These elite American super-cities are bleeding people. Are there any religion ghosts in this big story?

Elite%20American%20super-cities%20are%20bleeding%20people%3A%20Any%20religion%20ghosts%20in%20this%20big%20story%3F%20%u2014%20GetReligionMATTINGLY: It’s hard to imagine any corner of American life that has not been touched by the coronavirus pandemic. Obviously, there have been plenty of religion stories — along with the obvious angles linked to politics, business and technology. Then you have stories that combine all of these elements. That is, they combine all of these themes if reporters are willing to look at the numbers and trends through multiple lens. However, as any GetReligion reader knows, not all lens are created equal.

Cardinal Marx: ‘The Catechism Is Not Set in Stone. One Is Also Allowed to Doubt What It Says’

Cardinal%20Marx%3A%20%u2018The%20Catechism%20is%20not%20set%20in%20stone.%20One%20is%20also%20allowed%20to%20doubt%20what%20it%20says%u2019%20%7C%20Catholic%20News%20Agency: German Cardinal Reinhard Marx said in an interview published on Thursday that the Catechism of the Catholic Church is “not set in stone” and “one is also allowed to doubt what it says.” The cardinal made the comments in a seven-page spread in the March 31 edition of the weekly current affairs magazine Stern, reported CNA Deutsch, CNA’s German-language news partner.

As awful as the crucifixion was, Jesus told people that something even worse is coming. What was He talking about? Is it a prophecy for our times?

A%20More%20Awful%20Thing%20%u2013%20Jesus%u2019%20Lament%20on%20the%20Culture%20of%20Death%20as%20He%20Is%20on%20His%20Way%20to%20the%20Cross%20-%20Community%20in%20MissionPOPE: As a child, I remember being taught in school to fear overpopulation; we were told that the Earth would soon run out of room. The video below is a clip from “The Mark of Gideon,” a 1969 episode of Star Trek that showcases the overpopulation anxiety of the time. In this episode, Captain Kirk is abducted by Ambassador Hodin of the germ-free, overpopulated planet, Gideon. Hodin has a plan to use Kirk to introduce a deadly virus (which Kirk carries but to which he is immune) to Gideon in order to reduce the population. Kirk exhorts Hodin to instead encourage the population to use contraceptives and sterilization. The segment goes on to paint the inhabitants’ love for life as somewhat pathetic. Kirk even gets angry when they demonstrate respect for life from conception until natural death.

Have we lost our hunger for the Bread of Life?

Have We Lost Our Hunger for the Bread of Life?REGISMARTIN: There is a moment in Holy Mass to which, I suspect, not a few of us older Catholics these days are drawn. It comes during the First Eucharistic Prayer, that most ancient and august expression of Catholic worship, when the priest, addressing God directly, asks that He remember all those who have come together to pay homage to Him. After all, it is primarily for their benefit, i.e., the ones “whose faith and devotion are known to You,” that they’ve come to Mass in the first place. “For them,” the priest says, “we offer You this sacrifice of praise or they offer it for themselves and all who are dear to them….”

Archdiocese of Denver investigates supposed miraculous blood on St. Michael statue, finds it ‘similar to red nail polish’

Denver archdiocese: Supposed blood on St Michael statue 'similar to red nail polish' | Catholic News Agency: After having a chemical analysis performed on swabs used to clean alleged blood from a local woman’s statue of St. Michael the Archangel, the Archdiocese of Denver has determined the red liquid was not blood. Alicia Martinez, 57, of Broomfield, Colorado, a Denver suburb, said that her St. Michael statue began Feb. 23 to emit a dark liquid which appeared to be blood.

Why the middle one-third of France is almost empty

New Advent: Why the middle one-third of France is almost empty: From RealLifeLore...

The 50 most filmed streets in the United States

The Most Filmed Streets in the United States: American Home Shield’s study found that nine out of the 10 most filmed streets are in NYC or LA. And 44 out of the top 50 are in the states of California or New York...

If we keep up a conversation with Jesus and are responsive to the graces of the Holy Spirit, He will always plead our cause...

Opposition Research | Catholic CulturePOKORSKY: In the rough and tumble of political elections, politicians use opposition research to help craft their campaign strategies. There may be nothing offensive in bringing to light an opponent’s record. But the revelations may violate the Eighth Commandment, when deliberate distortions or unnecessary disclosures unjustly smear an adversary. In Robert Penn Warren’s book, All the King’s Men, the Huey Long figure uses opposition research to uncover dirt on his opponents. Willie Stark ominously observes, “Man is conceived in sin and born in corruption, and he passeth from the stink of the didie [baby’s diaper] to the stench of the [funeral] shroud. There is always something.” Indeed. We are all sinners, and our personal stories can be ugly. The Church insists upon the seal of confession for good reasons.

Military preparedness is not a sin

Military preparedness is not a sin | Catholic CultureMIRUS: The editorial director of the Dicastery for Communication, Andrea Tornielli, has deplored the tendency “to contextualize and downplay” Pope Francis’ statements against war. His remarks distinguish between the right of Ukraine to resist armed aggression and the larger need to turn away from a competitive arms race that absorbs massive amounts of money which, therefore, cannot be spent “on families, healthcare, work, hospitality, to fight poverty and hunger.”

From Dr. Matthew Minerd, here’s a clear overview of Catholic ‘just war’ teaching and the war in Ukraine

Moral Theologian Explains Catholic Just War Teaching and the War in Ukraine| National Catholic RegisterKLESKO: The war in Ukraine has awakened the world to the horrors of war and humanitarian plight. Attached to this “awakening” are deep questions of moral theology and Catholic social teaching. To assist our readers to navigate these questions, I reached out to Dr. Matthew Minerd, professor of philosophy and moral theology at the Byzantine Catholic Seminary of Sts. Cyril and Methodius in Pittsburgh. Dr. Minerd kindly submitted written responses to several questions. Below are our questions and answers:

Pope’s Wednesday Audience: “An old age spent awaiting God’s visit will not miss his passage”

Pope%20Cites%20Elderly%20Examples%20of%20Simeon%20and%20Anna%20%u2013%20Exaudi: Pope Francis today cited the elderly examples of Simeon and Anna, who waited to see the Lord at the Presentation in the Temple. The Holy Father talked of the patient and persistent pair during his General Audience in Paul VI Hall as he continued his catecheses on old age. “Their reason for living, before taking leave of this world, is to await God’s visit.,” the Pope said. “They were waiting for God, that is, Jesus, to visit them.

Bridgeport’s Msgr. Tom Powers Named New Rector of the Pontifical North American College in Rome

NAC: The Vatican has appointed Connecticut priest Msgr. Thomas W. Powers as the next rector of the Pontifical North American College seminary (NAC) in Rome.

Helsinki Court Dismisses All Charges Against Päivi Räsänen, Finnish MP Busted for Defending Christian Teaching on Family and Marriage

finland: The verdict in the closely watched trial of a Finnish Christian MP was announced on Wednesday. A court in Helsinki dismissed all charges against Päivi Räsänen, a physician and mother of five, and Juhana Pohjola, a bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Mission Diocese of Finland, after a free speech trial that drew international attention. The court said in a unanimous 28-page ruling on March 30 that “it is not for the district court to interpret biblical concepts.”

Should you be preparing for a recession? Experts like Alan Greenspan tell us to watch lipstick, skyscrapers, and men’s underwear

Is a recession coming? Alan Greenspan says the answer is in men's underwear - CNN: Former Federal Reserve head Alan Greenspan has a keen interest in men's underwear. Not because he's preoccupied with the evolving fashions of nether garments — rather, he sees underwear sales as a key economic predictor. Sounds weird, right? But it's just one of the many strange ways experts try to predict booms and busts. "He once told me that ... the garment that is most private is male underpants, because nobody sees it except people in the locker room, and who cares?" longtime NPR correspondent Robert Krulwich said of Greenspan years ago. Those sales are usually stable, "so on those few occasions where it dips, that means that men are so pinched that they are deciding not to replace underpants."

Peter Kilpatrick Picked to Succeed John Garvey as President of the Catholic University of America

'Integration of faith and reason' key for new CUA president Kilpatrick: The Catholic University of America announced Tuesday the appointment of Peter Kilpatrick, who is now provost at Illinois Institute of Technology, as the university’s 16th president. Kilpatrick will succeed John Garvey, who has led the university since 2011.

Extra, extra! CUA prez, St. Gwladys, and papal “opposition”

Extra, extra! CUA prez, St. Gwladys, and papal 'opposition'JDFLYNN: St. Gwladys was a Welsh queen with an absolutely wild story. Here’s the deal: According to Arthurian legend, Gwladys, or Gladys, was born in the fourth century, and was the daughter of an Irish king living in Wales. Gladys, who was raised in the faith, was apparently beautiful. In fact, she was so beautiful that another local king, Gwynllyw, asked her hand in marriage several times. Gladys’ father kept refusing, so Gwynllyw did what kings do: He sent 300 armed men to kidnap Gladys. After a couple of fierce battles, and with the kidnapping complete, Gwynllyw and Gladys married. They had the same monogram, which made the towels easy.

The Marian Option is more relevant than ever

The%20Marian%20Option%3A%20More%20Relevant%20than%20Ever%20%u2013%20Theology%20of%20HomeGRESS: Historian Arnold Toynbee, after studying the fall of 26 great civilizations, concluded: “Civilizations die from suicide, not by murder." They become hollowed out from within, like an old rotting tree, and then come crashing down with an autumn’s breeze. Given the crisis upon crisis of the last few years, it seems we have a front row seat for the latest iteration of societal suicide.

Does the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church help explain Putin’s obsession with Ukraine?

Does%20Greek%20Catholic%20Church%20help%20explain%20Putin%u2019s%20obsession%20with%20Ukraine%3F%20%7C%20CruxALLEN: This week, the University of Notre Dame announced that Archbishop Borys Gudziak, the highest-ranking prelate of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church in the U.S., will deliver this year’s commencement address. No matter the circumstances, the choice would have made great sense – Gudziak is a graduate of Harvard who studied under Henri Nouwen, the founder and president of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic University in L’viv, and one of the Catholic Church’s preeminent public intellectuals.

The persecution of Christian speech in Finland is a threat to Christians worldwide

Joy Pullmann: Persecution of Christian speech in Finland a threat everywhere: Päivi Räsänen, a member of the Finnish parliament, told me she really hopes that her case will, as it has for many people, not scare Christians or others who have strong beliefs that matter to public discussion, but will embolden them to speak the truth in love. Because if you don't use those rights, then they are more likely to be eroded and taken away, said Joy Pullmann, executive editor of The Federalist.

