‘Living proof that God is Catholic’
This is just fantastic. Bono pays tribute to Frank Sinatra at the 1994 Grammys. Best. Intro. Ever. Bono reportedly scribbled
In two years, he doubled the number of priestly vocations in his diocese. What’s his secret?
He believes young people need to know that 'God is calling them after a purpose — whatever God has created
The important quality we are missing today: humility
This essay caught my eye yesterday, and I think the author, Frank Bruni, is on to something: We live in
‘A shepherd doesn’t run’: Homily for April 21, 2024, 4th Sunday of Easter
He was born in Okarche, Oklahoma in 1935. His parents, Franz and Gertrude Rother, were farmers. They gave their son
On women deacons: ‘The pope wants to listen…’
This short video from Rome Reports caught my eye this morning. It features an interview with theologian Linda Pocher, one
FBI probe finds no ‘malicious intent’ toward Catholics
From The New York Times: A memo by the F.B.I. warning of possible threats posed by “radical-traditionalist” Catholics violated professional
See you in Rome: Join me on pilgrimage for the Jubilee for Deacons
I am so looking forward to this. After months of planning, the pieces are finally in place. I'm pleased to
‘Where did food pantries come from?’
My friend Tony Rossi looks at a subject that should be of interest to a lot of people involved in
Assyrian bishop stabbed, blesses his attacker while bleeding
From CNN: A bishop was among several people reportedly stabbed at a church service in Sydney, Australia on Monday –
Hold on for dear life: experiencing the Storm at Sea with Jesus like never before
That's just one part of the extraordinary art exhibit called "Frameless" that's been playing in London for several months now.
Survey: Approval of pope slips; most Catholics believe some teachings should change
From NCR: Three-quarters of U.S. Catholics view Pope Francis favorably, but that figure is down 8 percentage points from 2021
UPDATE: Man accused of stealing cash while posing as priest arrested
You may remember this story from last month. He's been caught in California: A New York man who was allegedly
How common is religious fasting?
With Ramadan coming to an end (and Lent just recently past), the good people at the Pew Research Center decided
UPDATE: New allegations against Father Rupnik filed in Rome
The story just keeps getting worse: Five new complaints of alleged abuse committed by Father Marko Rupnik have been presented
Franciscan priest from Atlanta named bishop of Charlotte — UPDATED with video
From The Catholic Herald: The Diocese of Charlotte today announced that longtime Bishop Peter J. Jugis, 67, is retiring due
New Vatican document condemns widespread threats to human dignity
The new document seeks to elevate a number of social themes emphasized by Pope Francis during his decade-long papacy —
Wisconsin bishop accuses Viganò of ‘public defamation’
Details: A Wisconsin bishop has publicly rebuked the former apostolic nuncio to the United States, accusing him of defamation and
Boom: Diocese of Charlotte to build new cathedral
Among 193 Catholic cathedrals across the U.S., 15 have been built or expanded within the past 40 years – including
A worldwide phenomenon: fewer priests and consecrated religious, more deacons
The number of permanent deacons continued to show significant evolutionary dynamics. In 2022, the number improved in all continents at
Coming next week: Vatican document on human dignity, sex-change surgery, surrogacy
Details: The Vatican’s top doctrinal office next week will unveil a new declaration on the theme of human dignity, one
Tammy Peterson: Joining the Church and feeling ‘at home’
This is a short but potent video, featuring the wife of Jordan Peterson. She talks about her experience of coming
Kansas will honor Servant of God Father Emil Kapaun
Excellent news: A Catholic priest from the Diocese of Wichita who served as an Army chaplain in World War II
What does Easter feel like?: Homily for Easter 2024
I'm late getting to this, but now that I'm preaching somewhat regularly again, I hope I can post my homilies
Megyn Kelly’s Good Friday confession: the challenges of going through an annulment
The former Fox and NBC anchor now hosts a show on Sirius XM. And during a conversation with Bishop Robert
Russian Orthodox Church issues document condemning Fiducia Supplicans
Details from Zenit: The Moscow Patriarchate Orthodox Church published a document titled “On the Orthodox Attitude towards the New Practice
Bad numbers on Good Friday
Catholics continue to lose more members than they gain, though the retention rate for Hispanic Catholics is somewhat higher. A
In a first, pope washes feet of women only
From CNN: Pope Francis on Thursday has washed the feet of 12 women at a prison in Rome during a ceremony emphasizing
When the pews go empty: church attendance dropping
From Axios: Vermont (75%), New Hampshire (66%) and Maine (66%) have the highest share of adults who say they never
Want deacons at the Synod? Add your name, send a message
Deacon Dom Cerrato, editor of The Deacon, has asked me to spread the word about this item, recently posted on
Nicholas Sandmann update: SCOTUS declines to hear ‘cancel culture’ case
You may remember the name Nicholas Sandmann from the Catholic high school student's confrontation with a Native American a few
Catholic Charities reports threats to staffers are on the rise
From RNS: The man who left a recording on Appaswamy “Vino” Pajanor’s voicemail earlier this month spoke with an even
The excommunication of Deacon Peyton
Our Sunday Visitor has the details: A permanent deacon in the Diocese of Lafayette, Louisiana, whose then-teenage son was molested by
A deacon’s lament: The empty chair at the Synod table
With the news that the next Synod gathering will include five U.S. priests, Deacon Bill Ditewig reflects on the continuing
Five U.S. priests chosen to attend Synod meeting
Details: The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) announced Wednesday the names of five parish priests who have been selected
FIRST LOOK: ‘Wildcat,’ a film about the haunted, haunting world of Flannery O’Connor
This just dropped, and it's fascinating. Details: Wildcat is a 2023 American biographical drama film about American novelist Flannery O'Connor struggling to publish her first novel.
Boom: Diocese of Columbus doubles its number of seminarians in two years
From Vatican News: “When I was installed as bishop almost two years, there were no ordinations to the priesthood in
‘The quiet member of the Holy Family has much to say, if we are willing to listen.’: Why St. Joseph matters
He teaches us that silence is golden—and that the quiet ones, the shy ones, can sometimes change the world. In
Vatican: Women deacons, not celibacy, on the docket for Synod study
From Crux: Organizers of Pope Francis’s ongoing Synod of Bishops on Synodality announced Thursday that ten different working groups had
Pope: If I resign, I want to be known as the ‘Bishop Emeritus of Rome’
From Vatican News: The Italian newspaper “Corriere della Sera” releases several passages from Pope Francis’ autobiographical book entitled "Life. My
Father of lies: Man accused of stealing cash while posing as a priest
Be aware and alert: A man accused of posing as a priest to steal money may have also stolen from
‘If you are looking for a movie about how saints actually look, how ordinary the extraordinary is, then this is the movie to see’
I haven't had an opportunity to see “Cabrini” yet, but my friend Gerard Nadal has, and posted this take on
So how did ‘Cabrini’ do at the box office?
