These Millennials Got New Roommates. They’re Nuns. - The New York Times: Sarah Jane Bradley was an unmarried, “spiritual but not religious” professional in her early 30s, with a rowdy group of friends and a start-up when she moved out of her communal house and into a convent.
A bunch of friends went with her.
They called the project Nuns and Nones, and they were the “nones” — progressive millennials, none of whom were practicing Catholics. Intended to be a pilot project, the unusual roommate situation with the Sisters of Mercy would last for six months.
Friday, May 31, 2019
Reflecting on the Visitation through art
Reflecting on the Visitation through Art – Building Catholic CultureSTAUDT: Art enables us to engage in visio divina, a visual contemplation of the Scripture. Each artist attempts to capture particular details and when we put a few works side by side, we can contrast them to discover the elements of the story they emphasized and illuminated. Raphael draws out the connection to John the Baptist, adding another element of narrative with Jesus’ Baptism occurring in the background. Many scholars have connected this passage to David’s procession of the ark through Jerusalem, jumping for joy as John did in the womb, and we see Mary draped in blue in unusual fashion, tied around her should, emphasizing the color placed over the ark when it is moved (Numbers 4:6). Raphael enhances Mary’s womb, making it seem that she is further along in her pregnancy, which gives Jesus a more visible presence in the painting. Although she embraces Elizabeth, she gazes downward in humility, signifying that she magnifies the Lord over herself. We also see a glimpse of Zachariah’s testimony, as “the dawn from on high” breaks forth into the background, showing how this occurs with the Spirit’s coming into the world through Jesus.
Pope Francis arrives in Romania; says Catholics, Orthodox bonded by martyrs’ ”fraternity of blood”
Pope Francis says Catholics, Orthodox bonded by blood of the martyrs: Pope Francis said Friday that Catholics and Orthodox are bonded by a “shared inheritance” of suffering for Christ from the apostles to modern martyrs.
“How many were the martyrs and confessors of the faith! In recent times, how many, from different confessions, stood side by side in prisons to support one another in turn,” Pope Francis said May 30 during his apostolic trip to Romania.
“What they suffered for, even to the sacrifice of their lives, is too precious an inheritance to be disregarded or tarnished,” he said. “It is a shared inheritance and it summons us to remain close to our brothers and sisters who share it.”
“How many were the martyrs and confessors of the faith! In recent times, how many, from different confessions, stood side by side in prisons to support one another in turn,” Pope Francis said May 30 during his apostolic trip to Romania.
“What they suffered for, even to the sacrifice of their lives, is too precious an inheritance to be disregarded or tarnished,” he said. “It is a shared inheritance and it summons us to remain close to our brothers and sisters who share it.”
Thursday, May 30, 2019
If churches can re-learn how to do this one thing well, they will earn the gratitude of members and unbelievers alike
They Do Death Well Here - The Catholic ThingRANDALLSMITH: Some years ago, a friend turned to me during the funeral ceremonies at a church and said: “They do death well here.” And indeed, they had. Everything from the viewing of the body, the greeting of the family, and the rosary, to the funeral itself, was held in the church. Everything was undertaken in view of the altar, the crucifix, and Christ present in the tabernacle. And there was a deep sense of prayer and respect.
I have never understood the concept of the “funeral home.” These creepy places are just about the furthest thing from a “home” you can imagine. The furniture is never “homey.” It’s more like the furniture in a rich, old lady’s house you are never meant to sit on or touch. The air is still, usually stale, and everyone walks around talking in hushed tones. Sometimes you notice there is light music playing in the background, barely discernible but inescapable once you notice it – the kind of white noise from which even elevator-music would be a joyful respite. And I haven’t even begun on the problems with big metal caskets and embalmed corpses.
I have never understood the concept of the “funeral home.” These creepy places are just about the furthest thing from a “home” you can imagine. The furniture is never “homey.” It’s more like the furniture in a rich, old lady’s house you are never meant to sit on or touch. The air is still, usually stale, and everyone walks around talking in hushed tones. Sometimes you notice there is light music playing in the background, barely discernible but inescapable once you notice it – the kind of white noise from which even elevator-music would be a joyful respite. And I haven’t even begun on the problems with big metal caskets and embalmed corpses.
I slept outside for a week and it changed my life (really)
I Slept Outside for a Week and It Changed My Life: I live in explicit defiance of the rules of good sleep hygiene. Rule one: Don’t expose yourself to the blue light that’s emitted from phones and computers before bed. (When else am I going to catch up on the day’s hot takes?) Rule two: Sleep in a darkened bedroom. (I had’t considered this when buying my gauzy curtains, which are sufficient to keep my neighbors from peeping but definitely not to block out their overactive security floodlights.) Rule three: No afternoon coffee. (Ha!)
“Just a little while longer” — A reminder about the brevity and urgency of life
"Just a Little While Longer..." – A Meditation on the Brevity and Urgency of Life - Community in MissionPOPE: There is a passage in John 16 that is unusual for its repetition. This past Sunday it was the assigned Gospel in the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite. The expression “in a little while” is repeated seven times in the brief passage. Its repetition is almost to the point of being annoying, such that the reader is tempted to say, “All right, already. I get it!” Obviously, John, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit want to drill this point into us.
‘Tiny but mighty’ Saybie, world’s smallest baby, goes home
‘Tiny But Mighty’ Saybie, World’s Smallest Baby, Goes HomeMURPHY: While the nation has become a battleground on the issue of abortion with states like Missouri, Alabama, and now Louisiana standing to protect babies in the womb — and on the other side — Illinois now passing legislation darker than the new abortion-on-demand laws in New York, we now can open our eyes to the miracle of life, witnessing one baby’s struggle for survival outside the womb this week. An expectant mother [who wishes to remain anonymous] entered into a San Diego hospital feeling “uncomfortable” and having pains. In a video released by Sharp Mary Birch Hospital, the mother said it was the “scariest day of my life.”
The creek, the dam, the boulder, and God’s grace
The Creek, the Dam God’s Grace and the Boulder – Fr. Dwight LongeneckerLONGENECKER: When we were kids we lived in the country. Our house was nestled in the hillside of Southeastern Pennsylvania, and at the base of the property was a perfect little creek that flowed down to the Schuykill River.
In the summer we would play for hours in the creek making a dam. When the water got deep enough we’d sit down in it and cool off, but the object was not to make a little pool in which to cool off as much as it was to just play in the water and build the dam.
We’d start with big rocks, then plug the gaps with smaller rocks, then we load up the back with gravel. Sometimes we’d even dig up some mud from the banks and get serious in plugging all the water that was seeping through our dam.
In the summer we would play for hours in the creek making a dam. When the water got deep enough we’d sit down in it and cool off, but the object was not to make a little pool in which to cool off as much as it was to just play in the water and build the dam.
We’d start with big rocks, then plug the gaps with smaller rocks, then we load up the back with gravel. Sometimes we’d even dig up some mud from the banks and get serious in plugging all the water that was seeping through our dam.
The Ascension of Our Lord is described only briefly, but it permeates the entire New Testament
Ascension | Mark Shea: The Resurrection appearances of Jesus culminate in an abrupt end after forty days when, as the Creed puts it, Jesus “ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father.” The Ascension occupies a curious place in biblical teaching in that it is frequently alluded to in the New Testament, but only rarely described there as an historical event. That does not mean the New Testament writers doubt its historicity. On the contrary, they talk as though everybody in the conversation takes it for granted as having occurred and are now talking about other things in light of it. So, for instance, John, writing sixty years after the Ascension, records Jesus remarking
Come July 1, it’s final — Knights of Columbus replacing 79-year-old capes and plumes with new uniform
Come July 1, Knights of Columbus get a new look after 79 years: A long-standing tradition will end this summer as the Knights of Columbus discard the ceremonial capes and plumed chapeaus of its fourth-degree members.
July 1 will mark the end of a 79-year era when the Knights change the ceremonial Color Corps regalia long associated with the fraternal Catholic order. The Color Corps, which acts as an honor guard at religious and civic functions, is distinguishable by its official regalia of tuxedo, cape, chapeau, white gloves and sword.
The preferred dress for fourth-degree members worldwide will no longer include the cape and chapeau. The new uniform will be a jacket and beret. The ceremonial swords will continue to be part of the uniform.
July 1 will mark the end of a 79-year era when the Knights change the ceremonial Color Corps regalia long associated with the fraternal Catholic order. The Color Corps, which acts as an honor guard at religious and civic functions, is distinguishable by its official regalia of tuxedo, cape, chapeau, white gloves and sword.
The preferred dress for fourth-degree members worldwide will no longer include the cape and chapeau. The new uniform will be a jacket and beret. The ceremonial swords will continue to be part of the uniform.
The brilliant 19th-century catechetical method that was eventually banned by bishops
Catholic Ladders | Charlotte was BothWELBORN: No matter what the current structure of the American episcopacy tells us, today is Ascension Thursday. Sorry. It just is.
That question up there is from the first reading, from Acts, and one of my favorite lines in all of Scripture. Why the heavenly messengers challenge those of us still on earth, are you just standing here? He’s told you what to do …move on and out and get going!
So it’s an appropriate day, it seems, to talk about a unique way in which evangelists in the past took that challenge to heart and, instead of just sitting around wondering what to do – actually did something creative to share the Good News.
That question up there is from the first reading, from Acts, and one of my favorite lines in all of Scripture. Why the heavenly messengers challenge those of us still on earth, are you just standing here? He’s told you what to do …move on and out and get going!
So it’s an appropriate day, it seems, to talk about a unique way in which evangelists in the past took that challenge to heart and, instead of just sitting around wondering what to do – actually did something creative to share the Good News.
What the debate over deacons gets wrong about Catholic women in leadership
What the debate over deacons gets wrong about Catholic women in leadership | America MagazineSOLENNI: Two years ago I was on a panel at the University of Notre Dame where a fellow presenter lamented the almost total absence of women in leadership in the church. Perhaps she did not read my bio or listen to my presentation. During the panel discussion, I finally had to interject that I was the chancellor of one of the largest dioceses in the country and fourth on the organization chart for the Diocese of Orange.
I was reminded of this exchange when Pope Francis, returning from his trip to North Macedonia and Bulgaria on May 7, gave his long-awaited, if somewhat indirect, response to the question of whether the Catholic Church would allow the ordination of women to the permanent diaconate. As a woman in leadership in the church, I think we are having the wrong conversation when we focus so narrowly on the question of women deacons that we fail to see the ways Catholic women can—and already do—lead.
I was reminded of this exchange when Pope Francis, returning from his trip to North Macedonia and Bulgaria on May 7, gave his long-awaited, if somewhat indirect, response to the question of whether the Catholic Church would allow the ordination of women to the permanent diaconate. As a woman in leadership in the church, I think we are having the wrong conversation when we focus so narrowly on the question of women deacons that we fail to see the ways Catholic women can—and already do—lead.
‘Jeopardy’ host Alex Trebek’s Catholic connection — and the role of prayer in his ‘mind-boggling’ cancer recovery
When it comes to Alex Trebek's 'mind-boggling' cancer recovery, have prayers really helped? — GetReligionROSS: In March, when longtime “Jeopardy” host Alex Trebek revealed his diagnosis of stage 4 pancreatic cancer, he pledged to beat the “low survival rate statistics for this disease.”
Trebek, 78, told viewers he’d do so “with the help of your prayers.”
“So, help me,” he concluded. “Keep the faith, and we’ll get it done.”
Today, People magazine reports that Trebek — in a cover story due on newsstands Friday — said he is in “near remission” and has experienced a “mind-boggling” recovery.
Trebek, 78, told viewers he’d do so “with the help of your prayers.”
“So, help me,” he concluded. “Keep the faith, and we’ll get it done.”
Today, People magazine reports that Trebek — in a cover story due on newsstands Friday — said he is in “near remission” and has experienced a “mind-boggling” recovery.
Backed by ‘overwhelming bipartisan majority,’ Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards to sign heartbeat bill in Louisiana
Louisiana governor to sign heartbeat bill: The Louisiana House of Representatives has passed a fetal heartbeat bill, making it the latest state to move towards adopting such legislation. The bill passed the house with bipartisan support on May 29, by a margin of 79-23 in favor.
Gov. John Bel Edwards (D) has previously spoken in favor of the bill. Following its passage by the house, the governor said he would sign the legislation.
The bill, which passed the state senate earlier this month with equal cross-party support, would ban abortion as soon as a heartbeat can be detected in the unborn child, usually between six to eight weeks of pregnancy.
Gov. John Bel Edwards (D) has previously spoken in favor of the bill. Following its passage by the house, the governor said he would sign the legislation.
The bill, which passed the state senate earlier this month with equal cross-party support, would ban abortion as soon as a heartbeat can be detected in the unborn child, usually between six to eight weeks of pregnancy.
Instead of money, this Portuguese ‘bank’ safeguards 27,000 handpainted tiles
Instead of Money, This Portuguese 'Bank' Safeguards 27,000 Handpainted Tiles - Atlas Obscura: Faced with growing threats to its architectural heritage, the Portuguese city of Porto made an unusual choice: It opened a bank.