Catholic Priest, 45 Parishioners Kidnapped After Sunday Mass in Nigeria

Catholic priest abducted after Sunday Mass in Nigeria | Catholic News Agency: A Catholic priest of the Diocese of Minna in Nigeria was among 45 people kidnapped after Mass on Sunday. The Nigeria Catholic Network reported that on the morning of March 27, assailants abducted villagers along with Father Leo Raphael Ozigi, a priest of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in the town of Sarkin Pawa. Father Emeka Amanchukwu, the diocesan chancellor, confirmed to ACI Africa, CNA’s partner agency, that Ozigi had been kidnapped.

Ex-Albany Bishop Howard Hubbard Acknowledges Covering Up Abuse Allegations

Ex-Albany%20Bishop%20Acknowledges%20Covering%20Up%20Abuse%20Allegations%20%u2013%20NBC%20New%20York: The former bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Albany has acknowledged covering up allegations of sexual abuse against children by priests in part to avoid scandal and protect the reputation of the diocese. Howard J. Hubbard made the admission during a deposition taken last year as part of a response to dozens of claims filed under New York’s Child Victims Act. A judge ordered the deposition released on Friday. Hundreds of people have sued the Albany diocese over sexual abuse they say they endured as children, sometimes decades ago.

The Prodigal Son and his brother have something in common: They’re both loved by the same merciful father, but neither one believes it...

How Both Brothers Are Alike | Parishable ItemsFELTES: In the beginning of the story, the younger son says to his father, “Give me the share of your estate that should come to me.” So the father divides the property between him and his brother. According to God’s law in the Book of Deuteronomy, a firstborn son got a double-portion of the inheritance. So in our story when dad divided the property between them, the elder son would receive two-thirds of the estate while the younger son took a third. After a few days, the younger son collects all his belongings, likely converting them into cash, and sets off for a distant, foreign country.

Why young people are turning to Jordan Peterson

Why young people are turning to Jordan Peterson | Angelus News: One of the most worrying features of modern times is the falling away of young people from the ways of faith. The sad fact is that we Catholics seem to be struggling to fill young hearts with the joy of the Gospel — with the certainty that each has an indispensable role in salvation history. Our secular world insists that anything transcendent is an illusion. As a result, we’ve gotten used to the dark ways life becomes disordered and weary when meaning and purpose are absent from our lives. It’s a surprise, then, that the person who seems to have a key to the great puzzle of how to reach young people on a spiritual level isn’t very religious.

“How much do you earn? Did you ever have a girlfriend? What are your flaws?” — Pope answers 100 personal questions put to him from people in 80 countries...

No paycheck for popes, Francis says: He is rash, bad at football and sometimes frustrated at not having his own cash to spend: Francis may wear papal cassocks, but they hide a normal man beneath, he says in a new book. “I’m hot-headed, impatient. ... I sometimes make decisions in a hurry,” the pontiff says in a new book, “From the Poor to the Pope, From the Pope to the World,” based on queries from the world’s underprivileged. From the slums of Brazil to the homeless in India, Iran and the United States, people from 80 countries put 100 personal questions to the pontiff, whose answers have been gathered in book form that will be published on April 1.

Pope’s Sunday Angelus: ‘Make Merry and Rejoice When a Person Repents of His Sins’

Angelus%20Address%3A%20Parable%20of%20the%20Prodigal%20Son%20%u2013%20Exaudi: Pope Francis devoted his commentary before today’s Sunday Angelus to the Parable of the Prodigal Son. He reminded the faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square that it is good to “make merry and rejoice” when someone repents. Following is the Holy Father’s full commentary, provided by the Vatican.

The parable of the Prodigal Son convicts us. But it hurts even more when you realize something else...

This Sunday, Two Disquieting Truths About the Prodigal Son Parable | Ex Corde at Benedictine CollegeHOOPES: Jesus tells the story of the Prodigal Son on the Fourth Sunday of Lent, Year C, and all the things we typically say about it are true. But there are two very clear meanings of the parable that I hadn’t noticed all my life, even though they are plain and obvious. Maybe the truths were too painful to look directly at. First, though, the typical way we read the Parable is absolutely true and extremely important. This parable has been called “the best short story ever told.” In brief rich phrases it delivers deep insights about each of its three main characters, and through them about our relationship with God.

Pope Francis and Our Lady of Fátima

Pope Francis and Our Lady of Fatima | National ReviewFRANKOVICH: Sister Lúcia dos Santos, who lived to age 97, is our primary source for the Marian apparitions and communications that she and two others, all of them children at the time, said they received in Cova da Iria, which was a field near Lúcia’s house in Fátima. The site, now a pilgrimage destination featuring hotels, convents, and the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, drew 6.3 million visitors in 2019, the last year before the pandemic; in 2017, the centenary of the Fátima events, 9.4 million.

Consecration day, fake news about Pope Francis, and the DC circus

Consecration day, fake news about Pope Francis, and the DC circusCONDON: Bishop John Brungardt will return to ministry leading the Diocese of Dodge City, Kansas, after a nearly 14-month voluntary leave of absence. Brungardt was cleared of an allegation of sexual abuse following investigations by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation and what we are now supposed to call the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith. The bishop is an outlier, though not entirely unique, in that he decided to step away from ministry while he was investigated, in marked contrast to several U.S. bishops who have elected to remain in ministry while the Vatican conducted investigations under the norms of Vos estis lux mundi.

Poland’s Cardinal Krajewski is driving an ambulance from the Vatican to Lviv, Ukraine

Cardinal driving ambulance from Vatican to Ukraine | Crux: A Catholic cardinal and close papal aide is driving an ambulance blessed and donated by Pope Francis to western Ukraine to serve the civilian population fleeing the Russian invasion. Polish Cardinal Konrad Krajewski, the papal almoner, took on the assignment right after returning from Fatima, Portugal, where he led a ceremony consecrating Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

John Cassian’s rules for discernment can help you filter out false teaching and bad teachers

John%20Cassian%u2019s%20Rules%20for%20Discernment%20%7E%20The%20Imaginative%20ConservativeLONGENECKER: John Cassian, born in the mid-fourth century in what is present-day Romania, exerted a major influence on Western monasticism and therefore on Western culture. As a young man he traveled to Palestine, lived in a hermitage near Bethlehem, and visited the monasteries of Egypt before traveling to Constantinople, getting caught up with the political and ecclesial controversies of the day before eventually establishing a monastery after the Egyptian model in Marseilles, France.

St. Peter’s Peacocks stand out among Catholic tourney teams, on and off the court

St.%20Peter%u2019s%20Peacocks%20Stand%20Out%20Among%20Catholic%20Tourney%20Teams%2C%20On%20and%20Off%20the%20Court%7C%20National%20Catholic%20RegisterLIEDL: Of the 11 men’s basketball teams from Catholic universities that qualified for this year’s NCAA tournament, four made it through the first two rounds to the Sweet Sixteen. For the most part, they’re from the “usual crowd” of Catholic collegiate basketball excellence: the Gonzaga Bulldogs were the number one overall seed and last year’s runners-up (though they fell to the Arkansas Razorback Thursday night); the Villanova Wildcats, a two seed, are looking for their third national championship in seven years (and beat Michigan to move on); and the four-seeded Providence Friars, though making their first Sweet Sixteen appearance since 1997, are a regular NCAA tourney participant, qualifying six times in the last nine years.

Black hole expert explains black holes in 5 levels of difficulty

New Advent: Black hole expert explains black holes in 5 levels of difficulty: Astrophysicist Janna Levin, PhD, is asked to explain black holes to 5 different people; a child, a teen, a college student, a grad student, and an expert...

Arkansas high schooler saves his money for two years to buy his friend a new electric wheelchair

Sweet High Schooler Saves His Money for Two Years to Buy His Friend a New Wheelchair: Tanner Wilson is your average teenager, but he has an above-average heart. He noticed his friend Brandon Qualls was struggling to get through the day with his manual wheelchair. It would leave his arms tired and he would need to take breaks.

NCOs are the U.S. military’s greatest strength — and one of Russia’s biggest weaknesses

NCOs: The US military's foundation could be Russia's greatest weakness: Since its invasion of Ukraine began, the Russian military has been largely stalled around the country, facing no shortage of challenges, from a lack of fuel, food, and morale, to fierce resistance by Ukrainian forces. The invasion, it seems, wasn’t “properly planned and resourced,” one senior defense official told reporters earlier this month. And that lack of planning has delivered one blow after another to the narrative Russia spent years trying to project: that it was an indestructible military force.

‘To Your Immaculate Heart We Solemnly Entrust and Consecrate Ourselves, the Church and All Humanity, Especially Russia and Ukraine’

Pope consecrates Ukraine, Russia to Mary - Catholic News Service: Praying before a statue of Mary that was loaned by the Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima at San Vittoriano on the outskirts of Rome, the pope pleaded with Mary to “accept this act that we carry out with confidence and love. Grant that war may end, and peace spread throughout the world.”

Pope Francis’ consecration of Russia and Ukraine is an ecclesiastical earthquake

Pope%20Francis%u2019%20Consecration%20of%20Russia%20Is%20an%20Ecclesial%20Earthquake%7C%20National%20Catholic%20RegisterDESOUZA: Why now? Why 105 years after the Fatima apparitions, and 93 years after Sister Lucia had the message from Our Lady confirmed in 1929, is the Holy Father explicitly consecrating Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, in union with the bishops of the world? The war is the reason, and not just the fighting in Ukraine. Kyiv is still standing but Kirill of Moscow has already fallen.

Our Lady said this part of the consecration still must be followed — will we listen?

Our%20Lady%20Said%20Part%20of%20the%20Consecration%20Still%20Must%20Be%20Fulfilled%20%u2014%20Will%20We%20Listen%3F%7C%20National%20Catholic%20RegisterPRONECHEN: As Pope Francis has made the consecration to the Immaculate Heart specifically naming Russia, there is one essential part connected to the consecration that most people forget. On July 13, 1917, Our Lady of Fatima told the seers: To prevent this [World War II and the persecution of the Church and the Holy Father], I shall come to the world to ask that Russia be consecrated to my Immaculate Heart, and I shall ask that, on the first Saturday of every month, Communions of reparation be made in atonement for the sins of the world.

9 things to know and share about the Annunciation

8 Things to Know and Share About the Annunciation| National Catholic RegisterAKIN: We are celebrating the solemnity of the Annunciation. This day celebrates the appearance of the Angel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary to announce of the birth of Christ. What’s going on and why is this day important? Here are eight things you need to know.

WATCH LIVE: Service Underway at St. Peter’s Basilica to Consecrate Ukraine and Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary; Consecration Prayer to Occur Approximately 1:15 p.m. EDT

WATCH: Pope Francis Consecrates Ukraine and Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary| National Catholic Register: As Pope Francis leads the entire world today in prayer for the consecration of Ukraine and Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, please join us on EWTN or right here...

