The bomb and the pill: Snuffing out life in the name of security – Catholic Philly: Of the many technologies that have changed the course of culture, contraception may be the most pernicious.
In his landmark encyclical “Humanae Vitae,” St. Paul VI foresaw that the rise of artificial birth control methods would also lead to more marital infidelity, the lowering of moral standards and the objectification of persons. One does not need to look far to see that these bitter fruits have taken deep root in the culture.
Alongside the birth control technologies themselves is the contraceptive mentality that they foster. What is a contraceptive mentality? The idea that we can be free without taking risks.
Friday, November 30, 2018
Bankruptcy comes for the archbishop
Whispers in the Loggia: In "Land of Enchantment," A Double HitPALMO: As if Wednesday's descent on Houston Chancery by the civil authorities wasn't enough on its own, only later did it emerge that, at the very same time, things were likewise brewing across the other side of Texas.
While the 12-hour search of the headquarters of the US' sixth-largest diocese – which, it's since become known, involved Federal agents alongside state Rangers and county-level law enforcement – dominated the headlines, reports from New Mexico subsequently brought word of a similar warrant served on the archdiocese of Santa Fe amid a previously announced statewide probe, one of the 15 currently underway across the country.
While the 12-hour search of the headquarters of the US' sixth-largest diocese – which, it's since become known, involved Federal agents alongside state Rangers and county-level law enforcement – dominated the headlines, reports from New Mexico subsequently brought word of a similar warrant served on the archdiocese of Santa Fe amid a previously announced statewide probe, one of the 15 currently underway across the country.
In sign of financial reform, Vatican joins EU payments system
In sign of financial reform, Vatican joins EU payments systemSANMARTIN: Though largely stalled on some fronts, the Vatican’s financial reform continues full steam ahead on others, as the Vatican announced Friday it’s joining the Single Euro Payments Area, which allows European consumers, businesses and governments to make financial transactions within Europe as easily as domestic payments. In a statement released by the Vatican on Friday, René Brülhart, President of the Financial Information Authority, also known as AIF, the Vatican’s financial watchdog authority, defined this as a “very positive sign.”
Fortitude! A call to stay engaged in resolving the abuse scandal...
Fortitude! A Call to Stay Engaged in Resolving the Abuse ScandalPOPE: Many today rightly speak of the need for courage in the midst of the current sexual abuse scandal and its coverup. It does indeed take courage to speak out and engage in the awkward task of insisting on accountability and reform from our bishops and the Pope, whom we have been taught to revere and respect. There are potential dangers, especially for clergy and lay leaders in the Church, who may risk sanctions of some sort for speaking up.
EWTN wins lawsuit over HHS contraception mandate
EWTN Wins Lawsuit Over HHS Contraception Mandate: The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit issued an order Thursday vacating a 2014 district-court decision against the Eternal Word Television Network in its lawsuit against the so-called contraceptive mandate issued by the Department of Health and Human Services. The order follows a settlement between the network and the Department of Justice reached Oct. 5.
Under the terms of the settlement, EWTN will not be required to provide contraception, sterilization or abortifacients through its employee health-care plan.
“This moment has been a long time coming,” said EWTN Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Michael P. Warsaw.
Under the terms of the settlement, EWTN will not be required to provide contraception, sterilization or abortifacients through its employee health-care plan.
“This moment has been a long time coming,” said EWTN Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Michael P. Warsaw.
Thursday, November 29, 2018
Swedish pilots awarded U.S. medals for top secret 1987 SR-71 incident
Swedish Pilots Win Medals for Top Secret 1987 SR-71 Incident: Three decades ago, a group of Swedish fighter pilots who were trained to intercept America’s high-flying SR-71 suddenly became guardian angels for the crew of one stricken Blackbird. This week, the pilots were awarded U.S. Air Medals for bravery.
Soberly awaiting the Second Coming — Readings for the 1st Sunday of Advent
The Sacred Page: Soberly Awaiting the Second Coming: Readings for 1st Sunday of AdventBERGSMA: Happy New Year everyone! We start the liturgical calendar anew this weekend, and we are in Year C, which has some of the most creative and stimulating combinations of lectionary readings.
We just concluded the liturgical calendar by reading largely from the Book of Revelation and Our Lord’s eschatological discourse from the Gospel of Luke. We spent a good deal of time meditating on the second coming of Our Lord, the end of history, and the final judgment. We now make a smooth segue into Advent, because the first week of this liturgical season is given over to contemplating the second coming, as well. The second week of Advent will move into the “John the Baptist” stage of the season, where we meditate on John as the introductory and transitional figure between the Old and the New Testaments.
We just concluded the liturgical calendar by reading largely from the Book of Revelation and Our Lord’s eschatological discourse from the Gospel of Luke. We spent a good deal of time meditating on the second coming of Our Lord, the end of history, and the final judgment. We now make a smooth segue into Advent, because the first week of this liturgical season is given over to contemplating the second coming, as well. The second week of Advent will move into the “John the Baptist” stage of the season, where we meditate on John as the introductory and transitional figure between the Old and the New Testaments.
Here’s video of the autistic boy who ran onstage during Wednesday’s papal audience
New Advent: Here’s video of the autistic boy who ran onstage during Wednesday’s papal audience: The little boy is first seen at the 30:50 mark, when he tugs the hands of the Swiss Guard. At the 36:50 mark, the Pope reflects on the unexpected encounter.
Three bundles of good news in bill to aid Iraqi Christians, Yazidis
Three bundles of good news in bill to aid Iraqi Christians, YazidisALLEN: On Wednesday, the U.S. Congress adopted HR 309, titled the “Iraq and Syria Genocide Relief and Accountability Act of 2018,” which now heads to President Donald Trump’s desk, where he’s expected to sign it into law.
First introduced two years ago, the bill makes it clear that victims of the ISIS genocide in Iraq, including Christians and Yazidis, should be included in American assistance to the region. It also features American aid for holding perpetrators accountable, including funding to develop local judicial and investigatory capacities.
For those concerned about the plight of suffering religious minorities around the world, very much including Christians, it’s obviously good news. In fact, there are at least three levels upon which HR 309 seems something to celebrate.
First introduced two years ago, the bill makes it clear that victims of the ISIS genocide in Iraq, including Christians and Yazidis, should be included in American assistance to the region. It also features American aid for holding perpetrators accountable, including funding to develop local judicial and investigatory capacities.
For those concerned about the plight of suffering religious minorities around the world, very much including Christians, it’s obviously good news. In fact, there are at least three levels upon which HR 309 seems something to celebrate.
Amidst our apocalypse, Advent asks us to stay
Amidst Our Apocalypse, Advent Asks Us to Stay | Word on FireSCALIA: As the liturgical year winds down, we are each day treated to images of the biblical apocalypse, those jarring end-times scenarios articulated by Jesus and through the mystical imagery delivered to us out of Patmos by Saint John. While at every Mass the Church declares that we “wait in joyful hope for the coming of the Lord,” these readings can feel terrifying.
A hard day’s night in Houston
Whispers in the Loggia: In H-Town, A Hard Day's NightPALMO: Ten hours into the prosecutorial operation Houston Chancery doesn't want to be described as a "raid," the senior officials of the US' sixth-largest diocese – led by the sitting president of the bench – remain shut out of their offices and huddled in a conference room at 1700 San Jacinto as a crowd of "at least 50, if not more" state law enforcement agents continue poring through the files....
Between the symbolism, substance – and, indeed, surprise – of the moment, there's a lot in the air, and at least as much to be untangled.
Between the symbolism, substance – and, indeed, surprise – of the moment, there's a lot in the air, and at least as much to be untangled.
For those who fight this long defeat, everlasting victory will be the reward
Winning the Long Defeat ~ The Imaginative ConservativePEARCE: One of the fatal errors that Christians make is the belief that Christians need to rule the world. If we had Christian rulers, it is argued, we would have a better world. And indeed we would. The problem is that the world is always more powerful than the Christians and will never be ruled by followers of Christ. It never has been and never will be. If Christ stood for election, he would lose. The media would be against him, the advocates of Pride would be against him, the corporate globalists and other followers of Mammon would be against him. He would have his followers and they would be the salt of the earth but they would be powerless against the forces aligned against Him and them. The media would mock Him. The mob would crucify Him. And the followers of Mammon would be relieved that the troublemaker had been removed and that everyone could return to business as usual. Meanwhile the followers of Christ would be marginalized and ostracized and at times forced underground. It has ever been thus.
Archaeologists find name of Pontius Pilate on 2,000-year-old ring
2,000-year-old 'Pilate' ring just might have belonged to notorious Jesus judge | The Times of Israel: An intriguing 2,000-year-old copper alloy ring bearing the inscription “of Pilatus” may be only the second artifact testifying to the historicity of the infamous Pontius Pilate. Unearthed 50 years ago, the ring was overlooked until recently, when it got a good scrub, and a second look.
Pilate, a Roman prefect who ruled the Roman province of Judaea from circa 26–36 CE, is mentioned in several accounts in the New Testament, as having ordered the trial and crucifixion of Yeshua, a Second Temple-period radical preacher from the Galilee, more commonly known as Jesus.
Pilate, a Roman prefect who ruled the Roman province of Judaea from circa 26–36 CE, is mentioned in several accounts in the New Testament, as having ordered the trial and crucifixion of Yeshua, a Second Temple-period radical preacher from the Galilee, more commonly known as Jesus.
Blockbuster report reveals homosexual scandal and network in northeastern U.S.
Unholy Activity Uncovered at Holy Apostles Seminary: Some of the seminarians and transitional deacons at the center of an investigation into homosexual behavior and activity at a small Catholic seminary in Connecticut apparently were ordained to the priesthood for the Archdiocese of Hartford and the Diocese of Paterson, New Jersey — despite the revelations outlined in a six-year-old report obtained by the Register.
According to the 2012 report’s disturbing conclusions, the homosexual activity at Holy Apostles took place in the context of a much wider homosexual network that spanned a number of U.S. dioceses as well as some foreign countries. The network reportedly involved homosexual activity between seminarians, transitional deacons and visiting priests serving elsewhere.
According to the 2012 report’s disturbing conclusions, the homosexual activity at Holy Apostles took place in the context of a much wider homosexual network that spanned a number of U.S. dioceses as well as some foreign countries. The network reportedly involved homosexual activity between seminarians, transitional deacons and visiting priests serving elsewhere.
Wednesday, November 28, 2018
What will the U.S. bishops and the Pope do next to combat abuse crisis?
What Will the US Bishops and the Pope Do Next to Combat Abuse Crisis?JDFLYNN: Bishop Frank Rodimer and Father Peter Osinski were friends.
Father Osinski was a priest in the Diocese of Camden, New Jersey. Bishop Rodimer was bishop of Paterson, a nearby diocese, from 1978 until 2004.
For years the men rented a beach house together each summer on New Jersey’s Long Beach Island, south of Seaside and north of Atlantic City. There, for seven years in the 1980s, Father Osinski molested a young boy. The first year it happened, the boy was 7.
The priest was arrested in 1997. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison.
In 1999, the victim settled a lawsuit against the bishop, the priest and the priest’s diocese. Bishop Rodimer was not alleged to have committed sexual abuse, but the suit charged that the bishop had been negligent in failing to recognize what was going on.
Father Osinski was a priest in the Diocese of Camden, New Jersey. Bishop Rodimer was bishop of Paterson, a nearby diocese, from 1978 until 2004.
For years the men rented a beach house together each summer on New Jersey’s Long Beach Island, south of Seaside and north of Atlantic City. There, for seven years in the 1980s, Father Osinski molested a young boy. The first year it happened, the boy was 7.
The priest was arrested in 1997. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison.
In 1999, the victim settled a lawsuit against the bishop, the priest and the priest’s diocese. Bishop Rodimer was not alleged to have committed sexual abuse, but the suit charged that the bishop had been negligent in failing to recognize what was going on.
Texas Rangers execute abuse-related search warrant on Houston chancery
Whispers in the LoggiaPALMO: Eleven years ago this week, the eyes of American Catholicism were on the South, as the church's epochal ascent in Texas was capped by the region's first-ever red hat. Now, with Cardinal Daniel DiNardo leading the US bishops through the bench's signal crisis of its modern history, another sign of the times hit Houston Chancery this morning, as the home-base of the 1.8 million-member fold was served with a search warrant by Texas Rangers, joined by a wider horde of law-enforcement officials sent by a local prosecutor.
Memphis under Holley offers an object lesson for new bishops everywhere
Memphis under Holley offers object lesson for new bishops everywhereWHITE: Inside the vestibule of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, the wall where the traditional portrait of the sitting bishop would be affixed now stands empty.
Just over two years ago, Bishop Martin Holley was installed as the new head of the birthplace of Rock ‘n Roll, promising priests that he would be “a father and a pastor who serves,” and vowing to “learn from and share with these sons of Christ.”
What began as a high note for Memphis’s clergy now has many of them singing the blues.
Just over two years ago, Bishop Martin Holley was installed as the new head of the birthplace of Rock ‘n Roll, promising priests that he would be “a father and a pastor who serves,” and vowing to “learn from and share with these sons of Christ.”
What began as a high note for Memphis’s clergy now has many of them singing the blues.
Memories of my friendship with Bishop Morlino
Memories of My Friendship With Bishop MorlinoPEARCE: The Church in the United States has lost one of its most courageous leaders. Bishop Robert C. Morlino, late of the Diocese of Madison, who died suddenly and unexpectedly last week, was someone whom I admired greatly for his sanity and sanctity and someone whom I had the privilege to serve.
