Sunday, June 30, 2019
On Brebeuf Jesuit and the Church’s witness to God’s definition of love
On Brebeuf Jesuit and the Church’s witness to God’s definition of love – Catholic World ReportBUSHMAN: It is interesting to observe that in the Catholic New Agency (CNA) report of June 20, 2019 on Archbishop Charles Thompson rescinding recognition of Brebeuf Jesuit as a Catholic institution of secondary education, the words “witness” and “conscience” each appears twice, while the word “law” appears six times, referring to Canon Law five times and to God’s law regarding marriage once. The word “love” is entirely absent, except for the phrase “loved sinners” in a statement of the Jesuit provincial, Fr. Brian Paulson. The word “communion” does not appear at all.
The Most Holy Eucharist is food for the imagination
The Eucharist and the Imagination ~ The Imaginative Conservative: The Christian belief in the Eucharist stands as a universal expression of faith in a transcendent value that exists beyond human effort, to which we can nevertheless strive through faith. It would be hard to find anything in the history of civilization quite like this mystical belief that bound Christians together in communion for centuries, the main emblem of their belief in the person of Christ.
On the 13th Sunday of the Year, here are the 5 disciplines of discipleship
Five Disciplines of Discipleship - A Homily for the 13th Sunday of the Year - Community in MissionPOPE: This Sunday’s Gospel portrays through the life of Jesus some important disciplines for disciples. Let’s look at them and see how to apply them to our lives today. The text says, When the days for Jesus’ being taken up were fulfilled, he resolutely determined to journey to Jerusalem, and he sent messengers ahead of him.
Note that Jesus was resolute. He was heading to Jerusalem to suffer, die, and rise; to undertake the great battle and the great mission entrusted to Him. Everything He did was to be oriented toward this goal.
What about us? Are we as determined to seek Christ and head for His Kingdom? Is our direction clear? Have we set our sights resolutely, or do we meander about? Are we on the highway to Heaven, or do we make compromises with this passing world, seeking to serve two masters? Notice how easily we take exits for sin city, vicious village, and injustice junction.
Note that Jesus was resolute. He was heading to Jerusalem to suffer, die, and rise; to undertake the great battle and the great mission entrusted to Him. Everything He did was to be oriented toward this goal.
What about us? Are we as determined to seek Christ and head for His Kingdom? Is our direction clear? Have we set our sights resolutely, or do we meander about? Are we on the highway to Heaven, or do we make compromises with this passing world, seeking to serve two masters? Notice how easily we take exits for sin city, vicious village, and injustice junction.
As Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un meet in North Korea, Pope Francis prays for peace on Korean peninsula
As Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un meet in North Korea, Pope Francis prays for peace on Korean peninsula: Pope Francis prayed for peace and the successful outcome of the meeting Sunday between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un at the DMZ.
“In the last few hours we have witnessed a good example of the culture of encounter in Korea,” Pope Francis said June 30 at the end of his Angelus address.
“I greet the protagonists, with the prayer that this significant gesture constitutes a further step on the path of peace, not only on that peninsula, but in favor of the whole world,” the pope said.
“In the last few hours we have witnessed a good example of the culture of encounter in Korea,” Pope Francis said June 30 at the end of his Angelus address.
“I greet the protagonists, with the prayer that this significant gesture constitutes a further step on the path of peace, not only on that peninsula, but in favor of the whole world,” the pope said.
Saturday, June 29, 2019
Franco Zeffirelli’s complicated, Catholic life: What does it mean for his art?
Franco Zeffirelli’s Complicated, Catholic Life: What Does It Mean for His Art?GREYDANUS: Clerical sexual abuse of minors; sexual harassment and assault in the film industry; Catholic traditionalist and modernizing impulses; homosexuality and the definition of marriage; populism vs. elitism; strict anti-abortion laws: Somehow the life of Franco Zeffirelli, who died June 15 at age 96, touched on all these flashpoints of contemporary dialogue and debate — and more besides.
Peter the Apostle, and Paul the Teacher of the Gentiles
Peter the Apostle, and Paul the Teacher of the GentilesLU: St. Peter was a fisherman. Fishing nets and tilapia were his daily reality. Born without distinction in a backwater of the Roman Empire, he presumably would have lived and died in total obscurity, had not Our Lord called him to a higher ministry. The green hills of Galilee might have been his entire world.
St. Paul was not a fisherman. He was a man of education and status, who was quite possibly being groomed for an authoritative office or distinguished profession. Some speculate that he may have been a relative of Herod the Great. Whether or not that is true, the New Testament clearly presents him as a Roman citizen, well versed in law and philosophy. He spoke at least three languages (Greek, Hebrew and Latin), and was actively involved in political affairs in Jerusalem at the time of his conversion. We don’t know as much as we might like about his lineage and early life, but the broader picture is reasonably clear. St. Paul was brilliant, and a member of the Jewish elite.
St. Paul was not a fisherman. He was a man of education and status, who was quite possibly being groomed for an authoritative office or distinguished profession. Some speculate that he may have been a relative of Herod the Great. Whether or not that is true, the New Testament clearly presents him as a Roman citizen, well versed in law and philosophy. He spoke at least three languages (Greek, Hebrew and Latin), and was actively involved in political affairs in Jerusalem at the time of his conversion. We don’t know as much as we might like about his lineage and early life, but the broader picture is reasonably clear. St. Paul was brilliant, and a member of the Jewish elite.
Pope Francis: Saints Peter and Paul witness to the power of God’s forgiveness
Pope Francis: Saints Peter and Paul witness to the power of God’s forgiveness: Pope Francis said Saturday that Saints Peter and Paul are both witnesses to the transformative power of God’s forgiveness through which all Christians can experience a new beginning of peace and joy.
“Only when we experience God’s forgiveness do we truly experience rebirth. From there we start over, from forgiveness; there we rediscover who we really are: in the confession of our sins,” Pope Francis said in his homily for the feast of Saints Peter and Paul June 29.
“Only when we experience God’s forgiveness do we truly experience rebirth. From there we start over, from forgiveness; there we rediscover who we really are: in the confession of our sins,” Pope Francis said in his homily for the feast of Saints Peter and Paul June 29.
How a Catholic priest was the first to discover dinosaur eggs
What does a priest have to do with dinosaur eggs?MAURO: The discovery of dinosaur eggs in the early 20th century captured the imaginations of the world and helped popularize paleontological exhibits. While at the time credit for the find was attributed to Roy Chapman Andrews, the first human encounter with the dinosaur eggshells occurred decades before Andrews’ accolades.
Riley Black, from Smithsonian Magazine, points out that the first naturalist to discover and describe dinosaur eggshells was, in fact, the Roman Catholic priest Jean-Jacques Pouech. Father Pouech was the head of Pamiers Seminary in southern France, but in his free time he explored the geology and paleontology of the Late Cretaceous rock preserved in the foothills of the Pyrenees Mountains.
Riley Black, from Smithsonian Magazine, points out that the first naturalist to discover and describe dinosaur eggshells was, in fact, the Roman Catholic priest Jean-Jacques Pouech. Father Pouech was the head of Pamiers Seminary in southern France, but in his free time he explored the geology and paleontology of the Late Cretaceous rock preserved in the foothills of the Pyrenees Mountains.
It happened on our watch (as seen in a TV commercial)
It Happened on Our Watch, as Seen in a Commercial - Community in MissionPOPE: There are many causes for our cultural meltdown, but given our directive to be Christ’s light to the world, we must admit that to some degree we are answerable for the current state of affairs. The cauldron in Europe resulted in two World Wars largely fought in “Christian” Europe. Further, the widespread abandonment of the Faith in Europe does not bode well for anyone. We in the West often point to cite disarray and corruption in places like Africa, but Europe has been the site of bloodbaths for thousands of years, the last two thousand of which happened in a supposedly Christian Europe. In the past several decades we have seen an utter moral rebellion in the wake of a century of European war. Yes, we who would preach Christ cannot absolve ourselves of responsibility for the condition the world.
Friday, June 28, 2019
Unofficial Hong Kong protest anthem “Sing Hallelujah to the Lord” banned on Chinese streaming platform
Unofficial HK protest anthem “Sing Hallelujah to the Lord” banned on Chinese streaming platform – Shanghaiist: After it became the unofficial anthem of Hong Kong’s anti-extradition movement, netizens have discovered that the hymn “Sing Hallelujah to the Lord” has been banned by several Chinese music streaming platforms.
When users recently searched for the hymn on QQ Music, they received a message saying that there were no matching results. Other Chinese music streaming platforms, including Kuwo, Xiami, and NetEase, also did not carry the song.
When users recently searched for the hymn on QQ Music, they received a message saying that there were no matching results. Other Chinese music streaming platforms, including Kuwo, Xiami, and NetEase, also did not carry the song.
Last weekend, I met an old friend and saw a joy and a radiance in her that I have rarely seen ever, in anyone...
Radical living and my friend Shelly - Denver CatholicBONACCI: I saw my friend Shelly the other day, for the first time in 28 years. Back in the day, she was Shelly Pennefather, basketball phenomenon. She led Denver’s Bishop Machebeuf High School’s women’s basketball team to three undefeated seasons, a 70-0 record. In her senior year, her family moved to Utica, New York, where she led the Notre Dame High School team to a 26-0 season, giving her a no loss record for her entire high school career. She remains Villanova University’s all-time scorer — men’s and women’s — with a career total of 2408 points. She also holds the women’s rebound record, at 1171. She is a three-time Big East Player of the Year, the first All-American out of the Big East, the 1987 National Player of the Year, and a winner of the prestigious Wade Trophy. She’s been inducted into the Philadelphia Women’s Big Five Hall of Fame, and Villanova has retired her jersey. After college, she played professional women’s basketball in Japan. She was making more money than anybody I knew.
Treat the marriage vow with the solemnity it deserves
Treat the Marriage Vow with the Solemnity It Deserves - Crisis MagazineESOLEN: “If only I had been there with my Franks!” said the warlord Clovis when he heard the story of how Jesus, innocent of all wrong, had been condemned to death and crucified.
It’s easy to be the hero in your own imagination. Eleven men eager to get out of the jury room and get on with their business vote to convict, but you, more attentive than they are, hold out and demand that they examine the evidence again. You do what you have sworn to do. Most of the men in town want you, the marshal, to leave while you can before the bad men arrive by train at high noon the next day. A few men promise to stand by you, but one by one they fall away, and they beg you to get out. But you stay, and you do what you have sworn to do. You are the president of a nickel-and-dime lending company, left to you by your father. You don’t like the work, and you’ve had to set aside your dreams of world travel. Your father’s inveterate enemy, seeking to swallow you up, offers you a lucrative job; it would mean no more worries about how to pay the bills and no more worries about your old home in constant disrepair. You are sorely tempted, but you refuse. You do what you have sworn to do.
It’s easy to be the hero in your own imagination. Eleven men eager to get out of the jury room and get on with their business vote to convict, but you, more attentive than they are, hold out and demand that they examine the evidence again. You do what you have sworn to do. Most of the men in town want you, the marshal, to leave while you can before the bad men arrive by train at high noon the next day. A few men promise to stand by you, but one by one they fall away, and they beg you to get out. But you stay, and you do what you have sworn to do. You are the president of a nickel-and-dime lending company, left to you by your father. You don’t like the work, and you’ve had to set aside your dreams of world travel. Your father’s inveterate enemy, seeking to swallow you up, offers you a lucrative job; it would mean no more worries about how to pay the bills and no more worries about your old home in constant disrepair. You are sorely tempted, but you refuse. You do what you have sworn to do.
From a steel pot to a ballistic wonder of engineering, the century-long history of the U.S. military helmet
Army Helmet Evolution | History of the U.S. Army Helmet: Although soldiers have been wearing head protection since at least the 26th century BCE, the modern military helmet is a fully 20th century invention.
And it's been a rapid evolution. Growing from its WWI origins, the standard issue Army helmet has transformed from a simple ‘tin hat’ into an impenetrable shell that can shrug off high-velocity bullets. What was once a simple piece of steel is now fabricated from space-age composites that can stop a AK47 round dead in its tracks.
And it's been a rapid evolution. Growing from its WWI origins, the standard issue Army helmet has transformed from a simple ‘tin hat’ into an impenetrable shell that can shrug off high-velocity bullets. What was once a simple piece of steel is now fabricated from space-age composites that can stop a AK47 round dead in its tracks.
How a former nondenominational pastor came to terms with devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Understanding Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus - David Sanborn - The Coming Home Network: As a nondenominational pastor, David Sanborn understood the idea of the love, mercy compassion of Jesus, but was a little taken aback at the idea that Catholics had a devotion to a body part of Jesus in the Sacred Heart devotion. However, the more he came to understand that the devotion flowed forth from an understanding that Jesus is both fully human and fully divine, the more he came to realize just how profound it was to meditate on the fact that Jesus has not only a spiritual heart that breaks for us, but a physical heart that bled for us.
Jesus gave this saint His heart, after leaving her without hers for a few days
Jesus actually gave this saint His heart, after leaving her without hers for a few daysBRISCOE: While St. Margaret Mary Alacoque (the 17th century Visitation nun) did much to spread devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus in its modern form, a number of medieval saints nurtured devotion to the love of Christ and his Blessed Heart. St. Catherine of Siena (the fiery 14th-century Dominican mystic) was one—particularly notable—such saint.