St. Joseph and the Solemnity of the Annunciation

St. Joseph And The Feast Of The Annunciation - The Wanderer NewspaperFOLEY: March is traditionally the month dedicated to St. Joseph, and his major feast day, a solemnity, falls on the 19th — but the outstanding Solemnity during this month, the Feast of the Annunciation, falls six days later, on March 25. This feast day celebrates the extraordinary meeting between our Lady and the Angel Gabriel, as recounted in the first chapter of St. Luke’s Gospel. In a sense, “extraordinary” is too tame a word to describe this event since, quite literally, the fate of the entire human race rested on it. And this is why the Annunciation is one of the great feast days of the Church. And although the feast is primarily associated in the minds of most Catholics with our Lady, it is also a great Feast of our Lord, since it celebrates His Incarnation, His becoming man in the womb of His Blessed Mother. And it is more than just an important feast; it is actually the feast upon which all other Catholic feasts and celebrations depend.

The biblical symbolism of the Immaculate Heart of Mary

The%20Biblical%20Symbolism%20of%20the%20Immaculate%20Heart%20of%20Mary%20%u2013%20Building%20Catholic%20CultureSTAUDT: The Church gives us moments to focus on elements of our faith and devotional practices so we can carry them with us throughout the rest of the year. As we wind down in October, it’s a good moment to focus on its connection to the rosary, which helps us to treasure and ponder things in our hearts with the Immaculate Heart of Mary (as Luke describes Mary in his Gospel). October also marks the Miracle of the Sun on October 13, 1917, completing the monthly apparitions that began in May of that year. In the second secret, given in July, Mary pointed specifically to her heart, asking for Russia to be consecrated to her Immaculate Heart and promising that “in the end, my Immaculate Heart will triumph.” She also told us how to come close to her heart, asking the children repeatedly to pray the rosary, stating at the final apparition, “I am the Lady of the Rosary. Continue always to pray the Rosary every day.”

Good news! You can eat a cheeseburger on Friday, March 25. Here’s why...

Can Catholics eat meat when a solemnity falls on a Friday during Lent? | Catholic News Agency: Just when you think you’ve got the Lenten rules down pat, you learn something new. For instance, you probably already are well aware that Catholics are called to abstain from eating meat on all Fridays throughout Lent. But did you know that this requirement is suspended when a solemnity of the Catholic Church falls on a Lenten Friday?

Canon 1251 says you can eat meat on a solemnity — so be penitentially festive today. Or, if that doesn’t do it for you, be festively penitent...

ASK FATHER: Abstinence on a Friday of Lent that is also the Feast of the Annunciation. What to do? | Fr. Z's BlogZUHLSDORF: If you are a subject of the Latin Church, the 1983 Code pertains to you. Because in the Novus calendar the Feast of the Annunciation has the rank of a Solemnity, and because can. 1251 applies to you, you are not bound to your Friday penance. Of course you can do as you please. Do penance if you choose. You are not bound to it. There are conflicting goods: celebrating a great feast of Incarnation of the Second Person of the Trinity, for even those feasts concerning Mary always look to the Lord, as she herself did, or, due to the penitential season, the proper desire to practice some denial for the sake of Lenten disciplina.

What time is the consecration of Russia and Ukraine in your city? Find out here...

What time is the consecration of Russia and Ukraine? Find out here | Catholic News Agency: Pope Francis will consecrate Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary on the evening of Friday, March 25, entrusting the nations to Mary’s help and protection amid the ongoing conflict there. The pope has asked everyone in the world to join him.

Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord: Bishops and Faithful Worldwide to Join Pope Francis in Prayer; Consecration to Occur Approximately 1:00-1:30 p.m. EDT

The World Will Join Pope Francis in Prayer This Friday| National Catholic Register: Since Pope Francis announced the consecration of Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, inviting bishops and their priests around the world to join him in the consecration and in prayer, responses have resounded from dioceses on every continent. The act of consecration, led by Pope Francis, will be prayed on March 25, the Solemnity of the Annunciation, at St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican. A simultaneous event will be occurring in Fatima, Portugal, where, in an apparition, Mary spoke of such a consecration the children seers in 1917.

Mackenzie Scott, former Amazon executive and Jeff Bezos’ ex-wife, gives record $275 million to Planned Parenthood

MacKenzie Scott donates a record $275 million to Planned Parenthood | Reuters: Billionaire philanthropist MacKenzie Scott donated $275 million to women's healthcare provider Planned Parenthood, the largest gift from a single donor in the organization's more than 100-year history, Planned Parenthood said on Wednesday. The donation, which is part of Scott's pledge to give away the majority of her wealth, was made to Planned Parenthood's national office and 21 regional affiliates.

Feeling angry? Take it before the Blessed Sacrament

Feeling angry? Take it before the Blessed Sacrament - Our Sunday VisitorMILLS: He felt angry, really angry, all the time, my friend told me, responding to something I’d written about the way our government as well as businesses neglect the environment. I sympathized. Many of you will as well. Reading social media can do that, if you have friends who post lots of political items, especially if you have an ideologically diverse group of friends. So can most news and opinion sites, which drive up their readership by making their readers angry. My friend, I and others talked about how to deal with these feelings. People suggested praying more, of course, which is always a good idea. Others suggested simply not reading as much of such things, because we don’t really need to know all that stuff to do what God’s given us to do.

Silly-clever pro-choice arguments, and how to take them down

The Human Life Review Silly-Clever Pro-Choice Arguments, and How to Take Them Down - The Human Life ReviewMILLS: It was an example of the kind I call “silly-clever,” borrowing the term from George Orwell. He used it in criticizing the work of the major Christian apologists of his day, including Chesterton and Lewis. (I don’t think his argument against them is very good, for what it’s worth.) The pro-choice meme began: “Here’s a test. I’m holding a baby in one hand and a petri dish in the other. I’m going to drop one. You choose which.” It continued: “If you really truly believe an embryo is the same thing as a baby, it should be impossible for you to decide. You should have to flip a coin, that’s how impossible the decision should be. Shot in the dark, you saved the baby. Because you’re aware there’s a difference. Now admit it.”

Is your spiritual life like a sailboat or a motorboat?

Is Your Spiritual Life Like a Sailboat or a Motorboat? - Community in MissionPOPE: When I was about 10 years old I took some sailing lessons and then did so again when I was in my early 30s. Sailing involves a kind of romancing of the wind, wherein one observes it and then adapts to it, wooing it, learning its moves, its vicissitudes, its often subtle and changing signs. Oh, for the great times when the wind was with us! Catching the wind, the boat would speed along making a slick sound in the water. Oh, too, for those daring and thrilling times when the spinnaker was put out. The boat would almost strain as the proud winds filled her arcing sail.

How to evangelize fallen-away Catholics

How To Evangelize Fallen-Away Catholics - Catholic Missionary Disciples - College Station, TXLEJEUNE: She once worked in full-time ministry jobs, but stopped going to Mass two years ago and most of her family and closest Catholic friends don’t even know she stopped. She reached out to tell me her story after reading a previous post on lonely Catholics. But, that isn’t the end of the story. I want you to hear her story. She grew up in a very active Catholic family. She discerned a religious vocation for a while, she never had any big issues with Catholicism, and then after college she worked for 2 major Catholic apostolates and several parishes in full-time work. But, she never found deep Catholic relationships or community that cared enough to reach out to her. Maybe it was because she was single. Maybe it was something else. Whatever it was, she never felt like she mattered to others, at least not in a life-giving way.

9 issues to watch on the ninth anniversary of Pope Francis’ pontificate

Pope%20Francis%u2019%2010th-Year%20Troubles%20Loom%7C%20National%20Catholic%20RegisterDESOUZA: Pope Francis ended his ninth year as pope with a most pleasant occasion, the celebration with his fellow Jesuits of the quatercentenary of the canonizations of Ignatius Loyola and Francis Xavier. And his 10th year got off to a momentous start with the publication of Praedicate Evangelium (Preach the Gospel), his flagship governance document, and the consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary Friday. The Holy Father may savor those moments, for the year ahead, his 10th as pope, will feature troubled waters that he will have to navigate. On his ninth anniversary, here are nine files to watch in the year ahead.

Heaven works backwards. And it cannot be otherwise, for God never changes...

Walking backwards to Heaven - by Tim ClarkTIMCLARK: Ever since I can remember, even as a very young child, I have struggled with saying a certain class of prayers. While some prayers—those exalting God’s goodness, or seeking His mercy—always felt as if I could easily make the words my own, this other class of prayer left me feeling self-conscious and doubtful of my own sincerity. For lack of a better term, I will call this class: prayers by the saints, for the saints. With Lent upon us, I found myself once again pondering the words I was speaking to Our Blessed Lord in the Stations of the Cross; words penned from a saint. The traditional Stations of the Cross were written by St. Alphonsus Liguori, one of the most brilliant and holy men to have ever walked through this vale of tears. When we accompany Our Lord on His journey to Golgotha, St. Alphonsus is our guide along the via dolorosa, and it is his words that we are meant to echo.

Father Benjamin Petit, priest to the Potawatomi, shared their suffering and fate

Priest to the Potowatomi shared their suffering, fate - Today's CatholicDIJULIUS: During the Lenten season of mortification, there are many holy examples in the rich Catholic history to look to for inspiration. Yet, in the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend, one need look no further than one’s own backyard. Nearly everyone within the diocesan borders would recognize the name “Potawatomi.” The children of South Bend would think of a trip to the zoo. Say “Pokagon” and one might think of a state park. Say “Menominee” and the residents of Plymouth might remember an obscure monument.

The Green Old Deal of St. Isidore

The Green Old Deal of St. Isidore | Catholic AnswersFITZPATRICK: Among the many mysteries of the modern world, one that stands out is how technological progress engenders pastoral nostalgia. But any efforts to counteract the corroding effects of technology too often cause even more distance through globalism rather than localism, as many look to “reset” our pollution-choked, fossil-fueled, climate-changing planet according to politically charged agendas. As we draw farther away from the earth and the work of the earth, the less chance we have of seeing angels laboring in our midst

New Apostolic Constitution: He who has ears, let him hear!

New Apostolic Constitution: He who has ears, let him hear! | Catholic CultureMIRUS: With the release of Praedicate Evangelium (“Preach the Gospel”), I guess we can expect great things for the Church. Or at least that’s what Catholics may have thought in 1577 when Sixtus V structured the Curia, or in 1908, 1967 and 1988 when three different twentieth-century saints took the trouble to restructure it. At least we have gone longer between major reshufflings this time. Pope John Paul II made significant reforms just twenty-one years after Paul VI did. Francis has waited thirty-four years, a 61% increase!

More than once, the Bible mentions a great sum of “10,000 talents.” So how much is 10,000 talents worth?

