5 defenses of classical education in a time of civil unrest

Five Defenses of Classical Education in a Time of Civil Unrest ~ The Imaginative ConservativeBEIER: We have come to the beginning of strange new school year. In addition to the challenges of COVID-19, primary and secondary classical schools, colleges, and universities that provide a liberal education aimed at achieving wisdom and virtue, in part through an examination of the Western heritage, may find some students, parents, and outside observers asking whether they perpetuate racism.

Apostolic Letter “Scripturae Sacrae Affectus” on the 1600th Anniversary of the Death of Saint Jerome

Apostolic Letter "Scripturae Sacrae affectus" on the sixteen hundredth Anniversary of the death of Saint Jerome FrancisCOATOFARMS: Devotion to sacred Scripture, a “living and tender love” for the written word of God: this is the legacy that Saint Jerome bequeathed to the Church by his life and labours. Now, on the sixteen hundredth anniversary of his death, those words taken from the opening prayer of his liturgical Memorial give us an essential insight into this outstanding figure in the Church’s history and his immense love for Christ.

On 1600th anniversary of St. Jerome’s death, Pope releases surprise apostolic letter on Scripture study

Pope Francis Releases Surprise Letter on Jerome and Scripture Study on the 16th Centennial of His Death – The Sacred PageBARBER: It was announced this morning that Francis has released an Apostolic Letter, Scripturae Sacrae Affectus, devoted to Jerome. As Francis observes, his is not the first papal letter to celebrate the saint. In 1920, Benedict XIV wrote an encyclical letter, Spiritus Paraclitus, to mark the fifteenth centenary of his death...

11 ways you might be tempted by the Devil

Temptation: The Ordinary Ways the Devil Attacks UsBECKMAN: Temptation is the devil’s ordinary mode of action (see 1 John 3:8– 10). Satan is the tempter (1 Thess. 3:5), and just as he incited the Fall, he still directly influences us to reject grace and commit sin. Temptation is common to all. Not all temptations arise from diabolical influence. From original sin arises the weakness of our faculties. We can develop sinful habits without the devil’s influence...

50 things you ever wanted to know about Confession

50 Things You Ever Wanted to Know About ConfessionBROOM: One of the greatest gifts that Jesus gave to the Church, and to each and every one of us, is the Sacrament of Confession. If we really understood this great Sacrament, then we would have recourse to it with greater, faith, trust, frequency, and preparation. The literary style that we follow will be that of a brief and clear catechesis on the Sacrament of Confession...

The Prayer to St. Michael is a prayer we need to be praying every day

Prayer to Saint Michael: The Prayer We Need to Pray EVERY DAY – TOM PERNAPERNA: The Prayer to Saint Michael was written by Pope Leo XIII on October 13, 1884, after seeing a vision and hearing two voices, one of God and other Satan having a conversion about the reign of Satan on the world. Once the vision had ended, Pope Leo returned to his office to write the Prayer to Saint Michael. He sent instructions to the universal church...

Cardinal Pell arrives in Rome

Cardinal Pell arrives in Rome as financial scandal casts shadow over Vatican: Cardinal George Pell arrived in Rome Wednesday as financial scandals continue to cast a shadow over the Vatican.

The former prefect of the Secretariat for the Economy was pictured in the Italian capital Sept. 30 on his first visit to the city since he left in 2017 for Australia to prove his innocence of abuse charges.

What is the goal in raising children?

The Goal in Raising Children | LifeCraftCUDDEBACK: There are various ways to understand the ‘goal’ in raising children. In examining the realm of human parenting in comparison with how other animals raise their young, Thomas Aquinas especially focuses on the human difference and the difference it makes.
The young of other animals need to be able to get by amid the dangers and other challenges of the environment in which they live...

Why is Australia’s Cardinal Pell returning to Rome?

Why is Australia’s Cardinal Pell returning to Rome? | America Magazine: Cardinal George Pell returns to the Vatican on Sept. 30 and is likely to remain there at least until June 8, when he turns 80. His long-term plan, however, is to return to Sydney, Australia, according to a source close to the cardinal, who asked not to be identified.

Some practical advice for fellow travelers newly arrived in the land of homeschooling

Voyages in Homeschooling - Advice to Fellow Travelers - Seton MagazineCLARK: “You can never cross the ocean unless you have the courage to lose sight of the shore.” These are reportedly the words of Christopher Columbus, but whether he actually uttered them is of little import; these words define his experience as he ventured to the “New World.” There is a lesson in these words for all of us, although we often resist that lesson.
There’s something comforting about the shore...

Amy Coney Barrett’s presence on the national stage is good for us. Listen to this conversation with her and you’ll see why...

Amy Barrett on What’s Most Important in Life -- Life! Especially the Life of Each and Every Child | National ReviewLOPEZ: This conversation Phil Muñoz at Notre Dame had with Amy Coney Barrett and Amul Thapar is worth watching in its entirety. But if you don’t have time for that, please fast forward to 30–31 (if you’re really pressed) minutes in. Barrett talks about her family, her marriage, the surprise adoption of John Peter and her youngest, Benjamin, who has Down Syndrome...

St. Michael the Archangel, Hammer of Heresies and Hounds of Hell

St Michael, Hammer of Heresies and Hounds of Hell – Fr. Dwight LongeneckerLONGENECKER: This is my favorite time of the year. Not only is the beginning of Autumn the most beautiful season, but I love this ten days in the church calendar: St Michael, St Jerome, St Therese, St Francis, St Faustina, Our Lady of the Rosary. I was pleased to see therefore that Pope Francis has called on us to pray the rosary especially this month to counter the devil...

Do you know any parishes that have stood out for handling the pandemic well? There’s an award for that...

Know some excellent parishes of the pandemic? There's an award for that: Scot Landry has worked for the Catholic Church for years. So he knows that diocesan and parish offices typically hear very little about what they’re doing well, and a lot about what's not going right. “The ratio of compliments or gratitude or praise, to complaints ... that ratio was in the complaint end of things, stronger than any other time of my life,” Landry told CNA, reflecting on his years working for the Archdiocese of Boston.

Why Cardinal Pell is vindicated by Cardinal Becciu’s firing

Why Cardinal Pell Is Vindicated by Cardinal Becciu’s Firing| National Catholic RegisterDESOUZA: An important, but not the primary, consequence of the stunning sacking of Cardinal Angelo Becciu is that it completes on the Vatican side what was accomplished by the Australian High Court in April, namely the complete vindication of Cardinal George Pell. As Cardinal Pell arrives in Rome this week after three years in Australia, the counterpoint between the cardinal’s return and Cardinal Becciu’s fall is worthy of a novel.

How St. Michael helped build Sacra di San Michele in the Italian Alps

How St. Michael helped build Sacra di San Michele - Voyage Comics & PublishingKOSLOSKI: As we reach the next legendary monastery on the “Sword of St. Michael,” we will examine another apparition of St. Michael along the sacred line of seven monasteries that stretches from Ireland to Israel. Unlike the monasteries that we have already covered, this monastery is not in the middle of the sea. Instead, Sacra di San Michele is in the middle of the Alps in the Piedmont region of Italy that borders France.

This 2020 Fall Foliage Map is the ultimate visual planning guide to the changing of the leaves across the U.S.

2020 Fall Foliage Map & Nationwide Peak Leaf Forecast: Some consider it to be the most incredible time of the year. Gorgeous colors vibrantly encoring the end of summer as the trees put themselves to bed for the long sleep of winter. The Great Smoky Mountains floods with thousands upon thousands of annual visitors all hoping to achieve a breathtaking view of the beautiful renaissance of nature.

Cardinal Becciu allegations mount as Vatican appoints new prosecutor

Cardinal Becciu allegations mount as Vatican appoints new prosecutor: Italian businessman Gianluigi Torzi has provided detailed information to investigators in the ongoing Vatican financial scandal, according to new reports. News of Torzi’s cooperation with prosecutors follows the resignation of Cardinal Angelo Becciu last week, and the announcement that Pope Francis has appointed a new prosecutor to strengthen the case.

Renowned Rome angelologist explains amazing facts every Catholic should know about angels...

Renowned Angel Expert Explains Amazing Facts Every Catholic Should Know About Angels| National Catholic Register: After disappearing from most theological and philosophical think tanks of the modern era, the questions related to angelology have recently made a comeback in the West through postmodern spiritual movements like the New Age. This growing interest towards angels in contemporary societies, however, is giving rise to dangerous distortions of the Christian metaphysical conception of the world.

The Book of Job helps us explain the problem of suffering and why God allows it

Job and Suffering - Community in MissionPOPE: We are beginning to read from the Book of Job in daily Mass. One of its core issues is the problem of suffering and why God allows it. If God is omnipotent and omniscient then how can He tolerate evil, injustice, and suffering of the innocent? Where is God when a woman is raped, when genocide is committed, or when evil men hatch their plots? Why did God even conceive the evil ones and let them be born?

Experience ‘7 Miracles’ of Christ in an immersive virtual-reality feature film

Experience ‘7 Miracles’ of Christ in an immersive virtual-reality feature film: Miracles is a new astounding virtual-reality (VR) film that offers Christians an immersive 360-degree view of scenes of the Gospels. The award-winning VR film comes as the product of a partnership between MyndVR, the leading provider of virtual-reality solutions for senior care, and HTC VIVE, the premier virtual-reality (VR) platform...

How do the archangels guide us through spiritual combat?

How do the Archangels guide us through Spiritual Combat? | Knowing Is DoingTORRE: The Church teaches that the existence of Angels is a truth of the faith because they are part of the created order of God. Distinctive to this identity is that Angels are pure spirits not bound by time or space. They are spiritual creatures endowed with distinctive gifts and attributes representative of God the Father to provide spiritual care, guidance and protection to those who dwell within His Kingdom, mainly humanity by echoing the voice of God.

Caught on video: Vandals deface Chaldean Catholic cathedral in San Diego with blasphemous graffiti

Caught on Video: Vandals Deface Catholic Cathedral in San Diego with Blasphemous Graffiti |: Fr. Daniel Shaba of St. Peter Chaldean Catholic Cathedral in San Diego, Calif. posted disturbing images and video footage of vandals defacing the church with spray paint on Sun., Sept. 27. The vandals painted pentagrams, upside-down crosses, “white power,” swastikas, “BLM,” and more on the front of the Chaldean cathedral.