Several years ago I was invited by Bishop Morlino to lead a retreat for the priests of his diocese. I was honored to receive the introduction and excited at the prospect of meeting the bishop himself in person. He asked if I might speak on the evangelizing power of beauty and what might be called cultural apologetics. He was keen that the priests of his diocese should understand the importance of beauty in the struggle to win souls for Christ in an age of ugliness and relativism.
Several years ago I was invited by Bishop Morlino to lead a retreat for the priests of his diocese. I was honored to receive the introduction and excited at the prospect of meeting the bishop himself in person. He asked if I might speak on the evangelizing power of beauty and what might be called cultural apologetics. He was keen that the priests of his diocese should understand the importance of beauty in the struggle to win souls for Christ in an age of ugliness and relativism.
Bishop Morlino was truly a churchman of his time
Bishop Morlino Was Truly a Churchman of His TimeDESOUZA: The death of Bishop Robert Morlino will be noted far beyond the Diocese of Madison, Wisconsin. The late prelate’s outspoken orthodoxy and support for traditional liturgy will ensure that. Yet his life is of interest beyond his diocese and his admirers. It tracked in an unusual way the ecclesial shifts of his time.
Robert Morlino was born on New Year’s Eve 1946 into the solidly Catholic culture of Scranton, Pennsylvania. He would attend the Jesuits’ Scranton Preparatory high school, belonging to the last generation where it was wholly unremarkable that some of the graduates would enter the Society of Jesus. Morlino did, studying at Fordham and Notre Dame and in Weston, Massachusetts — a typical formation for thousands of Jesuits in the United States.
Robert Morlino was born on New Year’s Eve 1946 into the solidly Catholic culture of Scranton, Pennsylvania. He would attend the Jesuits’ Scranton Preparatory high school, belonging to the last generation where it was wholly unremarkable that some of the graduates would enter the Society of Jesus. Morlino did, studying at Fordham and Notre Dame and in Weston, Massachusetts — a typical formation for thousands of Jesuits in the United States.
Cleansed and conformed to God’s will
Cleansed and Conformed to God’s Will | George Weigel | First ThingsWEIGEL: Father, We Thank Thee, Who Hast Planted” has long been one of my favorite hymns. Its tune, taken from the sixteenth-century Genevan Psalter, is eminently singable. The hymn text—when not corrupted by that politically-correct scoundrel, “alt.”—is even better. For Francis Bland Tucker’s lyrics put twenty-first-century congregations in touch with the second generation of Christians, and perhaps even the first, by combining various phrases from an ancient Christian prayer book and catechism, the Didache.
A nursery rhyme Pope Francis would do well to read
A Nursery Rhyme Pope Francis Would Do Well to Read - Crisis MagazineRUTLER: Mary Howitt wrote 180 books with her husband, and was a friend of Wordsworth and Dickens, but is remembered perhaps most of all for her children’s parable about insects, written in 1828. She forsook her ardent Quaker roots sometime after moving to Rome where she became a Catholic, less because of the Latin atmosphere and more for her admiration of Pope Leo XIII and his social commentaries. She admitted that she loved the pope and not the papacy.
Combine her spider and fly with our Lord’s admonitions about sheep among wolves, and serpentine cleverness with dovelike innocence, and you have a whole menagerie as commentary on naiveté. It is possible to make all the tragedies of the modern age a montage of the perils of unwitting ignorance in the face of evil.
Combine her spider and fly with our Lord’s admonitions about sheep among wolves, and serpentine cleverness with dovelike innocence, and you have a whole menagerie as commentary on naiveté. It is possible to make all the tragedies of the modern age a montage of the perils of unwitting ignorance in the face of evil.
Second miracle from Blessed John Henry Newman confirmed; canonization may come as early as 2019
Second Newman miracle confirmed | Catholic Herald: Blessed John Henry Newman could be canonized as early as next year after a second miracle was approved, the Catholic Herald has learned.
Bishop Philip Egan of Portsmouth said in an email newsletter last week that it “looks now as if Newman might be canonized, all being well, later next year.”
Fr Ignatius Harrison, the Postulator of the Cause, confirmed to the Catholic Herald that there were now just “two more hoops” for the Cause to jump through before Newman is canonized – approval from a commission of bishops, and a declaration by Pope Francis.
Bishop Philip Egan of Portsmouth said in an email newsletter last week that it “looks now as if Newman might be canonized, all being well, later next year.”
Fr Ignatius Harrison, the Postulator of the Cause, confirmed to the Catholic Herald that there were now just “two more hoops” for the Cause to jump through before Newman is canonized – approval from a commission of bishops, and a declaration by Pope Francis.
Tuesday, November 27, 2018
Catholic migrant advocates have surprisingly mixed reaction to Tijuana border events
Catholic migrant advocates have mixed reaction to Tijuana border events: The chaotic scene in Tijuana Nov. 25 — when migrants, including women and children, were repelled from the U.S. border with tear gas — prompted the closure of one of the world's busiest border crossings. It also showed the increasing impatience and despair of thousands of caravan participants, who could spend months in an uncomfortable camp as they wait to present asylum claims to U.S. officials.
The Atlantic dares to ask if exorcisms (and thus the supernatural) may be real after all
The Atlantic dares to ask if exorcisms (and thus the supernatural) may be real after all — GetReligionMATTINGLY: Five years ago, I had a chance to eat lunch with the late William Peter Blatty, an articulate Catholic apologist who won an Academy Award for turning his novel, "The Exorcist," into a stunning Hollywood screenplay.
Yes, I called Blatty a Catholic apologist. Why? In part because he viewed his masterwork as a vehicle for criticizing this materialistic age. Here is a chunk of that column, in which Blatty explains his motives. In “The Exorcist”
Yes, I called Blatty a Catholic apologist. Why? In part because he viewed his masterwork as a vehicle for criticizing this materialistic age. Here is a chunk of that column, in which Blatty explains his motives. In “The Exorcist”
Pope names Texas auxiliary to lead California’s Diocese of Monterey
Pope names Texas auxiliary to lead Diocese of Monterey: Pope Francis has chosen Bishop Daniel Elias Garcia as the new Bishop of Monterey, California. The diocese of Monterey has been without a bishop since the death of Bishop Richard Garcia in July.
The announcement was made Tuesday, Nov. 27, and released by both the Vatican press office and the Apostolic Nunciature in Washington, D.C.
The announcement was made Tuesday, Nov. 27, and released by both the Vatican press office and the Apostolic Nunciature in Washington, D.C.
Monday, November 26, 2018
Cherished beliefs of the sexual revolution (and how they protect sexual predators)
Cherished Beliefs of the Sexual Revolution (and How They Protect Sexual Predators)MORSE: One curious feature of the current clergy sex-abuse scandal is the reticence of the non-Catholic media to go after the predators.
Many journalists in the “Legacy Media” seem to have an “anti-Catholic default” setting. One might think such journalists would leap at the chance to pile on with negative reports about the behavior of the Catholic hierarchy. Yet most secular newsrooms have been quite subdued on this issue.
This situation cries out for an explanation.
Many journalists in the “Legacy Media” seem to have an “anti-Catholic default” setting. One might think such journalists would leap at the chance to pile on with negative reports about the behavior of the Catholic hierarchy. Yet most secular newsrooms have been quite subdued on this issue.
This situation cries out for an explanation.
Jesus is before all, and by Him all things consist
Jesus is Before All, and By Him All Things ConsistRUTLER: A mark of first-rate thinkers is their ability to make complex theories understandable. Conversely, muddled thinkers assume that obscurantism is profound. Consider, for instance, a comment made a few months ago by an Italian Jesuit and close advisor to Pope Francis, who wrote: “2 plus 2 in theology can equal 5. Because it has to do with God and the real life of people...” It was the attempt of a confused mind to justify “situation ethics,” by which sentiment replaces reality. In the lives that people really live, as distinct from indulged lives lived in ivory towers, facts are facts.
Catholics should pray at home, not pay Church ‘idiots,’ says Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte
Duterte: Catholics should pray at home, not pay Church 'idiots': The president of the Philippines encouraged on Monday Catholics to build their own chapels, rather than attending Catholic churches.
“When someone is baptized, you have to pay. When someone dies, you have to pay,” President Rodrigo Duterte said in a speech Nov. 26.
“When someone is baptized, you have to pay. When someone dies, you have to pay,” President Rodrigo Duterte said in a speech Nov. 26.
How to watch NASA's live stream of the InSight Mars landing
How to Watch NASA's Live Stream of the InSight Mars Landing | Mental Floss: The InSight Lander will touch down on Mars today, November 26, concluding its seven-month journey from Earth. For space fans looking for a way to watch the event, NASA will be streaming it live on its website between 2 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. ET, Live Science reports.
Priests, nuns, and Memphis’ 19th-century Yellow Fever epidemic
Priests, Nuns, and Memphis’ Yellow Fever Epidemic, 1873-1879 | Pat McNamaraMCNAMARA: Between 1873 and 1879, nearly eight thousand people died during Memphis’s Yellow Fever epidemics. While ministering to the sick, some thirty-four physicians lost their lives, along with twenty-four police officers and twenty-four firefighters, two dozen Catholic priests, and fifty women religious. In Memphis’s Calvary Cemetery there stands a monument to the priests, but none to the Sisters. Although a monument in Washington, D.C., honors nuns who served in Civil War hospitals, more Sisters died in Memphis in those six years than during the entire war.
How to get over your horror of the Same Old Thing
Getting Over the Horror of the Same Old Thing | The Art of Manliness: Does your life ever feel like the movie Groundhog Day? You seemingly repeat the same old loop over and over again: wake up, commute, work, commute, home, bed. Rinse and repeat.
It can feel a little depressing, a little desperation-producing. It can seem like inhabiting a certain kind of hell.
To understand and break out of it, then, perhaps what we need is some intel from a fictional emissary who is intimately familiar with that very landscape.
It can feel a little depressing, a little desperation-producing. It can seem like inhabiting a certain kind of hell.
To understand and break out of it, then, perhaps what we need is some intel from a fictional emissary who is intimately familiar with that very landscape.
Centuries-old Christian painting found in Japan
Centuries-old Christian painting found in Japan - News - NHK WORLD - English: A religious painting believed to have been made by a Japanese Christian about 400 years ago has been discovered near Tokyo.
The painting was found at a memorial museum in Oiso Town in Kanagawa Prefecture. The facility is known for its collection of historical items related to Japanese Christians.
Officials of a history museum and experts examined the painting. They say it was done with China ink on a hand scroll measuring 22 centimeters wide by 3 meters long and made of Japanese "washi" paper.
The painting was found at a memorial museum in Oiso Town in Kanagawa Prefecture. The facility is known for its collection of historical items related to Japanese Christians.
Officials of a history museum and experts examined the painting. They say it was done with China ink on a hand scroll measuring 22 centimeters wide by 3 meters long and made of Japanese "washi" paper.
What is it like to be an underground Chinese seminarian?
What is it like to be an underground Chinese seminarian?: Wang Jie (a fictional name) is a deacon belonging to the Chinese underground Church. He has spent several years studying in Europe, and for security reasons cannot use his real name, since Chinese authorities may not let him reenter his country if they knew he is preparing to become a priest.
The seminarian shared his story recently with media. He was born in China “in an area where most of the people are pagan.” None of his family members were Catholic, and in fact his parents “had never even heard the word 'Christianity.'”
The seminarian shared his story recently with media. He was born in China “in an area where most of the people are pagan.” None of his family members were Catholic, and in fact his parents “had never even heard the word 'Christianity.'”
February abuse summit will have to navigate waters of a global Church
February abuse summit will have to navigate waters of a global churchALLEN: On Friday, Cardinal Oswald Gracias of Mumbai, India, was among the prelates tapped by Pope Francis to organize his Feb. 21-24 summit of presidents of bishops’ conferences from around the world to tackle the clerical sexual abuse scandals that have rocked Catholicism for decades.
In comments to Crux later in the day (collected by our relentless Mumbai correspondent, Nirmala Carvalho), Gracias said he sees the organizing panel as a sign that Francis “is taking the protection of minors very seriously.”
Gracias made another point that’s worth thinking about. Speaking of the need for a global strategy, he said of the planning group, “I am very pleased with the composition of the group as it is according to the needs of every continent. It is tailored to the needs of the lay faithful of every place.”
In comments to Crux later in the day (collected by our relentless Mumbai correspondent, Nirmala Carvalho), Gracias said he sees the organizing panel as a sign that Francis “is taking the protection of minors very seriously.”
Gracias made another point that’s worth thinking about. Speaking of the need for a global strategy, he said of the planning group, “I am very pleased with the composition of the group as it is according to the needs of every continent. It is tailored to the needs of the lay faithful of every place.”
Pope Francis: “The conclusion of history will be Christ’s eternal reign”
Angelus Address: On the Solemnity of Christ the King - ZENIT - English: Here is a ZENIT translation of the address Pope Francis gave November 25, 2018, before and after praying the midday Angelus with those gathered in St. Peter’s Square.
Asia Bibi’s family being hunted ‘house to house’ in Pakistan
Asia Bibi family being hunted 'house to house' in Pakistan | World news | The Guardian: The family of Asia Bibi, the Christian woman who spent eight years on death row in Pakistan for blasphemy before being acquitted three weeks ago, claim they are being hunted by extremists going house to house with their photographs to try to track them down.