In 1370, when Catherine was 23 years old, Jesus answered one of her most fervent prayers. Catherine had been asking that the Lord would take her heart, that is, her very will, and replace it with His own. One day, while she was praying, “Create a clean heart in me, O God, and renew in me a steadfast spirit” (Psalm 51), Jesus appeared to Catherine.
In 1370, when Catherine was 23 years old, Jesus answered one of her most fervent prayers. Catherine had been asking that the Lord would take her heart, that is, her very will, and replace it with His own. One day, while she was praying, “Create a clean heart in me, O God, and renew in me a steadfast spirit” (Psalm 51), Jesus appeared to Catherine.
Thursday, June 27, 2019
Pregnant North Carolina woman changes mind mid-abortion, saves her unborn twins
Pregnant woman changes mind mid-abortion and did this to save her twins | Fox News: A North Carolina woman, who had just begun the process of a chemical abortion, made a last-minute, split-second decision that saved the life of her babies.
At six weeks pregnant, she walked into A Preferred Women's Health Center, a Charlotte abortion facility, to end the pregnancy.
At six weeks pregnant, she walked into A Preferred Women's Health Center, a Charlotte abortion facility, to end the pregnancy.
Archbishop Fulton Sheen’s remains arrive at Cathedral of St. Mary in Peoria
Archbishop Fulton Sheen's remains return to Peoria - News - Journal Star - Peoria, IL: Archbishop Fulton Sheen’s remains have returned to Peoria, providing an opportunity to move forward with the sainthood process for the El Paso-born Sheen.
The Catholic Diocese of Peoria announced Thursday that his remains were transferred from their resting place at St. Patrick Cathedral in New York to the Cathedral of St. Mary in Peoria, and that the effort for Sheen’s beatification has restarted. The resumption of those efforts was affirmed by the Vatican.
Members of the public will be able to visit his tomb in Peoria as early as Friday morning.
The Catholic Diocese of Peoria announced Thursday that his remains were transferred from their resting place at St. Patrick Cathedral in New York to the Cathedral of St. Mary in Peoria, and that the effort for Sheen’s beatification has restarted. The resumption of those efforts was affirmed by the Vatican.
Members of the public will be able to visit his tomb in Peoria as early as Friday morning.
Pope gives chaplains of sailors same faculties as Missionaries of Mercy
Pope gives chaplains of sailors same faculties as Missionaries of Mercy: In a meeting with the Apostleship of the Sea on Thursday, Pope Francis emphasized the importance of mercy, and said he was giving sea chaplains the same expansive faculties he had given to the Missionaries of Mercy.
“I would like to say a word about peace of heart. Many sailors approach or come to see chaplains and priests with problems of conscience that make them suffer greatly, problems that they have never had a chance to bring up in those circumstances, so far from home, far from their native land,” the Pope said June 27 in the Vatican's Clementine Hall to participants in a meeting for chaplains and volunteers of the Apostleship of the Sea.
“I would like to say a word about peace of heart. Many sailors approach or come to see chaplains and priests with problems of conscience that make them suffer greatly, problems that they have never had a chance to bring up in those circumstances, so far from home, far from their native land,” the Pope said June 27 in the Vatican's Clementine Hall to participants in a meeting for chaplains and volunteers of the Apostleship of the Sea.
Pope Francis to visit Hiroshima and Nagasaki in November
Pope Francis Will Go to Hiroshima and Nagasaki in November - ZENIT - English: Pope Francis confided to the press his plan of travel next November. The plan is specified, announced “Japan Today.” The Holy Father might well be in Hiroshima and Nagasaki on November 24, although the Vatican has yet to confirm the trip.
Arriving in Tokyo on November 23, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Emperor Naruhito would welcome the Pope, who on November 25 would preside over a Mass in Tokyo’s Dome Stadium.
Last May, the Pope wrote two letters, promising his prayer for the citizens of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, in response to the Mayors and the Governor of the Hiroshima Prefecture, who invited him.
Arriving in Tokyo on November 23, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Emperor Naruhito would welcome the Pope, who on November 25 would preside over a Mass in Tokyo’s Dome Stadium.
Last May, the Pope wrote two letters, promising his prayer for the citizens of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, in response to the Mayors and the Governor of the Hiroshima Prefecture, who invited him.
Amazon Synod mission abandoned?
Amazon Synod Mission Abandoned?DESOUZA: The special synod for the “Pan-Amazonian Region” has a difficult question to answer: Why should the Church intensify its efforts in these remote mission lands if the mission itself is unclear?
The preparatory instrumentum laboris (working document) — from which the synod deliberations will proceed in October — was released June 17. Addressed to the theme “Amazonia: New Paths for the Church and for an Integral Ecology,” the document raises questions about the validity of the Church’s mission in Amazonia.
Do the indigenous peoples of the Amazon need the Gospel? And if they do, is it the same Gospel that the Lord Jesus sent the apostles to preach ad gentes (to the nations)?
The preparatory instrumentum laboris (working document) — from which the synod deliberations will proceed in October — was released June 17. Addressed to the theme “Amazonia: New Paths for the Church and for an Integral Ecology,” the document raises questions about the validity of the Church’s mission in Amazonia.
Do the indigenous peoples of the Amazon need the Gospel? And if they do, is it the same Gospel that the Lord Jesus sent the apostles to preach ad gentes (to the nations)?
Evangelizing the Amazon and the gift of priestly celibacy
Evangelizing the Amazon and the Gift of Priestly CelibacyLANDRY: Friday is the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus and, since 2002, the World Day of Prayer for the Sanctification of Priests. It’s a day on which, pondering the divine and human love flowing through Jesus’ heart, we ask him to make his priests’ hearts like unto his, with ardent, pure, spousal and shepherdly love. It’s a day on which we pray to the Harvest Master not merely for more priestly laborers in his fields, but precisely for holy laborers.
‘It has overshadowed me with sadness’: A Vatican official's spellbinding description of his excruciating work investigating clergy sex abuse
Echoes. An unexpected voice, a painful message. Published 6/26/2019ERLANDSON: For those who say the Church doesn't get it, or the Vatican doesn't get it, I offer up Msgr. John Kennedy. Msgr. Kennedy has perhaps the most unenviable job in the Church today. He is head of the Vatican office that investigates allegations of sexual abuse by Catholic clergy.
"I can honestly tell you that when reading cases involving sexual abuse by clerics, you never get used to it, and you can feel your heart and soul hurting," he said recently. "There are times when I am poring over cases that I want to get up and scream, that I want to pack up my things and leave the office and not come back."
Msgr. Kennedy made this remarkable admission in a speech to a room full of Catholic communicators and journalists during the 2019 Catholic Media Conference. His speech lasted more than an hour, during which you could have heard the proverbial pin drop. At its end, he received a standing ovation.
"I can honestly tell you that when reading cases involving sexual abuse by clerics, you never get used to it, and you can feel your heart and soul hurting," he said recently. "There are times when I am poring over cases that I want to get up and scream, that I want to pack up my things and leave the office and not come back."
Msgr. Kennedy made this remarkable admission in a speech to a room full of Catholic communicators and journalists during the 2019 Catholic Media Conference. His speech lasted more than an hour, during which you could have heard the proverbial pin drop. At its end, he received a standing ovation.
Continuing a venerable tradition, here’s my annual summer reading list
The Summer Reading List - Denver CatholicWEIGEL: Continuing a venerable tradition, I offer the following for your canicular reading pleasure:
John Hay spent decades at the center of American public life as Lincoln’s secretary and biographer, a Republican political operative, an accomplished diplomat, and Theodore Roosevelt’s secretary of state. And what’s not to like about someone who replied to Andrew Carnegie’s gift of Scotland’s finest in these terms: “I thank you kindly for the ‘corpse reviver.’ If a man could only drink enough of it, he would either never die, or wouldn’t care whether he did or not.”
John Hay spent decades at the center of American public life as Lincoln’s secretary and biographer, a Republican political operative, an accomplished diplomat, and Theodore Roosevelt’s secretary of state. And what’s not to like about someone who replied to Andrew Carnegie’s gift of Scotland’s finest in these terms: “I thank you kindly for the ‘corpse reviver.’ If a man could only drink enough of it, he would either never die, or wouldn’t care whether he did or not.”
Synod working document is an ‘attack on the foundations of the Faith,’ says Cardinal Brandmüller
Synod Doc is ‘Attack on the Foundations of the Faith,’ says CardinalPENTIN: Cardinal Walter Brandmüller has firmly criticized the working document of the upcoming Amazonian Synod, saying “decisive points” are “heretical” and that it constitutes an “attack on the foundations of the faith.”
In a June 27 commentary the president emeritus of the Pontifical Committee for Historical Sciences also said the document “burdens” the Synod of Bishops with a “grave breach” of the deposit of faith which he believes will either result in the Church’s “self-destruction,” or reduce her to a “secular NGO with an ecological-social-psychological mandate.”
In a June 27 commentary the president emeritus of the Pontifical Committee for Historical Sciences also said the document “burdens” the Synod of Bishops with a “grave breach” of the deposit of faith which he believes will either result in the Church’s “self-destruction,” or reduce her to a “secular NGO with an ecological-social-psychological mandate.”
Reaching past dementia through music
Reaching Past Dementia Through Music - Community in MissionPOPE: In my life, I have learned that music is extremely powerful, often doing what mere words alone cannot.
There have been several times in my life when my soul was asleep morally, and it was music that called me back. Although I joined the church choir when I was young in order to meet girls, it was through the music that the Lord showed me a deeper desire in my heart for goodness, beauty, and truth—indeed, my desire for God Himself. The music awoke my sleeping soul to God.
More recently, and in a particular way, music awakens my soul to the deeper meaning of Sacred Scripture. I hear or read a Scripture passage that in the past has had only a marginal impact on me, but then when the choir take it up in song it is pressed indelibly into my heart. Through the music, my heart and soul are awakened to the deeper meaning of a particular text.
There have been several times in my life when my soul was asleep morally, and it was music that called me back. Although I joined the church choir when I was young in order to meet girls, it was through the music that the Lord showed me a deeper desire in my heart for goodness, beauty, and truth—indeed, my desire for God Himself. The music awoke my sleeping soul to God.
More recently, and in a particular way, music awakens my soul to the deeper meaning of Sacred Scripture. I hear or read a Scripture passage that in the past has had only a marginal impact on me, but then when the choir take it up in song it is pressed indelibly into my heart. Through the music, my heart and soul are awakened to the deeper meaning of a particular text.
Catholic sex-abuse scandals, ‘Me Too,’ and a double standard
Catholic Sex-Abuse Scandals, ‘Me Too,’ & a Double Standard | National ReviewFRANKOVICH: In January 2002, the Boston Globe ran its first of what would be hundreds of articles on the history of sexual abuse by Catholic priests in the local diocese, raising public awareness of the problem in the Church nationwide. Four months later, the U.S. bishops met and hammered out a rapid response: the Dallas Charter — formally, the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People.
Since then, the number of allegations against priests in the United States has been a little less than 2 percent of what it was at the height of the crisis, in the late 1970s. Slightly less than 18 reports per year have been filed for abuse that was alleged to have been committed by Catholic clergy in the period 2000–17. The figure was approximately 1,000 for 1980.
Since then, the number of allegations against priests in the United States has been a little less than 2 percent of what it was at the height of the crisis, in the late 1970s. Slightly less than 18 reports per year have been filed for abuse that was alleged to have been committed by Catholic clergy in the period 2000–17. The figure was approximately 1,000 for 1980.
Catholic school wars (yet) again: Can teachers take public actions that defy Church doctrine?
Catholic school wars (yet) again: Can teachers take public actions that defy church doctrines? — GetReligionMATTINGLY: What we have here is another one of those stories that your GetReligionistas have written about so many times that we have crossed over into a state of frustration.
Can you say “doctrinal covenant”?
At this point, it’s clear that many newsroom managers just can’t handle the fact that the Catholic Church is not (in many zip codes) a liberal democracy, which means that many Catholic bishops still think their schools should defend the contents of the Catholic catechism. OK, maybe the issue is whether people in Catholic schools get to attack the faith in symbolic ways in public.
Can you say “doctrinal covenant”?
At this point, it’s clear that many newsroom managers just can’t handle the fact that the Catholic Church is not (in many zip codes) a liberal democracy, which means that many Catholic bishops still think their schools should defend the contents of the Catholic catechism. OK, maybe the issue is whether people in Catholic schools get to attack the faith in symbolic ways in public.
Going for Baroque
Going for Baroque – Fr. Dwight LongeneckerLONGENECKER: Visit a church in Rome and you be confronted with the Baroque. When you come into a church like San Luigi dei Francesci (pictured here) or any number of other churches you are hit with what first seems to us in our barren age–totally over the top extravagance. Huge angels lean over the billowing clouds of heaven. Cherubs cavort on clouds that look like cotton candy. Gold drips from every cornice. Marble adorns every wall. Colorful frescoes fill the empty spaces with passion, pathos and exuberance.
‘Not for the public’: German prelates hold pre-Amazonian Synod ‘study meeting’ in Rome
Pre-Amazonian Synod ‘Study Meeting’ Held in RomePENTIN: A private meeting held to discuss the upcoming Amazonian synod and involving largely German-speaking prelates and experts took place on Tuesday in Rome.
According to Holy See spokesman Alessandro Gisotti, the gathering was a “study meeting” of the Pan-Amazonian Ecclesial Network (REPAM).
