How to teach your kids modesty in a Kardashian world

Tips%20to%20Teach%20Kids%20Modesty%20in%20a%20Kardashian%20World%20%u2014%20Families%20of%20CharacterGERD: Modesty is a character strength that often gets a bad wrap. You know the stereotype—the crabby, austere nun covered from head to toe in an over-starched, high-collared habit. While I happen to be a proponent of the more traditional dress for religious sisters, this, however, is not an accurate portrayal of such an important virtue as modesty.

The tide of secularism is powerful. So like a swimmer in a riptide, let’s not swim against the current — let’s swim across it

Swimming Across the Riptide: The Benedict Option in ActionLONGENECKER: Rod Dreher’s book The Benedict Option advocates a simple response to modernity: retreat, re-arm, and renew. Basing his battle plan on that of the sixth century founder of Western monasticism, Dreher argued that, just as St. Benedict abandoned the decadence of a declining Roman Empire, so Christians today should respond to a society crumbling into decadence by pulling back...

In new law with “seismic” potential, Pope Francis to allow cardinals and bishops to stand trial before the Vatican’s civilian-led courts

Angry Birds: Cardinals on trial in the Vatican? - The PillarCONDON: Pope Francis on Friday issued his second change to Vatican City law in two days. In a newly issued motu proprio, the pope amended Vatican City state law, to allow cardinals and bishops to stand trial before the city state’s civilian-led courts, with his prior consent. The change might set the stage for a dramatic conclusion to the roiling financial scandals at the Secretariat of State.

Biden gets a new bishop, Bishop Stika gets heat from his priests, Andrew Cuomo gets a dose of karma, and MLB doesn’t get baseball at all

Biden%u2019s%20New%20Bishop%2C%20Bishop%20Stika%20Redux%2C%20and%20the%20Karma%20of%20Andrew%20Cuomo%20-%20The%20PillarCONDON: Joe Biden has a new bishop. Pope Francis this morning accepted the resignation of Bishop Francis Malooly, 77, of the Diocese of Wilmington. Biden’s new hometown shepherd will be Monsignor William E. Koenig, a priest of the Diocese of Rockville Centre in New York. The president actually has two local ordinaries, as it happens, since he maintains canonical domicile and quasi-domicile in both the Archdiocese of Washington D.C. and in Wilmington.

Without tourists, the formerly bustling town of Medjugorje has turned into a ghost town

Without%20tourists%2C%20Bosnia%u2019s%20Catholic%20pilgrimage%20site%20has%20turned%20into%20a%20ghost%20town%20%u2014%20The%20Calvert%20Journal: Medjugorje, just southwest of Mostar in modern day Bosnia and Herzegovina, was a quiet Yugoslav town when, in 1981, the Virgin Mary allegedly appeared to six local children. Soon, pilgrims began arriving at Medjugorje, much to the dismay of Yugoslav authorities, who were dubious of anything that would stoke instability in the nominally secular state...

Was St. Joseph old or young? It’s an ancient question without a definitive answer...

The Case for the Young St. Joseph| National Catholic RegisterDESOUZA: Was St. Joseph old or young? A widower who served more as a guardian for the virginity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, or a young, virile husband, who loved her with a virginal love? Such questions are ancient, but have come to the fore during this Year of St. Joseph as study of the saint grows. Most devotional materials today present Joseph as a young man who lived a real, but virginal, marriage with Mary.

The Vatican’s new judicial activism has a downside — the “Vaticanization of the Holy See, done in an Italian way”

Is%20the%20Vatican%u2019s%20new%20judicial%20activism%20good%20for%20the%20Holy%20See%3FGAGLIARDUCCI: Experts attending the Moneyval plenary assembly in Strasbourg, France, this week approved a highly anticipated report on the Holy See. Moneyval, the committee of the Council of Europe which assesses countries’ compliance with international financial transparency standards, is expected to publish its report in the coming weeks.

The Feast of St. Joseph the Worker was created to take the starch out of Communist May Day celebrations, and to proclaim the Christian ideal of work

Feast of St. Joseph the Worker proclaimed Christian ideal of work vs. Marxist view - Our Lady's Blue ArmyFOLEY: The feast of St Joseph the Worker falls on May 1, this Saturday (also a First Saturday), following the Solemnity of St. Joseph, which we celebrated on March 19. This is a relatively modern feast day since it was only instituted in 1955, during the pontificate of Pope Pius XII.

Biden’s attorney general Xavier Becerra bullies Catholic sisters (for having the wrong religion)

Biden's Attorney General Enjoys Bullying Nuns (For Having the Wrong Religion) - Catholic HeraldGRABOWSKI: Joe Biden’s Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, Xavier Becerra, was in the news again in recent days, after a relatively quiet time in office after his confirmation by the Senate. He was again taking up again a hobby for which he was famous in his former role as Attorney General of California: bullying Catholic nuns.

I desire the Manna from Heaven

I desire the bread from Heaven | Knowing Is DoingTORRE: Everyone is called to enter the kingdom. The significance of this statement introduces us to the intention God has for his children; the desire to share His love for all eternity. It also proposes whether man ultimately decides to engage God in this journey of faith. God’s divine intention to nourish us in His love is both perpetual and infinite...

Legion of Christ hit with 7 new sex abuse lawsuits

Legion of Christ hit with 7 new sex abuse lawsuits: Seven sexual abuse victims who say they were assaulted at a private New Hampshire school have filed separate lawsuits against the Legionaries of Christ, the Roman Catholic order founded by incestuous pedophile Rev. Marcial Maciel Degollado.

Anti-Corruption Law, Part 1: Vatican employees prohibited from using tax havens

New Vatican anti-corruption law prohibits employees from using tax havens: Pope Francis has signed a new anti-corruption law for the Vatican, which prohibits employees from using tax havens investing in companies that go against Church teaching.

Wishing you many years

Wishing You Many Years | LifeCraftCUDDEBACK: I have always loved the Ukrainian version of “Happy Birthday,” which I first encountered when I met my wife’s family. In its several melodic variations, we sing it with vigor at birthday as well as anniversary and other celebrations. This week we are celebrating a significant birthday of my wife...

Anti-Corruption Law, Part 2: Pope Francis seeks to quash Vatican “envelope” culture with ban on gifts over $50

In%20Anti-Corruption%20Law%2C%20Pope%20Francis%20Seeks%20to%20Quash%20Vatican%20%u2018Envelope%u2019%20Culture%20with%20Ban%20on%20Gifts%20Over%20%2450%7C%20National%20Catholic%20Register: As part of a sweeping new anti-corruption law, Pope Francis on Thursday declared that officials of the Roman Curia should no longer accept personal gifts with a monetary value over 40 euros (about $50).

The miraculous discovery of St. Louis De Montfort’s ‘True Devotion to Mary,’ hidden for 150 years

The Miraculous Discovery of St. Louis De Montfort's 'True Devotion to Mary,' Hidden for 150 Years |: For over a century, St Louis de Montfort’s masterpiece the Treatise on True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin remained completely hidden and mysteriously concealed. Although St Louis wrote the book in the early 1700s, it was only in 1842 that the manuscript was unearthed by a librarian at the mother-house of the Montfort Fathers at St. Laurent-sur-Sèvre, France.

“Seal up what the seven thunders have said” — A meditation on sinful curiosity

%u201CSeal%20Up%20What%20the%20Seven%20Thunders%20Have%20Said%u201D%20-%20A%20Meditation%20on%20Sinful%20Curiosity%20-%20Community%20in%20MissionPOPE: Sadly, especially in the “information age,” we speak of knowledge as power. We seek to know in order to control, rather than to repent and conform to the truth. We think that we should be able to do anything that we know how to do. Even more reason, then, that God should withhold from us the knowledge of many things...

Antinomianism, the “woke heresy,” is the fashionable heresy today

Antinomianism: The Woke Heresy | Fr. Dwight LongeneckerLONGENECKER: A friend recently made a short comment, “Antinomianism is the fashionable heresy today.” I hadn’t seen it before, but he’s right. Antinomianism has been around since the early church battled with the gnostics, but it gained its name in the wake of the rise of Lutheranism. Antinomianism is the heresy that once you are saved you don’t have to bother with the moral laws...

Pope Francis issues new law in wake of Vatican financial scandals, bans investments “contrary to the social doctrine of the Church”

Pope Francis issues new law in wake of Vatican financial scandals - The Pillar: Pope Francis has issued a new Vatican law that aims to combat corruption by senior officials in the curia and in the city state, and that bars investments in companies or businesses “contrary to the social doctrine of the Church.” The new law also aims to end customary cash gifts exchanged among Church officials and those with whom they work...

8 things to know and share about St. Catherine of Siena

8 Things to Know and Share About St. Catherine of Siena| National Catholic RegisterAKIN: In 2010, Pope Benedict gave an audience in which he discussed the basic facts of her life: Born in Siena, Italy, in 1347, into a very large family, she died in Rome in 1380. When Catherine was 16 years old, motivated by a vision of St. Dominic, she entered the Third Order of the Dominicans, the female branch known as the Mantellate. While living at home, she confirmed her vow of virginity made privately when she was still an adolescent and dedicated herself to prayer...

A South Sudanese bishop-elect was attacked and shot in both legs. Here’s what happened...

%u2018I%20will%20be%20with%20you%u2019%20-%20A%20South%20Sudanese%20bishop-elect%20was%20shot.%20Here%u2019s%20what%20happened%20-%20The%20Pillar: Fr. Christian Carlassare, Bishop-elect of Rumbek, South Sudan is recuperating in a Nairobi hospital after he was shot in his home by intruding gunmen early Monday morning. Three priests and nine other people have reportedly been arrested in connection with the shooting. Here’s what happened

What would Cardinal Meyer say?

What would Cardinal Meyer say? - Denver CatholicWEIGEL: Unfortunately forgotten in most U.S. Catholic circles today, Cardinal Albert Gregory Meyer, archbishop of Milwaukee from 1953 to 1958 and archbishop of Chicago from 1958 to 1965, was one of the country’s leading churchmen in the mid-20th century...

In rare move, Pope ousts two Ecuadorian bishops amid talk of “shadows” of homosexuality, concubinage, simony in liberal Riobamba diocese

Pope ousts leadership of Ecuadorian diocese amid complaints: Pope Francis responded Wednesday to reports of poor governance and moral failings in the Ecuadorian diocese of Riobamba by not only accepting the resignation of the retiring bishop but that of his heir apparent as well. Francis on Wednesday accepted the resignations of Bishop Julio Parrilla Diaz, who turned 75 last month, and his deputy, Monsignor Gerardo Miguel Nieves Loja, 53.

Contagious faith in a Church that saves

Contagious Faith in a Church that saves | Catholic CultureMIRUS: Deeply committed Catholics have been very concerned about the Church’s response to Covid. Most of us have at least a vague suspicion that something is very wrong when the Church shuts down her sacramental ministry for any reason, especially if she seems to be simply following secular political directives...