The Banco de Materiais, or Bank of Materials, is home to tens of thousands of azulejos—the painted, glazed ceramic tiles that cover the exteriors of buildings across Portugal. In varying shades of blue, maroon, and honey gold, they often depict ornate floral patterns or simple geometric repetition. Sometimes, entire mosaics of intricately painted tiles display scenes from Portuguese history.
The city has been collecting lost and damaged azulejos for more than 25 years. Some were saved from the walls of decaying buildings before they were torn down. Others were stolen from façades but recovered by law enforcement. Over 27,000 of them ended up at the Bank.
The Banco de Materiais, or Bank of Materials, is home to tens of thousands of azulejos—the painted, glazed ceramic tiles that cover the exteriors of buildings across Portugal. In varying shades of blue, maroon, and honey gold, they often depict ornate floral patterns or simple geometric repetition. Sometimes, entire mosaics of intricately painted tiles display scenes from Portuguese history.
The city has been collecting lost and damaged azulejos for more than 25 years. Some were saved from the walls of decaying buildings before they were torn down. Others were stolen from façades but recovered by law enforcement. Over 27,000 of them ended up at the Bank.
Incredible 50-million-year-old fossil shows coordinated swimming in a school of extinct fish
Incredible Fossil Shows Coordinated Swimming in a School of Extinct Fish: An exquisite fossil of photographic-like quality shows nearly 260 tiny fish swimming together in what appears to be coordinated group action. The 50-million-year-old fossil is evidence that fish have been swimming together in shoals for a very long time.
Paleontologists have seen “frozen behaviors” in fossils before, including insects having sex, dinosaurs locked in mortal combat, and migrating trilobites lined up single-file. For fossils like this to emerge, however, a rapid burial is required. A new study published this week in Proceedings of the Royal Society B showcases a stunning new fossil in which one such rapid burial locked an entire school of fish, or a shoal, in place.
Paleontologists have seen “frozen behaviors” in fossils before, including insects having sex, dinosaurs locked in mortal combat, and migrating trilobites lined up single-file. For fossils like this to emerge, however, a rapid burial is required. A new study published this week in Proceedings of the Royal Society B showcases a stunning new fossil in which one such rapid burial locked an entire school of fish, or a shoal, in place.
St. Thérèse of Lisieux wrote this poem about St. Joan of Arc when she was tempted with dark thoughts of atheism
Tempted with atheism St. Therese of Lisieux wrote this poem about St. Joan of Arc --AleteiaKOSLOSKI: In May 1897, St. Thérèse of Lisieux was only a few short months away from dying. Her tuberculosis gave her significant bodily pain, but above all, God allowed her to be plunged into a spiritual darkness. She wrote about it in her autobiography, Story of a Soul. It was a very difficult time for St. Thérèse and she expressed this darkness in a poem she wrote, titled “To Joan of Arc.” Thérèse had had a deep devotion to St. Joan of Arc since her childhood and wrote many poems and plays about her beloved patron. During her trial of faith, Thérèse felt united to Joan of Arc, especially as Joan waited in the dungeon before being led out to her cruel martyrdom.
Science and the Ascension of Christ
Science and the Ascension of Christ - Crisis MagazineRUTLER: A legion of publishers will attest that Father Stanley Jaki (1924-2009) did not suffer fools gladly, and under that category he filed virtually all editors. He wrote in perfect English but with a discernible Hungarian syntax so that his footnotes could be longer than the main text, and verbs often were fugitive. His patience with anyone who corrected the smallest iota was that of General Hunyadi dealing with a Turk. But like any remnant Magyar, his bloodline also breathed on occasion Liszt and Mindszenty. There are those who rank this Benedictine priest among those palmary cleric-scientists who radically changed the way the world understands itself: Nicholas Copernicus in astronomy, Gregor Mendel in genetics, Giuseppi Mercalli in seismology...
The untold story of Romania’s Gulag Archipelago
The Gulag Archipelago in Romania: The Story No One Has Told Before - Settimo Cielo - Blog - L’EspressoMAGISTER: Tomorrow, Friday May 31, Pope Francis will leave for Romania and on Sunday June 2, the last day of his journey, he will preside over the divine liturgy in Blaj, with the beatification of seven Greek Catholic bishops martyred “out of hatred for the faith” between 1950 and 1970, under the communist regime.
These seven are only some of the Christians of Romania, bishops, priests, laity, who deserve the crown of martyrdom.
These seven are only some of the Christians of Romania, bishops, priests, laity, who deserve the crown of martyrdom.
Chilean bishop-elect apologizes for comments on abuse crisis, women
Chilean bishop-elect apologizes for comments on abuse crisis, womenSANMARTIN: After the uproar caused by his words regarding Chile’s clerical abuse scandals and the role of women in the Church, the newly appointed auxiliary bishop of Santiago apologized for his comments.
“I would like to sincerely ask for forgiveness for the pain and uncertainty my words might have caused,” Bishop-elect Carlos Irarrazaval said May 29.
The Vatican announced a week ago that Pope Francis had appointed him as an auxiliary bishop to Chile’s capital. A day later, Irarrazaval said it’s time to “look towards the future,” implying that the Church needed to put the clerical abuse crisis behind it, using the colloquialism, “stirring reheated rice is worthless.”
“I would like to sincerely ask for forgiveness for the pain and uncertainty my words might have caused,” Bishop-elect Carlos Irarrazaval said May 29.
The Vatican announced a week ago that Pope Francis had appointed him as an auxiliary bishop to Chile’s capital. A day later, Irarrazaval said it’s time to “look towards the future,” implying that the Church needed to put the clerical abuse crisis behind it, using the colloquialism, “stirring reheated rice is worthless.”
A word of encouragement for discouraged culture warriors
A Word of Encouragement for Discouraged Cultural Warriors - Community in MissionPOPE: It is, on occasion, discouraging to live in times like these. This appears to be the end of an era, at least in the West. Our culture used to be called Christian or Judeo-Christian. It was not sin-free by any means—there was still greed and there were various forms of oppressive justice—but Christ and the Scriptures were the basis for a consensus on fundamental moral norms. It is hard to argue that our sense of justice enshrined in law over the centuries does not have Christianity in large part to thank for this. Further, our vision that God created the world and imbued it with logic and laws that reason could discern opened the way to the natural sciences and elevated philosophy, the arts, and literature. The establishment by the Catholic Church of the great monasteries and universities helped advance and institutionalize all of this.
Double-barreled McCarrick news perfectly captures accountability challenge
Double-barreled McCarrick news perfectly captures accountability challengeALLEN: Sometimes the fates who govern the news business have a wicked sense of timing. After a long stretch of relative quiet regarding Theodore McCarrick, the ex-cardinal who was defrocked over sexual misconduct and abuse charges, Tuesday brought not one but two major new developments.
Crux, along with CBS, published correspondence from McCarrick confirming that he was placed under Vatican restrictions in 2008, claiming that Cardinal Donald Wuerl (the Archbishop of Washington at the time) was aware of those restrictions despite his denials, and also revealing that McCarrick played a major role in backchannel diplomacy with China under Pope Francis.
Crux, along with CBS, published correspondence from McCarrick confirming that he was placed under Vatican restrictions in 2008, claiming that Cardinal Donald Wuerl (the Archbishop of Washington at the time) was aware of those restrictions despite his denials, and also revealing that McCarrick played a major role in backchannel diplomacy with China under Pope Francis.
Wednesday, May 29, 2019
Is the Figueiredo Report the first of many to come?
Figueiredo Report the First of Many to Come?DESOUZA: Eleven months after the first revelations about the now-laicized Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, a papal interview with a Mexican journalist and revelations from a former secretary have added to what we know, underscoring the importance of the documents that the Vatican is still reviewing in preparation for a public report.
The developments also suggest what a new culture of whistleblowing might look like in the Church after the publication of the Holy Father’s new sexual-abuse norms, Vos Estis Lux Mundi.
The developments also suggest what a new culture of whistleblowing might look like in the Church after the publication of the Holy Father’s new sexual-abuse norms, Vos Estis Lux Mundi.
Polish seminarian facing terminal cancer ordained priest in his hospital bed
Polish Seminarian Facing Terminal Cancer Ordained Priest in Hospital Bed: May is ordination month in many dioceses, but the ordination of Father Michal Los, a member of the Orionine Fathers, was far from your typical ordination.
On May 24, Los was ordained a priest in his Warsaw hospital bed.
Los was diagnosed with cancer a month ago, and is now in critical condition. Pope Francis granted a dispensation allowing him to be ordained both a deacon and a priest in the same Mass, and Los was ordained by Bishop Marek Solarczyk of the Diocese of Warsaw-Praga.
The day before his ordination, Los made perpetual vows in his religious community. Photos of that were shared on Facebook by Biloxi Vocations, along with a video of his ordination.
On May 24, Los was ordained a priest in his Warsaw hospital bed.
Los was diagnosed with cancer a month ago, and is now in critical condition. Pope Francis granted a dispensation allowing him to be ordained both a deacon and a priest in the same Mass, and Los was ordained by Bishop Marek Solarczyk of the Diocese of Warsaw-Praga.
The day before his ordination, Los made perpetual vows in his religious community. Photos of that were shared on Facebook by Biloxi Vocations, along with a video of his ordination.
Bernardin and Biden — from seamless to shameless
Biden, Bernardin, and today - Denver CatholicWEIGEL: Given the seriousness with which the post-Watergate Washington Post takes itself, it seems unlikely that its editors strive for hilarity in devising headlines. Whatever their intention, though, they managed the not-inconsiderable feat of making me laugh out loud at breakfast on May 20, when the headline on the jump from a page-one story about former vice president Biden’s current campaign read: Biden’s team says there’s no need for Democrats to stampede toward the left.
Tuesday, May 28, 2019
Cardinal’s former secretary says Vatican knew about McCarrick’s misconduct
Cardinal’s Former Secretary: Vatican Knew About McCarrick’s MisconductCONDON: A former priest-secretary to Theodore McCarrick has issued a report that claims to contain excerpted quotes from correspondence between the disgraced former cardinal and various Church officials.
Msgr. Anthony Figueiredo of the Archdiocese of Newark, New Jersey, published a website, “The Figueiredo Report,” May 28 which contains apparent excerpts from private correspondence between McCarrick, the priest and various other Church officials.
The quotes seem to contain admissions of wrongdoing from McCarrick, and to confirm subsequent reports about the Vatican’s response to the former cardinal’s behavior.
Msgr. Anthony Figueiredo of the Archdiocese of Newark, New Jersey, published a website, “The Figueiredo Report,” May 28 which contains apparent excerpts from private correspondence between McCarrick, the priest and various other Church officials.
The quotes seem to contain admissions of wrongdoing from McCarrick, and to confirm subsequent reports about the Vatican’s response to the former cardinal’s behavior.
Abortion is never the answer that women and families seek
Abortion is Never the Answer That Women and Families SeekLANDRY: May 31 is the Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary on which, among other things, we ponder the in utero interaction between Jesus and John the Baptist. Mary, a few days pregnant with her Creator, visits her elderly cousin Elizabeth, six months pregnant with the forerunner of the One through whom all things were made.
John, before his vocal cords had developed to be the voice crying in the wilderness, testified to Jesus by making his mom’s womb a peritoneal trampoline, leaping with joy. Jesus, before his human fingers and hand had even formed, nevertheless blessed his cousin, sanctifying him for his mission of preparing Jesus’ way.
John, before his vocal cords had developed to be the voice crying in the wilderness, testified to Jesus by making his mom’s womb a peritoneal trampoline, leaping with joy. Jesus, before his human fingers and hand had even formed, nevertheless blessed his cousin, sanctifying him for his mission of preparing Jesus’ way.
Jordan Peterson on Catholicism: ‘That’s as sane as people can get’
Jordan Peterson on Catholicism: ‘That’s as sane as people can get’ | News | LifeSite: Speaking with one of the best-known conservative Jews, Dennis Prager, at the PragerU summit last week, world-famous psychologist Jordan Peterson spoke of God and his views of faith. After speaking about his dislike for the question ‘Do you believe in God?’ Peterson said, “I think that Catholicism — that's as sane as people can get.”
Peterson has often been asked about his faith, if he believes in God, and he said the question has always troubled him. He promised a podcast on the matter since he has given his dislike for the question much thought.
Peterson has often been asked about his faith, if he believes in God, and he said the question has always troubled him. He promised a podcast on the matter since he has given his dislike for the question much thought.
Still plenty fallible: John XXI and the true gift of the papacy
Still Plenty Fallible: John XXI and the True Gift of the Papacy | One Thousand Words a WeekBECKER: Don’t look now, but there’s a pontiff missing. Maybe two.
Take a look at any reliable list of popes and tally those who took the name of John. You’ll come up with a count of 21, and yet the last bona fide pope by that name was St. John XXIII.
What gives?
Well, let’s just say it’s pretty complicated – in truth, very complicated. If you want the details, you’ll find a good overview on a Wikipedia page dedicated to the whole mess (yes, the numbering of Pope Johns has its own page), but it really boils down to a single pivotal papal goof.
The guy who we now remember as Pope John XXI was actually the nineteenth of that regnal name in the authentic Petrine line. Born in Portugal around 1215, the future pontiff...
