Extraordinary Miracles Attributed to 21 Beheaded Coptic Christians: "The Martyrs Heal People" | ChurchPOP: German novelist Martin Mosebach visited the Egyptian town El-Aour, where 13 of the 21 martyrs were from. He spoke with the victim’s families, and said that “everybody is talking about miracles.”
His book, The 21: A Journey into the Land of Coptic Martyrs, explains his discoveries regarding these martyred men, including the miracles allegedly attributed to them.
He added that, “The miracles are also now seen with the martyrs, which the martyrs heal people.”
One reported miracle involved the son of one of the martyrs, after he fell three stories from a building onto the street.
According to the Christian Post, he broke his arm “in multiple places.” After regaining consciousness, the son said his martyred and now-deceased father caught him.
Thursday, February 28, 2019
What does Jesus mean when He says we must be salted with fire?
What Does Jesus Mean When He Says We Must Be Salted with Fire? - Community in Mission : Community in MissionPOPE: Everyone will be salted with fire. Two images of salt and fire come together here, but the result is the same: purification. We have already seen how salt purifies. Fire does the same thing through the refining process. Precious metals come from the ground admixed with iron and many other metals. Subjecting them to fire purifies the gold or silver, separating it from the iron and other metals.
Both salt and fire purify by burning, each in its own way. Hence the Lord marvelously brings those two images together, telling us that we will all be “salted with fire.”
Both salt and fire purify by burning, each in its own way. Hence the Lord marvelously brings those two images together, telling us that we will all be “salted with fire.”
Francis’s shot at Queen illustrates love/hate bond between popes and rock
Francis's shot at Queen illustrates love/hate bond between popes and rockALLEN: When Pope Francis took a shot at the bands Queen and Florence The Machine in his annual Lenten message released today, it was merely the latest chapter in a love/hate story between popes and rock-and-roll.
Since the birth of rock in the late 1940s, popes have run alternately hot and cold about it - sometimes deriding rock as a “vehicle of anti-religion,” while at others hailing its potential to be a sort of pre-gospel, offering what St. Justin Martyr in the second century would have called Logos Spermatiko, or “Seeds of the Word.”
Since the birth of rock in the late 1940s, popes have run alternately hot and cold about it - sometimes deriding rock as a “vehicle of anti-religion,” while at others hailing its potential to be a sort of pre-gospel, offering what St. Justin Martyr in the second century would have called Logos Spermatiko, or “Seeds of the Word.”
Australia threatens dozens of journalists with “substantial imprisonment” for reporting on Cardinal Pell trial
Dozens of Australian journalists face charges over sex trial: An Australian state prosecutor has sent letters threatening to charge media organizations and dozens of journalists with breaching a gag order that banned reporting of Cardinal George Pell’s convictions on charges of sexually molesting two choirboys, lawyers said Thursday.
Reporting in any format accessible from Australia of details of the former Vatican economy chief’s convictions in a Melbourne court in December was banned by a judge’s suppression order that was only lifted this week.
Reporting in any format accessible from Australia of details of the former Vatican economy chief’s convictions in a Melbourne court in December was banned by a judge’s suppression order that was only lifted this week.
What happened when atheists attended a talk on exorcism
What Happened When Atheists Attended a Talk on ExorcismNASH: In speaking on “The Devil: Fact or Fiction?” recently at Minnesota State University-Mankato, I learned that members of the University’s Secular Student Alliance (SSA) would attend my talk.
At the St. Thomas More Catholic Newman Center, the Diocese of Winona-Rochester has a vibrant college ministry serving the faithful and others at MSU-Mankato. A good sign of this is the respectful interaction between Catholic students and members of the SSA, who are atheists and agnostics. They serve as an inspiring example for how older adults can and should interact when discussing their differences. The students periodically attend each other’s events, and a number of SSA member listened to my presentation. Afterward, we spoke for more than an hour debating evidence for the demonic.
At the St. Thomas More Catholic Newman Center, the Diocese of Winona-Rochester has a vibrant college ministry serving the faithful and others at MSU-Mankato. A good sign of this is the respectful interaction between Catholic students and members of the SSA, who are atheists and agnostics. They serve as an inspiring example for how older adults can and should interact when discussing their differences. The students periodically attend each other’s events, and a number of SSA member listened to my presentation. Afterward, we spoke for more than an hour debating evidence for the demonic.
Pope Francis chooses Italian Benedictine to lead Lenten retreat
Pope Francis Chooses Italian Benedictine to Lead Lenten Retreat: Pope Francis has chosen a Benedictine monk of “great culture” and one of the chief architects of a 2015 conference in Florence on Christian humanism to preach at his Lenten retreat in March. Olivetan Father Bernardo Gianni, the abbot of the famous San Miniato al Monte abbey overlooking Florence, will be leading the spiritual exercises in Ariccia, outside Rome, March 10-15.
The monastic order of Our Lady of Mount Olivet was founded in 1313. The Olivetan Congregation has been included within Confederation of Benedictines since 1960.
The monastic order of Our Lady of Mount Olivet was founded in 1313. The Olivetan Congregation has been included within Confederation of Benedictines since 1960.
10 ways to re-engage your kids and grandkids who no longer believe
10 Ways to Re-Engage Children Who No Longer Believe – Shameless PoperyHINKEL: In my previous post, 10 Ways Catholic Parents Can Raise Atheist Children, I apparently created more controversy than I had intended. Rather than leave that article stand on its own, I wanted to follow up with something more hopeful, for, as GK Chesterton often stated, ours is a Lord who knows the way out of the tomb. In other words, there’s always hope. Even parents who didn’t do the things mentioned in the previous post can still experienced deep sadness and disappointment at choices their offspring make. I want to offer to points on what we can do in such situations.
Naumann praises federal rule that will strip $60 million from Planned Parenthood
Naumann praises federal rule that will strip $60m from Planned Parenthood: The chairman of the U.S. bishops’ conference pro-life committee praised Wednesday a new federal rule that will prohibit abortion clinics from receiving federal funding aimed at subsidizing some medical services for low-income women and families. The rule is expected to strip Planned Parenthood of about $60 million in federal funds.
“I applaud the Trump Administration for reaffirming that abortion is not family planning. Abortion ends the lives of families’ most vulnerable members, as well as damaging the spiritual, mental and physical health of mothers,” said Archbishop Joseph Naumann in a Feb. 27 statement.
“I applaud the Trump Administration for reaffirming that abortion is not family planning. Abortion ends the lives of families’ most vulnerable members, as well as damaging the spiritual, mental and physical health of mothers,” said Archbishop Joseph Naumann in a Feb. 27 statement.
What you should know about the upcoming Sunday readings
The Sacred Page: Who’s Your Role Model?: 8th Sunday of OT CBERGSMA: Several years ago Charles Barkley, when confronted with the misdeeds of his private life, famously quipped, “I’m not paid to be a role model. I’m paid to wreak havoc on the basketball court.” He went on to rake in quite a bundle of cash making an “I’m no role model” commercial with Nike. Many people felt, despite the appearance of laudable honesty, Barkley’s posturing was a kind of excuse to escape culpability for the bad example he sets for youth.
It’s too bad that the young don’t have many prominent role models to follow these days, especially since we all need a model to strive after. Many cultures practice or practiced a form of education in which students chose a scholar and emulated his entire lifestyle. This was true in China, where philosophers were expected to be well-rounded human beings, and their students tried to replicate their whole persona. Thus, Confucius (Kong Fuzi) was a philosopher, martial artist, poet, and more. Jewish rabbinical training was similar, in which students would imitate every detail of their Rabbi’s life, from the doctrines he taught to the way he ate, dressed, and interacted with his wife.
It’s too bad that the young don’t have many prominent role models to follow these days, especially since we all need a model to strive after. Many cultures practice or practiced a form of education in which students chose a scholar and emulated his entire lifestyle. This was true in China, where philosophers were expected to be well-rounded human beings, and their students tried to replicate their whole persona. Thus, Confucius (Kong Fuzi) was a philosopher, martial artist, poet, and more. Jewish rabbinical training was similar, in which students would imitate every detail of their Rabbi’s life, from the doctrines he taught to the way he ate, dressed, and interacted with his wife.
Smile though your heart is aching
Smile Though Your Heart is Aching – WE'RE LATE FOR CHURCHGERD: When was the last time you smiled so hard it felt as if your face might crack? You know that ear-to-ear grin where you’re so committed to it you can feel the pull of every single muscle contorting your whole countenance. It would require more effort to suppress that goofy smile, if possible at all. It’s often when we try to quash the irrepressible smile when it bubbles up even more. Just thinking about those jubilant times in my life I feel the urge to break into a grin right now. But those giant beaming smiles are too rare for my liking. Unfortunately, they mark moments in time that can never be recaptured.
Do not be deceived: Hell is real, and people go there
Do Not Be Deceived: Hell Is Real - Community in Mission : Community in MissionPOPE: There is an outright, almost categorical denial of the doctrine of Hell by a large number of Catholics, even ones who attend Mass faithfully each week. Although Jesus taught it consistently, many today firmly resist the biblical teaching that many people are in significant danger of going to Hell.
It can be argued that 21 of the 38 parables have as their theme the warning of impending judgment in which some are judged unable or unwilling to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. For example, there are sheep and goats; wheat and tares; those on the right and those on the left; wise virgins and foolish ones; those who accept the invitation to the wedding and those who refuse; those properly dressed and those who are not; those who are told, “Come, blessed of my Father” and those who are told, “Depart from me.” This is not the place for me to give a full teaching on these doctrines.
It can be argued that 21 of the 38 parables have as their theme the warning of impending judgment in which some are judged unable or unwilling to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. For example, there are sheep and goats; wheat and tares; those on the right and those on the left; wise virgins and foolish ones; those who accept the invitation to the wedding and those who refuse; those properly dressed and those who are not; those who are told, “Come, blessed of my Father” and those who are told, “Depart from me.” This is not the place for me to give a full teaching on these doctrines.
Getting ready for Lent: How are we to make sacrifices?
Getting ready for Lent: How are we to make sacrifices? - Our Lady's Blue Army - World Apostolate of Fatima U.S.A.FOLEY: Next week will see Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent and the 40-day period of preparation for Easter and the Resurrection of Christ. Lent gets its name from the old English word lencten, which means Spring, the season in which it occurs from medieval times.
However, the 40-day period of penance really comes from Scripture, namely the 40-day fast undertaken by Christ before He began his public ministry (Mt 4:1-2). It is also related to the 40 days and nights Moses fasted on Mount Sinai before he received the 10 Commandments (Ex 34:28) as well as the 40-days and nights journey and fasting undertaken by the prophet Elijah when he went to Mount Horeb (1 Kg 18:8). Interestingly, it is Moses and Elijah who appear with Christ at His Transfiguration, and whom He spoke with about His suffering and death (Lk 9:31)
However, the 40-day period of penance really comes from Scripture, namely the 40-day fast undertaken by Christ before He began his public ministry (Mt 4:1-2). It is also related to the 40 days and nights Moses fasted on Mount Sinai before he received the 10 Commandments (Ex 34:28) as well as the 40-days and nights journey and fasting undertaken by the prophet Elijah when he went to Mount Horeb (1 Kg 18:8). Interestingly, it is Moses and Elijah who appear with Christ at His Transfiguration, and whom He spoke with about His suffering and death (Lk 9:31)
The stakes are being raised in the campaign to normalize homosexual clergy...
The Stakes are Being Raised - The Catholic ThingSTEPHENWHITE: Last week’s summit in Rome did not address the problem of clergy harassing and abusing adults. It did not address the issue, which Pope Francis has acknowledged, of gay subcultures among the clergy. It did not say much about the virtue of chastity. What the summit in Rome did focus on was protecting minors from sexual abuse by members of the clergy: the most glaring and widely acknowledged facet of the current crisis and the primary source of the Church’s loss of credibility with the faithful. Which is to say, the Rome summit was a start.
Wednesday, February 27, 2019
Agnostic Australian columnist on Pell: “It’s our own OJ Simpson case, in reverse — a man found guilty not on facts but on prejudice...”
Andrew Bolt, George Pell: ‘Pell has been falsely convicted’: Bolt: Andrew Bolt believes Cardinal George Pell is an innocent man who has been wrongly convicted.
Speaking on his Sky News show last night, the News Corp columnist said he had “serious misgivings” about Pell’s guilty verdict.
“I just can’t accept it, based on what I consider is the overwhelming evidence of this trial,” he said. “And I base that opinion also on how many times Pell has been accused of crimes and sins he clearly did not do.
“Pell could well be an innocent man who is being made to pay for the sins of his church and made to pay after an astonishing campaign of media vilification.”
Speaking on his Sky News show last night, the News Corp columnist said he had “serious misgivings” about Pell’s guilty verdict.
“I just can’t accept it, based on what I consider is the overwhelming evidence of this trial,” he said. “And I base that opinion also on how many times Pell has been accused of crimes and sins he clearly did not do.
“Pell could well be an innocent man who is being made to pay for the sins of his church and made to pay after an astonishing campaign of media vilification.”
Cardinal Pell knows he is innocent. The Australian justice system is now on trial...