Vatican silent as Tibetans are forced into concentration camps

Vatican silent as Tibetans are forced into concentration camps - UCA NewsSAINSBURY: China has dramatically extended its string of concentration camps from Xinjiang to Tibet, with new reports claiming as many as half a million people have been forced into what Beijing describes as “re-education” facilities in Tibet. These are designed to erase cultures that do not fit in with the relentlessly Han-centric way of life being insisted upon by the ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP)...

Amy Coney Barrett has a humble faith, a superb intellect, a deep grasp of the law, and an excellent record as a jurist. Which means she’s a nightmare for a certain kind of political tribe...

When the Dogma Lives Loudly | Charles J. Chaput | First ThingsCHAPUT: When Sen. Dianne Feinstein grilled federal circuit court nominee, and now Supreme Court nominee, Amy Coney Barrett three years ago, she fretted that “the dogma lives loudly within you. And that’s of concern.” Given the senator’s obvious prejudices, she should indeed be concerned. Ms. Barrett’s life story suggests that she actually believes and seeks to live what her Catholic faith teaches...

Cardinal Pell returning to Rome amid Vatican’s financial turmoil and persecutor’s fall from power

Cardinal Pell to Return to Rome This Week| National Catholic Register: Cardinal George Pell is set to return to Rome on Tuesday, his first time back in the Vatican since 2017, when he took a leave of absence from his role as prefect of the Vatican’s Secretariat for the Economy to travel to Australia. The cardinal is set to fly on Sept. 29, sources close to Cardinal Pell confirmed to CNA on Sunday, following an initial report by Australian journalist Andrew Bolt in the Herald Sun newspaper.

If you want our country to flourish, then pay close attention — religious freedom is on your ballot

Religious Freedom Is On Your Ballot| National Catholic RegisterAQUILA: A troubling trend is appearing as our country grapples with social unrest and the impact of the coronavirus, but it’s not a new trend. Catholics and other people of faith are singled out for derision and sometimes physical violence. For the sake of our Church and our society, we must respond by defending the right to religious freedom, both when we vote and through our own personal witness.

Don’t just hope to live in historic times — be historic yourself

Sunday Firesides: Don’t Hope to Live in Historic Times; Be Historic Yourself | The Art of Manliness: “If some great catastrophe is not announced every morning, we feel a certain void: ‘Nothing in the paper today,’ we sigh.” The philosopher Paul Valéry made this observation in 1930, and it remains just as true nearly a century later. It may seem a strange paradox of human nature that while we cognitively and outwardly wish for safety and peace, we simultaneously possess a visceral impulse...

Free the Mass

Beginning to Pray: Free the MassLILLES: We must free the Mass because the sacred liturgy of the Catholic Church has been held hostage by incoherent and inconsistent governmental policies. Compared to stores, restaurants and airlines, places of worship are often treated differently. These policies, however incoherent in relation to actual public safety, align as are part of a worldwide erosion of religious freedom...

God can use anything, but He shouldn’t have too...

God Can Use Anything, but He Shouldn’t Have to - A Homily for the 26th Sunday of the Year - Community in MissionPOPE: In understanding Sunday’s Gospel, we cannot overlook the audience Jesus was addressing. The text begins, Jesus said to the chief priests and elders of the people …. In other words, He was addressing the religious leaders and religiously observant of His day. He calls at least three things to their attention, three common sins of the pious, if you will: lost connections, leaping to conclusions and lip service.

Today we’re reminded that our good intentions mean nothing — or worse

This Sunday, Our Good Intentions Mean Nothing — or Worse | The Gregorian Institute at Benedictine CollegeHOOPES: This Sunday, the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A, Jesus tells the Parable of the Two Sons, which makes us ask: Which son am I? Most of us, if we did an examination of conscience with that question in mind, would find we are the wrong son. A father gives the same order to two sons...

It’s not too late to jump in on a novena to St. Thérèse of Lisieux, whose feast day is coming up...

St. Therese Novena – Discalced Carmelite Friars: Join us as we celebrate the novena of St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face!

Princeton lecturer Matthew Franck: ‘The future of Roe vs. Wade is up for grabs’

Respect Life Radio Podcast - Matthew Franck: The future of Roe vs. Wade is up for grabs | Free Listening on Podbean App: "The overturning of Roe vs. Wade would not — in itself, overnight — change the law of abortion in this country," said Matthew J. Franck, an author and Associate Director of the James Madison Program in American Ideals and Institutions, and Lecturer in Politics, at Princeton University. "It would return to the people the right to make the laws concerning abortion in this country...

The desperate and dystopian attacks on Amy Coney Barrett

The desperate and dystopian attacks on Amy Coney Barrett – Catholic World ReportMERING: It is a sign of desperation anytime The Handmaid’s Tale is trotted out as invective. Predictably, this has been the lazy response to the possibility of Amy Coney Barrett as a Supreme Court Justice, and likely will continue to be now that President Trump is expected to nominate Barrett this weekend. A thought experiment. A conservative filmmaker makes a television show about a dystopian world in which women dress in sexy Black Panthers-chic uniforms...

The problem with ‘canonizing’ Ruth Bader Ginsburg while ignoring her many victims

Canonizing Ruth Bader Ginsburg ~ The Imaginative ConservativePEARCE: For the past two days, mourners have lined up outside the Supreme Court building in Washington DC to pay their respects to the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, passing by her flag-draped casket. On September 25, Ginsburg will become the first woman to lie in state in the U.S. Capitol when her casket is placed in National Statuary Hall. Although the civil-rights pioneer Rosa Parks was afforded a similar ceremony in the Capitol in 2005...

Under Pope Francis, American-style ‘accountability’ finally crosses the Tiber

Under Pope Francis, ‘accountability’ finally crosses the TiberALLEN: Although the drama triggered by the sudden fall from grace of Italian Cardinal Angelo Becciu is far from over, things nonetheless have reached the stage where it’s also possible to stand back and ponder the bigger picture. I say “possible,” not necessarily likely, because frankly the story is just too riveting at the micro level...

If Barrett is confirmed, the Supreme Court would have six Catholics

If Barrett is confirmed, Supreme Court would have six Catholics: Catholics account for a bit more than 20 percent of the U.S. population, yet they are on track to hold six of the Supreme Court’s nine seats now that President Donald Trump has nominated Amy Coney Barrett to fill its vacancy.

Pope’s Sunday Angelus: The path to holiness requires ‘renunciation’ and ‘spiritual combat’

Pope Francis: The path to holiness requires spiritual combat: Pope Francis said Sunday that the Christian life requires concrete commitments and spiritual combat in order to grow in holiness. “There is no path to holiness without some renunciation and without spiritual combat,” Pope Francis said in his Angelus address Sept. 27. This battle for personal sanctity requires grace “to fight for the good, to fight not to fall into temptation...

I taught and worked with Amy Coney Barrett. Here’s what people get wrong about her faith...

Opinion | I taught and worked with Amy Coney Barrett. Here’s what people get wrong about her faith. - The Washington PostGARVEY: I first met Amy Coney Barrett from behind a veil of academic anonymity. I was teaching a First Amendment class at Notre Dame Law School. She was a student, just a face in the crowd. On the final exam, someone — the bluebooks were anonymous — had written an answer so impressive that I rushed to share it with one of my colleagues...

President Trump nominates Amy Coney Barrett to Supreme Court

President Trump Nominates Amy Coney Barrett to Supreme Court| National Catholic Register: President Donald Trump officially presented Judge Amy Coney Barrett as his nominee to fill the vacancy on the Supreme Court on Saturday, following the death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg last week.

Trump presented Judge Barrett, a Catholic, September 26, at a press conference in the White House Rose Garden shortly after 5pm.

What Amy Coney Barrett’s ‘People of Praise’ community actually is

The People of Praise Community: What It Actually Is| National Catholic RegisterROBERTS: In the heady days that marked the birth of the Charismatic Renewal movement in the 1960s and 1970s, many Catholics and other Christians sought to deepen their faith by forming and joining covenant communities — including the People of Praise community that is reportedly associated with Judge Amy Coney Barrett...

What you need to know about Amy Coney Barrett’s faith

Trump picks Amy Coney Barrett to fill Ginsburg's seat: What you need to know about her faithLISI: President Donald Trump will nominate Amy Coney Barrett to replace the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, The New York Times reported Friday, kicking off what will be a furious scramble to confirm her before Election Day.

Should Barrett be confirmed by the Senate, it would represent a third Trump appointment to the Supreme Court. It would also give the Supreme Court a solid 6-3 conservative majority.

Sts. Cosmas and Damian — the martyr doctors of Turkey

Sts. Cosmas and Damian: The Martyr Doctors of Turkey – Ζήστε ζεστόBEAUDOIN: Sts. Cosmas and Damian were twins born in Arabia in the second half of the A.D. 200s. These men studied in medicine and eventually moved to the bustling seaport city of Aegea in the Roman Province of Cilicia in South-Central Asia Minor (the modern day city of Yumurtalik, Turkey). The Saints are known in Greek as the “anargryoi” meaning “silverless” because they refused to take payment for their services to the poor...

Trump to pick Judge Amy Coney Barrett to replace Ginsburg on Supreme Court

Trump to pick Judge Amy Coney Barrett to replace Ginsburg on Supreme Court - Business Insider: President Donald Trump will nominate Judge Amy Coney Barrett, a deeply conservative opponent of abortion rights, on Saturday to replace liberal Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg on the Supreme Court, multiple news outlets reported Friday evening.

Two cheers for Archbishop Cordileone

Two cheers for Archbishop Cordileone | Catholic CultureLAWLER: As much as I admire Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone for challenging restrictions on the Church in San Francisco... As much as I applaud him for bringing our Eucharistic Lord out onto the streets of the city... As much as I thank him for taking the lead (when so many other prelates remain silent) in insisting that religious worship is “essential activity”...

Understanding Divine Providence in peace and joy

Understanding Providence in peace and joy | Catholic CultureMIRUS: In a recent commentary I suggested that a new Italian translation of the “Our Father” indicated a difficulty in accepting the comprehensive character of God’s will. “Lead us not into temptation” was changed to “do not abandon us to temptation” (see The frequency problem in liturgical translations). Now I would like to address this difficulty more broadly. In other words, I want to talk about Divine Providence.