Earlier in the day, an official at the Synod of Bishops denied all knowledge of the meeting when asked about it.
The Pan-Amazonian Ecclesial Network was set up in 2014 by the nine Churches of the Amazon region, in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guyana, Guyana, Peru, Surinam and Venezuela, to “bring to the world’s attention the fragile situation of indigenous people in the Amazon and the critical importance of the Amazon biome to the planet — our common home.”
According to Holy See spokesman Alessandro Gisotti, the gathering was a “study meeting” of the Pan-Amazonian Ecclesial Network (REPAM).
Earlier in the day, an official at the Synod of Bishops denied all knowledge of the meeting when asked about it.
The Pan-Amazonian Ecclesial Network was set up in 2014 by the nine Churches of the Amazon region, in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guyana, Guyana, Peru, Surinam and Venezuela, to “bring to the world’s attention the fragile situation of indigenous people in the Amazon and the critical importance of the Amazon biome to the planet — our common home.”
The Vatican women’s soccer team had no choice but refuse to play in Austria
Vatican's soccer team had no choice but refuse to play in Austria — Religion UnpluggedLISI: The Women’s World Cup in France may be breaking records on and off the field — but a story of a different kind has rocked the soccer world.
At a time when fans around the world are also enjoying world-class soccer at various tournaments such as the Copa America, Africa Cup of Nations and the Gold Cup, the women’s soccer team representing the Vatican (yes, the Vatican has a women’s soccer team) canceled its planned international debut this past weekend in Austria.
The reason? Sports, religion and politics made for a bad mix when players on the opposing team used Saturday’s scheduled friendly to protest the church’s position on abortion during the playing of the Vatican anthem, according to the Holy See.
At a time when fans around the world are also enjoying world-class soccer at various tournaments such as the Copa America, Africa Cup of Nations and the Gold Cup, the women’s soccer team representing the Vatican (yes, the Vatican has a women’s soccer team) canceled its planned international debut this past weekend in Austria.
The reason? Sports, religion and politics made for a bad mix when players on the opposing team used Saturday’s scheduled friendly to protest the church’s position on abortion during the playing of the Vatican anthem, according to the Holy See.
Does your parish church remind you of Heaven? It should!
Does Your Parish Church Remind You Of Heaven? It Should! - Community in MissionPOPE: Many Catholics are unaware that our traditional church buildings are based on designs given by God Himself. It goes all the way back to Mount Sinai, when God set forth the design for the sanctuary in the desert and for the tent of meeting. Many of the fundamental aspects of our layouts still follow that plan (and the stone version of it that became the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem). Traditional church buildings also have numerous references to the Book of Revelation and the Book of Hebrews, both of which describe the heavenly liturgy and Heaven itself.
Rules for the road to help Romans like (papal) Wednesdays again
Rules for the road to help Romans like (papal) Wednesdays againALLEN: In 1979, an up-and-coming Irish rock band called The Boomtown Rats released their biggest hit, which was titled “I Don’t Like Mondays.” Here in Rome, if you were to poll restaurant and coffee bar owners around the Vatican, you’d find a similar sentiment but a different day of the week.
Here it’s Wednesdays that tend to leave a bad taste, because it’s the day of the weekly papal audience in St. Peter’s Square.
Yesterday, the co-owner of a favorite morning haunt on the Via di Porta Cavalleggeri, across the street from one of the principal entrances to the Vatican, actually tried to talk me into moonlighting on Wednesdays as her bouncer, blocking access to the hordes of tourists who show up wanting only to use the bathroom, beg a free cup of water or ask directions.
Here it’s Wednesdays that tend to leave a bad taste, because it’s the day of the weekly papal audience in St. Peter’s Square.
Yesterday, the co-owner of a favorite morning haunt on the Via di Porta Cavalleggeri, across the street from one of the principal entrances to the Vatican, actually tried to talk me into moonlighting on Wednesdays as her bouncer, blocking access to the hordes of tourists who show up wanting only to use the bathroom, beg a free cup of water or ask directions.
Body of Ven. Fulton J. Sheen disinterred from St. Patrick’s Cathedral for transfer to Peoria
Sheen Disinterred From St. Patrick’s Cathedral: Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen is on his way to Peoria, Illinois.
In the early morning hours Thursday, the remains of the beloved archbishop were quietly removed from the crypt of St. Patrick's Cathedral, carried down the steps of the 51st Street entrance and into a black hearse to be taken to the airport.
In the early morning hours Thursday, the remains of the beloved archbishop were quietly removed from the crypt of St. Patrick's Cathedral, carried down the steps of the 51st Street entrance and into a black hearse to be taken to the airport.
Wednesday, June 26, 2019
Psychologist can’t figure out why few people want to date a guy in a dress
Psychologist Can't Figure Out Why Few Will Date A Trans Person: A recent Journal of Social and Personal Relationships study found that nearly 90 percent of survey respondents are not interested in dating transgender people. In a Psychology Today article on the study, coauthor Karen Blair implies these findings demonstrate significant discrimination—or at least an unwillingness to be inclusive—in dating.
However, instead of pointing out the obvious truth that biological cues are foundational for sexual and romantic attraction, the author goes to great lengths to convey sympathy for the exclusion of transgenders in the dating field as if it’s merely a social justice issue. This is yet another avenue progressives are using to encourage others to deny biological reality and normalize abnormal behaviors.
However, instead of pointing out the obvious truth that biological cues are foundational for sexual and romantic attraction, the author goes to great lengths to convey sympathy for the exclusion of transgenders in the dating field as if it’s merely a social justice issue. This is yet another avenue progressives are using to encourage others to deny biological reality and normalize abnormal behaviors.
What to do when your children leave the Faith
What to Do When Your Children Leave the Faith | The StreamMILLS: There’s a lot of it about, Christian children losing their faith. Some move to laxer forms of Christianity, the “lite” versions that don’t ask as much of them. Others just drift away and become “nones.” Still others turn against Christianity.
Look just at the Catholic Church in America. The writer Robert Barron recently told the Catholic bishops that half of Catholics under 30 have left the Church. Most became “nones,” though others became Evangelical or mainline Protestants. One of every six millennials is a former Catholic. Most leave before 23 and the median age for leavers is only 13. Thirteen people leave the Church for every two that enter. The numbers for Evangelicals are not as bad, but not good either. Here’s a good survey of recent studies.
Look just at the Catholic Church in America. The writer Robert Barron recently told the Catholic bishops that half of Catholics under 30 have left the Church. Most became “nones,” though others became Evangelical or mainline Protestants. One of every six millennials is a former Catholic. Most leave before 23 and the median age for leavers is only 13. Thirteen people leave the Church for every two that enter. The numbers for Evangelicals are not as bad, but not good either. Here’s a good survey of recent studies.
The City of God is a bit like the city of Pittsburgh
The City of God is a Bit Like the City of PittsburghMILLS: “Oh, those are too big for you,” the woman sitting to my right said to someone trying on glasses across the eye doctors’ waiting room. “I don’t think you should spend the money on those.” She made a few more discouraging comments. Her friend didn’t respond.
With my eyes dilated, I was trying to read a book about three inches from my face. The woman turned to me anyway. “Maybe I shouldn’t have said that,” she said. “People don’t always want advice.” Knowing how tricky giving advice to friends can be, I said, “Not always” in an agreeable voice.
“Especially from people they don’t know,” she said. She’d been criticizing a complete stranger.
With my eyes dilated, I was trying to read a book about three inches from my face. The woman turned to me anyway. “Maybe I shouldn’t have said that,” she said. “People don’t always want advice.” Knowing how tricky giving advice to friends can be, I said, “Not always” in an agreeable voice.
“Especially from people they don’t know,” she said. She’d been criticizing a complete stranger.
Why “God wants me to be happy” is a deeply flawed moral stance
“God Wants Me to Be Happy” - A Reflection on a Deeply Flawed Moral Stance - Community in MissionPOPE: One of the questionable, and unfortunately common, forms of moral reasoning today is the rather narcissistic notion that God wants each of us to be happy. Sometimes it is put in the form of a rhetorical question: God wants me to be happy, doesn’t He?
And this sort of reasoning (if you want to call it that) is used to justify just about anything. Thus, in pondering divorce, a spouse might point to his or her misery and conclude that God would approve of the split because God wants me to be happy, doesn’t He? Many seek to justify so-called same-sex marriage, and other illicit sexual notions in the same way.
And this sort of reasoning (if you want to call it that) is used to justify just about anything. Thus, in pondering divorce, a spouse might point to his or her misery and conclude that God would approve of the split because God wants me to be happy, doesn’t He? Many seek to justify so-called same-sex marriage, and other illicit sexual notions in the same way.
China is persecuting the underground Catholic bishops — even after death
China Is Persecuting the “Underground” Bishops Even After Death. Vatican Uneasy - Settimo Cielo - Blog - L’EspressoMAGISTER: As is known, in order to sign the September 22 2018 secret accord with China on the appointment of bishops, Pope Francis had to pardon eight bishops previously installed without the approval of Rome, who had thereby incurred excommunication.
One of these had died two years before, but the government of Beijing demanded and obtained this anomalous posthumous amnesty as well.
In exchange, however, Francis did not obtain the corresponding recognition, on the part of China, of the so-called “underground” bishops, consecrated by Rome without the government’s agreement.
One of these had died two years before, but the government of Beijing demanded and obtained this anomalous posthumous amnesty as well.
In exchange, however, Francis did not obtain the corresponding recognition, on the part of China, of the so-called “underground” bishops, consecrated by Rome without the government’s agreement.
Missouri’s only remaining abortion facility given until Friday to appeal license revocation
Missouri Abortion Facility Given Until Friday to Appeal License Revocation: A 2016 state report on an inspection of the facility shows that the clinic at that time was in violation of multiple state standards involving the sterilization and storing of equipment, and the proper documentation of medication and procedures.
Tuesday, June 25, 2019
Massive crowd marches in Guayaquil, Ecuador, to protest abortion, gay marriage
Ecuador march protests abortion, gay marriage: Tens of thousands took to the streets of Guayaquil, Ecuador on June 22 in support of life, marriage, conscience protections, and parental rights.
Organizers said more than 100,000 people attended the march, which had as its theme, “Respect the Constitution, the family and life.”
The demonstrators demanded the nullification of a ruling by the Constitutional Court of Ecuador which opens the door to redefining marriage. They also voiced their opposition to attempts to legalize abortion, medical marijuana, and sex change operations on minors without parental consent.
Organizers said more than 100,000 people attended the march, which had as its theme, “Respect the Constitution, the family and life.”
The demonstrators demanded the nullification of a ruling by the Constitutional Court of Ecuador which opens the door to redefining marriage. They also voiced their opposition to attempts to legalize abortion, medical marijuana, and sex change operations on minors without parental consent.
Nearly identical clock to one destroyed in Notre Dame fire found in storage
Nearly Identical Clock to One Destroyed in Notre Dame Fire Found in Storage: A clock nearly identical to the one destroyed in the April 15 fire at the Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris has been found in storage. The duplicate was found at the Church of the Holy Trinity in Paris in what is being called a “miraculous discovery.” This find brings new hope for restoration efforts at the landmark cathedral. The original Notre Dame clock was located near the cathedral spire, which collapsed during the April fire. It was feared there would be no way to rebuild the clock, as there were no surviving drawings of its mechanism or any digital records of how the clock was made.
Cardinal Burke corrects LifeSiteNews: ‘I have never worked with Steve Bannon’
Cardinal Burke Corrects LifeSiteNews: ‘I Have Never Worked with Steve Bannon’: In a statement today, Cardinal Raymond Burke issued a correction to a now-removed LifeSiteNews article, which claimed that Burke was collaborating with former President Donald Trump advisor Stephen Bannon on a film exposing homosexuality in the Vatican.
The film in question will be based off a book on the same subject by Frédéric Martel, entitled “In the Closet of the Vatican.”
“LifeSiteNews made no contact with me to verify my possible involvement,” Burke said in his June 25 statement. “Given the overall content of the article and given several statements made by Mr. Bannon in the article, I must make the following clear: I do not, in any way, agree with Mr. Bannon’s assessment of the book in question.”
The film in question will be based off a book on the same subject by Frédéric Martel, entitled “In the Closet of the Vatican.”
“LifeSiteNews made no contact with me to verify my possible involvement,” Burke said in his June 25 statement. “Given the overall content of the article and given several statements made by Mr. Bannon in the article, I must make the following clear: I do not, in any way, agree with Mr. Bannon’s assessment of the book in question.”
Hollywood's abortion obsession is based on 1970s science and Harvey Weinstein morality
Hollywood's abortion obsession is based on 1970s science and Harvey Weinstein moralityGRESS: As more states pass anti-abortion laws, pro-abortion advocates are making their opinions on the issue known. Alyssa Milano just issued a state-by-state abortion bill guide for filmmakers, while networks and studios continue to double-down on their boycotts of states that have passed anti-abortion legislation.
Reese Witherspoon, who has typically stayed out of politics, had her own starlet tantrum on Twitter, ignoring the will of a large majority of her southern neighbors. Miley Cyrus couldn’t resist the limelight — she coupled with Marc Jacobs to produce a sweatshirt emblazoned with “Don’t F--- with My Freedom,” the proceeds of which go to Planned Parenthood. Not to be left out of the drama, Gucci couldn’t resist sermonizing by adding “My Body, My Choice” to pieces from their 2020 Cruise Line of clothing.