The Pell Affair: Australia Is Now on Trial | George Weigel | First ThingsWEIGEL: Has it occurred to anyone else debating the perverse verdict rendered against Cardinal George Pell, which convicted him of “historic sexual abuse,” that the cardinal did not have to return to his native Australia to face trial? As a member of the College of Cardinals of the Holy Roman Church and a Vatican official, Pell holds a Vatican diplomatic passport and citizenship of Vatican City State. Were he guilty, he could have stayed put in the extraterritorial safety of the Vatican enclave, untouchable by the Australian authorities. But because Cardinal Pell knows he is innocent, he was determined to go home to defend his honor—and, in a broader sense, to defend his decades of work rebuilding the Catholic Church in Australia, the living parts of which owe a great deal to his leadership and courage.
In Australia, another scandal first — a cardinal behind bars, and out of the Vatican
Whispers in the Loggia: In Australia, Another Scandal First – A Cardinal Behind Bars... and Out of the VaticanPALMO: At least to some degree, the church's reckoning with sexual abuse by clergy has now stretched across 35 years. Yet even for all its tumult, the long journey has never seen anything like these last ten days.
First came the unprecedented dismissal of a onetime cardinal – a serial predator – from the priesthood, then a Pope's first-ever summons of global leadership to tackle the issue... and now, as never before, another cardinal – a favorite of the last three pontificates, and one of the Catholic world's most prominent and polarizing leaders for a generation – has been remanded to jail following his own conviction on assaulting two boys in the 1990s.
First came the unprecedented dismissal of a onetime cardinal – a serial predator – from the priesthood, then a Pope's first-ever summons of global leadership to tackle the issue... and now, as never before, another cardinal – a favorite of the last three pontificates, and one of the Catholic world's most prominent and polarizing leaders for a generation – has been remanded to jail following his own conviction on assaulting two boys in the 1990s.
Jozsef Cardinal Mindszenty, venerable crime fighter
Cardinal Jozsef Mindszenty, Venerable Crime FighterKENGOR: “Cardinal Mindszenty was the crime fighter.”
I’ll always remember those words shared with me by William Clark, a devout Catholic and the most important aide in President Ronald Reagan’s campaign to take down the Soviet Union and win the Cold War.
Clark himself opposed those same criminals and pointed to other heroes of the faith in that effort, such as the likes of Fulton Sheen and Pope John Paul II.
What Clark told me about Cardinal Jozsef Mindszenty really intrigued me. I was Protestant at the time and had been a mere child when Cardinal Mindszenty died in 1975 at the age of 83. I was unaware of the depths of what Cardinal Mindszenty had endured.
I’ll always remember those words shared with me by William Clark, a devout Catholic and the most important aide in President Ronald Reagan’s campaign to take down the Soviet Union and win the Cold War.
Clark himself opposed those same criminals and pointed to other heroes of the faith in that effort, such as the likes of Fulton Sheen and Pope John Paul II.
What Clark told me about Cardinal Jozsef Mindszenty really intrigued me. I was Protestant at the time and had been a mere child when Cardinal Mindszenty died in 1975 at the age of 83. I was unaware of the depths of what Cardinal Mindszenty had endured.
Welcome home, Bishop Borys Gudziak
Homecoming - Denver CatholicWEIGEL: In the mid-1980s, my wife and I were invited to a baptism and to the post-christening reception at the home of the newborn’s parents. During the latter festivities, I was introduced to a young man who was working on a doctorate in Church history at Harvard. We fell into conversation and after 20 minutes or so I had had one of those rare experiences that are so precious in life: I knew, instinctively, that Borys Gudziak and I were going to be close friends for a very long time.
Cardinal Pell awaits sentencing in police custody
Cardinal Pell awaits sentencing in police custody: After the revocation of his bail Wednesday, Cardinal George Pell was taken into police custody for the first time while awaiting sentencing on his conviction of five charges of sexual abuse of minors.
The cardinal will be sentenced March 13, and faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in jail for each charge. Pell is appealing the Australian civil court's Dec. 11 conviction.
A gag order preventing media from reporting on the trial and conviction was lifted Feb. 26. The court-imposed gag order was lifted following the decision by local prosecutors to drop further charges related to Pell’s time as a priest in the 1970s.
The cardinal will be sentenced March 13, and faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in jail for each charge. Pell is appealing the Australian civil court's Dec. 11 conviction.
A gag order preventing media from reporting on the trial and conviction was lifted Feb. 26. The court-imposed gag order was lifted following the decision by local prosecutors to drop further charges related to Pell’s time as a priest in the 1970s.
Advice in times of trial and discouragement
Advice in Times of Trial and Discouragement - Community in Mission : Community in MissionPOPE: At daily Mass this week (7th week of the year) we are reading from the Book of Sirach. God inspired Jesus ben Sirach to pen advice so beautiful and wise that the early Church used it to instruct catechumens in their first year. Consider the following passage: My son, when you come to serve the LORD, stand in justice and fear, prepare yourself for trials. Be sincere of heart and steadfast, incline your ear and receive the word of understanding, undisturbed in time of adversity. Wait on God, with patience, cling to him, forsake him not; thus will you be wise in all your ways.
Early on, Church were convinced of McCarrick’s guilt. With Pell, they still aren’t...
Vatican contrast on Pell, McCarrick driven by doubt about guiltALLEN: Like virtually everyone in Catholic circles, the Vatican has known since December about Cardinal George Pell’s conviction in his native Australia for alleged sexual offenses against two minor boys in 1996. As a result, Rome was not at all caught off guard when news of the conviction made the rounds Tuesday, after a gag order was lifted.
The statement read aloud to reporters Tuesday by Vatican spokesman Alessandro Gisotti was not, therefore, cobbled together under tight deadline pressure. On the contrary, officials had three months to ponder what they wanted to say when the moment came.
The statement read aloud to reporters Tuesday by Vatican spokesman Alessandro Gisotti was not, therefore, cobbled together under tight deadline pressure. On the contrary, officials had three months to ponder what they wanted to say when the moment came.
Tuesday, February 26, 2019
Meet the skier who made the ‘impossible’ first solo descent of K2
Meet National Geographic 2019 Adventurer of the Year Ski Mountaineer Andrzej Bargiel: Deep in the frozen fastness of the Karakoram range, on the remote border of Pakistan and China, a deadly granite pyramid rises to 28,251 feet — K2, the second-highest mountain on Earth. Though 779 feet lower than Everest, K2 is steeper, colder, more remote, and vastly more dangerous. Grim numbers tell the story: For every four people who reach the summit, one dies. American George Bell gave the peak its enduring nickname in 1953 when he returned from a failed summit attempt and said, “It’s a savage mountain that wants to kill you.”
Cardinal Brandmüller: Silence on homosexuality in the Church cries out to be broken
Cardinal Brandmueller: Silence on Homosexuality in Church Cries Out to Be BrokenPENTIN: On the eve of the Vatican meeting on child protection in the Church, Cardinal Walter Brandmüller and Cardinal Raymond Burke sent an open letter to the bishops attending the meeting to end their silence on moral corruption in the Church and return to upholding the divine and natural law.
The two cardinals, who also signed the 2016 dubia seeking clarification from Pope Francis on his moral teaching, argued that the abuse crisis is only part of a wider and much deeper problem that owes itself to a society openly calling into question an absolute moral law, and Church leaders who have “gone away from the truth of the Gospel.”
The two cardinals, who also signed the 2016 dubia seeking clarification from Pope Francis on his moral teaching, argued that the abuse crisis is only part of a wider and much deeper problem that owes itself to a society openly calling into question an absolute moral law, and Church leaders who have “gone away from the truth of the Gospel.”
Pope’s 2019 Lenten message: “Creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the children of God”
Pope’s Lenten message focuses on renewal of creation: The redemption of creation takes center stage in Pope Francis’ Lenten message this year, which connects man’s sinfulness to environmental issues.
“Sin leads man to consider himself the god of creation, to see himself as its absolute master and to use it, not for the purpose willed by the Creator but for his own interests, to the detriment of other creatures,” Pope Francis wrote in his Lenten message published Feb. 26.
“Sin leads man to consider himself the god of creation, to see himself as its absolute master and to use it, not for the purpose willed by the Creator but for his own interests, to the detriment of other creatures,” Pope Francis wrote in his Lenten message published Feb. 26.
“Synodality” and the Rome abuse summit
“Synodality” and the Rome abuse summit - Denver CatholicWEIGEL: Despite Pope Francis’s lecture on the subject at Synod-2015, and notwithstanding the passages on it in Synod-2018’s final report, there is little agreement in 21st-century Catholicism on what “synodality” means. The theology of synodality can be left for another day. In practical terms, however, perhaps synodality ought to mean something roughly analogous to what our British cousins mean by “horses for courses.” There, the phrase is a homely caution against one-size-fits-all remedies to problems. In the world Church today, and with an eye to the “abuse summit” that will meet in Rome from February 21-24, a “horses for courses” understanding of synodality would mean that different local Churches should be empowered to implement specific local remedies, tailored to their specific problems and capacities, in addressing clerical sexual misconduct.
The contradictions and improbabilities in the case against Cardinal Pell
Father Frank Brennan on Cardinal George Pell guilty verdict: ‘I still hope for truth, justice’: The suppression order in relation to Cardinal George Pell has been lifted. In December, a jury of 12 of his fellow citizens found him guilty of five offences of child sexual abuse. No other charges are to proceed. The verdict was unanimous. Pell has appealed the convictions.
The jury took three days to deliberate after a four-week trial. The trial was a re-run. At the first trial the jury could not agree. The trial related to two alleged victims, one of whom had died.
The jury took three days to deliberate after a four-week trial. The trial was a re-run. At the first trial the jury could not agree. The trial related to two alleged victims, one of whom had died.
How a simple novena to St. Joseph changed this convert’s life forever
How a Simple Novena to St. Joseph Changed This Convert's Life Forever | ChurchPOPDEVINROSE: As a Baptist, I didn’t think too much about St. Joseph.
In the first place, the Scriptures said very little about him, recording nothing of his actual words, and since as a good Protestant I believed that Scripture alone was the sole infallible rule of faith, that must mean that St. Joseph wasn’t too important.
Boy was I wrong, but I didn’t know it at the time, and it was through a winding path that our Lord showed me the greatness of his foster-father.
In the first place, the Scriptures said very little about him, recording nothing of his actual words, and since as a good Protestant I believed that Scripture alone was the sole infallible rule of faith, that must mean that St. Joseph wasn’t too important.
Boy was I wrong, but I didn’t know it at the time, and it was through a winding path that our Lord showed me the greatness of his foster-father.
Here’s why Fr. Rosica’s own colleagues are taking his long habit of linguistic fraud so seriously
Fr. Rosica, Fraud | Joshua P. Hochschild | First ThingsHOCHSCHILD: Earlier this month, journalists discovered that Fr. Thomas Rosica—an influential and (it was believed) media-savvy Catholic priest—had plagiarized portions of some of his speeches and popular publications. After about a week of silence, he offered an apology, of sorts: “What I’ve done is wrong, and I am sorry about that.”
But the scale of the plagiarism suggested deeply ingrained habits—those of an insecure and systematically dishonest writer. And the “apology” seemed calculated to minimize the crime in three ways: Though he said he was sorry, he also insisted his plagiarism wasn’t malicious, he described it as unintentional (an unfortunate accident resulting from sloppy research habits), and he blamed it on others (some of his material is drafted by “interns”).
But the scale of the plagiarism suggested deeply ingrained habits—those of an insecure and systematically dishonest writer. And the “apology” seemed calculated to minimize the crime in three ways: Though he said he was sorry, he also insisted his plagiarism wasn’t malicious, he described it as unintentional (an unfortunate accident resulting from sloppy research habits), and he blamed it on others (some of his material is drafted by “interns”).
As plagiarism scandal unfolds, Fr. Thomas Rosica resigns from college board position; Jesuits withdraw Magis Award
After plagiarism apology, influential priest resigns from Toronto college board | National Post: Father Thomas Rosica, the influential Vatican spokesman who admitted to serial plagiarism in his columns and essays, has resigned from the governing body of a college at the University of Toronto.
His position on the Collegium of the University of St. Michael’s College was one vehicle through which Rosica exerted a deep influence on Catholic public life in Canada.
Rosica has been one of the church’s key communicator to the country at large, especially on papal affairs like elections and visits, and recently helped the Vatican communicate to media at its summit on youth protection. He is also founding CEO of the religious television channel Salt and Light.
His position on the Collegium of the University of St. Michael’s College was one vehicle through which Rosica exerted a deep influence on Catholic public life in Canada.
Rosica has been one of the church’s key communicator to the country at large, especially on papal affairs like elections and visits, and recently helped the Vatican communicate to media at its summit on youth protection. He is also founding CEO of the religious television channel Salt and Light.
Outspoken Nigerian nun says ‘zero tolerance’ means defrocking
Outspoken Nigerian nun says "zero tolerance" means defrockingALLEN: One of the questions left open in the wake of Pope Francis’s Feb. 21-24 summit on clerical sexual abuse is what, exactly, is meant by a policy of “zero tolerance.” While everyone seemed to feel the Church needs it, exactly how to define it was far less clear.