Breaking form, Pope Francis “decapitates” a cardinal — and Becciu’s exile sets a monster Vatican precedent

Whispers in the Loggia: Breaking Form, Pope "Decapitates" A Cardinal – With Becciu's Exile, A Monster Vatican PrecedentPALMO: In a 2016 interview with his hometown paper, Pope Francis told La Nación one key to his governing style: "I don't cut off heads," he said. "I've never liked doing that." Yet now, the pontiff has done just that, effectively stripping one of his inner circle of the red hat in stunning, dramatic fashion. At 8pm Thursday in Rome, the Holy See Press Office slipped out a very late, one-sentence addendum to the noontime Bollettino...

New details emerge about Cardinal Becciu’s management of Vatican finances

New details emerge about Cardinal Becciu’s management of Vatican finances: Following his resignation yesterday, new reports reveal details of how Cardinal Angelo Becciu managed Vatican financial affairs, developing a story CNA first broke last year.

Portfolio statements show that Becciu used millions of euros of Vatican charity funds in speculative and risky investments, and that he directed Vatican and Italian bishops’ money to go toward “loans” for projects owned and operated by his brothers.

The reason why this U.S. Navy destroyer flies a Jolly Roger pirate flag

This Navy Destroyer Flies a Pirate Flag: USS Kidd and Jolly Roger: Keen observers spotted the guided missile destroyer USS Kidd earlier this week flying the Jolly Roger pirate flag. Not every warship can get away with flying a flag associated with piracy and lawlessness, but the USS Kidd isn't any ordinary warship. The story, as The War Zone explains, goes all the way back to Pearl Harbor.

In the past two years, the full horror of Xi Jinping’s plans for China have crystallized

Vatican set to double down on very ordinary deal with Beijing - UCA NewsSAINSBURY: Xi’s vision is of an authoritarian, technological surveillance state that spies upon and controls its population, regulating exactly what people can and can’t do for work, leisure and even in the spiritual realm. The Vatican appears set to renew its two-year-old agreement with the ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP) on the appointment of bishops, yet it could not come at a worse time.

Why is the ‘handmaid’ image so important in Amy Coney Barrett coverage?

New podcast: Why is the 'handmaid' image so important in Amy Coney Barrett coverage? — GetReligionMATTINGLY: The question for the week appears to be: Are you now, or have you ever been, a charismatic Catholic? In a land in which citizens are divided just as much by entertainment as they are by their religious and political choices, that question leads directly to cable television and a certain blue-zip-code hit focusing on, to quote IMDB, this story hook...

Spanish ‘Hosts case’ — involving consecrated Hosts that were stolen and desecrated — reveals Europe’s internal divisions over human rights

Spanish ‘Hosts Case’ Reveals Europe’s Internal Divisions Over Human Rights| National Catholic RegisterTADIE: A Spanish association of Christian lawyers recently submitted a complaint of anti-Catholicism against the Spanish government at the European Court for Human Rights (ECHR) over a highly controversial art performance involving stolen consecrated hosts in the Spanish city of Pamplona in 2015.

The sparkling story of Dom Pérignon, Benedictine monk

The Sparkling Story of Dom Perignon, Benedictine Monk| National Catholic RegisterTADIE: A little more than three centuries after his death, Dom Pierre Pérignon remains one of the most famous monks of history because of his incredible contribution to the culinary heritage of his country, France, and then to a worldwide art de vivre.

The aura of mystery surrounding his life and work, however, have been giving rise to countless stories and legends over time, many of which don’t correspond to reality.

Cardinal Pell thanks Pope Francis for sacking Cardinal Becciu, says “I hope the cleaning of the stables continues”

Cardinal Pell Thanks Pope Francis After Cardinal Becciu Resigns| National Catholic Register: Cardinal George Pell thanked Pope Francis Friday following the dramatic resignation of Vatican Cardinal Angelo Becciu.

In a statement sent to CNA Sept. 25, the former prefect of the Vatican Secretariat for the Economy said: “The Holy Father was elected to clean up Vatican finances. He plays a long game and is to be thanked and congratulated on recent developments.”

Why Cardinal Becciu’s resignation wasn’t surprising

Why Cardinal Becciu’s Resignation Wasn’t Surprising| National Catholic RegisterPENTIN: Pope Francis’ decision to accept the resignation of Cardinal Giovanni Becciu as prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints came as little surprise and considerable relief to those involved in trying to improve Vatican finances.

Plenty of dubious Vatican financial cases have emerged in recent years, and often the Sardinian prelate’s name has been in some way connected with them — closely followed by his strenuous denials.

Archbishop John Myers, former shepherd of Peoria and Newark, dies at 79

Statement on the Death of Most Reverend John J. Myers, J.C.D., D.D., Archbishop Emeritus of Newark | Archdiocese of Newark: The Most Reverend John J. Myers, Archbishop Emeritus of Newark, entered into eternal life on Thursday, September 24, 2020. He was 79 years old.

As a teen in the 1970s I was given a wimpy, “nice” Jesus. Imagine my pleasant surprise when I actually began to read the Bible and encountered God incarnate...

On Restoring a Truer Vision of the Biblical Jesus - Community in MissionPOPE: When I was a teenager in the 1970s Jesus was presented in less than flattering terms, at least from my standpoint as a young man at that time. The paintings and statues of that day presented Jesus as a rather thin, willow-wisp of a man, a sort of friendly hippie who went about blessing poor people and healing the sick...

Vatican’s Cardinal Angelo Becciu unexpectedly ‘resigns’ from office, renounces rights of cardinalate

Vatican Cardinal Angelo Becciu Resigns From Office and ‘Rights’ of Cardinals| National Catholic Register: Cardinal Angelo Becciu, who until today was prefect of the Vatican’s Congregation for the Causes of Saints, has resigned from that office, and in an extremely rare move, from the rights extended to members of the College of Cardinals. The cardinal worked previously as the number two-ranking official in the Vatican’s Secretariat of State, and has been connected to an ongoing investigation of financial malfeasance at the secretariat.

A grandfather’s advice on prayer

A Grandfather's Advice on Prayer | DominicanaBARAN: My grandfather was a man of hard-earned wisdom. In 1984, he wrote a letter to my cousin, who was preparing to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. Ailing in health, assailed by repeated heart attacks and spreading cancer, “Grandpa John” provided for my adolescent cousin a reflection upon God’s role in his life. The letter explains how “in 1945, desperate with a drinking problem,” Grandpa John joined...

Judge Amy Coney Barrett is affiliated with a charismatic group called ‘People of Praise.’ Who are they?

Judge Amy Barrett’s Charismatic Affiliation: Who Are the People of Praise?| National Catholic Register: Since the retirement of Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy, reports have circulated that Judge Amy Coney Barrett, a federal judge on the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals, is a leading candidate for the country’s high court.

President Trump announces ‘Born Alive’ executive order at National Catholic Prayer Breakfast

President Trump Announces ‘Born Alive’ Executive Order at National Catholic Prayer Breakfast| National Catholic RegisterROUSSELLE: President Donald Trump on Wednesday announced an executive order that would require medical care be given to infants who are born alive after failed abortion attempts. “Today I am announcing that I will be signing the Born-Alive Executive Order to ensure that all precious babies born alive, no matter their circumstances, receive the medical care that they deserve...

Mel Gibson working on sequel to ‘The Passion of the Christ,’ says Jim Caviezel

Mel Gibson Working On Sequel to ‘The Passion of the Christ,’ Says Jim Caviezel| National Catholic RegisterPENTIN: Progress is being made on Mel Gibson’s sequel to The Passion of the Christ, which is now in its third draft, the actor Jim Caviezel has said. Asked about the movie by Breitbart News earlier this month, Caviezel, who played Jesus in the 2004 The Passion of the Christ, replied: “Mel Gibson just sent me the third picture, the third draft. It’s coming. It’s called The Passion of the Christ: Resurrection.”

Holy Eucharist and sacred art desecrated, church robbed in horrific attack at Catholic parish in Italy

Eucharist & Sacred Art Desecrated, Church Robbed in Horrific Attack at Catholic Parish in Italy |: Police arrested two suspects for allegedly desecrating the Eucharist and for destroying multiple sacred objects throughout the Church of Saint Agatha in Caltanissetta, Sicily in Italy.

Several pictures immersed of the horrific attack. The communications office for the Diocese of Caltanissetta shared the photos, which include desecrated altars, destroyed sacred art, and a raided tabernacle with hosts dispersed across the floor.

What Justice Scalia can still teach us

What Justice Scalia Can Still Teach Us| National Catholic RegisterCLARK: Many of the news stories about the recently-departed Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg have highlighted the fact that she and her late colleague Antonin Scalia shared a close friendship. Reporters often ask in bewilderment How could that be? How is it possible that an originalist and a progressive could share anything approaching civility, much less friendship? In our current me-versus-everyone-who-disagrees-with-me culture, it is important that we address that question.

Here’s what 40 famous historical figures would look like today

Here’s What Iconic Historical Figures Would Look Like Today - Kueez: Sometimes learning about historical figures can be boring. Wouldn't it be much more exciting if the historical figures were given a present-day transformation? An artist named Becca Saladin has been transforming historical figures into modern-day people. From Mona Lisa to Marie Antionette, she is reimagining them all. Prepare for your history books to get a new modern twist.

We can’t imitate people like Padre Pio and Mother Seton, but we can follow in their footsteps

Learning to Follow with Padre Pio and Mother Seton - Seton ShrineLICKONA: Recently, a friend asked me a surprising question: how are we supposed to imitate the lives of the saints, when their stories are so diverse? But what surprised me even more than this question was the answer that came out of my mouth: “After eight years of writing about the saints, day in and day out,” I said, “I find myself attempting less and less to imitate them. But I do want to follow them.”

St. Thomas Aquinas on how to ensure your prayer is answered — in 4 easy steps

St. Thomas Aquinas on how to ensure your prayer is answered – in 4 easy steps! – Christian Renaissance MovementEAMONNCLARK: It’s a shocking claim, but it’s eminently sensible... if you want a guaranteed answer to your prayer, you must only do four things. And note that I mean the kind of answer that you are actually looking for, rather than getting something different which God wants for you instead (which would be better for you than your own idea anyway). St. Thomas Aquinas lays out the four steps, or aspects, in the Summa Theologiae. They are...