Reese Witherspoon, who has typically stayed out of politics, had her own starlet tantrum on Twitter, ignoring the will of a large majority of her southern neighbors. Miley Cyrus couldn’t resist the limelight — she coupled with Marc Jacobs to produce a sweatshirt emblazoned with “Don’t F--- with My Freedom,” the proceeds of which go to Planned Parenthood. Not to be left out of the drama, Gucci couldn’t resist sermonizing by adding “My Body, My Choice” to pieces from their 2020 Cruise Line of clothing.
Indianapolis high school recognizes archbishop's oversight, agrees to fire teacher in ‘same-sex marriage’
Cathedral High School in Indianapolis Recognizes Archbishop's Oversight: A Catholic high school in the Indianapolis archdiocese has said it will comply with the archbishop’s instructions to stop employing a teacher in a same-sex marriage.
The decision comes days after a Jesuit high school in the archdiocese refused to comply with a similar instruction and had its Catholic status stripped by Archbishop Charles Thompson.
“It is Archbishop Thompson’s responsibility to oversee faith and morals as related to Catholic identity within the Archdiocese of Indianapolis,” Cathedral High School leaders said in a June 23 letter. “Archbishop Thompson made it clear that Cathedral’s continued employment of a teacher in a public, same-sex marriage would result in our forfeiting our Catholic identity due to our employment of an individual living in contradiction to Catholic teaching on marriage.”
The decision comes days after a Jesuit high school in the archdiocese refused to comply with a similar instruction and had its Catholic status stripped by Archbishop Charles Thompson.
“It is Archbishop Thompson’s responsibility to oversee faith and morals as related to Catholic identity within the Archdiocese of Indianapolis,” Cathedral High School leaders said in a June 23 letter. “Archbishop Thompson made it clear that Cathedral’s continued employment of a teacher in a public, same-sex marriage would result in our forfeiting our Catholic identity due to our employment of an individual living in contradiction to Catholic teaching on marriage.”
Everyone is a masterpiece, and most everyone suffers. That’s our meeting ground...
Masterpiece Cakeshop: Look Past Harassment Toward Kindness | National ReviewLOPEZ: Do you ever take a look around when you’re commuting or running errands? There are a few reactions you can have. Overwhelmed. Annoyed and frustrated. Rushed. Maybe it’s a combination of all of these. Or maybe you’re simply amazed. A few weeks back, I was part of a conversation about gratitude, and one man noted that, on the way there, he had taken a step back and looked around more than he usually does. And he noticed “how there are no minor characters.” Everyone, you might say, is a masterpiece.
Mother Angelica: ‘May we see each other in Heaven!’
Mother Angelica: ‘May We See Each Other in Heaven!’PRONECHEN: Have you ever wondered what heaven is like? Will we see those we love? Be reunited with family? What kinds of flowers will be there, and if there are flowers, will they be different from the ones on earth? What will we do in heaven?
Mother Angelica wondered, too, and she shared all her insights with her television audience back in 1986. Those thoughts have now been compiled in book form in What Is Heaven?
Through chapters like “Heavenly Happiness,” “The Music and Beauty of Heaven,” and “Friends and Family in Heaven,” Mother Angelica offers a picture of what may be in store.
She reminds readers that Jesus gives “ever-so-tiny hints of Heaven” in things like music because he knows we need examples; but in heaven these “hints” will be infinitely enhanced beyond our earthy imagining.
Mother Angelica wondered, too, and she shared all her insights with her television audience back in 1986. Those thoughts have now been compiled in book form in What Is Heaven?
Through chapters like “Heavenly Happiness,” “The Music and Beauty of Heaven,” and “Friends and Family in Heaven,” Mother Angelica offers a picture of what may be in store.
She reminds readers that Jesus gives “ever-so-tiny hints of Heaven” in things like music because he knows we need examples; but in heaven these “hints” will be infinitely enhanced beyond our earthy imagining.
I don’t want to brag, but...
I Don’t Want to Brag, But… | One Thousand Words a WeekBECKER: It was Boasting Paul the end of last week at Mass. “Since many boast according to the flesh,” Paul wrote the Corinthians in Friday’s first reading, “I too will boast.” He’s all apologetic about it, excusing himself for “speaking in foolishness” like an “insane person,” but he goes at it with relish. Beatings, shipwrecks, imprisonments, and persecutions of every kind. Sure, as we heard on Saturday, he could also boast of spiritual highs, but they were tempered by a “thorn in the flesh” that Paul received to keep him from becoming “too elated.”
We live in an age very much like the 16th century. It’s going to be a bumpy ride...
Blogging From Rome – Fr. Dwight LongeneckerLONGENECKER: I’m enjoying a vacation-pilgrimage with our two youngest children in Italy. Some time ago I kind of gave up on vacation for vacation’s sake. I got bored with the beach and don’t do relaxation very well.
So, when our son Elias was spending some weeks in Spain on his study abroad program I suggested we meet up in Italy for a vacation-pilgrimage. Theo was free so he decided to join us. We’ve been having a great time so far.
We hit the ground running on Friday evening with three hours in the Vatican Museums. You can avoid the usual long lines of tourists by booking tickets online. They have a special opening on Friday nights. We were overpowered by the Raphael rooms and the Sistine chapel. It hit me for the first time (duh) that both Raphael and Michelangelo bear the names of archangels. Their work is so amazing that they must have had special inspiration and angelic power.
So, when our son Elias was spending some weeks in Spain on his study abroad program I suggested we meet up in Italy for a vacation-pilgrimage. Theo was free so he decided to join us. We’ve been having a great time so far.
We hit the ground running on Friday evening with three hours in the Vatican Museums. You can avoid the usual long lines of tourists by booking tickets online. They have a special opening on Friday nights. We were overpowered by the Raphael rooms and the Sistine chapel. It hit me for the first time (duh) that both Raphael and Michelangelo bear the names of archangels. Their work is so amazing that they must have had special inspiration and angelic power.
People like to say that technology is neutral — but it’s not
Why Technology Certainly Is Not Neutral – Building Catholic CultureSTAUDT: Neil Postman aptly described our society as a Technopoly, or what we could also refer to as technocracy – a society fundamentally shaped and ruled by technology. Technology has played a central role civilization from the beginning, but a shift has occurred as technology has passed beyond normal human proportions. Rather than assisting us to perform necessary human actions more efficiently, it has now engendered possibilities and power that exceed the ordinary limits of nature.
The U.S. island that speaks Elizabethan English
BBC - Travel - The US island that speaks Elizabethan English: I’d never been called a dingbatter until I went to Ocracoke for the first time. I've spent a good part of my life in North Carolina, but I'm still learning how to speak the ‘Hoi Toider’ brogue. The people here just have their own way of speaking: it's like someone took Elizabethan English, sprinkled in some Irish tones and 1700s Scottish accents, then mixed it all up with pirate slang. But the Hoi Toider dialect is more than a dialect. It's also a culture, one that's slowly fading away. With each generation, fewer people play meehonkey, cook the traditional foods or know what it is to be mommucked.
Monday, June 24, 2019
30 years a priest and most grateful
Thirty Years a Priest and Most Grateful - Community in MissionPOPE: Each year I concelebrate with hundreds of other priests in the ordination Mass of new priests. I find such Masses deeply spiritual. I have no role other than to quietly concelebrate, so the readings and the rites move me deeply. As I sit quietly, I ponder the mystery of my own priesthood. When I was growing up, there was little to indicate that I would become a priest. I wasn’t a particularly spiritual child (at least not after age 7). I didn’t “play Mass.” In fact, I didn’t like church at all. At the end of Mass when the priest said, “The Mass is ended, go in peace,” I responded, “Thanks be to God!” much more vigorously than necessary.
Why are Catholics leaving the Faith? This priest reveals the dangerous culprit...
Why Are Catholics Leaving the Faith? This Brave Priest Reveals the Dangerous Culprit | ChurchPOPPECKMAN: I have seen more than a few articles as of late as to why our last three generations have been leaving the Catholic faith en masse.
There are many cognizant points.
As a pastor of 22 years, a member of one of those generations that departed, and a person who did leave as young man into agnosticism, I have my own theories based on my own experiences and what I have seen and read from others.
There are many cognizant points.
As a pastor of 22 years, a member of one of those generations that departed, and a person who did leave as young man into agnosticism, I have my own theories based on my own experiences and what I have seen and read from others.
Botched Spanish statue of St. George that went viral is lovingly unrestored
Botched Spanish statue that went viral is lovingly unrestored | World news | The Guardian: After a year’s exile and hundreds of hours of painstaking work, a 16th-century polychrome statue of Saint George and the dragon from northern Spain that made the news for all the wrong reasons has been lovingly and carefully unrestored.
Last summer the Church of St Michael in Estella, Navarre, became the latest holy place to fall victim to some well-intentioned but ill-advised brushwork. A local artist’s efforts to freshen up the walnut wood statue did not go entirely according to plan.
Last summer the Church of St Michael in Estella, Navarre, became the latest holy place to fall victim to some well-intentioned but ill-advised brushwork. A local artist’s efforts to freshen up the walnut wood statue did not go entirely according to plan.
Forced abortion decision overturned on appeal, according to reports
Forced Abortion Decision Overturned on Appeal, According to Reports: A controversial U.K. court decision to force a disabled woman to have an abortion has been overturned on appeal.
In a decision reportedly reached June 24, the English Court of Appeal, consisting of Lord Justice McCombe, Lady Justice King and Lord Justice Peter Jackson, overturned the previous ruling of the Court of Protection.
According to Press Association reports, the judges said they would issue a full explanation of their decision at a later date, but that the circumstances of the case were "unique."
In a decision reportedly reached June 24, the English Court of Appeal, consisting of Lord Justice McCombe, Lady Justice King and Lord Justice Peter Jackson, overturned the previous ruling of the Court of Protection.
According to Press Association reports, the judges said they would issue a full explanation of their decision at a later date, but that the circumstances of the case were "unique."
Who was St. John the Baptist? (11 things to know and share)
Who Was St. John the Baptist? (11 Things to Know and Share)AKIN: John the Baptist is a mysterious figure in the New Testament.
He was famous in his own day, even before he became the herald of Christ.
We even know about him from outside the New Testament.
The Solemnity of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist is June 24, and the Memorial of the Passion of St. John the Baptist is Aug. 29, so it’s an excellent time to catch up on him.
Here are 11 things to know and share...
He was famous in his own day, even before he became the herald of Christ.
We even know about him from outside the New Testament.
The Solemnity of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist is June 24, and the Memorial of the Passion of St. John the Baptist is Aug. 29, so it’s an excellent time to catch up on him.
Here are 11 things to know and share...
How to understand the death penalty and development of doctrine
How to Understand the Death Penalty and Development of DoctrineMULLADY: Recent developments in Rome on the subject of capital punishment have led to many anguished discussions on whether a change authorized by Pope Francis in the moral stance of the Church on the death penalty is a development of Church teaching which binds people in conscience to obedience.
On Aug. 8, 2018, Cardinal Luis Ladaria, the head of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF), stated that Pope Francis had approved a change in No. 2267 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church: “Recourse to the death penalty on the part of legitimate authority, following a fair trial, was long considered an appropriate response to the gravity of certain crimes and an acceptable, albeit extreme, means of safeguarding the common good. Today, however, there is an increasing awareness that the dignity of the person is not lost even after the commission of very serious crimes. In addition, a new understanding has emerged of the significance of penal sanctions imposed by the state. Lastly, more effective systems of detention have been developed, which ensure the due protection of citizens but, at the same time, do not definitively deprive the guilty of the possibility of redemption. Consequently, the Church teaches, in the light of the Gospel, that ‘the death penalty is inadmissible because it is an attack on the inviolability and dignity of the person and she works with determination for its abolition worldwide.’”
On Aug. 8, 2018, Cardinal Luis Ladaria, the head of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF), stated that Pope Francis had approved a change in No. 2267 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church: “Recourse to the death penalty on the part of legitimate authority, following a fair trial, was long considered an appropriate response to the gravity of certain crimes and an acceptable, albeit extreme, means of safeguarding the common good. Today, however, there is an increasing awareness that the dignity of the person is not lost even after the commission of very serious crimes. In addition, a new understanding has emerged of the significance of penal sanctions imposed by the state. Lastly, more effective systems of detention have been developed, which ensure the due protection of citizens but, at the same time, do not definitively deprive the guilty of the possibility of redemption. Consequently, the Church teaches, in the light of the Gospel, that ‘the death penalty is inadmissible because it is an attack on the inviolability and dignity of the person and she works with determination for its abolition worldwide.’”
Why did cosmonauts bring shotguns to space? And 43 other things you didn't know you needed to know
Big Questions: 44 Things You Didn't Know You Needed to Know | Mental Floss: Some of the world's greatest minds spend their lives pondering the purpose of humanity. Others just wonder why we never see baby pigeons. We can't explain our existence, but we can help with some other mysteries. Browse our dossier of questions that have probably come to you in the shower. (Including why thoughts often come to you in the shower.)
The Birds: When the wind changes overnight
The Birds: When the Wind Changes Overnight - Crisis MagazineFITZPATRICK: For all their disagreements, scientific fact and science fiction are in agreement concerning the viral quality of fear. Men tend to panic when the wind changes overnight and blows beyond their control. Pandemonium is never as distant as a complacent people imagine. Civilized society is not immune from collapse just because it is civilized. Ingenuity leads to dependency, and dependency to dilemma. Daphne du Maurier illustrated this dramatically with her 1952 short story, The Birds (more known today as the 1963 film by Alfred Hitchcock). The Birds bears a primal sort of significance concerning the startling fragility of human infrastructure. The terrors of science fiction are often representative of terrible facts and du Maurier gives readers a bird’s-eye view.