For Americans who’ve been involved in efforts at Church reform, the term “zero tolerance” has a specific meaning. It refers not merely to being intolerant of sexual abuse and the clergy who commit it, but to imposing dismissal from the clerical state - i.e., defrocking - as the near-standard penalty for even one substantiated act of sexual abuse of a minor.
For Americans who’ve been involved in efforts at Church reform, the term “zero tolerance” has a specific meaning. It refers not merely to being intolerant of sexual abuse and the clergy who commit it, but to imposing dismissal from the clerical state - i.e., defrocking - as the near-standard penalty for even one substantiated act of sexual abuse of a minor.
Here’s a candid reckoning of the last few days in Rome
After the Summit - The Catholic ThingROYAL: Great winds – the venti russi (“Russian Winds”) – blew through Rome the last day of the summit on the protection of minors. They knocked down branches and toppled trees, killing several people. Many Catholics around the world – to judge from my correspondents – were also hoping that some great winds or flaming fire from the Holy Spirit would sweep through the Vatican and, in Old Testament fashion, carry away the timeservers and corrupt prelates who have given us Theodore McCarrick and his ilk. But God sent no such extraordinary manifestations to the rescue. And though possibilities for reform now exist, they are modest and still fundamentally inadequate to facing some hard facts.
During World War II, 500 triptychs transformed U.S. military sites into beautiful chapels worldwide...
Accompaniment | Charlotte was BothWELBORN: I was looking up information on the illustrator of my favorite vintage 7th grade religion textbook – Nina Barr Wheeler – and stumbled upon this fascinating slice of Catholic and American history, and one more hint about what we lost when we severed beauty from faith, and decided that sitting around in folding chairs looking at each other was not only the best we could do, but perhaps even the height of worship. Also note a lived-out sense of communion here: people using their gifts to help each other in troubling, difficult situations – in concrete ways.
Jason Jones recalls how Fr. Thomas Rosica almost wrecked the release of “Bella”
Papal Adviser Rev. Thomas Rosica Almost Wrecked the Release of Pro-Life Movie “Bella”ZMIRAK: You might remember the wonderful movie Bella. It was the first, and is still the most significant, widely successful pro-life movie. Stream writer Jason Jones was its executive producer. He has heard from more than a thousand women who saw the film during an unplanned pregnancy, who said that it helped them to choose life. It paved the way for dozens more pro-life films, such as the recent Gosnell and the current Unplanned. But the film almost vanished into obscurity. And it would have, if Fr. Rosica had had his way.
The Irish pro-abortion strategy is simple: Silence debate by censoring pro-lifers
Censoring Pro-life Ireland - Crisis MagazineTURLEY: On Feb. 22, 2019, The Irish Times reported that “a four-year-old child, who was found to have been injured at 20 weeks’ gestation, is to receive €45,000 damages for personal injury arising from an accident in a [supermarket] store.”
The Irish Times went on to report that the judge declared that the injury of an unborn child in a shopping accident was a most unusual case and one that had not previously come before the court. The newspaper concluded its report observing: “Such a case is practically unknown to the Irish courts.”
The irony is that this latest legal settlement for injury to a child in the womb comes just weeks after the killing of unborn children was made legal in Ireland.
The Irish Times went on to report that the judge declared that the injury of an unborn child in a shopping accident was a most unusual case and one that had not previously come before the court. The newspaper concluded its report observing: “Such a case is practically unknown to the Irish courts.”
The irony is that this latest legal settlement for injury to a child in the womb comes just weeks after the killing of unborn children was made legal in Ireland.
Watch: At Vatican press conference, Inés San Martin asks a tough question about Bishop Zanchetta
Pope Francis covered up for bishop who had gay porn on his phone, Vatican journalist says | Catholic Herald: A prominent Vatican journalist has accused Pope Francis of covering up for an Argentine bishop who had gay porn on his phone.
Inés San Martin, who is one of the most respected journalists in the Vatican press corps, asked Archbishop Charles Scicluna at a press conference after the abuse summit: “We know there is a bishop in Argentina, Zanchetta, who had gay porn on his phone involving young people.
“How can we believe that this is in fact the last time we’re going to hear ‘no more cover-ups’ when at the end of the day, Pope Francis covered up for someone in Argentina who had gay porn involving minors?
“How can we believe that this is going to change now?”
Inés San Martin, who is one of the most respected journalists in the Vatican press corps, asked Archbishop Charles Scicluna at a press conference after the abuse summit: “We know there is a bishop in Argentina, Zanchetta, who had gay porn on his phone involving young people.
“How can we believe that this is in fact the last time we’re going to hear ‘no more cover-ups’ when at the end of the day, Pope Francis covered up for someone in Argentina who had gay porn involving minors?
“How can we believe that this is going to change now?”
Monday, February 25, 2019
Why the Vatican summit fell flat, and what might happen next
Why the Summit Fell Flat, and What Might Happen NextPOPE: I respectfully offer here a brief reflection on the recent summit in Rome on sexual abuse by clergy. To be clear, I was not in attendance nor was I able to follow the proceedings closely, even to the extent that they were publicly accessible. I welcome corrections and comments on my impressions. That said, count me among those who are disappointed in the content and conclusions of the summit. Earlier in February I wrote of my hopes for the gathering, describing what I thought was necessary for credibility to be restored to the Church. I highlighted three things I deemed essential...
A woman’s place is in the home. So is a man’s...
Garlic and Sapphires in the Mud : The home is a woman's place, and a man's tooKLEIN: The tired, old comment came up in conversation recently about a woman's place being in the home. It's a comment that has always made me a little uncomfortable. To the casual observer, my wife and I are on the traditional end of the spectrum. Rosemary is a "home-maker," to use the term commonly employed on credit card applications. It's a pejorative title to our broader secular culture, or, alternately, an unquestionable good and a sine qua non to more traditionalist folks. But again, the comment has always made me uncomfortable. The reason? I think both camps fail to see the bigger problem.
Beware the stormtroopers of secularism
Beware the Stormtroopers of SecularismPEARCE: It is said and, more to the point, it is true that those who fail to learn from the mistakes of history are doomed to repeat them.
Another way of saying the same thing is to say that those who are ignorant of the past are condemning themselves and others to its follies and tragedies. This should be so obvious that it should not really need saying. If a person fails to learn the lessons of his own past, making the same pathetic mistakes over and over again, turning his life and the lives of his friends into a living misery, most of us would blame him for his culpable ignorance. And yet secularism always fails to learn the lessons of its own past, making the same pathetic and ghastly mistakes over and over again, turning the lives of millions of its victims into a living misery, generation after generation. It is time, therefore, to point the finger of judgment and scorn at secularism and to blame it unequivocally for its culpable and incorrigible ignorance.
Another way of saying the same thing is to say that those who are ignorant of the past are condemning themselves and others to its follies and tragedies. This should be so obvious that it should not really need saying. If a person fails to learn the lessons of his own past, making the same pathetic mistakes over and over again, turning his life and the lives of his friends into a living misery, most of us would blame him for his culpable ignorance. And yet secularism always fails to learn the lessons of its own past, making the same pathetic and ghastly mistakes over and over again, turning the lives of millions of its victims into a living misery, generation after generation. It is time, therefore, to point the finger of judgment and scorn at secularism and to blame it unequivocally for its culpable and incorrigible ignorance.
The pro-abortion push is boosting the pro-life cause, Marist Poll finds
Pro-Abortion Push Boosts Pro-Life Cause, Poll FindsSCHIFFER: A Marist Poll released Monday, Feb. 25, shows a dramatic shift in Americans' attitudes toward abortion within the last month, with 47 percent of respondents now self-identifying as “pro-life.” The most dramatic change has been among Democrats, who moved from 20 percent pro-life in January, to 34 percent in the most recent study.
It appears that radical abortion legislation in the past month – such as New York's legalization of late-term abortion and even infanticide, a proposed bill in Virginia which would significantly loosen existing restrictions on third-trimester abortions and grant doctors and mothers the right to determine whether a newborn infant should live or die, and a radically pro-abortion bill which has passed the State House in Vermont and is moving forward to the Senate, and new pro-abortion initiatives in Rhode Island and Illinois – has caused Americans to rethink their views on abortion.
It appears that radical abortion legislation in the past month – such as New York's legalization of late-term abortion and even infanticide, a proposed bill in Virginia which would significantly loosen existing restrictions on third-trimester abortions and grant doctors and mothers the right to determine whether a newborn infant should live or die, and a radically pro-abortion bill which has passed the State House in Vermont and is moving forward to the Senate, and new pro-abortion initiatives in Rhode Island and Illinois – has caused Americans to rethink their views on abortion.
Australian court lifts gag order on Cardinal Pell conviction, drops plans for second trial
Suppression Order Lifted on Cardinal Pell Trial: A court in Melbourne has lifted a suppression order on a trial of Cardinal George Pell, revealing that the Australian prelate was found guilty of historical sexual offenses in December but also that a second trial against him has now been dropped. As the third-highest ranking Vatican official, Cardinal Pell is the most senior Church figure to face trial by jury, as well as to be tried for child sexual abuse, and to be found guilty of such charges. In April, magistrate Belinda Wallington dismissed approximately half the charges against Cardinal Pell, but later ruled that the prosecution had a strong enough case for the remainder to go to full trial.
Did Noah really live to be 950 years old?
Did Noah Really Live to Be 950? - Community in Mission : Community in MissionPOPE: How should we understand these references? Many theories have been proposed to explain the claimed longevity. Some use a mathematical corrective, but this leads to other pitfalls such as certain patriarchs apparently begetting children while still children themselves. Another theory proposes that the purported life spans of the patriarchs are just indications of their influence or family line, but then things don’t add up chronologically with eras and family trees.
Personally, I think we need to take the stated life spans of the patriarchs at face value and just accept it as a mystery: for some reason, the ancient patriarchs lived far longer than we do in the modern era. I cannot prove that they actually lived that long, but neither is there strong evidence that they did not. Frankly, I have little stake in insisting that they did in fact live to be that old. But if you ask me, I think it is best just to accept that they did.
Personally, I think we need to take the stated life spans of the patriarchs at face value and just accept it as a mystery: for some reason, the ancient patriarchs lived far longer than we do in the modern era. I cannot prove that they actually lived that long, but neither is there strong evidence that they did not. Frankly, I have little stake in insisting that they did in fact live to be that old. But if you ask me, I think it is best just to accept that they did.
4 reasons Catholic evangelization is not reaching 21st-century people
4 Reasons Catholic Evangelization Is Not Reaching 21st Century People - Catholic Missionary Disciples - College Station, TXLEJEUNE: I don’t understand relativism and that means that whenever I talk with someone who is a relativist, even in small parts, it is hard for us to connect. I realized this many years ago and had to switch my tactic in order to be more effective in my evangelization. More on that later.
Maybe you have had a similar issue in conversation with modern folks. Maybe it is that you find you are struggling as an evangelist. In this blog post, I will explore some reasons why Catholic evangelists are talking past modern people and struggling to evangelize.
Maybe you have had a similar issue in conversation with modern folks. Maybe it is that you find you are struggling as an evangelist. In this blog post, I will explore some reasons why Catholic evangelists are talking past modern people and struggling to evangelize.
Chosen by Mary: New short film tells Benedictine’s story
Chosen by Mary: Short Film Tells Benedictine’s Story | The Gregorian Institute at Benedictine College: Father Henry Lemke wrote in his memoirs about an 1856 incident where he was lost in a storm and prayed for Mary’s intercession. As soon as he said the prayer, a light appeared on the horizon. He stumbled toward it and found that it was a lantern hanging in the window of a cottage.
The mother and daughter who lived in the cottage sheltered him and told him that a lady dressed in white had appeared to the child in the night. This had awakened the mother, who hung the lantern.
The mother and daughter who lived in the cottage sheltered him and told him that a lady dressed in white had appeared to the child in the night. This had awakened the mother, who hung the lantern.
Choose to remain spiritual heirs, even in crisis
Choose to Remain Spiritual Heirs, Even in CrisisTIERNEY: In light of all the controversies and scandals that rocked the Church in 2018, many Catholics attempted to answer the question “why are you still Catholic?” There is every indication that these controversies and scandals will continue and increase in 2019, so the question remains. While it is good for Catholics to answer this question, it is also good for us to consider how strong those answers are. Are they really getting at the crux of the matter?
I believe the answer is no. First, we must consider the sources. Most of us who are writing in public have a passion. We might not have the faith to move mountains, but we’re ardent enough about our faith to be bold (or foolish!) enough to speak in public about it. While things might trouble us, they often don’t trouble us enough into silence. Because of this, our answer might be different from someone who is experiencing a genuine crisis of faith.
I believe the answer is no. First, we must consider the sources. Most of us who are writing in public have a passion. We might not have the faith to move mountains, but we’re ardent enough about our faith to be bold (or foolish!) enough to speak in public about it. While things might trouble us, they often don’t trouble us enough into silence. Because of this, our answer might be different from someone who is experiencing a genuine crisis of faith.
Hummus, iced coffee, and Christian charity
Hummus, iced coffee, and Christian charity - Angelus News - Multimedia Catholic NewsLOPEZ: It all happened so quickly. One minute I was noticing you can’t buy double-A batteries without getting the help of a sales associate at a CVS in lower Manhattan — they are under lock and key, so to speak (there was some other kind of tool needed, not quite a key). I wondered, “Is this really necessary?” What a shame, if so.