Vatican criticized for large investment in company that made ‘morning after pill’

Vatican%20criticized%20for%20investment%20in%20%u2018morning%20after%20pill%u2019%20producer%20-%20The%20Pillar: The Holy See invested funds in a pharmaceutical company which produces an emergency contraceptive “morning after pill,” an Italian news outlet reported, but sold its shares in the company when the Vatican’s auditor reported the investment to senior Church officials.

What the new reports about Cardinal Becciu might mean

What the new reports about Cardinal Becciu might mean - The PillarCONDON: On Monday, Cardinal Angelo Becciu’s attorney issued a statement that aimed to rebuff a new series of allegations against the disgraced cardinal. The allegations quickly appeared to amount to little, if anything, but the manner in which they came to light could prove to be the beginning of a very interesting series of revelations connected to the Vatican financial scandal.

China expected to report first population decline since 1949; could soon be surpassed by India as world’s biggest

China to report first population decline since 1949 despite relaxing one-child policy | National Post: China is set to report its first population decline since records began in 1949 despite the relaxation of the government’s strict family planning policies, which was meant to reverse the falling birth rate of the world’s most populous country.

How the 2015 visit from Pope Francis prompted House Speaker John Boehner to resign

How the Visit from Pope Francis Prompted House Speaker Boehner to Resign| National Catholic Register: Former Speaker of the House John Boehner, R-Ohio, shocked the country when he announced his resignation from Congress in 2015 and in a recent interview, he recounted how the historic visit of Pope Francis to the U.S. Capitol accelerated his decision to step down.

The pro-life argument of ‘The Guns of Navarone’

The%20Pro-Life%20Argument%20of%20%u2018The%20Guns%20of%20Navarone%u2019%7C%20National%20Catholic%20RegisterGRONDELSKI: The Guns of Navarone is the epic adventure of six Allied saboteurs dispatched to knock out two large caliber German guns positioned within a natural rock fortress on the fictional Greek island of Navarone. The mission is undertaken so that British warships can safely pass the island to rescue British troops stranded on a neighboring island, Kheros (also fictional).

Naval Academy study shows that students learn less from easy teachers, and that easy graders hurt students

Grade%20Inflation%20Is%20Ruining%20Education%20%u2013%20Quillette: A recent study conducted at the Naval Academy showed that students learn less from easy teachers. As the researchers state, “Instructors who tend to give out easier subjective grades ... dramatically hurt subsequent student performance.” While a generalization, these claims support the intuitions of anyone who has ever been to school or met a human. When students can give less effort, they do. So, why have schools been moving toward easier grading?

Catholic clerics and “prominent lay personalities” among 12 arrested after bishop-elect shot in South Sudan

Catholic clerics among 12 arrested after bishop-elect shot in South Sudan | CNA: Three South Sudanese Catholic clerics are among 12 people arrested following the shooting of the bishop-elect of Rumbek diocese in the early hours on Monday, a source in Rumbek has told ACI Africa, CNA’s African news partner.

A new saint, and my son the “eco-terrorist”

A new saint, and my son the "eco-terrorist" - The PillarJDFLYNN: After The Pillar published last month a series on parish collections during the pandemic, we heard from a lot of people with interesting theories and ideas about parish offertory collections. One of the most common we heard is that parishes with more confession hours and more adoration hours tend to do better in their weekly offertory collection.

What can the Vatican expect on its Moneyval report card?

What can the Vatican expect on its Moneyval report card? - The PillarCONDON: This week, Moneyval, the Council of Europe’s anti-money laundering watchdog, is expected to publish a report on the Holy See, assessing nearly a decade of efforts by the Holy See to combat financial crime. At stake is the Vatican’s credibility on the global financial stage, and its place on the international “white list” of financial jurisdictions, essential for its daily economic operations.

Read about the incredible life of St. Margaret of Castello, and her unusual canonization last week

Meet%20St%20Margaret%20of%20Castello%2C%20the%20pope%u2019s%20unexpected%20canonization%20-%20The%20Pillar: Margaret of Castello was an Italian woman in the 13th and 14th centuries, and a member of the Dominican third order. Her life was extraordinary. She was born blind, with a curvature of the spine so severe it was almost impossible to walk, and with the condition now called dwarfism...

Can you be “spiritual but not religious?” Can you be a good person without God?

New%20Advent%3A%20Can%20you%20be%20%u201Cspiritual%20but%20not%20religious%3F%u201D%20Can%20you%20be%20a%20good%20person%20without%20God%3FSTEFANICK: Lots of people have asked the question, “Can’t I be a generally good person without caring about the whole religion thing?” I’m not talking about atheists who have asked the big questions in life and landed on conclusions I disagree with. I’m talking about the countless people who care more about things like Tik Tok than about the big questions in life...

This guy put a GoPro in his dishwasher so you can see how a dishwasher works

New Advent: This guy put a GoPro in his dishwasher so you can see how a dishwasher works: “I put a GoPro and a 360 Camera inside a Dishwasher so we can see how the dishwasher works while it runs through all the cycles during a wash with detergent, in full 4k, and from the 360 camera...”

Why the assault on natural womanhood robs women of fulfillment

Why The Assault On Natural Womanhood Robs Women Of FulfillmentGRESS: Imagine you’re built like Michael Phelps, with a long torso, and arms and legs that slice through the water. Early in your life, however, everyone around you starts insisting you should be a jockey. Swimming is no longer trendy, and anyone with any kind of sense knows that he should be racing horses.

Venerable Enrique Shaw, Argentine candidate for canonization, was a wealthy businessman who served God

Argentine candidate for halo shows maybe you can serve God and mammonSANMARTIN: Born in 1921 in the Ritz hotel in Paris to Argentine parents, Enrique Shaw was an over-achiever from the beginning. To this day, he remains the youngest graduate of Argentina’s naval school, and, by the time he retired at the age of 24, he was a full lieutenant. He founded Argentina’s Christian Association of Business Executives.

Chicago priest steps aside after Tik Tok video of 1984 allegation

Chicago Priest Steps Aside After Tik Tok Allegation| National Catholic Register: A Chicago pastor has stepped away from his parish after sexual assault allegations were made against him from 1984. Fr. Larry Sullivan, pastor at Christ the King Church, has been accused of attacking and attempting to sexually assault a woman right before entering seminary.

Priest with cancer dies 23 days after his hospital room ordination

Priest with cancer dies 23 days after his hospital room ordination | CNA: Fr. Livinius Esomchi Nnamani, who was ordained to the priesthood in his hospital room on Holy Thursday with special permission from Pope Francis, has died of leukemia at the age of 31. The young priest’s funeral was held in Rome on April 26 at the parish of San Giovanni Leonardi. He had dedicated the last 23 days of his life to offering Mass from his hospital bed, a priest who knew him recalled.

It’s time to brainwash our children — to cleanse their minds, and let them encounter the Person of Jesus Christ

It%u2019s%20Time%20to%20Brainwash%20Our%20ChildrenPHILIPMARTIN: I’ll never forget the look in that engineer’s eyes when he interrupted the professor. “Wow,” he exclaimed, “I get it, I get it!” I know what he was feeling because I felt it too. It was as if the final nail in a bridge between islands in my mind had been hammered home.

Why should you thank God for everything in your life?

New Advent: Why should you thank God for everything?STEFANICK: have a miracle story I'm going to share with you about snow and about who to thank for things like snow days. In the mid-400s a church was dedicated in honor of Our Lady called St. Mary Major Basilica in Rome, and there's a really cool legend about its foundation. There was a wealthy couple who was wanting to dedicate all their belongings to honor Our Lady...

Mercy and the scandal of Judas

Mercy and the Scandal of Judas| National Catholic RegisterPOPE: A recent writing by Father Primo Mazzolari in L’Osservatore Romano sets forth the view that Judas was forgiven by Our Lord. Is this also the view of Pope Francis? It is not possible to say. But considering the status and visibility of L’Osservatore Romano, the article set off a vigorous debate that reflects well a common modern error...

Christ has come into the world, to bear witness to the truth

Christ Has Come Into the World, to Bear Witness to the Truth| National Catholic RegisterMARTIN: In the first three centuries of the Church’s life — before, that is, the Emperor Constantine put an end to persecution by converting to the True Faith — if you fell into the hands of Roman authority, which saw Christianity everywhere as a threat to its hegemony, some variation on the following question might be put to you in the ensuing interrogation...

What was born from the tomb on Easter Sunday? What came forth in the resurrection?

The Fruit of the Resurrection - Thy Geekdom ComeMICAHMURPHY: When we consider the fruit of the resurrection, we may think immediately of the new life of glory we will have in our own resurrection, that probably far-off event past the long, winding, and narrow road up our own Calvaries. Then, perhaps, of the powers of our glorified bodies...

From the Grand Canyon to Yellowstone, here are 5 classic “parkitecture” gems you need to see for yourself

5 Hidden Parkitecture Gems You Need to See for Yourself | Architectural Digest: Part of the appeal of visiting state and national parks is the immediate—and sometimes drastic—change of scenery they provide as you make your way onto park property and past the welcome sign. In some cases, there’s a particular rock formation, striking waterfall, or rare landscape found within the park that draws tourists from around the world...

This Sunday, the Good Shepherd is also our judge

This Sunday, the Good Shepherd Is Also Our Judge | The Gregorian Institute at Benedictine CollegeHOOPES: Be careful not to ask the wrong question this Sunday, Good Shepherd Sunday, the Fourth Sunday of Easter Year B. Jesus says he is “the good shepherd, who lays down his life for his sheep,” while “a hired man, who is not a shepherd and whose sheep are not his own, sees a wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away.” Catholics might be tempted to ask...

Let’s face it: The modern papacy is an impossible gig

Let%u2019s%20face%20it%3A%20The%20modern%20papacy%20is%20an%20impossible%20gigALLEN: We live in a time of instant opinion, in which perspective is generally the first casualty of war. Nevertheless, here’s a bit of perspective anyone who follows Vatican news and the Catholic scene ought to try to keep in mind: The papacy, as it’s come to be understood, is an impossible gig. I’m not talking about how the papacy is defined in, say, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, or the Code of Canon Law.

‘The Pillar’ has been the surprise startup of the year — it’s exactly the type of Catholic journalism we need at this moment.

Catholic%20news%20site%20proving%20to%20be%20a%20%27Pillar%27%20when%20it%20comes%20to%20religion%20journalism%20%u2014%20GetReligionLISI: I teach journalism at The King’s College in New York City. I have for the past four years. GetReligion readers may recall that tmatt used to teach there, as well. Among the many classes I enjoy teaching is one called “Entrepreneurial Journalism and the Future.” It is a class that teaches aspiring journalists the importance of the business side of the profession...