A press release from Carmel Communications: Angel Studios — a platform and studio empowering filmmakers to crowdfund, create and distribute
In honor of St. Patrick: Make this incredible soda bread! Your priests will thank you.
It happens every year around this time: thoughtful, well-meaning people cart large amounts of carb-enriched food to rectories, knock on
Want a little inspiration for the Year of Prayer? I know a guy.
Actually, I know a few. There are plenty of resources out there to help spark prayerful ideas for this year,
France makes history, guaranteeing right to abortion in its constitution
From The New York Times: French legislators on Monday voted to explicitly enshrine access to abortion in the Constitution, making
Church Militant to shut down next month
This news was first circulating late last week, following a high profile legal settlement — and months after its founder
‘You want a summary of what Lent is about? This is it.’
From my OSV News reflection this week: Incredibly, we’re already entering the third week of Lent. The ashes are a
‘The State of Texas killed Ivan Cantu. I was there with him…’
Yesterday, Sister Helen Prejean posted the following on her Facebook page: The State of Texas killed Ivan Cantu last night.
Helping the helpers: a great idea for Lent
I'm visiting Christ the Redeemer Catholic Church in Houston, Texas this week, preaching a Lenten mission, and I was impressed
Slaughter: Catholics killed in Burkina Faso while gathered for prayer
From the BBC: At least 15 people have been killed and two others injured following an attack on a Catholic
Pope Francis: ‘The diaconate does not disappear with priesthood’
"To serve, dear friends, is a verb that refuses all abstraction: to serve means to be available, to renounce living
The Lent Marathon: Houston, we have a Kandra
The journey continues! Heading out the door shortly to hop a flight to Houston and the second stop of my
Words for a broken world: ‘Go, get reconciled, and then come back’
A friend shared this with me this morning and I think it speaks to a lot of us right now.
Texas AG targets Catholic nonprofit, alleging it facilitates illegal immigration
Details: Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is trying to shut down a Catholic nonprofit organization in El Paso based on
After Rome intervenes, cardinal warns of schism
From OSV News: Cardinal Christoph Schönborn of Vienna warned of schism as German bishops want to keep to their reform
So, Cardinal Dolan, what do you think about that controversial funeral at the cathedral?
OSV News has the answer: Five days after mourners filled the iconic St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York for an
From the studio that brought you ‘The Chosen’ comes a new series: ‘Testament’
It's actually based on the success of a 2022 film by the same name, which imagined the parables retold in
‘Deacons are usually the first to arrive and the last to leave church…’
Atlanta's Auxiliary Bishop John Tran had the privilege of ordaining eight new deacons for the archdiocese earlier this month, and
St. Patrick’s holds reparations Mass after controversial funeral of Cecilia Gentili
This story made headlines yesterday, and it didn't take long for the cathedral in New York City to respond: The
The Lent Marathon begins
So I'm here at MCO (Orlando International Airport) at 4:13 am, about to begin what I'm calling my Lent Marathon:
St. Patrick’s Cathedral hosts funeral for transgender self-professed atheist
From The New York Times: The pews of St. Patrick’s Cathedral were packed on Thursday for an event with no
Wahlberg to Colbert: “Your lovely wife will tell you when you’re not ‘prayed up’ enough”
The actor and Hallow pitchman appeared on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert Wednesday night — complete with ashes on
Catholic mother of two killed in Super Bowl parade shooting
“She was full of joy all the time, no matter where she was.” Awful news. Please remember this mother and
Pope Francis: He gets it
There's been a lot of discussion online this week about the controversial "He Gets Us" ads that popped up during
How can you help your children stay Catholic?
A new study from CARA has some insight. From OSV News: The study found that participants from these families generally
The Pope said WHAT?!
The item below has been floating around social media for the last couple of days: People have reacted with variations
Jesus scores: Religious ads stand out at Super Bowl; Hallow sees record spike
From CNA: The Catholic prayer app Hallow aired its first-ever commercial during Super Bowl LVIII, which saw the Kansas City
The priest shortage in the U.S. could get a lot worse. And soon.
Because of changes to federal immigration processes, thousands of priests, brothers, and religious sisters across the country could have to
‘Stay prayed up’: Watch the Wahlberg-Roumie Super Bowl ad
Here it is: Mark Wahlberg and Jonathan Roumie promoting the popular app Hallow. This may be the most proudly "Catholic"
New ‘He Gets Us’ ads premiere during Super Bowl
Details: After making a splash on America's biggest secular holiday with two ads during last year's Super Bowl, "He Gets Us" is
Opening today: Padre Pio chapel in Kansas containing first-class relic
Details: A foundation dedicated to spreading devotion to St. Pio of Pietrelcina, better known as Padre Pio, is set to
Theologian: Pope Francis is ‘very much in favor’ of women deacons
Color me skeptical — more on that below — but here is a report from the website of the Catholic
The OTHER vocation: A homily for World Marriage Day
Married life is God extending Himself through time, continuing what began when He first called forth light and life. The
From New Orleans: St. Thomas More’s Prayer for Good Humor
The great Barbara Golder brought this to my attention, and it deserves a wider audience. As New Orleans prepares for
Hallow Super Bowl ad features Mark Wahlberg, Jonathan Roumie
From NCR: Catholic prayer and meditation app is hoping to inspire more than a Hail Mary pass or a bended
Pope Francis: ‘Welcome’ is at the heart of ‘Fiducia supplicans’
"No one is scandalized if I give a blessing to an entrepreneur who perhaps exploits people: and this is a
Ordination update: 8 new deacons for Atlanta
It happened on Saturday, February 3: Auxiliary Bishop John Nhàn Trần ordained 8 new permanent deacons for the Archdiocese of
Bueller? Bueller? Deacon? Deacon?
Remember that scene from Ferris Bueller's Day Off? A teacher (played memorably and all-too-perfectly by Ben Stein) takes attendance at
Joni Mitchell’s great epistle: ‘I really don’t know life at all…’
A few years back, I presided at a wedding where the bride did something unusual: she asked her great aunt
‘Observance of both matter and form has always been required for the validity’ of sacraments
"We ministers are required to have the strength to overcome the temptation to feel like owners of the Church." The
Fired Catholic CVS employee sues, claiming religious discrimination
Details from RNS: A former CVS Health employee filed a federal lawsuit in Florida against the company after she was
A standing ovation for Jesus on ‘The View’
On Wednesday, actor Jonathan Roumie paid a visit to the daytime talk show to plug the season premiere of "The
Florida priest and his sister killed in shooting spree
From OSV News: A retired Florida Catholic priest and his sister were killed in a multi-location rampage that also took
What’s up with that?: Answering the most-asked questions about sisters
Got questions about sisters? Here are answers! Two Sisters of Life sat down to answer the internet's top questions about
Pope Francis emphasizes: Bless the persons, not the union
"These blessings, outside of any liturgical context and form, do not require moral perfection to be received." He had a
Diocese of Pittsburgh to put armed guards in schools
From The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: The Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh on Thursday said they would be staffing armed officers in schools
UPDATE: With all that’s happening in the Holy Land, Greece is the word
As many of you know, I was going to be leading a pilgrimage to the Holy Land this May, hot
And then there were ‘nones’: A closer look at the largest cohort in the U.S.