Remember the name “Zanchetta.” A few weeks from now, his case might be as well-known (and devastating) as McCarrick’s...
Argentine bishop's case overshadows pope's sex abuse summitWINFIELD: Pope Francis may have wrapped up his clergy sex abuse prevention summit at the Vatican, but a scandal over an Argentine bishop close to him is only gaining steam.
The Associated Press has reported that the Vatican knew as early as 2015 about Bishop Gustavo Zanchetta's inappropriate behavior with seminarians. Yet he was allowed to stay on as bishop of the northern Argentine diocese of Oran on until 2017, when he resigned suddenly, only to be given a top job at the Vatican by Francis, his confessor.
The Associated Press has reported that the Vatican knew as early as 2015 about Bishop Gustavo Zanchetta's inappropriate behavior with seminarians. Yet he was allowed to stay on as bishop of the northern Argentine diocese of Oran on until 2017, when he resigned suddenly, only to be given a top job at the Vatican by Francis, his confessor.
The Vatican abuse meeting: Passing the McCarrick Test
The Vatican Abuse Meeting: Passing the McCarrick TestBUNSON: In his opening address to the “Meeting on the Protection of Minors in the Church” on Feb. 21, Pope Francis placed before the assembly — and himself — a very clear task: “The holy People of God look to us and expect from us not simple and predictable condemnations, but concrete and effective measures to be undertaken. We need to be concrete.”
It was a stern demand and a high bar going forward. By the end of the gathering, Catholics were still angry and victims lamented what they described as yet another missed opportunity. Over the four days of the Vatican summit, from Feb. 21-24, nine different speakers addressed different aspects of the sex-abuse crisis. All of the speakers were, for the vast majority of Catholics and the wider world, merely a prelude to the most important voice of the summit: Pope Francis, in his much-anticipated final speech at the end of the Mass on Feb. 24 in the sumptuous Sala Regia, in the Apostolic Palace.
It was a stern demand and a high bar going forward. By the end of the gathering, Catholics were still angry and victims lamented what they described as yet another missed opportunity. Over the four days of the Vatican summit, from Feb. 21-24, nine different speakers addressed different aspects of the sex-abuse crisis. All of the speakers were, for the vast majority of Catholics and the wider world, merely a prelude to the most important voice of the summit: Pope Francis, in his much-anticipated final speech at the end of the Mass on Feb. 24 in the sumptuous Sala Regia, in the Apostolic Palace.
Real lives, real cover-ups, overshadow global abuse summit
'Pope is the sole legislator' Real lives, real cover-ups, overshadow global abuse summit — GetReligionMATTINGLY: Catholic shepherds from around the world gathered at the Vatican to talk about clergy sexual abuse, surrounded by journalists and victims asking lots of questions.
In the end, the only words that will matter — in terms of shaping life in Catholic institutions rocked by decades of scandal — will come from Pope Francis himself, aided by the close circle of cardinals and aides who helped plan this much-anticipated summit and kept it focused on a narrow and relatively safe subject — the abuse of “children.”
In the end, the only words that will matter — in terms of shaping life in Catholic institutions rocked by decades of scandal — will come from Pope Francis himself, aided by the close circle of cardinals and aides who helped plan this much-anticipated summit and kept it focused on a narrow and relatively safe subject — the abuse of “children.”
Xavier Rynne’s Letters from the Vatican (No. 6)
Letters from the Vatican: #6 | Xavier Rynne II | First Things: How can the success or failure of the Vatican “abuse summit,” which concluded yesterday, be measured? A week ago, your editor suggested one analytic tool: ten points which, if agreed upon by the participants, would constitute a “considerable success.” Reviewing them one by one may help get into preliminary focus a complex affair that was many things, including a sober and severe examination of conscience and a moment of cautious but real hope.
Prayer and fasting, or just prayer by itself? A consideration of a biblical “disagreement”...
Prayer and Fasting or Just Prayer? A Consideration of a Biblical “Disagreement” - Community in Mission : Community in MissionPOPE: Given the Gospel reading for Monday of the Seventh Week, and with the ongoing interest in demonology, Jesus’ instruction that demons must be driven out with prayer and fasting is frequently quoted. And many people are acquainted with this text in this form. But a problem emerges for some people when they go to their Bible to look up those texts. Some Bibles include the reference to fasting while others do not. For example, the two most common Catholic Bibles, the Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition and the Revised New American Bible, render Mark 9:29 differently.
If you’re not careful, you’ll miss these moments of profound grace — simple kisses from God
A Simple Kiss from God | Word on FireWORNER: For several years, I have been giving the medical students and residents in my charge an essay titled Morning Report. It was written by a young internal medicine resident physician, Dr. Sonia Singh, who finds herself madly racing about her morning rounding. She describes how she answers innumerable pages, writes countless orders, exams a dozen and a half patients, and climbs up and down, up and down the same flight of stairs, never having the time to appreciate the poems or paintings that adorn the wall. As she goes about her business, her eyes are forever fixed on the clock. 7:00, 7:30, 9:30, 9:55. She is trying to care, but she needs to get to the resident medical conference (known as Morning Report) by 10 a.m.
After vague summit, Church official promises ‘concrete’ followup with handbook, papal document, rules for Vatican City territory
Abuse Summit Follow-Up to Include New Child-Protection Law for Vatican: A Vatican spokesman said Sunday that concrete follow-up to this week’s abuse summit will include a new law on child protection for Vatican City State and a document from Pope Francis.
At the conclusion of the Vatican’s sex abuse and child protection summit Feb. 24, moderator Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi announced that Pope Francis will soon issue a motu proprio “on the protection of minors and vulnerable persons.”
Vatican City State will also receive its own new child-protection law, and the Vicariate of Vatican City will receive new child-protection guidelines in the coming weeks. The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith will publish a vademecum, or handbook, with the tasks and obligations of bishops, Father Lombardi said.
At the conclusion of the Vatican’s sex abuse and child protection summit Feb. 24, moderator Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi announced that Pope Francis will soon issue a motu proprio “on the protection of minors and vulnerable persons.”
Vatican City State will also receive its own new child-protection law, and the Vicariate of Vatican City will receive new child-protection guidelines in the coming weeks. The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith will publish a vademecum, or handbook, with the tasks and obligations of bishops, Father Lombardi said.
No, Our Lord didn’t have ‘homosexual tendencies’
No, Austen Ivereigh, Our Lord Didn’t Have ‘Homosexual Tendencies’SCHNEIDER: I can’t believe I have to write this. Unfortunately, some people think this is an open question or want to imply Jesus might have had same-sex attraction. The most recent example comes from Austen Ivereigh, who tweeted, Why do you say our Lord had no homosexual tendencies? By what signs or gestures do you deduce this? A priest responded, This is very scandalous and possibly a heresy. You need to remove this tweet and confess your sin. Lord, have mercy. I find this topic awkward to talk about but I think with all the things going around today, someone needs to clarify it. I hope the following is helpful to you.
I’m happy to be, in my own way, a Mennonite monk
On Mennonites and Monks – Fr. Dwight LongeneckerLONGENECKER: I’m preaching a parish mission in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania. Central Pennsylvania is home to many picturesque small farms. They are invariably well kept by the hard working Mennonite community.
Driving home from Mass at St George Church, Mifflinburg we saw about a dozen horse and buggies full of Mennonite folks making their way home from church. Up the road three Mennonite girls were on their bikes–also making their way home from Mass.
The whole scene is very quaint and its easy to imagine an idyllic rural existence, but I know their life is hard and they face the same human foibles and failures, sorrows and sins that all of us face, but what got me thinking about them and their life is how they exist in this extraordinary bubble–this time capsule. Here in modern America they use horse and carriage for transportation, live without electricity and modern conveniences. They live in a voluntary exile–in the world but not of the world. They have chosen their rural ghetto and they live with it.
Driving home from Mass at St George Church, Mifflinburg we saw about a dozen horse and buggies full of Mennonite folks making their way home from church. Up the road three Mennonite girls were on their bikes–also making their way home from Mass.
The whole scene is very quaint and its easy to imagine an idyllic rural existence, but I know their life is hard and they face the same human foibles and failures, sorrows and sins that all of us face, but what got me thinking about them and their life is how they exist in this extraordinary bubble–this time capsule. Here in modern America they use horse and carriage for transportation, live without electricity and modern conveniences. They live in a voluntary exile–in the world but not of the world. They have chosen their rural ghetto and they live with it.
The mercies of two Adams
The Mercies of Two Adams | Parishable ItemsFELTES: In our second reading this Sunday, St. Paul compares the First Man to the Last Adam. In our Gospel, that Second Adam (Jesus Christ) shares teachings on forgiveness which have reshaped the world. Catholic spiritual tradition holds that when Jesus descended to the Abode of the Dead on Holy Saturday he found Adam and announced that the gates of Heaven were now open to him and all the Old Testament’s friends of God. If Adam went to Heaven we know he practiced forgiveness himself because Jesus says “if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your transgressions.” I’d like to begin by reflecting on three people from Adam’s life whom he had to forgive; and each one has a practical lesson for us touching on forgiveness.
In this era of scandal, to discard celibacy would leave only the corruption, undiluted and unchecked...
Opinion | Why Celibacy Matters - The New York TimesDOUTHAT: The rhetoric of anti-Catholicism, whether its sources are Protestant or secular, has always insisted that the church of Rome is the enemy of what you might call healthy sexuality. This rhetorical trope has persisted despite radical redefinitions of what healthy sexuality means; one sexual culture overthrows another, but Catholicism remains eternally condemned.
Sunday, February 24, 2019
The religion of the Beatles was here, there and everywhere
The Beatles’ Religion Was Here, There and EverywhereTURLEY: In January 1969 on a rooftop in central London The Beatles played their last concert together — or rather, not so much a concert as a makeshift performance, part of a documentary film then being shot. It was a dismal end to the band’s live appearances that had been among some of the most glittering of recent times.
Fifty years on, The Beatles and their anniversaries are remembered with almost religious awe by their legions of fans who, it appears, grow more numerous as the decades pass.
But what of The Beatles and religion?
Fifty years on, The Beatles and their anniversaries are remembered with almost religious awe by their legions of fans who, it appears, grow more numerous as the decades pass.
But what of The Beatles and religion?
Is Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez right about the “living wage?”
Is Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Right About the “Living Wage?”CLARK: Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez can fairly be called a “socialist” for plenty of reasons; her desire to see people paid a living wage, however, is not one of them. Though she has been criticized by some Catholics for even using the term, it might surprise many of them to know that the Catholic Church has long argued that to be paid a living wage is a human right. In fact, the same popes who have condemned socialism as incompatible with Christianity have simultaneously maintained that employers have a moral duty to pay a living wage.
Concluding Address to Participants of ‘The Protection of Minors in the Church’ Meeting
Pope Francis’ Concluding Address to Participants of Vatican Summit on Child ProtectionCOATOFARMS: As I thank the Lord who has accompanied us during these days, I would like to thank all of you for the ecclesial spirit and concrete commitment that you have so generously demonstrated.
Our work has made us realize once again that the gravity of the scourge of the sexual abuse of minors is, and historically has been, a widespread phenomenon in all cultures and societies. Only in relatively recent times has it become the subject of systematic research, thanks to changes in public opinion regarding a problem that was previously considered taboo; everyone knew of its presence yet no one spoke of it. I am reminded too of the cruel religious practice, once widespread in certain cultures, of sacrificing human beings – frequently children – in pagan rites. Yet even today, the statistics available on the sexual abuse of minors drawn up by various national and international organizations and agencies (the WHO, UNICEF, INTERPOL, EUROPOL and others) do not represent the real extent of the phenomenon, which is often underestimated, mainly because many cases of the sexual abuse of minors go unreported,[1] particularly the great number committed within families.
Our work has made us realize once again that the gravity of the scourge of the sexual abuse of minors is, and historically has been, a widespread phenomenon in all cultures and societies. Only in relatively recent times has it become the subject of systematic research, thanks to changes in public opinion regarding a problem that was previously considered taboo; everyone knew of its presence yet no one spoke of it. I am reminded too of the cruel religious practice, once widespread in certain cultures, of sacrificing human beings – frequently children – in pagan rites. Yet even today, the statistics available on the sexual abuse of minors drawn up by various national and international organizations and agencies (the WHO, UNICEF, INTERPOL, EUROPOL and others) do not represent the real extent of the phenomenon, which is often underestimated, mainly because many cases of the sexual abuse of minors go unreported,[1] particularly the great number committed within families.
‘We have been our own worst enemy’ — Archbishop Mark Coleridge’s homily at the close of the Vatican summit
Whispers in the Loggia: "We Have Been Our Own Worst Enemy" – At Summit's Close, The Church's "Copernican Revolution" on AbusePALMO: As previously noted, it is exceedingly rare for the Pope to celebrate a Mass without preaching it. Accordingly, Francis' choice to delegate the homily for this summit's closing liturgy would've been significant in any context, but doubly so here.
And that's even before one considers the import of who the pontiff tapped to speak in his stead.