The King of Love My Shepherd Is — A homily for the 4th Sunday of Easter

The King of Love My Shepherd Is - A Homily for the 4th Sunday of Easter - Community in MissionPOPE: On this fourth Sunday of Easter, we turn a corner of sorts. Up until now we have been reading of the resurrection appearances themselves. Today we begin to see how the risen Lord ministers to us as the Good Shepherd. In effect, the Lord gives us four basic pictures or teachings of how, as the King of Love, He shepherds us. Here, then, are four portraits of His love

Thinking about ‘Uncle Ted’ McCarrick’s rise and fall: Did Catholic leaders learn anything?

Thinking%20about%20%27Uncle%20Ted%27%20McCarrick%27s%20rise%20and%20fall%3A%20Did%20Catholic%20leaders%20learn%20anything%3F%20%u2014%20GetReligionMATTINGLY: If you have followed the career of fallen cardinal Theodore “Uncle Ted” McCarrick, you know that for a decade or two he was probably the most influential Catholic leader in the United States — especially with journalists (think “Team Ted”) and gatekeepers in the church hierarchy. With McCarrick, it wasn’t enough to discuss his evil deeds...

‘You will be shepherds like him’: Pope Francis ordains nine new priests in St. Peter’s Basilica

%u2018You%20will%20be%20shepherds%20like%20him%u2019%3A%20Pope%20Francis%20ordains%20nine%20new%20priests%20in%20St.%20Peter%u2019s%20Basilica%20%7C%20CNA: Pope Francis ordained nine men to the priesthood on Sunday, urging them to be shepherds like Christ throughout their priestly lives. In a largely off-the-cuff homily in St. Peter’s Basilica April 25, he told them that they would share in the mission of Christ.

Muzzy can’t make disciples

Muzzy%20Can%u2019t%20Make%20Disciples%20%u2014%20Tim%20Glemkowski%2C%20Catholic%20EvangelistGLEMKOWSKI: If you grew up, like me, as a child of the 90s, you remember the Muzzy commercials on Nickelodeon. "Je suis la jeune fille!" These commercials promised parents, who might be nearby while their children watched Rugrats, a program that would make their kids fluent in foreign languages.

Treasure hunter finds long-rumored $46,000 hidden in cashbox beneath floorboards of Massachusetts family’s home

Treasure%20hunter%20finds%20%2446%2C000%20hidden%20in%20cashbox%20beneath%20floorboards%20of%20Massachusetts%20family%u2019s%20home%20after%20decades%20of%20rumor%20-%20masslive.com: Keith Wille, a self-described treasure hunter and metal “detectorist,” has a motto: “You lost something. I find it.” And that’s exactly what he did for one woman in Western Massachusetts who called him about trying to locate a cashbox potentially missing beneath the floorboards of the attic in her family home.

Bishop Stika of Knoxville, Tennessee, facing likely ‘Vos estis’ Vatican investigation

Stika facing likely 'Vos estis' Vatican investigation - The Pillar: Complaints filed against the bishop allege that Stika impeded or restricted investigations into accusations of serial sexual misconduct by a seminarian who was living in his home, according to multiple sources in both the United States and Rome. But Stika told The Pillar Thursday that he has acted properly, and is satisfied with the diocese’s handling of a series of misconduct reports against the seminarian.

Pope Francis declares Margaret of Castello, a blind 14th-century lay Dominican, through rarely-used “equipollent canonization” process

Pope Francis declares blind 14th-century lay Dominican a saint | CNA: Pope Francis declared a blind 14th-century Italian lay Dominican a saint Saturday using a process known as “equipollent” canonization. The Holy See press office said April 24 that the pope had authorized the extension of the liturgical cult of Blessed Margaret of Castello to the universal Church during a Saturday morning meeting with Cardinal Marcello Semeraro, prefect of the Vatican Congregation for the Causes of Saints.

The inexpressible sadness of Christian failure

The inexpressible sadness of Christian failure | Catholic CultureMIRUS: I suppose we have all awakened on a spiritually foggy morning and wondered what’s the use. Compared to the better olden days, during which Christ appeared to have triumphed throughout the West and the Church made a good stab at evangelizing the world, we seem so utterly fruitless...

Bishop Bätzing opens path to Protestants receiving Catholic Communion in Germany

Bishop Baetzing Opens Path to Protestants Receiving Catholic Communion in Germany| National Catholic RegisterPENTIN: In his latest salvo to challenge Rome, the president of Germany’s bishops’ conference has said that any German Protestant who wishes to receive Holy Communion in a Catholic Church on Kirchentag — a day of unity in May for German Protestants — may do so.

9 lessons about how to defeat assisted suicide in your state

9 Lessons About How to Defeat Assisted Suicide in Your State| National Catholic RegisterWOLFGANG: We just defeated assisted suicide again in Connecticut. Other states, like New Mexico, have not been as fortunate. But here in Connecticut, we have crushed it nine years in a row. Why? What makes Connecticut different? And what lessons can be learned here for the fight in other states? To be sure, every state is different...

A Former Muslim watches an old film about Muhammad with new eyes — and finds that it’s not the greatest story ever told

A Former Muslim Watches an Old Film About Muhammad With New Eyes| National Catholic RegisterSIMONSON: I was at the house of a Secular Franciscan brother. We’d just finished watching an episode of the YouTube series The Chosen on his television. Our conversation steered so that the topic of Islam was raised. “If you want a better understanding of a Muslim’s perspective,” I told him, “then you really need to see a film called The Message.”

Watch: Pet dog runs on to high school race track and wins relay event

Watch: Moment pet dog runs on to high school race track and wins relay event - BBC Sport: Watch the moment Holly the dog joins in the final sprint of a high school 4x200m relay event in Utah and ends up crossing the line first.

Medieval pandemic cures that were ... medieval

Medieval%20Pandemic%20Cures%20That%20Were%u2026Medieval%20%7C%20Library%20of%20Congress%20Blog: As the world grapples with containing the COVID-19 pandemic with a range of vaccines, each with varying rates of effectiveness, it’s worth remembering that cure-alls for deadly pandemics have often proven to be more of a mirage than a reality.

It’s the end of the world as we know it, and Gwyneth Paltrow wants to sell you something

It%u2019s%20the%20end%20of%20the%20world%20as%20we%20know%20it%2C%20and%20Gwyneth%20Paltrow%20wants%20to%20sell%20you%20something%20-%20The%20PillarCONDON: If you spent yesterday anywhere near a computer or a smartphone, you probably noticed that it was Earth Day. Sparing us all a debate about anthropogenic climate change, and the science for and against it, it is worth noting that the care of our common home is a cause near and dear to the heart of Pope Francis, and was, of course, the subject of his encyclical Laudato si.

Cardinal Cupich asked Archbishop Aquila for ‘public clarification’ over ‘America’ article on Holy Communion

Cardinal Cupich asked Archbishop Aquila for 'public clarification' over Eucharistic doctrine - The Pillar: Cardinal Blase Cupich of Chicago wrote to Denver Archbishop Samuel Aquila last week to express “a number of concerns,” after Aquila published an essay on theological and pastoral issues concerning the reception of Holy Communion. Cardinal Cupich urged the archbishop to offer a “public clarification” of his arguments.

Putin’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine is a global threat, U.S. archbishop warns

Ukraine conflict a global threat, U.S. archbishop warnsSANMARTIN: With Russia building up its troops in the border with Ukraine, Archbishop Borys Gudziak, the current head of the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia, is warning the conflict is not only a threat for the region, but for the world. Gudziak spoke with Crux over the phone on Tuesday, after Pope Francis’s Sunday appeal for a de-escalation of the conflict in Eastern Ukraine at the end of his weekly Regina Coeli prayer...

Your life is not about you, as illustrated in a Bible story

Your Life is Not About You, As Illustrated in a Biblical Story - Community in MissionPOPE: In Wednesday’s reading, the Acts of the Apostles sets forth an event that amounts to a tale of one Church in two cities or regions. It illustrates well a couple of points: that the Church is always in need of reform and that our lives are not merely about us and what we want. Let’s look at the event in two scenes.

Pope calls for 31-day global prayer marathon, involving Marian shrines worldwide, for end of pandemic

Pope%20calls%20for%20monthlong%20global%20prayer%20marathon%20for%20end%20of%20pandemic%20%u2013%20The%20Texas%20Catholic: Pope Francis has called for a global prayer marathon for the entire month of May, praying for the end to the pandemic. “The initiative will involve in a special way all shrines in the world” in promoting the initiative so that individuals, families and communities all take part in reciting the rosary, “to pray for the end of the pandemic,” said the Pontifical Council for Promoting New Evangelization in a press release April 21.

Roger Severino: Holding the Biden administration accountable on health policy

Roger Severino: Holding the Biden Administration accountable on health policy: "We're going to be a watchdog, making sure that the Biden Administration ... will respect the mission of HHS (U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services) which is to further the health and well-being of all Americans; and that includes from conception until natural death; that means science being the forefront over ideology...

17 notable chefs on the essential items they always keep in the pantry

17 Chefs Name Their Essential Pantry Items - InsideHook: I’ve been cooking a lot more frequently than I used to. Sure, there are drawbacks, like the fact that I am not a great chef, but the benefits are undeniable: it’s cheaper, healthier (usually) and i’ve found it can be a very peaceful time away from screens.

Should Catholics professionally share values the Church rejects?

Should Catholics Professionally Share Values the Church Rejects?| National Catholic RegisterBRUGGER: Defenders of Christian morals today are not only being asked to share their lives with people who reject their value system — they are being forced to become complicit in the new morality. It’s not enough to tolerate choices that you believe are wrongful. You now need to affirm them, advance them, go public with your support...

Why homeschooling? Why Catholic schools? Because children belong to God and their families — not to the government

Why%20Homeschooling%20and%20Catholic%20Schools%3F%20Because%20Children%20Belong%20to%20God%20and%20Their%20Families%20%u2014%20Not%20to%20the%20Government%7C%20National%20Catholic%20RegisterAHERN: Much has been made of the rise of home education during the pandemic. “Everyone’s a homeschooler now!” became a popular social media meme, accompanied by photos of various female Avengers captioned “How My Friends See Me Now.” There was some sweet, if ungodly, satisfaction for me as a long-time homeschooler knowing that at last

When a bishop discourages baptism...

When a bishop discourages baptism.... | Catholic CultureLAWLER: “Baptisms should be discouraged” says Bishop Ronald Fabro of London, Ontario. He’s responding to the latest draconian lockdown orders, of course; he doesn’t intend that baptisms should be permanently discouraged. At least I don’t think he intends to discourage baptisms for any considerable length of time.

Why can’t you just be “more loving?”

Why%20can%u2019t%20you%20just%20be%20%u201Cmore%20loving%u201D%3F%20%7C%20Catholic%20CultureMIRUS: For the past two generations or so, Catholics have been exhorted not only by the larger secular culture but by many of their own priests and bishops to “be more loving”. Properly intended, this is always good advice. But in the most common context, the point seems to be to discourage people from calling evil practices sinful or from opposing these practices.