The Price of Good Reading: How Much is 10,000 Talents Worth?YACECZKO: One of the great fruits of studying classics is learning to read carefully. Translating ancient languages trains you to facilitate communication: you have to create a faithful representation of what person A said so that person B can understand it. You have to be able in every instance to point to someone’s exact words in order to claim to know what he or she is thinking. This is city-building on the personal level, and that’s one shade of the meaning of the word “communication”.

There are so many sorrows that go along with work. But these sorrows yield a harvest...

Sorrow%20yields%20a%20harvest%20%u2013%20SIMCHA%20FISHER: There’s the sorrow of working when you’d much rather rest. The sorrow of working and knowing nobody appreciates it. The sorrow of working and feeling completely inadequate to the job. There’s the sorrow of working and knowing you’re unlikely to be there to see the job completed. The sorrow of working and wondering if anything will come of your efforts, or if you’re just burying seeds in the dark, and that’s the last anyone will ever see of them. The sorrow of working and knowing someone else is likely to get the credit. The sorrow of working and knowing you need help, and knowing you’re unlikely to get it.

As Florida’s DeSantis wages culture war, his Catholic faith isn’t news — unless it’s used to attack him

As%20Florida%27s%20DeSantis%20wages%20culture%20war%2C%20his%20Catholic%20faith%20isn%27t%20news%20--%20unless%20it%27s%20used%20to%20attack%20him%20%u2014%20GetReligionLISI: The two things that lots of people don’t want to read about these days is the coronavirus pandemic and Donald Trump, part of a larger trend regarding news fatigue in this country. Unfortunately, this post will mention both and only because it is about Ron DeSantis. The Florida governor has been in the news the past few years because of his connection to the former president and a virus that paralyzed the planet for two years. A hero to the right and bogeyman to the left, DeSantis has received plenty of mainstream news coverage — much of it one-sided — because of his use of so-called culture war issues to push legislation.

This war in Ukraine makes demands on me. Here are three things I can do...

Three Things for Ukraine - LifeCraftCUDDEBACK: War is a horror. And as there is consistently war somewhere, in our ‘connected’ world we learn to live under the cloud of war. Yet some wars are more proximate, engaging us more directly. It is but natural that we give these more attention. It is not that the suffering of those closer to us is more significant than other human suffering. There are simply expanding rings of connection, influence, and obligation in human life.

Pope Francis Asks All Catholics to Take Part in Consecration of Russia, Ukraine to Immaculate Heart of Mary

Pope Francis asks all Catholics to take part in consecration of Russia, Ukraine to Immaculate Heart of Mary | Catholic News Agency: Pope Francis has written a letter asking all Catholics to assemble in their parishes on Friday to pray the act of consecration of the world, particularly Russia and Ukraine, to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. The Vatican published the pope’s letter two days before he is scheduled to pray the Marian consecration in St. Peter’s Basilica on Friday, March 25, in union with bishops around the world.

A picture is worth a thousand words: Pope Francis concelebrates Mass without sacred vestments

A picture is worth a thousand words. | Fr. Z's BlogZUHLSDORF: A picture is worth a thousand words. This on 12 March 2022, the 400th anniversary of the canonization of Sts. Teresa of Avila, Phlip Neri, Isidore, Francis Xavier and Ignatius Loyola. At the altar of the great Jesuit church in Rome, the Gesù (location of the tomb of Ignatius and arm of Francis Xavier), as the principle celebrant is NOT the ranking cleric there, but rather the head of the Jesuits who seemingly doesn’t believe that the Devil is a personal, angelic agent and who undermined the Faith in a comment that there were no tape recorders at the time of Christ and who doesn’t like doctrine. Standing among the “secondary” celebrants and quite obviously concelebrating, is an old Jesuit, the guy in white.

How to fold a plastic shopping bag the right way

How to fold a plastic shopping bag the right way | Boing Boing: There are two options for storing plastic shopping bags. You can do it like me and just shove them into the drawer or compartment where a compressed mass of low density polyethylene slowly forms. Or you can do it like David Powell, neatly folding and storing them in a manner that facilitates easy future re-use.

From the start of the war in Ukraine, Financial Times has had the best and clearest maps. Here’s another excellent example of FT’s visual storytelling talent...

How%20Russia%u2019s%20mistakes%20and%20Ukrainian%20resistance%20altered%20Putin%u2019s%20war: The snarled up 65km Russian convoy that was stuck for days outside Kyiv neatly illustrated Moscow’s misplaced belief that it could achieve a lightning-fast victory in Ukraine. Western military analysts say Russia’s leadership initially thought its “special military operation” would reach the capital and other big Ukrainian cities in days, forcing Volodymyr Zelensky’s government to capitulate and allow a puppet administration to be installed.

Lessons from 19 years in the metaverse

Second%20Life%u2019s%20Mistakes%20Should%20Inform%20Today%u2019s%20Metaverse: In 2003, Wagner James Au was a young freelance writer in the Bay Area covering massive multiplayer games like The Sims Online for Salon and Wired. During that time he got an assignment to review a new virtual-world game called Second Life, made by a company called Linden Lab. He started poking around this nascent digital world and, soon after, met the developers, who made him an interesting offer to embed as a reporter inside the game. Au had complete editorial freedom to cover everything Second Life, including weird goings-on, harassment, and cybercrime. Eventually, Au wrote one of the definitive books on the game, The Making of Second Life: Notes From the New World. He still exhaustively covers developments in Second Life on his blog, New World Notes, the longest-running metaverse news site. One of his most recent posts is about Russian Second Lifers who run digital businesses in the game, and are now trying to escape sanctions by fleeing the country.

There’s much to admire in ‘Praedicate Evangelium’ — and many questions, too

10%20Highlights%20of%20%u2018Praedicate%20Evangelium%u2019%7C%20National%20Catholic%20RegisterDESOUZA: On the ninth anniversary of the formal inauguration of his pontificate, the feast of St. Joseph, Pope Francis published Praedicate Evangelium (Preach the Gospel), his new constitution for the structure of the Roman Curia. Almost a decade in the making, much of it has already been implemented along the way. The final document does make some significant changes and provides the vision of a Curia that is evangelical, service-oriented, promotes synodality, is shorn of careerism and highly professional.

“Begone, Satan! What you offer me is evil. Drink the poison yourself!” — The hidden powers of St. Benedict's Medal

The Hidden Powers of St. Benedict's Medal | Catholic AnswersMCAFEE: Holy medals, also known as devotional medals or religious medals, are medallions, usually resembling a coin, created for devotional purposes or a commemoration. Typically one-sided, variations include the image of the Blessed Virgin Mary, another saint, a pope, or other Christian iconography. Usually, they have an inscription. Many wear the medal around the neck, but it may also be attached to a crucifix or to an assortment of other medals on a bracelet. These sacramentals recall the mysteries of the Catholic faith, and some are set aside as badges of pious associations, such as a religious congregation, to consecrate and protect the wearer. Many medals are, therefore, blessed, and their use is enriched with indulgences for the user.

Lia Thomas’ victory is a loss for women — and for him

Lia%20Thomas%u2019%20Victory%20Is%20a%20Loss%20for%20Women%u2014and%20for%20HimFITZPATRICK: After decades of debate and debacle over fair treatment for women across the societal board, it’s a jaw-dropping wonder to hear the societal mouthpieces applaud as a man claiming to be a woman wallops all the girls in a national women’s swimming championship. But what is actually wonderful is that, even in this benighted day and age, so many people are calling this victory a loss—which it most certainly is on all fronts.

Embarrassed Vatican says calling TLM “extraordinary form” in new apostolic constitution was “a typo that should be corrected”

Praedicate%20evangelium%3A%20Vatican%20blames%20editing%20error%20for%20%u2018extraordinary%20form%u2019%20reference%20in%20new%20constitution%20%7C%20Catholic%20News%20Agency: A Vatican cardinal said on Monday that the inclusion of the words “extraordinary form” in the new apostolic constitution Praedicate evangelium is “a typo that should be corrected.” Speaking at a live-streamed Vatican press conference on March 21, Bishop Marco Mellino, the secretary of Pope Francis’ Council of Cardinals, said the relevant section of the constitution was written before the publication of Traditionis custodes, the pope’s 2021 document restricting Traditional Latin Masses.

Vatican Releases Full Text for March 25 Consecration Prayer for Ukraine and Russia

BREAKING: Vatican releases text for March 25 consecration prayer for Ukraine, Russia | Catholic News Agency: The Vatican has sent bishops around the world the text of the prayer that Pope Francis will lead on March 25 for the consecration of Ukraine and Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Here is the full text of the prayer obtained by CNA...

Here’s little-seen footage of Pope St. John Paul II’s 1984 consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary

New%20Advent%3A%20Here%u2019s%20little-seen%20footage%20of%20Pope%20St.%20John%20Paul%20II%u2019s%201984%20Our%20Lady%20of%20Fatima%20consecration: From Catholic News Service...

Storm chaster video: Tornado crosses road, knocks down truck, and flips truck upright again. Truck drives away...

New Advent: Storm chaster video: Tornado crosses road, knocks down truck, and flips truck upright again. Truck drives away...: This footage was recorded yesterday in Elgin, Texas...

In New Phone Call, Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy Tells Pope Francis He Would Welcome Vatican Mediation

Ukraine war: President Zelenskyy tells Pope Francis he would welcome Vatican mediation | Catholic News Agency: Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Tuesday that he had spoken to Pope Francis on the phone, telling the pope that he would welcome Vatican mediation to end the suffering in his country. Writing on Twitter on March 22, Zelenskyy said he told the pope “about the difficult humanitarian situation and the blocking of rescue corridors by Russian troops.”

Vatican re-org, why seminaries exist, and turning to the Mother of God

Vatican re-org, why seminaries exist, and turning to the Mother of GodJDFLYNN: Some months ago, I started hearing priests speculate that the Pontifical College Josephinum, a well-known Ohio seminary, might be in danger of closing. The story was that enrollment was down, some bishops had started sending their men elsewhere, and the seminary was just shrinking too fast. I did some asking around, and I found out they were right, at least partially. The seminary had 217 men in 2014, and has fewer than 50 seminarians today. That’s a pretty rapid enrollment decline. But I was surprised to find that the seminary remained financially healthy, and I found myself wondering about its present, and its future.

Eastern Orthodox bishops invited to pray Akathist Hymn as Pope and Catholic bishops consecrate Russia and Ukraine

Orthodox%20Bishops%20Invited%20to%20Pray%20%u2018Akathist%u2019%20as%20Pope%20and%20Catholic%20Bishops%20Consecrate%20Russia%20and%20Ukraine%7C%20National%20Catholic%20RegisterPENTIN: As Pope Francis prepares to consecrate Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary on Friday, a Rome-based theologian proposed the invitation be extended to all the Orthodox patriarchs and bishops. Father Paul Haffner, a Rome-based mariologist and scholar of Eastern Orthodoxy, has suggested the participation of the Orthodox on the basis that they “are already in a close bond of communion with Rome but, as we know, they lack unity among themselves in this situation, so this might help heal their rifts, too.”