While he's become quite known across the English-speaking world for his outspokenness in the wake of a years-long national inquiry on abuse in the Australian church, in a prior incarnation, Archbishop Mark Coleridge of Brisbane was in the belly of another proverbial "beast" related to the abuse scandals – in 2002, the then-monsignor was assigned to the English-language desk of the Secretariat of State, later admitting to how he came to see the Vatican's handling of the initial US crisis more as a cautionary tale than any kind of historic stride.
And that's even before one considers the import of who the pontiff tapped to speak in his stead.
While he's become quite known across the English-speaking world for his outspokenness in the wake of a years-long national inquiry on abuse in the Australian church, in a prior incarnation, Archbishop Mark Coleridge of Brisbane was in the belly of another proverbial "beast" related to the abuse scandals – in 2002, the then-monsignor was assigned to the English-language desk of the Secretariat of State, later admitting to how he came to see the Vatican's handling of the initial US crisis more as a cautionary tale than any kind of historic stride.
It’s no secret that ‘pontifical secrecy’ is taking a beating at the Pope’s summit
No secret that 'pontifical secrecy' is taking a beating at pope's summitALLEN: One hallmark of Pope Francis’s style is that during big moments, he prefers to have his friends and allies in the spotlight. That’s certainly the case during his high-stakes summit on the clerical abuse scandals this week, as the prelates given choice speaking slots would be on any short list of Francis’s biggest supporters.
As a result, it’s worth paying attention to what these prelates say, because if it doesn’t directly reflect the pope’s personal thinking, it’s at least a point of view he’ll be inclined to take seriously.
In that spirit, here’s one clear take-away: The concept of “pontifical secrecy,” if not quite on life support, has certainly seen better days.
As a result, it’s worth paying attention to what these prelates say, because if it doesn’t directly reflect the pope’s personal thinking, it’s at least a point of view he’ll be inclined to take seriously.
In that spirit, here’s one clear take-away: The concept of “pontifical secrecy,” if not quite on life support, has certainly seen better days.
Be different. Be a Christian...
Be Different, Be a Christian – A Homily for the 7th Sunday of the Year - Community in Mission : Community in MissionPOPE: Are you a Christian? Before you answer, consider these other questions: Do you love your enemy? Do you do good to them who hate you? The honest answers to these questions are at the very heart of Christianity and represent what distinguishes a Christian from others. Let’s follow Jesus’ teachings in several stages. In so doing, we can learn our truest identity and how He seeks to transform us.
Pope Francis outlines 8-point plan for ‘all-out battle’ against sexual abuse
Pope Francis Outlines 8-Point Plan for ‘All-Out Battle’ Against Sexual Abuse: Pope Francis Sunday outlined eight points that the Church will focus on in an “all-out battle” against the sexual abuse of minors to, he said, “turn this evil into an opportunity for purification.”
“We need to recognize with humility and courage that we stand face to face with the mystery of evil, which strikes most violently against the most vulnerable, for they are an image of Jesus,” Pope Francis said Feb. 24 following the Vatican summit’s closing Mass in the Sala Regia.
“For this reason, the Church has now become increasingly aware of the need not only to curb the gravest cases of abuse by disciplinary measures and civil and canonical processes, but also to decisively confront the phenomenon both inside and outside the Church,” he continued.
“We need to recognize with humility and courage that we stand face to face with the mystery of evil, which strikes most violently against the most vulnerable, for they are an image of Jesus,” Pope Francis said Feb. 24 following the Vatican summit’s closing Mass in the Sala Regia.
“For this reason, the Church has now become increasingly aware of the need not only to curb the gravest cases of abuse by disciplinary measures and civil and canonical processes, but also to decisively confront the phenomenon both inside and outside the Church,” he continued.
Saturday, February 23, 2019
75 years after the Battle of Lepanto, Our Lady of the Rosary brought another miraculous naval victory
Miraculous “Second Lepanto” Shows Power of the Rosary: It happened February 1646 in the Philippines. Warships of the Dutch Republic, which had recently fought a decades-long war in Europe with Spain, were in the South Pacific attempting to wrest complete control of the area.
They had already formed the Dutch East Indies Company in Indonesia. They aimed to control the spice trade in Asia. Now they were harassing sea trade around Manila Bay and preparing to attack Manila, bring down its Spanish government, and replace the strong Catholicism with their Protestant Calvinism.
They had already formed the Dutch East Indies Company in Indonesia. They aimed to control the spice trade in Asia. Now they were harassing sea trade around Manila Bay and preparing to attack Manila, bring down its Spanish government, and replace the strong Catholicism with their Protestant Calvinism.
Cardinal Marx says the ‘Catholic Church’ destroyed files about abuse cases. OK, who did this? Where? Everywhere?
The 'Catholic Church' destroyed files about abuse cases. OK, who did this? Where? Everywhere? — GetReligionMATTINGLY: We have some real, live news coming out of the Vatican conference that is focusing on clergy sexual abuse of “children,” and maybe a few other kinds of victims.
It’s big news. But one or two of the most important facts in this story are still missing.
Looking at the coverage, it would appear that these holes are probably not the result of bad or shallow reporting. The holes may be intentional, in terms of a German cardinal’s remarks that were stunning, but also rather vague.
It’s big news. But one or two of the most important facts in this story are still missing.
Looking at the coverage, it would appear that these holes are probably not the result of bad or shallow reporting. The holes may be intentional, in terms of a German cardinal’s remarks that were stunning, but also rather vague.
Why the Catholic Church needs a Eucharistic response to the sex abuse scandals
Why the Catholic Church needs a Eucharistic response to the sex abuse scandals | America MagazinePHILPOTT: “The gates of hell shall not prevail against the church.” With these words of the Lord, stalwart Catholics have sought to dissuade brothers and sisters alienated by the sex abuse scandals from exiting the fold.
While it is good to be reminded that insolvency is not the church’s destiny, such words alone will not assuage today’s disillusioned laity. This past summer’s new revelations of priestly abuses and episcopal failures in Pennsylvania, along with prospective revelations from many other states, combined with a new face of the scandals—the silence of some prelates toward the abuses of other prelates like those of former archbishop Theodore McCarrick—leave the laity seeking not salve, comfort and piety but rather reform, repentance and truth: in a word, justice. Absent justice, many will leave the church.
While it is good to be reminded that insolvency is not the church’s destiny, such words alone will not assuage today’s disillusioned laity. This past summer’s new revelations of priestly abuses and episcopal failures in Pennsylvania, along with prospective revelations from many other states, combined with a new face of the scandals—the silence of some prelates toward the abuses of other prelates like those of former archbishop Theodore McCarrick—leave the laity seeking not salve, comfort and piety but rather reform, repentance and truth: in a word, justice. Absent justice, many will leave the church.
Here’s an Oscar speech you’ll never, ever hear
An Oscar Speech You'll Never, Ever Hear: Trigger Warning – Truth ZoneSTEELE: The Academy Awards telecast is Sunday night, February 24th, and once again a tiny but powerful segment of our culture nervously fantasizes about a potential life changing moment when they can hold a little gold dude with a sword. Some in that auditorium might say that a patriarchal, sexist, paganesque statue wearing swim trunks and holding a weapon of mass destruction is triggering, but good luck getting a show of hands to support that sentiment. People do have priorities.
On Sunday night at the Oscars, very talented artists will preen in front of thousands on a red carpet. As the lights go down and the show begins, a nominated few will muse on being the focus of admiring millions and will pray – not quite sure to whom or what – that ultimately, they will be the One.
On Sunday night at the Oscars, very talented artists will preen in front of thousands on a red carpet. As the lights go down and the show begins, a nominated few will muse on being the focus of admiring millions and will pray – not quite sure to whom or what – that ultimately, they will be the One.
We are suffering from cultural dementia. It is time, little by little, for recovery...
Recovering from Cultural Dementia - The Catholic ThingESOLEN: The other day at Thomas More College I had an experience I’d never had, in my thirty-four years of teaching college students. I had stayed in the room after class, chatting with several of the students, who didn’t have to get anywhere fast, because the class was over at 11:00 and Mass wouldn’t begin until 11:30. One of the students, the only one in a class of twenty-five, had spent two years in a public high school, and we were talking about what kinds of literature were and were not taught there – or in almost any high school, public or private.
She told me one thing I suspected, and one thing that, in my naiveté, I had not. The thing I did not suspect was that hardly anybody read any of the novels the teachers assigned. They read bad crib notes online. No delight, I guess, in Charles Dickens. It’s a little like being at Yellowstone Park, but staying in your hotel room, looking at a few pictures of the place, playing video games, watching porn, and not bothering to go outdoors. The thing I did suspect, because it confirms what I’ve seen all these years, is that poetry has been almost wholly abandoned.
She told me one thing I suspected, and one thing that, in my naiveté, I had not. The thing I did not suspect was that hardly anybody read any of the novels the teachers assigned. They read bad crib notes online. No delight, I guess, in Charles Dickens. It’s a little like being at Yellowstone Park, but staying in your hotel room, looking at a few pictures of the place, playing video games, watching porn, and not bothering to go outdoors. The thing I did suspect, because it confirms what I’ve seen all these years, is that poetry has been almost wholly abandoned.
Continuing controversies and unanswered questions
Continuing Controversies and Unanswered Questions - The Catholic ThingROYAL: Synods and other Vatican gabfests used to be quite placid – even boring – affairs. St. John Paul II, before becoming pope, is reported to have worked on one of his books during some such event – and slept at another during his pontificate. One cannot help but yearn wistfully, at times, for the days of such dusty and distant events when every Vatican meeting now seems to bring up the deep tensions within the Church.
Friday’s sessions did so yet again, though you had to find your way into all that by reading between the lines. The two morning speakers, Cardinal Oswald Gracias of India and Cardinal Blase Cupich of Chicago, are both close confidants of the pope’s. Both were appointed by Francis to the group of four organizers of the summit on the Protection of Minors. So it was no surprise that they both stuck closely to themes that have long been a central part of the Bergoglio papacy.
Friday’s sessions did so yet again, though you had to find your way into all that by reading between the lines. The two morning speakers, Cardinal Oswald Gracias of India and Cardinal Blase Cupich of Chicago, are both close confidants of the pope’s. Both were appointed by Francis to the group of four organizers of the summit on the Protection of Minors. So it was no surprise that they both stuck closely to themes that have long been a central part of the Bergoglio papacy.
Friday, February 22, 2019
The surprising reason zebras have stripes
Why Do Zebras Have Stripes? To Shoo Away Flies. - The Atlantic: For Tim Caro, it was surprisingly easy to dress horses like zebras. Several vendors were already selling coats with black-and-white stripes, often as fun gimmicks. But, as Caro learned, such coverings have an unexpectedly serious effect. “There are enormous benefits to having a striped coat for a horse,” he told me.
National Post op-ed: Rosica’s plagiarism “more than cheating”; First Things editor “can’t recall seeing a more extreme case”
Opinion: A Vatican spokesman’s alleged plagiarism is more than cheating — it’s a breach of confidence | National Post: Allegations that Fr. Thomas Rosica has engaged in serial plagiarism for more than a decade come as a shock.
The Canadian priest is the CEO of Salt and Light, a Catholic media outlet based in Toronto, a widely published writer and a former university president who currently sits on the boards of several institutions of higher learning. He is also known worldwide as the man who interprets the Vatican for the English-speaking media. In a 2015 profile, The Globe and Mail described him as one of Rome’s “most effective communications gurus.”
The Canadian priest is the CEO of Salt and Light, a Catholic media outlet based in Toronto, a widely published writer and a former university president who currently sits on the boards of several institutions of higher learning. He is also known worldwide as the man who interprets the Vatican for the English-speaking media. In a 2015 profile, The Globe and Mail described him as one of Rome’s “most effective communications gurus.”
St. Peter Damian’s battle against clerical homosexuality offers useful lessons for today
St. Peter Damian’s battle against clerical homosexuality offers useful lessons for today – Catholic World ReportHOFFMAN: When the eremitic monk and reformer Peter Damian cast his critical gaze upon the Catholic Church of the mid-eleventh century, he encountered a panorama of corruption that would have appeared daunting even to the most hardened observer of the modern ecclesiastical scene. The “household of God” was in a catastrophic state of moral disorder, admitting of no easy remedy. The crisis of the period, and Damian’s heroic response, offers much of historical value to us as we confront our own explosion of clerical vice and doctrinal infidelity.
10 ways Catholic families can raise atheist children
10 Ways Catholic Families Can Raise Atheist Children – Shameless PoperyHINKEL: I've worked with adults young and old for over twenty years in faith formation. I’ve seen the steps in this list below repeated time and time again with great success. If creating an atheist child is your goal as a Catholic parent, this list is for you.
First, emphasize that being a Catholic is just about following rules and avoiding sin
Whatever you do, don’t mention that your children should grow in virtue. This will lead them to the inexorable conclusion that Catholic morality is the same as repression, which will promptly be rejected.
First, emphasize that being a Catholic is just about following rules and avoiding sin
Whatever you do, don’t mention that your children should grow in virtue. This will lead them to the inexorable conclusion that Catholic morality is the same as repression, which will promptly be rejected.