Take a look at any reliable list of popes and tally those who took the name of John. You’ll come up with a count of 21, and yet the last bona fide pope by that name was St. John XXIII.
What gives?
Well, let’s just say it’s pretty complicated – in truth, very complicated. If you want the details, you’ll find a good overview on a Wikipedia page dedicated to the whole mess (yes, the numbering of Pope Johns has its own page), but it really boils down to a single pivotal papal goof.
The guy who we now remember as Pope John XXI was actually the nineteenth of that regnal name in the authentic Petrine line. Born in Portugal around 1215, the future pontiff...
‘There couldn’t be a better pick than Father Dave Pivonka as the new president of Franciscan University of Steubenville’
New Steubenville President Praised for Kindness, ‘Dynamic Orthodoxy’BEALE: Franciscan University of Steubenville’s newly appointed president, Franciscan Father Dave Pivonka, is being widely praised by faculty, alumni and staff as exactly the kind of leader the school needs in a time of change and controversy. Father Pivonka is filling the post vacated by Franciscan Father Sean Sheridan, who announced he was stepping down in early April.
Prior to the announcement, Franciscan Father Malachi Van Tassell, the minister provincial for the Sacred Heart Province and also the chairman of the university’s board of trustees, in an interview with the Register, described the kind of qualities he was looking for in the next friar-president.
Prior to the announcement, Franciscan Father Malachi Van Tassell, the minister provincial for the Sacred Heart Province and also the chairman of the university’s board of trustees, in an interview with the Register, described the kind of qualities he was looking for in the next friar-president.
‘Evolutionary duds’: Steroids and anti-baldness medicine make men sterile, scientists warn
Fertility paradox in male beauty quest - BBC News: Scientists have uncovered an evolutionary paradox where men damage their ability to have children during efforts to make themselves look more attractive.
Taking steroids to get a buff physique or anti-baldness pills to keep a full head of hair can damage fertility.
It has been named the Mossman-Pacey paradox after the scientists who first described it.
They say it causes a lot of heartache in couples struggling to conceive.
"I noticed some men coming in to have their fertility tested and these guys were huge," says Dr James Mossman, now at Brown University in the United States.
He was studying for his doctorate in Sheffield when he made the connection with steroid abuse.
Taking steroids to get a buff physique or anti-baldness pills to keep a full head of hair can damage fertility.
It has been named the Mossman-Pacey paradox after the scientists who first described it.
They say it causes a lot of heartache in couples struggling to conceive.
"I noticed some men coming in to have their fertility tested and these guys were huge," says Dr James Mossman, now at Brown University in the United States.
He was studying for his doctorate in Sheffield when he made the connection with steroid abuse.
French Senate says Notre-Dame must be restored exactly how it was
French Senate says Notre-Dame must be restored exactly how it was - The Local: On Monday evening, the French Senate approved the government's Notre-Dame restoration bill - but added a clause that it must be restored to the state it was before the blaze, striking a blow to the government which had launched an international architecture competition to debate ideas on the restoration. The subject of the rebuilding of the cathedral - which was left badly damaged after fire tore through the roof and destroyed the spire on April 15 - has become a fraught battleground between traditionalists who want an exact restoration and others who favour a more imaginative take.
Happiness is an inside job, as seen in Scripture
Happiness is an Inside Job, As Seen in Scripture - Community in MissionPOPE: In the first reading for Tuesday’s daily Mass there is a description of a remarkable event in the lives of Paul and Silas. Even more remarkable than the event itself is their reaction to it. Let’s pick up the story told in Acts:
The crowd in Philippi joined in the attack on Paul and Silas, and the magistrates had them stripped and ordered them to be beaten with rods. After inflicting many blows on them, they threw them into prison and instructed the jailer to guard them securely. When he received these instructions, he put them in the innermost cell and secured their feet to a stake (Acts 16:22-25).
It is easy to read this passage and underestimate the severity of what happened. The two were beaten with rods. Such beatings varied in intensity, but because the jailer is later described as having to bathe their wounds, we can reasonably conclude that it was severe. Beatings like this one led to deep bruises and external bleeding, and often caused such things as internal bleeding, broken ribs, and trauma to internal organs.
The crowd in Philippi joined in the attack on Paul and Silas, and the magistrates had them stripped and ordered them to be beaten with rods. After inflicting many blows on them, they threw them into prison and instructed the jailer to guard them securely. When he received these instructions, he put them in the innermost cell and secured their feet to a stake (Acts 16:22-25).
It is easy to read this passage and underestimate the severity of what happened. The two were beaten with rods. Such beatings varied in intensity, but because the jailer is later described as having to bathe their wounds, we can reasonably conclude that it was severe. Beatings like this one led to deep bruises and external bleeding, and often caused such things as internal bleeding, broken ribs, and trauma to internal organs.
What we know about the knife attack on Catholic schoolchildren in Kawasaki, Japan
What We Know About the Knife Attack in Kawasaki, Japan: Around 7:45 a.m. on Tuesday morning in Kawasaki, Japan, an assailant wielding two knives killed two and injured at least 16 people waiting at a bus stop in the Tokyo suburb. At least one child reported to be 12 years old, and one adult victim, have died. Among the injured are 13 elementary schoolchildren. The police report that the attacker also died of a self-inflicted injury.
In new interview, Pope Francis says he ‘knew nothing’ about McCarrick
In new interview, Pope Francis says he 'knew nothing' about McCarrick: In his first direct comments about the case of former Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, Pope Francis said that “about McCarrick I knew nothing, obviously, nothing, nothing.”
“I said it many times, I knew nothing, no idea,” Francis said in an interview with Mexican journalist Valentina Alazraki.
Speaking about the allegation made by Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano, who claimed last August that he had told the pope about Vatican-imposed restrictions against the former Archbishop of Washington, Francis said that “I don’t remember if he told me about this. If it’s true or not. No idea! But you know that about McCarrick, I knew nothing. If not, I wouldn’t have remained quiet, right?”
“I said it many times, I knew nothing, no idea,” Francis said in an interview with Mexican journalist Valentina Alazraki.
Speaking about the allegation made by Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano, who claimed last August that he had told the pope about Vatican-imposed restrictions against the former Archbishop of Washington, Francis said that “I don’t remember if he told me about this. If it’s true or not. No idea! But you know that about McCarrick, I knew nothing. If not, I wouldn’t have remained quiet, right?”
Monday, May 27, 2019
Can In Vitro Fertilization ever be morally permissible?
Can In Vitro Fertilizaton Ever Be Morally Permissible?BRUGGER: I want to begin by apologizing to you on behalf of the Catholic Church, and particularly on behalf of the priests, bishops, catechists and teachers that you’ve had in your life who have badly failed you. I am very sorry for this, truly, because it will doubtlessly make your reception of the truth of the Catholic teaching more difficult and doubtful. Please read my reply prayerfully.
Your beautifully worded dilemma comes down to a simple question: Is it ever morally legitimate to create new human life outside the context of marital intercourse? For if it is, then surely your situation — a devout, faithful, married Christian couple struggling with male infertility — would warrant a limited appeal to a technology like IVF.
Your beautifully worded dilemma comes down to a simple question: Is it ever morally legitimate to create new human life outside the context of marital intercourse? For if it is, then surely your situation — a devout, faithful, married Christian couple struggling with male infertility — would warrant a limited appeal to a technology like IVF.
14,000 soldiers, sailors, airmen gather in Lourdes for International Military Pilgrimage
Warriors of Prayer: International Military Pilgrimage of Lourdes Honors Mary: In the heart of the Marian month, May 17-19, the 61st International Military Pilgrimage (PMI) of Lourdes, in the south of France, took place. This year, 14,000 faith-filled soldiers and other military personnel from 40 countries on all five continents attended.
Every year, hundreds of wounded and ill soldiers take part in the activities and celebrations of the PMI. Through a partnership of the Knights of Columbus and the Archdiocese for the Military Services USA, “Warriors to Lourdes” provides the opportunity for hundreds of American wounded, ill and injured soldiers to live the transformative experience of a pilgrimage in the French city where, in 1858, the Virgin Mary appeared to Bernadette Soubirous in the cave-grotto at Massabielle.
Every year, hundreds of wounded and ill soldiers take part in the activities and celebrations of the PMI. Through a partnership of the Knights of Columbus and the Archdiocese for the Military Services USA, “Warriors to Lourdes” provides the opportunity for hundreds of American wounded, ill and injured soldiers to live the transformative experience of a pilgrimage in the French city where, in 1858, the Virgin Mary appeared to Bernadette Soubirous in the cave-grotto at Massabielle.
How to choose the perfect steak: All your FAQs answered
How to Choose the Perfect Steak: All Your FAQs Answered | The Art of Manliness: Grilling season is upon us, and if you’re like many folks in the United States, you’ll likely be throwing some steaks over coal and flame in the next few months.
While I’ve eaten steak since I was knee-high to a grasshopper, I’ve got to admit that, until fairly recently, I didn’t know much about them. What’s the difference between “Prime” and “Select” steak? Why would I choose a chuck eye over a rib eye? Should I fork over extra dough for grass-fed beef?
To satisfy my meaty curiosity and find out the answers to these questions and more, I took a deep dive into the subject.
Below I share what I’ve learned.
While I’ve eaten steak since I was knee-high to a grasshopper, I’ve got to admit that, until fairly recently, I didn’t know much about them. What’s the difference between “Prime” and “Select” steak? Why would I choose a chuck eye over a rib eye? Should I fork over extra dough for grass-fed beef?
To satisfy my meaty curiosity and find out the answers to these questions and more, I took a deep dive into the subject.
Below I share what I’ve learned.
Millennials, it is your duty to become ‘human wormholes’ to World War II and other historic events
Millennials as Human Wormholes to WWII | The Art of Manliness: Sixteen million Americans served in the Armed Forces during World War II. As of September 2018, there were less than half a million still alive. More than 97% of the veterans of WWII have disappeared from our ranks.
As the number of people who experienced the war on both the battle and home fronts has shrunk, so has the public’s interest in it. An author of books on WWII told me that interest in the war isn’t what it was even a decade ago, and speculated on the reason for that: fewer and fewer among the rising generations have a personal connection to this epic conflict — fewer and fewer had a relative who experienced it firsthand. To them, WWII is an increasingly distant, increasingly abstract, increasingly immaterial event in history. A faded black and white memory with all the dynamism and compelling color of a granite monument.
As the number of people who experienced the war on both the battle and home fronts has shrunk, so has the public’s interest in it. An author of books on WWII told me that interest in the war isn’t what it was even a decade ago, and speculated on the reason for that: fewer and fewer among the rising generations have a personal connection to this epic conflict — fewer and fewer had a relative who experienced it firsthand. To them, WWII is an increasingly distant, increasingly abstract, increasingly immaterial event in history. A faded black and white memory with all the dynamism and compelling color of a granite monument.
Memorial Day 2019
America, I Gave My Best to You – A Reflection on the Virtue of Patriotism - Community in MissionPOPE: Love of one’s country, patriotism, is related to the fourth commandment. The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches, It is the duty of citizens to contribute to the good of society in a spirit of truth, justice, solidarity and freedom. The love and service of one’s country follow from the duty of gratitude and belong to the order of charity. Much of this is reflected in a beautiful song written for the Ken Burns series “The War.” It is called “American Anthem.” The lyrics are touching and moving. The central themes are just what the Catechism teaches: gratitude and the serving of the common good. Let’s explore some of the themes of this song on this Memorial Day of 2019.
Sunday, May 26, 2019
St. Francis de Sales explains why you shouldn’t get angry when interrupted during prayer
Here's why you shouldn't get angry when interrupted during prayer AleteiaKOSLOSKI: Setting aside time for prayer is often a difficult task. Especially for those who are married and have children, carving out 15 to 30 minutes for quiet prayer time can be almost impossible.
Even when we do set aside time for prayer, little hands and voices inevitably interrupt it. For example, you may decide that tomorrow you will wake up one hour early to spend the morning reading a good spiritual book or simply rest in quiet meditation.
Even when we do set aside time for prayer, little hands and voices inevitably interrupt it. For example, you may decide that tomorrow you will wake up one hour early to spend the morning reading a good spiritual book or simply rest in quiet meditation.
Here’s what those little dots are on the edge of your car windows
Here's What Those Little Dots Are On The Edges Of Your Car Windows: Recently, while looking at the vibrant lights of Hong Kong through a bus window, I noticed for the eleven-millionth time those little dots and that black band running along the edge of the glass. “What are these?” I wondered. So when I got home, I called up a major automotive glass manufacturer to find out.
A May garland for Our Lady
A May Garland for Our Lady – Building Catholic CultureSTAUDT: May is the month of Mary, a time of new growth and a return to life fitting for the New Eve. Blessed John Henry Newman spoke of how nature itself bears witness to the joy we find in Our Lady. One traditional way of expressing Mary’s beauty in relation to spring can be found in the Flemish tradition of garland painting. Jan Brueghel the Elder produced the first image of Our Lady framed in garlands. His garland contained an opening for a set-in image painted on copper. Building upon that idea, he also collaborated with Rubens on another version containing the image of Our Lady within the painting itself. The garland creates a frame within the frame, while the image of Our Lady itself is portrayed as a free standing painting set within a landscape. The painting combines a still life, landscape, and figure painting. Subsequent garland paintings served to frame portraits and even mirrors, but eventually birthed a new genre used in many creative ways.