Obscure St. Peter’s University in New Jersey busts March Madness brackets, beating basketball powerhouses to reach Sweet 16

Meet%20The%20Little%20Jesuit%20School%20That%20Could%3A%20St.%20Peter%u2019s%20Busts%20March%20Madness%20BracketsLISI: March may be all about dressing in green and celebrating St. Patrick, but March Madness has been all about wearing blue and cheering on St. Peter’s. Yes, as in the New Jersey-based St. Peter’s University in Jersey City located across the Hudson River from New York. The small Jesuit school reached the Sweet 16 on Saturday at the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament.

This expert guide to the special effects in ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’ is an eye-opening look at the way movies are made today

New%20Advent%3A%20This%20expert%20guide%20to%20the%20special%20effects%20in%20%u2018Spider-Man%3A%20No%20Way%20Home%u2019%20is%20an%20eye-opening%20look%20at%20the%20way%20movies%20are%20made%20today: Kelly Port, the Visual Effects Supervisor for Spider-Man: No Way Home, gives his in-depth analysis and insider’s look at the CGI and VFX in the ordinary scenes leading up to Doctor Octopus’s introduction during the “bridge fight.”

Why this incredibly annoying sound is illegal to play in the United States

New Advent: Why this incredibly annoying sound is illegal to play in the United States: From%20the%20YouTube%20channel%20%u2018Half%20as%20Interesting%u2019...

Ukrainian Catholic Leader Accuses Russia of ‘Genocide’ in Besieged City of Mariupol

Ukrainian%20Catholic%20leader%20accuses%20Russia%20of%20%u2018genocide%u2019%20in%20besieged%20city%20of%20Mariupol%20%7C%20Catholic%20News%20Agency: The head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church accused Russian forces on Monday of committing “genocide” in the besieged city of Mariupol. In a video message issued on March 21, Major Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk said that civilians were dying “from hatred” in the settlement in southeastern Ukraine known as the “City of Mary.”

Here’s a deeper look at what the Pope’s restructuring of the Roman Curia means

Pope Francis launches Vatican restructure aimed at flexibility and collaboration: After years of anticipation, Pope Francis issued Saturday a plan to restructure the Roman Curia, the central administrative offices and institutions charged with assisting the pope in leading the Catholic Church, and referred to commonly as the Vatican.

A good handyman knows how to choose the right hammer for the job, and how to use it. Here are some tips...

How to Handle a Hammer | The Art of Manliness: Hammering may seem like the most basic tool technique known to man. And indeed, to the unskilled, hammering just means pounding the heck out of something until you get the job done. Sure, you could do that, but you’ll end up with crummy results and a tired arm to boot.

Who is the most famous Galilean whose Blood was mingled with the Passover sacrifice? Jesus Christ Himself...

This%20Sunday%2C%20Jesus%u2019s%20Terrible%20Warning%20and%20Unimaginable%20Hope%20%7C%20Ex%20Corde%20at%20Benedictine%20CollegeHOOPES: Last week, the readings paired the flaming torch and urn of Abraham with the transfiguration. God, aglow in the dark, passed through Abram’s cut-up animals, ratifying a covenant that said God and Abraham would be faithful or end up like those animals. Jesus appeared aglow on Mount Tabor after promising to fulfill that promise by keeping both sides of the bargain in his sacrifice on the cross. This week, Jesus reveals himself to be the great “I am” who comes to rescue us — the eternal God always and everywhere present, but also the God of you, me, my sister, her friend, and every single person we know.

Who is the fig tree in the parable? Here are three interpretations...

Who is the Fig Tree? Three Interpretations | Parishable ItemsFELTES: The fig tree in Jesus’ parable was fruitless for three years and in danger of being chopped down. Who does this fig tree represent? The prophets Jeremiah and Hosea likened Old Covenant Israel to a fig tree, and the early Church Fathers commonly identified the barrenness of the parable’s fig tree with Israel’s refusal to accept their Messiah. Israel experienced three years of Christ’s public ministry and had still another season of opportunity to become fruitful by embracing Christ’s Church thereafter. But Jerusalem, its Temple, and all its towers were cut down, put to the sword and destroyed by the Romans in A.D. 70. Parables, however, can have more than one valid and inspired interpretation. Beyond symbolizing an era of history now passed, what meaning does the barren fig tree hold for us today?

Pope’s Sunday Angelus: ‘God Always Gives Us Another Opportunity, Always, Always’

Don%u2019t%20blame%20misfortunes%20on%20God%2C%20instead%20turn%20to%20conversion%2C%20Pope%20Francis%20says%20%7C%20Catholic%20News%20Agency: Jesus implores us not to blame God for misfortunes and points us instead to conversion as a solution to evils which oppress us, Pope Francis said Sunday. “We must be careful: When evil oppresses us, we risk losing our clarity and, to find an easy answer to what we are unable to explain, we end up putting the blame on God,” Pope Francis said to crowds gathered in St. Peter’s Square for his March 20 Angelus address. “And so often the very bad habit of using profanities comes from this.”

St. Joseph died in the presence of Jesus and Mary — can anyone ask for a better death?

St.%20Joseph%20Died%20in%20the%20Presence%20of%20Jesus%20and%20Mary%20%u2014%20Can%20Anyone%20Ask%20for%20a%20Better%20Death%3F%7C%20National%20Catholic%20RegisterGRONDELSKI: Once upon a time, St. Joseph could have had a Hollywood career, because the “strong and silent type” in the golden age of film was definitely “in.” On the other hand, St. Joseph likely would not have cared, because he eschewed the limelight though cast for and playing a far more important role. Yes, Jesus went to Galilee with Mary and St. Joseph...

Pope Francis Promulgates Apostolic Constitution ‘Predicate Evangelium,’ Launching Major Reform of Roman Curia

Praedicate evangelium: Pope Francis reforms Roman Curia with launch of Vatican constitution | Catholic News Agency: The Vatican published on Saturday a long-awaited document implementing Pope Francis’ reform of the organization and structure of the Roman Curia. The apostolic constitution, Praedicate evangelium (“Preach the Gospel”), was released initially only in Italian on March 19 after nine years in production by the pope’s Council of Cardinal Advisers.

War and peace, Putin’s face, and a question of manners

War%20and%20peace%2C%20Putin%u2019s%20face%2C%20and%20a%20question%20of%20mannersCONDON: Pope Francis met yesterday with Bishop Stephen Chow of Hong Kong. That meeting apparently came after a session for Chow with the Secretary of State, Cardinal Parolin. We don’t know why Chow was in Rome, or what they discussed at the meeting, but given the situation in Hong Kong right now, with COVID cases and mortality rates at an all time high, it must have been fairly urgent. Chow’s visit may have something to do with the Vatican-China deal, which is set to expire in October and in all likelihood will be renewed.

Budapest case asks: Is the Vatican’s money problem fraud, or incompetence?

Budapest%20case%20asks%3A%20Is%20the%20Vatican%u2019s%20money%20problem%20fraud%2C%20or%20incompetence%3F%20%7C%20CruxALLEN: Although it’s a little difficult to remember right now, with the near-exclusive global focus on Putin’s war in Ukraine, the Vatican still has its own battle royale raging in the form of its “Trial of the Century.” The conflict pits 10 criminal defendants – including, for the first time, a cardinal – against prosecutors acting in the name of the pope, with the battlefield being the Vatican’s own civil tribunal. The last act in that drama came on March 1, when the three-judge panel handed the prosecutors a major victory by dismissing basically all defense objections to the procedures being employed in the trial, clearing the way for moving on, after months of wrangling, to the evidentiary phase. Italian Cardinal Angelo Becciu, the pope’s former chief of staff and now the main defendant, is expected to take the stand soon.

The Pope’s consecration of Russia and Ukraine is a supreme act of trust in Our Lady

Pope%u2019s%20Consecration%20of%20Russia%20and%20Ukraine%20Is%20a%20Supreme%20Act%20of%20Trust%20in%20Our%20Lady%7C%20National%20Catholic%20RegisterDESOUZA: The Holy Father’s decision to consecrate Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary on March 25, the Solemnity of the Annunciation, is linked to the apparitions at Fatima. On the same day at the shrine in Portugal, papal almoner Cardinal Konrad Krajewski will make the same act of consecration in the name of Pope Francis. Recent Catholic devotional history gives the background to this dramatic decision. And it begins 18 years before the 1917 apparitions in Fatima.

19th-century Russian thinker Vladimir Solovyov explains how war undermines Christian culture

A%20Russian%20Voice%20for%20Peace%3A%20Solovyov%20on%20How%20War%20Undermines%20Christian%20Culture%20%u2013%20Building%20Catholic%20CultureSTAUDT: Much commentary has focused on Vladimir’s Putin’s sponsorship of the Russian Orthodox Church, which extends even to the point of making the Church an arm of the State (a constant temptation in Russian history). It is true that a massive building project throughout Russia has constructed thousands of Orthodox churches, making some see Putin as some kind of new Constantine. The war in Ukraine should completely dispel such sentiments. There can be no Christian culture where Christians war with one another and violate human dignity.

Who was Jesus’ grandfather — Jacob or Heli?

Who%20Was%20Jesus%u2019%20Grandfather%3F%20%u2013%20Jimmy%20AkinAKIN: Matthew opens his Gospel with a genealogy stretching from Abraham down to Jesus. Luke also gives a genealogy, except his stretches from Jesus back to Adam, the original “son of God.” Both genealogies have fascinating aspects that would require considerable discussion, but here we’re interested in a specific question: Who was Jesus’ grandfather? According to both of the passages we’ve just read, Jesus was the (legal) son of Joseph, but Matthew indicates that Joseph’s father was named Jacob, while Luke says Joseph was the son of Heli. How can this be explained?

Odesa's 1,500 miles of maze-like catacombs could be bad news for Russian invaders

Odesa's Maze-Like Catacombs Could Be Bad News For Russian Invaders: From the very beginning of the Kremlin's invasion of Ukraine nearly three weeks ago, there have been persistent fears that Russian forces might attempt to capture the strategic Black Sea port of Odesa. Indications that a flotilla of Russian warships, including large landing ships, has taken up positions offshore, together with Ukrainian authorities saying that dozens of missiles hit targets in and around the city just tonight, have prompted new concerns that some kind of ground assault may come sooner rather than later. Ukrainian officials have already taken a number of prudent steps to fortify the city against amphibious landings and other attacks. But should invasion come, it is Odesa's vast and ancient catacombs deep below the city that could prove particularly vexing for Russian invaders.