St. Peter Damian is PERFECT for the Vatican sex abuse summit
St. Peter Damian is PERFECT for the Vatican Sex Abuse Summit – EpicPewPERNA: I find it very fitting, and one could argue that’s it’s providential, that the memorial of Saint Peter Damian is falling on the first day of the Vatican’s Sex Abuse Summit. Known as the “Monitor of the Popes,” St. Peter Damian was given the authority to oversee papal households and to govern Church business. If there was ever a saint’s intercession that we needed this week, it would be the intercession of St. Peter Damian.
Vatican media advisor Fr. Thomas Rosica admits to ‘cut and paste’ plagiarism for over a decade
‘It’s wrong’: Vatican media advisor admits to ‘cut and paste’ plagiarism for over a decade | National Post: It was after midnight at the Vatican when Father Thomas Rosica called back. He had a lot going on.
As the Vatican’s long serving senior English-language spokesperson, he was at the landmark papal summit on youth protection, working 18-hour days conveying the church’s message to the world, through the media. This feverish pace is typical of the high-powered circles in which Rosica operates as a major figure in Catholic education and public life in Canada, as former head of Toronto’s 2002 World Youth Day, board member at the University of Toronto’s Catholic college, and chief executive of the television channel Salt and Light. Most recently, he guided communications for St. Michael’s College School in its locker room hazing abuse scandal.
As the Vatican’s long serving senior English-language spokesperson, he was at the landmark papal summit on youth protection, working 18-hour days conveying the church’s message to the world, through the media. This feverish pace is typical of the high-powered circles in which Rosica operates as a major figure in Catholic education and public life in Canada, as former head of Toronto’s 2002 World Youth Day, board member at the University of Toronto’s Catholic college, and chief executive of the television channel Salt and Light. Most recently, he guided communications for St. Michael’s College School in its locker room hazing abuse scandal.
Who should be a patron saint for the Vatican abuse summit?
The Dawn Patrol: Who should be a patron saint for the Vatican abuse summit? Read the English text of my interview for AvvenireEDEN: Today, as the abuse summit begins at the Vatican, Avvenire, the magazine of the Italian bishops' conference, features an interview with me in honor of the Italian publication of my book My Peace I Give You: Healing Sexual Wounds with the Help of the Saints. Here is the interview in its original English; the questions are from Avvenire reporter Andrea Galli. The most difficult aspect of writing My Peace I Give You was speaking about my personal experience of sexual abuse. I wanted to write of my own experience only obliquely, focusing instead on stories of saints who suffered abuse, but my original publisher insisted I share some of my own story as well.
In spite of itself, Vatican abuse summit may still do some good
Analysis: In spite of itself, Vatican abuse summit may still do some goodJDFLYNN: The Vatican’s abuse summit this week will not solve the problems plaguing the Catholic Church in the U.S.
In fact, it doesn’t aim to.
The summit was called by Pope Francis in September, shortly after he was accused of ignoring reports about the predatory behavior of disgraced former cardinal Theodore McCarrick.
But from the beginning, Pope Francis and meeting organizers have been disinclined to include in the summit's schedule any discussion of the issues the Church in the U.S. faces.
Conference organizers, including Chicago’s Cardinal Blase Cupich, have insisted even this week that the summit will not discuss predatory homosexual behavior. In a Feb. 22 press conference, Archbishop Charles Scicluna went so far as to acknowledge a reporter’s point that homosexual behavior in seminaries fosters a culture of cover-up, before he said, curtly, that “this has nothing to do with the sexual abuse of minors.”
In fact, it doesn’t aim to.
The summit was called by Pope Francis in September, shortly after he was accused of ignoring reports about the predatory behavior of disgraced former cardinal Theodore McCarrick.
But from the beginning, Pope Francis and meeting organizers have been disinclined to include in the summit's schedule any discussion of the issues the Church in the U.S. faces.
Conference organizers, including Chicago’s Cardinal Blase Cupich, have insisted even this week that the summit will not discuss predatory homosexual behavior. In a Feb. 22 press conference, Archbishop Charles Scicluna went so far as to acknowledge a reporter’s point that homosexual behavior in seminaries fosters a culture of cover-up, before he said, curtly, that “this has nothing to do with the sexual abuse of minors.”
Actor Tom Hanks visits Orthodox church in Antarctica
Actor Tom Hanks visits Orthodox church in Antarctica / OrthoChristian.Com: Famous actor Tom Hanks visited the Orthodox church of the Life-Giving Trinity in Antarctica at the Russian polar station “Bellingshausen” on Waterloo Island, Deacon Maxim Gerb, a cleric of the church in Antarctica, told the journal Foma.
“Many interesting people visit our church, including Tom Hanks who was recently sailing past our island on a yacht. He is a very open and friendly person. After he lit some candles I suggested to him to climb up to the bell tower, so I could attest that Forrest Gump was in Antarctica and can now ring bells pretty well,” commented Deacon Maxim on the actor’s visit, in his account of the life of the Orthodox community in Antarctica.
“Many interesting people visit our church, including Tom Hanks who was recently sailing past our island on a yacht. He is a very open and friendly person. After he lit some candles I suggested to him to climb up to the bell tower, so I could attest that Forrest Gump was in Antarctica and can now ring bells pretty well,” commented Deacon Maxim on the actor’s visit, in his account of the life of the Orthodox community in Antarctica.
These, ladies and gentlemen, are real men...
These, ladies and gentlemen, are men. | Fr. Z's Blog: Nigerian solidiers, fighting the Islamic beasts of Boko Haram, adore the Blessed Sacrament in Zambiza forest.
They seem to know you have to kneel before the Blessed Sacrament. They even found a thurible.
There’s more reverence in the African bush than in most cathedrals of the West. As the “summit” opens in Rome.
They seem to know you have to kneel before the Blessed Sacrament. They even found a thurible.
There’s more reverence in the African bush than in most cathedrals of the West. As the “summit” opens in Rome.
The Pontifical Swiss Guards are now outfitted in 3D-printed helmets
The Pope's Swiss Guards Are Now Outfitted in 3D-Printed Helmets | Mental Floss: The Popemobile isn't the only innovative piece of gear used by the Pope and his posse. Though they still look traditional, the outfits worn by the Swiss Guard now include a high-tech piece of headwear designed by the 3D-printing design team at HP, Fast Company reports.
What happened when an atheist walked into an adoration chapel
An Atheist Goes to the Adoration Chapel - John Knutsen - The Coming Home Network: Though raised Catholic, John Knutsen didn’t really believe in God, and when his brother died of AIDS, he decided he was done with religion forever. A few years later, during a personal crisis, he found an unexpected friend in a retired priest, who listened patiently to John’s frustrations. And after a rainy night when John found himself weeping in an empty church, that same priest heard John’s first confession in decades.
10 film critics list their Top 10 films of 2018
Best Films of 2018: More Lists!GREYDANUS: When Paul Schrader finally reached for the tools of the transcendental toolkit in a theologically and existentially fraught film starring Ethan Hawke as a tortured pastor, it’s not surprising that the resulting film would rate high among cinephiles of faith, including the circle of friends and peers I survey each year as a cross-section of film appreciation among Christians.
First Reformed didn’t quite make my own top 10 list — it was one of three or four runners-up I most regretted relegating to the second rank — but it made more than half of the nine individual lists below, and unsurprisingly topped the year’s best films according to the Arts & Faith Ecumenical Jury, in which I vote each year.
First Reformed didn’t quite make my own top 10 list — it was one of three or four runners-up I most regretted relegating to the second rank — but it made more than half of the nine individual lists below, and unsurprisingly topped the year’s best films according to the Arts & Faith Ecumenical Jury, in which I vote each year.
Watch: Video coverage of the Vatican abuse summit
Watch: Video Coverage of the Vatican Abuse Summit: EWTN is offering full coverage of the meeting, from Thursday’s opening prayer to the closing Mass on Sunday...
Video: Journalist Delia Gallagher asks Cardinal Cupich the sharpest question at today’s press conference
New Advent: Watch: Journalist Delia Gallagher asks Cardinal Cupich the best (and most pointed) question at today’s press conference: At Presser for Vatican Sexual Abuse Summit #PBC2019, @deliacnn says in 2002 US Cardinals were here in Rome, with McCarrick the figurehead speaking about zero-tolerance, and asks how are you Cardinals holding yourself responsible, and how can the American people trust you? pic.twitter.com/fqmShjVU7A
— Catholic Sat (@CatholicSat) February 22, 2019
— Catholic Sat (@CatholicSat) February 22, 2019
Fort Lee, New Jersey — the town that almost became Hollywood
BBC - Travel - Was this the US’ first film town?: A famous black-and-white image from the early days of film shows actress Pearl White looking coyly to her side while three men – one standing beside a movie camera, the others closer to the ground behind the actress – are setting up a scene on a precarious cliff above a distant body of water. The now-iconic still is from White’s 1918 film serial The House of Hate, a nail-biting murder mystery that ended in suspenseful cliffhangers each week.
Xavier Rynne’s Letters from the Vatican (No. 4)
Letters from the Vatican: #4 | Xavier Rynne II | First Things: February 22, the Feast of the Chair of St. Peter the Apostle, is a special day to be in Rome, for to mark the feast, the Altar of the Chair, Gianlorenzo Bernini’s sculptural masterpiece in the apse of St. Peter’s Basilica, is lit with over one hundred tapers, some of them six feet tall. Impressive at any time, the Altar of the Chair, ablaze with candlelight, is simply extraordinary. (It’s even more striking very early in the morning, given the acrobatics of the Sanpietrini, the basilica’s workmen, whose installation and lighting of the tapers is reminiscent of the Flying Wallendas.)
What if we are witnessing the descent of man?
The Descent of Man – Fr. Dwight LongeneckerLONGENECKER: Let’s say some tribe in the Amazon who are shooting monkeys with blowguns, existing on manioc root and the odd piece of bark were actually descended from the people who built Machu Picchu or some such great ancient civilization?
It’s an interesting concept.
So what if, instead of the ascent of man, the reverse is true? What if we are witnessing the descent of man? Oh yes, we have wonderful technology and are overcoming disease and poverty and everybody has an iPhone so they can play Candy Crush all day long, but what morally, culturally, artistically, spiritually we are actually in decline? One could argue that despite our affluence and education and health care most of us are actually less literate, accomplished and refined than our grandparents. I should tell you about my grandmother sometime...
It’s an interesting concept.
So what if, instead of the ascent of man, the reverse is true? What if we are witnessing the descent of man? Oh yes, we have wonderful technology and are overcoming disease and poverty and everybody has an iPhone so they can play Candy Crush all day long, but what morally, culturally, artistically, spiritually we are actually in decline? One could argue that despite our affluence and education and health care most of us are actually less literate, accomplished and refined than our grandparents. I should tell you about my grandmother sometime...
Sodalit founder Luis Fernando Figari expelled from congregation’s community life
Sodalit founder expelled from congregation's community life: The founder of the Sodalitium Christianae Vitae has been formally expelled from the group's community life, and forbidden from contacting any member of the Sodalitium, the group announced in a statement released on Feb. 20. Figari is also forbidden from returning to his native Peru.
On January 30, 2017, the Vatican’s Congregation for the Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life prohibited Figari from having any contact with other members of the society after it was found that he had sexually and psychologically abused members and committed other abuses of power.
On January 30, 2017, the Vatican’s Congregation for the Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life prohibited Figari from having any contact with other members of the society after it was found that he had sexually and psychologically abused members and committed other abuses of power.
Pope Francis proposes 21 ‘reflection points’ for discussion at abuse summit
Pope Francis Proposes 21 ‘Reflection Points’ for Discussion at Abuse Summit: Pope Francis on Thursday gave participants in a Vatican summit on protection of minors in the Church a list of nearly two dozen discussion points for actions Catholic Church leaders could potentially take in the follow-up to the meeting.
The Pope said during opening remarks Feb. 21 that the criteria were formulated by various bishops’ conferences and organized by him into the list, stating they are “guidelines to assist in our reflection” and “a simple point of departure.”
The Pope said during opening remarks Feb. 21 that the criteria were formulated by various bishops’ conferences and organized by him into the list, stating they are “guidelines to assist in our reflection” and “a simple point of departure.”
8 ways to share your Catholic faith on Ash Wednesday (which is less than two weeks away)
8 Ways to Share Your Catholic Faith on Ash Wednesday - Catholic Missionary Disciples - College Station, TXLEJEUNE: It is nearly inevitable that if you get your ashes early enough in the day (and you don’t accidentally wipe them off), you will run into someone who tells you that there is something (“dirt”, “smudge”, “stuff”, etc.) on your forehead. Remember, they are being polite in telling you this. So, return the favor by explaining what the ashes are for (a Biblical sign of repentance) and share your faith by explaining Lent and Ash Wednesday to them. As long as we don’t flaunt our faith for a show, it isn’t against the biblical directive of doing acts of faith for others to see.
Will the Vatican snatch defeat from jaws of victory at the anti-abuse summit?
Will Vatican snatch defeat from jaws of victory at anti-abuse summit?ALLEN: Over the years, the Vatican has demonstrated a fairly remarkable capacity from a PR point of view to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory - striving to offer the world good news about the pope and the Church, only to find a way to step on that story and turn it into something else.