In SCOTUS confirmation, expect Dems to embrace anti-Catholic bigotry

In SCOTUS Confirmation, Expect Dems To Embrace Anti-Catholic Bigotry: President Trump is expected to pick a Supreme Court nominee to fill the seat left vacant by the death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg as early as the end of this week. Two of the people on Trump’s short list of possible nominees are Catholic women: Amy Coney Barrett, a federal appellate court judge in Chicago, and Barbara Lagoa, a federal appellate court judge in Atlanta...

St. Agatha’s church attacked in Sicily — Hosts stolen, art vandalized

Joe on Twitter: "The Church containing the incorrupt body of St Agatha of Sicily was vandalized, with the body being assaulted and the tabernacle being broken into and the hosts stolen, as well as religious art and depictions of the Blessed Mother being destroyed. https://t.co/spYrMHGbNv" / Twitter: The Church containing the incorrupt body of St Agatha of Sicily was vandalized, with the body being assaulted and the tabernacle being broken into and the hosts stolen, as well as religious art and depictions of the Blessed Mother being destroyed.

There’s a virtue that only rich people can have. It’s called “magnificence” and it’s the habit of spending large sums of money well for the good of others...

Spending Large Sums Like an Artist | LifeCraftCUDDEBACK: To examine with Aristotle the various virtues is an eye-opening tour through the wonders of what it is to be human. For him the virtues are nothing but the ways of really living well, of living rationally with excellence. The virtue of magnificence is surprising. It is a habit of spending large sums of money well for the good of others. Particularly interesting is that it is possible only for the wealthy...

This is a good week to ponder some proverbs from Proverbs

Pondering Some Proverbs - Community in MissionPOPE: God’s law is a great blessing to those who love wisdom. His commandments are not prison walls; they are defending walls. His commands do not limit freedom so much as they frame it within necessary limits. To the foolish, though, to those who despise God’s wisdom, to those who hate discipline and reasonable limits, God’s law—any authority that tries to limit behavior—is hateful and punishing, like a rod on the back.

Trump and Biden campaigns intensify religious outreach efforts — with a focus on Catholics

Donald Trump and Joe Biden Campaigns Intensify Faith-Outreach Efforts — With a Focus on Catholics| National Catholic Register: As Election Day draws nearer, the Trump and Biden campaigns have been appealing to communities of faith — including Catholic voters — by highlighting issues they believe will resonate with religious voters. The Trump campaign outreach to religious believers has focused on the president’s pro-life accomplishments and defense of religious freedom...

Pope’s Wednesday Audience: ‘Subsidiarity’ is needed ‘to emerge from the crisis’

Pope Francis: Subsidiarity means everyone has a role in healing society: Pope Francis said Wednesday that he is worried that large pharmaceutical companies are listened to more than front-line healthcare workers in pandemic recovery and that the Catholic principle of subsidiarity is the solution.

The fatuities of Villanova Professor Massimo Faggioli

The Fatuities of Professor Faggioli – Catholic World ReportWEIGEL: The defense of the dubious by the ill-informed can lead to the preposterous – and that is precisely the slippery slope down which Villanova’s Massimo Faggioli careens in his critique of my recent Washington Post op-ed article and my other writings urging a more forthright Vatican defense of religious freedom and other basic human rights in China.

The curtain came down on the Papal States 150 years ago this month. It’s one of the best things that has happened to the papacy...

The providential demise of the Papal States - Denver CatholicWEIGEL: Evelyn Waugh’s Catholic traditionalism was so deep, broad, and intense that self-identified “traditional Catholics” today might seem, in comparison, like the editorial staff of the National Catholic Reporter. Yet the greatest of 20th century English prose stylists held what some Catholic traditionalists (notably the “new integralists”) would regard as unsound views on the demise of the Papal States: a lengthy historical drama on which the curtain rang down 150 years ago this month.

EWTN News RealClear Opinion Research poll finds Catholics and their priorities deeply affected by pandemic

EWTN News RealClear Opinion Research Poll Finds Catholics and Their Priorities Deeply Affected by Pandemic| National Catholic Register: With the U.S. presidential election now only weeks away, the latest EWTN News/RealClear Opinion Research poll on Catholic priorities in the 2020 election finds that Catholics who are likely voters say they have been profoundly impacted by the pandemic and that the issues of greatest concern are the economy and jobs, health care and coronavirus.

3 ways liberals will attack Amy Coney Barrett’s Catholic faith

3 Ways Liberals Will Attack Amy Coney Barrett’s Catholic Faith| National Catholic RegisterMILLS: According to “insiders” and the betting markets, which are probably more reliable, Amy Coney Barrett may be nominated to replace Ruth Bader Ginsburg on the Supreme Court. President Trump says he’ll announce his choice on Friday or Saturday, and that it’ll be a woman.

If he nominates Barrett, liberals and pro-choicers will tell the world that she’ll impose her religion on the country.

Explaining the Vatican’s silence on the “Abraham Accords”

Explaining the Vatican’s silence on the “Abraham Accords”ALLEN: From the “dog that didn’t bark” files, it seems highly curious at first blush that a major peace accord for the Middle East was signed at the White House last week – with an explicitly religious reference in the title, no less – and, so far, the Vatican has had absolutely nothing to say about it. The “Abraham Accords,” the heart of which...

Vatican reaffirms euthanasia is ‘intrinsically evil act,’ says those who seek it may not receive sacraments

Vatican reaffirms euthanasia is ‘intrinsically evil act,’ calls Catholics to accompany the dying: In a new document released Tuesday, the Vatican’s doctrinal office reaffirmed the Church’s perennial teaching on the sinfulness of euthanasia and assisted suicide, and recalled the obligation of Catholics to accompany the sick and dying through prayer, physical presence, and the sacraments.

Don’t be fooled. God never loses. And his Church can never lose when we do this...

God Never Loses | Charles J. Chaput | First ThingsCHAPUT: One of the great legacies of our cultural history is La Chanson de Roland (The Song of Roland). It was composed a thousand years ago, in the mid-11th century, and it tells the story of the Battle of Roncevaux Pass. The battle took place on the border of Spain and France in A.D. 778, during the reign of Charlemagne. The story goes like this. Charlemagne has been fighting in Spain against that country’s Muslim occupiers...

When we say ‘never again,’ do we really mean it?

‘Never Again’: Remembering That Every Life Matters | National ReviewLOPEZ: You can get lost and found in the Auschwitz Memorial Twitter feed. Any human being who is convicted about “Never Again” ought to take a reflective, prayerful look. When I visited the concentration camp during the summer before our last presidential election, I had the overwhelming feeling that we were forgetting — that we could fall into such evil again. With the violence in the streets, in homes, on television, even in human hearts, that’s become a familiar feeling...

If the child porn in ‘Cuties’ surprised you, you haven’t been paying attention

If The Child Porn In ‘Cuties’ Surprised You, You Need To Get Out MoreMERING: Facing a mountain of backlash for featuring the movie “Cuties” on its platform, Netflix has defended its decision by protesting that, by engaging in soft kiddie porn, the movie means to condemn it. Okay. I am sure claiming good intentions will really chasten the pedophiles and perverts watching 11-year-old girls getting their pants pulled down, twerking on their hands and knees in their underwear, and other pre-pubescent sex simulations.

Amy Coney Barrett’s possible SCOTUS nomination is a Trump referendum for faith voters

Amy Coney Barrett's possible SCOTUS nomination a Trump referendum for faith votersLISI: It was back in January, eons ago when put into the context of this year’s news cycle, that Donald Trump became the first U.S. president to ever appear at the annual March for Life. At last month’s Republican National Convention, a nun named Sister Deirdre “Dede” Byrne called Trump “the most pro-life president that this nation has ever had.” This takes us to the now and the death of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg...

If you’re going to blame Columbus and Western Civilization for things that have gone wrong, will you also credit them for things that have gone right?

Lying for Justice? - The Catholic ThingROYAL: Some years ago, a friend told me about how he’d chosen the title of his book, which was about to appear. He wasn’t primarily a writer. He’d long worked with the homeless in San Francisco – until he saw what was really going on. He went to bed one night, praying to come up with a title, which had been elusive. He woke with what he knew was exactly right: Lying for Justice.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s intellectual formation was built upon two lies that have doggedly enslaved our culture

Notorious RBG and the Cool Factor – Catholic World ReportGRESS: The death of Ruth Bader Ginsburg has filled our social media feeds with images of the iconic Supreme Court Justice. Scrolling through her photos was a reminder that no one has worn black robes with such style and savvy. The second woman to be a Supreme Court justice exuded a sense of quiet confidence, deep intelligence, and an unmistakable panache...

Does the Vatican need a Korean Air-style reboot?

Does the Vatican need a Korean Air-style reboot?ALLEN: In 2006, a lecture by Pope Benedict XVI at the University of Regensburg in Germany caused a global firestorm because of the way he chose to open it, quoting a 14th century Byzantine emperor about Muhammad bringing “things only evil and inhuman.” Muslims took it as a slur, and in the ensuing protests churches were firebombed in the Gaza Strip and an Italian missionary nun was shot to death in Somalia...

Chaplains’ vital role remembered on anniversary of WW2’s Operation Market Garden

Chaplains vital role remembered on anniversary of WW2's Operation Market Garden: September 26, 1944. In an Arnhem hospital, Father Danny McGowan decides to go for it. He fills a bag with food, calmly leaves the building and finds a ride to the nearby town of Oosterbeek. The German who gives him the ride, seems to think that transporting a British captain in the midst of an ongoing war is an entirely normal thing.

President Trump to announce Supreme Court nominee by Saturday

Trump to announce Supreme Court nominee by Saturday: President Donald Trump announced on Monday that he expects to name his nominee for the Supreme Court by the end of the week. The nomination, Trump’s third to the highest court, follows the death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, whose funeral services will be held this week.

Christian Life is work — on God’s terms

This Sunday, Christian Life Is Work, on God’s Terms | The Gregorian Institute at Benedictine CollegeHOOPES: We are used to thinking of the story of the laborers as a scenario that couldn’t happen in real life. But maybe it could. “The kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out at dawn to hire laborers for his vineyard,” Jesus’s story begins. Harvesting is always a frantic time — especially for a time-sensitive crop like grapes. To get all of a large vineyard’s grapes in on time takes many hands...

Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen on 3 wounds (and 3 myths) that explain what’s happening today

Archbishop Sheen on 3 Wounds (and 3 Myths) That Explain What’s Happening Today| National Catholic RegisterPRONECHEN: It was the mid-1960s but it might as well be today. Bishop Fulton Sheen was explaining to his TV audience the three sources of the despair and nihilism in the world — which have only multiplied — and the one solution that definitely eradicates it because he was talking about “hope for a wounded world.” But through the next five decades, people listened less and less to what he had to say...

Before you ask God to be “fair,” think very, very carefully about what you’re asking...

Dimensions of Discipleship - A Homily for the 25th Sunday of the Year - Community in MissionPOPE: What Jesus teaches in this Sunday’s Gospel is one of those parables that rock our world and challenge our worldly way of thinking. Frankly, that is one of its purposes. We are tempted to side with the laborers who worked the longest, thinking that their being paid the same amount as those who worked only for an hour is unfair...

Pope’s Sunday Angelus: “Everything is grace. Our salvation is grace. Our holiness is grace...”

Everything is unmerited grace, Pope Francis says: God’s grace is not something we deserve, but he gives it to us anyway, Pope Francis said Sunday during his weekly Angelus address.

God’s “action is more than just, in the sense that it goes beyond justice and manifests itself in grace,” the pope said Sept. 20. “Everything is grace. Our salvation is grace. Our holiness is grace. By giving us grace, he gives us more than we deserve.”

Catholics respond after Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg dies at 87

Catholics Respond After Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg Dies at 87| National Catholic Register: Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who served on the court for more than 27 years, died of pancreatic cancer Sept. 18. She was 87.

Jesuit Father Paul Mankowski was a man for strengthening others

A man for strengthening others - Denver CatholicWEIGEL: When the choirs of angels led Father Paul Mankowski, SJ, into the Father’s House on September 3, I hope the seraphic choirmaster chose music appropriate to the occasion. Had I been asked, I would have suggested the Latin antiphon Ecce sacerdos magnus as arranged by Anton Bruckner. The all-stops-pulled moments in Bruckner’s composition, deploying organ, brass, and full choir, would have been a perfect match...

This NYMag article, published two months ago, considers the possible implications of an election-season Ruth Bader Ginsburg death

Yes, Republicans Would Ram Through Court Nominee This Year: There should be no doubt that Donald Trump and Mitch McConnell would insist on filling any SCOTUS vacancy this year so long as the two months or so necessary to vet and confirm a justice is still on the calendar.

Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg dies at 87

Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg dies at 87 | Fox News: Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the enigmatic, longtime Supreme Court justice who attained near cult-like status among progressive circles, died Friday at the age of 87 from complications surrounding metastatic pancreas cancer.

Did St. Joseph of Cupertino actually fly? Most certainly...

The Flying Monk? – Fr. Dwight LongeneckerLONGENECKER: Readers of a certain age might remember the silly TV show The Flying Nun…religious brothers and sisters who take flight are nothing new. When we lived in Wiltshire in England we learned the delightful story from the Middle Ages about Eilmer, a Benedictine monk of Malmesbury Abbey who, in the eleventh century, jumped off the tower of the abbey church with some home made wings. Like Icarus he plummeted. The story is related by a monastic historian, William of Malmesbury...

St. Thérèse statue beheaded, church robbed and vandalized at Catholic parish in Utah

St. Therese Statue Beheaded, Church Robbed & Vandalized at Catholic Parish in Utah |: Vandals desecrated St. Therese of the Child Jesus Catholic Church in Midvale, Utah on Mon., Sept. 14, and Tues., Sept. 15. This is one of many statue and/or church desecrations throughout the United States this year.

Italian bishops’ conference newspaper defends Netflix’s ‘Cuties’

Italian Bishops’ Conference Newspaper Defends Netflix’s ‘Cuties’| National Catholic Register: According to L'Avvenire, the official newspaper of the Italian bishops' conference, those who have criticized the controversial French movie Cuties, released by Netflix last week "have not seen it or have really limited themselves to the poster. Otherwise they have not understood it or have looked at it with the wrong eyes."

New Italian Missal introduces new formula of consecration

New Italian Missal Introduces Liturgical Disunity| National Catholic RegisterDESOUZA: With the approval of the new Italian translation of the Roman Missal third edition (2002), consider the following: A Catholic anywhere in North America — from Alaska to Zacatecas — will hear the same consecratory formula for the chalice at Mass, whether attending Mass in English, French, Spanish or the original Latin. The same would be true if he went to Mass in Spanish in Argentina or in French in Zaire.

Catholics need to start again in many ways, in how we live and participate in civil society. And Cardinal Tobin isn’t helping...

Donald Trump & Joe Biden: Catholic Vote? | National ReviewLOPEZ: Newark’s Cardinal Tobin has said that it is more problematic to vote for Donald Trump than for Joe Biden. With all due respect, I don’t know that he should be making that call in either direction. The bishops’ role is to inform consciences. He seems to think we are beyond “single issue” voting. Unfortunately, I think he buys into some cultural lies in his implication...

Jared Staudt’s new book offers theological foundations for rebuilding Catholic culture

Restoring Humanity offers theological foundations for rebuilding Catholic culture – Catholic World ReportKROM: St. Augustine argued that we are bound together as a people by a shared view of what is lovable. While it is bad enough that Americans appear to be bound together by love of creature comforts, COVID-19 has brought about an even lower common denominator: today we are bound together, not by love of easy living, but by fear of bodily death. All too many of us are willing to sacrifice liberties, friendships, and our social lives so long as we can prolong the Grim Reaper’s unwelcomed visit.

Lessons about democracy in ‘Justice League — Rule of War’

Lessons about democracy in 'Justice League - Rule of War' - Voyage Comics & PublishingCHICOINE: Thomas Jefferson wrote, “The issue today is the same as it has been throughout all history, whether man shall be allowed to govern himself or be ruled by a small elite.” It feels like he penned that phrase yesterday. Self-governance is something achievable when the people hold a common truth and trust of each other.

New Italian missal introduces liturgical disunity

New Italian Missal Introduces Liturgical Disunity| National Catholic RegisterDESOUZA: With the approval of the new Italian translation of the Roman Missal third edition (2002), consider the following: A Catholic anywhere in North America — from Alaska to Zacatecas — will hear the same consecratory formula for the chalice at Mass, whether attending Mass in English, French, Spanish or the original Latin. The same would be true if he went to Mass in Spanish in Argentina or in French in Zaire.

Why Marxism is the opium of the intellectuals

Soporific Power — FAITH & CULTUREBLUM: “Why does opium make us sleep? Because of its soporific power.” So ran Molière’s send-up of self-important Parisian physicians. Sohrab Ahmari’s “The Trouble with Christian Leftism” invites a similar question-and-answer. By taxing progressive Christians with having succumbed to the opium of the intellectuals—Marxism in its various forms—Ahmari invites us to ask what is its hidden power. Why are we so prone to be always looking for the next social-scientific solution to our problems?

What we most need today, in the Church and in America, is the courage to exercise practical reason — and to stand by our judgments

Soporific Power — FAITH & CULTUREBLUM: “Why does opium make us sleep? Because of its soporific power.” So ran Molière’s send-up of self-important Parisian physicians. Sohrab Ahmari’s “The Trouble with Christian Leftism” invites a similar question-and-answer. By taxing progressive Christians with having succumbed to the opium of the intellectuals—Marxism in its various forms—Ahmari invites us to ask what is its hidden power...

What we most need today, in the Church and in America, is the courage to exercise practical reason — and to stand by our judgments

Soporific Power — FAITH & CULTUREBLUM: “Why does opium make us sleep? Because of its soporific power.” So ran Molière’s send-up of self-important Parisian physicians. Sohrab Ahmari’s “The Trouble with Christian Leftism” invites a similar question-and-answer. By taxing progressive Christians with having succumbed to the opium of the intellectuals—Marxism in its various forms—Ahmari invites us to ask what is its hidden power...

What we most need today, in the Church and in America, is the courage to exercise practical reason — and to stand by our judgments

Soporific Power — FAITH & CULTUREBLUM: “Why does opium make us sleep? Because of its soporific power.” So ran Molière’s send-up of self-important Parisian physicians. Sohrab Ahmari’s “The Trouble with Christian Leftism” invites a similar question-and-answer. By taxing progressive Christians with having succumbed to the opium of the intellectuals—Marxism in its various forms—Ahmari invites us to ask what is its hidden power...

Two quirks haunt human nature — the desire for paradise, and the demands of paranoia

Paradise and Paranoia – Fr. Dwight LongeneckerLONGENECKER: The desire for paradise seems to be humanity’s default setting. We want to be happy. Indeed, in the land of the free and the home of the brave we are guaranteed “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” The problem is in our definition of happiness. True happiness is the result of self discipline, hard work, a deep awareness that life has eternal significance and adherence to a religion that vitalizes and makes real that awareness...

China-linked hackers accused of targeting Vatican network weeks before deal renewal

China-linked hackers accused of targeting Vatican network weeks before deal renewal: State-sponsored hackers targeted Vatican computer networks just weeks before the provisional agreement between China and the Holy See is due to be renewed, according to a report released Tuesday.

The analysis, published Sept. 15, said that hackers had continued to focus on the Vatican and other Catholic organizations even after their activities were publicized in July.

Bite your tongue! A reflection on common sins of speech...

Bite Your Tongue! A Reflection on Common Sins of Speech - Community in MissionPOPE: In the pastoral guide of St. Gregory the Great, the opening line reads: “A spiritual guide should be silent when discretion requires and speak when words are of service.” This is not easy. Indeed, self-mastery in speech is among the rarer gifts and usually comes later in life! Some of the most common sins we commit are related to speech: gossip, idle chatter, lies, exaggerations, harsh attacks, and uncharitable remarks...

In second known instance, invalidly baptized Oklahoma priest baptized and ‘re-ordained’

Invalidly baptized Oklahoma priest baptized and ‘re-ordained’: In the second known instance in the United States, a man who believed himself to be a validly baptized Catholic and ordained priest had to “re-receive” all of his sacraments, including ordination, after discovering that his baptism was invalid.

This is why it’s so hard to climb an iceberg

New Advent: This is why it’s so hard to climb an iceberg: “Should not have eaten breakfast before climbing. ... Not to be repeated.”