Noncombatant immunity and the death of innocents

Noncombatant Immunity and the Death of Innocents| National Catholic RegisterSWETLAND: The story could not be more tragic. Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer Lynsey Addario captured the aftermath of a Russian mortar attack on four innocent civilians in Irpin, a suburb of Kyiv: a mother, Tetiana Perebyinis, and her two children, Mykyta and Alisa, and another civilian, a church volunteer. All were killed, victims of indiscriminate, immoral, illegal acts by Russian invaders. The New York Times carried the picture. Later, Serhiy Perebyinis, the husband and father, discovered that his family was killed as the photo was shared on Twitter.

Ears to Hear: The Catholic podcast revolution continues to advance

Ears to Hear: Catholics and the Podcast Revolution| National Catholic RegisterTURLEY: The latest research from Edison Research and Triton Digital and its 2021 edition of “The Infinite Dial,” America’s longest-running study of consumer media habits, indicates that the endless upward trajectory of podcast-listening received a significant boost from the pandemic. How this media landscape is shifting can be seen in how people consume news. The New York Times’ The Daily podcast has approximately four million downloads — that’s listeners — per day. This is impressive by any yardstick, especially as this listenership is greater than the most popular U.S. television daily news. As well as listening on smart speakers at home, people seem to be comfortable consuming news on the go: walking, driving or at the gym.

Why are so many Anglican bishops becoming Catholic?

Why Are Anglican Bishops Becoming Catholic?| National Catholic RegisterPETERSMITH: Six months ago, Jonathan Goodall lay down his ministry as the Anglican bishop of Ebbsfleet, England, in order to enter into the Catholic Church. This past Saturday, now-Father Goodall was ordained to the Catholic priesthood in Westminster Cathedral by Cardinal Vincent Nichols — the culmination of a journey from Protestantism to the Catholic Church taken recently by a number of former Anglican bishops.

Watch fire ants use a pile of gravel to pave over some double-sided tape

New Advent: Watch fire ants use a pile of gravel to pave over some double-sided tape: Another remarkable example of tool use in ants: fire ants “paving” sticky surfaces. I’ve seen signs of this behavior, but I didn’t expect it to be so robust until my friend told me about it (see more in Wen et al., 2021 Insect Science). You can try it yourself by putting a piece of paper with tape on a healthy fire ant mount (disturb them a little to make the process faster)...

Workers discover 700-year-old lead coffin beneath Notre Dame Cathedral

Workers Discover 700-Year-Old Lead Coffin Beneath Notre Dame Cathedral: Out of the ashes of the Notre Dame cathedral’s terrible fire are springing new discoveries: A team of archaeologists recently found sculptures and several tombs just below the church’s floor, as well as a 14th-century lead sarcophagus that they believe belonged to a religious leader.

Pope Francis Sends ‘Urgent’ Letter Asking All Catholic Bishops Worldwide to Join Him in Consecrating Russia and Ukraine

Pope Francis to invite all Catholic bishops around the world to join him in consecrating Russia, Ukraine | Catholic News Agency: In a letter sent urgently on Mar. 17 to all U.S. bishops, the Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, Archbishop Christophe Pierre, revealed that Pope Francis intends to invite all Catholic bishops and priests around the world to join the Act of Consecration of Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

On St. Patrick’s Day, my thoughts turn to the faith of my Irish mother

Recalling%20an%20Irish%20Mother%u2019s%20Faith%7C%20National%20Catholic%20RegisterTURLEY: She was to die. The doctors had not said as much, but once the word “cancer” was uttered, we knew it was only a matter of time. My mother took the news as she had taken all else in life: with an act of faith. She had been diagnosed just prior to Ash Wednesday; she was to die on Pentecost Sunday. It was to be a Lent like no other. As time went on, she became increasingly dependent on others. She asked to be taken to the local church so she could do what she had done every Lent, namely, the Stations of the Cross.

Cardinal Becciu Takes Stand at Vatican Trial, Says He’s Victim of ‘Violent and Vulgar’ Media Campaign to ‘Demonize and Destroy Me’

Cardinal claims to be victim of 'violent' media campaign - Catholic News Service: Taking the stand for the first time at his Vatican trial, Cardinal Angelo Becciu said the allegations of embezzlement against him are part of a “violent and vulgar” media campaign meant to “demonize and destroy me.” “I have been described as a corrupt man, greedy for money, disloyal to the pope, concerned only with the welfare of my family members,” Cardinal Becciu, the former prefect of the Congregation for Saints’ Causes, told the Vatican City court March 17. “They have insinuated hideous things about the integrity of my priestly life, that I had paid witnesses in a trial against a brother, and even of being the owner of oil wells or tax havens,” he said in his testimony.

“Four Spaniards and a saint” — celebrating like it’s 1622

Celebrating%20Like%20It%u2019s%201622%7C%20National%20Catholic%20RegisterLANDRY: Last Saturday the Church marked the 400th anniversary of the joint canonization of four of the most influential figures not just in the counter-reformation but in all of Church history — Sts. Teresa of Ávila, Ignatius Loyola, Francis Xavier and Philip Neri — together with the one whom, at the time, King Philip IV tried to make the “headliner,” St. Isidore the Farmer. St. Isidore was already devotionally the patron of the new Spanish capital of Madrid, and the Spanish monarch sponsored a theater structure within what is now St. Peter’s Square with scenes and miracles from St. Isidore’s life.

The oratorio: Lenten music to edify (and perhaps entertain)

The%20Oratorio%3A%20Lenten%20Music%20to%20Edify%20%28and%20Perhaps%20Entertain%29%20%u2013%20Building%20Catholic%20CultureSTAUDT: Lenten penance pertains to more than simply fasting from food and drink. It also entails curtailing the “delight of the eye” and pleasing sounds, which gratify our senses. Mortification means dying to ourselves and devoting more time to prayer and penance. This effort could be undone by continued immersion in pleasurable amusements, even if seemingly innocuous. In early modern Italy, to honor the Lenten season, one of the most popular public amusements of the day, opera, was temporarily prohibited, along with any other “spectacle.”

What causes war? The Apostle James tells us: “You desire and do not have, so you kill. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and wage war”

On the blasphemy of prayer for victory in war | Catholic CultureMIRUS: In today’s news we learn that Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill has presented a Marian icon to the director of Russia’s National Guard, hoping this will bring about a quick victory in the war against Ukraine. During the presentation ceremony, the National Guard commander referred to the Ukrainians as “Nazis”, asserting that the war is taking longer than it should because the Ukrainians are “hiding behind civilians, the elderly, and children.” Kirill, as the Russian Orthodox Patriarch in Moscow, naturally finds himself in a difficult position. In addition to utterly opposing the separation of many Ukrainians from the Moscow Patriarchy, Kirill must get along with the Putin regime. His reluctance to condemn the invasion, and his increasing willingness to approve it in limited ways, has now become clear. Kirill would prefer that all peoples who are “traditionally” Russian should be part of Russia again, and loyal to the Russian Orthodox Patriarch. It is not impossible to understand this viewpoint, of course, but as the Eastern Orthodox Archbishop of Cyprus, Chrysostomos II, put it: “The Russians first make their cross and then they kill.”

Remember, the devil wants you to lose your moral integrity

Remember, the devil wants you to lose your moral integrity | Knowing Is DoingTORRE: Custody of your desires is a phrase not often heard when speaking on the value of moral integrity. In the book of Sirach, we encounter the practice of moral integrity where the exercise of true wisdom involves the custody of unrighteous anger which cannot be justified and will lead man to ruin. Moral integrity with respect to the union of the person with God is an act of faith that involves honest and clear intentions; let what you say be simply yes or no, anything more than this comes from the evil one.

We need to help the Ukrainian people more than we are. We also need to help the unborn in America more than we are...

It%u2019s%20Hard%20To%20Be%20A%20Leader%20Of%20Peace%20In%20The%20World%20When%20You%20Are%20Not%20One%20At%20Home%20%7C%20National%20ReviewLOPEZ: “Being the leader of the world means being the leader of peace.” I know I’m not alone in finding Ukrainian president Zelensky’s address to Congress today haunting. The images he showed of body bags and mass graves and children dying are not from history, but the past three weeks. When he talked about peace and life and death, it was in English, making it all the more powerful — and challenging.

Is gas really cheaper at Costco?

Is Gas Really Cheaper at Costco?: It’s March 14, and the average cost for a gallon of gas in the U.S. is $4.325, up from $3.488 one month ago, and slightly down from the record-setting $4.331 last week. The good news: According to the latest report from AAA Gas Prices, this trend “may remove some of the extreme upward price pressure consumers have found at the pump.” The bad: That same report says the market remains volatile, and prices could surge yet again.

“Rising stars of the hierarchy,” say clericalists, “get Chicago.” But shepherds get Crookston...

Pastors Get Crookston| National Catholic RegisterLIEDL: In many regards, it was entirely unremarkable: a short and simple memo, detailing some personnel decisions in a sparsely populated diocese far-removed from any significant source of worldly power. But for the faithful in the beleaguered Diocese of Crookston, Minn., Bishop Andrew Cozzens’ letter of last week was nothing short of a pastoral revolution — and for Catholics more widely, it’s an instance of the kind of clarity the laity are increasingly expecting, though often lacking, from their leaders.

Car owners beware: Fuel tank drilling is the hot new auto-theft trend sweeping the nation...

Fuel Tank Drilling Is The Hot New Car Theft Trend Sweeping The Nation: Chances are your local news affiliate has already reported on it happening in your neighborhood: criminals drilling into and draining gas tanks to steal the sweet, expensive nectar inside, leaving their victims with not only no fuel but also a hefty repair bill. It happened to one Pennsylvania woman, who said the thief stole the gas right out of her Nissan Rogue as it sat parked outside her home. There are similar stories coming out of California, too, and Missouri, and Wisconsin.

Pope Francis and Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill Meet by Video Call to Discuss War in Ukraine

Pope Francis discusses Ukraine war with Russian Orthodox leader | Catholic News Agency: Pope Francis discussed the Ukraine war on Wednesday with the head of the Russian Orthodox Church. The pope and Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia addressed the conflict during a video conference call on March 16. The conversation, which took place in the early afternoon Rome time, was first reported by the Patriarchate of Moscow and later confirmed by the Holy See press office.

What has Pope Francis changed about Mass intentions? A CNA Explainer...

What has Pope Francis changed about Mass intentions? A CNA Explainer | Catholic News Agency: One way Catholics can pray for people in need, both the living and dead, is through having a Mass said for that intention. According to Church law, priests may accept a donation — often around $10 per Mass — for offering the celebration for that intention. If someone is unable to provide the donation, but would really like a Mass intention to be said, the stipend can also be waived. The law does not say how many Mass intentions a priest or Catholic parish can accept, but stipulates that the number should not be more Masses than can be reasonably said in one year’s time.