Sunday, June 23, 2019
‘Religious Freedom Week’ 2019 comes at an especially menacing moment
'Religious Freedom Week' 2019 comes at especially menacing momentALLEN: Yesterday officially kicked off the U.S. bishops’ annual “Religious Freedom Week,” which is a bit of an exercise in rebranding. The observance was launched in 2012 as the “Fortnight for Freedom,” but after years of linguistic agita trying to explain to the average American what the word “fortnight” means, the bishops threw in the towel and, in the process, shortened the time period.
Whatever one calls it or however long it lasts, the June 22-29 event this year comes at an especially menacing time.
On the domestic front, the U.S. Church is currently facing one of the most serious potential violations of religious freedom in its history in the form of SB 360 in California, a measure which would compel priests to disclose information about child sexual abuse that they learn when they are hearing another priest’s confession or when hearing the confession of a co-worker.
Whatever one calls it or however long it lasts, the June 22-29 event this year comes at an especially menacing time.
On the domestic front, the U.S. Church is currently facing one of the most serious potential violations of religious freedom in its history in the form of SB 360 in California, a measure which would compel priests to disclose information about child sexual abuse that they learn when they are hearing another priest’s confession or when hearing the confession of a co-worker.
Vatican women’s soccer team cancels match after opposing team protests Church’s position on abortion
Vatican women’s soccer team cancels match after opposing team protests Church’s position on abortion | News | Lifesitenews: The Pope’s representative to Austria cancelled the Vatican women soccer team’s debut international match in Vienna today, after pro-abortion advocates from the opposing team protested the Church’s position on abortion during the Vatican anthem.
Pope’s Angelus on Corpus Christi Sunday: ‘Renew the wonder and joy for this stupendous gift of the Lord, which is the Eucharist’
Angelus Address: On the Feast of Corpus Christi - ZENIT - English: “The Feast of Corpus Domini Invites Us Every Year to Renew the Wonder and Joy for the This Stupendous Gift of the Lord, which Is the Eucharist”
Public faith and the Peace Cross
Public Faith and the Peace Cross | Ed Condon | First ThingsCONDON: On Thursday, the Supreme Court handed down its decision in the case American Legion v. American Humanist Association. By a margin of 7-2, the judges determined that a large Roman cross, known as the Peace Cross, could remain on public land and be maintained by the state.
The cross was erected after World War I by the mothers of fallen American soldiers. Its primary purpose as a memorial to the soldiers, rather than an expression of public Christianity, was a key part of the court’s determination to let it stand. But a cross is a religious symbol, and no other use of it can detract from that. While using a cross to honor the dead passed without question in previous decades, it is, at least to the humanists who demanded its removal, an implicit statement of faith on public land.
The cross was erected after World War I by the mothers of fallen American soldiers. Its primary purpose as a memorial to the soldiers, rather than an expression of public Christianity, was a key part of the court’s determination to let it stand. But a cross is a religious symbol, and no other use of it can detract from that. While using a cross to honor the dead passed without question in previous decades, it is, at least to the humanists who demanded its removal, an implicit statement of faith on public land.
A correct (if unusual) ruling provoked incorrect (if typical) responses
A correct, if unusual, ruling provoked incorrect, if typical, responses | In the Light of the LawEDPETERS: The canon law under which Indianapolis Archbishop Charles Thompson has prohibited Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School from holding itself out as “Catholic” is relatively straight-forward. More interesting, if wholly predictable, were the Jesuits’ attempt to redefine the dispute and CNN’s choice simply to lie about it.
Long story made short, BJPS has in its employ a teacher who entered a civil ‘same-sex marriage’ about two years ago. That teacher’s contract expired recently and the archdiocese requested that BJPS not offer him a new one. The Jesuits refused this request, which refusal triggered a broader discussion about whether BJPS wished to retain its identity as a Catholic school at all and, if so, whether it would take the administrative steps deemed necessary by Thompson to help assure the integrity of the Catholic witness offered by it faculty. Upon the Jesuits’ refusal to bring their personnel policies into line with archdiocesan expectations for employees/ministers (such as their not living in open contradiction to fundamental Church teaching on marriage and indeed of natural law) and specifically their renewal, it seems, of the contract of the teacher in a ‘same-sex marriage’, Thompson issued his decree revoking the status of the BJPS as a Catholic school.
Long story made short, BJPS has in its employ a teacher who entered a civil ‘same-sex marriage’ about two years ago. That teacher’s contract expired recently and the archdiocese requested that BJPS not offer him a new one. The Jesuits refused this request, which refusal triggered a broader discussion about whether BJPS wished to retain its identity as a Catholic school at all and, if so, whether it would take the administrative steps deemed necessary by Thompson to help assure the integrity of the Catholic witness offered by it faculty. Upon the Jesuits’ refusal to bring their personnel policies into line with archdiocesan expectations for employees/ministers (such as their not living in open contradiction to fundamental Church teaching on marriage and indeed of natural law) and specifically their renewal, it seems, of the contract of the teacher in a ‘same-sex marriage’, Thompson issued his decree revoking the status of the BJPS as a Catholic school.
Think about the desire of the Lord to feed His people — and our shocking indifference to this fact
Jesus Wants to Feed You! Corpus Christi - Community in MissionPOPE: On the Feast of Corpus Christi, we do well to mediate on the desire of the Lord to feed His people and the shocking indifference many have to this fact. This indifference is not just on the part of those who do not come to Mass; it is also found among those in the pews, many of whom don’t seem to care that so many people no longer attend. We should recognize the passionate concern the Lord has to feed all His people—yes even your wayward spouse or child.
Saturday, June 22, 2019
The invention that saved a million ships
BBC - Travel - The invention that saved a million ships: Since antiquity, lighted beacons have guided ships to port. The earliest lighthouses were controlled fires on hilltops that warned vessels that they were approaching land. Over time, these signals were powered by burning coal or oil lamps backed by mirrors, which could reach navigators further out to sea. But lamp power was no match for a dark and stormy night; over centuries, broken hulls and wind-whipped sails ran aground as ships’ captains and crew perished within, unable to spot the coastline before it was too late.
Friday, June 21, 2019
Trial of priest accused of breaking confession seal to protect lay group begins
Trial of priest accused of breaking confession seal to protect lay group beginsGIANGRAVE: Monday marked the beginning of the ecclesiastical trial for an Italian priest accused of breaking the seal of confession to inform members of a controversial lay group in Italy of a police investigation of their leader for the sexual abuse of minors.
“I feel hopeful, I want to feel hopeful again. Going up against power is always difficult. I hope that we will win this battle,” said the mother of one of the victims, who attended the first day of the trial, in a phone interview with Crux June 18.
“I feel hopeful, I want to feel hopeful again. Going up against power is always difficult. I hope that we will win this battle,” said the mother of one of the victims, who attended the first day of the trial, in a phone interview with Crux June 18.
A review of ‘Toy Story 4’ (Rotten Tomatoes 98%)
SDG Reviews ‘Toy Story 4’GREYDANUS: In the beginning there was Toy Story, and it was perfect and complete.
Then came Toy Story 2, which might have been superfluous, except it wasn’t, and it deepened and expanded the themes of the first film while extending its trajectory. It seemed a definitive resolution, until Toy Story 3 found that the drama of Woody and Andy — it was always about Woody and Andy — had at least a denouement left to tell.
That story ended when college-aged Andy passed on his beloved playthings and their stories to little Bonnie. There is a completed trilogy, with a single dramatic through line.
Then came Toy Story 2, which might have been superfluous, except it wasn’t, and it deepened and expanded the themes of the first film while extending its trajectory. It seemed a definitive resolution, until Toy Story 3 found that the drama of Woody and Andy — it was always about Woody and Andy — had at least a denouement left to tell.
That story ended when college-aged Andy passed on his beloved playthings and their stories to little Bonnie. There is a completed trilogy, with a single dramatic through line.
U.K. court orders forced abortion for disabled Catholic, Nigerian woman
UK court orders forced abortion for disabled Catholic, Nigerian woman: A British judge has authorized doctors to perform an abortion on a pregnant Catholic woman with developmental disabilities and a mood disorder, despite the objections of the woman’s mother and the woman herself. The woman is 22 weeks pregnant. “I am acutely conscious of the fact that for the State to order a woman to have a termination where it appears that she doesn't want it is an immense intrusion,” said Justice Nathalie Lieven in her ruling in the Court of Protection, June 21.
Cardinal Sarah: “Seeking media popularity at the price of truth is like doing the work of Judas”
Cardinal Sarah: Seeking Media Approval at Price of Truth is Work of JudasPENTIN: Cardinal Robert Sarah has said he is “hurt to see so many priests selling off Catholic doctrine and sowing division among the faithful,” and that seeking to “win media popularity at the price of truth is like doing the work of Judas.”
The prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments also said that those who “loudly announce change and rupture are false prophets” and are “not looking for the good of the flock” but are “mercenaries smuggled into the sheepfold.”
Speaking to an audience at the church of Saint François-Xavier in Paris at a launch of his new book Le soir approche et déjà le jour baisse on May 25, the Guinean cardinal warned against causing division in the Church by promoting teaching contrary to the Magisterium.
The prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments also said that those who “loudly announce change and rupture are false prophets” and are “not looking for the good of the flock” but are “mercenaries smuggled into the sheepfold.”
Speaking to an audience at the church of Saint François-Xavier in Paris at a launch of his new book Le soir approche et déjà le jour baisse on May 25, the Guinean cardinal warned against causing division in the Church by promoting teaching contrary to the Magisterium.
Planned Parenthood to lose $60 million after Title X ruling
Planned Parenthood to Lose $60 Million After Title X Ruling: The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled on Thursday that new Title X rules, that prohibit funds from going to clinics that perform abortions or provide abortion referrals, can go into effect.
The June 20 decision, issued from the bench in San Francisco, means that Planned Parenthood will stand to lose about $60 million in federal funding, though the abortion provider will continue to receive close to half a billion dollars in federal funding from other programs.
In late February, the Trump Administration finalized the “Protect Life Rule,” which added new eligibility requirements for Title X fund recipients. Shortly thereafter, several states sued over the new policy, and California, Washington, and Oregon received a preliminary injunction that blocked the rule from going into effect. The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals overturned that earlier decision on Thursday, calling the administration rules a "reasonable" interpretation of federal law.
The June 20 decision, issued from the bench in San Francisco, means that Planned Parenthood will stand to lose about $60 million in federal funding, though the abortion provider will continue to receive close to half a billion dollars in federal funding from other programs.
In late February, the Trump Administration finalized the “Protect Life Rule,” which added new eligibility requirements for Title X fund recipients. Shortly thereafter, several states sued over the new policy, and California, Washington, and Oregon received a preliminary injunction that blocked the rule from going into effect. The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals overturned that earlier decision on Thursday, calling the administration rules a "reasonable" interpretation of federal law.
Beware the arguments for married priests in the Amazon
Beware the Arguments for Married Priests in the Amazon – Fr. Dwight LongeneckerLONGENECKER: Notice my headline is not “Beware Married Priests.” I have written extensively on this topic over the years. As one of the few married Catholic priests, I guess I have something to contribute to the discussion.
Could married men be ordained as priests? Yes. It is a discipline of the church that can be changed. The arguments back and forth almost always focus on the practicalities: how would we pay them? What about their wives and families? What happens if there is a divorce? Who will look after clergy widows?
All these practical problems could be easily overcome. Therefore this type of discussion is pointless.
Could married men be ordained as priests? Yes. It is a discipline of the church that can be changed. The arguments back and forth almost always focus on the practicalities: how would we pay them? What about their wives and families? What happens if there is a divorce? Who will look after clergy widows?
All these practical problems could be easily overcome. Therefore this type of discussion is pointless.
How to make the feast of Corpus Christi come alive in your family
How to make the feast of Corpus Christi come alone in your family -- AleteiaBRISCOE: The feast of Corpus Christi always make me think of my father. He joined the Church almost 30 years ago and I vividly recall — about the time I was 12 or 13 — asking Dad what finally convinced him to convert. (It was one of the many serious conversations I’ve had with my father; conversations like this have always been a normal part of our relationship.) Raised in a Christian home, he decided to become a Catholic after five years of marriage to my mother. In the end it’s certainly Mom who deserves most of the credit for his conversion. However, one moment stands out for Dad as “the moment” when he came to believe in the Eucharist, and with that entered the Church.
Olympian Rebecca Dussault warns: Title IX and women’s sports is under threat from the transgender movement
Rebecca Dussault: An Olympian explains the transgender threat to women’s sports - Respect Life Office | Archdiocese of Denver Catholic Church: Welcome to Respect Life Radio. My name is Deacon Geoff Bennett with Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Denver. Today, our special topic is the greatest threat to women's sports. Our special guest today is Rebecca Dussault: wife, mother, Olympian, world champion, fitness coach and motivational speaker. She comes to us from the Catholic Speakers Organization. If you'd like to book one of their speakers for a talk or an interview, please go to CatholicSpeakers.com.