Bibi’s family have been in hiding since her acquittal by the country’s supreme court. She is in protective custody as part of a deal between the government and a hardline Islamic party, under which violent protests were called off while a review of the court ruling was undertaken.
Bibi’s family have been in hiding since her acquittal by the country’s supreme court. She is in protective custody as part of a deal between the government and a hardline Islamic party, under which violent protests were called off while a review of the court ruling was undertaken.
Sunday, November 25, 2018
A further meditation on Christ the King and Son of Man
A Further Meditation on Christ the King and Son of Man - Community in Mission : Community in MissionPOPE: At Sunday’s Mass (Feast of Christ the King) we read an important passage from Daniel 7. It is important not only for its prophecy but also because Jesus implicitly sets it as an interpretive key for His own ministry and mission and an explanation of why He calls Himself the “Son of Man” so frequently.
Many modern readers think that “Son of God” is both a higher and clearer title than “Son of Man.” However, as we will see below, the title “Son of God” could be ambiguous.
Many modern readers think that “Son of God” is both a higher and clearer title than “Son of Man.” However, as we will see below, the title “Son of God” could be ambiguous.
“The mouth that roared” — Personal memories of the Bishop Morlino most folks never knew
Whispers in the Loggia: "The Mouth That Roared," Madison's Morlino Dies at 71PALMO: Even as the US bench is known for its fair share of bomb-throwers, it's an according shock that the most gleeful and fearless among them has been stilled.
Fifteen years into an ever-controversial stewardship of Wisconsin's capital fold, Bishop Robert Morlino of Madison died late Saturday, three days after an unspecified "cardiac incident."
A month shy of 72, the Scranton-born ex-Jesuit was, bar none, the American hierarchy's ultimate provocateur. And just to be fully clear, it was a distinction he didn't mind one bit.
Fifteen years into an ever-controversial stewardship of Wisconsin's capital fold, Bishop Robert Morlino of Madison died late Saturday, three days after an unspecified "cardiac incident."
A month shy of 72, the Scranton-born ex-Jesuit was, bar none, the American hierarchy's ultimate provocateur. And just to be fully clear, it was a distinction he didn't mind one bit.
Bishop Robert Morlino of Madison dies at age 71
Bishop Robert Morlino of Madison Dies at Age 71: Bishop Robert C. Morlino of Madison died the evening of Saturday, Nov. 24, at St. Mary Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin, the diocese has announced. He was 71.
On Friday, the Diocese of Madison issued a statement saying that Morlino had suffered a “cardiac event” while undergoing scheduled medical tests on Wednesday. At the time, he was initially reported to be “resting.” On Saturday, Vicar General, Msgr. James Bartylla released an urgent prayer request saying that things had taken a turn and “it is likely that our hope lays in a miracle at this point.”
Six hours after the Diocese of Madison published Bartylla’s prayer request, the diocesan Facebook page posted that Morlino had died.
On Friday, the Diocese of Madison issued a statement saying that Morlino had suffered a “cardiac event” while undergoing scheduled medical tests on Wednesday. At the time, he was initially reported to be “resting.” On Saturday, Vicar General, Msgr. James Bartylla released an urgent prayer request saying that things had taken a turn and “it is likely that our hope lays in a miracle at this point.”
Six hours after the Diocese of Madison published Bartylla’s prayer request, the diocesan Facebook page posted that Morlino had died.
Saturday, November 24, 2018
Madison Bishop Robert Morlino dies at 71 after suffering “cardiac event”
BREAKING: Diocese of Madison says Bishop Robert Morlino dies after suffering "cardiac attack" - WKOW: The Diocese of Madison announced on Facebook Saturday evening Bishop Robert Morlino died around 9:15 that night at St. Mary’s Hospital. Morlino was 71.
The diocese sent out another post Saturday evening asking for prayers for the bishop after he suffered what they called a “cardiac event” the day before Thanksgiving. A spokesman from the diocese said they were praying for a miracle.
As of Saturday evening, funeral plans are pending.
The diocese sent out another post Saturday evening asking for prayers for the bishop after he suffered what they called a “cardiac event” the day before Thanksgiving. A spokesman from the diocese said they were praying for a miracle.
As of Saturday evening, funeral plans are pending.
Is Jesus Christ really your king?
Is Christ Really Your King? A Homily for the Feast of Christ the King - Community in Mission : Community in MissionPOPE: On the feast of Christ the King, we are called to acknowledge that Jesus is in fact our King. It is one thing to say that He is our King because the song in Church says that, or the preacher says that, or the Bible says that (yes, faith does come by hearing). But it is quite another for us to personally say that Jesus is our King.
There comes a time when we must personally affirm what the Church has always announced: “Jesus is Lord, and He is King. He is my king. He has authority in my life.” This must become more than just lip service. It must become a daily, increasing reality in our life.
There comes a time when we must personally affirm what the Church has always announced: “Jesus is Lord, and He is King. He is my king. He has authority in my life.” This must become more than just lip service. It must become a daily, increasing reality in our life.
The passion of St. Bakhita
The passion of St. Bakhita - Angelus News - Multimedia Catholic NewsLOPEZ: “Through the intercession of St. Bakhita let us pray that all men and women will come to know the saving presence of the Lord Jesus and thus be freed from slavery to sin and death.”
This was part of St. Pope John Paul II’s prayer during his homily at the canonization Mass for St. Josephine Bakhita of Sudan. At the age of about 9, she was kidnapped near Darfur by slave traders.
This was part of St. Pope John Paul II’s prayer during his homily at the canonization Mass for St. Josephine Bakhita of Sudan. At the age of about 9, she was kidnapped near Darfur by slave traders.
The readings for the Solemnity of Christ the King
The Sacred Page: The Readings for Christ the KingBERGSMA: This Sunday is the 34th Sunday of Ordinary Time, and as everyone knows, that means it is the Solemnity of Christ the King! This is the last Sunday of the liturgical year. The last day of the liturgical year will be Saturday December 1, and Liturgical Year 2019 will begin with the First Sunday of Advent, December 2.
I give thanks to God for many things at this time of year, including the joy of living the liturgical calendar, which is such a consolation and guide for one’s spirituality through the seasons of life and the seasons of the year. Each liturgical year is like a whole catechesis of the Christian faith, as well as a kind of microcosm of the entire life of the believer, from birth and baptism to final anointing and death.
I give thanks to God for many things at this time of year, including the joy of living the liturgical calendar, which is such a consolation and guide for one’s spirituality through the seasons of life and the seasons of the year. Each liturgical year is like a whole catechesis of the Christian faith, as well as a kind of microcosm of the entire life of the believer, from birth and baptism to final anointing and death.
Catholic priests in England issued with photo cards instead of celebrets to confirm their identities
Catholic priests issued with photo cards to confirm their identities | World news | The Guardian: Catholic priests in England and Wales are being issued with photo cards, ending the days when a dog collar and an air of piety were enough to confirm their credentials.
The plastic, credit card-sized document includes a passport-style photograph of the priest, an expiry date and a barcode, which, when scanned, provides information on the holder. The cards are signed by the bishop of the priest’s diocese.
They replace traditional letters of commendation written in Latin, known as celebrets, that enable traveling priests to say Mass or hear confession in other parishes or dioceses.
The plastic, credit card-sized document includes a passport-style photograph of the priest, an expiry date and a barcode, which, when scanned, provides information on the holder. The cards are signed by the bishop of the priest’s diocese.
They replace traditional letters of commendation written in Latin, known as celebrets, that enable traveling priests to say Mass or hear confession in other parishes or dioceses.
Suspect in St. Louis Catholic Supply store murder once served as a Protestant pastor
Suspect in Catholic Supply store shooting once served as a pastor | Fox News: Years before he allegedly sexually assaulted two women and fatally shot a third at a Catholic Supply store in Missouri this week, Thomas Bruce served as a pastor, shocking some who knew him during his service to the church.
From 2003 to 2007, Bruce worked as a pastor for a few dozen people at the Calvary Chapel of Cape Girardeau, according to David Fitzgerald, a pastor at an affiliated church in St. Louis County, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported.
He expressed shock at the crimes Bruce is charged with.
From 2003 to 2007, Bruce worked as a pastor for a few dozen people at the Calvary Chapel of Cape Girardeau, according to David Fitzgerald, a pastor at an affiliated church in St. Louis County, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported.
He expressed shock at the crimes Bruce is charged with.
Evangelizing with ‘Alexa’
Evangelizing With ‘Alexa’MCDONALD: As new technology insinuates itself into our lives, Catholics keep searching for ways to integrate it with their faith. From prayer apps and podcasts to Angelus bells on mobile phones and services like Formed (a Catholic Netflix), there are always new ways to harness this technology for devotional purposes.
Personal digital assistants have been evolving for a long time, as hardware and software developers seek to turn Star Trek’s conversational computers into a reality. Simply talk, and the technology responds.
Personal digital assistants have been evolving for a long time, as hardware and software developers seek to turn Star Trek’s conversational computers into a reality. Simply talk, and the technology responds.
St. Clement of Rome, pray for us
Saint Clement of Rome, Pray For UsRUTLER: On the day after Thanksgiving, the Church rejoices in the intercessions of Pope Saint Clement of Rome. New Yorkers have a special reason to think of him, two millennia later. Clement probably was made a bishop by Saint Peter himself and became the fourth Bishop of Rome after Linus and Cletus. He was the first after Saint Peter to leave a written record. Like Saint Paul, he wrote to the Christians in Corinth, leaving us a clear exposition of the early Church structure of Holy Orders, with bishops and priests and deacons.
Exorcist warns about Celine Dion’s occult children’s clothing
Exorcist Warns About Celine Dion’s Occult Children’s ClothingARMSTRONG: Iconic singer Céline Dion was raised Catholic but her but her just released New World Order-themed, gender-neutral clothing for children indicates she has gone to the dark side. Her "grand unveiling" included a disturbing video of her breaking into a hospital nursery. The babies are all dressed in pink and blue. Dion pulls out a handful of black sparkles and blows them into the air causing all the pink and blue outfits to become black and white gender-neutral pieces.
How does a parent teach with grace?
How does a parent teach with grace? | Knowing Is DoingTORRE: A consistent challenge most parents face in raising children is revealing our own habitual sinful habits right in front of them. Our human condition typically involved in a constant drama between good and evil in many ways spills over to our role as parents and teachers. This specific challenge becomes more apparent in our desire to be holy witnesses for our children and at times is thwarted because of our own sinful behavior.
St. Francis De Sales in his Introduction to the Devout life provides us with the following insight on our own human condition: “God did not create you because He had any need of you, for you are wholly useless to Him, but only that He might exercise towards you His goodness, bestowing on you His grace and glory. To accomplish this, he has given you an understanding to know Him, a memory to remember Him, a will to love Him, an imagination to recall His mercies, eyes to see the wonders of His works, a tongue to praise Him, and so with all your other faculties. Therefore, being created and placed in the world for this purpose, you should avoid and reject all actions which are contrary to it; and despise as idle and superfluous all which do not promote it.”
St. Francis De Sales in his Introduction to the Devout life provides us with the following insight on our own human condition: “God did not create you because He had any need of you, for you are wholly useless to Him, but only that He might exercise towards you His goodness, bestowing on you His grace and glory. To accomplish this, he has given you an understanding to know Him, a memory to remember Him, a will to love Him, an imagination to recall His mercies, eyes to see the wonders of His works, a tongue to praise Him, and so with all your other faculties. Therefore, being created and placed in the world for this purpose, you should avoid and reject all actions which are contrary to it; and despise as idle and superfluous all which do not promote it.”
Lust is a sin that must be fought. So where to start?
Practical Chastity – Christian Renaissance Movement: The words of a wizened St. Augustine, reflecting on the prayer of his younger heart, are deeply insightful. They reveal us to ourselves, no doubt, and they give us a hint as to the path forward in our own journey towards sanctity: we must become chaste now. Not next week, not tomorrow, not this Lent, but right this very moment. Where to start? Well, first it will be helpful to recognize that lust is a sin which must be faced by getting away from the delight toward which the passion moves. As St. Thomas says, some sins must be fled from due to the sweetness of their object, while some sins must be faced by meditation on the opposing good (like how the slothful person should consider the goodness of spiritual things and thus be more drawn to them). All this is to say, the first step on the road to chastity is to step away from the cliff. In other words, remove the occasion of sin, or at least make the occasion as weak as possible. Here are just a few suggestions to consider.
The clergy sex abuse crisis is dredging up an old heresy
The Clergy Sex Abuse Crisis Is Dredging Up An Old Heresy: Many Catholics were outraged last week when the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops failed to take action to address the clergy sex abuse crisis. Almost as soon as the bishops convened in Baltimore, Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, the conference president, announced he’d received a letter from the Holy See instructing the conference not to vote on measures that would bring greater accountability to bishops. Instead, they were told to wait for a synod on the crisis that Pope Francis will host in Rome in February.
Chile bishop subpoenaed by prosecutors denies covering up abuse
Chile bishop subpoenaed by prosecutors denies covering up abuseSANMARTIN: A retired Chilean bishop accused of not only cover-up but of sexually harassing seminarians testified to local authorities on Wednesday. He was interrogated for over seven hours, and even though the content of the questioning remains under seal, he spoke to media afterwards to defend his actions and deny having covered up abuse.
Nigeria showcases today's martyrs killed “in hatred of love”
Nigeria showcases today's martyrs killed 'in hatred of love'ALLEN: One can run the numbers in various ways, but there’s little doubt that, at the end of the day, one of the most dangerous places in the world right now to be Catholic, especially a Catholic priest, has to be Nigeria.