One thinks, for instance, about a wave of sexual abuse scandals that swept Ireland and then much of Europe in 2009 and 2010, which actually triggered real reform in Catholicism and revealed Pope Benedict XVI as an honest-to-God change agent.
Nevertheless, that storyline was basically hijacked when Italian Cardinal Angelo Sodano, the Vatican’s former Secretary of State and Dean of the College of Cardinals, called the complaints of abuse survivors “petty gossip” during an Easter Sunday homily.
One thinks, for instance, about a wave of sexual abuse scandals that swept Ireland and then much of Europe in 2009 and 2010, which actually triggered real reform in Catholicism and revealed Pope Benedict XVI as an honest-to-God change agent.
Nevertheless, that storyline was basically hijacked when Italian Cardinal Angelo Sodano, the Vatican’s former Secretary of State and Dean of the College of Cardinals, called the complaints of abuse survivors “petty gossip” during an Easter Sunday homily.
“Love your enemies”: How to understand the readings for this Sunday
The Sacred Page: Loving Our Enemies, Whoever They May Be: 7th Sunday of OTBERGSMA: In many years, we wouldn’t have a seventh Sunday of Ordinary Time, because of how Lent usually falls, but we do this year, and it is providential, because the teachings of the Readings for this Lord’s Day are particularly relevant. The Readings are united by the theme of love for enemies, which is one of the most difficult forms of love to practice. The First Reading and the Gospel show that, in both the Old Covenant and the New Covenant eras, God is on the side of those who pay back hatred with love.
Some Proverbs for the bishops gathered in Rome
Some Proverbs for the Bishops Gathered in Rome - Community in Mission : Community in MissionPOPE: As the summit on sexual abuse begins in Rome, the prelates of the Latin Rite of the Church are reading from the Book of Proverbs in the Office of Readings of the Liturgy of the Hours. Some of the proverbs listed in today’s reading are particularly appropriate to the task at hand.
He who winks at a fault causes trouble, but he who frankly reproves promotes peace.
There is tremendous pressure today to remain silent about sin and evil. Those who do speak of sin are often labeled judgmental and intolerant. Sadly, many Christians have succumbed to this pressure; nothing but trouble can result from such capitulation. The moral cesspool that is our modern age is stark evidence of this.
He who winks at a fault causes trouble, but he who frankly reproves promotes peace.
There is tremendous pressure today to remain silent about sin and evil. Those who do speak of sin are often labeled judgmental and intolerant. Sadly, many Christians have succumbed to this pressure; nothing but trouble can result from such capitulation. The moral cesspool that is our modern age is stark evidence of this.
At the Vatican summit, homosexuality is taboo, and there is caution over “zero tolerance”
At the Summit, Homosexuality Is Taboo. But There Is Caution Over “Zero Tolerance” - Settimo Cielo - Blog - L’EspressoMAGISTER: On the opening morning, February 21, of the summit between Pope Francis and the leaders of the worldwide Church on the issue of the abuse of minors, the big no-show was the word “homosexuality.” And this in spite of the fact that the great bulk of the abuse tabulated so far has taken place with young or very young males, past the threshold of puberty.
The word “homosexuality” did not appear in the pope’s inaugural discourse, nor in the 21 “points of reflection” that he had distributed in the hall, nor in the introductory talks by Cardinal Luis Antonio G. Tagle, Archbishop Charles J. Scicluna, and, in the afternoon, Cardinal Rubén Salazar Gómez
Scicluna on the contrary, when questioned in this regard at the midday press conference, said that “generalizing on a category of persons is never legitimate,” because homosexuality “is not something that predisposes one to sin,” because if anything what causes this inclination is “concupiscence.”
The word “homosexuality” did not appear in the pope’s inaugural discourse, nor in the 21 “points of reflection” that he had distributed in the hall, nor in the introductory talks by Cardinal Luis Antonio G. Tagle, Archbishop Charles J. Scicluna, and, in the afternoon, Cardinal Rubén Salazar Gómez
Scicluna on the contrary, when questioned in this regard at the midday press conference, said that “generalizing on a category of persons is never legitimate,” because homosexuality “is not something that predisposes one to sin,” because if anything what causes this inclination is “concupiscence.”
Thursday, February 21, 2019
One of our biggest problems is that those in charge are very much a part of the problem...
Overcoming a Credibility CrisisJANETSMITH: In a letter to the U.S. bishops on retreat, Pope Francis spoke of a “crisis of credibility.” This crisis is in full swing — not only in the U.S., but around the world and even in respect to the highest levels of the Church.
Ours is a deeply wounded Church, one in desperate need of healing. Catholics are leaving the Church; those who stay are withholding donations; parents who have long hoped for a son to become a priest are dissuading their sons from going into seminary.
The Catholic laity are in a state of shock in respect to the extent of the depravity we are discovering in the clergy, low and high. Our default position is now one of a lack of trust.
Ours is a deeply wounded Church, one in desperate need of healing. Catholics are leaving the Church; those who stay are withholding donations; parents who have long hoped for a son to become a priest are dissuading their sons from going into seminary.
The Catholic laity are in a state of shock in respect to the extent of the depravity we are discovering in the clergy, low and high. Our default position is now one of a lack of trust.
So far at the Pope’s anti-abuse summit, survivors are stealing the show
So far at pope's anti-abuse summit, survivors are stealing the showALLEN: As Pope Francis’s high-stakes summit on clerical sexual abuse opens today, perhaps the biggest question pundits and handicappers will be asking is how well the agenda of victims and survivors will fare in the bishops’ deliberations.
The day prior to the opening of the summit, a group of survivors stole the show before the curtain even went up.
Since the beginning of the abuse crisis, bishops and other Church officials seeking to turn things around have often touted their listening sessions with victims, and even popes, beginning with Benedict XVI during his 2008 trip to the United States, have gotten into the act. Critics have charged that those victims were often selected precisely because they were tame, unlikely to push back or do much publicly other than expressing gratitude.
The day prior to the opening of the summit, a group of survivors stole the show before the curtain even went up.
Since the beginning of the abuse crisis, bishops and other Church officials seeking to turn things around have often touted their listening sessions with victims, and even popes, beginning with Benedict XVI during his 2008 trip to the United States, have gotten into the act. Critics have charged that those victims were often selected precisely because they were tame, unlikely to push back or do much publicly other than expressing gratitude.
Our righteous anger is not enough; the hard slog of sanctity starts here
Catholics: The Hard Slog of Sanctity Starts Here | Word on FireSCALIA: Some variation of these two phrases are littered throughout the email and private messages I’m getting from fellow Catholics who have been “hanging in and hanging on” since last summer’s revelations about both the Pennsylvania Grand Jury report and the ongoing saga of former Cardinal, former Archbishop, former priest Theodore McCarrick. Faithful Catholics who have been doggedly digging in their heals and refusing to be driven away from the sacraments despite the ongoing and often horrifying headlines of longstanding evil being tolerated within our Church are suddenly feeling defeated—too overwhelmed to remain as, seemingly every day, there is another demoralizing tale.
Xavier Rynne’s Letters from the Vatican (No. 3)
Letters from the Vatican: #3 | Xavier Rynne II | First Things: Whether accidental or deliberate, the fact that a world meeting of Catholic leaders to address the scourge of clerical sexual abuse is opening on today’s liturgical memorial of St. Peter Damian is certainly appropriate. That coincidence could also prove providential, if those participating in the discussions of the next four days take the example of this Doctor of the Church seriously and apply his candor, tenacity, and courage to our own times.
Early Vatican tea leaves: Pope mentions ‘pedophilia,’ while a public memo includes some land mines
Early Vatican tea leaves: Pope mentions 'pedophilia,' while a public memo includes some land mines — GetReligionMATTINGLY: So the tsunami of reporting from Rome has begun.
I hope there are lots of GetReligion podcast listeners reading this latest update on the event now known as “The Protection of Minors in the Church” — previously that was “The Protection of Minors and Vulnerable Adults in the Church.” If there are, let me note a few predictions about this event that I made in the past. The emphasis will be on the sexual abuse of “children,” with little or no public discussion of ephebophilia — intense sexual interest in post-pubescent young people...
I hope there are lots of GetReligion podcast listeners reading this latest update on the event now known as “The Protection of Minors in the Church” — previously that was “The Protection of Minors and Vulnerable Adults in the Church.” If there are, let me note a few predictions about this event that I made in the past. The emphasis will be on the sexual abuse of “children,” with little or no public discussion of ephebophilia — intense sexual interest in post-pubescent young people...
In a brief, blunt opening address, Pope tells summit attendees ‘we need to be concrete’
Whispers in the Loggia: Calling Church to "Hear The Cry For Justice," Pope To Summit: "Be Concrete"PALMO: Over the weeks leading up to this unprecedented convocation of the world's bishops conference presidents on the abuse of minors in the church, the Vatican – and even the Pope himself – have explicitly sought to downplay expectations on the summit's outcome.
But then, in the event's opening minutes this morning, Francis conspicuously nixed that messaging – which had stoked outrage among victim-survivors – suddenly insisting upon a tangible result from the three-day talks.
Here, the English fulltext of the pontiff's brief, blunt address
But then, in the event's opening minutes this morning, Francis conspicuously nixed that messaging – which had stoked outrage among victim-survivors – suddenly insisting upon a tangible result from the three-day talks.
Here, the English fulltext of the pontiff's brief, blunt address
‘Hear the cry of the little ones’ — Pope Francis opens summit on sex abuse
Pope Francis at Opening of Abuse Summit: ‘Hear the Cry of the Little Ones’PENTIN: Pope Francis has opened the four-day meeting of bishops’ conference presidents on “Protection of Minors in the Church,” saying the “People of God” are looking not for “simple and predictable condemnations” but rather for “concrete and effective measures” to be taken.
He expressed hope that the participants “hear the cry of the little ones who plead for justice,” and that they discuss “in a synodal, frank and in-depth manner” how to “confront this evil afflicting the Church and humanity.” The summit begins with participants “armed with faith and a spirit of great parrhesia [frankness], courage and concreteness,” he said, and pointed out that guidelines derived from bishops’ conferences’ contributions will serve as “simple point of departure.”
He expressed hope that the participants “hear the cry of the little ones who plead for justice,” and that they discuss “in a synodal, frank and in-depth manner” how to “confront this evil afflicting the Church and humanity.” The summit begins with participants “armed with faith and a spirit of great parrhesia [frankness], courage and concreteness,” he said, and pointed out that guidelines derived from bishops’ conferences’ contributions will serve as “simple point of departure.”
Wednesday, February 20, 2019
The Flying Fathers were like the Harlem Globetrotters on skates. Now a group of priests is trying to bring them back...
In Canada, a Hockey Revival - The New York Times: The Rev. John Perdue is only 33, so he does not remember much from the heyday of the Flying Fathers, a troupe of hockey-playing Catholic priests who played comedy-filled charity games beginning in 1964.
The Flying Fathers were the Harlem Globetrotters of hockey — touring North America and Europe, compiling more than 900 wins and only a handful of losses, and raising an estimated $4 million. They assessed penalties for skipping Mass on Sunday or “acting like a Protestant.” They brought out a horse, Penance, who was outfitted in goalie pads and trained to kneel reverently.
The Flying Fathers were the Harlem Globetrotters of hockey — touring North America and Europe, compiling more than 900 wins and only a handful of losses, and raising an estimated $4 million. They assessed penalties for skipping Mass on Sunday or “acting like a Protestant.” They brought out a horse, Penance, who was outfitted in goalie pads and trained to kneel reverently.
Open letter to priests and bishops: Resign if you need to
Open Letter to Priests and Bishops: Resign If You Need to | Matthew SchneiderSCHNEIDER: Dear fellow clerics and religious in Christ,
I know that most of you are hard-working and striving for holiness like I am. Most of us have our little sins we strive to conquer but sometimes fail. Maybe even a few among us are saints, although I doubt I am. Every day, we pray and we strive to help the people of God in our assigned ministry, be that a parish, school, seminary, chaplaincy, chancery, further studies, etc.
I know that most of you are hard-working and striving for holiness like I am. Most of us have our little sins we strive to conquer but sometimes fail. Maybe even a few among us are saints, although I doubt I am. Every day, we pray and we strive to help the people of God in our assigned ministry, be that a parish, school, seminary, chaplaincy, chancery, further studies, etc.
A brave priest’s blunt response to gay clergy complaints: “Nobody forced you to become a priest”
A Brave Priest’s Powerful Response to Gay Clergy: “Nobody Forced You to Become a Priest” | ChurchPOP: “I have no patience for priests who ‘come out’ as gay and insist the priesthood is some sort of cage. Nobody forced you to become a priest. The faithful don’t need to deal with your issues, pal. They don’t deserve to deal with any of our issues. We serve them. Period.
“Priests who insist they ‘can’t be who they are’ in the priesthood mean to say ‘who they are’ isn’t a priest as the Church has ‘always’ understood priesthood. The last thing the faithful need are priests who make their sexuality their primary identity.
“‘Being gay’ and ‘coming out’ may seem to you, Father, as being true to your authentic self, but that’s contrary to your ordination, which makes your authentic self a person in persona Christi in the service of the people of God.