We should remember our dead daily — for memory is a promise, and a preparation, for something yet to come

Remembering Our Dead Daily | LifeCraftCUDDEBACK: Some time ago it really struck me when reading Wendell Berry’s fiction how he portrayed growing old, and the deepening connection one feels to those who have gone before you. Now years later his sentiments are much more real to me. I find myself thinking about death, or rather I should say thinking about the dead, more than I did before. There is a great Christian practice of remembering our dead in prayer...

George Weigel’s ‘The Next Pope’ is a renewed agenda for the Church through a revitalized sense of mission

The Catholic Future by Francis X. Maier | Articles | First ThingsMAIER: In the Catholic Church, synods of bishops are complex bits of theater. The pope sets the theme, observes the proceedings, and writes the “apostolic exhortation” that translates a synod’s work into teaching. Some post-synodal texts, such as Paul VI’s Evangelii Nuntiandi, are brilliant. Others, such as Pope Francis’s document Amoris Laetitia, are more problematic. The role of synods is consultative, not legislative...

Will Catholics go back to Mass on their bishops’ orders?

Will Catholics go back to Mass on their bishops’ orders? | Catholic CultureLAWLER: Starting this coming Sunday, it will be a serious sin for a Catholic in the Milwaukee archdiocese to miss Sunday Mass without a serious reason. Last week it was OK. It’s still OK in most other American dioceses and archdioceses. Can we expect ordinary Catholics to understand this situation? Can we expect them to come back to Sunday Mass, after a six-month hiatus? Having used their authority to stop lay Catholics from attending Mass...

A bold vision for what a post-COVID parish ought to look like

A Bold Vision for the Post-Covid Catholic Parish - Catholic Missionary Disciples - College Station, TXLEJEUNE: In 2017 I drove to Houston after Hurricane Harvey to help with relief efforts. A drive that would normally take 1.5 hours took me twice as long, due to closed streets, debris, flooding, etc. I finally made it to my destination and spent the rest of the day at a home that had 5 feet of water in it. It was a daunting task. You have to wonder how we could ever recover from such a disaster...

Yet another book about who will follow Pope Francis examines a Church in transition

Yet another book about who will follow Pope Francis examines a church in transitionLISI: Who will be the next pope? That seems to be the preoccupation these days among some segment of Catholics. It is, at least, among religious publishers. While 83-year-old Pope Francis is in good health, that hasn’t stopped speculation over who will come next. After all, he is 83. Earlier this summer, a book by Edward Pentin entitled The Next Pope: The Leading Cardinal Candidates was released in July to much fanfare...

Children will destroy us

Children will destroy us — NEWPOLITYBARNES: Children contradict all the major assumptions of liberalism, and so liberalism works hard to contradict all the major facts about children. In fact, when our history is written, by whatever academic is given the penance of writing it, our states will be described as societies that worked very hard to pretend that there are no children at all — just adults, smaller adults, and adults trapped inside wombs.

Like abortion today, slavery in the 16th century was rationalized by many Catholics. But Bartolomé de las Casas knew better...

New Advent: Like abortion today, slavery in the 16th century was rationalized by many Catholics. But Bartolome de las Casas knew better...: The end of this video downplays the urgent necessity of conversion, but overall it’s a good introduction to Bartolomé de las Casas.

Sacred Heart of Jesus statue in El Paso cathedral beheaded

Statue of Jesus in El Paso cathedral beheaded by vandal: A 90-year-old statue in El Paso’s St. Patrick’s Cathedral was destroyed by a vandal on Tuesday morning.

A suspect has been detained by El Paso police, and an investigation into the incident is ongoing.

“I am in shock and we at the Cathedral are heartbroken over such an unexpected situation,” said Father Trini Fuentes, the cathedral rector.

Every Catholic needs to know about this little-known Eucharistic doctrine

Every Catholic Needs to Know About This Little-Known Eucharistic Doctrine| National Catholic RegisterCUSH: This summer, I got to celebrate Holy Mass in the Brooklyn parish where I stay when I’m home from my assignment as the academic dean of the Pontifical North American College in Rome. It is always a joy to offer Mass for a parish community. For me, it is a homecoming. This parish is a multi-ethnic one in my diocese with a pastor born in Pakistan, an Urdu Mass, growing Haitian and Hispanic communities, and many other people...

Top 5 Bible comic books for Christians

Top 5 Bible comic books for Christians - Voyage Comics & PublishingKOSLOSKI: The Bible is a dynamic story of adventure and intrigue, with intense scenes of action throughout the Old and New Testaments. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that is has now been adapted in the comic book format, bringing to life the pages of the Bible in a new way. While the Bible had a few adaptations in the mid-20th century, it has received a renewed interest during the last 10 years...

Our Lady of Sorrows, mother of the Man Of Sorrows

In September… Our Lady Of Sorrows, Mother Of The Man Of Sorrows The Wanderer NewspaperFOLEY: September is the month traditionally dedicated to Our Lady of Sorrows, and the feast day for this actually falls on September 15, the day after the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. Clearly, it is very appropriate that these two feasts, representing the sorrows of Christ and our Lady, should be celebrated so close together, given that the Blessed Virgin was the one who stood so steadfastly at the foot of the cross on Calvary during the awful sufferings of her Son.

Unhealthy deference and excessive honor are dangerous. They cause leaders to crave honor, and insulate them from proper correction...

On Honor and Its Pitfalls - Community in MissionPOPE: Every year at about this time we read St. Augustine’s sermon “On Pastors” in the Office of Readings of the Liturgy of the Hours. As you know, priests are required to read the Divine Office daily; St. Augustine’s sermon extends over the better part of two weeks. It amounts to a stern warning for priests who too easily live off the sheep instead of shepherding them rightly...

Catholics say new religious ed plan teaches error, while Australian diocese defends curriculum

While Diocese Defends Curriculum, Catholics Say Religious Ed Plan Defies Doctrine| National Catholic Register: After media reports about the proposed new curriculum, Fr. Christopher de Souza wrote that “the curriculum does not teach gender theory or gender studies or associated material,” and that it “does not teach students anything that is contrary to the Catholic faith.”

New York Times considers free speech wars in Hong Kong, while ignoring religious issues

New York Times considers free speech wars in Hong Kong, while ignoring religious issues — GetReligionMATTINGLY: The locals had few illusions, back in 1997, when I spent a week in Hong Kong during the days just before the handover ceremonies that put one of Asia’s most important cities under the control of Chinese authorities. The purpose of my trip was to attend a conference about religion and the news (click here for the text of my presentation during that event), so it was understandable...

Why did Jesus appear? Jesus appeared to destroy the works of the devil...

Why Did Jesus Appear? | Knowing Is DoingTORRE: There is an important tenet that tends to bind a community together and that is the deliberate exercise of respect and dignity toward your fellow man. Intimately bound by these attributes of faith, it is reasonable for any human being to see an inherit value and worth of their fellow brother and sister in the name of Jesus Christ. St. John XXIII spoke of this value and worth emphasizing the importance of returning to a sense of dignity;

New organization working to promote Eucharistic Processions nationwide

New organization working to promote Eucharistic Processions nationwide – Catholic World Report: The success of the highly visible Eucharistic Procession and patriotic Rosary rally that drew 2,000 to 3,000 people to the Wisconsin Capitol Building on August 15 is spreading to more states with a new organization called “Unite Our Nation”.

St. Louis de Montfort on how to say the ‘Our Father’ well

St. Louis de Montfort on Reciting the ‘Our Father’ – The Five Beasts: In writing his classic The Secret of the Rosary (ca. 1700), Montfort wanted to elevate the experience of praying this medieval devotion as well as underscore its spiritual power:

It is not so much the length of a prayer as the fervor with which it is said which pleases God and touches his heart. A single Hail Mary said properly is worth more than a hundred and fifty said badly.

There is a contagion in our land. It’s on the left and the right. We are falling into ideology...

Let's Preserve the Best of America | National ReviewLOPEZ: Nineteen years ago, I was in New York City on that September 11. The darkness that descended that day and the hope that rose from it is an indelible part of everyone who lived through the attacks and, of course, especially for those who lost family or friends that day. But there is an added level of personal impact for those of us in the Northeast, and especially New York, where the vast majority were murdered.

Rust Belt religion: Do political reporters get that Catholics are the key voters in 2020?

Rust Belt religion: Do political reporters get that Catholics are the key voters in 2020? — GetReligionMATTINGLY: “White evangelical Protestants,” “white evangelical Protestants,” “white evangelical Protestants.” “Catholic voters,” “Catholic voters,” “Catholic voters.” World without end, amen. The closer we get to Election Day 2020, the more we are going to see these terms in the news. The assumption is that the “Catholic vote” is especially crucial to Democrat Joe Biden...

Cardinal Parolin: Vatican and China have ‘common intentions’ to renew agreement

Cardinal Parolin: Vatican and China Have ‘Common Intentions’ to Renew Agreement| NCRPENTIN: The Holy See and China intend to renew their provisional agreement on the appointment of bishops, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State, said Monday. The agreement, which is subject to revision this month, will expire in October, the cardinal said, but added that the common intentions are to continue with its renewal, the Italian news agency ANSA reported.

How does idealism hurt marriage?

How Does Idealism Negatively Affect Marriage? - Community in MissionPOPE: Those who seek to strengthen Holy Matrimony and stem the tide of failed marriages propose many remedies, among them better catechesis, improved marriage preparation, and greater emphasis on the sacrament in sermons. All of these are fine ideas and necessary steps, but let’s also ponder a deep but often unexplored root of the trouble with marriage today: idealism or unrealistic expectations.

Video: Man with Down syndrome full of joy when asked to be his brother’s best man

Man with Down syndrome full of joy when asked to be his brother’s best man: This is a beautiful story of love between brothers, a story that teaches us to accept others just as they are, appreciating their authenticity and beautiful uniqueness. It’s the story of Will and Henry Joe Claussen. Will is going to be married in less than a year, and he and his bride-to-be...

With the Pope’s okay, Cardinal Sarah sends letter to bishops worldwide, says return to public Mass as soon as possible is “necessary and urgent”

With pope’s okay, cardinal says return to public Mass ‘necessary and urgent’: Calling it “necessary and urgent” to return to public Masses as soon as anti-COVID 19 measures permit, the Vatican’s top official for liturgy has urged Catholic bishops around the world not to let religious worship be relegated to a priority level below “recreational activities” or treated as just another public gathering.

