowing it
Knowing, and Avoiding, Digital PiracyBRUGGER: I am an avid music-lover. I have a Spotify account, for which I pay a monthly subscription and through which I listen to most of my music. But since my car does not have Bluetooth, I cannot use a streaming service like Spotify in the car. So I use an iPod with digital MP3 files.
Sometimes I acquire my MP3 files from “free music download” sites or by other techniques (e.g., “ripping” the audio from YouTube videos). In this case, I am listening to music I didn’t pay for; but I sort of paid for the right to listen to it, since I have access to the same songs via my paid Spotify account. Am I doing something wrong? Peter
Sometimes I acquire my MP3 files from “free music download” sites or by other techniques (e.g., “ripping” the audio from YouTube videos). In this case, I am listening to music I didn’t pay for; but I sort of paid for the right to listen to it, since I have access to the same songs via my paid Spotify account. Am I doing something wrong? Peter
Chilean abuse victim claims Pope ‘told me to accept being gay, God made me this way’
Chilean Abuse Victim Claims Pope ‘Told Me to Accept Being Gay, God Made Me This Way’: A victim of the Chilean clergy sex abuse crisis who met privately with Pope Francis told a Spanish news source that the Pope told him to accept himself and his same-sex attraction, because God made him that way.
Juan Carlos Cruz, a victim of Father Fernando Karadima, met with Pope Francis privately in April after being invited to the Vatican along with other victims of abuse.
In comments to the press May 2, Cruz said that the Pope was “sincere, attentive and deeply apologetic for the situation [of sexual abuse].”
“For me, the Pope was contrite, he was truly sorry,” Cruz said. “I felt also that he was hurting, which for me was very solemn, because it’s not often that the Pope says sorry to you. ... He said, ‘I was part of the problem, I caused this and I apologize.’”
Juan Carlos Cruz, a victim of Father Fernando Karadima, met with Pope Francis privately in April after being invited to the Vatican along with other victims of abuse.
In comments to the press May 2, Cruz said that the Pope was “sincere, attentive and deeply apologetic for the situation [of sexual abuse].”
“For me, the Pope was contrite, he was truly sorry,” Cruz said. “I felt also that he was hurting, which for me was very solemn, because it’s not often that the Pope says sorry to you. ... He said, ‘I was part of the problem, I caused this and I apologize.’”
A little-known feature in Google Maps lets you explore Mercury, Venus, and other planets and moons
How to explore the local solar system in Google Maps - Business Insider: Most people just use Google Maps to get directions from A to B, but it's also an incredible educational tool in its own right.
Using Google Maps is a great way to learn more about the various cities and countries around the world. But many people might not know that Google Maps can also be used to explore other worlds besides Earth.
That's right: If you visit Google Maps and zoom out far enough, you'll have the option to explore several planets and moons in our own solar system.
Using Google Maps is a great way to learn more about the various cities and countries around the world. But many people might not know that Google Maps can also be used to explore other worlds besides Earth.
That's right: If you visit Google Maps and zoom out far enough, you'll have the option to explore several planets and moons in our own solar system.
Why the Church needs more athletics apostolates like Denver-based Frassati Sports
Holy Homerun – WE'RE LATE FOR CHURCHGERD: Recently, a friend candidly shared with me her worries about the amount of faith her son was getting in our Catholic school. It concerned her that every single subject was neatly tied to Catholicism. She expressed frustration that it all funnels back to the faith. This was my chance. Very rarely in life do you get lobbed the absolute perfect pitch, just standing at the ready, anticipating the moment you are about to connect with the sweet spot. While I didn’t share this mom’s concern at all...
Adoption and foster care must be a priority for people who consider themselves pro-life
Adoption & Foster Care Must Be Pro-Life Priority | National ReviewLOPEZ: The world would be a better place if all the mothers were like you.” Kelly Rosati’s 16-year-old “little Vietnamese tsunami” put on her card for Mother’s Day. There was a time when Rosati didn’t think such sentiments were possible. Let’s just say she’s been called things less endearing than “Mom.” There have been suicides attempts. Probation. Cutting. Bulimia. Even right now, her adopted daughter isn’t at home but temporarily living in a residential program. “It sounds like a failure,” Rosati said this past week, while in Sierra Madre for the California Catholic Conference’s annual convening of pro-life and family leaders from across the state. “It isn’t. It’s about being healthy. Our kids have come to understand that.”