“Priests who insist they ‘can’t be who they are’ in the priesthood mean to say ‘who they are’ isn’t a priest as the Church has ‘always’ understood priesthood. The last thing the faithful need are priests who make their sexuality their primary identity.
“‘Being gay’ and ‘coming out’ may seem to you, Father, as being true to your authentic self, but that’s contrary to your ordination, which makes your authentic self a person in persona Christi in the service of the people of God.
How I started making snow and turned my backyard into a ski resort
How to Make Snow | Fake Snow Machine: I sold my skis before I moved to North Carolina. That turned out to be a dumb move, because this subtropical state actually has the highest mountains on the East Coast, and it gets plenty cold from December through February. For a few months each winter, you can go skiing and snow tubing and sledding. But you’ll likely be doing these things at a place with man-made snow. You can count on the cold—where I live, one recent February averaged 27 degrees for the entire month—but you can’t count on the snow. The weather runs either cold and clear or wet and warm.
Illinois doctor, lead medical expert in cause of Cardinal Newman, says study of miracle brought him to tears
Illinois doctor: Newman miracle depositions were 'spiritual experiences' | Archdiocese of Baltimore: When the Vatican announced Feb. 15 that Pope Francis had signed a decree recognizing a miracle attributed to the intercession of Blessed John Henry Newman, clearing the way for his canonization, there was rejoicing in Chicago.
The proposed miracle that God worked through the intercession of Newman in 2013 involved a local mother who faced life-threatening complications during her pregnancy but suddenly recovered when she prayed to the English cardinal for help.
The woman, who declined to comment at this time but said she will share her story with the Chicago Catholic, archdiocesan newspaper, at a later date, lives in the Diocese of Joliet, but, given the resources available in the Archdiocese of Chicago, her case was transferred to the tribunal here for investigation.
The proposed miracle that God worked through the intercession of Newman in 2013 involved a local mother who faced life-threatening complications during her pregnancy but suddenly recovered when she prayed to the English cardinal for help.
The woman, who declined to comment at this time but said she will share her story with the Chicago Catholic, archdiocesan newspaper, at a later date, lives in the Diocese of Joliet, but, given the resources available in the Archdiocese of Chicago, her case was transferred to the tribunal here for investigation.
Xavier Rynne II’s Letters from the Vatican (No. 2)...
Letters from the Vatican: #2 | Xavier Rynne II | First Things: Thanks in part to the hyperventilating language of last year’s Pennsylvania grand jury report (which followed hard on the heels of Theodore McCarrick’s resignation from the College of Cardinals because of credible allegations that he was a serial sexual abuser), the false impression was created that the Catholic bishops of the Keystone State (and by extension, the bishops of the entire United States) had done nothing and were doing nothing to address an unabated scourge of clerical sexual abuse. Or as the Pennsylvania report put it, with more vehemence than accuracy, “Priests were raping little boys and girls, and the men of God who were responsible for them not only did nothing; they hid it all.” That was not true, or at the very least it was not the entire truth of the matter over time. For by conflating seventy years of data, the Pennsylvania grand jury report (and, more importantly, lazy journalism about it) suggested that there was an unaddressed rape culture in the Catholic Church. That was also not true, for it irresponsibly (but perhaps deliberately) ignored the many steps taken by the bishops of the United States to make U.S. Catholicism what it arguably is today: one of the safest environments for young people in the country—and a far safer environment than the Pennsylvania public schools, which remain unexamined by any grand jury despite hundreds of recent reports of abuse.
“Synodality” and the Rome abuse summit
“Synodality” and the Rome abuse summit - Denver CatholicWEIGEL: Despite Pope Francis’s lecture on the subject at Synod-2015, and notwithstanding the passages on it in Synod-2018’s final report, there is little agreement in 21st-century Catholicism on what “synodality” means. The theology of synodality can be left for another day. In practical terms, however, perhaps synodality ought to mean something roughly analogous to what our British cousins mean by “horses for courses.” There, the phrase is a homely caution against one-size-fits-all remedies to problems. In the world Church today, and with an eye to the “abuse summit” that will meet in Rome from February 21-24, a “horses for courses” understanding of synodality would mean that different local Churches should be empowered to implement specific local remedies, tailored to their specific problems and capacities, in addressing clerical sexual misconduct.
Pope’s Wednesday Audience: “You are a beloved child of God”
"You are a beloved child of God" - Opus Dei: Today’s audience takes place in two places. First I met with the faithful of Benevento, who were in Saint Peter’s, and now with you. And this is due to the delicacy of the Prefecture of the Papal Household, who did not want you to get cold: let us thank them, they did this. Thank you.
Let us continue the catechesis on the Lord’s Prayer. The first step of every Christian prayer is the entry into a mystery, that of God’s paternity. We cannot pray like parrots. Either you enter into the mystery, in the awareness that God is your Father, or you do not pray.
Let us continue the catechesis on the Lord’s Prayer. The first step of every Christian prayer is the entry into a mystery, that of God’s paternity. We cannot pray like parrots. Either you enter into the mystery, in the awareness that God is your Father, or you do not pray.
The deeper malice of sexual misconduct by clergy and religious
The deeper malice of sexual misconduct by clergy and religious | In the Light of the LawEDPETERS: Recent remarks by Pope Francis regarding the ‘lightness’ of “sins below the belt” are receiving various responses, but his comments, not wrong as far as they went, nevertheless prompt, I think, especially against the background of the clergy and religious sexual misconduct crisis, some observations as to how sins ‘below the belt’, even if they are generally reckoned among the lighter of the still-serious sins, become markedly more grievous when committed by clergy and religious. Appreciating how the status of a sinner can worsen the evil of a sin is important, I think, for addressing the Church’s sexual misconduct crisis to the degree it urgently needs.
Sights and sounds from ‘Super Bowl week’ in Rome
Sights and sounds from 'Super Bowl week' in RomeALLEN: Yesterday I described this as “Super Bowl week” in the Vatican, in the sense that the pope’s keenly-anticipated summit on the clerical sexual abuse scandals opening Thursday has drawn media, activists and onlookers from all over the world to the Eternal City, creating energy and anticipation leading up to the big event.
Here’s a rundown of some of the sights and sounds of this week in Rome on Tuesday, which capture only a random sampling of everything that’s on offer this week.
Here’s a rundown of some of the sights and sounds of this week in Rome on Tuesday, which capture only a random sampling of everything that’s on offer this week.
“Wrongfully targeted and bullied”: Covington teen sues Washington Post for $250 million
Teen in Lincoln Memorial protest sues Washington Post for $250 million | Reuters: A high school student from Covington, Kentucky, sued the Washington Post for defamation on Tuesday, claiming the newspaper falsely accused him of racist acts and instigating a confrontation with a Native American activist in a January videotaped incident at the Lincoln Memorial.
Tuesday, February 19, 2019
The mystery of iniquity — a meditation on the mystery of rebelliousness
The Mystery of Iniquity - A Meditation on the Mystery of Rebelliousness - Community in Mission : Community in MissionPOPE: There is a phrase in the Scriptures that, while speaking of mystery, is itself a bit mysterious and is debated among scholars: the “mystery of iniquity.” St. Paul mentions it in Second Thessalonians and ties it to an equally mysterious “man of iniquity” who will appear before Jesus’ second coming.
The Latin root of the English word “iniquity” is iniquitas (in (not) aequus (equal)), meaning unjust or harmful, but the Greek μυστήριον τῆς ἀνομίας (mysterion tes anomias) is probably best rendered as “mystery of lawlessness.” Many modern translations use the “mystery of lawlessness,” though it doesn’t have quite the same ring to it.
The Latin root of the English word “iniquity” is iniquitas (in (not) aequus (equal)), meaning unjust or harmful, but the Greek μυστήριον τῆς ἀνομίας (mysterion tes anomias) is probably best rendered as “mystery of lawlessness.” Many modern translations use the “mystery of lawlessness,” though it doesn’t have quite the same ring to it.
Dying is difficult. Offering a noble death in faith requires the support of the whole Church...
Beginning to Pray: The Mystery of Death and the Need for PrayerLILLES: When friends draw close to death, a certain intensity of life presents itself. This is true in Christian death. It is meant to be a sacrificial offering of oneself to God if we give it to Jesus with the help of his mystical Body, the Church. Faith in Christ Jesus opens up this possibility. A recent visit to see a friend helped me remember that Christ's sacrifice on the Cross allows dying Christians to share in his work of redemption even to the point that their very death releases anew the power of God's love in the world.
Transatlantic flight reaches 801 mph as a furious jet stream packs record-breaking speeds
Flight reaches 801 mph as a furious jet stream packs record-breaking speeds: Tuesday is a nice day across the Northeast. Temperatures near 40 in New York, light winds out of the north at 5 mph to 10 mph, and wall-to-wall sunshine sound like a tranquil day - especially by February standards. But high up in the atmosphere, it's a different story.
The jet stream, the high-altitude air current along which storms travel, is furious. The river of air was clocked at more than 230 mph over Long Island on Monday. That measure comes from the 250 millibar pressure level, meaning it was at a height above 75 percent of the atmosphere's mass. It sets the record for the fastest 250 millibar wind speed ever recorded over New York and, probably, the country.
The jet stream, the high-altitude air current along which storms travel, is furious. The river of air was clocked at more than 230 mph over Long Island on Monday. That measure comes from the 250 millibar pressure level, meaning it was at a height above 75 percent of the atmosphere's mass. It sets the record for the fastest 250 millibar wind speed ever recorded over New York and, probably, the country.
How making mistakes is actually the key to success
The Importance of Taking Risks and Making Mistakes | Grotto NetworkBECKER: How well do you handle failure — at work, in school, in relationships?
Not so well? You’re in good company.
The problem is bad enough that some colleges have introduced programs to teach students that imperfection is, well, perfectly alright.
“Young adults face an onslaught of curated social-media feeds that show peers’ seemingly perfect lives, school officials say, which can make them feel alone in their failures,” reports the Wall Street Journal. “Add to that the bubble of parental protection and the high stakes associated with attending a pricey college, and schools say students need help understanding that stumbles are inevitable, and even valuable, parts of growing up.”
And the stats back up such concerns. A recent study by the American College Health Association that suggests that more than half of all undergraduates find academics “traumatic or difficult to handle.”
Not so well? You’re in good company.
The problem is bad enough that some colleges have introduced programs to teach students that imperfection is, well, perfectly alright.
“Young adults face an onslaught of curated social-media feeds that show peers’ seemingly perfect lives, school officials say, which can make them feel alone in their failures,” reports the Wall Street Journal. “Add to that the bubble of parental protection and the high stakes associated with attending a pricey college, and schools say students need help understanding that stumbles are inevitable, and even valuable, parts of growing up.”
And the stats back up such concerns. A recent study by the American College Health Association that suggests that more than half of all undergraduates find academics “traumatic or difficult to handle.”
Cardinals Burke and Brandmüller: “End the conspiracy of silence”
Cardinals Burke and Brandmueller: ‘End the Conspiracy of Silence’PENTIN: Cardinal Raymond Burke and Cardinal Walter Brandmueller have written an open letter to the presidents of bishops’ conferences attending this week’s Vatican summit on clerical sex abuse, calling on them to end their silence and return to upholding the divine and natural law. In the letter released Feb. 19, they argue that the abuse crisis is only part of a wider and much deeper problem that owes itself to a society that openly calls into question an absolute moral law, and Church leaders who have “gone away from the truth of the Gospel.”
The more closely the Church identifies with any culture, the more its problems penetrate her work
Mix Appropriate Anger With ConfidenceCHAPUT: In terms of a root cause: The sexual revolution of the 1960s reshaped our culture and impacted everyone, including clergy. It’s right for people to demand a higher standard of behavior from bishops and priests. The Church, especially her leaders and ministers, must live a holy witness in order to be credible. But it’s unwise to think that the Church is somehow immune to the dysfunctions of the society where she pursues her mission.
11 noteworthy points to consider about Theodore McCarrick’s punishment
Theodore McCarrick: Some Noteworthy Points to ConsiderDESOUZA: It seems incredible that McCarrick is now forbidden to celebrate Holy Mass. The one who presided over grand and humble celebrations of the Eucharist for more than 60 years is no longer permitted to do so. I had only a few encounters with McCarrick over the years, but I did witness his habit of getting up before dawn to celebrate Mass in the private chapel at the North American College in Rome. On one occasion I arrived to set up the chapel for Cardinal Avery Dulles at 7am, and McCarrick had long finished and had returned — not knowing if anyone had been assigned — to put out the cruets and books for Cardinal Dulles.
The Jussie Smollett case is only the latest in a long line of hate crime hoaxes
Jussie Smollett case the latest in long line of hoax racist attacks: The hate crime that police believe actor Jussie Smollett orchestrated against himself earlier this month is the latest in a string of fabricated stories of racist incidents people have peddled since President Trump took office.
Writer Andy Ngo compiled a list of similar incidents since the election.
Days before Election Day, an African-American church in Mississippi was torched in an arson attack. The words "Vote Trump" were written on the building. A local police investigation determined a member of the church had staged the attack.
Writer Andy Ngo compiled a list of similar incidents since the election.
Days before Election Day, an African-American church in Mississippi was torched in an arson attack. The words "Vote Trump" were written on the building. A local police investigation determined a member of the church had staged the attack.
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