3 reasons children give up their faith
Three Reasons Christian Children Give Up Their Faith | The StreamMILLS: What do we say to the heart-broken mother whose child chose science over Christianity? I wrote recently about a mother who spoke up after a talk I gave in a local church. See There’s Science and There’s Scientism.
Her daughter had lost her faith at medical school. As a new doctor, she thought she’d learned too much science to believe in religion. Two other women added their own stories of raising their children in the Church only to see them seduced by “science.”
They wanted to know what to say. I had suggestions, which I’ll give in another article, but I couldn’t say for sure. It’s a tricky question. It’s a really tricky question when a mother asks it.
People stop believing for all sorts of reasons, but three basic ones. Some understandable. Some not so excusable. A few reflect on them. Others on their parents.
Her daughter had lost her faith at medical school. As a new doctor, she thought she’d learned too much science to believe in religion. Two other women added their own stories of raising their children in the Church only to see them seduced by “science.”
They wanted to know what to say. I had suggestions, which I’ll give in another article, but I couldn’t say for sure. It’s a tricky question. It’s a really tricky question when a mother asks it.
People stop believing for all sorts of reasons, but three basic ones. Some understandable. Some not so excusable. A few reflect on them. Others on their parents.
Some light and serious reading options for the summer
Light and serious reading options for the summerMILLS: At the beginning of summer, a couple suggestions for books to read. They’re not exactly beach reading. They’re books with meat on their bones, as my grandmother said about things that met her standards for seriousness. One’s a happy book, one not so happy.
First, there’s amazing fertile Catholic writer Mike Aquilina’s new book. He and his wife were my and my family’s sponsors when we entered the Church, so I may not be entirely objective about his writing, though I will try to be.
First, there’s amazing fertile Catholic writer Mike Aquilina’s new book. He and his wife were my and my family’s sponsors when we entered the Church, so I may not be entirely objective about his writing, though I will try to be.
Whose republic? Which “liberalism”?
Whose republic? Which “liberalism”? - Denver CatholicWEIGEL: Extra credit question: Name the author of this admonition about the insecure cultural foundations and potentially perilous future of the American republic — “Seeds of dissolution were already present in the ancient heritage as it reached the shores of America. [And] perhaps the dissolution, long since begun, may one day be consummated. Perhaps one day the noble many-storeyed mansion of democracy will be dismantled, leveled to the dimensions of a flat majoritarianism, which is no mansion but a barn, perhaps even a tool shed in which the weapons on tyranny may be forged. Perhaps there will one day be wide dissent from….[the understanding] that the eternal reason of God is the ultimate origin of all law [and] that this nation in all its aspects — as a society, a state, an ordered and free relationship between governors and governed — is under God…”
4 common tactics of the Devil that are far more common than possession
Four Common Tactics of the Devil - Community in MissionPOPE: In recent years there has been a resurgence of interest in demonic possession. Movies and books, along with human fears and fascinations, are largely the cause. Although actual demonic possession is somewhat rare, it does occur. Each diocese ought to have an appointed exorcist to assess possession. This exorcist, with the permission of the bishop, should use the Rite of Major Exorcism when true and morally certain possession has been determined.
But because actual possession is quite rare, most of us should be looking out for the more common ways that the devil attacks us. His usual tactics are more subtle and pervasive, and we ought not let the exotic distract us from the more commonplace.
But because actual possession is quite rare, most of us should be looking out for the more common ways that the devil attacks us. His usual tactics are more subtle and pervasive, and we ought not let the exotic distract us from the more commonplace.
Catholic magician Giancarlo Bernini featured on Penn & Teller’s ‘Fool Us’
Catholic Magician Featured on CW's "Penn & Teller: Fool Us": "Hopefully My Magic Will Inspire" | ChurchPOP: Catholic Magician Giancarlo Bernini appeared on Monday night’s season premiere of Penn & Teller: Fool Us on The CW. The show invites aspiring magicians to perform and compete in front of world-renowned magicians Penn Jillette and Teller.
Bernini introduced himself in the show’s opening as a “college student from Austin, Texas studying religious studies.”
“I don’t see a conflict between my faith and my magic because illusions are all about discerning what’s true and what’s good. As a kid, even when I was watching movies, I never wanted to be the main character.
Bernini introduced himself in the show’s opening as a “college student from Austin, Texas studying religious studies.”
“I don’t see a conflict between my faith and my magic because illusions are all about discerning what’s true and what’s good. As a kid, even when I was watching movies, I never wanted to be the main character.
5 ways to tell if you’re a Catholic snob
Anatomy of a Catholic Snob – WE'RE LATE FOR CHURCHGERD: We all face the temptation of being a Catholic Snob. If you have a pulse, you suffer from the sin of pride. In fact, it’s the oldest sin in the book—the Bible, that is. Adam and Eve’s pride led to the fall. It’s not surprising that we grapple with it from time to time. But if we’re intellectually honest, we’ve probably all been a Catholic Snob at some point throughout our faith journeys. If you just thought, “Not me!” That’s a warning. It’s important to note that snobbish or prideful characteristics can prevent us from growing in holiness and experiencing the fullness of our Catholic faith. As GK Chesterton wrote in The Innocence of Father Brown, “Humility is the mother of giants. One sees great things from the valley; only small things from the peak.” When we allow God’s mercy and love to truly permeate our hearts, we are humbled. We will benefit from the inclination to be more compassionate and to face our fellow human beings with greater humility.
Indianapolis archbishop revokes Jesuit prep school’s Catholic identity
Indianapolis Archbishop Revokes Jesuit Prep School's Catholic Identity: The Archdiocese of Indianapolis announced Thursday that a local Jesuit high school will no longer be recognized as a Catholic school, due to a disagreement about the employment of a teacher who attempted to contract a same-sex marriage.
“All those who minister in Catholic educational institutions carry out an important ministry in communicating the fullness of Catholic teaching to students both by word and action inside and outside the classroom,” the archdiocese said in a statement Thursday.
“In the Archdiocese of Indianapolis, every archdiocesan Catholic school and private Catholic school has been instructed to clearly state in its contracts and ministerial job descriptions that all ministers must convey and be supportive of all teachings of the Catholic Church.”
“All those who minister in Catholic educational institutions carry out an important ministry in communicating the fullness of Catholic teaching to students both by word and action inside and outside the classroom,” the archdiocese said in a statement Thursday.
“In the Archdiocese of Indianapolis, every archdiocesan Catholic school and private Catholic school has been instructed to clearly state in its contracts and ministerial job descriptions that all ministers must convey and be supportive of all teachings of the Catholic Church.”
Thursday, June 20, 2019
Why I wish Jonathan Morris had remained a priest
Why I Wish Jonathan Morris Had Remained a PriestDESOUZA: The declaration from Father Jonathan Morris came as a blow. His decision to leave the priesthood hurts his brother priests as well as his parishioners, but it is one that has, at the same time, he tells us, brought him joy.
Morris’ circle of influence is wider than most, given his prominence as a frequent guest on Fox News and his books.
It is a most unusual case. Morris has not been accused of misconduct. He has not been thrown under the bus to solve a problem for his superiors. He has not fallen in love with a woman whom he desires to marry. He has not fathered a child or lived a double life. He has not fallen at all. He simply wants out. And he says now that he should never have gotten in.
Morris’ circle of influence is wider than most, given his prominence as a frequent guest on Fox News and his books.
It is a most unusual case. Morris has not been accused of misconduct. He has not been thrown under the bus to solve a problem for his superiors. He has not fallen in love with a woman whom he desires to marry. He has not fathered a child or lived a double life. He has not fallen at all. He simply wants out. And he says now that he should never have gotten in.
The 5 oldest Catholic churches in America
The Oldest Catholic Churches in America: Our country has valued religion from its inception. A look back into history shows a rich Catholic contribution to our country’s values. While the Catholic Church in the United States has been zealous in Her missionary efforts, as our history shows, many of our beautiful churches have been destroyed. The countdown below shows the five oldest Catholic Churches in America (Continental United States) that have stood strong amidst the destructive forces of war, natural disaster, and persecution.
Together with Christ, we are invincible
Together with Christ, we are invincibleHOOPES: On Corpus Christi, the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ, celebrated Thursday in most of the world and this Sunday in the United States, Jesus Christ doesn’t just tell us that we are blessed and strong.
He shows us.
Jesus shows the disciples that they can do nothing alone. But with him, they can do amazing things.
In Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus starts out showing and not just telling.
When crowds gathered around him in a deserted spot, he “spoke to the crowd about the kingdom of God,” but also showed them: “he healed those who needed to be cured.”
But then he wants to show them — and his Apostles — even more. At suppertime, the Apostles want to send the crowds away to eat. Jesus wants them to stay. They can’t imagine how they could possibly feed everybody with just five loaves and two fish.
He shows us.
Jesus shows the disciples that they can do nothing alone. But with him, they can do amazing things.
In Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus starts out showing and not just telling.
When crowds gathered around him in a deserted spot, he “spoke to the crowd about the kingdom of God,” but also showed them: “he healed those who needed to be cured.”
But then he wants to show them — and his Apostles — even more. At suppertime, the Apostles want to send the crowds away to eat. Jesus wants them to stay. They can’t imagine how they could possibly feed everybody with just five loaves and two fish.
Fix me, Jesus, fix me — 3 reasons even our spiritual life needs fixing
Fix Me, Jesus; Fix Me – Three Reasons Even Our Spiritual Life Needs Fixing - Community in MissionPOPE: When I was a good bit younger – in college, actually – I took a few courses in economics and marketing. I remember thinking to myself, “God has a bad marketing department,” because it seemed to me that things like Scripture and prayer were often so difficult to understand and do. God wants us to pray, but everyone I ever asked admitted that prayer was difficult even if the specific reasons were different in each case. I wondered why God didn’t just make prayer delightful. “Yes,” I thought, “God has a bad marketing plan.”
The Amazon train has left the station. Next stop, Germany.
The Amazon Train Has Pulled Out. Next Stop Germany - Settimo Cielo - Blog - L’EspressoMAGISTER: As of Monday June 17 the synod for the Amazon scheduled for this October in Rome has its “Instrumentum laboris,” the base document for discussions.
It runs to 59 dense pages, but these few lines from its paragraph 129 are enough to understand where Pope Francis wants to arrive:
“Affirming that celibacy is a gift for the Church, it is requested that, for the remoter zones of the region, the possibility be studied of the priestly ordination of mature men, preferably indigenous, respected and accepted by their communities, even though they may already have an established and stable family, for the sake of guaranteeing the sacraments that accompany and sustain the Christian life.”
It runs to 59 dense pages, but these few lines from its paragraph 129 are enough to understand where Pope Francis wants to arrive:
“Affirming that celibacy is a gift for the Church, it is requested that, for the remoter zones of the region, the possibility be studied of the priestly ordination of mature men, preferably indigenous, respected and accepted by their communities, even though they may already have an established and stable family, for the sake of guaranteeing the sacraments that accompany and sustain the Christian life.”
At one-year mark, McCarrick saga remains a story of lights and shadows
At one-year mark, McCarrick saga remains a story of lights and shadowsALLEN: One year ago today, Theodore McCarrick woke up as a cardinal of the Catholic Church, a busy informal diplomatic trouble-shooter on behalf of the Vatican and someone perceived as a friend of the reigning pope, Francis. By the time he went to bed he’d been removed from public ministry, starting a cascade of abuse allegations that led to his being expelled from the College of Cardinals and, eventually, from the priesthood.
Supreme Court rules 7-2 that Maryland ‘Peace Cross’ can remain standing
Supreme Court rules 7-2 that 'Peace Cross' can remain standing | Deseret News: A 40-foot-tall cross will remain standing in Bladensburg, Maryland, after the Supreme Court ruled 7-2 that government funding for the monument does not unlawfully privilege the Christian faith.
Why all males need rites of passage
Why All Males Need Rites of PassageCRAIG: Some transitions in life are so radical that the old form of life simply cannot continue into the new form; the old form must give way and the new form be embraced. A man cannot be both married and unmarried, ordained and lay, or dead and alive. This transition, when one state of life “dies” and another is “born,” is the more universal understanding of a rite of passage: the passing of one state that allows for the embrace of a new one. The French anthropologist Arnold Van Gennep (1873–1957) first coined this terminology in his book Rites of Passage.
House reauthorizes Hyde Amendment, despite protests from 2020 Dems (warning: autoplay video)
House reauthorizes Hyde Amendment, despite protests from 2020 Dems | Fox News: The Democratic-controlled House on Wednesday approved a spending bill that included a reauthorization of the so-called Hyde Amendment barring federal money for abortions, despite a recent bubbling of vocal opposition to the amendment from liberals and 2020 Democratic presidential candidates.
One year later: Disgraced ex-cardinal McCarrick remains at Kansas friary
Disgraced Ex-Cardinal ‘Mr. McCarrick’ Remains at Kansas Friary, One Year Later: One year after credible allegations of sex abuse of a minor led to his public disgrace, the 88-year-old Theodore McCarrick is no longer a cardinal of the Catholic Church, no longer an archbishop, and no longer a cleric. He continues to reside at a Franciscan friary in Kansas, perhaps indefinitely.
“Mr. McCarrick continues to reside at St. Fidelis Friary in Victoria, Kansas. He is in poor health and remains under a supervision plan,” Father Joseph Mary Elder, O.F.M. Cap., communications director for the Capuchin Franciscans’ Province of St. Conrad, told CNA June 18.