Prayer ‘pro seipso sacerdote’ (‘for the priest himself’)
WDTPRS: Prayer “Pro seipso sacerdote – For the priest himself” (1962MR) | Fr. Z's BlogZUHLSDORF: This time of year many new priests are being ordained and, consequently, many priests observe their own anniversaries.
In the traditional, Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite a priest can add orations for himself, Pro seipso sacerdote, on the anniversary of his ordination.
The 2002MR has three formularies Pro seipso sacerdote while the 1962MR has but one. Let’s look at the prayer in the Extraordinary Form, which I used today...
In the traditional, Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite a priest can add orations for himself, Pro seipso sacerdote, on the anniversary of his ordination.
The 2002MR has three formularies Pro seipso sacerdote while the 1962MR has but one. Let’s look at the prayer in the Extraordinary Form, which I used today...
Pope’s Regina Coeli address: ‘If you are open to the Holy Spirit, He will guide you on the paths of history’
Regina Coeli Address: On the Coming of the Holy Spirit, the Paraclete - ZENIT - English: The Gospel of this Sixth Sunday of Easter offers us a passage of Jesus’ address to the Apostles during the Last Supper. He speaks of the work of the Holy Spirit and makes a promise: “The Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” As the moment of the cross draws near, Jesus reassures the Apostles that they will not remain alone: the Holy Spirit, the Paraclete, will always be with them, who will sustain them in the mission to take the Gospel to the whole world. In the original Greek language, the word “Paraclete” means to be next to, to sustain and console. Jesus returns to the Father, but He continues to instruct and encourage His disciples through the action of the Holy Spirit.
4 important gifts of grace
Four Gifts of Grace – A Homily for the 6th Sunday of Easter - Community in MissionPOPE: Here is a fundamental theology of grace: keeping the commandments and mandates of the Lord’s Word is the fruit of His love, not the cause of it. The Lord says that if you love Him, the keeping of the commandments is sure to follow. Note that we do not initiate this love, God does. Scripture says, We love because he first Loved us.
No one can give what he does not have, and no one can possess what he has not received. God is the author and initiator of love. Love always starts with Him. The Lord is not setting up some sort of loyalty test here, as if He were saying, “If you love me, prove it by keeping my commandments.” That is not the gospel! The gospel is that God loved us before we were ever born, before we could do anything to merit His love. He loved us when we were dead in our sins, and He took the initiative to love us even when we hated Him and crucified Him.
No one can give what he does not have, and no one can possess what he has not received. God is the author and initiator of love. Love always starts with Him. The Lord is not setting up some sort of loyalty test here, as if He were saying, “If you love me, prove it by keeping my commandments.” That is not the gospel! The gospel is that God loved us before we were ever born, before we could do anything to merit His love. He loved us when we were dead in our sins, and He took the initiative to love us even when we hated Him and crucified Him.
Saturday, May 25, 2019
Exorcists witness: Mary is a powerful defender against demons
Exorcists Witness: Mary, Defender Against DemonsBECKMAN: Catholics traditionally consider the month of May as a time of particularly deep Marian devotion. Contemplation on the exalted life, mission, role and dignity of the Virgin Mary is rich and efficacious for growth in faith, hope, and love. Scripture, Tradition, and the saints attest to the role of Mary as God’s chosen Woman in the defeat of evil spirits.
Friday, May 24, 2019
NPR editor gets candid: ‘Babies are not babies until they are born’
NPR editor gets candid: 'Babies are not babies until they are born' — GetReligionDUIN: Last week, NPR released a memo on coverage of abortion and abortion opponents that sounds like something out of a Planned Parenthood propaganda manual. But this was a style guide to shape news coverage on America’s most influential radio network.
It was journalism policy in reaction to recent events involving a “fetal heartbeat” law in Georgia and an abortion ban in Alabama.
Question: What sane editor would unveil such insider advice that’s going to enrage people? I know NPR isn’t known as friendly to traditional forms of religion, but this was asking for war.
It was journalism policy in reaction to recent events involving a “fetal heartbeat” law in Georgia and an abortion ban in Alabama.
Question: What sane editor would unveil such insider advice that’s going to enrage people? I know NPR isn’t known as friendly to traditional forms of religion, but this was asking for war.
Pagans or Puritans — you choose...
Pagans or Puritans…You Choose – Fr. Dwight LongeneckerLONGENECKER: You might remember that in C.S. Lewis’ Narnia stories Mr Tumnus the Faun recounts how they used to have jolly times with Bacchus and Silenus. Lewis was criticized for bringing such blatant paganism into his works. What was he thinking? In writing to Don Giovanni–a Catholic priest, Lewis commented on the matter and observed that modern man was in such a lamentable state that perhaps it was necessary “first to make people good pagans, and after that to make them Christians”.
Michigan attorney general announces first arrests in Catholic clergy abuse investigation
Michigan Attorney General Announces First Arrests in Catholic Clergy Abuse Investigation - The New York Times: Michigan law enforcement officials made their first arrests in a statewide investigation into Catholic clergy sexual abuse, the state’s attorney general announced on Friday.
Former airline pilot appointed to lead diocese of Saginaw
Bishop Robert D. Gruss of Rapid City appointed to lead diocese of Saginaw, MI: Pope Francis Friday named Bishop Robert D. Gruss of Rapid City, South Dakota, the next bishop of the Diocese of Saginaw, Michigan.
In Saginaw, Gruss succeeds Bishop Joseph Robert Cistone, who died Oct. 16, 2018 at the age of 69, after a battle with lung cancer. Bishop Walter A. Hurley, bishop emeritus of Grand Rapids, has overseen the administration of the diocese since Cistone’s death.
In Saginaw, Gruss succeeds Bishop Joseph Robert Cistone, who died Oct. 16, 2018 at the age of 69, after a battle with lung cancer. Bishop Walter A. Hurley, bishop emeritus of Grand Rapids, has overseen the administration of the diocese since Cistone’s death.
Thursday, May 23, 2019
Is sexual autonomy worth the cost to human lives?
Is Sexual Autonomy Worth The Cost To Human Lives?MERING: The advice column over at The Cut has published a letter that is some version of a complaint I’ve heard for years from numerous women: “I have been on nearly 40 first dates in the past couple of years since I’ve been single. At first, casual dating was exactly what I needed. I tried casual relationships a handful of times with guys I had chemistry with, but I realized that they just made me feel bad about myself. I was always so painfully aware of the fact that the only reason these guys were talking to me was because I was letting them sleep with me…I felt like a sex doll. That might have been improved if the sex had been good, but it was mediocre at best. I tried to ignore the feelings and spice up the sex, but nothing worked.”
Curtail our culture of violence by addressing abortion
Curtail our culture of violence by addressing abortion - Denver CatholicAQUILA: Many people are worried about the increasing levels of violence in our country, and over the past week, three states passed laws that address a key contributor to our culture of violence. I am speaking about what Saint Mother Teresa called the “greatest destroyer of peace today” — abortion.
This past week, three states moved ahead with bills that recognize this reality by limiting abortion. I applaud these laws, which attempt to deliver justice to the most vulnerable among us — defenseless, unborn children. Every child has the right to life and should not have this right cast aside by his or her mother or father, regardless of the circumstances of his or her conception. We must not accept the illogical argument that unborn children do not have the same human rights as those of us who are born. It is an easy step to say that other classes of people have lesser rights if we accept this flawed reasoning.
This past week, three states moved ahead with bills that recognize this reality by limiting abortion. I applaud these laws, which attempt to deliver justice to the most vulnerable among us — defenseless, unborn children. Every child has the right to life and should not have this right cast aside by his or her mother or father, regardless of the circumstances of his or her conception. We must not accept the illogical argument that unborn children do not have the same human rights as those of us who are born. It is an easy step to say that other classes of people have lesser rights if we accept this flawed reasoning.
How classical education benefits the whole person — body, mind and soul
Shedding Light on Classical Education – WE'RE LATE FOR CHURCHGERD: I worked in media for years before becoming a mom. As a writer/producer, I learned the importance of simplicity and brevity in crafting a message. In film school, I was trained in the art of delivering the mythical elevator pitch—a famous director bumps their grocery cart into yours while perusing the organic fruits section—you better be ready to summarize your idea in a concise, persuasive manner before they finish selecting their non-GMO, pesticide-free dragon fruit. Otherwise, your amazing script idea is DOA. With experience, I’ve gotten better at pitching ideas to people. Often, I hit the mark, other times—not so much.
The devil targets Catholic priests — it’s urgent that we pray and sacrifice for them
An urgent call to pray for priests through prayer and sacrifice - OSV NewsweeklyLOPEZ: “No words I can use would be too strong to state that the Catholic priesthood needs prayer and sacrifice as never before since Calvary,” wrote the late Jesuit Father John Hardon in “The Value of Prayer and Sacrifice for Priests.” He reflects on 30 years of teaching priests, living with priests “and having labored for them, loving them and suffering with them.”
“One saint after another has declared that the devil’s principal target on earth is the Catholic priest,” he wrote. “Priests need, Lord how they need, special graces from God. We ask, why pray, then, for priests? We should pray for priests and bishops because this has been the practice of the Church since apostolic times. It’s a matter of revealed truth. It is a divine mandate.”
“One saint after another has declared that the devil’s principal target on earth is the Catholic priest,” he wrote. “Priests need, Lord how they need, special graces from God. We ask, why pray, then, for priests? We should pray for priests and bishops because this has been the practice of the Church since apostolic times. It’s a matter of revealed truth. It is a divine mandate.”
7 reasons you should still keep a paper map in your glovebox
7 Reasons You Should Still Keep a Paper Map in Your Glovebox | The Art of Manliness: Ever since Google Maps launched its app in 2008, I’ve been using GPS to get around town, and across the country. For a decade, a digital voice from my phone has led me, turn-by-turn, in cities I’m not familiar with and even cities I’ve lived in for years.
But during the past year or so, I’ve become uncomfortable with my reliance on GPS for a variety of reasons.
So I bought a paper map of my fair city of Tulsa, as well as a road atlas of the United States.
But during the past year or so, I’ve become uncomfortable with my reliance on GPS for a variety of reasons.
So I bought a paper map of my fair city of Tulsa, as well as a road atlas of the United States.
Scientists have found that this is a solution for loneliness...
A Solution for Loneliness - Scientific American: I was riding a bus recently and noticed an older man sitting outside a coffee shop on a busy sidewalk. He had set up a chessboard on the table in front of him, and he watched as people passed by, mostly engrossed in their phones. His eyes kept jumping from person to person, searching for someone to notice and join him for a game of chess. Right before the traffic cleared and my bus moved on, he reached over to make the first move, and then resumed his searching.
A rare shot of the International Space Station aligned over the day/night terminator on Earth
From Day Into Night on the International Space Station | NASA: NASA astronaut Christina Hammock Koch @AstroChristina posted this image of Earth taken from aboard the International Space Station. She said: "A couple times a year, theInternational Space Stationorbit happens to align over the day/night shadow line on Earth. We are continuously in sunlight, never passing into Earth’s shadow from the Sun, and the Earth below us is always in dawn or dusk. Beautiful time to cloud watch.
The new ‘Aladdin’ movie (RT 60%) is just a dim reminder of the animated version
SDG Reviews ‘Aladdin’GREYDANUS: Aladdin is fine. Everything’s fine. How could it be otherwise? It’s the story you know already, almost exactly. They say the lines and sing the songs, the same songs, almost exactly. It’s a good story, and they’re good songs. There are no spoilers in this review because how could there be?
When you take your kids to Disneyland and they stand in line to meet Aladdin and Princess Jasmine, they want to recognize them when they get to the front of the line. If they had Mena Massoud and Naomi Scott at Disneyland playing Aladdin and Jasmine, the kids would be thrilled.
When you take your kids to Disneyland and they stand in line to meet Aladdin and Princess Jasmine, they want to recognize them when they get to the front of the line. If they had Mena Massoud and Naomi Scott at Disneyland playing Aladdin and Jasmine, the kids would be thrilled.
What The Atlantic doesn’t understand about the priesthood
What The Atlantic doesn’t understand about the priesthood | Catholic HeraldJDFLYNN: It should not surprise anyone to discover wickedness among the ranks of the Catholic priesthood. Everyone with a modicum of self-awareness already knows that wickedness is endemic to the human condition. For most of us, it is as easy to be selfish, angry, lustful or power-hungry as it is simply to be – a disposition toward evil seems our perpetual condition, and acting on that disposition seems to come rather naturally.
Nor should any of us be surprised by systemic injustice, inequity, self-protection or ineptitude among the Church’s leadership. Anyone who has spent time in human communities knows that they are quickly given over to gossip, backbiting, power struggles and self-protection. Our species is not a natural meritocracy, much less any kind of virtue-cracy. Most of us realise that occupying a position of leadership is no guarantee of suitability for leadership – our experience teaches us quite the contrary, in fact.