Is this viral video of the Blessed Sacrament traveling through Kyiv fact or fiction?

Is the viral video of the Blessed Sacrament traveling through Kyiv fact or fiction? | Catholic News Agency: The scene in the video is solemn and inspirational, and has resonated with Catholics around the world. As a vehicle carrying the Blessed Sacrament makes its way through the streets of Kyiv, people genuflect and bow their heads in a moving display of piety, reverence, and wartime solidarity. The video, set to dramatic Ukrainian folk music, purports to show the transfer of the Eucharist from the Greek Catholic cathedral in Kyiv to a bunker for safekeeping from missile attacks and Russian forces closing in on the Ukrainian capital. But was that really the case?

What you need to know about angels and demons

On Angels and Demons - Community in MissionPOPE: I have been doing a project for the St. Michael Center for Spiritual Renewal. In this case it was to make two videos on Angels and Demons. The videos needed to be close to thirty minutes, and thus I had to leave a lot of material out. However, five years ago I presented three lectures of 90 minutes each that permitted me to expand and offer more information. In case it can be helpful to you I am offering the two videos I just completed along with links to the talks and some written material I have produced here on the blog over the years.

They pray “peace, peace” when there is no peace

They Pray 'Peace, Peace,' When There is No Peace - The StreamMILLS: It was the usual people doing the usual thing and intoning the usual clichés, and as usual avoiding saying anything too specific. Just before Russia invaded Ukraine, mainstream religious leaders joined in a “Faith Vigil for Peace in Ukraine.” The vigil was conducted on Zoom and broadcast on Facebook. Organized by official Quaker and Episcopal agencies, it featured a range of “faith leaders,” including Lutherans, Baptists, Reformed Jews, and Muslims. I just don’t see the point. Not so much that a bunch of people spent a couple hours doing something that basically no one in the world will care about. It can’t hurt. I don’t see the point of gathering to pray and then not praying for the things they should have prayed for. Not “peace,” but that Russia would not invade Ukraine.

Mother knows best: ‘Turning Red,’ ‘Encanto,’ and Disney/Pixar’s new overbearing moms

Mother%20knows%20best%3A%20Turning%20Red%2C%20Encanto%2C%20and%20Disney/Pixar%u2019s%20new%20overbearing%20moms%20%u2013%20Catholic%20World%20ReportGREYDANUS: A decade or more ago, if the protagonist of an animated film had a disapproving, overbearing, or blinkered parental figure with overly restrictive ideas about their offspring’s life, that parent was usually the father. Domineering dads were a notable trope of the 1990s Disney renaissance, from King Triton in The Little Mermaid to Tarzan’s grumpy ape father Kerchak. Over the last couple of decades, variations on the theme ran through films from DreamWorks (Kung Fu Panda, How to Train Your Dragon), Sony Animation (Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs, Hotel Transylvania), and others (Happy Feet, The Secret of Kells).

How popular has your name been through the years? This interactive chart lets you explore historical trends for baby names in the United States...

NameGrapher to explore past baby name trends | FlowingData: NameGrapher is an interactive chart that lets you explore historical trends for baby names in the United States. Search for a name, and the chart updates as you enter more letters. The chart is from Martin and Laura Wattenberg, and if it looks familiar to you, it’s because it’s an updated version of the now defunct NameVoyager they made in 2005. The new version, which also uses a stacked area chart to show name totals for boys and girls over time, also provides a few more search options and lets you compare multiple time series at once.

When was Jesus crucified? The day of the week and Passover...

When%20Was%20Jesus%20Crucified%3F%20The%20Day%20of%20the%20Week%20and%20Passover%20%u2013%20Jimmy%20AkinAKIN: It’s sometimes claimed that the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) disagree with the Gospel of John about the day on which the Crucifixion occurred. It is asserted that the Synoptics portray Jesus being crucified the day after Passover, while John portrays him crucified on Passover, when the lambs were being slaughtered at the temple. This is not the case. To see why, we will begin by looking at the events of the days of Holy Week, starting with the events of Easter Sunday and working our way backwards to the Last Supper.

Archbishop Viganò and Colonel Grace-Groundling-Marchpole

Archbishop Vigano and Colonel Grace-Groundling-Marchpole | George Weigel | First ThingsWEIGEL: One of the minor characters in Evelyn Waugh’s World War II trilogy, Sword of Honor, is the commander of a super-secret military intelligence unit, Colonel Grace-Groundling-Marchpole: a conspiracy theorist constantly connecting dots that no rational person would imagine connecting or even think connectable. The colonel was also possessed by a messiah complex: “Somewhere in the ultimate curlicues of his mind, there was a Plan. Given time, given enough confidential material, he would succeed in knitting the entire quarrelsome world into a single net of conspiracy in which there were no antagonists, merely millions of men working, unknown to one another, for the same end: and there would be no more war.” To Grace-Groundling-Marchpole, the Allies and the Nazis were in fact on the same side; and as soon as that was revealed, all would be well with the world.

‘We Are Grateful’: Ukrainian Catholic Leader Welcomes Consecration to Mary’s Immaculate Heart

%u2018We%20are%20grateful%u2019%3A%20Ukrainian%20Catholic%20leader%20welcomes%20consecration%20of%20Russia%20and%20Ukraine%20to%20Mary%u2019s%20Immaculate%20Heart%20%7C%20Catholic%20News%20Agency: Ukrainians are grateful that Pope Francis will consecrate Ukraine and Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, the leader of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church said on Wednesday. “This is a spiritual act long awaited by the Ukrainian people. Ukrainian Catholics since the beginning of Russian aggression in 2014 have been asking for this act as an urgent need to prevent the worsening of the war and the dangers coming from Russia,” Major Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk said on March 16.

Cardinal Pell calls on Vatican to correct two senior European bishops for rejecting Church’s sexual ethics

Cardinal%20Pell%20Calls%20on%20Vatican%20to%20Correct%202%20Senior%20European%20Bishops%20for%20Rejecting%20Church%u2019s%20Sexual%20Ethics%7C%20National%20Catholic%20RegisterPENTIN: Cardinal George Pell has called on the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF) to publicly reprimand two of Europe’s most senior bishops for what he said was their “wholesale and explicit rejection” of the Church’s teaching on sexual ethics. In a statement released March 15, Cardinal Pell asked the Vatican’s doctrinal congregation to “intervene and pronounce judgment” on comments made by Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich, the relator general of the Vatican Synod on Synodality, and Bishop Georg Bätzing, president of the German Bishops’ Conference.

Great Caesar’s ghost! Also, Ukrainian cultural treasures, March Madness, Bishop Stika and eating meat on a solemnity of Lent

Great%20Caesar%u2019s%20Ghost%21%20-%20The%20PillarJDFLYNN: Bishop Rick Stika of Knoxville is facing both civil litigation and a Vatican investigation, after he admitted to replacing a diocesan investigator looking into the allegation that a seminarian committed sexual assault. A Tennessee woman told The Pillar that when she reported serious clerical misconduct in another case, Bishop Stika told her she had “ruined a priest’s life.” According to the Knoxville diocese, the priest faced neither a canonical process nor the diocesan review board, despite an allegation of misconduct involving minors. It is not clear when, or if, the Vatican will act on allegations first raised against Stika by priests of his own diocese. But in the meantime, here’s a view from on the ground in Knoxville.

Pope Francis is going to consecrate Russia and Ukraine. So what does that mean, exactly?

Pope Francis will consecrate Russia and Ukraine. What's that mean?: The consecrations — performed by Pope Francis and papal almoner Cardinal Konrad Krajewski — come after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and are connected to the 1917 apparitions of Our Lady of Fatima urging that Russia be consecrated to Mary’s Immaculate Heart. Not sure what this is all about? Here’s what you need to know.

Pope Francis to Consecrate Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary on March 25

New Advent: Pope Francis to Consecrate Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary on March 25: The Holy See press office said on March 15: “On Friday, March 25, during the Celebration of Penance at which he will preside at 5 p.m. in St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Francis will consecrate Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.”

Sleeping with even a small amount of light may harm your health, study says

Sleeping with even a small amount of light may harm your health, study says - CNN: Sleeping for only one night with a dim light, such as a TV set with the sound off, raised the blood sugar and heart rate of healthy young people participating in a sleep lab experiment, a new study found.

The U.S. Navy’s “Gimbal” UFO video is the most famous of modern UFO videos. Here’s what it reveals...

New%20Advent%3A%20The%20U.S.%20Navy%u2019s%20%u201CGimbal%u201D%20UFO%20video%20is%20the%20most%20famous%20of%20modern%20UFO%20videos.%20Here%u2019s%20what%20it%20reveals...: Leaked in 2017, and officially released in 2019, This video is considered by many to show a genuine anomalous craft, exhibiting flight characteristics beyond current human technology. But is it? There are four observables in the video, four things you can check yourself, that demonstrate what we’re actually seeing.

We don’t know for sure whether Patriarch Kirill was a KGB agent, but he’s now a Kremlin mouthpiece, and the Vatican should consider an ecumenical reset

Needed: An Ecumenical ResetWEIGEL: In the early 1990s, I met Kirill, now Patriarch of Moscow and All Rus’, when the man christened Vladimir Mikhailovich Gundyayev was chief ecumenical officer of the Russian Orthodox Church. The occasion was a dinner hosted at the Library of Congress by the late, great James H. Billington, whose history of Russian culture, The Icon and the Axe, remains the classic work on the subject. Metropolitan Kirill, as he was then styled, struck me as a sophisticated cosmopolitan, not unused to the finer things of life; there was nothing of the Dostoevskian ascetic or mystic about him. And if he seemed less a churchman than a suave and worldly diplomat in ecclesiastical garb, one had to be impressed by the cool composure with which he played that role. Much of the table talk and subsequent conversation over postprandials revolved around the possibility of Russia’s becoming a functioning democracy — a prospect for which, if memory serves, Kirill showed considerable, if urbane, skepticism.

The enrollment of Jesus’ birth

The%20Enrollment%20of%20Jesus%u2019%20Birth%20%u2013%20Jimmy%20AkinAKIN: How should we understand Luke’s statement that “a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be enrolled”? “All the world” means the Roman world, i.e., the Roman empire. And many take Luke’s statement to mean that there was a single legal document issued by Augustus that commanded a worldwide enrollment, and this is possible. As we will see below, there is evidence of a worldwide enrollment occurring in 3/2 B.C.; it just wasn’t a tax census.