Photo by Tim Foster on Unsplash Details: When Americans are asked to check a box indicating their religious affiliation, 28%
Farewell to a gentleman and a giant, Charles Osgood
A great writer has died: Charles Osgood, a legend at CBS News. He was 91. Among the many blessings in
‘Groundbreaking’: Iowa to ordain its first black American priest
H/T to Deacon Steven Greydanus for finding and sharing this press release: In a historic moment for the Catholic community,
Let us pray: Pope announces Year of Prayer ahead of 2025 Jubilee
Details: Pope Francis announced the start of a Year of Prayer on Sunday in preparation for the Catholic Church’s 2025
Shock: Bishop Dorsonville dies unexpectedly at 63
I've been on the road and am finally getting around to this sad news: Bishop Mario Dorsonville of the Diocese
Georgia on my mind
If anyone is around Atlanta Friday and Saturday and has nothing better to do, here's an idea. I'm giving a
Worth your time: ‘Can prayer empty hell?’
Here is faith, hope and love. This comes from Sister Gabriela of the Incarnation, a cloistered Discalced Carmelite whose life
Ordination update: 9 new deacons for Grand Rapids
From the diocesan website: Nine men, members of the Parmenas class of deacon candidates, were ordained deacons for the Diocese
‘It was the culmination of a journey’: Watch video of Shia LaBeouf’s confirmation
Bishop Robert Barron posted this video on YouTube Friday. Related: Dear Shia: So you want to be a deacon. Great.
Pope meets with clergy of Rome, discusses blessing of same-sex couples
From Vatican News: A "missionary land." This was how Pope Francis described the Diocese of Rome on Saturday morning. He
‘It’s a shame you’re a woman, Mother. You would have made an excellent man.’
I don't know how I missed this trailer when it first came out last year, but this looks like something
Martin Scorsese discusses new film about Jesus
"I’m trying to find a new way to make it more accessible and take away the negative onus of what
Courage: Amid kidnappings and detentions, Nicaragua ordains 9 new priests
Since 20 December, at least 14 priests, two seminarians and the Bishop of Siuna, Isidoro del Carmen Mora Ortega, have
Vatican official: Time to ‘discuss seriously’ a married priesthood
It's a little ambiguous what he's talking about, but please read my footnote at the bottom. Details: The Church should
Dear Shia: So you want to be a deacon. Great. Here’s some advice.
Dear Shia, Well, let me just start out by saying: Congratulations on completing your journey into the Catholic Church! Welcome!
BREAKING: Vatican clarifies application of blessings in ‘irregular situations’
"We are talking about something that lasts about 10 or 15 seconds. Does it make sense to deny these kinds
Deacons, don’t forget this…!
UPDATE: You can find a good rendition for 2024 with all the applicable dates right here. It's that time again:
The hope and promise of Catholic Finland: ‘The distances are huge…but there’s a lot of love among us Christians’
"I told Pope Francis I want to be a shepherd who smells like reindeer, and he laughed quite a bit."
Happy New Year, Happy New Catholic: actor Shia LaBeouf confirmed New Year’s Eve — UPDATED
From Our Sunday Visitor: An actor who recently portrayed a beloved saint on screen has now fully come into the
Worth your time: Five Helps for the New Year
H/T to Father Daniel Gordon Dozier, my Byzantine sibling, who posted this on January 1. It comes from Bishop Michael
‘Grace is everywhere’: a homily for the Feast of the Holy Family
Here is part of my first homily for this weekend's feast, delivered just after Christmas 2007. I had the good
Cardinal Burke after meeting with Pope: ‘Well, I’m still alive’
From Reuters: Conservative American Cardinal Raymond Burke, one of Pope Francis' fiercest critics, had his first private audience with the
A Prayer for the Christmas Season
Heavenly Father, as we live these days of gratitude and grace, celebrating the birth of your son, guide our hearts
A little St. Stephen’s Day gift for you: a fresh and inspiring look at ‘The Chosen’ on CBS News
If, like a lot of us, you had other things to do on the morning of Christmas Eve — Mass,
‘To God, who changed history in the course of a census, you are not a number, but a face’
"Sisters and brothers, let us marvel at the fact that he 'became flesh' (Jn 1:14). Flesh: the very word evokes
You need to see this: some famous Britons, including the King, read ‘A Visit from St. Nicholas’
Who would imagine these famous faces and voices from Across the Pond would collaborate to read arguably the most famous
WATCH: Powerful Nativity scene shows ‘God under the rubble in Gaza’
From The New York Times: There will be no musical festivities. No tree-lighting ceremony. No extravagant decorations that normally bedeck
The Pillar: Cardinal Fernández speaks out about his declaration on same-sex blessings
"Even if there was some kind of sexual relationship, known or not, the blessing made in this way does not
Quiet talks, loud resistance: Inside the pope’s decision on same-sex blessings
From The New York Times: As liberals celebrate and same-sex couples begin receiving public blessings, some are wondering why the
Vocation crisis: Irish diocese to use laity to lead funeral services
From CNA: More than 40 laymen and laywomen in the Diocese of Clogher in the north of Ireland will soon
What does a blessing of couples in ‘irregular situations’ look like?
The New York Times offers one answer, from an event arranged by Father James Martin Tuesday morning: As a Jesuit
Worth your time: Rocco Palmo on ‘The Real Scandal’ from a 2015 footnote
The reclusive grandfather of the Catholic blogosphere posted this item to his X (formerly Twitter) feed, noting, "[The] Pope's acrostic
LISTEN: ‘O Come, O Come Emmanuel’ sung in English, Hebrew and Arabic over Jerusalem
This comes from the One for Israel Ministry. The description: In this time of war we wanted to join together
‘The man of sorrow, acquainted with grief’: First look at the next season of ‘The Chosen’
Just in time for Christmas, here's a glimpse of Holy Week. Check this out: the official trailer for Season 4
Vatican approves some blessings for couples in ‘irregular’ situations — UPDATED
"The Church does not have the power to confer its liturgical blessing when that would somehow offer a form of
Homily for Gaudete Sunday: ‘The color rose is a sign of life in a place that is parched…’
From the vault: My homily for the 3rd Sunday of Advent from 2013. The first thing to know is that
Ordination update: 18 new deacons for St. Paul and Minneapolis
From the diocesan Facebook page: Eighteen men were ordained permanent deacons for the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis at
Pope reveals his funeral plans — including where he will be buried
Details from Crux: While insisting that he continues to improve and has no present plans to resign, Pope Francis nevertheless
Behold: the Vatican’s Nativity scene for 2023, featuring St. Francis of Assisi
On one side of the manger, Mary kneels, flanked by Joseph, while on the other side, St. Francis of Assisi
‘The Lord is with you’: a powerful message of Mary
To all who might feel alone or lonely, to all who might feel helpless or hopeless, to those who might
UK study: church lockdowns during pandemic caused mental, physical harm
From The Catholic Herald: The closure of Catholic churches during the 2020 lockdown contributed to widespread mental and physical suffering,
RIP: Shane MacGowan, Catholic
From The New York Times: Shane MacGowan, the brilliant but chaotic former songwriter and frontman for the Pogues who reinvigorated
The New York Times: Pope’s critics feel the sting after his patience runs out
While some have wondered whether his ailing health might be driving his actions, Francis, who from the beginning said he
Pavone, Priests for Life file FOIA request on FBI targeting conservative Catholics
From Crux: Almost a year after the FBI’s supposed targeting of traditional Catholics came to light, a conservative Catholic organization,
Reports: Pope Francis to evict Cardinal Burke from his Vatican home — UPDATED
Reports started circulating about this story earlier this week, and now it's hit The New York Times: Almost as soon
Vatican draws a line, warns German bishops of ‘disciplinary consequences’
The letter warned of “disciplinary consequences” for those who contravene doctrine, including potential excommunication for “attempting to ordain a woman."