Nor should any of us be surprised by systemic injustice, inequity, self-protection or ineptitude among the Church’s leadership. Anyone who has spent time in human communities knows that they are quickly given over to gossip, backbiting, power struggles and self-protection. Our species is not a natural meritocracy, much less any kind of virtue-cracy. Most of us realise that occupying a position of leadership is no guarantee of suitability for leadership – our experience teaches us quite the contrary, in fact.
At least 26 killed, nun decapitated in Central African Republic massacre
At least 26 killed, nun decapitated in CAR massacre – The Citizen: At least 26 people have been killed, and many more wounded, in a massacre representing one of the biggest single losses of life in the Central African Republic (CAR) since a February peace deal.
The UN’s peacekeeping mission in CAR (Minusca) reported on Wednesday that Tuesday’s slaughter took place after an armed group called 3R attacked two villages Koundjili and Djoumjoum, in the north-west of the country.
The slaughter was the biggest single loss of life since the government and 14 militias signed a deal in February aimed at restoring peace to one of Africa’s most troubled countries, the East African reported.
The UN’s peacekeeping mission in CAR (Minusca) reported on Wednesday that Tuesday’s slaughter took place after an armed group called 3R attacked two villages Koundjili and Djoumjoum, in the north-west of the country.
The slaughter was the biggest single loss of life since the government and 14 militias signed a deal in February aimed at restoring peace to one of Africa’s most troubled countries, the East African reported.
The name of the stand used in Eucharistic adoration reminds us what is happening
Why is this monstrance stand called a "tabor"? AleteiaKOSLOSKI: In the Roman Rite of the Catholic Church, the faithful often adore Christ in the Eucharist in a devotion referred to as Eucharistic adoration. The Blessed Sacrament (the consecrated Host) is taken out of the tabernacle where it is usually kept, and placed in a receptacle called a monstrance with a clear glass window that enables the faithful to see the Host.
Argentine doctor faces prison for refusing abortion; Chilean Jesuit faces abuse accusations
Argentine doctor faces prison for refusing abortion; Chilean Jesuit faces abuse accusationsSANMARTIN: A doctor has been condemned in Argentina for refusing to perform an abortion in the fifth month of a pregnancy causing uproar among Catholics, Evangelicals and pro-life groups; Pope Francis has appointed two new auxiliary bishops to the troubled Archdiocese of Santiago, Chile; and an apology from a Chilean Jesuit who “saw nothing and knew nothing,” but says he is now convinced his late friend Father Renato Poblete is guilty of abusing many women.
Have you noticed that God doesn’t seem to be in a big hurry about things?
The Delay and Silence of God - Community in MissionPOPE: We live in a loud, fast-paced world, one of constantly breaking news. Crisis and urgency always seem to be the order of the day. Instant communication and quick responses are expected, if not demanded.
On the national level, there is little reporting by the media before there is a rush to analyze, comment, and then demand a response and plan of action from public officials.
On a personal level, I seem to irritate people frequently by not responding sufficiently quickly. “I sent you a text, didn’t you get it?” If I don’t respond back to an email within a day, I may get another one with a subject like this
On the national level, there is little reporting by the media before there is a rush to analyze, comment, and then demand a response and plan of action from public officials.
On a personal level, I seem to irritate people frequently by not responding sufficiently quickly. “I sent you a text, didn’t you get it?” If I don’t respond back to an email within a day, I may get another one with a subject like this
How to understand the upcoming Sunday readings
The Sacred Page: The Kingdom of Love: 6th Sunday of EasterBERGSMA: We have arrived at the Sixth Week of Easter, and continue to bask in the glow of the story of the growth of the early Church in Acts, the vision of heaven from the Book of Revelation, and the consolation of Jesus’ words to the Apostles in the Upper Room from John. It’s a trifecta of glory in these Readings.
If last Sunday we noted a “kingdom of love” theme, this week we notice an emphasis on the idea of the “kingdom of peace.” In Acts (1st Reading) we see the measures that were necessary to keep peace in the early Church. In Revelation (2nd Reading) we see the peace of Eden restored in the heavenly New Jerusalem. In the Gospel we see Jesus bestowing his supernatural peace on the disciples.
If last Sunday we noted a “kingdom of love” theme, this week we notice an emphasis on the idea of the “kingdom of peace.” In Acts (1st Reading) we see the measures that were necessary to keep peace in the early Church. In Revelation (2nd Reading) we see the peace of Eden restored in the heavenly New Jerusalem. In the Gospel we see Jesus bestowing his supernatural peace on the disciples.
If Francis wants to mediate between the U.S. and Iran, his best odds may be with Tehran
If Francis wants to mediate US/Iran, his best odds may be with TehranALLEN: News headlines of late have been dominated by rumblings between the United States and Iran, capped by President Donald Trump taking to Twitter to state emphatically, “If Iran wants to fight, that will be the official end of Iran.”
In such moments of global tension, the Vatican typically aspires to play the role of a reconciler and peacemaker. Should they wish to get involved now, they would find themselves straddling a conflict between a Western, majority-Christian nation on one side, and a Middle Eastern majority-Muslim state on the other.
In the abstract, one would think the Vatican would get a better hearing from the Western, Christian Great Power. Yet here’s the irony of the present moment: One can assemble a powerful case that the Vatican under Pope Francis actually would stand a better chance of moving the needle with Iran.
In such moments of global tension, the Vatican typically aspires to play the role of a reconciler and peacemaker. Should they wish to get involved now, they would find themselves straddling a conflict between a Western, majority-Christian nation on one side, and a Middle Eastern majority-Muslim state on the other.
In the abstract, one would think the Vatican would get a better hearing from the Western, Christian Great Power. Yet here’s the irony of the present moment: One can assemble a powerful case that the Vatican under Pope Francis actually would stand a better chance of moving the needle with Iran.
Wednesday, May 22, 2019
The Pell case: Developments down under
The Pell case: Developments down under - Denver CatholicWEIGEL: In three weeks, a panel of senior judges will hear Cardinal George Pell’s appeal of the unjust verdict rendered against him at his retrial in March, when he was convicted of “historical sexual abuse.” That conviction did not come close to meeting the criterion of guilt “beyond a reasonable doubt,” which is fundamental to criminal law in any rightly-ordered society. The prosecution offered no corroborating evidence sustaining the complainant’s charge. The defense demolished the prosecution’s case, as witness after witness testified that the alleged abuse simply could not have happened under the circumstances charged — in a busy cathedral after Mass, in a secured space.
Father David Pivonka named president of Franciscan University of Steubenville
Father David Pivonka, TOR, President | Franciscan University of Steubenville: Franciscan University of Steubenville announced that Fr. David Pivonka, TOR, has been appointed the university’s seventh president.
“It’s both humbling and an honor to be chosen to lead Franciscan University of Steubenville,” Pivonka said in a May 22 statement.
“Over 30 years ago, I first arrived at Franciscan as an undergrad and received an outstanding education as well as life-changing spiritual formation as part of a dynamic, Catholic intellectual and faith community,” he added.
Tuesday, May 21, 2019
New D.C. Archbishop Wilton Gregory addresses sexual abuse scandal, pledges honesty
New D.C. Archbishop Wilton Gregory Addresses Abuse Scandal, Pledges Honesty: Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory was installed as the seventh archbishop of Washington Tuesday in a ceremony that comes at a turbulent time for the local Church under the cloud of his predecessors’ sexual abuse and cover-up scandals.
The newly-installed archbishop addressed the issue head-on in his homily, promising those gathered that he would be committed to transparency about his failings.
“I want to be a welcoming shepherd who laughs with you whenever we can, who cries with you whenever we must, and who honestly confesses his faults and failings before you when I commit them, not when they are revealed,” he said to loud applause from those gathered.
The newly-installed archbishop addressed the issue head-on in his homily, promising those gathered that he would be committed to transparency about his failings.
“I want to be a welcoming shepherd who laughs with you whenever we can, who cries with you whenever we must, and who honestly confesses his faults and failings before you when I commit them, not when they are revealed,” he said to loud applause from those gathered.
True reform will come — but only if you and I remain steadfast
True Reform Will Come — If You and I Remain SteadfastPOPE: Bishop Robert Barron recently published Letter to a Suffering Church: A Bishop Speaks on the Sexual Abuse Crisis. It is an excellent book — a meditation, really. It gives a sobering summary of the sexual-abuse crisis and a historical perspective and offers encouragement to believers in the aftermath of the recent and horrific events.
It also comes at an opportune time. I say this because my concerns that the issue would eventually fade from the focus of Catholics have largely come to pass. Mention of the topic is somewhat rare lately, and mentioned more often in passing. This is problematic for at least two reasons.
It also comes at an opportune time. I say this because my concerns that the issue would eventually fade from the focus of Catholics have largely come to pass. Mention of the topic is somewhat rare lately, and mentioned more often in passing. This is problematic for at least two reasons.
Tim Conway (a Catholic convert) was a kind soul, with a gentle sense of humor...
Tim Conway was a kind soul, with a gentle sense of humor. Maybe his faith played a role in that? — GetReligionMATTINGLY: If you are of a certain age, then you know that there was a decade or two in which Tim Conway was the funniest man alive. If you looked into the details of his life and personality, then you knew that he was more than that.
Watching The Carol Burnett Show was one of the few pop-culture rituals in the Southern Baptist preacher’s home in which I grew up. Conway was the star of the show, as far as I was concerned. It was interesting, last week, to read the mainstream media obituaries and tributes that followed his death.
The key? It was all about the adjectives — “kind,” “gentle,” “loving,” “impish,” “humble,” etc. — as today’s reporters tried to hint at the style and content of the work done by this master of the semi-improvised variety show skit.
Watching The Carol Burnett Show was one of the few pop-culture rituals in the Southern Baptist preacher’s home in which I grew up. Conway was the star of the show, as far as I was concerned. It was interesting, last week, to read the mainstream media obituaries and tributes that followed his death.
The key? It was all about the adjectives — “kind,” “gentle,” “loving,” “impish,” “humble,” etc. — as today’s reporters tried to hint at the style and content of the work done by this master of the semi-improvised variety show skit.
Belgian monks resurrect 220-year-old beer after finding recipe in their archives
Belgian monks resurrect 220-year-old beer after finding recipe | World news | The Guardian: It has taken more than 220 years but an order of monks at Grimbergen Abbey, producers of a fabled medieval beer whose brand was adopted by mass producers in the 1950s, have started to brew again after rediscovering the original ingredients and methods in their archives.
In a sign of the significance of the news for beer-loving Belgians, the announcement was made by the abbey’s subprior, Father Karel Stautemas, in the presence of the town’s mayor and 120 journalists and enthusiasts.
In a sign of the significance of the news for beer-loving Belgians, the announcement was made by the abbey’s subprior, Father Karel Stautemas, in the presence of the town’s mayor and 120 journalists and enthusiasts.
Archbishop Gregory installed in Washington, pledges openness at ‘defining moment’
Archbishop Gregory Installed in Washington, Pledges Openness at ‘Defining Moment’CONDON: Archbishop Wilton Gregory expressed “deep gratitude and immeasurable joy” as he took charge of the nation’s capital see see Tuesday.
“I want to be a welcoming shepherd who laughs with you whenever we can, who cries with you whenever we must, and who honestly confesses his faults and failings before you when I commit them, not when they are revealed,” Archbishop Gregory said to applause during his May 21 installation Mass as archbishop of Washington in Washington’s Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.
“We stand at a defining moment for this local faith community,” he said.
“I want to be a welcoming shepherd who laughs with you whenever we can, who cries with you whenever we must, and who honestly confesses his faults and failings before you when I commit them, not when they are revealed,” Archbishop Gregory said to applause during his May 21 installation Mass as archbishop of Washington in Washington’s Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.
“We stand at a defining moment for this local faith community,” he said.
So long, Cardinal Wuerl
So Long, Cardinal Wuerl | Ed Condon | First ThingsCONDON: Today marks Archbishop Wilton Gregory’s long-awaited arrival in Washington, D.C. But while all eyes and expectations are focused on the new man in the capital see, some thought should be spared for the one he replaces: Cardinal Donald Wuerl.
Between the release of the Pennsylvania grand jury report in August—in which he was named more than 200 times—and the luciferian fall from grace of his own predecessor, Theodore McCarrick, Wuerl has spent much of his last year in Washington under a cloud of scandal. Many Catholics and commentators have vocally anticipated Wuerl’s departure for months, even before Gregory’s name was announced. But despite those content to see Wuerl as forever linked with McCarrick, and to bracket them both with scandal and abuse, Wuerl deserves to be
Between the release of the Pennsylvania grand jury report in August—in which he was named more than 200 times—and the luciferian fall from grace of his own predecessor, Theodore McCarrick, Wuerl has spent much of his last year in Washington under a cloud of scandal. Many Catholics and commentators have vocally anticipated Wuerl’s departure for months, even before Gregory’s name was announced. But despite those content to see Wuerl as forever linked with McCarrick, and to bracket them both with scandal and abuse, Wuerl deserves to be
Hope for Vincent Lambert, ‘French Terri Schiavo,’ as court orders life support to be restored
Hope for Vincent Lambert As Court Orders Life Support to be Restored: A severely disabled French man, who has been artificially fed and hydrated in a hospital in northeastern France for over 10 years, was taken off life support Monday, hours before the hospital was ordered by a French court to return the support.