Scottish priest investigated after threatening to poison dogs in viral video — but there’s more here than meets the eye

Scottish priest investigated after threatening to poison dogs: A Scottish priest is being investigated by the police after threatening to poison a man’s dogs on a video that was circulated on Reddit. Father Vincent Byrne of is seen outside of St. Columba’s Church in Renfrew, about 6 miles west of Glasgow, having a confrontation with a dogwalker who filmed the exchange.

Mother Miriam’s conversion story: From Jewish agnostic to foundress of an order of nuns

Mother%20Miriam%u2019s%20Conversion%20Story%3A%20From%20Jewish%20Agnostic%20to%20Foundress%20of%20an%20Order%20of%20Nuns%7C%20National%20Catholic%20RegisterGRAVES: Imagine for a moment that you never knew Christ. Imagine that you grew up Jewish, still waiting for the Anointed One to come into the world. Imagine that even as a little child you were hoping and anticipating, as only a child can, for this holy arrival — thinking that any ring at the door might be news of his coming, or better yet, him...

Chicago’s Cardinal Cupich issues final warning over “tactics of intimidation” by Father Pfleger’s parish

Cupich%20issues%20final%20warning%20over%20%u2018tactics%20of%20intimidation%u2019%20by%20Pfleger%20parish%20-%20The%20Pillar: Cardinal Blase Cupich has said he will turn over the investigation of a popular local priest accused of sexual abuse to another diocese if efforts to “intimidate” members of the Archdiocese of Chicago’s Independent Review Board do not come to an end.

The amazing Blessed Margaret of Castello, who died 701 years ago and was beatified 412 years ago, will finally be canonized Sept. 19

St.%20Margaret%20%u2013%20Blessed%20%27Little%27%20Margaret%20of%20Castello: At long last, it is my great joy to share with you the good news you have so long awaited: our friend, Blessed Margaret of Castello, will be canonized a saint!

Hans Küng left a sorry record for an intelligent man — sad proof that fame is dangerous

Hans Kueng and the perils of fame - Denver CatholicWEIGEL: During his 1977 rookie year with the Baltimore Orioles, future Hall of Famer Eddie Murray got a piece of advice from veteran Lee May: If you’ve got talent, May told the 21-year-old slugger, fame can’t help you, but the odds are it’ll ruin you. Murray followed May’s sage counsel and avoided the limelight. Father Hans Küng, the mediagenic Swiss Catholic writer who died at age 93 on April 6, didn’t. Therein lies a sad tale.

Minneapolis Archbishop Hebda calls for “healing power of forgiveness” after Derek Chauvin verdict

Minneapolis archbishop calls for healing after Derek Chauvin verdict | CNA: Archbishop Bernard Hebda of Minneapolis called for peace, reconciliation, and a greater respect for human life after former police officer Derek Chauvin was found guilty of the 2020 murder of George Floyd.

Europe was once littered with mini Venices, and many of these towns remain today. Here are some of the most atmospheric...

The Venice replicas around the Mediterranean | CNN Travel: The Republic of Venice — or the Most Serene Republic of Venice, to give it its full name — existed for 1,100 years, from 697 CE to 1797 CE, when Napoleon conquered the city. It's an astonishing length of time for a period when upheavals, coups and conquerings were regular events.

Kissing is clearly a gift to all of us. It is something of our human nature — something we didn’t just make up on our own

The Gift of Kissing | LifeCraftCUDDEBACK: The kiss has a place in everyone’s life: is it in reconciling estranged family members, greeting a long absent friend, receiving a guest into one’s home, or expressing to a child our deep affection? What a gift, I dare say an irreplaceable one, it can be in each of these instances and more. And then of course there is the kiss between a man and woman in love...

Filipino church celebrates a 500-year milestone while standing at a crossroads

Filipino church celebrates milestone while standing at a crossroadsALLEN: Right now all around the world – and I mean that literally – Filipinos are marking the 500th anniversary of the country’s evangelization. With reference to virtually anyplace else, I probably would say “Filipino Catholics,” but in this case the phrase is border-line redundant.

100 questions Jesus asked and you should answer

100 Questions Jesus Asked and You Should Answer - Community in MissionPOPE: One of the bigger mistakes one can make is to read Scripture as a spectator, treating it as merely a collection of stories and events that took place thousands of years ago. While these are historical accounts, they are much more than that. Truth be told, these ancient stories are our stories. We are in the narrative. We are Abraham, Sarah, Moses, Deborah, Jeremiah, Ruth, Peter, Paul, Magdalene, Mother Mary, and, if we are prepared to accept it, Jesus.

What you need to know: Hong Kong, Haiti, and the synod that isn't

What you need to know: Hong Kong, Haiti, and the synod that isn't - The PillarJDFLYNN: In Hong Kong this weekend, pro-democracy activists, including newspaper publisher Jimmy Lai, were sentenced to prison terms for violating the 2020 National Security Law that restricts free speech and assembly in the Chinese territory. Lai, a Catholic convert, will spend 14 months in prison for attending civil rights and prayer rallies in 2019.

Africa seeing ‘dramatic increase in jihadist groups,’ says global religious freedom report

Africa%20seeing%20%u2018dramatic%20increase%20in%20jihadist%20groups%2C%u2019%20says%20global%20religious%20freedom%20report%20%7C%20CNA: Aid to the Church in Need published a religious freedom report Tuesday documenting a “dramatic increase” in the presence of jihadist groups, some aligned with the Islamic State, in Sub-Saharan and Eastern Africa.

5 amazingly gifted saints you didn’t know wrote poetry

5 Amazingly Gifted Saints You Didn't Know Wrote Poetry |: During National Poetry Month, there is no better time to ponder those saints to whom God gifted a literary flair. Since the saints often direct their poetry towards God, it is best read in a prayerful manner. Let’s look at a few saints who were also great poets in their lifetime.

McCarricks don’t just happen out of nowhere. Men like Spellman, Cooke and Bransfield have their own parts to play...

How McCarricks Happen - Catholic Herald: From Savile to Sandusky to Epstein to – yes – McCarrick, it has become something of a cliché to say we need to stop thinking in terms of ‘bad apples’, and instead turn our attention to defective ‘barrels’. Rotten apples, we’re assured, are symptoms rather than the root cause. Our real problems are ones of coopering, not horticulture.

Major Archbishop: Ukrainians living in ‘psychological terror’ as Russian troops gather at border

Major%20Archbishop%3A%20Ukrainians%20living%20in%20%u2018psychological%20terror%u2019%20as%20Russian%20troops%20gather%20at%20border%20%7C%20CNA: The leader of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church said his countrymen are living in constant terror of an attack as Russian troops gather at the border. In an interview with ACI Prensa, CNA’s Spanish-language news partner, Major Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk said: “We live in constant psychological terror and, according to the latest polls, 60% of the Ukrainian population lives in fear of a military attack by the Russian side.”

3rd Sunday of Easter: “You are witnesses of these things”

You Are Witnesses of These Things - A Homily for the 3rd Sunday of Easter - Community in MissionPOPE: This Sunday’s Gospel speaks to the necessity of becoming witnesses of Jesus’ resurrection Jesus. It begins with the necessary foundation of the Church’s proclamation: The Lord has risen indeed, and he has appeared to Simon! This solemn declaration forms the doctrinal certitude of the resurrection. On this foundation of the truth, the personal witness of every Catholic must be built...

Pope’s Sunday Regina Coeli: Six new blesseds “resisted with heroic courage, unto death, to defend the Eucharist from desecration”

Pope Francis applauds beatification of monks who died protecting the Eucharist | CNA: In his Regina Coeli address Sunday, Pope Francis applauded the beatification of six Cistercian monks who were martyred while trying to protect the Eucharist from desecration by French soldiers in 1799.

For these working stiffs, it’s ambivalence rather than amore from the Pope

For these working stiffs, ambivalence rather than amore from the PopeALLEN: One of Pope Francis’s signature innovations is the World Meeting of Popular Movements, a kind of Davos from the bottom up intended to give voice to grassroots organizations, including workers who are at risk or lack job security, all striving to correct what the pontiff has called an “economy of exclusion and inequality.”

5 great Catholics have been sent to prison in Hong Kong. They are the confessors of our day...

Five%20Great%20Catholics%20in%20Prison%20in%20Hong%20Kong.%20%22They%20Are%20the%20Confessors%20of%20Our%20Day%22%20-%20Settimo%20Cielo%20-%20Blog%20-%20L%u2019EspressoMAGISTER: On Friday April 16, in Hong Kong, nine top defenders of freedom were sentenced and put in prison. Five of them are Catholics. Father Gianni Criveller of the Pontifical Institute for Foreign Missions (PIME), a professor of theology who spent twenty-seven years in China, has met them in person and on the very day of their entry into prison...

Dr. Anthony Fauci, Chelsea Clinton to headline May 6-8 healthcare conference hosted by Vatican

Vatican Conference to Focus on Mind-Body-Soul Connection to Health Care| National Catholic RegisterPENTIN: Dr. Anthony Fauci, Chelsea Clinton, and the CEOs of Pharmaceutical manufacturers Moderna and Pfizer, which created leading COVID-19 vaccines, will be among the featured speakers at a healthcare conference next month co-hosted by the Vatican’s Pontifical Council for Culture.

God’s love, burning its way through history, is harsh and dreadful and merciful

God%u2019s%20harsh%20and%20dreadful%20love%20-%20Denver%20CatholicWEIGEL: The Paschal Triduum this year seemed like a return from exile: Holy Thursday’s Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper, in church; Good Friday’s Commemoration of the Lord’s Passion, in church; Saturday evening’s Easter Vigil, in church – what a blessing. Thanking God, I could only be aware of those for whom the exile continues...

The long, complex and mysterious life (and faith) of Prince Philip

New%20podcast%3A%20The%20long%2C%20complex%20and%20mysterious%20life%20%28and%20faith%29%20of%20Prince%20Philip%20of%20Greece%20%u2014%20GetReligionMATTINGLY: It’s a short scene from second season of “The Crown,” but certainly one the illustrates what the creators of the Netflix series thought of Prince Philip Mountbatten-Windsor — at least at one stage of his dramatic life. In 1955, while Graham was in Scotland leading a crusade in Glasgow, the Billy Graham received a note from Buckingham Palace...

4 qualities manifested by the Apostles just after Pentecost

Four Qualities Manifest By The Apostles Just After Pentecost - Community in MissionPOPE: It is worthwhile to look back at a text that was read on Saturday (Saturday of the Octave of Easter). It is from Acts and sets forth a picture of courage and holy boldness that is too little evident in many Catholics. Let’s look at the passage, which takes place just after the healing of the paralyzed man at the gate called beautiful. And then let’s reflect on four qualities that the Apostles Peter and John manifest.

4 lessons on fishing for men

4 Lessons On Fishing For Men - Catholic Missionary Disciples - College Station, TXLEJEUNE: My 13 year old daughter and I went fishing recently. I was looking forward to this time with her, but after about 30 minutes of not catching any fish, she gave up. No coaxing could get her to fish anymore. Since she wasn’t catching anything, she thought fishing was pointless. Of course everybody who fishes will have times when no fish are caught...