Baltimore cathedral restores use of high altar
From Deacon Fritz Bauerschmidt at the blog Pray Tell: Though the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen in Baltimore was dedicated
Just pray it: NBA player launches sneakers with Bible verses as alternative to Nike
Details: Jonathan Isaac, an NBA player who may be best known for missing more than two seasons in a row as he
This could be the best ad of the season — or, maybe, the decade
Every now and then, an ad transcends marketing and becomes someething more. This is one of those ads. From Chevrolet,
Pope to media: ‘You are called to protect the dignity of people’
This hasn't gotten much attention, but it deserves a thoughtful reading, especially among those of us who work in the
Report: Priest who fled to Italy with teenage girl has legally married her
From The Guardian: A Roman Catholic priest in Alabama who was investigated by law enforcement after fleeing to Europe with a
Michael Voris resigns from Church Militant — UPDATED
The statement: Fellow Catholics, Church Militant/St. Michael's Media was founded as a bastion of Catholic truth and a light to
One bishop’s advice for the Vatican: ‘Get it out of Italy. It’s too Roman.’
From Crux: In a local television interview, the new archbishop-in-waiting of the Archdiocese of Hartford, Connecticut, said that if there
Pope Francis expresses concern about direction of German church
From CNA: Pope Francis has expressed deep reservations about the direction of the Catholic Church in Germany, warning that concrete
Ordination update: 5 new deacons for London, Ontario
The announcement of the November 18 ordination at St. Peter's Cathedral from the diocesan website: With great joy, the Diocese
Bishop Strickland: ‘I’d do it the same way again’
Soon after being removed as the bishop of Tyler, Texas, Joseph Strickland gave a brief interview to John-Henry Westen of
Stunning: ‘Bring Them Home’ recorded to draw attention to Gaza hostages
A prayer for a Saturday night. Details: Broadway performers have recorded a rendition of the song Bring Him Home from the famed
BREAKING: Bishop Strickland out — UPDATED
From the USCCB: Pope Francis has relieved the Most Reverend Joseph E. Strickland from the pastoral governance of the Diocese
Lay people authorized to perform baptisms in German diocese — UPDATED
Details: Twenty-six non-ordained theologians have been authorized to administer the sacrament of baptism in church liturgies for the first time
Vatican: Transgender people can be baptized, witness marriages
Details: The Vatican’s doctrine office has said an adult who identifies as transgender can receive the sacrament of baptism under
‘A pure lie’: Canon lawyer denies involvement in papal election reform
Following up on this report from last week, CNA has this: A cardinal and canon lawyer has denied reports that
How a retired Chicago priest lost his life savings in a scam targeting the elderly
Let this serve as a cautionary tale: The Rev. Robert Banzin had saved up about $61,000, which he planned to
‘If you think you don’t have a vocation, you are wrong’
This is Vocations Awareness Week. Sunday, the priest at Mass encouraged us all to pray for vocations. Some years back,
Report: Pope Francis considering reforms to papal election process
From The Pillar: Pope Francis has delegated Cardinal Gianfranco Ghirlanda to develop draft revisions to the papal election process, in
Must-read: ‘Why are you hopeful?’
"I have a deep joy at the bottom of my soul because Christ called me to be a priest. Nobody
Rob Schneider: ‘I am a new convert to Catholicism’
The comedian and former SNL star posted this message two days ago on X (formerly Twitter): I want thank ALL
Something beautiful and unexpected today: Litany of the Saints
My wife and I dropped by Corpus Christi parish in Celebration, Florida for Mass today and encountered something wonderful. The
For All Saints Day: ‘What do you ask of God’s church?’
From the vault: my homily for All Saints Day from 2015 ... When I’m doing a baptism, the first question
A priest’s reversal: ‘I was wrong. Father Rupnik’s art must go’
An important read, from Father Patrick Briscoe in Our Sunday Visitor: Last December, when news started to come to light
Looking for a good homily resource? Check this out.
It's called simply: SundayMassReadings.org. Take a look. Then bookmark it. You can thank me later. For several years now, a
Cardinal McElroy: ‘Do we need to reimagine the diaconate?’
An interesting take from NCR. U.S. Cardinals Blaise Cupich and Robert McElroy sat down for an interview after the synod
On humility, gratitude, and being content in the shadows
I caught this story this morning after we returned home from Mass and I thought: there's wonderful wisdom here for
Synod issues report calling for continued research on women deacons
The possibility of ordaining women, it says, was considered "unacceptable" by some assembly members "because they consider it a discontinuity
Twins baptize twins: ‘We just thought that was the coolest thing in the world’
This is awesome, from CNA: Twins Gianna and Andrew Renwick were born on July 18, each weighing slightly less than
What will the final synod document say about women deacons?