Christianity in the 21st century will be mystical, mythological, and miraculous, or it will be nothing at all

The Church in an Age of Revolution ~ The Imaginative ConservativeLONGENECKER: We know there is very little gas in the tank of this counterfeit Christianity. Moralistic, therapeutic deism is running on the fumes of authentic red-blooded historic Christianity. When it finally sputters to a halt, what will take its place? Taking refuge in a worn-out Biblical fundamentalism won’t do, and although I am sympathetic...

Humans can never be gods, but they need God to live meaningful lives...

Less Than Nothing: The World Without Mystery ~ The Imaginative ConservativeGIST: Most students I teach believe that reality is subjective and truth is relative. This is to be expected in undergraduate college students, especially underclassmen. Not so long ago a university education served to wean students from this naivety. By the time they graduated, most students had developed critical thinking skills that reject a relativistic worldview as a matter of course...

Forgiving others is crucial — and maybe easier than you think...

Forgiving others is crucial (and maybe easier than you think.) | Parishable ItemsFELTES: In Jesus’ parable today, a servant owes his king a huge debt, more precisely (in the original Greek) 10,000 silver talents. This was an amount equal to 150,000 years’ worth of labor in the ancient world, something akin to $4.5 billion today. It’s an unrepayable debt, but the servant’s king is rich in compassion; he feels pity and forgives the man’s entire loan. Now, this servant was a creditor himself...

Why complaining about Vatican PR is like grousing about winter

Why complaining about Vatican PR is like grousing about winterALLEN: Of late, at least two major storylines have triggered the usual cascade of grumbling among journalists about the Vatican’s press operation. First came Pope Francis’s Oct. 3 trip to Assisi to sign his new encyclical letter Tutti Fratelli (I will avoid here the kerfuffle over how to translate that into English), and a mini-panic about the pope and the coronavirus...

Our Lady of Fatima appeared on the 13th of each month. Why the 13th?

Our Lady of Fatima Appeared on the 13th of Each Month. Why the 13th?| NCRPRONECHEN: Let’s begin with a simple fact. For the major apparitions at Fatima, our Blessed Mother appeared each time on the 13th of the month. Except in August when the children were ferreted off to jail in Ourem by the atheistic administrator bent on keeping them from going to the Cova.

After their release, Our Lady then appeared to the children on Aug. 15, the Feast of the Assumption.

First-ever preserved full-grown cave bear unearthed in Siberia. After 15,000+ years, even its nose is still intact

First ever preserved grown up cave bear - even its nose is intact - unearthed on the Arctic island: More details of the finds are to be announced soon. Until now only the bones of cave bears have been discovered. The new finds are of ‘world importance’, according to one of Russia’s leading experts on extinct Ice Age species. Scientist Lena Grigorieva said of the island discovery of the adult beast: 'Today this is the first and only find of its kind - a whole bear carcass with soft tissues...

You can find forgiveness through the magnificence of mercy

Finding Forgiveness Through the Magnificence of Mercy - A Homily for the 24th Sunday of the Year - Community in MissionPOPE: The Gospel this Sunday draws us into a remarkably sensitive area of the faith, that of forgiving others who may have harmed us. There are many who been authentically hurt and others who fear that in offering forgiveness they will become vulnerable to further harm. Forgiveness is something we experience as a very personal call; in some cases, it may be the most challenging thing we are ever asked to do.

How online comments can reveal the state of your soul

How online comments can reveal the state of your soulKOSLOSKI: The internet has allowed us to connect with people all over the world, people we would have never met. At the same time, this connection is often anonymous, allowing us the ability to post online comments to people we will never see in person. This makes it relatively easy to be free with our comments, not thinking about the spiritual consequences of our actions.

Cardinal Sarah sends letter to heads of bishops’s conferences worldwide: “Let us return to the Eucharist with joy”

Cardinal Sarah: ‘We must return to the Eucharist’: In a letter to the leaders of the world’s episcopal conferences, the head of the Vatican’s office for worship and sacraments said that Catholic communities should return to Mass as soon as it can be done safely, and that the Christian life cannot be sustained without the Sacrifice of the Mass and the Christian community of the Church.

Pope’s Sunday Angelus: ‘If we don’t forgive and love, we won’t be forgiven and loved’

Pope Francis: Put forgiveness and mercy at the heart of your life: We cannot demand God’s forgiveness for ourselves unless we are prepared to forgive our neighbors, Pope Francis said in his Angelus address Sunday.

It is better for the sun and moon to drop from heaven...

It is Better for Sun and Moon to Drop from Heaven - NINS BlogMILLS: It’s one of Newman's most notorious lines, and a claim I for one wish were untrue: The Catholic Church holds it better for the sun and moon to drop from heaven, for the earth to fail, and for all the many millions on it to die of starvation in extremest agony, as far as temporal affliction goes, than that one soul, I will not say, should be lost, but should commit one single venial sin, should tell one wilful untruth, or should steal one poor farthing without excuse...

What was the Blessed Virgin Mary’s real name?

What was the Virgin Mary's real name?KOSLOSKI: In the English-speaking world, it is easy to forget that all of the biblical characters had “different” names than what we say in our language. Both Jesus and Mary had names that were originally in Hebrew or Aramaic and had deep spiritual meaning. According to the Catholic Encyclopedia, “The Hebrew form of her name is miryam [or myriam].” This name was used in the Old Testament to denote the only sister of Moses...

4 saints who confronted suicidal thoughts, and overcame them

Saints who confronted suicidal thoughtsHATTRUP: There has long been a stigma surrounding mental illness, particularly among those Christians who insist that depression is a sign of faithlessness, rather than the result of mental illness, physiological conditions, or past trauma. Some have viewed suicide in particular as irremediably sinful, a final act of despair. Such beliefs are both untrue and dangerous, causing those who are suffering to refuse necessary treatment...

Western Australian legislative committee recommends preserving seal of the confessional

Western Australian legislative committee recommends preserving confessional seal: Religious ministers should not be required to violate the seal of confession to report child sex abuse, a committee of the upper house of Western Australia’s parliament recommended Thursday. The Legislation Committee of the Legislative Council recommended that “Ministers of religion be excused from criminal responsibility [of mandatory reporting] only when the grounds of their belief is based solely on information disclosed during religious confession.”

Pro fixed-gear cyclist Michael Guerra has an amazing trick to reduce drag

New Advent: Pro cyclist Michael Guerra has an amazing trick to reduce drag: It’s a bird... It’s a plane...

An interview with Sister Dede Byrne (“surgeon, soldier, sister”)

Respect Life Radio Podcast - Catholics, hear Sister Dede Byrne on life, then vote your well-formed conscience | Free Listening on Podbean App: "The life issue supersedes politics, it's really ethical, moral, spiritual, human," said Sister Dierdre Byrne, who gave galvanizing pro-life remarks at the Republican National Convention in August. "My intention was not to be a political speaker up there on the podium, but someone who is just representing the Catholic Church and its response, and relationship, to the life issues..."

Father Michel Rodrigue’s bishop disavows priest’s “prophecies,” warns faithful of priest’s false claim to be “official exorcist”

Fr. Michel Rorigue's Home Bishop Disavows His Messages & Prophecies | Mother of All Peoples: For a few months now we have been hearing about Father Michel Rodrigue, a priest who worked in our parishes from 1989-1996. Father Michel Rodrigue then left the diocese and moved to Montreal to join the Sulpicians. Therefore, we had no news of him for many years.

How incense at Mass might reduce airborne diseases

How incense at Mass can reduce airborne diseasesKOSLOSKI: The Catholic Church has used incense during religious services for millennia. Even before Christianity, Israelites used incense in worship, as the Psalmist records, “Let my prayer be incense before you; my uplifted hands an evening offering” (Psalm 141:2). Incense became a central part of the Church’s liturgy, not only because of its symbolism, but also on account of medicinal benefits.

September 11: From death, a reminder of the gift of life — and the U.S.

September 11: From Death, a Reminder of the Gift of Life -- and the U.S. | National ReviewLOPEZ: I had been scheduled to fly to California to be on HBO’s Politically Incorrect. There was a family emergency and I had to apologize and back out. Barbara Olson was scheduled in my place. That’s why she was on a plane on the morning of September 11, 2001. For a long time, I felt guilty about that. We talked often during the Florida recount. We were going to do an interview about Hillary Clinton when her book came out later in the fall...

This Sunday, Christ demands the opposite of revenge

This Sunday, Christ Demands the Opposite of Revenge | The Gregorian Institute at Benedictine CollegeHOOPES: “I love Christianity! There is no revenge!” That is what an Iranian convert joyfully announced in RCIA class, according to Father Emmerich Vogt, O.P. It’s true; revenge is a demand of many cultures and a dark impulse of the human heart that feels impossible to resist. Jesus this Sunday, the 24th Sunday of Ordinary Time, not only commands his followers not to seek revenge, but opens up an entirely new reward system...

Exploring the purpose of a Catholic parish — using The Hobbit

The Purpose of Catholic Parishes - Catholic Missionary Disciples - College Station, TXLEJEUNE: If you have ever worked in a parish then you have probably heard these kinds of questions / statements and many more like them. You may have even made some of them yourself. What is behind these kinds of thoughts is that many Catholics want a parish to operate in a certain way. This leads to several questions: What is the ultimate purpose of a parish? Why does a parish exist? What should a parish do?

How pulling off an old-fashioned “potato trick” ended a baseball player’s career

How pulling off a ‘potato trick’ ended a baseball player’s career - SBNation.com: Dave Bresnahan wasn’t playing much in 1987. He didn’t play much at any point, to be fair — 89 games for A-Level Waterloo in ‘86 was the high-water mark for his career (he hit .221/.347/.327 that season) — but a year later was pretty clear that things were going backwards for him. He was the backup catcher for the Williamsport Bills, Cleveland’s AA affiliate. He was 25 years old, his career was going to be over sooner than later, and he was bored. And so Bresnahan dug deep into baseball’s bag of tricks.