What Padre Pio saw in the Spanish Flu epidemic of 1918

What Padre Pio saw in the Spanish Flu of 1918: While the world continues to trudge through the devastating effects of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic – deaths, hospitalizations, and untold economic damage – it can be helpful to look at how the world was plagued by a similar virus and how a saint reacted to it. Just over 100 years ago, the world was hit by an H1N1 influenza virus commonly referred to as the Spanish influenza.

15 uplifting quotes from Benedict XVI to celebrate his 94th birthday

15 Uplifting Quotes From Pope Benedict XVI to Celebrate His 94th Birthday |: “If you follow the will of God, you know that in spite of all the terrible things that happen to you, you will never lose a final refuge. You know that the foundation of the world is love, so that even when no human being can or will help you, you may go on, trusting in the One that loves you.”

The Vatican financial draft rankings, a bishop “resigns,” and drinks with The Pillar

The Vatican financial draft rankings, a bishop 'resigns', and drinks with The Pillar - The PillarCONDON: Happy Birthday to the pope emeritus Benedict XVI, who turns 94 today. History will remember the theologian formerly known as Joseph Ratzinger for many reasons, but for me he will always be the pope who came to my office one day and changed my life. In 2010, I was working in the House of Commons and Pope Benedict was making a state visit to the UK...

This Sunday: Jesus spends half of the Gospel proving the resurrection, and the other half explaining what it means for us.

This Sunday; After Mercy, Jesus Wants More | The Gregorian Institute at Benedictine CollegeHOOPES: After “Divine Mercy Sunday,” think of the Third Sunday of Easter, Year B, as “Trust Jesus Sunday.” The readings urge us to make a real break from sin — and it is a message badly needed in our time, which has been defined by nominal Christianity, and so many have claimed a Christian identity without changing their lives...

As clouds of schism loom, Friday marks 94th birthday of Benedict XVI, “the anchor that kept Germany rooted in Christ”

Pope Benedict XVI, the Anchor That Kept Germany Rooted in Christ| National Catholic RegisterDESOUZA: Did the Church place too many of her theological eggs in one Bavarian Easter basket? The question occurs as Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI — born on Holy Saturday and baptized the same day in the newly-blessed Easter water — celebrates his 94th birthday tomorrow, April 16.

In open challenge to Church, German Catholics plan large blessing of gay unions on May 10

German Catholics plan huge blessing of gay unions on May 10SANMARTIN: Continuing to openly challenge the Vatican, several Catholic leaders in Germany are openly supporting the blessing of same-sex couples, with a massive blessing service scheduled for May 10, in direct opposition to Rome’s chief doctrinal office. Bishop Franz-Josef Overbeck of Essen said that the priests in his diocese will face no canonical consequence if they decide to bless gay and lesbian couples next month...

Pope’s Wednesday audience: “When the Enemy, the Evil One, wants to fight the Church, he does so by preventing it from praying”

Pope%20Francis%3A%20%u2018The%20Church%20is%20a%20great%20school%20of%20prayer%u2019%20%7C%20CNA: Pope Francis said Wednesday that an essential task of the Church today is to teach people how to pray. “The Church is a great school of prayer,” Pope Francis said in his general audience livestream on April 14. “And this is an essential task of the Church: to pray and teach how to pray, to transmit from generation to generation the lamp of faith with the oil of prayer,” the pope said.

The privilege of being a woman is something unapproachable by man. The privilege of being a man is strength...

The%20Privilege%20of%20Being%20a%20Man%20%u2013%20Wonder%20MagazinePHILIPMARTIN: I declined her phone call the first time, but when she called back I immediately knew. I asked my students to excuse me as I stepped into the hallway and began to walk as quickly as I could down the hallway. Without slowing my pace I listened to my wife explain that we had lost our baby at twenty weeks. This baby would have been our fifth living child, but became our second miscarried...

There is no contradiction whatsoever between affirming the existence of a loving God and the fact of human suffering

Should Suffering Shake Our Faith? - Word on FireBARRON: Premier Christian Radio in the UK just sponsored a survey that investigated how the COVID crisis has affected religious beliefs and attitudes. There were three major findings—namely, that 67% of those who characterize themselves as “religious” found their belief in God challenged...

Video: Archbishop Charles Chaput talks about “Things Worth Dying For: Thoughts on a Life Worth Living”

New%20Advent%3A%20Archbishop%20Charles%20Chaput%20talks%20about%20%u201CThings%20Worth%20Dying%20For%3A%20Thoughts%20on%20a%20Life%20Worth%20Living%u201D: “I wrote the book for two reasons. One, because I’ve had a long life of rich blessings, and as I think about the end of my life I thought maybe I had something more to say to the Church — and there’s no better way of doing that than to write a book, because it lasts a long time. That was one of the reasons for it. The other reason is that people were pressuring me...”

Brazil building new statue of Jesus even taller than Rio’s Christ the Redeemer

Brazil building new Jesus statue even taller than Rio's Christ the Redeemer | TheHill: Officials in the Brazilian city of Encantado have embarked on the construction of a statue of Jesus set to be roughly 16 feet taller than the famous Christ the Redeemer statue that has overlooked Rio de Janeiro for decades.

After disrupting Good Friday liturgy in London, police express empty “regret” but make no promises

After%20disrupting%20liturgy%20in%20London%2C%20police%20express%20empty%20%u2018regret%u2019%20but%20make%20no%20promises%20%7C%20Catholic%20CultureLAWLER: The showdown in Southwark was particularly shocking, but the same sort of conflict has been taking place in many other places—usually, I’m sad to say, with similar results. In some places the emergency restrictions are onerous, banning public worship entirely. In Ireland, for example, the public celebration of Mass remains illegal...

Here are all 50 U.S. states ranked from best to worst, according to Americans. Where does your state rank?

All US states ranked from best to worst, according to Americans | YouGov: There are endless rankings of the US states: whether they are the best places to live, the best places to do business, how much fun they are. Such judgements are made by economists, companies, and journalists – but what do Americans themselves think?

No matter what you think about masks, here’s something every Christian needs to remember...

New%20Advent%3A%20Must-watch%3A%20No%20matter%20what%20you%20think%20about%20masks%2C%20here%u2019s%20something%20every%20Christian%20needs%20to%20remember...STEFANICK: This year has woken us all up to the reality of our mortality, which is not an altogether bad thing. It's also forced us to do a lot of things to sacrifice for the good of others, which is also not a bad thing. During the first lockdown I spent a lot of time really locked down to protect my parents who were living with us...

“It’s going to get worse before it gets better” — Decline in religious membership prompts sober reflection

%u2018Going%20to%20Get%20Worse%20Before%20It%20Gets%20Better%u2019%3A%20Religious%20Membership%20Decline%20Prompts%20Sober%20Reflection%7C%20National%20Catholic%20RegisterLIEDL: In one sense, the latest numbers from Gallup on religious membership in the U.S. are hardly newsworthy. The rate of membership has been dropping steadily since the turn of the 21st century, and the 3% decrease between 2018 and 2021 is simply par for the course. But while the incremental drop isn’t especially significant, the threshold crossed in the process is.

Planned Parenthood “shaken” after major pro-life win: Sixth Circuit upholds Ohio law barring abortions targeting Down syndrome children

In Major Pro-Life Win, Sixth Circuit Upholds Ohio Law Barring Abortions Based on Down Syndrome| National Catholic RegisterDESMOND: The U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals, sitting en banc, just issued an important decision that upholds Ohio’s 2017 law (H.B. 214) that bars physicians from performing an abortion when they know a Down syndrome diagnosis is the primary reason for a woman opting to end her pregnancy. The 9-7 decision in Pre-Term Cleveland v. McCloud marks a major win for the U.S. pro-life movement...

Apparently, strangers shooting at nuns in an American convent isn’t news

What%20is%20news%3F%20Apparently%2C%20strangers%20shooting%20at%20nuns%20in%20an%20American%20convent%20isn%27t%20news%20%u2014%20GetReligionMATTINGLY: It’s a question journalists hear all the time from mystified readers: “What is ‘news’?” At least, that was a question we used to hear when newspapers tried to appeal to all kinds of people in a community, including those on both sides of common cultural and political divisions. Why are some stories big local, regional and national news stories, while others are not?

The CDC has finally said what scientists have been saying for months: Stop the hygiene theater. Stop “disinfecting” pews. And put the holy water back where it belongs...

Hygiene%20Theater%3A%20Deep%20Cleaning%20Isn%u2019t%20a%20Victimless%20Crime%20-%20The%20Atlantic: The CDC has finally said what scientists have been screaming for months: The coronavirus is overwhelmingly spread through the air, not via surfaces.

This woman founded a startup and grew rich and miserable. Now she’s a contemplative nun. See how she explained it to her former business partners...

From Founding a Startup to Deloitte to the Convent | Matthew SchneiderSCHNEIDER: Montserrat Medina Martínez was an up-and-coming woman in Spanish business. Despite being only 36, she has gone from success to success professionally. With a scholarship from Stanford, she created a Silicon Valley startup that she later sold to Pay Pal for several million and despite her youth, she was signed as a Deloitte partner.

New book, new rules: Why Jordan Peterson wants to talk about God

New book, new rules: Why Jordan Peterson wants to talk about God | Angelus NewsKACZOR: In his runaway 5 million copy bestseller “12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos,” Jordan Peterson emphasized the need for order. In his new book “Beyond Order: 12 More Rules for Life,” he worries about the opposite danger: the attempt to eliminate chaos. A meaningful life, Peterson argues, is lived on the border of order and chaos...

Archdiocese of Port-au-Prince says Haiti facing “descent into hell” after brutal “400 Mawozo” gang kidnaps 7 priests, 3 others

Catholic%20church%20says%20Haiti%20faces%20%u2018descent%20into%20hell%u2019%20after%20clergy%20kidnappings%20%7C%20Haiti%20%7C%20The%20Guardian: The Catholic church has warned that Haiti is facing a “descent into hell” and condemned government inaction after 10 people, including seven members of the clergy, were abducted by kidnappers demanding $1m ransom.

Italian arrest warrant for Torzi signals dramatic shift in Vatican finance investigation

Italian arrest warrant for Torzi signals dramatic shift in Vatican finance investigation - The Pillar: An Italian magistrate has issued an arrest warrant for Gianluigi Torzi, the businessman at the centre of the Vatican’s London property scandal. The warrant was announced Monday morning.

TOR priest who served at Franciscan University of Steubenville indicted on rape charges

Priest Who Served at Franciscan University of Steubenville Indicted on Rape Allegations| National Catholic Register: A Franciscan priest who once worked in campus ministry at Franciscan University of Steubenville has been indicted in Ohio for the alleged rape of a female patient who was mentally or physically impaired. On April 7, Father David Morrier, was indicted in Ohio by the Jefferson County Grand Jury on two charges of sexual battery and a single charge of rape.