“Mr. McCarrick continues to reside at St. Fidelis Friary in Victoria, Kansas. He is in poor health and remains under a supervision plan,” Father Joseph Mary Elder, O.F.M. Cap., communications director for the Capuchin Franciscans’ Province of St. Conrad, told CNA June 18.
One year after McCarrick, what’s next for the Church?
Analysis: One Year After McCarrick, What's Next for the Church?JDFLYNN: Exactly one year after revelations about the sexual abuse of then-Cardinal Theodore McCarrick were made public, the Church in the U.S. remains in a state of serious scandal, and Catholics remain angry and discouraged. But what’s next for the Church - what happens after McCarrick - depends as much on the decisions of ordinary Catholics as it does on the policy decisions of the U.S. bishops.
Of baby spit-up, paternity, and piety
Of Baby Spit-Up, Paternity, and Piety | God-Haunted LunaticBECKER: Want to find parents of newborns in a crowd? Look for shoulder stains, especially on dads.
When my kids were babies, I was usually the last to know when a white splotch appeared on my upper back. Invariably it was at church, and we were passing around kids in a vain attempt to moderate the pew disturbances, and I’d end up with the youngest peering past my neck as she bounced in the BabyBjörn. Maybe I was trying to pay attention to the homily; maybe I was just trying to stay awake. Regardless, when the bouncing produced the inevitable blurp on my shirt, I’d remain oblivious, and the folks in the pew behind would enjoy a little little chuckle at my expense.
When my kids were babies, I was usually the last to know when a white splotch appeared on my upper back. Invariably it was at church, and we were passing around kids in a vain attempt to moderate the pew disturbances, and I’d end up with the youngest peering past my neck as she bounced in the BabyBjörn. Maybe I was trying to pay attention to the homily; maybe I was just trying to stay awake. Regardless, when the bouncing produced the inevitable blurp on my shirt, I’d remain oblivious, and the folks in the pew behind would enjoy a little little chuckle at my expense.
5 “what ifs” that can renew the Catholic Church
5 “What Ifs” That Can Renew The Catholic Church! - Catholic Missionary Disciples - College Station, TXLEJEUNE: For years I ran the day to day operations of a large parish staff of well over 50 people. During one staff meeting I asked a “what if” question that changed how we operated. I asked them, “what would we do differently if we stopped making the assumption that just because folks are involved, that they are disciples of Jesus.” Our ministry direction changed after that question.
The answer came from all corners of the room and everyone was in agreement, which was as rare as a pink rhino walking in the room. We agreed that we would start to be more bold in evangelizing others. That we needed to proclaim the kerygma to our parishioners and invite a response. In other words, we started to work on making disciples of people, without assuming they were already following Jesus. This model of evangelization and discipleship started by asking “what if”. I think there are several other “what if” questions that parishes need to start to think about and answer.
The answer came from all corners of the room and everyone was in agreement, which was as rare as a pink rhino walking in the room. We agreed that we would start to be more bold in evangelizing others. That we needed to proclaim the kerygma to our parishioners and invite a response. In other words, we started to work on making disciples of people, without assuming they were already following Jesus. This model of evangelization and discipleship started by asking “what if”. I think there are several other “what if” questions that parishes need to start to think about and answer.
5 reasons to add Josephus to your summer reading list
Five Reasons to Add Josephus to Your Summer Reading List – The Five BeastsTURNER: The Jewish War is Josephus’ personal account of the Roman siege and destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70 and is indispensable to anyone interested in the New Testament. Once started, it is very hard to put down.
Josephus had been the general in charge of protecting the Galilee from the Roman legions who were on the march. After his capture by Vespasian, who was not yet emperor, he defected to the Roman side and tried to negotiate with the Jews of Jerusalem on its behalf.
Josephus had been the general in charge of protecting the Galilee from the Roman legions who were on the march. After his capture by Vespasian, who was not yet emperor, he defected to the Roman side and tried to negotiate with the Jews of Jerusalem on its behalf.
Autistic people should be welcome in church
Autistics Should Be Welcome in Church (Re: Evensong at Cambridge) | Matthew SchneiderSCHNEIDER: Sunday, Dr. Paul Rimmer took his autistic son to Evensong at King’s College at Cambridge. They were asked to leave when his son made noise. Let me cover his letter and the apology then talk about autistic inclusion.
Dr. Rimmer’s Letter
The main point Dr. Rimmer makes is that Evensong, although a choral – not congregational – action is liturgical. Thus, it should be open to all trying their best to participate. However, he felt it was treated as a secular concert. Here are some excerpts.
Dr. Rimmer’s Letter
The main point Dr. Rimmer makes is that Evensong, although a choral – not congregational – action is liturgical. Thus, it should be open to all trying their best to participate. However, he felt it was treated as a secular concert. Here are some excerpts.
The ancient novelty of Christianity
The Ancient Novelty of Christianity – Fr. Dwight LongeneckerLONGENECKER: I’m very much enjoying Samuel Gregg’s Reason, Faith and the Struggle for Western Civilization. I hope to review it more thoroughly once I’ve finished with it, but the opening section is brilliant on the birth of Christianity. Gregg’s thesis is that Western civilization is the product of Roman Christianity and if that foundation is destroyed the civilization crumbles.
In the opening section he discusses the remarkable rise of the church in the first 500 years. Christianity prospered for many reasons which are outlined brilliantly in Rodney Stark’s The Rise of Christianity. Gregg comes at it from a religious and philosophical viewpoint. The ancient world of the Roman Empire was a hugely diverse marketplace of ideas and religions. With the trade and travel going on from China and India in the East to North and Central Africa and then as far West as Spain and Britain, the centers of civilization were a melting pot of a huge number of cultural, religious and philosophical trends.
In the opening section he discusses the remarkable rise of the church in the first 500 years. Christianity prospered for many reasons which are outlined brilliantly in Rodney Stark’s The Rise of Christianity. Gregg comes at it from a religious and philosophical viewpoint. The ancient world of the Roman Empire was a hugely diverse marketplace of ideas and religions. With the trade and travel going on from China and India in the East to North and Central Africa and then as far West as Spain and Britain, the centers of civilization were a melting pot of a huge number of cultural, religious and philosophical trends.
Exit, voice, and loyalty in the Catholic Church
Exit, voice, and loyalty in the Catholic Church | Catholic CultureLAWLER: Different people react in different ways to the crisis in our Church. Reflecting on that fact, I find myself thinking about a little classic of a book that was published almost 50 years ago: Exit, Voice, & Loyalty, by Albert O. Hirschman.
At a glance you might say that Hirschman’s book has nothing to do with Catholicism, and you’d be right. Hirschman was an economist, and in this book he was examining how individuals express their dissatisfaction with the firms, organizations, or institutions with which they are affiliated. Like most good social-science studies, the book is filled with common-sense observations that might strike the reader as obvious—until he realizes that he hadn’t made those observations himself.
At a glance you might say that Hirschman’s book has nothing to do with Catholicism, and you’d be right. Hirschman was an economist, and in this book he was examining how individuals express their dissatisfaction with the firms, organizations, or institutions with which they are affiliated. Like most good social-science studies, the book is filled with common-sense observations that might strike the reader as obvious—until he realizes that he hadn’t made those observations himself.
The USCCB meeting, Jordan Peterson, and the “Nones”
The USCCB Meeting, Jordan Peterson, and the “Nones” | Word on FireBARRON: Last week, I gave a presentation at the USCCB Spring Meeting in Baltimore. My topic was what I identified as the second greatest crisis facing the Church today—namely, the massive attrition of our own people, especially the young. I trust that the first—around which most of our discussions that week revolved—is obvious to everyone. Judging from the extremely positive reaction of my brother bishops and the lively conversation that followed my presentation, the talk was well received. I was also delighted it apparently prompted a spirited conversation on social media.
Wednesday, June 19, 2019
Pope’s Wednesday Audience: ‘The Holy Spirit unites the Church, despite sin and scandal’
Pope Francis: The Holy Spirit unites the Church, despite sin and scandal: Pope Francis said Wednesday that the Holy Spirit unites and grows the Church despite human limitations, sins and scandal.
“The Holy Spirit is the creator of communion, the artist of reconciliation … He builds the community of believers by harmonizing the unity of the body and the multiplicity of its members,” Pope Francis said June 19 in St. Peter’s Square.
The Holy Spirit “makes the Church grow by helping it to go beyond human limits, sins and any scandal,” he said.
“The Holy Spirit is the creator of communion, the artist of reconciliation … He builds the community of believers by harmonizing the unity of the body and the multiplicity of its members,” Pope Francis said June 19 in St. Peter’s Square.
The Holy Spirit “makes the Church grow by helping it to go beyond human limits, sins and any scandal,” he said.
“No one was saved” — How Paul McCartney out-harshed Lennon’s critique with four words
"No one was saved": Paul McCartney out-harshed Lennon's Critique with 4 words - The AnchoressSCALIA: Well, Happy Birthday to James Paul McCartney, who was born this day in 1942 and grew up to be one half of what became arguably the greatest songwriting partnerships in popular music.
What a gift he had, to seemingly exhale melodies. What a remarkable, innovative bass player, to boot. What unforgettable harmonies — so tightly wound, so perfectly matched — he and John Lennon and George Harrison brought to us out of their scrappy Liverpudlian backgrounds, all grounded by Ringo’s perfectly-honed fills and metronomic backbeats.
But the thing about Paul McCartney in his youth is this: he was a much tougher dude (and a better lyricist) than we remember. He was very much a driving backbeat himself — an original “lead from behind” sort — who acted like he was giddy to be along for a ride when in fact, he often had control of the wheel.
What a gift he had, to seemingly exhale melodies. What a remarkable, innovative bass player, to boot. What unforgettable harmonies — so tightly wound, so perfectly matched — he and John Lennon and George Harrison brought to us out of their scrappy Liverpudlian backgrounds, all grounded by Ringo’s perfectly-honed fills and metronomic backbeats.
But the thing about Paul McCartney in his youth is this: he was a much tougher dude (and a better lyricist) than we remember. He was very much a driving backbeat himself — an original “lead from behind” sort — who acted like he was giddy to be along for a ride when in fact, he often had control of the wheel.
Here’s everything we know so far about Netflix’s Narnia project
Netflix's Narnia TV Series and Movies: Here’s everything we know - Voyage Comics & PublishingKOSLOSKI: Roughly a year after Amazon announced its plan to create a series based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings, Netflix revealed plans to create a series and feature films based on the world of C.S. Lewis’ The Chronicles of Narnia. Ever since the announcement was made on October 3, 2018, various speculations have been made. To help you sort through them all, here is everything that we know about the new series and films that will be made.
Tuesday, June 18, 2019
Father Thomas Rosica resigns from Salt and Light after plagiarism scandal
Father Rosica Resigns from Salt and Light After Plagiarism Scandal: In April, it was discovered that one of Rosica’s most controversial publications, a July 2018 blog post, had been plagiarized from a 2014 blog post by by Richard Bennett, a former member of Dominican Order and an apparently laicized priest, who is now active in a fundamentalist Protestant organization which says it “places particular emphasis on the evangelization and conversion of Roman Catholics.”
The Holy Eucharist and the priesthood: The Solemnity of Corpus Christi
The Sacred Page: Eucharist and Priesthood: The Feast of Corpus ChristiBERGSMA: I love the early summer liturgical “trifecta” of Pentecost, Trinity, and Corpus Christi, forming a kind of “encore” to the joyful Easter Season focusing in succession on three fundamental realities of the Christian life: the Church, the Triune Godhead, and the Eucharist. This “trifecta” comes to an end this week with the celebration of the Body and Blood of Christ.
The Readings for this Solemnity obviously focus on types and descriptions of the Eucharist, but there is a notably priestly theme that also runs through them.
The Readings for this Solemnity obviously focus on types and descriptions of the Eucharist, but there is a notably priestly theme that also runs through them.
Familiar journalism question: Why did the New York Times ignore Franco Zeffirelli’s Catholic faith?
Familiar journalism question: Why did New York Times ignore Franco Zeffirelli's Catholic faith? — GetReligionMATTINGLY: The lengthy New York Times obituary for the Franco Zeffirelli features lots of material — as it should — about the legendary director’s off-stage and off-screen private life, which was colorful, to say the least. The headline proclaimed: “Franco Zeffirelli, Italian Director With Taste for Excess, Dies at 96.” Zeffirelli lived a sprawling, complex life that, at times, was almost as dramatic as the designs for his opera productions. But there was something else that, when describing his life, Zeffirelli always stressed — his faith. In fact, the word “Catholic” never shows up in the Times piece. Also, there is only a passing reference to one of the works that, via television, made him famous with mass audiences around the world — his popular 1977 mini-series “Jesus of Nazareth.”
Holy See Press Office denies rumors of Benedict XVI stroke
Benedict XVI Did Not Suffer a Stroke, Says Holy See Press Office: Despite the rumors in social media, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI is doing very well and did not suffer a mild stroke, according to the Holy See Press Office. The reports first appeared on Twitter Monday afternoon, leaving many Catholics offering prayers for the 92-year-old pope emeritus.
China killing Prisoners to harvest organs for transplant, tribunal finds
China Killing Prisoners To Harvest Organs For Transplant, Tribunal Finds: On June 17, an independent tribunal which has been investigating "forced organ harvesting" from Chinese prisoners, including Falun Gong practitioners and Uighur Muslims, published its final judgment.