New study says happiest wives are, in order: religious conservatives, then religious liberals, then secular liberals, then secular conservatives...
Opinion | Religious Men Can Be Devoted Dads, Too - The New York Times: “Blue” marriages are better — or at least that is the conventional wisdom. Couples who live according to egalitarian values, sharing domestic responsibilities like housework and cooking, have long been seen as superior by most academics, journalists and public intellectuals engaged in the national conversation about the American family.
Vatican recruits 600 high school students to help digitize Secret Archives
New Advent: Vatican recruits 600 high school students to help digitize Secret Archives: CBS News offers a rare glimpse of the herculean project...
Monday, May 20, 2019
California confession bill amended, but would still require priests to violate seal
California Confession Bill Amended, But Still Would Require Priests to Violate SealJDFLYNN: California’s state senate will vote on a bill that would require priests to violate the seal of confession in certain limited circumstances. An amended text of the bill passed the Senate appropriations’ committee May 16.
The bill, as amended, would require priests to report to law enforcement knowledge or suspicion of child abuse gained from hearing the sacramental confessions of other priests or co-workers.
The bill originally would have required California priests to violate the seal of confession anytime they gained knowledge or suspicion of child abuse from hearing the confession of any penitent.
The bill, as amended, would require priests to report to law enforcement knowledge or suspicion of child abuse gained from hearing the sacramental confessions of other priests or co-workers.
The bill originally would have required California priests to violate the seal of confession anytime they gained knowledge or suspicion of child abuse from hearing the confession of any penitent.
Jim Carrey cartoon depicts Kay Ivey being aborted ‘before the fetus become Governor of Alabama’
Jim Carrey Cartoon Depicts Kay Ivey Being Aborted ‘Before the Fetus Become Governor of Alabama’: On Saturday, actor/liberal activist Jim Carrey posted a cartoon on Twitter depicting Republican Alabama Governor Kay Ivey being suctioned out of the womb.
Commenting on his drawing, Carrey says Gov. Ivey, who signed into law a bill banning abortion last week, should have been aborted before she became governor...
Commenting on his drawing, Carrey says Gov. Ivey, who signed into law a bill banning abortion last week, should have been aborted before she became governor...
Contemplation and the renewal of the Church
Beginning to Pray: Contemplation and the Renewal of the ChurchLILLES: Contemplative prayer remains a largely untapped resource for the renewal of the Church. Many understand it to be no more than an esoteric or at most therapeutic exercise. Others show little regard this spiritual activity or anyone who dedicates his life to this effort. Even still, this most simple and hidden movements of heart avails the world of a power too great for time and space to hold. This surrender to the surrender of God is the unseen spark the ignites the Church into a fiery icon of Divine Presence when light and warmth are most needed.
A brief directive for Church leaders
A Brief Directive for Church Leaders - Community in MissionPOPE: The first reading from Sunday Mass this week (5th Sunday of Easter) is very Catholic, and it’s too informative to just pass by. It presents a Church as rather highly organized and possessed of some the structures we know today in full form. Granted, some of these structures are in seminal (seed) form, but the are there.
One can detect qualities of the original kerygma that are at variance with what some modern thinkers declare should be the methodology of the Church. The soft Christianity of many today, who remove the cross and replace it with a pillow and who insist upon inclusion and affirmation to the exclusion of all else, is strangely absent in this early setting.
One can detect qualities of the original kerygma that are at variance with what some modern thinkers declare should be the methodology of the Church. The soft Christianity of many today, who remove the cross and replace it with a pillow and who insist upon inclusion and affirmation to the exclusion of all else, is strangely absent in this early setting.
The Church's silent witness can cut through the rocks of politics, culture
Church's silent witness can cut through the rocks of politics, cultureALLEN: Two things happened in Italy over the weekend, one of which was big, loud and widely covered, the other small and essentially unnoticed. Taken together, they illustrate something about the Church’s silent political and cultural impact, as opposed to its noisy public advocacy.
We’re not talking here about bishops’ statements, press conferences or papal encyclicals. Instead, this is about the effect over time on a culture of the Church’s daily life, a bit like the Colorado River once cut through layers of rock over centuries to carve out the Grand Canyon.
We’re not talking here about bishops’ statements, press conferences or papal encyclicals. Instead, this is about the effect over time on a culture of the Church’s daily life, a bit like the Colorado River once cut through layers of rock over centuries to carve out the Grand Canyon.
Cardinal Sarah endorses the “Notes” of Benedict XVI, “Martyr for the Truth”
Cardinal Sarah Endorses the “Notes” of Pope Benedict, “Martyr For the Truth” - Settimo Cielo - Blog - L’EspressoMAGISTER: Cardinal Robert Sarah took everyone by surprise on the evening of May 14 in Rome, in the auditorium of the cultural center of the church of St. Louis of the French, when everyone was expecting him to present his latest book, entitled “Le soir approche et déjà le jour baisse,” on the Church’s crisis of faith and the decline of the West.
Because instead, the cardinal said right away, “this evening I will not talk about this book at all.” And the reason - he explained - is that “the fundamental ideas that I develop in it were illustrated, presented, and demonstrated brilliantly last April by Pope Benedict XVI in the ‘notes’ that he had composed in view of the summit of the presidents of the episcopal conferences on sexual abuse convened in Rome by Pope Francis from February 21 to 24.”
Because instead, the cardinal said right away, “this evening I will not talk about this book at all.” And the reason - he explained - is that “the fundamental ideas that I develop in it were illustrated, presented, and demonstrated brilliantly last April by Pope Benedict XVI in the ‘notes’ that he had composed in view of the summit of the presidents of the episcopal conferences on sexual abuse convened in Rome by Pope Francis from February 21 to 24.”
Our ‘American Apple Pie Religion‘ is a blend of Oprah Winfrey, Walt Disney and Dale Carnegie
Selling the American Jesus – Fr. Dwight LongeneckerLONGENECKER: I am in the middle of writing my next book. It was going to be called The Way of the Warrior Priest but the working title now is Immortal Combat – Everyday Evil and the Only Solution.
As part of this process I am being drawn to meditate increasingly on the reality of evil and how, at the root of it all, are lies. Lies, lies, lies. We are the people of the lie, and the ways we lie are multiform and multi faceted. Layer upon layer of lies all interwoven with the lies in our society, the artificiality, the phony-ness, vanity, pride and self deception.
The most insidious lies are the lies we tell to ourselves as we justify sin, excuse ourselves and others to support the illusion that we are nice, kind, tolerant and loving people. We lie to support the image we like of ourselves as good, religious and holy people.
As part of this process I am being drawn to meditate increasingly on the reality of evil and how, at the root of it all, are lies. Lies, lies, lies. We are the people of the lie, and the ways we lie are multiform and multi faceted. Layer upon layer of lies all interwoven with the lies in our society, the artificiality, the phony-ness, vanity, pride and self deception.
The most insidious lies are the lies we tell to ourselves as we justify sin, excuse ourselves and others to support the illusion that we are nice, kind, tolerant and loving people. We lie to support the image we like of ourselves as good, religious and holy people.
Why people don’t want pro-life women in the abortion debate
How Controlling Pop Culture Helps The Left Dominate Abortion DebatesGRESS: New pro-life laws in Georgia and Alabama have elicited predictable responses from pro-abortion activists. Framing the pro-life argument as an attack on women, Alyssa Milano suggested a sex strike, while Linda Sarsour was quick to blame white women for supporting the patriarchy.
With the left’s sacrament of the left under fire, pro-abortion women are trotting out the same old tired arguments, ignoring the reality that millions of women are pro-life, including Gov. Kay Ivey, who signed Alabama’s bill into law. On “The View,” Meghan McCain, one of the few pro-life voices in media, said “[Pro-life] women like me are always left out of the conversation.” Millions of pro-life women seem to be invisible in abortion debates, or worse, they’re labeled “problematic.”
With the left’s sacrament of the left under fire, pro-abortion women are trotting out the same old tired arguments, ignoring the reality that millions of women are pro-life, including Gov. Kay Ivey, who signed Alabama’s bill into law. On “The View,” Meghan McCain, one of the few pro-life voices in media, said “[Pro-life] women like me are always left out of the conversation.” Millions of pro-life women seem to be invisible in abortion debates, or worse, they’re labeled “problematic.”
Why your Marian devotion might need a kickstart...
Why you should restart your Marian devotion - Joy of DevotionROBINSON: Marian devotion has not come easily to me.
Don’t get me wrong, I’ve tried:
Years of praying the rosary daily
Several consecrations
Consistent small devotions
But, “True” devotion has eluded me for any consistent period of time. The sort of devotion that does all “in Mary, by Mary, for Mary and with Mary.”
It’s tempting to dismiss this inconsistency by blaming my fragile human nature and just assuming that I’m always going to struggle. This is true to an extent, but this opinion contradicts Jesus’s promise to heal us in this life. And, this excuse doesn’t help us see the concrete obstacles standing in the way of this great devotion—a devotion which is so highly recommended by the church in general and St. Francis in particular.
Don’t get me wrong, I’ve tried:
Years of praying the rosary daily
Several consecrations
Consistent small devotions
But, “True” devotion has eluded me for any consistent period of time. The sort of devotion that does all “in Mary, by Mary, for Mary and with Mary.”
It’s tempting to dismiss this inconsistency by blaming my fragile human nature and just assuming that I’m always going to struggle. This is true to an extent, but this opinion contradicts Jesus’s promise to heal us in this life. And, this excuse doesn’t help us see the concrete obstacles standing in the way of this great devotion—a devotion which is so highly recommended by the church in general and St. Francis in particular.
I am the 1 percent used to justify 100 percent of abortions
I am the 1 percent used to justify 100 percent of abortions – The Radiance Foundation: Iowa. Kentucky. Mississippi. Ohio. Georgia. Alabama. What do these states have in common? Courage and compassion. They’ve passed Heartbeat bills (Missouri and Louisiana are on their way), banning the brutal act of abortion once a heartbeat can be detected in unborn children. I love how mainstream media is trying to spin this as a male versus female political fight (well, at least they’re admitting that there are only two genders). They ignore all the prolife women in this fight—the ones who run the majority of prolife organizations and the ones fighting in state and federal legislatures who reject the violence of abortion.
Amended California confession bill still targets priests, Catholic employees
Amended confession bill still targets priests, Catholic employees - Angelus News - Multimedia Catholic News: Catholic officials are urging Catholics to continue to oppose a California bill that would force priests to disclose information about child sexual abuse that they hear in the sacrament of confession, which is advancing in the state legislature.
Current California law requires clergy to report suspected abuse or neglect unless the information about the abuse was obtained during confession.
Current California law requires clergy to report suspected abuse or neglect unless the information about the abuse was obtained during confession.
Sunday, May 19, 2019
What do the numbers and letters on a boarding pass mean? How to read your ticket like a pro...
What Do the Numbers and Letters on a Boarding Pass Mean? | Mental Floss: Picture this: You're about to embark on a vacation or business trip, and you have to fly to reach your destination. You get to the airport, make it through the security checkpoint, and breathe a sigh of relief. What do you do next? After putting your shoes back on, you'll probably look at your boarding pass to double-check your gate number and boarding time. You might scan the information screen for your flight number to see if your plane will arrive on schedule, and at some point before boarding, you'll also probably check your zone and seat numbers.
A gorgeous drone’s-eye-view video of Colorado
New Advent: A gorgeous drone’s-eye-view video of Colorado: Best watched at high-resolution in full-screen mode...
What the Church teaches by saturating liturgy with the “Glory Be”
What the Church teaches by saturating liturgy with the “Glory Be”: The Liturgy of the Hours has a distinct rhythm that becomes familiar over time. The Our Father comes at the end every morning and evening, antiphons are repeated after each psalm, the Gospel canticle is always marked with the Sign of the Cross, and when in doubt, pray the doxology.
“Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,” we pray, tripping up those who are more familiar with the slight variation that’s used in the rosary. “As it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever.”
“Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,” we pray, tripping up those who are more familiar with the slight variation that’s used in the rosary. “As it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever.”
Church in Chile ‘shocked’ and ‘perplexed’ over abuse crisis, locals say
Church in Chile 'shocked,' 'perplexed' over abuse crisis, locals saySANMARTIN: Though it’s been diminishing for a while, more so in some places than others, the influence of the Catholic Church across Latin America is still undeniable. Chile is no exception, especially given that the Church here was at the forefront of the defense of human rights during the 1973-1990 dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet.
The Church’s standing in Chile right now, however, is taking a historic beating.
The Church’s standing in Chile right now, however, is taking a historic beating.
The Lord has left a legacy of love for us to draw upon
The Legacy of Love – A Homily for the 5th Week of Easter - Community in MissionPOPE: The title of this sermon uses the word legacy, which refers to something transmitted by or received from an ancestor or predecessor.
Perhaps the most accessible image of this is money. If I receive 100 million dollars from a dying relative, I can the money to start living differently. My bills, which now seem overwhelming, can be paid with just the interest earned from my newfound wealth. I can start enjoying things I thought I could never afford in the past. In other words, a legacy can completely change the way I live and open up new possibilities.