Jesuit priest at helm of New York City’s prestigious Regis High School fired over sex-misconduct claims

Priest at helm of NYC's prestigious Regis HS getting ousted over sex-misconduct claims | Fox News: The Jesuit priest at the helm of prestigious Regis High School in Manhattan is being ousted over claims of sexual misconduct, The Post has learned. The school — which counts Dr. Anthony Fauci among its notable alumni — said it intends to remove the Rev. Daniel Lahart for cause, according to a letter sent to the community Sunday.

‘This is a warning’ — After Vos Estis probe and a push from Pope Francis, Bishop Hoeppner quits Diocese of Crookston, Minnesota

'This is a warning' - Hoeppner out after Vos Estis probe - The PillarJDFLYNN: More than 18 months after the first U.S. investigation of a bishop under norms approved by Pope Francis, Bishop Michael Hoeppner of Crookston, Minnesota resigned his office April 13 at the request of Pope Francis. The man who says Hoeppner coerced him into recanting an abuse claim says the resignation is...

What happens when you teach toward heaven?

What happens when you teach toward heaven? | Knowing Is DoingTORRE: The mystery of Christ is the most principle of all religious education and instruction because it involves the introduction of the Trinity through God the Father’s love for His Children and is reaffirmed and revealed through the life and death of His son Jesus Christ...

Beth Stelzer: Women’s sports falling under transgender ideology

Beth%20Stelzer%3A%20Women%u2019s%20sports%20falling%20under%20transgender%20ideology: "Unless we stand up today, women's and girl's sports and all of our opportunities will fade away. We all know it. It will not take long until there will be an entire male/female team," said Beth Stelzer, founder of Save Women's Sports. Stelzer is described as...

An Easter exhortation for tough times

An Easter Exhortation for Tough Times - Community in MissionPOPE: As we all know, this was perhaps the strangest Easter that any of us have experienced at least collectively. The liturgical calendar shouts new life and victory over the grave, and yet throughout the world, many are hunkered down in the fear of death. Despite the Easter glow these are dark days for many who suffer illness or economic stress. But, to be sure, the first Easter was experienced in great uncertainty and danger.

Remains of Father Emil Kapaun, Medal of Honor recipient and possible future saint, to be entombed in Wichita cathedral

Remains of Fr. Emil Kapaun Coming Home to Kansas - Catholic Diocese of Wichita: On Divine Mercy Sunday, April 11, Ray Kapaun, nephew of Fr. Emil Kapaun, and the Kapaun family informed the Catholic Diocese of Wichita that the remains of Fr. Kapaun will be returned home to Kansas.

Anticipating end of pandemic, cardinal unveils major Vatican conference on priesthood slated for 2022

Cardinal unveils major Vatican conference on priesthood slated for 2022 - Catholic News Service: Increasing vocations to the priesthood, improving the way laypeople and priests work together and ensuring that service, not power, motivates the request for ordination are all possible outcomes of a major symposium being planned by the Vatican in February 2022.

Texas radio DJ Alex Jones accused of ‘staged confrontation’ over Catholic Charities immigration video

Alex Jones Accused of 'Staged Confrontation' Over Child Migrant Video: Catholic charity at the center of a recent video from conspiracy theorist Alex Jones has strongly condemned the accusations they are involved in "smuggling children" at the U.S-Mexico.

Exorcist Diary: Demons mess with Easter

Exorcist Diary: Demons Mess With Easter - SpiritualDirection.comROSSETTI: This Holy Thursday, as a local priest began the sacred triduum, unexpectedly, the church lights began to flicker. They got unnaturally bright, and then very dim, despite the controls having no rheostat. The lights flashed and faded. Then the church went completely dark. The priest, unfazed, led a beautiful celebration by candlelight...

Transgender debate: Keira Bell deserved better than puberty blockers

Transgender Debate: Keira Bell Deserved Better Than Puberty Blockers | National ReviewLOPEZ: So you want to be a boy?” Keira Bell says that’s a question her mother asked her when she was 14. She had been a tomboy in her youth, from a broken home. When she hit puberty, she suffered, as many a girl does, with the changes and the monthly physical pain. And when the question was raised more than once, she thought it might be her ticket out of misery.

The pierced side of Jesus is a fountain of Divine Mercy

The Pierced Side of Jesus is a Fountain of Divine Mercy| National Catholic RegisterGRONDELSKI: Today is the Second Sunday of Easter and Divine Mercy Sunday. It’s not a Sunday after Easter but a Sunday of Easter, because the entire Easter Season — the 50 days from Easter to Pentecost — is one unified celebration of the Paschal Mystery in which “the joy of the Resurrection” cannot be contained in a single day or even octave. Easter is 50 days long.

20 aphorisms that I thought were dumb as a boy but now appreciate as a grown man

20 Manly Aphorisms | The Art of Manliness: When I was a young man, I would scoff at well-intentioned adults who would sometimes offer up little aphorisms when I got in trouble or had a problem. Little nuggets like, “This too shall pass,” generally went in one ear and out the other. They sounded too simple and too cliché to really mean anything.

Benedict XVI’s private secretary says it's “inappropriate” to rank popes

Benedict XVI's private secretary says it's 'inappropriate' to rank popesSANMARTIN: According to German Archbishop Georg Gänswein, the personal secretary of Pope emeritus Benedict XVI, it’s not appropriate to make a “papal ranking,” and acknowledged that the former pope has been misinterpreted not only by foes, but also by friends.

The story of a pastor dead from worry captures verdict on Italy’s Catholic culture

Story of pastor dead from worry captures verdict on Catholic cultureALLEN: Yesterday morning, I found myself in the check-out line at our local Roman supermarket. I like to do the weekend shopping fairly early on Saturday, because the stores here won’t restock again until Monday morning and, if you wait too long, they’ll run out of a few basics.

Pope on Divine Mercy Sunday: “Christ’s wounds are open channels between him and us, shedding mercy upon our misery”

Pope%20Francis%3A%20Christ%u2019s%20Wounds%20Shower%20%u2018Mercy%20Upon%20our%20Misery%u2019%7C%20National%20Catholic%20Register: At every Mass we adore and kiss Christ’s wounded and risen body in the Eucharist, a channel of his mercy, Pope Francis said on Divine Mercy Sunday. Offering Mass at the Church of Santo Spirito in Sassia April 11, the pope reflected on Jesus’ appearances to his disciples between his resurrection and his ascension, explaining that the disciples received the mercy of Jesus Christ through the gifts of his peace, forgiveness, and wounds.

God’s perfect mercy — A meditation for Divine Mercy Sunday

God's Perfect Mercy - A Meditation for Divine Mercy Sunday - Community in MissionPOPE: We live in times in which mercy, like so many other things, has become a detached concept in people’s minds, separated from the things that really help us to understand it. For indeed, mercy makes sense and is necessary because we are sinners in desperate shape...

Praying for salvific ignorance for the clever Hans Küng

Praying for Salvific Ignorance for the Clever Hans Kueng| National Catholic RegisterLANDRY: When I first heard the news April 6 that the 93-year-old Swiss theologian and author had died, I had just finished the prayers for the fifth day of the Novena of Divine Mercy. The death of Father Hans Küng during the novena necessarily frames our Christian reaction.

French Catholic bishops open cause for beatification of Dominican Father Marie-Étienne Vayssière

French Catholic Bishops Open Beatification Cause of Dominican Priest| National Catholic Register: The French Catholic bishops have approved the opening of the beatification cause of a little-known-but-quietly-influential Dominican priest. The bishops made the announcement regarding the cause of Father Marie-Étienne Vayssière (1864-1940) at the end of their plenary assembly on March 26.

A simple 3-step test to see if you really believe Christ is risen

A simple test to see if you really believe Christ is risen: Have you heard of this book? So I’m Dead—Now What? There are many popular versions of it. In brief, if you can’t afford a lawyer to write up a will, you can fill in this book with your final instructions to give to your loved ones. The title of the book gave me an idea for taking a look at Easter. How about this?

9 of the world’s scariest airports to fly into

The World's Scariest Airports to Fly Into | Architectural Digest: Of all modes of transportation, airplanes are statistically the safest way to travel. According to a study conducted from 2000 to 2009 by Ian Savage, economics professor at Northwestern University, airplanes caused the least number of passenger deaths per one billion miles traveled...

Movie physics: How tall is King Kong? How strong is he? And could he even stand up in real life?

How Strong Is King Kong? And Could He Even Stand Up? | WIRED: It’s time for Godzilla vs. Kong — a classic battle between two impossibly giant creatures. I've only seen the trailer, and it looks like a fun movie. But movies aren't just for fun, they are also for physics. In particular, this is a great chance to consider the physics of scale—what happens when we make small things into big things? For instance, what happens if you take a normal gorilla and make him into a giant gorilla and then you name him King Kong?

UK cardinal leads Catholics in mourning death of Prince Philip, “Her Majesty the Queen’s faithful and loyal husband”

London cardinal leads Catholics in mourning death of Prince Philip - Catholic News Service: Cardinal Vincent Nichols of Westminster led Catholics of England and Wales in mourning the death of Prince Philip, the husband of Queen Elizabeth II. The president of the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales issued a statement April 9, soon after the queen announced “with deep sorrow” that her husband of 73 years had died at the age of 99.

Berlin is building a “church about nothing.” Looks like the Communist goal of secularizing East Germany was successful after all [WSJ paywall]

Berlin%u2019s%20New%20Church%20of%20Nothing%20-%20WSJ: A new worship center in the former East Berlin represents the ultimate secular view of religion. It also reflects the kind of cultural future the American left envisions for the U.S. The House of One, to be built on the foundation of a demolished church, will enable Christians, Jews and Muslims to worship under one roof.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken “repudiates” human rights report — and dissents from the “magisterium of human rights”

Blinken%u2019s%20Dissent%20From%20the%20Human%20Rights%20Magisterium%7C%20National%20Catholic%20RegisterPHILPOTT: On March 30, at a press conference announcing the release of the U.S. State Department’s annual human rights report, Secretary of State Antony Blinken pointedly “repudiated” the report of the Commission on Unalienable Rights that his predecessor, Michael Pompeo, had appointed. Why this repudiation?

Speaking of heretics, like Menno Simmons, founder of the Mennonites

Speaking of Heretics, Like Menno Simmons - Catholic HeraldMILLS: It was a friendly letter, gently written, but made a claim that always makes me grind my teeth. The writer had come across an old article of ours that called Menno Simmons, founder of the Mennonites, a heretic. A Mennonite herself, she objected. On Sunday, she’d heard a young man teaching Sunday school attack the pope without understanding what he was saying...

Always abstain from evil. Never abstain from love...

Abstain%20From%20Evil%20%u2014%20Not%20From%20Love%7C%20National%20Catholic%20RegisterBRUGGER: My wife and I have eight children. Our last two were born premature and needed to spend time in the NICU. We were told by the doctors not to have any more children because my wife could die. The problem now is what to do about our sexual relations. One priest advised us to practice the withdrawal method and said we would not be required to abstain from Holy Communion.