BBC profiles the daring nun who hid and saved 83 Jewish children

The daring nun who hid and saved 83 Jewish children - BBC News: Two Jewish girls from north-eastern France found themselves in great danger when Germany invaded 80 years ago. But while their parents and younger sister were caught and murdered, they survived - with dozens of other Jewish children - thanks to the bravery of a nun in a convent near Toulouse.

Cardinal Tagle, close associate of Pope Francis, tests positive for coronavirus on landing in Philippines, but “has no symptoms”

Cardinal Tagle tests positive for coronavirus on landing in Philippines: Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, the head of the Vatican’s evangelization congregation, tested positive for coronavirus on Thursday, but is asymptomatic. The Vatican confirmed Sept. 11 that the Filipino cardinal was swabbed and tested positive for COVID-19 after landing in Manila Sept. 10.

Franciscan Friars of the Renewal co-founder among Chicago’s new auxiliary bishops

Franciscan Friars of the Renewal co-founder among Chicago’s new auxiliary bishops: Pope Francis Friday appointed three auxiliary bishops to the Archdiocese of Chicago, including one of the founders of the religious community Franciscan Friars of the Renewal. Fr. Robert J. Lombardo, CFR, is the director of Our Lady of the Angels Mission Center in Chicago. He is the first Franciscan Friar of the Renewal to be named a bishop.

Alex Trebek of ‘Jeopardy!’ (who was raised Catholic and studied Aquinas) has questions about God that still need answers

Alex Trebek of ‘Jeopardy!’ Has Questions About God That Need Answers| NCRSCHIFFER: When Alex Trebek, the longtime host of “Jeopardy!,” was diagnosed with stage four pancreatic cancer more than a year ago, he was forthright in reporting about his illness. He released a short video statement in March 2019, letting his thousands of fans know of his diagnosis, and assuring that he planned to fight the life-threatening disease and to keep on working as long as he was able...

Don’t be fooled. More contraception always means more abortions, not fewer...

More Contraception Means More Abortions, Not Fewer | NCRGRONDELSKI: Opponents of the Church’s teaching on contraception often argue that, if the Church were “really pro-life,” it would encourage “effective” contraception in order to reduce the number of abortions. They claim that by opposing “family planning,” the Church in fact increases the number of abortions. That’s often been an assertion by Planned Parenthood...

Blessed James Miller — Wisconsin farmer and Catholic martyr

Blessed James Miller — Wisconsin Farmer and Catholic Martyr | NCRONEILL: Brother James Miller was born near Stevens’s Point, Wisconsin. He was the oldest of five siblings in a Catholic farming family that he was always proud of. He loved farm work, but he started thinking about the priesthood as a high school student. His teachers, Christian Brothers, convinced him that his vocation was as teaching brother. In 1959, at the age of 15...

Mark Galli, former Presbyterian pastor and Christianity Today editor, to become Catholic

Mark Galli, former Christianity Today editor and Trump critic, to be confirmed a Catholic: On Sunday (Sept. 13), Mark Galli will stand before Bishop Richard Pates in the Cathedral of St. Raymond Nonnatus in Joliet, Illinois, to hear these words: “Francis, be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Pates will then dab Galli’s forehead with anointing oil (using a cotton ball instead of his thumb due to COVID-19). And with that, Galli — who has chosen his confirmation name after St. Francis of Assisi— will become a Roman Catholic.

Marian feast becomes a political football in Cuba

Marian feast becomes a political football in CubaSANMARTIN: The Church in Cuba is warning against politicizing religious festivals after events surrounding the Feast of Our Lady of El Cobre (Our Lady of Charity), the patroness of the island. In the days leading up to the celebration, the opposition organized a symbolic protest, asking people to dress in yellow and to carry yellow ribbons, for what they dubbed the “revolution of the sunflowers.”

Wisconsin bishop warns of possible canonical penalties against priest for video on Democratic Party

Wisconsin bishop warns of possible canonical penalties against priest for video on Democratic Party | News Headlines | Catholic Culture: CWN Editor's Note: In a recent video, Father James Altman of La Crosse urged Catholics to “repent of your support of that party or face the fires of hell.” Bishop William Patrick Callahan responded, “I understand the undeniable truth that motivates his message ... Unfortunately, the tone Fr. Altman offers comes off as angry and judgmental, lacking any charity and in a way that causes scandal both in the Church and in society. His generalization and condemnation of entire groups of people is completely inappropriate.”

9 lifesaving mnemonics every man should know

9 Lifesaving Mnemonics Every Man Should Know | The Art of Manliness: When it comes to trying to save a life — either someone else’s or your own — it can be hard to remember what to do. Not only because the breadth of survival/first aid know-how is so vast, but because it’s hard to think clearly in a threatening situation.

The shape of the Cross

The Shape of the Cross | Bellator SocietyJAEGER: He wasn’t fit to drive anymore—alcoholism and a last battle with terminal brain cancer demanded he turn over his keys. On his list was a first stop at the university hospital to retrieve some medical records. I had my toddler in tow with us on that morning and told my brother that we would wait in the parking lot for him. “Just text or call when you know how long you’ll be.”

Saint Luke Productions, a unique Christian theater company, brings Church figures to life

A Unique Christian Theatre Brings Church Figures to Life The StreamDUIN: I first heard about her in the summer of 2016, a few weeks after my father’s death. Saint Luke Productions, an intrepid Catholic theater company founded in Portland, Ore., in 1980, was staging a play about Maria Faustina Kowalska. I had never heard about this Polish nun and mystic born on this day in 1905. In 1931, she had a vision of Jesus in a white robe with his left hand to his chest...

Joe Biden’s not ‘truly pro-life.’ He’s not pro-life at all...

Joe Biden's Not 'Truly Pro-Life.' He's Not Pro-Life at All | The StreamMILLS: Some of Joe Biden’s supporters claim that he’s “truly pro-life.” He’s even “the real pro-life choice.” He’s at least more pro-life than his opponent, they say. Pro-lifers who really care about saving unborn lives should vote for him. They can’t vote for Trump. They must vote for the Democrat. Sure, the better ones will admit, Biden supports the widest extension of “reproductive rights,” going farther than any Democratic candidate has ever gone...

Abortion is the issue that most reveals what a candidate thinks about all the other issues...

Abortion and voting: What does the Church teach? - Our Sunday VisitorMILLS: It’s a little funny, being called “a pro-abort.” Some readers assumed from my article on voting that appeared online and in the Sept. 6 issue of Our Sunday Visitor that I wanted people to vote for Joe Biden. I was only laying out the rules of the game. I wasn’t playing, or even commenting on the game. Many people had been saying that a Catholic can never vote for a pro-choice candidate...

Godwin’s Law versus American disorder

Godwin’s Law Versus American Disorder - Magis CenterCLARK: Whether it appears on Facebook, Twitter or a dozen other similar venues, a high percentage of online discussions—whatever the topic—eventually devolve to the point of invective, pejorative, and name-calling. The apex of this is often considered to be something called “Godwin’s Law.” Notwithstanding the fact that most sites and groups don’t have official rules for arguing...

How to think of the Holy Spirit as a divine person

How to Think of the Holy Spirit As a Divine PersonBEALE: In the creed, the liturgy, and every time we cross ourselves we affirm that the Holy Spirit is one of three divine persons. However, many of us probably struggle to think of the Holy Spirit as a person. The core difficulty, I believe, is in thinking of the Holy Spirit as a person. This is much easier with the other two persons of the Trinity because two of the names that have been revealed to us are very personal...

Fear drives votes in this year’s presidential contest

Fear drives votes in this year’s presidential contest | Catholic CultureLAWLER: Once again it’s silly season: we Americans are entering the final weeks of a presidential campaign. So we’ll see all sorts of sensational claims about how one candidate or the other is the embodiment of evil, a threat to Western civilization. It happens every four years. This year the rhetorical boilers will be especially well stoked because our country is experiencing a political crisis...

Christian results flow only from Christian faith

Christian results flow only from Christian faith | Catholic CultureMIRUS: Here we go again, but I’ll be brief. We have yet another interview with yet another high-ranking churchman who betrays not the slightest understanding of what is required for Catholic renewal. See our story “Pandemic may have accelerated Europe’s secularization by 10 years, leading EU cardinal says”, and click through to the linked CNA coverage of the interview with Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich in the Vatican newspaper, L’Osservatore Romano...

Stop pecking on the ground. You’re supposed to be an eagle, not a chicken...

You’re Meant to Be an Eagle, Not a Chicken: A Reflection on Baptism - Word on FireBARRON: When I was doing full-time parish ministry, one of my favorite activities was performing Baptisms. I put the word in the plural, for I hardly ever baptized one baby at a time, but usually ten or a dozen. Typically, the quite large group of family and friends would gather in the first several pews of St. Paul of the Cross Church about 2 o’clock on a Sunday afternoon, I would welcome them and do a very short description of what was about to happen...

What we make, how we make it, and why we make it — such things reveal a lot about us...

On Success and Salvation: What Does Our Work Say About Us?CRAIG: For years I’ve been hunting down the Foxfire books with a peculiar passion. The Foxfire publishing group started out as a magazine overseen by a flailing teacher in his effort to engage students fruitfully, then became a series of books. It was a period­ical about the students’ place, Southern Appalachia, which is why I’ve been so interested in the books (that’s where my farm is)...

The most popular baby names by state, mapped

The Most Popular Baby Names By State, Mapped - Digg: The most popular baby names in the US in 2019 were Liam for boys and Olivia for girls, but how does the popularity of baby names vary between states?

Religious freedom — bleached, blanched, and rinsed out

Religious freedom: bleached, blanched, and rinsed out - Denver CatholicWEIGEL: Father Richard John Neuhaus put two Big Ideas into play in American public life. The first was that the pro-life movement (of which Neuhaus was an intellectual leader) was the natural heir to the moral convictions that had animated the classic civil rights movement (in which Neuhaus was also deeply involved). The second was that the First Amendment to the Constitution did not contain two “religions clauses” but one religion clause...

Manly courage is at the core of being a man. We can rediscover this. The happiness of many might depend upon it...

The Courage to Be a Man | LifeCraftCUDDEBACK: To order what should be done. This is a rich and challenging notion. Aristotle and Aquinas are talking specifically about men—male human persons.

To command here means to give direction to and thus to shape human actions—either one’s own, or others’. Implied is a whole understanding of human actions as calling for the direction of reason in view of basic principles about the good life.