The Pillar got hold of a draft text and noted this: It is not clear whether synod delegates will debate
BREAKING: Pope lifts statute of limitations to allow prosecution of Rupnik
Over the last few days, developments in the Rupnik case generated a lot of ink and a considerable amount of
Pope Francis: ‘Holy Orders is reserved for men’
Does this settle the question? Details: Pope Francis reaffirmed the impossibility of women becoming priests, or even modern Church deacons,
Report: Disgraced Father Rupnik returns to priestly ministry in Slovenia
From The Catholic Herald: Marko Ivan Rupnik, a former Jesuit who has been at the centre of controversy amidst accusations
‘A cohort of nuns favoring female ordination has formed at the synod’
RNS has the story, one I haven't seen reported elsewhere: Discussions about women’s ordination to the priesthood have become livelier
Ordination update: 2 new deacons for Portland
From the Archdiocese of Portland (Oregon) Facebook page: Congratulations to Deacon William Becker and Deacon Mario Magaña, ordained to the
A rally in Raleigh: Behold, the Holy Spirit at work
Well, first I want to thank everyone who prayed for me yesterday. My presentation at the Eucharistic Congress in the
A message for this moment: ‘Dona Nobis Pacem’
My friend Tony Rossi of The Christophers posted this little flashback today, in remembrance of actor William Christopher, who entered
GUEST POST: For World Mission Sunday, a deacon reflects on his mission in Uganda
Deacon Don Grossnickle from the Archdiocese of Chicago offers his thoughts on his unique ministry and mission ahead of World
When Francis met Whoopi
"Sister Mary Clarence" got to meet the Holy Father — and the woman who made that sister come alive in
What are you hearing?: Study will look at the neuroscience of preaching
Some of you may remember my work with a project called Preaching with the Sciences at Chicago's Catholic Theological Union.
Ordination update: 19 new deacons for Orange
From the diocese's Facebook page: The Diocese of Orange is thrilled to welcome 19 Deacons to our community! Ordained by
Heroism: Jerusalem Patriarch offers to be exchanged for Gaza hostages
From Reuters: Pope Francis' representative in the Holy Land said on Monday he was willing to exchange himself for Israeli
‘Everything seems to speak of death’: A call for prayer and fasting for peace
A letter to the world from the Patriarch of Jerusalem: Dear brothers and sisters, May the Lord indeed give us
An update from the road
Greetings from (let me quickly check)...DeWitt, Michigan! I'm here at the lovely St. Francis Retreat Center, in the Diocese of
Archbishop Cordileone issues statement praising Dianne Feinstein
From America: The archbishop of San Francisco, Salvatore Cordileone, released a lengthy statement on Thursday, praising the late Senator Dianne Feinstein’s “civility”
Debating the question of women deacons at the synod
A good overview of the issue, from OSV News: As the Synod on Synodality opens Oct. 4 in Rome, among
Pope opens Synod, declaring ‘Let us walk together: humble, fervent and joyful’
Pope Francis preached the homily below at the Mass in St. Peter's Square for the opening of the synod. The
A Prayer to St. Francis of Assisi
— From A Deacon Prays: Prayers for Liturgy and Life
More priests and bishops like this, please: ‘The only ladder I want to climb is to eternal life’
"We’re here for Jesus and I will do whatever he asks me to do, and Pope Francis is the Vicar
Wouldn’t you love to visit Italy with Bill Ditewig?
This is your chance! The legendary uber-deacon (and, I confess, a good friend and mentor) is leading a pilgrimage to
The New York Times on Strickland and the pope
The Times is taking notice. Details: This year alone, Bishop Joseph Strickland of Tyler, Texas, has accused the pope of undermining
‘The service of diaconal ministry finds its identity in evangelization’
On the weekend when Archbishop Christophe Pierre became Cardinal Christophe Pierre, I thought it would be useful to recall what
Ordination update: 14 new deacons for Baltimore
Thanks to Baltimore Deacon Chuck Hoppe for this news: Just want to ensure you were tracking the 14 men that
‘The College of Cardinals is called to resemble a symphony orchestra’
Below, the homily of Pope Francis at Saturday's consistory for creating new cardinals. Thinking of this celebration and particularly of
The Archdiocese of Baltimore files for bankruptcy
Details: he Archdiocese of Baltimore declared bankruptcy on Friday several weeks after warning it might do so in response to
CARA study on Eucharist: 64% of Catholics believe in the Real Presence
From OSV News: Almost two-thirds of Catholics believe in the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist, but only 17
RIP Brooks Robinson, Baltimore legend and Catholic
'I couldn't be happier being a Catholic. It’s worked out well for me and it’s been a good impression on
The pope’s next document on the environment: ‘Praise God’
From CNA: Pope Francis’ new document on the environment, to be released Oct. 4, will be called Laudate Deum. The pope
Mass appeal: how long should Mass be?
I'm in Nantucket this weekend, where it's cold and drizzly and about a hundred people are gathering for a black
Spanish diocese adds a new condition for baptisms
From Zenit: The Diocese of Getafe, located in the Madrid region of Spain, is implementing a new pathway for parents
Milestone: Indianapolis marks 15 years since first permanent deacons were ordained
“Back in the early days, the question from the pastors was, ‘What do I do with this guy?’ Now, the
Diocese of Rome praises Rupnik center, raises doubts about excommunication
Details from Crux: Despite being expelled in July from his Jesuit order over charges of sexual, spiritual and psychological abuse,
Deacons at the front lines, serving new arrivals in New York’s migrant crisis
Via America, here's a glimpse of some New York City deacons doing what deacons do, as migrants continue to pour
Ordination update: 10 new deacons for Boston
From The Boston Pilot: When he was young, Deacon Rafael Bautista lived a life of self-described "wildness" in his native
The Pillar: Where in the world are permanent deacons?
Good question! Luke Coppen and Brendan Hodge have an excellent answer and overview: In an Aug. 17 letter conveying the
Bishop Strickland: ‘I cannot resign the mandate given to me by Pope Benedict the XVI’
The bishop of Tyler is speaking out about the recent reports saying he may be asked to resign. He answered
He survived 9/11 — and out of that came his vocation to the diaconate
This resonates for me in so many ways. But Paul Carris' experience of 9/11 was far more personal, intimate and
And now, Switzerland
From AP: A sweeping, year-long study of sex abuse by Catholic priests and others in Switzerland published Tuesday has turned
Cleveland pastor reassigned after controversial homily
Details: A longtime pastor in Bay Village has been reassigned to a church in Brunswick just months after a man
9/11
Below, I continue a tradition and re-post my homily from 9/11/11, commemorating the 10-year anniversary of the attacks on our
This old house: Is it time to rethink rectories?
A priest, Father Joe Laramie. S.J., weighs in over at America: For over 100 years, the rectory has been a
Hundreds march to protest proposed California Planned Parenthood facility
Here's something you don't hear about every day: A proposal has been made for a new Planned Parenthood facility in
Must-see: A moving glimpse into the heroic lives of the Ulma family
This is something to see: a short film about the family that will make history this weekend, when every member
Research identifies thousands of Jews hidden by Catholic religious in Rome
From CNA: Research in the archive of the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome has uncovered a list of the names
Report: Abortions rose in first half of 2023
Details: Legal abortions most likely increased in the United States in the first six months of the year compared with
Bishop Strickland on women deacons
The controversial and outspoken Bishop Joseph Strickland of Tyler, Texas — recently the subject of an apostolic visitation from the
Did you know there’s a cathedral named for Mother Teresa?