Perhaps the most accessible image of this is money. If I receive 100 million dollars from a dying relative, I can the money to start living differently. My bills, which now seem overwhelming, can be paid with just the interest earned from my newfound wealth. I can start enjoying things I thought I could never afford in the past. In other words, a legacy can completely change the way I live and open up new possibilities.
Nationalism and Catholicism collide in run-up to the European elections
Nationalism and Catholicism collide in run-up to the European elections — Religion UnpluggedLISI: Italians will go to the ballot box on May 26 to elect members of the country’s delegation to the European Parliament.
The vote — part of elections held across the European Union — will be another litmus test regarding Italy’s two populist political parties and whether they can withstand challenges from the left. What this latest electoral test will also do is reveal Italy’s love-hate relationship with the Catholic church.
The country’s Democratic Party, which holds a majority of seats, is likely to go down in defeat like it did in last year’s national elections. That’s where two populist parties, the League, which is on the right, and the Five-Star Movement, on the left, joined forces since neither had gained a majority in parliament.
The vote — part of elections held across the European Union — will be another litmus test regarding Italy’s two populist political parties and whether they can withstand challenges from the left. What this latest electoral test will also do is reveal Italy’s love-hate relationship with the Catholic church.
The country’s Democratic Party, which holds a majority of seats, is likely to go down in defeat like it did in last year’s national elections. That’s where two populist parties, the League, which is on the right, and the Five-Star Movement, on the left, joined forces since neither had gained a majority in parliament.
Belloc, the Bible, and a buried lede about a Franciscan
Last Things | New Oxford ReviewMILLS: These words of Hilaire Belloc’s have been popping up a lot on the Web, so in case you haven’t seen it: Arriving at a posh Anglican school after a Catholic gathering, he told its Anglican minister: “The Catholic Church is an institution I am bound to hold divine — but for unbelievers a proof of its divinity might be found in the fact that no merely human institution conducted with such knavish imbecility would have lasted a fortnight.”
The story appears in Robert Speaight’s The Life of Hilaire Belloc. It follows another story in which Belloc left a Catholic gathering saying, “I have been having my bellyful of clerics lately.” He told his listeners, “Caveant sacerdotes.”
The story appears in Robert Speaight’s The Life of Hilaire Belloc. It follows another story in which Belloc left a Catholic gathering saying, “I have been having my bellyful of clerics lately.” He told his listeners, “Caveant sacerdotes.”
Making the best case for that open letter on papal heresy
Making the best case for that open letter on papal heresy | Catholic CultureLAWLER: John Rist, perhaps the most distinguished scholar among those who signed the open letter charging Pope Francis with heresy, has explained his action in an interview with the National Catholic Register. I would strongly urge all concerned Catholics to read the entire interview. Rist is an extremely intelligent man, and makes a strong case in defense of the open letter, while at the same time recognizing its limitations.
Although I remain convinced that the open letter is asking the wrong question, I am entirely in sympathy with Rist’s ideas as he explains them to the Register. And I dare say that, based on the same interview, he seems to be in sympathy with the argument I put forward more than a year ago in Lost Shepherd: that Pope Francis has produced immense confusion among the Catholic faithful, which can only be corrected by clear and forthright teaching from stalwart bishops.
Although I remain convinced that the open letter is asking the wrong question, I am entirely in sympathy with Rist’s ideas as he explains them to the Register. And I dare say that, based on the same interview, he seems to be in sympathy with the argument I put forward more than a year ago in Lost Shepherd: that Pope Francis has produced immense confusion among the Catholic faithful, which can only be corrected by clear and forthright teaching from stalwart bishops.
King St. Eric of Sweden is a template for dads everywhere
King St. Eric of Sweden: Template for Dads | God-Haunted LunaticBECKER: It can’t be easy for kings to become saints. Most are also husbands and fathers, and so you have all the challenges that come with those callings, plus the enormous headaches and perpetual consternation associated with ruling a people. Raise taxes, lower taxes? Go to war, sue for peace? Statecraft, diplomacy, court intrigues – how do Gospel values square with all that? Just pack up the fam, head to the hills, and camp out near some monastery or other, that’s what I say.
Of course, I’m not in danger of inheriting any royal titles any time soon, so there’s that.
Of course, I’m not in danger of inheriting any royal titles any time soon, so there’s that.
Pope’s Sunday Regina Coeli address: “Christ’s love helps us love those 'on the other side'”
Pope Francis: Christ's love helps us love those 'on the other side': The boundless love with which Jesus Christ loves each and every person is the same love Catholics are compelled to show their “enemies,” Pope Francis said Sunday.
Speaking during his address before the recitation of the Regina Coeli prayer May 19, the pope asked people to answer a question in their hearts: “Am I capable of loving my enemies?”
“We all have people – I do not know if they are enemies – but that do not agree with us, who are ‘on the other side,’” he said.
Speaking during his address before the recitation of the Regina Coeli prayer May 19, the pope asked people to answer a question in their hearts: “Am I capable of loving my enemies?”
“We all have people – I do not know if they are enemies – but that do not agree with us, who are ‘on the other side,’” he said.
Saturday, May 18, 2019
Humility should be the ‘cornerstone’ of media work, Pope Francis tells journalists
Humility should be the foundation of media work, Pope Francis tells journalists: Pope Francis told journalists Saturday that their profession has a great responsibility, the foundation of which should be humility.
“Humility is an essential virtue for spiritual life; but I would say that it can also be a fundamental element of your profession,” the pope said May 18.
He affirmed that there are other important qualities of a journalist, such as professionalism, writing skill, and ability to investigate and ask the right questions, but added that, “still, humility can be the cornerstone of your activity.”
“Yours is an indispensable role, and this also gives you a great responsibility,” he continued. “It asks of you a particular care for the words you use in your articles, for the images you transmit in your services, for everything you share on social media.”
“Humility is an essential virtue for spiritual life; but I would say that it can also be a fundamental element of your profession,” the pope said May 18.
He affirmed that there are other important qualities of a journalist, such as professionalism, writing skill, and ability to investigate and ask the right questions, but added that, “still, humility can be the cornerstone of your activity.”
“Yours is an indispensable role, and this also gives you a great responsibility,” he continued. “It asks of you a particular care for the words you use in your articles, for the images you transmit in your services, for everything you share on social media.”
Friday, May 17, 2019
Despite religious freedom concerns, House passes Equality Act
Despite religious freedom concerns, House passes Equality Act: The House of Representatives passed the controversial Equality Act on Friday, amid heated opposition from those who argue it would pose serious threats to critical constitutional freedoms.
“This bill undermines human dignity by threatening the fundamental freedoms of speech, religion, and conscience that the First Amendment guarantees for every citizen,” said Kristen Waggoner, senior vice president of the U.S. legal division for Alliance Defending Freedom. “Americans deserve better than the profound inequality that this intolerant, deceptively titled legislation offers.”
“This bill undermines human dignity by threatening the fundamental freedoms of speech, religion, and conscience that the First Amendment guarantees for every citizen,” said Kristen Waggoner, senior vice president of the U.S. legal division for Alliance Defending Freedom. “Americans deserve better than the profound inequality that this intolerant, deceptively titled legislation offers.”
See the face of a man who lived in Switzerland 1,300 years ago
See the facial reconstruction of a man who lived 1,300 years ago: Adelasius Ebalchus has a decidedly Latin name for a man who lived in Switzerland around A.D. 700, centuries after the western Roman Empire fell apart. That choice of name was deliberate, explains Mirjam Wullschleger of the Solothurn state archaeology department. It was at this time that Germanic peoples were moving into the Swiss Plateau in the country’s north, changing the language and culture of the remnant Roman empire to that of the German-speaking Alemanni tribe.
This chemist will be the first beatified Opus Dei numerary
This chemist will be the first beatified Opus Dei numerary: On May 18 in Madrid, Guadalupe Ortiz de Landazuri, a laywoman, will become the first numerary of Opus Dei to be beatified. A chemist, university teacher, and close associate of St. Josemaría Escrivá, she was known for her strong character, big heart, and cheerfulness.
According to Beatriz Gaytan, a historian who knew Ortiz: “Whenever I think of her, despite the time that has elapsed, what I hear is her laugh. Guadalupe had a permanent smile. She was welcoming, affable, straightforward.”
Opus Dei was made a personal prelature by St. John Paul II in 1982. It was founded by St. Josemaría Escrivá in 1928 and teaches that everyone is called to personal holiness in and through their ordinary lives.
According to Beatriz Gaytan, a historian who knew Ortiz: “Whenever I think of her, despite the time that has elapsed, what I hear is her laugh. Guadalupe had a permanent smile. She was welcoming, affable, straightforward.”
Opus Dei was made a personal prelature by St. John Paul II in 1982. It was founded by St. Josemaría Escrivá in 1928 and teaches that everyone is called to personal holiness in and through their ordinary lives.
‘I hate all of you’: ‘Juno’ writer regrets that her movie was pro-life
‘I Hate All of You’: ‘Juno’ Writer Regrets That Her Movie was Pro-Life: These are the times that try feminists’ souls. Pro-life laws in places like Georgia and Alabama threaten to produce an epidemic of live, healthy births in red states in the not-too-distant future. All good progressives must rally to the abortion uber alles flag. Now is not time to be seen as a summer sister or sunshine patriarchy smasher, not while famous comrades deprive themselves of cheap, non-union production labor or forswear carnal gratification.
Ex-Legionary, Fox News personality Father Jonathan Morris asks to leave the priesthood
Ex-Legionary, Fox News personality asks to leave the priesthoodSANMARTIN: Father Jonathan Morris, a former member of the Legion of Christ who was at one time among the most prominent Catholic priests in America as a contributor to Fox News, has asked to be dismissed from the clerical state, indicating he wants to be free to “marry and have a family” though saying it’s not about an “existing relationship.”
In a statement released Friday, Morris writes that the decision has filled him “with newfound joy,” though he says he knows some people won’t understand his decision to leave the priesthood.
In a statement released Friday, Morris writes that the decision has filled him “with newfound joy,” though he says he knows some people won’t understand his decision to leave the priesthood.
Vatican court acquits priest accused of sexual misconduct
Vatican court acquits priest accused of sexual misconductHARRIS: On Friday, the Vatican’s Supreme Court announced that after an investigation, they have acquitted Father Hermann Geissler, an Austrian priest who formerly worked at the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith who was accused of making sexual advances during confession.
Geissler resigned from his post as an official in the Vatican’s doctrine office Jan. 29 after allegations against him went public, though he maintained his innocence. The same day, the congregation issued a request for a canonical investigation.
Geissler resigned from his post as an official in the Vatican’s doctrine office Jan. 29 after allegations against him went public, though he maintained his innocence. The same day, the congregation issued a request for a canonical investigation.
A Christian gentleman in the nation’s capital
A Christian gentleman in the nation’s capital - Denver CatholicWEIGEL: Clement Attlee once described Winston Churchill as akin to a layer cake: one never knew which layer of his personality would be displayed at a given moment — the 17th-century Churchill, imaginatively riding across the battlefields of Europe with his great ancestor, Marlborough; the 18th-century Churchill, standing in Parliament alongside Edmund Burke; the man born into 19th-century aristocracy at Blenheim Palace; the colossus of the democratic 20th century; or the visionary of the 21st century.
On the sufferings of St. Paul and the price of the Gospel
On the Sufferings of St. Paul and the Price of the Gospel - Community in MissionPOPE: As we turn in this week of Easter to the Acts of Paul section of the Acts of the Apostles, we do well to ponder the kinds of sufferings the apostles endured to announce the gospel and win souls for Christ. In the “softer” Church of the declining West, it is hard for us even to imagine such suffering. How many Catholics today can even bear to rouse themselves to get to an hour-long Mass on Sunday? How many of us clergy will not speak the truth because we’re afraid of getting a raised eyebrow?
New D.C. leader says of facing abuse crisis again: ‘I’m not afraid’
New D.C. leader says of facing abuse crisis again: 'I'm not afraid'ALLEN: Seventeen years ago, a charismatic young African-American bishop of Belleville, Illinois, rose to national prominence as president of the U.S. bishops’ conference at a time when the clerical sexual abuse crisis exploded in Boston in 2002, and then quickly rippled across the country.
In a dark moment for the American Church, many Catholics felt Wilton Gregory was a rare point of light. Poised, articulate, and resolute, Gregory led the U.S. bishops in adopting the “Dallas Charter,” the heart of which was a “zero tolerance” policy widely credited today for better detection and reporting mechanisms as well as steep reductions in the number of abuse cases over the last two decades.
In a dark moment for the American Church, many Catholics felt Wilton Gregory was a rare point of light. Poised, articulate, and resolute, Gregory led the U.S. bishops in adopting the “Dallas Charter,” the heart of which was a “zero tolerance” policy widely credited today for better detection and reporting mechanisms as well as steep reductions in the number of abuse cases over the last two decades.
Alabama’s abortion bill and what it means to be pro-life
Alabama’s Abortion Bill and What It Means to Be Pro-Life | Fr. Dwight LongeneckerLONGENECKER: I’m a pro life priest. We have a strong and active pro life ministry in our parish. Every year we take a bus and March for Life. We pray at the abortion clinic. We support Birthright–our local support group for women in crisis pregnancies. We encourage and support families who foster and adopt.