Concern in Brooklyn, Panakhyda in Washington, and Endurance in the Arctic

Concern in Brooklyn, Panakhyda in Washington, and Endurance in the ArcticCONDON: I’m sure you are all, with one or two notable exceptions (you know who you are), as utterly unenthusiastic about MLB’s reported deal with the players’ union as I am. We’ve lost Opening Day, and it looks like the first two weeks of the season. But I’m glad they’ve settled their differences over the luxury tax and payroll — and I mean that. But what are the fans getting? The universal designated hitter rule, a ban on the shift, endless made-for-TV playoffs, and now bigger bases? Are you kidding me? The league is obsessed with “more offense” and shorter games — priorities which are as obviously contradictory as they are sordid.

The Saints of 1622: God’s answer to crises in the Church

The%20Saints%20of%201622%3A%20God%u2019s%20Answer%20to%20Crises%20in%20the%20Church%7C%20National%20Catholic%20RegisterDESOUZA: Canonizations are a routine part of the Church’s life, but some canonizations are more equal than others. Think of Maria Goretti in 1950, where Assunta Goretti was the first mother ever to attend the canonization of her own child. Even more remarkable, Alessandro Serenelli, the man who murdered Maria, was also present, having had a complete conversion of life while in prison. Or consider, 50 years later, the canonization of Sister Faustina Kowalska, the first saint of the new millennium, the “Apostle of Divine Mercy.”

How Pope Francis could lead a ‘soft power’ push on Ukraine

How%20Pope%20Francis%20could%20lead%20a%20%u2018soft%20power%u2019%20push%20on%20Ukraine%20%7C%20CruxALLEN: As Vladimir Putin’s war in Ukraine rages on, it’s become a staple of anti-Putin rhetoric to insist that the “whole world” is united in its outrage. U.S. President Joe Biden, for example, has said that the prayers “of the entire world” are with Ukraine, and vowed that “the world will hold Russia accountable.” Yet a quick survey of the global situation is enough to demonstrate that it’s not really so. In fact, what’s new about this situation is more that the U.S. and Europe are unusually united, but important chunks of the rest of the world, at least so far, aren’t fully on board.

5 fool-proof ways to sabotage your prayer life this Lent

5 Fool-proof Ways to Sabotage Your Prayer Life this Lent - SpiritualDirection.com: If you are not a morning person and are not used to getting up early, set your alarm for 4 AM and expect to rise before the sun with a song in your heart. If you’ve only been praying for a few minutes each day, resolve optimistically to pray for two hours on your knees before breakfast. Always exhausted by bedtime? Surely you should commit to a 20-decade rosary right before you sleep. Voila! You’ll fail gloriously and discouragement and frustration will cripple any further attempts to strengthen your prayer life. Whatever you do, don’t start with small, reasonable practices.

Cardinal Marx Offers Mass to Mark ‘20 Years of Queer Worship and Pastoral Care’

Cardinal%20Marx%20Celebrates%20Mass%20Marking%20%u201820%20Years%20of%20Queer%20Worship%20and%20Pastoral%20Care%u2019%7C%20National%20Catholic%20Register: Cardinal Reinhard Marx celebrated a Mass marking “20 years of queer worship and pastoral care” in Munich, southern Germany, on Sunday. The archbishop of Munich and Freising offered the Mass on March 13 at St. Paul parish church, near Munich’s Theresienwiese, where the annual Oktoberfest is celebrated, reported CNA Deutsch, CNA’s German-language news partner. Speaking at the Mass, the cardinal said: “I desire an inclusive Church. A Church that includes all who want to walk the way of Jesus.”

His glorious light overcomes the darkness

His Glorious Light Overcomes the Darkness | Parishable ItemsFELTES: Once upon a time, little Billy’s grade school teacher was teaching her class about outer space. She said, “In 1969, the American astronaut Neil Armstrong became the first person to walk on the Moon.” Little Billy raised his hand and asked, “Teacher, has anyone ever walked on the Sun?” “Oh, no,” she said, “the Sun is far too hot for that.” But Billy replied with confidence, “I know how I can be the first.” Curious and bemused, she asked him how. “Easy. I’ll go at night!” The Sun, of course, does not turn off at night like a lamp on a switch. The Sun still blazes and shines with incredible heat and light even when the Earth obscures it from our sight. And even on the darkest, stormiest day the Sun remains in the heavens above us even though clouds prevent us from perceiving it clearly.

At the Transfiguration, the veil drops for those who are citizens of Heaven

This Sunday, the Veil Drops for Those Who Are Citizens of Heaven | Ex Corde at Benedictine CollegeHOOPES: We are citizens of heaven, say the readings for the Second Sunday of Lent Year A, and we start living with God right now — the God who charges all creation with his grandeur, and gives us his Church as our guide and his mother as our queen. But we can put ourselves outside his covenant, to our peril. Sunday’s Gospel is Luke’s account of the Transfiguration, and Luke alone shares two details of the story that are crucial.

Pope Francis on Ukraine: ‘In the Name of God, I Ask You: Stop This Massacre!’

Pope Francis calls for an end to the "massacre" in Ukraine, in the name of God | Catholic News Agency: Pope Francis on Sunday called for an end to the “harrowing war” in Ukraine, condemning in particular the “barbarism” of Russia’s reported attacks last week on civilians— including pregnant women and children— in the eastern city of Mariupol. “With an aching heart I add my voice to that of the common people, who implore the end of the war,” the pope said March 13, addressing the crowd gathered in St. Peter’s Square in Rome following the Angelus, a Marian prayer.

“Tread carefully; OB-GYNs are gonna get defensive” — Women say birth control pills alter their moods. Why have all the miserable side effects eluded scientists?

Why Birth Control Side Effects Have Eluded Science: In August 2021, Emilie Skoog lay on the couch in her parents’ living room, thinking that not a single thing in the world sparked joy. For weeks, the 25-year-old MIT graduate student had been unable to muster enough appetite to eat properly. Instead, she’d spend full days lying in bed, drifting in and out of sleep between sips of Gatorade. The depression had set in about two months earlier, Skoog said, just after she’d started taking hormonal birth control pills to ease the debilitating cramps she experienced around the time of her period, which rendered her housebound for a few days each month.

A Marine special ops commander explains why Russia’s stalled advance in Ukraine is no surprise

Marine Special Ops commander analyzes Russia's invasion of Ukraine: On Feb. 24, Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the invasion of Ukraine by Russia, ostensibly to rescue it from Western interlopers. The invasion isn’t just about politics and a redesignation of former Soviet States to once again redraw European borders. Ukraine is materially rich in natural resources and Russia wants to control these along with access to them. It is an economic move as well as a political one via military means.

How should Pope Francis and the Holy See deal with Patriarch Kirill, the head of the Russian Orthodox Church?

The Kirill Question| National Catholic RegisterDESOUZA: Vatican diplomacy in regards to Russia’s war against Ukraine is operating at three levels, said Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin: religious, humanitarian and diplomatic. The Church sends up “insistent prayer” to God, coordinates relief through her charitable agencies, and offers her diplomatic offices. Cardinal Parolin himself spoke with the Russian foreign minister, offering the good offices of the Holy See to broker an end to the invasion. One level was left out of Cardinal Parolin’s list: the ecclesial or ecumenical level. In times of such conflict, one Christian response is to pray together as a Church, including with those Christians with whom we share imperfect communion. That is impossible at the moment.

A convert considers the joy of Catholic rules

A Convert Considers the Joy of Catholic Rules| National Catholic RegisterMILLS: I arrived just seven minutes late, but the priest was already preaching. My wife wasn’t well that morning, but wanted to get to Mass later if she felt better, and that evening I waited until the last moment to leave home. They must have shot through the beginning of the Mass, because from past experience I expected to get there in time for the Gospel, and therefore be able to receive Communion. I had been told as an Episcopalian that you had to hear the Gospel to receive Communion, because you should hear Jesus speak if you wanted to meet him in sacrament, which made me sense to me, and was a useful rule, as someone who often runs late.

G.K. Chesterton became Catholic 100 years ago. But why did his conversion take so long?

G.K. Chesterton Became Catholic 100 Years Ago, Drawn in by Jerusalem and Our Lady| National Catholic RegisterTURLEY: On July 30, 1922, at the Railway Hotel, in Beaconsfield, England, G.K. Chesterton became a Catholic. In the absence of a local Catholic church, the Railway Hotel’s Irish landlady had allowed the ballroom to be converted into a makeshift chapel. It was there, beneath a corrugated-iron roof and surrounded by bare wooden walls, the 48-year-old writer entered into full communion with the Church. What were the reasons for Chesterton taking this step? And, given his thought and writings on Christianity for many years, why had it taken him so long?

Why a doctor prays

Why a Doctor Prays - LifeCraftCUDDEBACK: Physicians—in the broad sense of any practitioner of the medical art—have a specific and crucial place in human life. What that place is can easily be mistaken, perhaps especially today, both by those practicing it and those practiced for. Ben Sira, author of the book of Sirach, gives special attention to physicians—as well as to practitioners of all crafts—and their place in life. His consideration is rooted in a profoundly rich worldview. The world itself is an incarnation of wisdom, a masterpiece of order that shows forth the mind of God. “The Lord himself created wisdom… he poured her out upon all his works.” And further, every human person can not only discover this order but also enter into it by participating in it and enacting it.

On Eve of Becciu Hearing, Pope Tells Vatican Judges: ‘Listen to Everyone’

On%20eve%20of%20Becciu%20hearing%2C%20Pope%20Francis%20tells%20Vatican%20judges%3A%20%u2018Listen%20to%20everyone%u2019%20%7C%20Catholic%20News%20Agency: On the eve of the Vatican’s trial of Cardinal Angelo Becciu for fraud, Pope Francis spoke to the city state’s court system about the importance of working together and listening to everyone to ensure a fair process. Synodality in judicial matters, the pope said on March 12, “means that all the participants in the process ... are called to contribute to the ascertainment of the truth through the adversarial process, the confrontation of arguments and the careful examination of evidence.”

What’s next for the Russian priests who asked if Putin will be damned for invading Ukraine?

Podcast%3A%20What%27s%20next%20for%20Russian%20priests%20who%20asked%20if%20Putin%20will%20be%20damned%20for%20invading%20Ukraine%3F%20%u2014%20GetReligionMATTINGLY: The following is not a “whataboutism” comparison between Joe Biden and Vladimir Putin or an attempt to find some kind of moral equivalence between their policies and actions. What I am doing is making a comment about what journalists can and cannot know about a leader’s public and private religious convictions. This is a key theme in this week’s “Crossroads” podcast (CLICK HERE to tune that in) about religious issues linked to Putin’s invasion of Ukraine. The big idea is that politicians in a variety of cultures are skilled, when it comes to using religious themes and symbols. First, what do we know about Biden’s Catholic beliefs?