Most people are familiar with Boko Haram, Nigeria’s home-grown radical Islamist movement, which has killed tens of thousands and left an estimated 2.3 million people displaced since the group turned violent in 2015. While its main battle seems to be against what it regards as a corrupt Nigeria state, there’s also an explicitly anti-Christian thrust to its ideology that has left Christians exposed, especially in the north of the country where Boko Haram is concentrated.
Most people are familiar with Boko Haram, Nigeria’s home-grown radical Islamist movement, which has killed tens of thousands and left an estimated 2.3 million people displaced since the group turned violent in 2015. While its main battle seems to be against what it regards as a corrupt Nigeria state, there’s also an explicitly anti-Christian thrust to its ideology that has left Christians exposed, especially in the north of the country where Boko Haram is concentrated.
Do you never think how you contribute to the loneliness of Calvary by deserting the Catholic Church?
What Catholics lose when they leave the Church | Catholic HeraldSCHMITZ: A Catholic is bound to view every act of apostasy or schism as spiritual suicide, a choice against life. This characterisation is borne out by three recent columns written by Catholics who have left the Church over the sex abuse scandals. None of the authors proposes any higher, truer teaching than the Catholic faith. None anticipates a happier tomorrow. Each column is, in its way, a cry of despair.
Prayers for Madison’s Bishop Morlino, who had a ‘cardiac event’ Wednesday
Prayers for Madison’s Bishop Morlino | Deacon Greg Kandra: On the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, the Feast of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Bishop Robert Morlino was undergoing planned medical tests and had a cardiac event.
Pope Francis: ‘Sacred music points to the beauty of Paradise’
Pope Francis: Sacred music points to the beauty of Paradise: Liturgical and sacred music can be a powerful instrument of evangelization, because it gives people a glimpse of the beauty of heaven, Pope Francis said Saturday at an international meeting of choirs.
“Your music and your song are a true instrument of evangelization insofar as you witness to the profoundness of the Word of God that touches the hearts of people, and allow a celebration of the sacraments, especially of the Holy Eucharist, which makes one sense the beauty of Paradise,” the pope said Nov. 24.
“Your music and your song are a true instrument of evangelization insofar as you witness to the profoundness of the Word of God that touches the hearts of people, and allow a celebration of the sacraments, especially of the Holy Eucharist, which makes one sense the beauty of Paradise,” the pope said Nov. 24.
Cardinals Cupich, Gracias appointed to committee for February abuse meeting
Cardinals Cupich, Gracias Appointed to Committee for February Abuse MeetingPENTIN: Cardinal Blase Cupich of Chicago and Archbishop Charles Scicluna of Malta are among those Pope Francis appointed today to the organizing committee for next February’s meeting of presidents of bishops’ conferences to discuss the protection of minors in the Church.
In a statement released on Friday, the Vatican said they will be joined by Cardinal Oswald Gracias of Bombay, India, and Jesuit Father Hans Zollner, president of the Centre for the Protection of Minors at the Pontifical Gregorian University.
Father Zollner, who is also member of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors, will be the contact person for the committee, the Vatican said.
In a statement released on Friday, the Vatican said they will be joined by Cardinal Oswald Gracias of Bombay, India, and Jesuit Father Hans Zollner, president of the Centre for the Protection of Minors at the Pontifical Gregorian University.
Father Zollner, who is also member of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors, will be the contact person for the committee, the Vatican said.
Friday, November 23, 2018
85,000 children may have starved to death since start of war in Yemen, say sources
Yemen: 85,000 Children may have Starved Since Start of War - ZENIT - English: An estimated 85,000 children under five may have died from extreme hunger or disease since the war in Yemen escalated, according to new analysis by Save the Children.
Using data compiled by the UN, Save the Children evaluated mortality rates for untreated cases of Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) in children under five years. Using a conservative estimate, the humanitarian aid agency discovered that approximately 84,701 children with SAM may have died between April 2015 and October 2018.
Using data compiled by the UN, Save the Children evaluated mortality rates for untreated cases of Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) in children under five years. Using a conservative estimate, the humanitarian aid agency discovered that approximately 84,701 children with SAM may have died between April 2015 and October 2018.
Thursday, November 22, 2018
A real-life miracle at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
A real-life miracle at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade: During the early morning hours of November 24, 1906, a ship quietly slid against the ebb-tide waters of the Narrows and entered New York harbor. On board were almost 2,000 people, mostly immigrating Europeans. Through the emerging light of the new dawn, the Statue of Liberty came into view. The appearance of the great icon had them mesmerized. They had arrived at their new home, America.
If you can’t say something new, why not say something... nice?
If You Can't Say Something New, Why Not Say Something...Nice? | Word on FireSCALIA: There is a line from the movie Notting Hill, in which a famous actress dating a humble bookseller tries to get past the complications inherent in their relationship by breaking things down to simplest form, and saying, “I’m just a girl, standing in front of a boy, asking him to love her.”
The line became a source of social media memes, sometimes cute, sometimes snarky, sometimes heartrending
The line became a source of social media memes, sometimes cute, sometimes snarky, sometimes heartrending
Surprisingly relevant rules from 1882 on being a good houseguest (and host)
Surprisingly Relevant Rules From 1882 on Being a Good Houseguest (and Host) | The Art of Manliness: Some of the social observances pertaining to visiting away from one’s own home, and accepting the hospitalities of friends, are here given and are applicable to ladies and gentlemen alike.
As a native of England, here’s why I love the American feast of Thanksgiving
Giving Thanks for ThanksgivingPEARCE: There are some things that take some getting used to for an Englishman living in the United States. It is odd, for instance, that Good Friday is not a public holiday in this country. In England, for all its hedonistic secularism, the day of Our Lord’s Crucifixion is still a day of rest, as is Easter Monday, the day that follows the Feast of the Resurrection. This annual four-day holiday makes Easter special, even for those who have forgotten that these are holidays because they are Holy Days. Similarly, it is odd that many Americans seem to think that Christmas is over at midnight on Dec. 25. Although I have now lived here for 14 years, I can’t help thinking it peculiar when I see Christmas trees being discarded on the day after Our Lord’s nativity. Whatever happened to the Twelve Days of Christmas?
Abortion rates in U.S. hit historic low, CDC report finds
Abortion rates in US hit historic low, CDC report finds | Fox News: Abortion rates in the United States have fallen to a historic low, according to the latest data compiled by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The CDC report, which was released on Wednesday, found that the abortion rate nationwide dropped two percent between 2013 and 2014 amid the use of more effective contraception, the shuttering of many abortion clinics and an overall decline in pregnancy rates.
The CDC report, which was released on Wednesday, found that the abortion rate nationwide dropped two percent between 2013 and 2014 amid the use of more effective contraception, the shuttering of many abortion clinics and an overall decline in pregnancy rates.
Wednesday, November 21, 2018
Abortions in the U.S. continue dramatic decline, hit new post-Roe low
Abortions in the United States Hit New All-Time Low, More Babies Saved From Abortion Than Ever | LifeNews.com: The abortion rate in America continues to decline as the work of pro-life advocates empower more women to choose life for their unborn babies.
A new report by the Centers for Disease Control showed abortions at an all-time low since 1973, the year when the U.S. Supreme Court ruled on Roe v. Wade, according to the Washington Post.
The report, released Wednesday, recorded 638,169 abortions in 2015, a 2-percent drop from 2014.
A new report by the Centers for Disease Control showed abortions at an all-time low since 1973, the year when the U.S. Supreme Court ruled on Roe v. Wade, according to the Washington Post.
The report, released Wednesday, recorded 638,169 abortions in 2015, a 2-percent drop from 2014.
Catholic bishops of England and Wales mark “Transgender Day of Remembrance”
Bishops mark transgender remembrance day: The Church in England and Wales marked Transgender Day of Remembrance this week with a message affirming that “all people are loved by God and valued in their inherent God-given dignity”.
In a tweet sent by @catholicEW, the official Twitter account for the Church in England and Wales, the Bishops’ Conference said: “We pray for all people who are ill at ease with their gender, seek to change it, suffer for it and have been persecuted, and also killed.”
They finished the message with the hashtag #TDOR, the official tag for tweets about the Trans Day of Remembrance. The annual observation
commemorates trans people who have died as a result of transphobia.
In a tweet sent by @catholicEW, the official Twitter account for the Church in England and Wales, the Bishops’ Conference said: “We pray for all people who are ill at ease with their gender, seek to change it, suffer for it and have been persecuted, and also killed.”
They finished the message with the hashtag #TDOR, the official tag for tweets about the Trans Day of Remembrance. The annual observation
commemorates trans people who have died as a result of transphobia.
Polish nun who helped saved Jews during Holocaust dies at 110
Polish nun who helped saved Jews during Holocaust dies at 110: Believed to be the “oldest nun in the world,” Polish Dominican nun Sister Cecylia Maria Roszak has died at the age of 110, the Archdiocese of Krakow has announced.
True thanksgiving isn’t just something we do — it’s something that happens to us
True Thanksgiving Isn’t Just Something We Do; It’s Something That Happens to Us - Community in Mission : Community in MissionPOPE: One of the dangers in presenting New Testament moral teaching is reducing the Gospel to a moralism, a rule to follow using the power of one’s own flesh. This is an incorrect notion because for a Christian, the moral life is not merely achieved; it is received. The moral life is not an imposition; it is a gift from God.
The Gospel chosen for Thanksgiving Day features the familiar story of the ten lepers who are healed by Jesus, but only one of whom returns to thank Him. The ingratitude of the other nine prompts an irritable response from Jesus, who more than suggests that they also should have returned to give thanks. Reading this Gospel on the surface, it is easy to conclude that it is a moralism about being thankful to God and others. Well, that’s all well and good, but simply reminding people of a rule of polite society isn’t really the Gospel.
The Gospel chosen for Thanksgiving Day features the familiar story of the ten lepers who are healed by Jesus, but only one of whom returns to thank Him. The ingratitude of the other nine prompts an irritable response from Jesus, who more than suggests that they also should have returned to give thanks. Reading this Gospel on the surface, it is easy to conclude that it is a moralism about being thankful to God and others. Well, that’s all well and good, but simply reminding people of a rule of polite society isn’t really the Gospel.
Italians change Lord’s Prayer from “lead us not into temptation” to “do not abandon us to temptation”
“And Do Not Abandon Us To Temptation.” A Critical Commentary - Settimo Cielo - Blog - L’EspressoMAGISTER: “Roma locuta, causa finita.” As it was easy to foretell, the Italian bishops have fulfilled the wish expressed by Pope Francis to replace an invocation in the Our Father used at Mass, “and lead us not into temptation,” with “and do not abandon us to temptation.”
The “old” version was not even put to a vote, so that it was impossible to defend it. Because according to Francis it is only the devil who tempts, and it is not admissible that God too could “lead” us - literally, “bring [us] inside,” as in the Latin “inducas” and in the original Greek of the Gospel, “eisenènkes” - into temptation.
The English version of the “Our Father” in use in the United States has remained faithful to the original evangelical text: “And lead us not into temptation.” While agreeing with the wishes of Pope Francis are both the new translation in use in France and other French speaking countries - “Et ne nous laisse pas entrer en tentation” - and the one in use in various Spanish-speaking countries, including Argentina: “Y no nos dejes caer en la tentación.”
The “old” version was not even put to a vote, so that it was impossible to defend it. Because according to Francis it is only the devil who tempts, and it is not admissible that God too could “lead” us - literally, “bring [us] inside,” as in the Latin “inducas” and in the original Greek of the Gospel, “eisenènkes” - into temptation.
The English version of the “Our Father” in use in the United States has remained faithful to the original evangelical text: “And lead us not into temptation.” While agreeing with the wishes of Pope Francis are both the new translation in use in France and other French speaking countries - “Et ne nous laisse pas entrer en tentation” - and the one in use in various Spanish-speaking countries, including Argentina: “Y no nos dejes caer en la tentación.”
What sort of king is Jesus Christ, and what does his kingship mean for us?
Archbishop Chaput’s Column: The Solemnity of Christ the King – Archdiocese of PhiladelphiaCHAPUT: This week we rightly focus on the joy of another Thanksgiving Day with well-deserved time for family and friends. But we also celebrate the Solemnity of Christ the King this weekend, marking the close of another Church year. It’s a good time to ask two simple questions: What sort of king is Jesus Christ, and what does his kingship mean for us?
Let’s start with some background.
In his fourth homily on the Book of Exodus, the early Christian scholar Origen of Alexandria wrote that “it is far better to die in the desert than to serve the Egyptians.” Those are strong words. They were Origen’s firm rebuke to those Hebrews in Scripture (Ex 14:12) who longed to go back to slavery in Egypt rather than risk death in the wilderness after their escape. For Origen, like Moses, there is only one God — and anything less than trust in God alone is a form of idolatry.
Let’s start with some background.
In his fourth homily on the Book of Exodus, the early Christian scholar Origen of Alexandria wrote that “it is far better to die in the desert than to serve the Egyptians.” Those are strong words. They were Origen’s firm rebuke to those Hebrews in Scripture (Ex 14:12) who longed to go back to slavery in Egypt rather than risk death in the wilderness after their escape. For Origen, like Moses, there is only one God — and anything less than trust in God alone is a form of idolatry.
Missing in (news) action? Seeking coverage of missing underground bishop in China
Missing in (news) action? Seeking coverage of missing underground bishop in China — GetReligionMATTINGLY: The end of 2018 is getting closer, and you know what that means. Here come the end-of-the-year features listing the Top 10 stories on a wide variety of topics — including religion.