There is! On this, her feast day, want to pay a visit? I posted about it shortly after it was
Between rest and action: in praise of Jimmy Buffett, Catholic
Leave it to Elizabeth Scalia to put into words so perfectly what I've been thinking about the life and death
On flight home from Mongolia, Pope Francis talks about upcoming synod
From CNA: On his in-flight press conference returning from Mongolia on Monday, Pope Francis outlined his vision for the upcoming
For Labor Day: What the world needs now…
I remember watching this as it happened 47 years ago: a moment of pop culture history that made headlines around
No, Pope Francis did not say that!
You've probably seen it floating around social media: an eloquent reflection on happiness from a "recent speech" by Pope Francis.
Coming next month: an Apostolic Letter on St. Thérèse of Lisieux
From CNA: On board the plane taking him to Mongolia, Pope Francis announced Aug. 31 that he is preparing an
Meet Mark Thompson, the Catholic who will soon be running CNN
This phrase caught my eye when I read about the new head of the cable news network: Mr. Thompson, a
‘Detestable’: Bishop Hubbard’s family slams funeral homily
From The Albany Times-Union: The 13 nieces and nephews of Albany Bishop Emeritus Howard J. Hubbard, who died last week,
Pope Francis: ‘The situation in the United States is not easy…there is a reactionary attitude’
'The view of church doctrine as a monolith is wrong.' From NCR: Pope Francis blasted what he described as groups
“I’m a ‘none,’ but I want to be something…”
From The Washington Post, columnist Perry Bacon, Jr. reflects on his journey away from organized religion: I'm currently a “none”
Ordination update: 11 new deacons for San Bernardino
It happened Saturday at Holy Family Family Catholic Church in Hesperia, California. The new deacons ordained by Bishop Alberto Rojas
Banned: Nicaragua expels Jesuits, confiscates assets
Details: Despite worldwide protests and condemnation, the Sandinista regime’s crackdown against the Catholic Church and opposition continues unabated. After expelling
Cardinal Burke: Synod could lead to schism
Details via Crux: In the foreword to a new booklet by a conservative group criticizing Pope Francis’s looming Synod of
Meet Dexter, a stand-up kind of guy
This is so worth your time: an inspiring profile of a dog like no other, from the great Steve Hartman
The Synod, deacons and a ‘listening Church’
A great write-up from OSV News, with a few names you might recognize: When bishops, other delegates and observers gather
Texas Carmelites say they no longer recognize authority of bishop
From OSV News: A community of cloistered Carmelite nuns in Arlington, Texas, said they no longer recognize the authority of Bishop
UPDATE: Albany’s retired Bishop Hubbard dies at 84
From the Diocese of Albany: Bishop Emeritus Howard J. Hubbard, once the youngest bishop in the United States and known
The strange case of Father Crow
A recurring question in my mind: how was this allowed to happen? I mean, weren't there warning signs before he
Prayer for a house blessing
Heavenly Father: At the dawn of time, You gave mankind a home. You created a lasting homeland for your chosen
Ordination update: 5 new deacons for Norwich
It happened in Connecticut on July 7. The new deacons and their bishop are pictured in the cathedral: Ronald Krystofik,
Nicaragua blocks WYD priests from returning home
The persecution goes on: The dictatorship of Daniel Ortega prohibited two priests from returning to Nicaragua from Lisbon, Portugal, where
Have you checked out Preaching with the Sciences yet?
I have written about this project a couple times, most recently in the the spring of 2022: I was invited
From The New York Times: On ‘The Exorcist,’ heaven and hell
A compelling read by Matthew Walter, editor of The Lamp, on what a horror masterpiece has to say to a
What WYD pilgrims want: Unity, diversity — and the Latin Mass?
Photo from CNS/Synod Secretariat Another frequently repeated concern, 'always repeated with this idea of unity in diversity,' was greater access
If deacons can’t go to the Synod, they can still have an impact
As I've noted elsewhere, the conspicuous absence of deacons at this fall's synod meeting means an important voice in the
Ordination update: 2 new deacons for Greensburg
And they were ordained on the Feast of St. Lawrence! Bishop Larry Kulick — a Lawrence himself! — posted this
No applause in church? Wait until you see this.
'I want whoever reads the Guiness World Book to see that the longest applause was for Jesus.' A ministry in
A Fatima miracle? ‘I opened my eyes and I could see’
This is a remarkable story: “I opened my eyes and I could see perfectly,” said Jimena, a 16-year-old Spanish World
Pope Francis writes to the priests of Rome on the dangers of clericalism
The Holy See today published a lengthy letter from the pope, dated August 5, the Memorial of the Dedication of
Ordination update: 4 new deacons for Sioux City
From Deacon David LaMar, who sent this to be via Facebook: Congratulations to Will Fergen (Mater Dei Sioux City), Jeff
The pope’s new title for Mary: ‘Our Lady of Haste’
In Lisbon, Pope Francis offered this reflection after praying the rosary with World Youth Day pilgrims: We are here [as
San Francisco archdiocese braces for bankruptcy
'The Archdiocese would join a growing list of dioceses in the United States and California that have filed for protection
Pope Francis at WYD: The Church is for ‘Everyone, everyone, everyone’
There is a message here for all of us. Below is an excerpt from the Holy Father's homily Wednesday night
A Vatican ‘UFO cover-up’?
And now for something completely different. Newsweek is wondering if the Vatican knows something we don't: Pressure is growing on
Incorrupt body of St. Benedict Moor seriously damaged in fire
Details: The incorrupt body of St. Benedict the Moor, a 16th-century son of slaves who joined the Franciscans and would
Albany’s retired Bishop Hubbard marries in civil ceremony
Well, as a reader noted: here's something you don't see every day. From The Evangelist: After his request to be
A priest writes about what happened when he was ‘disenrolled’ from Catholic school
In response to Melinda Henneberger's column on a boy who was "disenrolled" from Catholic school, a priest in California wrote
‘Dechurched’: Why have millions of Americans stopped going to church?
The current issue of The Atlantic offers a compelling and challenging dissection of what's ailing America's Christians — and it
Concerns grow over extremist attacks on Christian monastery in Israel
Details from CNA: Extremist Israeli groups have on several occasions in recent weeks attempted to storm the Melkite Catholic Church
Fulton Sheen’s parish church demolished after collapse
From NPR: A historic church on Peoria's South Side was demolished for safety reasons on Saturday after sustaining a major
‘Catholic school kicks out boy to punish his mom’
Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist Melinda Henneberger of the Kansas City Star reports on a case unfolding now in Kansas City: Will
Vatican considers ‘indigenous liturgical adaptions’ from Mexico
Details: The Mexican Bishops’ Conference (CEM) has recently presented to the Vatican for its approval a series of Indigenous liturgical
Shattered: Russian missiles destroy historic Orthodox cathedral
"This is inhumanity,” said one city resident, Ludmila Partinchuk. Details: There are no longer walls behind the main altar of
And now, a word of thanks to St. Ann
Today is the feast of St. Ann (actually, St. Ann and St. Joachim, her husband). St. Ann, of course, is
Davenport’s Bishop Zinkula appointed to Dubuque
From The Holy See: The Holy Father has appointed Bishop Thomas Robert Zinkula, hitherto bishop of the diocese of Davenport,
Baltimore archbishop issues guidelines for ‘pastoral accompaniment’ of LGBT Catholics
One woman involved in LGBT ministry called the document 'bold, extraordinary and hopeful.' From Baltimore's Catholic Review: Ministry to LGBT
‘Priests should stop pushing deacons off to the side’
The deacon is a "man on the threshold", sacramentally ordained and totally immersed in society. Deacon Laurent Szymczak is a
Someone needs to turn this woman’s story into a movie
I'm thinking "Erin Brockovich" with a rosary. From The New York Times: Missy Sims carefully picked her way through a
Boffo: the stunning success of ‘Sound of Freedom’
Details from CNA: “Sound of Freedom,” an anti-human-trafficking film made by Catholic filmmakers Eduardo Verástegui and Alejandro Monteverde and starring
Four new auxiliary bishops for Los Angeles
From The Angelus: Pope Francis today appointed four local priests as new auxiliary bishops for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.