I’m happy about the Alabama vote, and the pray the legislation going through in my own state of South Carolina, in Georgia, Ohio and elsewhere will lead to the reversal of Roe v. Wade.
I’m happy about the Alabama vote, and the pray the legislation going through in my own state of South Carolina, in Georgia, Ohio and elsewhere will lead to the reversal of Roe v. Wade.
The 19th-century infographic that stacks a redwood against St. Peter’s Basilica...
The Chart That Measures Tall Trees Against Architectural Wonders - Atlas Obscura: Eduard Mielck was a big fan of enormous plants. He worked as a forestry official in Holstein, Germany, and in 1863 published a volume titled Die Riesen der Pflanzenwelt, or The Giants of the Plant World, which compiled measurements and dreamy illustrations of some of the most soaring living organisms known at the time.
Just how big is “giant”? It’s hard to understand height without a reference point—something familiar that sticks in the mind’s eye. Mielck understood this need for scale, and filled his book with illustrations that offer fresh perspectives on massive living things that relatively few would ever be able to see in person.
Just how big is “giant”? It’s hard to understand height without a reference point—something familiar that sticks in the mind’s eye. Mielck understood this need for scale, and filled his book with illustrations that offer fresh perspectives on massive living things that relatively few would ever be able to see in person.
12,000 ‘On the March’ to Lourdes for the International Military Pilgrimage
'On the March' with the International Military Pilgrimage to Lourdes: Over 12,000 soldiers from over 40 countries are set to arrive in Lourdes, France on Friday as part of the 61st Annual International Military Pilgrimage. The pilgrimage goes throughout the weekend before concluding on Sunday.
The International Military Pilgrimage, known as the PMI [Pèlerinage Militaire International] first began in 1958, the 100th anniversary of the Marian apparition at Lourdes. The theme of this year’s pilgrimage is Cherche la Paix et poursuis-la, “seek peace and pursue it.”
The International Military Pilgrimage, known as the PMI [Pèlerinage Militaire International] first began in 1958, the 100th anniversary of the Marian apparition at Lourdes. The theme of this year’s pilgrimage is Cherche la Paix et poursuis-la, “seek peace and pursue it.”
Thursday, May 16, 2019
The English word that hasn’t changed in sound or meaning in 8,000 years
The English Word That Hasn’t Changed in Sound or Meaning in 8,000 Years: One of my favorite words is lox,” says Gregory Guy, a professor of linguistics at New York University. There is hardly a more quintessential New York food than a lox bagel—a century-old popular appetizing store, Russ & Daughters, calls it “The Classic.” But Guy, who has lived in the city for the past 17 years, is passionate about lox for a different reason. “The pronunciation in the Proto-Indo-European was probably ‘lox,’ and that’s exactly how it is pronounced in modern English,” he says. “Then, it meant salmon, and now it specifically means ‘smoked salmon.’ It’s really cool that that word hasn’t changed its pronunciation at all in 8,000 years and still refers to a particular fish.”
The Kingdom of Love: The readings for the 5th Sunday of Easter
The Sacred Page: The Kingdom of Love: 5th Sunday of EasterBERGSMA: The Easter Season is passing quickly. Already it is more than half over, as we progress toward the great Feasts of Ascension and Pentecost. We want the Season to slow down, so that we may savor the joy and consolation of these readings from Acts and John that dominate the Easter Cycle, but tempus fugit. The Readings for this Fifth Sunday of Easter describe the growth of the Kingdom of God, which is manifested on earth as the Church. The first two readings and the psalm are tied together with Kingdom images, and the Gospel reminds us that this Kingdom is characterized by God’s love.
Archdiocese of Detroit cancels sporting events on Sundays
Detroit Archdiocese Cancels Sporting Events on Sundays: The Archdiocese of Detroit has announced that it will no longer hold required sporting events on Sundays, in an effort to refocus the day on prayer, family and rest.
In a reflection on his 2016 pastoral letter, Unleash the Gospel, Archbishop Allen Vigneron issued a pastoral note on Wednesday, emphasizing the importance of “the Lord’s Day.”
He said Sunday is ultimately a time for faith, family, and rest, announcing that Catholic grade and high schools in the archdiocese will cease sports practices and games on this day.
“Sunday [is] a day set apart for the Lord, for family and for works of mercy,” he said. “In our time, Sunday has slowly lost its pride of place. In the Archdiocese of Detroit, we are committed to setting aside this day as much as possible for God-centered pursuits.”
In a reflection on his 2016 pastoral letter, Unleash the Gospel, Archbishop Allen Vigneron issued a pastoral note on Wednesday, emphasizing the importance of “the Lord’s Day.”
He said Sunday is ultimately a time for faith, family, and rest, announcing that Catholic grade and high schools in the archdiocese will cease sports practices and games on this day.
“Sunday [is] a day set apart for the Lord, for family and for works of mercy,” he said. “In our time, Sunday has slowly lost its pride of place. In the Archdiocese of Detroit, we are committed to setting aside this day as much as possible for God-centered pursuits.”
This trail in the Holy Land covers at least 3,000 years of biblical history
This trail in the Holy Land covers at least 3,000 years of biblical history--AleteiaESPARZA: Tradition claims Moses walked all across Jordan, from the Red Sea in the south all the way to the north to Mount Nebo on his way to the Promised Land. In fact, the closest city to the ancient Nabatean city of Petra is called “Wadi Mousa,” “the Valley of Moses,” very close to what tradition has also identified as Moses’ well, the place where Moses struck water from the rock. From this very same spring the Nabateans would draw water, through a clay aqueduct that is still very much there, all the way to Petra.
With America’s Vatican ‘checkup’ on tap, the reports come due
Whispers in the Loggia: With US' Vatican "Checkup" On Tap, The Reports Come DuePALMO: Even more than usual, the last 11 months have seen no shortage of notable stories come up, only to get washed out within hours by the latest curveball on the crisis front.
Among other instances, this happened last July when – at the start of what should've been a quiet summer weekend – a Friday night saw the first report of plans for the all-important ad limina visit of the US bishops: American Catholicism's first Roman "exam" in the age of Francis ... yet before dawn the next morning, the announcement of Theodore McCarrick's forced resignation from the College of Cardinals – the first ouster of its kind in nearly a century – didn't just rightly take over the news-cycle, but turbo-charged it.
Among other instances, this happened last July when – at the start of what should've been a quiet summer weekend – a Friday night saw the first report of plans for the all-important ad limina visit of the US bishops: American Catholicism's first Roman "exam" in the age of Francis ... yet before dawn the next morning, the announcement of Theodore McCarrick's forced resignation from the College of Cardinals – the first ouster of its kind in nearly a century – didn't just rightly take over the news-cycle, but turbo-charged it.
U.S. births have fallen to a 32-year low; CDC says birthrate is in record slump
U.S. Birthrate Is Lowest In 32 Years, CDC Says : NPR: The U.S. birthrate fell again in 2018, to 3,788,235 births — representing a 2% drop from 2017. It's the lowest number of births in 32 years, according to a new federal report. The numbers also sank the U.S. fertility rate to a record low.
Not since 1986 has the U.S. seen so few babies born. And it's an ongoing slump: 2018 was the fourth consecutive year of birth declines, according to the provisional birthrate report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Birthrates fell for nearly all racial and age groups, with only slight gains for women in their late 30s and early 40s, the CDC says.
Not since 1986 has the U.S. seen so few babies born. And it's an ongoing slump: 2018 was the fourth consecutive year of birth declines, according to the provisional birthrate report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Birthrates fell for nearly all racial and age groups, with only slight gains for women in their late 30s and early 40s, the CDC says.
9 things I wish I could go back in time to tell my young self about the Faith
9 Things I Wish I Could Go Back in Time to Tell My Young Self About the Faith – WE'RE LATE FOR CHURCHGERD: I occasionally like to reimagine what my life might look like if I could have a heart-to-heart with that 12-year-old kid I used to be. What if I could share with her all that I’ve learned about the beauty and genius of the Catholic Church? What if I could shake her and tell her to take a plunge into the depth of her faith? I consider myself blessed to be finally gaining some fluency, but growing up in a time of great confusion in the Church (post-Vatican II, 1970’s and 80’s) I often think, “Why didn’t I ever learn this when I was a kid?!” I suspect many of us cradle Catholics have wondered this. It’s like we got the most watered-down, milquetoast version of the faith possible. Want to know about Christ’s glorious resurrection? Meditate on this butterfly while listening to some classic Cat Stevens.
How the Resurrection transforms you from a tomb to a temple
From Sepulchers to Temples: The Transforming Presence of the Resurrection – Building Catholic CultureSTAUDT: Easter marks the time that brought us from death to life. We became a new creation in Baptism, through which we died and rose with Christ. It changed us from a tomb, a place of spiritual death, to a temple of the Holy Spirit. We might compare this transformation to the Holy Sepulcher: it was a place of death but now testifies to the living presence of Christ, who dies no more. As we move from a place of death to one of life, we become a home for the Risen Christ, a temple to make him present in the world. If we fall into sin, thankfully the Lord gives us a gift of renewal in Confession, which does not whitewash on the outside, but cleanses us from within, renewing his temple.
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton: A convert who brought her gifts with her into the Church
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton: A Convert Who Brought Her Gifts With Her Into the Church - The Coming Home NetworkSWAIM: Elizabeth was born two years before the Declaration of Independence was signed. From an early age, she was taught the value of service by her parents, especially her father, a surgeon who would serve immigrants in New York City, even risking his life to do so when yellow fever hit the city. As a young woman in the Episcopal Church, she participated actively in her parish’s social ministry and often distributed food and other vital items to needy families. In addition to those passions, she was also a talented musician and an avid reader, and in an age where education for women was rare, she saw early on the value of perfecting the intellect to the glory of God.
9 reasons you should host a dinner party this weekend
9 Reasons You Should Host a Dinner Party This Weekend | The Art of Manliness: Why is it that folks are so hesitant about throwing dinner parties? It’s likely some combination of a few different factors:
The well-edited version of food and life that’s presented on social media has led to a perception of heightened expectations, and the feeling that if you can’t make a party perfect, you shouldn’t throw one at all.
To a generation raised on consuming experiences instead of creating them, hosting a dinner seems like too much work.
The rise of anxiety has made people skittish about socializing.
And sometimes too, strained finances can make hosting seem like too big a burden on one’s budget.
The well-edited version of food and life that’s presented on social media has led to a perception of heightened expectations, and the feeling that if you can’t make a party perfect, you shouldn’t throw one at all.
To a generation raised on consuming experiences instead of creating them, hosting a dinner seems like too much work.
The rise of anxiety has made people skittish about socializing.
And sometimes too, strained finances can make hosting seem like too big a burden on one’s budget.
What you think matters more than you think. Christ alone can give you a ‘new mind’
Mind Your Mind! - Community in MissionPOPE: There is a tendency today to trivialize and reduce the human person. One of the ways we do this is by claiming that it doesn’t really matter what people think or believe, only that they behave well. For example, we think that if a man is a good citizen, pays his taxes, doesn’t beat his wife, and is kind to children and animals then it doesn’t matter what he believes. This trivializes the man, because each of us was made to know the one, true God. We were made to know the truth and, knowing this truth, to be set free (Jn 8:32). God’s plan for us is more than just that we behave “well” from a human perspective. He offers each of us a complete transformation: a new mind and heart, attained through personal knowledge and experience of Him. This will certainly affect our behavior, but God is offering us much more than just to be considered “nice” by other people.
Harvard researchers discovered an astonishing fact about people who go to Mass
Death by Loneliness | RealClearPolicy: A Harvard research study followed 89,000 women over a 15-year period in order to understand the relationship between religion and suicide. Results showed that Catholic women who attended Mass weekly had a suicide rate that was half that of the general population. Of the 7,000 women who attended Mass more than once a week, not a single one committed suicide during the 15 years of the study.
Married priests? We already have married priests. I am one of them...
Married Priests Now? – Fr. Dwight LongeneckerLONGENECKER: It seems there are billboards like this going up all across Cincinnati demanding “Married Priests. Now.”
My usual quick comment when someone brings up the issue of married priests (and it is almost always a progressive Catholic who does so) is:
“Well, we have to remember that if the man is married and young and he and his wife are fertile they would be living within the teachings of the Catholic Church right?”
“Well. Um. Sure. I guess”
“Right. So if they are young and fertile they’re not going to be using contraceptives so they may not have your neat and tidy 2.3 suburban children with a working mom and double income. They might in fact have a dozen kids and it ain’t really cheapter by the dozen.”
My usual quick comment when someone brings up the issue of married priests (and it is almost always a progressive Catholic who does so) is:
“Well, we have to remember that if the man is married and young and he and his wife are fertile they would be living within the teachings of the Catholic Church right?”
“Well. Um. Sure. I guess”
“Right. So if they are young and fertile they’re not going to be using contraceptives so they may not have your neat and tidy 2.3 suburban children with a working mom and double income. They might in fact have a dozen kids and it ain’t really cheapter by the dozen.”
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