I expect that one of the most important stories on the global scene will be the Vatican’s decision to accept, just a few weeks ago, a provisional deal with the Chinese government on a process to select bishops.
This was the Communist government’s first indication that it would accept papal authority in the Catholic Church in China. At the same time, Pope Francis agreed to recognize the legitimacy of seven bishops — previously excommunicated — raised up by the Chinese government, alone.
I expect that one of the most important stories on the global scene will be the Vatican’s decision to accept, just a few weeks ago, a provisional deal with the Chinese government on a process to select bishops.
This was the Communist government’s first indication that it would accept papal authority in the Catholic Church in China. At the same time, Pope Francis agreed to recognize the legitimacy of seven bishops — previously excommunicated — raised up by the Chinese government, alone.
When we fall into doubt about the world and Church, God sends reminders that He will provide
Signs of hopeLOPEZ: “He has the servant thing down.”
I was leaving Mass at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church in Holland, Michigan, in town for an event at Hope College. And the Uber driver, Robert, who happened to pick me up, was telling me about his son. He’s a novice with the Jesuits, the religious community founded by the former soldier, St. Ignatius Loyola, in Spain during the 16th century.
Robert went on to tell me when he and his wife knew their son was going to be a priest. He was in high school and they were running late. “I went to look for him and I saw him on his knees.” When the father asked him what was up, he explained that he had been praying — and “my list is long.” All the people who had asked him to pray for them, he took it seriously. “It wasn’t just a cliché for him like it sometimes is for people. Even in high school.”
I was leaving Mass at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church in Holland, Michigan, in town for an event at Hope College. And the Uber driver, Robert, who happened to pick me up, was telling me about his son. He’s a novice with the Jesuits, the religious community founded by the former soldier, St. Ignatius Loyola, in Spain during the 16th century.
Robert went on to tell me when he and his wife knew their son was going to be a priest. He was in high school and they were running late. “I went to look for him and I saw him on his knees.” When the father asked him what was up, he explained that he had been praying — and “my list is long.” All the people who had asked him to pray for them, he took it seriously. “It wasn’t just a cliché for him like it sometimes is for people. Even in high school.”
The secret hobo graffiti code, explained
The Hobo Hieroglyphs: Their Secret Symbols, Explained: “I was a hobo,” Willy Howard told me. “So was my wife.”
It was almost 30 years ago, and I was flat on my back in a hospital bed in Trenton, New Jersey, sharing my room with this elderly man. I called him Mr. Howard. To everybody else, he was Willy. I was in my early 30s, laid low by a bacterial infection and feeling like I'd been hit by a truck. My roommate was in his 90s, and though he was in for heart trouble, he was sharp as a razor.
While we healed, Willy imparted wisdom about the difficult truths of life as a hobo, an itinerant worker who moved through rural America, sometimes stealthily for their own security. Their secret? A system of hastily scrawled symbols that only the initiated would understand.
It was almost 30 years ago, and I was flat on my back in a hospital bed in Trenton, New Jersey, sharing my room with this elderly man. I called him Mr. Howard. To everybody else, he was Willy. I was in my early 30s, laid low by a bacterial infection and feeling like I'd been hit by a truck. My roommate was in his 90s, and though he was in for heart trouble, he was sharp as a razor.
While we healed, Willy imparted wisdom about the difficult truths of life as a hobo, an itinerant worker who moved through rural America, sometimes stealthily for their own security. Their secret? A system of hastily scrawled symbols that only the initiated would understand.
Vatican autocracy and the U.S. bishops
Vatican autocracy and the U.S. bishops - Denver CatholicWEIGEL: As the U.S. bishops gathered in Baltimore on the weekend of Nov. 10-11, it seemed certain that, after a day of prayer, penance, and reflection on the Church’s sexual abuse crisis, they would take two important steps toward reform. An episcopal code of conduct, holding bishops accountable to the standards applied to priests in the 2002 Dallas Charter, would be adopted. And the bishops would authorize a lay-led mechanism to receive complaints about episcopal misbehavior, malfeasance, or corruption; allegations found credible would be sent to the appropriate authorities, including those in Rome.
Tuesday, November 20, 2018
We still need apostolic bishops
Ethika Politika | We Still Need Apostolic BishopsHAINES: Last week's meeting of American bishops in Baltimore was pathetic. To start, there was the surprise directive from Rome (and the Congregation for Bishops, in particular) not to vote on any proposed resolutions to the domestic clerical sex abuse crisis. The rest of the meeting became an awkward attempt to produce some sort of unified, credible vision without Rome's direct approval. As far as anyone can tell, that failed. Many—perhaps even most—bishops returned home shaking their heads. Any credibility the bishops' conference still had would now dry up, and fast.
‘Dictator Pope’ author Henry Sire expelled from Order of Malta
‘Dictator Pope’ author expelled from Order of Malta | Catholic Herald: The historian Henry Sire has been expelled from the Order of Malta after writing a book which heavily criticized Pope Francis.
Sire was suspended in March, when the Order set up a disciplinary commission. His book, entitled The Dictator Pope, criticized Francis’s interventions in religious orders, and said the Pope had introduced doctrinal ambiguity, following the program of the “St. Gallen mafia” who brought about his election. Sire also claimed the Vatican was increasingly dominated by corrupt churchmen, while officials with integrity lived in fear of the sack.
Sire was suspended in March, when the Order set up a disciplinary commission. His book, entitled The Dictator Pope, criticized Francis’s interventions in religious orders, and said the Pope had introduced doctrinal ambiguity, following the program of the “St. Gallen mafia” who brought about his election. Sire also claimed the Vatican was increasingly dominated by corrupt churchmen, while officials with integrity lived in fear of the sack.
Amid Asia Bibi drama, ‘Under Caesar's Sword’ is worth revisiting
Amid Asia Bibi drama, 'Under Caesar's Sword' worth revisitingALLEN: Over the last three weeks, Christians and others concerned with religious freedom have been watching the drama play out in Pakistan, where Asia Bibi was finally released from nine years on death row on a blasphemy charge only to be forced into hiding inside the country with no clear exit strategy for asylum.
Bibi, an illiterate Catholic mother of five, at least has the good fortune that her case has become something of an international cause célèbre, so it garners steady media and political attention. Yet hers is hardly an isolated story, with most other victims of religious persecution around the world languishing in silence.
Bibi, an illiterate Catholic mother of five, at least has the good fortune that her case has become something of an international cause célèbre, so it garners steady media and political attention. Yet hers is hardly an isolated story, with most other victims of religious persecution around the world languishing in silence.
At least 42 dead in cathedral attack in Central African Republic
At Least 42 Dead in Cathedral Attack in Central African Republic: At least 42 people have died in an attack Thursday on the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Alindao, in the Central African Republic, according to local reports.
At least one priest was among those killed in the Nov. 15 attack. Some unofficial estimates have said the death toll could reach as high as 100. Many of the people killed were refugees sheltering at the church.
The CAR has suffered violence since December 2012, when several bands of mainly Muslim rebel groups formed an alliance, taking the name Seleka, and seized power.
At least one priest was among those killed in the Nov. 15 attack. Some unofficial estimates have said the death toll could reach as high as 100. Many of the people killed were refugees sheltering at the church.
The CAR has suffered violence since December 2012, when several bands of mainly Muslim rebel groups formed an alliance, taking the name Seleka, and seized power.
Damien Hirst’s giant sculptures of an unborn baby re-emerge at Qatar hospital
Damien Hirst uterus sculptures re-emerge at Qatar hospital - CNN: Conceptual artist Damien Hirst is not one to shy away from a statement -- and a series of bronze sculptures of a gestating fetus gracing the entrance to a new hospital in Qatar is proof.
The 14 giant sculptures, titled "The Miraculous Journey," show a fetus growing inside a uterus, from conception to birth, ending with a 46-foot sculpture of a naked newborn baby boy.
The 14 giant sculptures, titled "The Miraculous Journey," show a fetus growing inside a uterus, from conception to birth, ending with a 46-foot sculpture of a naked newborn baby boy.
Why 536 (when St. Benedict was busy saving Western civilization) was “the worst year to be alive”
Why 536 was ‘the worst year to be alive’ | Science | AAAS: Ask medieval historian Michael McCormick what year was the worst to be alive, and he's got an answer: "536." Not 1349, when the Black Death wiped out half of Europe. Not 1918, when the flu killed 50 million to 100 million people, mostly young adults. But 536. In Europe, "It was the beginning of one of the worst periods to be alive, if not the worst year," says McCormick, a historian and archaeologist who chairs the Harvard University Initiative for the Science of the Human Past.
Google is watching you
Google Is Watching You - Crisis MagazineTURLEY: The Creepy Line takes its title from former Google executive Eric Schmidt’s comment in 2010 when he said that Google’s job was to “get right up to the creepy line and not cross it.” The Creepy Line claims that Google (and also Facebook) have crossed that line in ways that many of us could not have contemplated
The film claims that Google is part of a deliberate manipulation of millions of users through its multiple platforms including YouTube to suppress conservative views. Specifically, the film suggests that during the 2016 U.S. presidential election campaign Google tweaked its search algorithm in an attempt to swing the election towards Hillary Clinton. The filmmakers explain that, thereafter, searches for Clinton on Google almost invariably returned positive stories. In contrast, searches on other search engines had a more equitable and realistic split between positive and not so positive views on Clinton and her polices.
The film claims that Google is part of a deliberate manipulation of millions of users through its multiple platforms including YouTube to suppress conservative views. Specifically, the film suggests that during the 2016 U.S. presidential election campaign Google tweaked its search algorithm in an attempt to swing the election towards Hillary Clinton. The filmmakers explain that, thereafter, searches for Clinton on Google almost invariably returned positive stories. In contrast, searches on other search engines had a more equitable and realistic split between positive and not so positive views on Clinton and her polices.
Mother of 3 killed in St. Louis Catholic Supply shooting was active at parish, sang in choir
House Springs mother of 3 killed in Catholic Supply shooting was active in church, sang in choir | Law and order | stltoday.com: A House Springs woman killed by a gunman at a Catholic Supply store in St. Louis County was active in her church choir and may have been at the store to buy supplies to make rosaries for fellow parishioners.
The Catholic bubble isn’t supposed to be our home and hangout
Popping the Catholic Bubble – WE'RE LATE FOR CHURCHGERD: I am not a hugger. But I have a dear friend who is. She will “love-on” the most unsuspecting stranger with abandon. Often when I’ve introduced her to others I lead with, “Be prepared… she’s a hugger.” Then I stand back as she envelops them in a firestorm of affection. If the recipient of the hug is not particularly into it, they often glare at me over her shoulder, followed by a resigned eye-roll from within the folds of her exuberantly tight embrace. I just watch, both cringing and marveling at her expressive boldness.
22 dos and don’ts in evangelization
22 Dos and Don'ts in Evangelization - Catholic Missionary Disciples - College Station, TXLEJEUNE: DO Truly listen to the other person. It is more important that you really understand where they are coming from and try to meet them at that place, than it is that you find the perfect answer to a question they may not even care about. If you want to be a better listener, then learn to ask better questions. DO Remain calm. Nobody will come closer to Jesus if you get upset and show it. Better that you have are passionate about loving others, than you are about being proven right.
4K time-lapse flow motion video of Hawaii’s Big Island
New Advent: 4K time-lapse flow motion video of Hawaii’s Big Island: The Big Island | Time-Lapse Flow Motion - 4K from Tyler Fairbank on Vimeo.
Vietnamese shrine to Our Lady of La Vang rises in Orange County
Shrine to Vietnamese Lady of La Vang rises in Southern California - Religion News Service: Like most Vietnamese-American Catholics, Elysabeth Nguyen grew up hearing stories of Our Lady of La Vang, who is said to have saved her people from persecution.
The Marian apparition is said to have appeared in the late 1700s to a group of Catholics fleeing persecution in Vietnam. She then became a centerpiece of Catholic faith in the country, and after the fall of Saigon in 1975 — when more than a million Vietnamese became refugees — her intercession was credited with sparing the lives of her devotees. Churches named for the La Vang virgin are now thought to be as numerous in the United States as those dedicated to the apparitions at Fatima or Lourdes.
The Marian apparition is said to have appeared in the late 1700s to a group of Catholics fleeing persecution in Vietnam. She then became a centerpiece of Catholic faith in the country, and after the fall of Saigon in 1975 — when more than a million Vietnamese became refugees — her intercession was credited with sparing the lives of her devotees. Churches named for the La Vang virgin are now thought to be as numerous in the United States as those dedicated to the apparitions at Fatima or Lourdes.
St. John Vianney’s incorrupt heart begins touring the U.S.
St. John Vianney’s Incorrupt Heart Begins U.S. TourPRONECHEN: The “Heart of a Priest” nationwide relic tour of the incorrupt heart of St. John Vianney, Curé of Ars, the patron of priests, fittingly launched at St Mary Church in New Haven, Connecticut, on Nov. 16-18 with a “Triduum of Purification.”
Why this promising start?
“Essentially the Church in recent months in this country is going through difficult times. The sexual abuse crisis, the clergy sexual abuse, is very much in the headlines and on the hearts of many of the Catholic faithful,” Dominican Father John Paul Walker, the pastor of St. Mary’s, explained. “I felt it important that we as a parish gather together in this way for several days of prayer — to pray for the crisis, to pray for our Church, and to pray for God’s blessings for what we’re going through right now, with a different focus on each night.”