Hans Küng taught toxic errors in place of the truth — but some Catholic leaders are still paying glowing tribute

Despite Flagrant Dissent of Father Hans Kueng, Some Church Leaders Pay Glowing Tribute| National Catholic RegisterPENTIN: Despite his profoundly dissenting views that included questioning the divinity of Christ, rejecting papal infallibility and undermining doctrines on the Virgin Mary, warm tributes were paid yesterday by some prominent Church leaders to Swiss theologian Father Hans Küng, who died Tuesday at age 93. Father Küng never repented of his positions...

If God is good and powerful, why is there evil in the world?

If God is Good and Powerful, Why Is There Evil in the World?| National Catholic RegisterMARTIN: Why must the wicked appear always to prosper, while the innocent are made to suffer, seeing all their efforts come to grief? It is a question at least as old as the Book of Job, which framed the problem in such a way as to place God himself in the dock. Who, in the eyes of a disbelieving world, cannot possibly acquit himself of the charge.

Do you have bitter regrets in life? ‘Relax the mandible’ and let God wipe away your tears

Do%20You%20Have%20Regrets%20in%20Life%3F%20%u2018Relax%20the%20Mandible%2C%u2019%20and%20Let%20God%20Wipe%20Away%20Your%20Tears%7C%20National%20Catholic%20RegisterBECKER: As a dad myself now, I’m particularly burdened by how I mistreated my father — how I took him for granted toward the end of his life, how I brandished his struggles with alcohol as an excuse for keeping my distance. I should’ve gone to visit when he started to fail in the end...

Vos Estis, Hans Küng, Cardinal Becciu, and how the NY Mets just descended to the level of the Houston Astr*s

Feasting like sons, Vos estis, and Beer and Loathing at the Ballpark - The PillarCONDON: I hope your Easter is going well. I was sitting with some manly Catholic men last week talking about how our Lent had gone in preparation for the Triduum. We ended up talking a bit about the difficulty of giving yourself over to a season of feasting. It’s tricky. The temptation is to feel like we don’t deserve it...

The challenge of ‘small see’ Catholicism

The challenge of 'small see' Catholicism - The PillarJDFLYNN: For the second time in less than a year, the Diocese of Duluth celebrated on Wednesday the appointment of a new bishop. This time, Duluth Catholics are probably hoping the appointment sticks. But filling Duluth’s episcopal vacancy was a process that lasted nearly 17 months...

U.S. theologians echo fears of schism in Catholic Church in Germany

US Theologians Echo Fears of Schism in Catholic Church in Germany| National Catholic RegisterDESMOND: The Catholic Church in Germany’s two-year reform program that has questioned established teachings on faith and morals has prompted Pope Francis and Vatican officials to take increasingly urgent action to head off the possibility of a formal schism.

Is the ‘era of big government’ over for U.S. dioceses?

Is%20the%20%u2018era%20of%20big%20government%u2019%20over%20for%20U.S.%20dioceses%3F%20-%20The%20PillarCONDON: As they face a shortage of episcopal candidates and the challenge of supporting expensive infrastructure with a dwindling number of priests and practicing Catholics, my colleague JD Flynn suggested yesterday that the Vatican may soon need to take a serious look at merging smaller and rural American dioceses. That might well be the approach of the Apostolic See.

Statement on the reception of Holy Communion by those who persist in public grave sin

Statement%20on%20the%20Reception%20of%20Holy%20Communion%20by%20Those%20Who%20Persist%20in%20Public%20Grave%20Sin%20%u2013%20Cardinal%20Raymond%20BurkeBURKE: Many Catholics and also non-Catholics who, while they do not embrace the Catholic faith, respect the Catholic Church for her teaching regarding faith and morals, have asked me how it is possible for Catholics to receive Holy Communion, while at the same time they publicly and obstinately promote programs, policies and legislation in direct violation of the moral law.

The Vatican’s shabby treatment of Msgr. Robert Oliver speaks volumes about where the current reform actually stands

Shabby%20exit%20of%20anti-abuse%20reformer%20captures%20Vatican%u2019s%20HR%20pandemicALLEN: I’ve got a small story to tell here, one of no great import or particular news value. Yet big pictures are woven from small details, and, in this case, it’s not a pretty picture to behold. The small story concerns the recent departure of American Monsignor Robert Oliver as secretary of the Pontifical Commission for Minors, while the bigger picture is about a largely undiagnosed HR pandemic in the Vatican.

Life is good. You are loved. When you realize this, you begin to share in The Easter joy that underlies the universe...

Easter, That the Hidden Festivity Break Through | LifeCraftCUDDEBACK: Easter joy. In these powerful words is signified a reality at the heart of Christianity. Easter is a celebration. It is a matter of joy, and joy happens when we receive something beloved. Any real festivity is a matter of receiving something: something that is marvelously good and transcends our own doing or crafting...

“Basement brainwashing”: Chinese Christians held in secret, mobile Communist “transformation” facilities

Chinese%20Christians%20Held%20in%20Secretive%20Brainwashing%20Camps%3A%20Sources%20%u2014%20Radio%20Free%20Asia: Authorities in China are detaining Christians in secretive, mobile "transformation" facilities to make them renounce their faith, RFA has learned.

Influential Swiss modernist theologian Hans Küng dies at 93

Controversial Swiss Theologian Hans Küng Dies at Age 93| National Catholic Register: The influential and controversial Swiss theologian Hans Küng died Tuesday at the age of 93. Küng served as a theological adviser at the Second Vatican Council but repeatedly clashed with Rome in the years that followed.

The idea that we are all equal, unique personalities, each possessed of unfathomable dignity and inviolable rights, came from Christianity

Western Individualism Came from Christianity | National ReviewHILDITCH: he most important lesson that the study of history teaches us is contingency. Things did not have to turn out the way they did. Take, for instance, the answer that our civilization has historically given to the most important question of all: “What does it mean to be a human being?” Ever since the Enlightenment...

Police break up a Good Friday service in London, and the Pope offers Mass with Becciu

A London raid, and a false alarm in Rome - The PillarJDFLYNN: Metropolitan Police on Friday interrupted a Good Friday liturgy at Christ the King Polish Catholic Church in London. Police said the gathering was unlawful, and dispersed the assembled worshippers before the liturgy could be concluded. We published yesterday a quick roundup of what happened, and how the parish and other Church officials have responded.

Atheist writer John Harris: “For many of us, life without God has turned out to be life without fellowship and shared meaning”

The Guardian Columnist Without Religion Knows What He's Missing - Catholic HeraldMILLS: He felt an envy for religious people that he’s sometimes felt before. This time, John Harris writes, it came from “a year of lockdown, the sudden fear of serious illness and death, and the sense of all of it being wholly random and senseless. ...

Never underestimate the faith of a child

Wow! Never underestimate the faith of a child | Knowing Is DoingTORRE: There is a particular article in the Catechism of the Catholic Church that states the desire for God is written in the human heart. If we take the time to extrapolate this powerful statement it provides an introduction to the intimate relationship that exists between God and man...

Dr. Seuss meets the cancel culture — and loses

Dr.%20Seuss%20Meets%20the%20Cancel%20Culture%20%u2014%20and%20Loses%7C%20National%20Catholic%20RegisterESOLEN: We hear that the estate of Theodore Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss, will withdraw from sale a couple of that bland old liberal’s books. In one of them, as I have seen, there is a picture of a Chinese man eating with chopsticks. Science having proved that Chinese men do not eat with chopsticks, I agree with the decision. Only I find that it does not go far enough.

Watch: Amid shutdown of public worship, priest offers Mass on ancient Mass rock in Ireland

New Advent: Amid shutdown of public worship, priest offers Mass on ancient Mass rock in Ireland: Dawn Mass from Keem Bay, Achill Island, on Easter Sunday 2021 With Fr. Gerard Quirke.

A chronology of the Resurrection appearances

A Chronology of the Resurrection Appearances - Community in MissionPOPE: When we encounter the resurrection accounts in the New Testament, we face a challenge in putting all the pieces together in such a way that the sequence of events flows in logical order. This is due to the fact that no one Gospel presents all or even most of the information. Some of the accounts seem to conflict...

Arkansas governor vetoes ‘transgender youth treatment’ ban

Arkansas governor vetoes transgender youth treatment ban: Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson on Monday vetoed legislation that would have made his state the first to ban gender confirming treatments or surgery for transgender youth, though lawmakers could enact the restriction over his objections.

What has the pro-life movement won?

Opinion | What Has the Pro-Life Movement Won? - The New York TimesDOUTHAT: The pro-life movement’s multidecade strategy, up to and including its fraught bargain with Donald Trump, appears to have succeeded. Thanks to the Trump White House and Mitch McConnell’s Senate, there is now a 6-to-3 conservative majority on the Supreme Court, vetted by conservative legal activists and committed to principles of constitutional interpretation that seem to require sweeping Roe v. Wade away, or at least modifying it into obsolescence.

An extraordinary winning streak for religion at the Supreme Court

An Extraordinary Winning Streak for Religion at the Supreme Court - The New York Times: “For many today, religious liberty is not a cherished freedom,” Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr. told the Federalist Society, the conservative legal group, in November. “It pains me to say this, but, in certain quarters, religious liberty is fast becoming a disfavored right.”

When enough is enough

When Enough Is Enough - Catholic HeraldALTIERI: John Allen is right. In his Easter column at Crux, he says Vatican can’t blame the media for “spin cycles” around Cardinal Giovanni Angelo Becciu, to whom Pope Francis paid a surprise visit on Holy Thursday, setting off a flurry of speculation in the press that turned into a blizzard when official Vatican communications sources refused to confirm the news.

An Easter Octave guide for Catholic families

An Easter Octave Guide for Catholic Families| National Catholic RegisterAHERN: Instead of one day of Easter, Catholics enjoy eight octave days of feasting. Sustained partying requires careful planning and self-pacing to avoid merriment burnout. Follow this guide with your family to maximize the delights of Easter and the celebration of Divine Mercy Sunday. Feast, feast, feast! Post-Easter Mass, or once you have recovered from celebrating the Easter Vigil into the wee hours...

Pope Francis at Easter Monday Regina Coeli: ‘Never tire of seeking the risen Christ’

Pope%20Francis%20at%20the%20Regina%20Coeli%3A%20%u2018Never%20tire%20of%20seeking%20the%20risen%20Christ%u2019: Pope Francis said Monday that Christians should “never tire of seeking the risen Christ.” Speaking before the recitation of the Regina Coeli April 5, the pope noted that Easter Monday is known in Italy as Lunedì dell’Angelo, or the Monday of the Angel. Referring to the Gospel reading in which Mary Magdalene and the other Mary encountered an angel at the empty tomb while looking for Jesus...