What’s missing from the synod? Deacons — UPDATED
The diaconate is an ordained ministry that is uniquely synodal in its nature and focus. Deacon Bill Ditewig takes aim
F.D.A. approves first over-the-counter contraceptive pill
Details: The Food and Drug Administration on Thursday approved a birth control pill to be sold without a prescription for the first
Some great thoughts on prayer, publishing and pondering what comes next
I mentioned to someone not long ago that while we are considering what women can or could bring to the
Two views of World Youth Day — UPDATED
"To believe in Jesus is to accept what he says, even when it runs contrary to what others are saying.
Interfaith America: An American Muslim sings the praises of Catholic sisters
This is worth your time: a conversation between Rev. Tish Harrison Warren — an Episcopal priest and regular contributor to
Pope announces 21 new cardinals, including one from the U.S.
This is what I get for sleeping in late on Sunday. While I was snoring away, dreaming of palm trees,
Vatican publishes list of Synod participants
Details: The Vatican published Friday the full list of participants who will take part in the upcoming Synod on Synodality
New doctrine chief: ‘I’m not a Soros spy’
'I try to be an honest person, I confess often, I love the Church and its doctrine, most of my
Pope establishes commission for ‘new martyrs’
"With this initiative, we do not intend to establish new criteria for the canonical ascertainment of martyrdom, but to continue
Israeli reporter poses as priest — and is spat at numerous times
From OSV News: A local Israeli reporter went undercover as a priest and was spat at several times while walking
Baby boom: Study finds abortion restrictions led to 9,800 more births in Texas
Details: The six-week abortion ban in Texas, which outlaws abortions after the detection of a fetal heartbeat, led to nearly
For 4th of July: Archbishop John Carroll’s Prayer for America
The following prayer was composed by Baltimore Archbishop John Carroll in 1791 for the inauguration of President George Washington. We pray, O
Honoring ‘The Compassion Man’
This is something else: a story from CBS News Correspondent David Begnaud with a message here for all of us
‘I’ve had a privileged view of the human condition’
Rabbi David Wolpe offers some reflections on the perspective of life that he has gained from being a rabbi —
‘The cross is our story’: Homily for July 2, 2023
A few people have asked me about this, so here it is: my farewell homily from the 11:15 Mass at
BREAKING: Pope names new head of doctrine office
This is big. Details: In an unexpected and highly significant move, Pope Francis has appointed the Argentine theologian and archbishop
When the priest forgets to say ‘You may kiss the bride’
This is priceless. h/t to Fr. Paul Sparklin for bringing this little bit o'light into my day. I needed this.
The crisis in Portland
Details: Archbishop Alexander Sample of Portland, Oregon, has closed his archdiocesan Department of Catholic Schools amid backlash over a new
A glimpse at plans for the new Notre-Dame
From Le Croix: Archbishop Laurent Ulrich of Paris has chosen Guillaume Bardet, a well-known French designer, to create the liturgical
Knoxville’s Bishop Stika resigns
From NCR: Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of Bishop Richard Stika, the embattled leader of the Diocese of Knoxville,
Authorities investigate Catholic church fire on Dobbs anniversary
Details: Investigators with the Orlando Fire Department are looking into what started a blaze at Incarnation Catholic Church in Orlando,
Burlington’s Bishop Christopher Coyne named co-adjutor for Hartford
From the Holy See daily bulletin: The Holy Father has appointed Bishop Christopher J. Coyne of Burlington, United States of
Report: Vatican concludes apostolic visitation to Diocese of Tyler
From Where Peter Is: Reports of an apostolic visitation in [Bishop Joseph] Strickland’s East Texas diocese were reported by Church
Ordination update: 11 new deacons for Tulsa
From The Diocese of Tulsa Facebook page: This morning, 11 men were ordained as permanent deacons by Bishop David Konderla
‘Thank you for praying with me and for me’
As I prepare to leave my parish, I was asked if I wanted to write something for our church's bulletin.
Ron DeSantis opens up about being Catholic
Photo: by Gage Skidmore / Flickr / Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic license After months of dodging the question, DeSantis’
When God calls, he lets you know it
A great vocation story, about Father Timothy Reid, who became Catholic during his senior year of college and then, a
Fatima’s Sister Lucia is declared to be ‘Venerable’
The visionaries of Fatima: Lucia dos Santos, right, with her cousins Saints Jacinta and Francisco Marto From Vatican News: Carmelite
Epiphany in Aisle 1: My afternoon at Walgreen’s
In what my pastor refers to as "the public and common world," I've come to discover that there is nothing,
So, yeah, this is happening
I've posted about this a little on social media, but thought I'd take a moment to make it official. We're
‘Shameless’: Fake priest hired to hear employees’ confessions at California restaurant
“I found the conversation to be strange and unlike normal confessions,” Maria Parra, a server at Taqueria Garibaldi, said in
‘This church is the pulse of this parish’: The installation of my new pastor
I thought I'd post this, for those who might be interested. This is from Saturday afternoon: the homily and part
So what happened at Dodgers’ ‘Pride Night’ with Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence?
From USA Today: With a heavy police and security presence along the first level of seating, the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence were
Forgive us our trespasses on ‘Jeopardy!’