Why this promising start?
“Essentially the Church in recent months in this country is going through difficult times. The sexual abuse crisis, the clergy sexual abuse, is very much in the headlines and on the hearts of many of the Catholic faithful,” Dominican Father John Paul Walker, the pastor of St. Mary’s, explained. “I felt it important that we as a parish gather together in this way for several days of prayer — to pray for the crisis, to pray for our Church, and to pray for God’s blessings for what we’re going through right now, with a different focus on each night.”
Monday, November 19, 2018
Why a great mystery writer called Christianity “the greatest drama”
Why a great mystery writer called Christianity “the greatest drama”MILLS: She could be writing a manifesto for the New Evangelization, even though she wasn’t a Catholic. Dorothy Sayers basically said: Look, this stuff is amazing and even we Christians don’t see it. If we did see it, we could change the world. “Let us, in Heaven’s name,” she once wrote, “drag out the Divine Drama from under the dreadful accumulation of slipshod thinking and trashy sentiment heaped upon it, and set it on an open stage to startle the world.”
A living, breathing Thanksgiving: A grown man thanks his birth mother for the gift of life
Living, Breathing Thanksgiving: Adopted Man Thanks His Birth Mother | National ReviewLOPEZ: Dennis was adopted, and he couldn’t be more grateful.
An 18-year-old girl walked into a Methodist hospital in Philadelphia, and she says, “I’m pregnant.” And she literally almost delivers me in the elevator. As she’s going to the hospital, she tells the nurses and everybody else that she wants to put the baby up for adoption and that she doesn’t want to see the baby, she can’t see the baby. She’s with her mother. And her mom is surprised that she’s pregnant, she literally just learned that day that she’s pregnant. She hid me from her parents and her sister for the entire pregnancy.
Dennis Gerber, 37, is telling me the story of his birth.
At the time of his birth, there was a couple in town — the couple who would become his parents. “They were down in Philadelphia staying at my aunt and uncle’s house.” His uncle, an ob-gyn, was helping them connect with a fertility expert. Then they were going to attend a conference on overseas adoption. The husband was going to be transferred to Europe so that they could adopt from Italy or Germany, which were their ancestral backgrounds. That was the plan, anyway, before the doctor who was the uncle’s practice partner delivered Dennis.
An 18-year-old girl walked into a Methodist hospital in Philadelphia, and she says, “I’m pregnant.” And she literally almost delivers me in the elevator. As she’s going to the hospital, she tells the nurses and everybody else that she wants to put the baby up for adoption and that she doesn’t want to see the baby, she can’t see the baby. She’s with her mother. And her mom is surprised that she’s pregnant, she literally just learned that day that she’s pregnant. She hid me from her parents and her sister for the entire pregnancy.
Dennis Gerber, 37, is telling me the story of his birth.
At the time of his birth, there was a couple in town — the couple who would become his parents. “They were down in Philadelphia staying at my aunt and uncle’s house.” His uncle, an ob-gyn, was helping them connect with a fertility expert. Then they were going to attend a conference on overseas adoption. The husband was going to be transferred to Europe so that they could adopt from Italy or Germany, which were their ancestral backgrounds. That was the plan, anyway, before the doctor who was the uncle’s practice partner delivered Dennis.
Abortion will end when it loses its cool
Abortion Will End When It Loses Its Cool — Helena DailyGRESS: For most of human history, the killing of other human beings was most often soldier against soldier in combat. With the exception of civil wars and familial conflicts, strangers were killing strangers.
This all changed with the arrival of Second Wave feminism. Suddenly, abortion was what the cool girls were doing. Almost overnight, even in the midst of the Vietnam War, the casualties shifted from strangers killing strangers, to mothers killing their own children. In the U.S. alone, 60 million mothers have made that awful choice to kill their own children, 10 times the number of Jews killed in Hilter’s Holocaust. What changed? The mass media message targeting women.
This all changed with the arrival of Second Wave feminism. Suddenly, abortion was what the cool girls were doing. Almost overnight, even in the midst of the Vietnam War, the casualties shifted from strangers killing strangers, to mothers killing their own children. In the U.S. alone, 60 million mothers have made that awful choice to kill their own children, 10 times the number of Jews killed in Hilter’s Holocaust. What changed? The mass media message targeting women.
I would walk 500 miles, and I would walk 500 more
A Thousand Miles for Love - Crisis MagazineBECKER: Katharine, my preteen, sent me a link to a song she’d happened across. “It’s my new jam,” she wrote, and I eagerly clicked on it to listen. What dad of a preteen wouldn’t?
Imagine my surprise when Kath’s new jam turned out to be an ad for a cleaning product. The accompanying video was fun and eye-catching, and there was no doubt that the tune was catchy as well. So catchy, in fact, that I couldn’t help thinking that it’d caught my attention before. “Well, I can scrub 500 tiles,” it went at one point, “and I can scrub 500 more.”
Imagine my surprise when Kath’s new jam turned out to be an ad for a cleaning product. The accompanying video was fun and eye-catching, and there was no doubt that the tune was catchy as well. So catchy, in fact, that I couldn’t help thinking that it’d caught my attention before. “Well, I can scrub 500 tiles,” it went at one point, “and I can scrub 500 more.”
Legatus suspends nearly $1 million in donations to the Holy See
Legatus Suspends Nearly $1 Million in Donations to the Holy SeeSCHIFFER: Nearly $1 million in funds which had been earmarked for the Holy See will now be withheld, following the Vatican's action to delay the U.S. Bishops' vote on a plan to end the sexual abuse crisis in the Church.
Legatus, the international organization of Catholic business leaders, has since its inception tithed to the Holy See from member dues. In 2019, with more than 5,000 CEOs and their spouses active in more than 80 chapters across the United States and Canada, that tithe is expected to reach nearly a million dollars. However, Legatus' founder and chairman Tom Monaghan announced in September that the funds would be held in escrow, until questions of financial accountability could be clarified.
Legatus, the international organization of Catholic business leaders, has since its inception tithed to the Holy See from member dues. In 2019, with more than 5,000 CEOs and their spouses active in more than 80 chapters across the United States and Canada, that tithe is expected to reach nearly a million dollars. However, Legatus' founder and chairman Tom Monaghan announced in September that the funds would be held in escrow, until questions of financial accountability could be clarified.
Cupich denies he and Wuerl hatched rival plan before Baltimore
Cupich denies he and Wuerl hatched rival plan before Baltimore: Cardinal Blase Cupich is firing back against claims that he sought to advance an alternative proposal for bishop accountability ahead of last week’s meeting in Baltimore, in place of the plan put forth by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).
“The allegation is false,” the archbishop of Chicago told Crux on Sunday, in response to a Catholic News Agency (CNA) report Friday that he and Cardinal Donald Wuerl of Washington collaborated on a separate proposal.
“The allegation is false,” the archbishop of Chicago told Crux on Sunday, in response to a Catholic News Agency (CNA) report Friday that he and Cardinal Donald Wuerl of Washington collaborated on a separate proposal.
Amid church property dispute with Vietnamese Communists, Vatican names new archbishop of Hanoi
Vatican names new archbishop of Hanoi- ucanews.com: The Holy See has appointed the bishop of a northern diocese to lead Hanoi Archdiocese, which is in dispute with Vietnam's government over former church properties.
Pope Francis on Nov. 17 named Bishop Joseph Vu Van Thien of Hai Phong as archbishop of Hanoi.
Archbishop Joseph Nguyen Chi Linh, president of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Vietnam, said in a Nov. 18 announcement that Archbishop-elect Thien would succeed 80-year-old Cardinal Peter Nguyen Van Nhon of Hanoi, whose resignation had been accepted by the pope. He was also named to serve Hai Phong Diocese as apostolic administrator.
Archbishop Linh said the installation of Archbishop-elect Thien is scheduled for Dec. 18 at St. Joseph's Cathedral in Hanoi.
Pope Francis on Nov. 17 named Bishop Joseph Vu Van Thien of Hai Phong as archbishop of Hanoi.
Archbishop Joseph Nguyen Chi Linh, president of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Vietnam, said in a Nov. 18 announcement that Archbishop-elect Thien would succeed 80-year-old Cardinal Peter Nguyen Van Nhon of Hanoi, whose resignation had been accepted by the pope. He was also named to serve Hai Phong Diocese as apostolic administrator.
Archbishop Linh said the installation of Archbishop-elect Thien is scheduled for Dec. 18 at St. Joseph's Cathedral in Hanoi.
I want, before I die, to see bishops with scars from the wolves they wrestled to the ground
Watchdogs and Wolves - Crisis MagazineESOLEN: “Do you not know,” says Saint Paul to the lax and factious Corinthians, “that we shall judge angels?” They had ceded to the unbelievers around them the authority to judge a controversy between Christian brothers.
But Jesus says, “Judge not, lest you be judged,” because the criterion by which we measure others will be our measure too, and we are not likely to pass that test. Does Paul contradict Jesus? Not at all.
Consider the Pharisees, who liked to pray and fast conspicuously, pulling long faces so that everyone would know they were in the grip of holiness. Jesus calls them hypocrites, the same name he gives to the man who would take the speck out of his brother’s eye while he has a plank in his own. That word hypocrite too has to do with judgment: Greek krinomai—to answer for, to give an eloquent reply, as if in a court of law. Hence hypokrisis—the practice of sub-locution, surreptitious behavior; to hide what you really are beneath the play-acting. The Pharisees are hypocrites both because they pretend to judge others by standards they themselves do not meet, and because they are actors of holiness, presenting themselves for the judgment and the applause of men.
But Jesus says, “Judge not, lest you be judged,” because the criterion by which we measure others will be our measure too, and we are not likely to pass that test. Does Paul contradict Jesus? Not at all.
Consider the Pharisees, who liked to pray and fast conspicuously, pulling long faces so that everyone would know they were in the grip of holiness. Jesus calls them hypocrites, the same name he gives to the man who would take the speck out of his brother’s eye while he has a plank in his own. That word hypocrite too has to do with judgment: Greek krinomai—to answer for, to give an eloquent reply, as if in a court of law. Hence hypokrisis—the practice of sub-locution, surreptitious behavior; to hide what you really are beneath the play-acting. The Pharisees are hypocrites both because they pretend to judge others by standards they themselves do not meet, and because they are actors of holiness, presenting themselves for the judgment and the applause of men.
The Book of Revelation: Regardless of what you think is going on, this is what is really going on
Pulling Back the Veil - An Overview of the Book of Revelation - Community in Mission : Community in MissionPOPE: In daily Mass we are currently reading selections from the Book of Revelation—not a bad choice as the end of the liturgical year swiftly approaches.
While many suppose that the Book of Revelation is merely about the end of the world, it is about far more; it is also about what is happening right now. It was not written only for the end of the ages but for all ages. It is a book of glory that discloses the victory Jesus has already won. Don’t get lost in lots of exotic theories; Revelation is a prophetic book of glory.
While many suppose that the Book of Revelation is merely about the end of the world, it is about far more; it is also about what is happening right now. It was not written only for the end of the ages but for all ages. It is a book of glory that discloses the victory Jesus has already won. Don’t get lost in lots of exotic theories; Revelation is a prophetic book of glory.
The other Gettysburg Address you probably haven’t heard of
The Other Gettysburg Address You Probably Haven't Heard Of | Mental Floss: The greatest speech in American history had a tough act to follow.
On November 19, 1863, Abraham Lincoln delivered an address at the dedication of a new National Cemetery in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. As the president offered some brief remarks before a war-weary crowd of around 15,000 people, he modestly said, “the world will little note, nor long remember what we say here.”
On November 19, 1863, Abraham Lincoln delivered an address at the dedication of a new National Cemetery in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. As the president offered some brief remarks before a war-weary crowd of around 15,000 people, he modestly said, “the world will little note, nor long remember what we say here.”
Sunday, November 18, 2018
The Word of the Lord remains forever! A homily for the 33rd Sunday of the Year
The Word of the Lord Remains Forever! A Homily for the 33rd Sunday of the Year - Community in Mission : Community in MissionPOPE: As winter approaches and the end of the liturgical year draws near, we ponder the passing quality of this world and the fading of its glories. Jesus’ words in today’s Gospel reading must surely have shocked, even horrified, His apostles. Let’s look at His stunning words and seek to apply them in our own life. Jesus is standing just outside of Jerusalem. In the last two months we have followed Him on His final journey: leaving Galilee, heading south along the Jordan River, passing through Jericho, and now making the nearly 2000-foot ascent to Jerusalem.
“If it be your will, O God, glorify our beloved Sister Thea...”
Whispers in the Loggia: “O God, Glorify Thea...”PALMO: Lest it wasn't already clear, Church, Plenary Week always takes a bit of recovery and time to process... given this one, all the more.
While the scribe's putting the 600-piece jigsaw back together, however, what's arguably the lone "God-moment" born of these last days – by far the meeting's happiest turn – is already springing to life: later this morning, in the northern Mississippi cathedral from which her heroic witness would spread across this global Body, Sister Thea Bowman will be declared a Servant of God upon the formal opening of her cause for sainthood.
While the scribe's putting the 600-piece jigsaw back together, however, what's arguably the lone "God-moment" born of these last days – by far the meeting's happiest turn – is already springing to life: later this morning, in the northern Mississippi cathedral from which her heroic witness would spread across this global Body, Sister Thea Bowman will be declared a Servant of God upon the formal opening of her cause for sainthood.