What happened on Easter Sunday was the most explosive experience in human history, shattering all previous expectations of human destiny.

The Easter explosion - Denver CatholicWEIGEL: Let me adapt to recent circumstances a thought-experiment theologian Hans Urs von Balthasar proposed decades ago: Imagine that a friend contracts a severe case of COVID-19 and medicine can do no more for him. The doctors inform his widowed mother and us, so we gather with her for the final scene in the drama of this life...

The date of Easter, de-mystified

The Date of Easter, De-Mystified: The date of Easter is so easy to calculate that a bright ten-year-old with a calculator could follow the simple steps. It is far from random: the date of Easter this year allows you to predict when it will fall next year surprisingly accurately. And the history behind the formula is a fascinating blend of astronomy, mathematics, religion and politics which spans almost two thousand years. This web site has been created to de-mystify the date of Easter and to share its history.

Catholics in London seek answers after police halt Good Friday liturgy

Catholic church in London seeks answers after Good Friday liturgy stopped by policeCOLLINS: Archbishop John Wilson of Southwark visited Christ the King Polish Catholic Church in south London on Saturday, a day after police stopped a Good Friday service for allegedly violating COVID-19 safety guidelines. The parish belongs to the Polish Catholic Mission in England and Wales and is located within the Archdiocese of Southwark, which covers the areas of London south of the River Thames.

The Vatican can’t blame the media for spin cycles around the Pope’s visit to Becciu

Vatican%20can%u2019t%20blame%20the%20media%20for%20spin%20cycles%20around%20BecciuALLEN: Here’s how it goes. The pope does something obviously destined to make waves, but it isn’t announced officially. Instead, it leaks from a journalist who has the pope’s ear, in this case a veteran Italian writer who did a 2017 book rebutting Francis’s traditionalist critics. Vatican spokespersons dodge calls for a while, then issue a nod-and-a-wink, non-confirmation confirmation.

He is risen! These three words are proof that God is real — that He loved you enough to fight and win

New%20Advent%3A%20He%20is%20risen%21%20These%20three%20words%20are%20proof%20that%20God%20is%20real%20%u2014%20that%20He%20loved%20you%20enough%20to%20fight%20and%20winSTEFANICK: He is risen! Every story has one truth at its foundation. Without it there’s just no story. Bilbo finds a ring. A group of children falls through a wardrobe into another dimension. Snow White finds the love of her life. William Wallace loses his. An old man in a sea hooks a monster fish. Joseph loves Shannon. Those simple truths are the story if you think about it...

What does it mean to rise from the dead?

What Does It Mean to Rise From the Dead?| National Catholic RegisterPOPE: Most priests will tell you that Easter Sunday is one of the more difficult Sundays on which to preach. There are many reasons for this. In the first place, the Sacred Triduum (Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and the Easter Vigil) is magnificent and beautiful but exhausting. By Easter morning, liturgical ministers of every rank are drained...

Pope’s Easter ‘Urbi et Orbi’ blessing: “These wounds are the everlasting seal of His love for us”

Pope%20Francis%20on%20Easter%3A%20Christ%u2019s%20wounds%20are%20the%20%u2018seal%20of%20his%20love%20for%20us%u2019: May those who suffer take refuge in the wounds of Christ, and through them, receive the hope which does not disappoint, Pope Francis prayed on Easter Sunday.

‘It is like a miracle’: Easter crowds gather again in Jerusalem

%u2018Like%20a%20Miracle%u2019%3A%20Israel%u2019s%20Vaccine%20Success%20Allows%20Easter%20Crowds%20in%20Jerusalem%20%u2013%20DNyuz: On Friday morning, in the Old City of Jerusalem, in the limestone alleys of the Christian quarter, it was as if the pandemic had never happened. The winding passageways that form the Via Dolorosa, along which Christians believe Jesus hauled his cross toward his crucifixion, were packed with over 1,000 worshipers...

Easter Vigil homily delivered at St. Peter’s Basilica

Full%20Text%3A%20Pope%20Francis%u2019%20homily%20for%20Easter%20Vigil%20at%20the%20VaticanCOATOFARMS: The women thought they would find a body to anoint; instead they found an empty tomb. They went to mourn the dead; instead they heard a proclamation of life. For this reason, the Gospel tells us, the women “were seized with trembling and amazement.” Full of fear, trembling, and full of amazement. A fear mingled with joy that took their hearts by surprise when they saw the great stone before the tomb rolled away and inside a young man in a white robe.

Jesus raised the Temple — now he’s everywhere

This%20Sunday%3A%20Jesus%20Raised%20the%20Temple%3B%20Now%20He%u2019s%20Everywhere%20%7C%20The%20Gregorian%20Institute%20at%20Benedictine%20CollegeHOOPES: I’ll never forget what a colleague said to me one Easter when I was working on Capitol Hill. “I feel like Easter changed everything,” he said. “I bet even colors were different before Easter.” He is right. The incarnation, death and resurrection of God was a cataclysmic event that changed everything such that only poets can express it.

We will be in touch

We%20Will%20Be%20in%20Touch%20%u2013%20Wonder%20MagazineFITZPATRICK: It was a little after seven in the morning when I learned that my grandfather had died. He was 98 years old. I was in the kitchen, fussing over a coffee pot and a fussy two-month-old son after a bad night’s sleep on the couch with a head cold. I glanced at my email as the coffee brewed and read a simple, solemn message from my father...

Everything hinges on the door of that Tomb

Everything Hinges on the Tomb DoorCLARK: If the Resurrection never happened, then the whole of Christianity is a fraud. On the other hand, if the Resurrection of Jesus did actually happen, that event must be viewed as the most important event in human history. There’s really no “middle ground” here, and serious people on both sides should be able to agree on this...

Restoring Brazil’s iconic Christ the Redeemer statue

Restoring Brazil's iconic Christ the Redeemer statue | Reuters.com: Architect Cristina Ventura, who is in charge of the Christ the Redeemer statue restoration, checks the statue's arm as work is underway ahead of its 90th anniversary in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, March 24, 2021. REUTERS/Pilar Olivares

Icarus and Waterford Crystal

Icarus%20%26%20Waterford%20Crystal%20%u2013%20WE%27RE%20LATE%20FOR%20CHURCHGERD: From a young age, I was captivated by the story of Icarus. As an adult, on this Good Friday, I am revisiting the timeless lesson. In case you don’t recall the Greek myth, Icarus’ dad, Daedalus, was an amazing craftsman/inventor and he had ingeniously fashioned wings fastened together by wax...

533 million Facebook users’ phone numbers and personal data have been leaked online

Stolen Data of 533 Million Facebook Users Leaked Online: A user in a low level hacking forum has published the phone numbers and personal data of hundreds of millions of Facebook users for free online.

The Church helps us when she teaches the truth and protects the integrity of the sacraments — not when she gives in to our demands

Why the Negative Is a Positive| National Catholic RegisterDEMARCO: Pope Francis declared on March 22 that the Catholic Church will not bless same-sex unions since God “cannot bless sin.” The two-page document, issued by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith and to which the Pope signed off, also noted that the Church welcomes the blessing of people who are homosexual...

“He descended to the dead”: For our own good, we all need a glimpse of the Evil Queen

For%20Our%20Own%20Good%2C%20We%20All%20Need%20a%20Glimpse%20of%20the%20Evil%20Queen%20%u2013%20QuillettePETERSON: I had a client many years ago who was a real-life version of Sleeping Beauty. She was tall, blonde-haired, razor thin (as the saying goes), and profoundly unhappy. She was enrolled in a local junior college, attempting to upgrade so that she could attend university. She came to see me because she did not want to live. She also did not want to die...

Polish Catholic parish in London: Police ‘grossly exceeded powers’ in halting Good Friday service

Polish%20Catholic%20parish%20in%20London%3A%20Police%20%u2018grossly%20exceeded%20powers%u2019%20in%20halting%20Good%20Friday%20service: A Polish Catholic parish in London, England, said Saturday that it believed that police “grossly exceeded their powers” when they halted a Good Friday service and ordered parishioners to go home. Police officers interrupted the Good Friday liturgy at Christ the King Church in Balham, south London, on April 2, ordering worshipers to leave or face a fine or possible arrest.

Lebanon’s Maronite patriarch, Bechara Cardinal Rai, criticizes Hezbollah with “unusually direct” comments in leaked video

Lebanese cardinal criticizes Hezbollah in leaked videoSANMARTIN: At the risk of compromising the appeasement efforts aimed at facilitating the formation of a new government, Lebanese media on Thursday broadcast a leaked video in which the top Christian leader openly criticizes the Shia Hezbollah movement, accusing it of harming the country by dragging it into regional conflicts.

7 clues tell us precisely when Jesus died (the year, month, day and hour revealed)

7 Clues Tell Us *Precisely* When Jesus Died (the Year, Month, Day, and Hour Revealed)| National Catholic RegisterAKIN: We are in the midst of our annual celebrations of Jesus’ death and resurrection. We all know that this happened in Jerusalem in the first century. That separates Jesus from mythical pagan deities, who were supposed to live in places or times that none could specify. Just how specific can we be with the death of Jesus? Can we determine the exact day? We can.

The painting that almost turned Picasso back to Catholicism

The painting that almost turned Picasso back to CatholicismCALDWELL: Picasso was more than perhaps the greatest artist of the 20th century; he was also one of its most notorious atheists. Despite this, there is one theme that seems to show a different side to him. Over the years he drew or painted around 50 scenes of the Crucifixion. This was not much for a man who created more than 20,000 works during his lifetime...

What happened with the Lord on Good Friday?

What Happened With The Lord on Good Friday? - Community in MissionPOPE: The events of this early Friday morning are tightly packed. In the space of three or four hours, Jesus is sent to Pilate, then to Herod, then back to Pilate, questioned, condemned to die, and led out to be crucified by 9:00 AM. The events begin around 6:00 AM. Early in the morning, the chief priests, elders, scribes, and the whole Sanhedrin devised a plan....

Nuns vs. guns, CNN vs. truth, and a ‘happy’ Good Friday

Nuns%20vs%20guns%2C%20CNN%20vs%20truth%2C%20and%20a%20%u2018happy%u2019%20Good%20Friday%20-%20The%20PillarCONDON: It is, for me, one of the purest consolations of the Triduum that, whatever personal sins are weighing on me, and whatever it is in the world that tempts me to despair, the awful majesty of the crucifixion and the seismic, cosmic rupture of the power of death rendered by the reality of the resurrection dwarfs all else by comparison. So great a savior indeed.

John Paul II, Cardinal Ratzinger and Dante: Good company on Good Friday

Pope John Paul II, Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger and Dante: Good Company on Good Friday| National Catholic RegisterDESOUZA: When St. John Paul II was beatified in 2011, his feast day was fixed for Oct. 22 — the date of the inaugural “Be Not Afraid!” homily — rather than the customary date of death, April 2. The death anniversary would too often fall during Holy Week or the Easter Octave, and thus could not be celebrated.