Seriously. It happened Tuesday night. Watch below. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zyvCdOAJ8Nk The interwebs, understandably, went nuts: “How can those Jeopardy! nerds not know
WATCH: The power of art, memory and a daughter’s love
You have to see this. This young bride found a way to break through her father's dementia on her wedding
Survey: Deacon numbers expected to continue slow decline
From OSV News: Results of an annual survey on the permanent diaconate of the U.S. Catholic Church show the estimated
Jesuits expel Marko Rupnik for ‘refusal to observe vow of obedience’
From the AP: Pope Francis’ Jesuit religious order said Thursday it has expelled a prominent Slovenian priest from the congregation
Another Anglican bishop to become Catholic
At least 15 Anglican bishops have converted to Catholicism through the Anglican ordinariate since its inception, which included four bishops
Ordination update: 4 new deacons for Philadelphia
Details: Four men were ordained permanent deacons for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia on Saturday, June 10 in the Cathedral Basilica
Ordination update: 10 new deacons for Patterson
Bishop Kevin Sweeney ordained the men last Saturday at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist. You can read all
Ordination update: 16 new deacons for San Antonio
It happened on June 10 at the archdiocesan cathedral of St. Mark the Evangelist. Above you see them with their
Bishops call on Catholics to pray an Act of Reparation over Dodgers event
"We call on Catholics to pray the Litany of the Sacred Heart on June 16, offering this prayer as an act of reparation
UPDATE: Pope alert, joking after surgery
From Vatican News: “The Holy Father is well, he is awake, alert, and has already joked with me!” Doctor Sergio
Guest post: Take courage and be humble
I invited my old friend Mike Hayes — a deacon candidate for the Diocese of Cleveland — to read and
Ordination update: 8 new deacons for Hartford
From Deacon James McCormack in the Archdiocese of Hartford: Last Saturday June 3rd, 8 men were ordained to the permanent
Prayer request: Vatican announces Pope Francis to undergo intestinal surgery
Details: Pope Francis is going to the hospital Wednesday for abdominal surgery to treat an intestinal blockage, two years after
Sacramento officials ‘shocked’ as van drops off migrants outside diocesan headquarters
“It just adds to a sense of cruelty. How are you going to move folks to a place that is
Ordination update: 12 new deacons for Washington
Details: Cardinal Wilton Gregory ordained 12 men as permanent deacons for The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington during a June
Oklahoma approves first publicly funded Catholic school in U.S.
While some government money already goes to religious schools, St. Isidore would be fully paid for by the government. From
The sign of the cross: a homily for Trinity Sunday
A little something from the vault: Periodically, people ask me, “What is your favorite part of being a deacon?” Well, first,
Penitential rite held at St. Peter’s after desecration
From CNA: Two days after a naked man stood on the high altar of St. Peter’s Basilica in a shocking
Meet LA’s first paraplegic priest, Cesar Galan, F.S.P.
“In my darkest days, I couldn’t imagine myself doing this. But here I am. And to those discerning a vocation,
Is one of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence a Catholic deacon?
This detail turned up in an early draft of this report on the "order" by OSV News: Dodgers starting pitcher
Shock: Naked man approaches the altar in St. Peter’s
From Zenit: Exactly two weeks after a man forced his way in a car into Vatican City, on the afternoon
A vroom with a pew: Church to hold ‘Checkered Flag Mass’
From The Detroit Free Press: Get your engines ready to rev because the annual Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix is returning to the
Holding Jesus hostage — UPDATED
The latest, from OSV News: Bishop Michael F. Olson of Fort Worth, Texas, has dismissed a religious superior from the
Martin Scorsese speaks with pope, announces plans for new movie about Jesus
From Variety: Martin Scorsese is on a post-Cannes tour of Italy where over the weekend the director, known for having a
Viva Las Vegas: Pope elevates Nevada Diocese to Metropolitan Archdiocese
The press release: Pope Francis has created the Archdiocese of Las Vegas and named the Most Reverend George Leo Thomas,
Taking ‘The Monk Class’: Why universities should be more like monasteries
A provocative notion, from writer Dr. Molly Worthen in The New York Times: Nery Rodriguez just graduated from the University
Memorial Day, 2023: ‘Teach us to be instruments of peace’
Below is my invocation for the Forest Hills, New York Memorial Day parade, delivered Sunday morning outside the local American
Ordination update: 19 new deacons for Brooklyn
A nice big class — and the first in Brooklyn for Bishop Robert Brennan. He wrote about it on Facebook:
Ordination update: 14 new deacons for Beaumont
Here's a great pre-Pentecost gift. It happened Saturday morning at St. Anthony Cathedral Basilica in Beaumont, Texas: Bishop David L.
‘Bishop Strickland, we’re watching you’
From RNS: If Texas Bishop Joseph E. Strickland is known outside of his diocese for anything, it’s for controversy. The
What would Tommy Lasorda and Vin Scully say?
Reading about the ongoing controversy involving the LA Dodgers and Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, I was reminded of two Catholic
Horror: nearly 2,000 children abused by clergy over decades in Illinois
Details: Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul released a May 23 report revealing decades of abuse by Catholic clergy against almost
Body of sisters’ foundress reported to be incorrupt
Sister Wilhelmina's funeral, 2019 “We think she is the first African American woman to be found incorrupt." Details: Hundreds of
Worth a thousand words
A friend sent this my way: a posting on Facebook by Father Matthew Laird: As Good As It Gets: This
On Deacon John Donaghy: Well done, good and faithful servant
It was with sorrow and a heavy heart that I learned today that Deacon John Donaghy has entered eternal life,
Ordination update: 16 new deacons for Fall River
Details, from the diocesan website: On Saturday, May 20, in St. Mary’s Cathedral in Fall River, Bishop Edgar M. da
Ordination update: 12 new deacons for Trenton
From the Trenton Monitor: Twelve men were ordained deacons by Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., during a May 20 Mass
May 19, 2007
Thanks be to God. Some words from Pope Francis, from an address to permanent deacons on June 19, 2021: Since
In France, clergy will be required to wear QR codes to ID sex offenders
Could this be coming to a diocese near you? Details: Rattled by repeated cases of sexual abuse over the years,
Ordination update: 23 new deacons for Chicago
Cardinal Blaise Cupich on Saturday ordained 4 transitional deacons and 19 permanent deacons in a liturgy at Chicago's Holy Name
‘Their God is my God’: Homily for May 14, 2023, 6th Sunday of Easter
There is not much we know about him beyond his name: Matthew Ayariga. But his story, or what we know
The Mother’s Day problem at Mass
Behind the flowers and sentiment, Mother’s Day is very hard for a lot of people – perhaps it’s the most difficult
‘This is a first’: Vatican formally recognizes 21 Coptic martyrs of Libya
From AP: The Vatican is formally recognizing 21 Coptic Orthodox workers who were beheaded by Islamic militants in Libya as
‘Christianity’s got a branding problem’
From opinion writer Jessica Grose's newsletter sent to subscribers of The New York Times: “Christianity’s got a branding problem,” Phil
Bearing fruit
This reflection appeared with today's readings for Give Us This Day, the monthly devotional published by Liturgical Press:
In a first, Coptic pope joins Pope Francis to speak at General Audience
From Vatican News: Pope Francis was joined at his weekly General Audience by Pope Tawadros II, the head of the Coptic
Ordination update: 6 new deacons for Cleveland
It happened Saturday, as Bishop Malesic ordained six men to the Order of Deacon in Cleveland's Cathedral of St. John