Pope Francis dines with 1,500 poor at the Vatican
Pope Francis Dines With 1,500 Poor at the VaticanPENTIN: Pope Francis’ enjoyed a Sunday lunch today of lasagna, chicken nuggets, mashed potato and tiramisu with 1,500 people in need, less well-off, and poor (see photos below). The event in the St. Paul VI Hall was part of today’s World Day of the Poor, an annual observance Pope Francis established in 2016 at the end of the Jubilee Year of Mercy. “Now we're all going to have lunch together,” the Pope said on arriving in the hall shortly before 12.30pm. “We thank those who have brought us lunch, those who will serve us lunch.
Saturday, November 17, 2018
Melinda Henneberger’s cri de coeur is a scorching rebuke to Catholic bishops
Henneberger's cri de coeur is a scorching rebuke to Catholic bishops - The AnchoressSCALIA: After the Vatican ordered US Bishops to refrain from voting on episcopal correctives to their failures on the sex abuse front (a February bishop’s gathering in Rome will now address it), American bishops left their bi-annual conference with little to show for their time beyond approving a the promotion of the excellent Sister Thea Bowman’s cause for sainthood.
The do-little gathering left plenty of American Catholics feeling short-changed and fed-up, and precipitated Melinda Henneburger’s scorching rebuke to the bishops as she declared herself “done” with the Church. Her piece is a stunningly naked and raw howl of authentic anguish from a woman who feels betrayed beyond endurance.
The do-little gathering left plenty of American Catholics feeling short-changed and fed-up, and precipitated Melinda Henneburger’s scorching rebuke to the bishops as she declared herself “done” with the Church. Her piece is a stunningly naked and raw howl of authentic anguish from a woman who feels betrayed beyond endurance.
The Pope owns this
The Pope Owns ThisPOPE: The annual Fall Meeting of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), which took place in Baltimore earlier this week, was a disappointment on many levels. Yet there were also moments of light and strength coming from a good number of bishops. They spoke with clarity, acknowledging the seriousness of the crisis both in terms of the need to bring some semblance of justice to the victims and of the faltering credibility of the Church. Some even made the forbidden connection of the crisis to active homosexuals in the priesthood. Still others lamented the collective silence on sexual morality, wondering how many bishops and clergy do not believe what the Church teaches.
A field guide to 7 of America’s Catholic tribes, from Rad Trads to Tradinistas
Meet America’s Catholic Tribes: The Catholic Herald’s new US readers know that this is a horrible time for American Catholics. Mass-goers were assured that the Church had tackled clerical sex abuse. Alas, the assurances came from bishops who were still covering up crimes, including those of arch-abuser Theodore McCarrick, who – incredibly – drew up the bishops’ sex abuse guidelines.
What many readers may not know is that the civil war provoked by the McCarrick revelations, and by mixed messages from Rome, is being fought by a colourful array of Catholic “tribes” – noisy groups of priests and laity who disagree on pretty much everything. Liturgy, sexual morality, Pope Francis, Vatican finances – there are fault lines everywhere, growing wider thanks to a deadly combination of scandals and social media.
What many readers may not know is that the civil war provoked by the McCarrick revelations, and by mixed messages from Rome, is being fought by a colourful array of Catholic “tribes” – noisy groups of priests and laity who disagree on pretty much everything. Liturgy, sexual morality, Pope Francis, Vatican finances – there are fault lines everywhere, growing wider thanks to a deadly combination of scandals and social media.
Can driving the inside lane on the highway shorten your trip?
Can Driving The Inside Lane On the Highway Shorten Your Trip?: Here's a question that's been bothering me for a while. How much driving would you save on a given highway trip if you took the inside lane on every corner?
Simple math tells us that a car travels a shorter distance to round the inside of a curve than the outside. Could that fact make a marked difference in mileage on a road trip? Not if you're driving cross-country on a mostly straight road like I-80. But consider a curvy path like I-95, which wends and winds its way along the Eastern seaboard. That's where I decided to run an experiment during a recent drive.
Simple math tells us that a car travels a shorter distance to round the inside of a curve than the outside. Could that fact make a marked difference in mileage on a road trip? Not if you're driving cross-country on a mostly straight road like I-80. But consider a curvy path like I-95, which wends and winds its way along the Eastern seaboard. That's where I decided to run an experiment during a recent drive.
Mapping Thanksgiving: What makes your state unique? Fascinating data visualization from Google...
Mapping Thanksgiving: For millions of Americans, Thanksgiving means turkey, parades, family, and the road-trip to reach it all. While everyone’s final holiday destination is unique, there are many common stops along the way. Using Google Maps data from 2017’s holiday season, we’re providing insight into the places people visit around the holidays, when to visit them, and the best times to get on (or stay off) the road in 2018.
Friday, November 16, 2018
Before envelopes were invented, people protected messages with letterlocking
Before Envelopes, People Protected Messages With Letterlocking - Atlas Obscura: Around 2 a.m. on February 8, 1587, Mary Queen of Scots penned a letter to her brother-in-law, King Henri III of France. It would be her last. Six hours later, she was beheaded for treason by order of her cousin, Elizabeth I of England. The letter has since become one of Scotland’s most beloved artifacts, the handwritten pages offering a poignant glimpse of a monarch grappling with her impending execution.
Cupich and Wuerl collaborated on alternative sex abuse proposal
Cupich and Wuerl collaborated on alternative sex abuse proposalCONDON: Cardinal Blase Cupich of Chicago and Cardinal Donald Wuerl of Washington collaborated extensively on a recently proposed policy for handling abuse allegations against bishops, CNA has learned.
Cupich submitted the plan Tuesday to leaders of the U.S. bishops’ conference, proffering it as an alternative to a proposal that had been devised by conference officials and staffers.
The conference’s proposed plan would have established an independent lay-led commission to investigate allegations against bishops. The Cupich-Wuerl plan would instead send allegations against bishops to be investigated by their metropolitan archbishops, along with archdiocesan review boards. Metropolitans themselves would be investigated by their senior suffragan bishops.
Cupich submitted the plan Tuesday to leaders of the U.S. bishops’ conference, proffering it as an alternative to a proposal that had been devised by conference officials and staffers.
The conference’s proposed plan would have established an independent lay-led commission to investigate allegations against bishops. The Cupich-Wuerl plan would instead send allegations against bishops to be investigated by their metropolitan archbishops, along with archdiocesan review boards. Metropolitans themselves would be investigated by their senior suffragan bishops.
Would Jesus recognize Catholic worship?
Would Jesus Recognize Catholic Worship?LONGENECKER: You’ve seen pictures of splendid traditional Catholic worship. The clergy and servers are robed, the incense is billowing, the church building is magnificent. Would Jesus recognize such worship?
The assumption is that Jesus is a simple, wandering preacher — a rustic carpenter from Nazareth. Jesus is the equivalent of Pastor Bob from the Backwoods Bible Church who has studied for two years at Buckboard Bible College and then set up his little church in an old shop front.
The assumption is that Jesus is a simple, wandering preacher — a rustic carpenter from Nazareth. Jesus is the equivalent of Pastor Bob from the Backwoods Bible Church who has studied for two years at Buckboard Bible College and then set up his little church in an old shop front.
The Final Judgment: Readings for the 33rd Sunday of Ordinary Time
The Sacred Page: The Final Judgment: Readings for the 33rd Sunday of OTBERGSMA: “Tempus fugit,” the Romans used to say. “Time flies.” It’s hard to believe that we are already at the second-to-last Sunday of the liturgical year. Where has the year gone? How can it be so close to the end already? Yet these feelings are very appropriate for Mass we will celebrate this Sunday, whose readings encourage us to count time carefully, to be aware of its passage, to meditate on our mortality and the passing of all things, and to think soberly of the end and the final judgment.
Ohio House passes heartbeat abortion bill
Ohio House passes heartbeat abortion bill: The Ohio House has once again passed a pro-life bill that would ban abortions after a baby’s heartbeat is detected.
“This bill basically says if there is a heartbeat you cannot abort. If there is a heartbeat, there is life…there is no debating that,” said Rep. Ron Hood, R-Ashville, according to Dayton Daily News. On Nov. 15, the heartbeat bill passed the House 58-35. The bill will now head to the Ohio Senate before the legislative session ends in December.
“This bill basically says if there is a heartbeat you cannot abort. If there is a heartbeat, there is life…there is no debating that,” said Rep. Ron Hood, R-Ashville, according to Dayton Daily News. On Nov. 15, the heartbeat bill passed the House 58-35. The bill will now head to the Ohio Senate before the legislative session ends in December.
After Baltimore, here’s where things stand on the sexual abuse crisis
After Baltimore, where things stand on the sexual abuse crisisALLEN: Now that the dust has settled on the U.S. bishops’ fall meeting in Baltimore - which was keenly anticipated in the run-up, and which turned out to be massively anti-climactic in the aftermath - it’s time to take preliminary stock of where things stand in the bishops’ efforts to respond to the clerical sexual abuse crisis.
The agenda for the meeting was waylaid late afternoon on Sunday, when a letter reached Cardinal Daniel DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, President of the USCCB, from Canadian Cardinal Marc Ouellet, Prefect of the Vatican’s Congregation for Bishops, telling the bishops to delay votes on matters related to the abuse crisis until Feb. 21-24, when Pope Francis has summoned presidents of all the bishops’ conferences around the world for a summit on child protection.
The agenda for the meeting was waylaid late afternoon on Sunday, when a letter reached Cardinal Daniel DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, President of the USCCB, from Canadian Cardinal Marc Ouellet, Prefect of the Vatican’s Congregation for Bishops, telling the bishops to delay votes on matters related to the abuse crisis until Feb. 21-24, when Pope Francis has summoned presidents of all the bishops’ conferences around the world for a summit on child protection.
Céline Dion launches new gender-neutral clothing line for children with creepy ad
Celine Dion Launches New Gender-Neutral Clothing Line for Children with Creepy Ad – Faithwire: Pop singer Céline Dion is launching a new line of children’s clothing, and she announced the partnership with Nununu with a creepy, Orwellian advertisement.
In the commercial, which first aired Tuesday, Dion declares, “Our children — they are not really our children, as we are all just links in a never-ending chain that is life.”
In the commercial, which first aired Tuesday, Dion declares, “Our children — they are not really our children, as we are all just links in a never-ending chain that is life.”
Vatican, U.S. bishops face class-action lawsuit from victims of clergy sex abuse
Vatican, US bishops face class-action lawsuit from victims of clergy sex abuse: The U.S. bishops' conference and the Holy See face a class action lawsuit filed by six men who claim they were sexually abused by Catholic clergy during their childhoods. They are seeking financial damages as well as public contrition and reparation from the Church.
The 80-page suit filed Nov. 13 claims that the Vatican and the bishops knew about - and covered up for - the “endemic, systemic, rampant, and pervasive rape and sexual abuse” of the plaintiffs and others at the hands of active members of the clergy, religious orders, and other Church representatives.
The 80-page suit filed Nov. 13 claims that the Vatican and the bishops knew about - and covered up for - the “endemic, systemic, rampant, and pervasive rape and sexual abuse” of the plaintiffs and others at the hands of active members of the clergy, religious orders, and other Church representatives.
Thursday, November 15, 2018
The desire for human respect can lead people to hell
Desiring Human Respect Can Lead to HellCRAIG: Hell is an uncomfortable subject to say the least. It is not a perfect motivation for loving God either – He wants us to trust Him as a Father and return to Him, not to merely flee from the fear of eternal torment. Yet “the Church affirms the existence of hell and its eternity [for] those who die in a state of mortal... (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1035).
Some saints have had visions of hell, which they pass along as warnings to those that might think lightly of eternal rewards. St. John Bosco (also known as Don Bosco) is famous for both his dedication to the salvation of young and troubled boys and for his profound and often prophetic dreams.
Some saints have had visions of hell, which they pass along as warnings to those that might think lightly of eternal rewards. St. John Bosco (also known as Don Bosco) is famous for both his dedication to the salvation of young and troubled boys and for his profound and often prophetic dreams.
Denver’s Archbishop Aquila calls out Regis University for urging faculty to attend drag show, promote transgender ideology
Denver archbishop calls out Regis University for urging faculty to attend drag show: The Catholic archbishop of Denver this week called out Regis University’s provost for encouraging faculty to attend a student drag show as a way of supporting LGBTQ students, and suggesting they avoid language that reinforces the gender binary — including saying “ladies and gentlemen.”
In a letter to faculty last month, Provost Janet Houser also warned teachers at the Jesuit-Catholic college in Denver not to take class attendance using the official roster, since this might involve accidentally using “a student’s ‘dead name’ — a legal name that they no longer go by — which can be very upsetting for transgender students to hear.”
In a letter to faculty last month, Provost Janet Houser also warned teachers at the Jesuit-Catholic college in Denver not to take class attendance using the official roster, since this might involve accidentally using “a student’s ‘dead name’ — a legal name that they no longer go by — which can be very upsetting for transgender students to hear.”
Wise men, flattering, may deceive us
Wise Men, Flattering, May Deceive Us - Community in Mission : Community in MissionPOPE: Judas Maccabeus was Handel’s most famous oratorio during his lifetime, more popular even than the Messiah. There are many wonderful moments in it, especially its bold and brave choruses. Written in 1746, it covers the biblical events of 170–160 B.C., when Judea was ruled by the Seleucids and the people were compelled to worship Zeus. Some resisted; others obeyed. The priest Mattathias went to the hills and gathered others who were willing to fight for their faith. This is all recounted in the First Book of Maccabees in the (complete) Catholic Bible. The words to Judas Maccabeus largely paraphrase the biblical text and were written by Thomas Morell.