The China Tribunal concluded that "forced organ harvesting has been committed for years throughout China on a significant scale, [and] the tribunal has had no evidence that the significant infrastructure associated with China’s transplantation industry has been dismantled and absent a satisfactory explanation as to the source of readily available organs concludes that forced organ harvesting continues till today."
The China Tribunal concluded that "forced organ harvesting has been committed for years throughout China on a significant scale, [and] the tribunal has had no evidence that the significant infrastructure associated with China’s transplantation industry has been dismantled and absent a satisfactory explanation as to the source of readily available organs concludes that forced organ harvesting continues till today."
Understanding the debate over married priests at the Amazon synod
Understanding the debate over married priests at the Amazon synodALLEN: Every so often, we get official confirmation of the obvious, and, surprisingly enough, it still makes waves. Such is the case again this week with the release of a preparatory document for an October summit of bishops on the Amazon, which confirms that the ordination of married “elderly people,” meaning men, will be on the agenda.
From the moment the Synod of Bishops on the Amazon was announced, it’s been clear that the issue of the viri probati, meaning tested married men who are pillars of their communities, would come up. Requests for consideration of the possibility have been voiced with increasing urgency by bishops and other Catholic personnel from the region for decades, and it was basically unthinkable a whole synod would go by without it being floated again.
From the moment the Synod of Bishops on the Amazon was announced, it’s been clear that the issue of the viri probati, meaning tested married men who are pillars of their communities, would come up. Requests for consideration of the possibility have been voiced with increasing urgency by bishops and other Catholic personnel from the region for decades, and it was basically unthinkable a whole synod would go by without it being floated again.
Monday, June 17, 2019
A comment about Cardinal Dolan’s capital punishment tweet
A comment on a cardinal’s tweet re capital punishment | In the Light of the LawEDPETERS: Earlier today Cdl. Dolan of New York tweeted: “With the clear and cogent clarification of the successor of St. Peter, there now exists no loophole to morally justify capital punishment.”
The supposedly clear and cogent clarification that Dolan has in mind must be Pope Francis’ 2018 modification of the Catechism of the Catholic Church to assert that the death penalty is “inadmissible”. But, while it is likely that Francis meant what Dolan said, the pope did not quite claim what the cardinal clearly did. Francis (or his handlers) left just enough wiggle room (by using “inadmissible”, an ambiguous term in magisterial-moral discourse) to avoid flatly declaring the DP “immoral” and setting off thereby a magisterial firestorm such as has not been seen for some centuries.
The supposedly clear and cogent clarification that Dolan has in mind must be Pope Francis’ 2018 modification of the Catechism of the Catholic Church to assert that the death penalty is “inadmissible”. But, while it is likely that Francis meant what Dolan said, the pope did not quite claim what the cardinal clearly did. Francis (or his handlers) left just enough wiggle room (by using “inadmissible”, an ambiguous term in magisterial-moral discourse) to avoid flatly declaring the DP “immoral” and setting off thereby a magisterial firestorm such as has not been seen for some centuries.
Three churches agree to more renovations at Church of the Holy Sepulcher
Three churches agree to more renovations at Church of the Holy Sepulcher: Following the successful cooperation on the 2016 restoration of the Edicule in the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, the leaders of the three churches who serve as guardians of the holy site have signed an agreement to continue with restorations, this time on the pavement and foundations around the tomb.
The Edicule shrine is revered by Christians as the site of the remains of the cave where Jesus was buried and rose from the dead. During its 10-month restoration, it was determined that the 19th-century structure remained endangered because of the humidity of the soil beneath the foundations the church, and further work was needed to stabilize it.
The Edicule shrine is revered by Christians as the site of the remains of the cave where Jesus was buried and rose from the dead. During its 10-month restoration, it was determined that the 19th-century structure remained endangered because of the humidity of the soil beneath the foundations the church, and further work was needed to stabilize it.
If this man asks for a penny, don’t give it to him. It’s a pyramid scheme...
New Advent: If this man asks for a penny, don’t give it to him. It’s a pyramid scheme...: This is the last video showing the construction of the New World Record Penny Pyramid, according to the Guinness Book of World Records. This beats the previous record, which used 100 people and was built in Lithuania.
A dad took his autistic son to church for Father’s Day. The minister told them to hit the bricks...
When a Father Brought His Autistic Son to Church | Deacon Greg Kandra: Dr. Paul Rimmer took his son to Evensong yesterday at King’s College at Cambridge. This morning, he posted this letter on Facebook, which reads in part...
The impact of a loving marriage is greater than you can imagine
The Impact of a Loving Marriage is Greater Than You Can ImagineCLARK: June 17 is my parents’ 58th wedding anniversary. Since I’ve been around for all but 10 of those years, I consider myself somewhat of an expert on their marriage. So first, I’d like to say: Congratulations, Mom and Dad! And I’d like to offer an observation about marriage and how it can affect children.
At the start of every day, many Catholics say a Morning Offering, asking God to be with them through all their “prayers, works, joys, and sufferings.” When I was a young child saying these prayers, I remember thinking that this was a bold prediction about the day ahead. It also seemed contradictory: joys and sufferings? What’s with that? And yet, as each day would play out, the prayer’s predictions rang true.
At the start of every day, many Catholics say a Morning Offering, asking God to be with them through all their “prayers, works, joys, and sufferings.” When I was a young child saying these prayers, I remember thinking that this was a bold prediction about the day ahead. It also seemed contradictory: joys and sufferings? What’s with that? And yet, as each day would play out, the prayer’s predictions rang true.
The doctrine of the Most Holy Trinity describes divine love
The doctrine of the trinity describes love – SIMCHA FISHERFISHER: So, how was Heresy Sunday at your parish? Maybe you know it better as “Trinity Sunday,” but, well, you know. One minute, you’re standing there sweating behind the pulpit, trying to give your flock something solid to chew on, and then next minute, you’re a modalist. Or an arian, or a partialist. On the other hand, you also have people complaining on Twitter that they’re pretty tired of hearing from their pastors that they’re just too dumb to understand the trinity, so he won’t even try.
Polish priest, ordained in his hospital bed after cancer diagnosis, dies
Polish Priest Ordained After Cancer Diagnosis Dies: A young Polish priest who was ordained last month following a terminal cancer diagnosis has died, his community announced Monday.
Father Michal Los, FDP, died June 17 in the morning, the Congregation of the Orionine Fathers said in a Facebook post.
“We believe that he met with the Risen Christ whom he so desperately wanted to serve as a priest. Thank you for all your prayers and support,” the congregation said.
On May 24, Los was ordained a priest in his Warsaw hospital bed.
Father Michal Los, FDP, died June 17 in the morning, the Congregation of the Orionine Fathers said in a Facebook post.
“We believe that he met with the Risen Christ whom he so desperately wanted to serve as a priest. Thank you for all your prayers and support,” the congregation said.
On May 24, Los was ordained a priest in his Warsaw hospital bed.
‘Baby steps’ toward Humanae Vitae: Why even non-Catholic women are starting to question the Pill
Why Women Are Going Off Birth Control Pills: Every day since I was 15 years old, I have taken “the Pill,” a pale-pink tablet containing a combination of levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol, two chemicals that trick my body into thinking it’s pregnant so I can’t actually get pregnant. Since it came on the market in 1960, the Pill — a catchall term for a variety of oral contraceptives containing differing combinations of synthetic hormones — has been the most common form of birth control used in the United States, utilized at some point by four out of five sexually active women. While there are a number of other popular hormonal-birth-control methods, such as the IUD and the NuvaRing, none enjoy the popularity and cultural significance of the Pill.
Amazon Synod to consider possible ordination of married men, ‘official ministry’ for women
Amazon Synod to Consider Possible Ordination of Married Men: The working document for the special assembly of the Synod of Bishops for the Pan-Amazonian region, released Monday, recommends study of the possibility of ordaining married men in remote areas for the priesthood. “Stating that celibacy is a gift for the Church, we ask that, for more remote areas in the region, study of the possibility of priestly ordination of elders, preferably indigenous … they can already have an established and stable family, in order to ensure the sacraments that they accompany and support the Christian life,” paragraph 129 of the document released June 17 states.
At bishops’ summit, filling McCarrick’s chair signals hope for change
At bishops summit, filling McCarrick's chair signals hope for changeWHITE: When the U.S. Catholic bishops gathered for their semi-annual meeting last week, the burning outsider question was what steps they would take to combat the clerical sexual abuse scandals that are once again scarring the Church in America.
For insiders, however, that question took on a highly specific focus: Would anyone finally sit in Ted McCarrick’s chair?
For insiders, however, that question took on a highly specific focus: Would anyone finally sit in Ted McCarrick’s chair?
Synod of Bishops to discuss married priests for Amazon region
Synod of Bishops to discuss married priests for areas of Amazon region : News Headlines | Catholic Culture: “Amazonia: new pathways for the Church and for an integral ecology” is the theme of the Special Assembly of the Synod of Bishops for the Pan-Amazon Region, which will take place October 6-27. The instrumentum laboris (working document)—released in Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish on June 17—stated that “for the more remote areas of the region, the possibility of priestly ordination of elders, preferably indigenous, respected and accepted by their community, should be studied,” according to the report.
Three slogans that show the Church and science agree about abortion
Three Slogans That Show the Church and Science Are in Sync on AbortionTRASANCOS: Whenever pro-life policies advance, such as the fetal “heartbeat” bill in Georgia, the protection of children conceived by rape in Alabama, and the National Institute of Health’s (NIH) defunding of fetal tissue in research, the same old pro-choice slogans pop up again in the media: “My Body, My Choice!” “Parasites Don’t Have Rights!” “Every Child a Wanted Child!”
These do not appeal to reason, but, rather, are meant to trigger emotions and irrational responses.
Just as equations depend on the meaning of numbers and symbols, arguments depend on the definitions of words. Words, however, are much more fluid than numbers, which are precise. A trick in rhetoric, then, is to use words in an intentionally ambiguous way to conjure up mental images that sway the mind. It is always worth a critical examination of the language of slogans — especially when innocent human life hangs on the true meaning of every word.
These do not appeal to reason, but, rather, are meant to trigger emotions and irrational responses.
Just as equations depend on the meaning of numbers and symbols, arguments depend on the definitions of words. Words, however, are much more fluid than numbers, which are precise. A trick in rhetoric, then, is to use words in an intentionally ambiguous way to conjure up mental images that sway the mind. It is always worth a critical examination of the language of slogans — especially when innocent human life hangs on the true meaning of every word.
Did St. Paul really land on Malta? Or was it really (as Fr. Ronald Knox translates it) the island of Melita?
Was St. Paul ever on the Island of Malta?BURGER: St. Paul made several journeys around the Mediterranean, preaching the Gospel. According the Acts of the Apostles, he was shipwrecked on the island of Malta. In some translations, such as Ronald Knox’s, though, the place is referred to as Melita.
Though Maltese are proud of their connection with the Apostle to the Gentiles, one scholar is calling into question whether St. Paul actually stepped foot on Malta. And it all has to do with his famous encounter with a venomous snake.
Though Maltese are proud of their connection with the Apostle to the Gentiles, one scholar is calling into question whether St. Paul actually stepped foot on Malta. And it all has to do with his famous encounter with a venomous snake.
Italian priest concelebrates his 100th birthday Mass with his 4 sons, who are all priests too
Italian priest concelebrates his 100th birthday Mass with his 4 sons, also priests — Aleteia: Father, priest, father of priests, centenarian, author, disciple of Padre Pio, Veteran of World War II … Perhaps we could think of Fr. Probo Vaccarini as a sort of spiritual Forrest Gump: someone who has received all 7 sacraments—some from his own children—and conferred most of them as well, and who has seen some of the most significant events and personalities of the 20th and 21st centuries first-hand.
New York Times columnist David Brooks wants to convert. Are we stopping him?
New York Times columnist wants to convert. Are we stopping him?HOOPES: secular Jewish New York Times columnist is on the cusp of accepting the Christian faith, and his new book tells Christians what we do that encourages and discourages people like him.
I knew I had to read David Brooks’ The Second Mountain when I read Rod Dreher’s tweet about it. “Plane landed as I finished final pages,” Dreher tweeted. “My first thought: I’ve got to change my life. Many, many people are going to finish this luminous book and have the same thought.”
I knew I had to read David Brooks’ The Second Mountain when I read Rod Dreher’s tweet about it. “Plane landed as I finished final pages,” Dreher tweeted. “My first thought: I’ve got to change my life. Many, many people are going to finish this luminous book and have the same thought.”
What really happened to Malaysia’s missing airplane
Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370: Where Is It? - The Atlantic: at 12:42 a.m. on the quiet, moonlit night of March 8, 2014, a Boeing 777-200ER operated by Malaysia Airlines took off from Kuala Lumpur and turned toward Beijing, climbing to its assigned cruising altitude of 35,000 feet. The designator for Malaysia Airlines is MH. The flight number was 370. Fariq Hamid, the first officer, was flying the airplane. He was 27 years old. This was a training flight for him, the last one; he would soon be fully certified. His trainer was the pilot in command, a man named Zaharie Ahmad Shah, who at 53 was one of the most senior captains at Malaysia Airlines. In Malaysian style, he was known by his first name, Zaharie. He was married and had three adult children. He lived in a gated development. He owned two houses. In his first house he had installed an elaborate Microsoft flight simulator. He flew it frequently, and often posted to online forums about his hobby. In the cockpit, Fariq would have been deferential to him, but Zaharie was not known for being overbearing.
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