Ross Douthat: The Irish Exception
Opinion | The Irish Exception - The New York Times: There’s a cliche that the politics of Ireland have a way of lagging 30 or so years behind the Western times. The island nation’s version of the American 1960s, for instance, only really arrived in earnest in the 1990s, when divorce was finally legalized and the sexual revolution and secularization began to reshape Irish life in earnest.
The 12 tricks of the Antichrist to steal souls, according to Ven. Fulton Sheen
The 12 Tricks of the Anti-Christ to Steal Souls, According to the Ven. Archbishop Fulton Sheen | ChurchPOP: Talk about prescient!
Archbishop Fulton Sheen was one of the great evangelists of the 20th century, taking the Gospel first to radio and then to television and reaching millions of people around the world.
In an amazing radio broadcast on January 26, 1947, he explained what he thought the 12 tricks of the Anti-Christ will be. The “Anti-Christ” is a figure talked about in the New Testament that will lead many people away from God.
First, Archbishop Sheen dispels myths about what the Anti-Christ will look like. “The Anti-Christ will not be so called, otherwise he would have no followers. He will wear no red tights, nor vomit sulphur, nor carry a spear nor wave an arrowed tail as Mephistopheles in Faust.”
Archbishop Fulton Sheen was one of the great evangelists of the 20th century, taking the Gospel first to radio and then to television and reaching millions of people around the world.
In an amazing radio broadcast on January 26, 1947, he explained what he thought the 12 tricks of the Anti-Christ will be. The “Anti-Christ” is a figure talked about in the New Testament that will lead many people away from God.
First, Archbishop Sheen dispels myths about what the Anti-Christ will look like. “The Anti-Christ will not be so called, otherwise he would have no followers. He will wear no red tights, nor vomit sulphur, nor carry a spear nor wave an arrowed tail as Mephistopheles in Faust.”
Why do mass shootings happen? The best explanation is the least comforting...
Why Do Mass Shootings Happen? Here's The Best Explanation | National ReviewFRENCH: On another terrible day, I hate to introduce even more pessimism, but when we discuss mass shootings, one of the first questions we ask is the simplest and also the hardest to answer. Why? Why does this keep happening? Those who advocate for gun control have an immediate answer — the prevalence of guns in the United States. Yet guns have been part of the fabric of American life for the entire history of our republic. Mass shootings — especially the most deadly mass shootings — are a far more recent phenomenon.
Abuse victim says Pope Francis told him “being gay doesn't matter”
Abuse victim says Pope Francis told him "being gay doesn't matter"SANMARTIN: As part of the fallout of Pope Francis’ meeting with 34 Chilean bishops that led to the resignation of all of them, accused or at least suspected of covering up cases of clerical sexual abuse and destroying damning evidence, the survivors who met with him in April continue to share bits and pieces of their encounter with the pontiff.
“Juan Carlos, that you are gay doesn’t matter,” Francis reportedly told clerical sexual abuse survivor Juan Carlos Cruz. “God made you like this and loves you like this and it doesn’t matter to me. The pope loves you like this, you have to be happy with who you are.”
“Juan Carlos, that you are gay doesn’t matter,” Francis reportedly told clerical sexual abuse survivor Juan Carlos Cruz. “God made you like this and loves you like this and it doesn’t matter to me. The pope loves you like this, you have to be happy with who you are.”
A look at the Fruits of the Holy Spirit
A Look at the Fruits of the Holy Spirit - Community in Mission : Community in MissionPOPE: On Pentecost, the Holy Spirit was given unto our mission to the ends of the earth. Among His gifts are the fruits of the Spirit which deserve our attention today.
The Fruits of the Holy Spirit in the Catholic Catechism and Tradition are drawn largely from St. Paul’s letter to the Galatians where he writes, But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires.
The Fruits of the Holy Spirit in the Catholic Catechism and Tradition are drawn largely from St. Paul’s letter to the Galatians where he writes, But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires.
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