A hopeful sign amid the U.S. bishops’ failed Fall meeting
A Hopeful Sign Amid the US Bishops’ Failed Fall MeetingDESOUZA: The most dramatic meeting of the U.S. bishops since 2002 ended in failure. Except that it did not entirely fail. It may in fact have signaled a critical turning point on the road to reform.
The failure was evident. For months the leadership of the U.S. bishops have declared that the November plenary assembly was the time when concrete actions regarding accountability for bishops would be taken, a complement to the measures taken in 2002 regarding priests and deacons. Less than 24 hours before the meeting began, the Vatican relayed the decision of Pope Francis, through the Congregation for Bishops, that the American bishops not vote on their proposals at all and wait instead to act after the Vatican summit on sex abuse in February 2019, when the Holy Father will meet with the presidents of all the bishops’ conferences in the world.
The failure was evident. For months the leadership of the U.S. bishops have declared that the November plenary assembly was the time when concrete actions regarding accountability for bishops would be taken, a complement to the measures taken in 2002 regarding priests and deacons. Less than 24 hours before the meeting began, the Vatican relayed the decision of Pope Francis, through the Congregation for Bishops, that the American bishops not vote on their proposals at all and wait instead to act after the Vatican summit on sex abuse in February 2019, when the Holy Father will meet with the presidents of all the bishops’ conferences in the world.
At the USCCB, Mahony showed he’s still full of it. But Bishop Biegler’s talks deserves more attention...
Devoted Bishops | Charlotte was BothWELBORN: Always be skeptical when someone frantically tries to “build community” with you
Take, for example, Cardinal Mahony.
It’s appalling enough that Cardinal Mahony spoke at this week’s weird and pointless bishops’ gathering.
And they all just sat there and listened. At least they didn’t applaud.
Anyway, Cardinal Mahony’s five minute talk said not a word about abuse or corruption. He was all about …our devotion to each other as members of the conference and the college of bishops.
His point was that there’s a great need for bishops to support each other, afford priests space for prayer and emphasize a collegial communion with particular attention to how “outside forces” can threaten that: “We must not allow outside groups of any kind…to interfere with or attempt to break the bonds of our collegial union.”
Take, for example, Cardinal Mahony.
It’s appalling enough that Cardinal Mahony spoke at this week’s weird and pointless bishops’ gathering.
And they all just sat there and listened. At least they didn’t applaud.
Anyway, Cardinal Mahony’s five minute talk said not a word about abuse or corruption. He was all about …our devotion to each other as members of the conference and the college of bishops.
His point was that there’s a great need for bishops to support each other, afford priests space for prayer and emphasize a collegial communion with particular attention to how “outside forces” can threaten that: “We must not allow outside groups of any kind…to interfere with or attempt to break the bonds of our collegial union.”
Italian court rules Archbishop Viganò must repay $2 million to his brother
Italian court rules Vigano must repay $2 million to his brother: Last month Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò, a former papal ambassador who in recent months gained global fame for publishing a statement asking Pope Francis to resign, lost a civil lawsuit against his brother over a family estate.
In an October ruling, the Civil Court of Milan sentenced Viganò to compensate his brother, Father Lorenzo Viganò, over $2 million, including interest and court costs, in a feud over their family assets.
Viganò, who for years worked as an official of the Governorate of Vatican City, eventually becoming secretary general, served as papal ambassador to the United States from 2011-2016.
In an October ruling, the Civil Court of Milan sentenced Viganò to compensate his brother, Father Lorenzo Viganò, over $2 million, including interest and court costs, in a feud over their family assets.
Viganò, who for years worked as an official of the Governorate of Vatican City, eventually becoming secretary general, served as papal ambassador to the United States from 2011-2016.
Dan Crenshaw: “SNL mocked my appearance. Here’s why I didn’t demand an apology...”
Dan Crenshaw: I made amends with Pete Davidson on SNL. But that’s only the beginning. - The Washington Post: The past couple of weeks have been unusual for me, to say the least. After a year of hard campaigning for Congress in Texas and gradually entering the public sphere, I was hit by a sudden, blinding spotlight. But I have no complaints — it wasn’t as bad as some other challenges I’ve faced, like a sudden, blinding IED explosion.
“What are people to make of our silence?” Bishops discuss McCarrick in Baltimore
'What are people to make of our silence?' Bishops discuss McCarrick in Baltimore: The bishops of the United States resumed their open-floor discussion on the recent sexual abuse scandals facing the Church in America Wednesday morning. In addition to debating the best means of institutionally responding to the crisis, the specific case of Archbishop Theodore McCarrick was raised by several speakers. Bishop Richard Stika of Knoxville told the conference Nov. 14 that the allegations against McCarrick, and the scandal of his rise and fall, were not just affecting long-time Catholics. Many people in the process of entering the Church found themselves having the example of McCarrick throw at them by friends and family as evidence that they were entering an institution in crisis.
Analysts urge bishops to address seminary problems on national level
Analysts Urge Bishops to Address Seminary Problems on National Level: The bishops of the United States are gathered this week in Baltimore for their annual fall meeting, with addressing clergy sexual abuse in the context of the Archbishop Theodore McCarrick scandal topping their agenda.
And along with a range of other measures under discussion in Baltimore, including standards of conduct for bishops and a third-party reporting mechanism for allegations of episcopal sexual misconduct, some analysts are urging the bishops to consider another pressing issue: a nationwide approach to fixing the problems at U.S. seminaries that have come to light since the McCarrick scandal erupted in June.
And along with a range of other measures under discussion in Baltimore, including standards of conduct for bishops and a third-party reporting mechanism for allegations of episcopal sexual misconduct, some analysts are urging the bishops to consider another pressing issue: a nationwide approach to fixing the problems at U.S. seminaries that have come to light since the McCarrick scandal erupted in June.
Wednesday, November 14, 2018
To the U.S. bishops: A (friendly) call to repentance and reform
To the US Bishops: A (Friendly) Call to Repentance and ReformJANETSMITH: Not only the US bishops but a significant portion of lay Catholics are discussing and pondering – almost obsessively — what can be done to address the sexual abuse crisis. A vast array of “solutions” has been proposed for dealing with who knew what, when, and who did what in respect to Archbishop McCarrick and how accusations of abuse of minors against bishops should be handled. Most involve requests for investigations, new policies or codes.
A problem that is not sufficiently on the bishops’ radar screen (at least publicly) is that of priestly sexual misconduct in seminaries, dioceses, and religious orders, and the presence of gay networks throughout the Church. No More Victims, a group I work with, has published online and sent to all bishops “What We, the Laity, are Reading that has Shaken Us to the Core”, a reader of excerpts from articles published in just the last few months that are exposing the extent of priestly sexual misconduct.
A problem that is not sufficiently on the bishops’ radar screen (at least publicly) is that of priestly sexual misconduct in seminaries, dioceses, and religious orders, and the presence of gay networks throughout the Church. No More Victims, a group I work with, has published online and sent to all bishops “What We, the Laity, are Reading that has Shaken Us to the Core”, a reader of excerpts from articles published in just the last few months that are exposing the extent of priestly sexual misconduct.
I post, therefore I am: Knowing self vs. creating self
I Post, Therefore I Am: Knowing Self Vs. Creating SelfCRAIG: Often, the difference between a man that believes in virtue and a man who doesn’t comes down to one distinction: is truth true or is truth relative? Most reading this know that “moral relativism” is a plague easily diagnosed and dismissed by sane men, but not truly believing in truth has more manifestations than we might think. Many of us are relativists by a different name by our attempt to create false images of ourselves and ask the world to believe in what we have created. Our screen time fuels this error.
A foolish dreamer awakens in the Church at last
A Foolish Dreamer Awakens in the Church at Last - Catholic StandEVANS: Many of you reading this are familiar with much of my journey and story. If you are, you likely know that I have had more than my share of struggles in my pursuit of Catholicism at her core. That core is chasing holiness. To quote the Baltimore Catechism, which I was raised on, in question 6 of the very 1st lesson: “Why did God make you? God made me know Him, to love Him, and to serve Him in this world, and to be happy with Him forever in heaven.” Simple and obvious, right? Yet it seems to have somewhat eluded me for over 60 years. Or to be more honest I did much of the eluding, at least in large part.
A photo gallery of the Holy Mass in the First World War
New Liturgical Movement: The Holy Mass in the First World War: A Photo CollectionDIPIPPO: On August 3, 1914, Germany declared war on France, and Europe entered into a terrible four years of slaughter that would decimate believers on every side, wiping out the youth of thousands of towns and villages, and bringing about the loss of a great part of Europe’s Christian elite. In memory of this sorrowful centenary, we present a collection of photographs that testify to the faith of these men in the midst of the horrors of the front.
Raffaella Stroik, 23-year-old daughter of architect Duncan Stroik, found dead in rural Missouri lake; no foul play suspected
Missing St. Louis ballet dancer found dead in rural Missouri lake, no foul play suspected | Law and order | stltoday.com: The body of a missing St. Louis ballet dancer was found Wednesday morning in a rural Missouri Lake. Raffaella Maria Stroik, 23, was reported missing on Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2018. She was last seen the day before at Whole Foods Market in Town and Country. Raffaella Maria Stroik was reported missing Tuesday after a state park ranger found her unattended vehicle at Mark Twain Lake State Park, about 100 miles northwest of St. Louis.
5 more classics of Catholic spirituality for your library
5 More Classics of Catholic Spirituality for Your LibraryCUSH: In my last piece, I mentioned that I would suggest 10 good Catholic books that might be good additions to one’s library. The first five mentioned were rather diverse, with titles from Doctors of the Church like Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, Saint Augustine of Hippo, and Saint Gregory the Great, as well as two 20th-century writers — Thomas Merton and Walter Ciszek. No doubt, there are some who would certainly disagree with my choices, and, of course, they have every right to do so. These are very subjective. They are merely books that have really helped me in my spiritual life, and it was my hope that they would also help you, should you choose to pursue reading them.
A century after the armistice
A Century After the Armistice | George Weigel | First ThingsWEIGEL: I’m just old enough to remember when my elders still called November 11 “Armistice Day”—the armistice in question being that which stopped the shooting in the Great War. As a military matter, World War I may have ended a century ago, on November 11, 1918, allowing my Grandfather Weigel and millions of other doughboys to be demobilized. The devastating cultural effects of the Great War are still being felt today, though.
Different nationalities remember World War I differently. Nostalgics mourn the fall of the Romanov, Hohenzollern, and Hapsburg empires; Poles remember those as the imperial crack-ups that permitted them to regain independent statehood. France is, in some respects, still paralyzed by the memory of the Great War. (Look online at images of the inside of the Douaumont Ossuary near Verdun to understand why.) Canadians wear red poppies in their lapels to honor the dead at Vimy Ridge and elsewhere. Australians remember Gallipoli as the crucible in which their nation was formed. Satisfaction in the U.K. over a hard-won victory is severely tempered by the knowledge that virtually an entire generation of future British leaders was killed between 1914 and 1918.
Different nationalities remember World War I differently. Nostalgics mourn the fall of the Romanov, Hohenzollern, and Hapsburg empires; Poles remember those as the imperial crack-ups that permitted them to regain independent statehood. France is, in some respects, still paralyzed by the memory of the Great War. (Look online at images of the inside of the Douaumont Ossuary near Verdun to understand why.) Canadians wear red poppies in their lapels to honor the dead at Vimy Ridge and elsewhere. Australians remember Gallipoli as the crucible in which their nation was formed. Satisfaction in the U.K. over a hard-won victory is severely tempered by the knowledge that virtually an entire generation of future British leaders was killed between 1914 and 1918.
Intense debate over handling of abuse scandal ensues at USCCB meeting
Intense Debate Over Handling of Abuse Scandal Ensues at USCCB Meeting: More than 20 bishops and cardinals offered passionate speeches during an open-floor discussion on the sex-abuse crisis at the U.S. bishops’ meeting in Baltimore on Tuesday afternoon.
More bishops wanted to speak, but due to time constraints, their comments were reserved for the next morning.
Cardinal Daniel DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, and president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), opened the discussions with the announcement that he had created a “deliberately small” task force, comprised of himself and the former presidents of the USCCB.
More bishops wanted to speak, but due to time constraints, their comments were reserved for the next morning.
Cardinal Daniel DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, and president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), opened the discussions with the announcement that he had created a “deliberately small” task force, comprised of himself and the former presidents of the USCCB.
Raffaella Stroik, 23-year-old daughter of architect Duncan Stroik, reported missing; car found abandoned in state park; family, friends ask for prayers
Ballet dancer, 23, reported missing; car found abandoned in state park, authorities say | Fox News: A 23-year-old dancer for the St. Louis Ballet was reported missing Tuesday, a day after authorities found her car abandoned in Mark Twain Lake State Park.
The vehicle belonging to Raffaella Maria Stroik was discovered Monday by a Missouri state park ranger in the park's boat ramp parking lot, but no missing persons report had yet been filed for the owner, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported.
After authorities found the car in the same spot the following day, they investigated and found that a missing person report had been filed, the newspaper reported.
The vehicle belonging to Raffaella Maria Stroik was discovered Monday by a Missouri state park ranger in the park's boat ramp parking lot, but no missing persons report had yet been filed for the owner, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported.
After authorities found the car in the same spot the following day, they investigated and found that a missing person report had been filed, the newspaper reported.
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