Where the Rubber Hits the Road

As the Roman Catholic Church marks the golden jubilee, it is a good time to separate the ‘substance’ of its reforms from the ‘accidents’ of its historical context and implementation. Celebrating the Novus Ordo as It Ought to Be :

Jerusalem’s Church of the Holy Sepulchre stands on the site of a Jewish cemetery dating to the time of Jesus. Was this Jesus’ tomb? See the Site in Jerusalem That May Be Jesus’ Tomb :

In its very particularity, the flap over St. Francis Xavier University’s apology to a former student for a plaque honouring Brian Mulroney has general application to what seems a deep error of our day. Questioning the Outrage-Apology Cycle by Peter Stockland - Convivium Magazine :

Fifty years ago, the Catholic Church marked the First Sunday of Advent with the universal implementation of the revised Roman Rite of the Mass. The liturgy wars have not abated since. The Reformed Liturgy, 50 Years Later | George Weigel | First Things :

Two Italian bishops are currently making waves after issuing public statements allowing divorced and remarried Catholics to receive the sacraments and apologizing for having “ignored” these couples in parish life, insisting that their decisions are in line with Pope Francis’s own view. Italian bishops face blowback for opening to divorced/remarried Catholics :

Andrew Scheer has been scrutinized for his personal beliefs while other federal party leaders have not, and this is simply wrong in a democratic nation, writes Maria Harrison. Double standard applied to Andrew Scheer's social conservative views sends wrong message | CBC News :

Brett Salkeld is Archdiocesan Theologian for the Archdiocese of Regina in Canada. He is responsible for deacon formation. His latest book, 'Transubstantiation: Theology, History, and Christian Unity' was published this year. As data shows most Catholics don't accept transubstantiation, new book seeks to help :

The demand moves beyond those of his predecessors, who allowed the weapons for purposes of deterrence. In Nagasaki and Hiroshima, Pope Francis calls for abolishing nuclear weapons - The Washington Post :

Am I My Brother’s Keeper? by Rebecca Atkinson - Convivium Magazine

Rob Flello was removed as a Liberal Democrat candidate for Parliament over his views on same-sex marriage and abortion. Catholic politician kicked out of UK party over religious beliefs :

Civil marriages in Italy now outnumber church weddings :

Charlie's right. It's long past time for Catholics to speak up in defence of our beliefs! Charles Lewis: Time for Catholics to stop the passivity :

N.T. Wright explains the world of the New Testament in new book - Religion News Service

Why Christ is Our King :

Québec has not abandoned religious faith; it has simply redirected that faith toward a state-centered nationalism. Canada Divided Against Itself | David T. Koyzis | First Things :

Euthanasia Prevention Coalition Euthanasia Prevention Coalition: Alberta debates conscience rights protection bill 207. :

... Is Asia the next stop for Pope Francis' clergy reform?   The pope has chosen the Amazon region to test moves such as ordaining married men as priests. Clearly, he sees it as a first step to lifting the obligation of celibacy for clergy the world over and not just to address 'emergency pastoral needs' in the Amazon. Is Asia the next stop for Pope Francis' clergy reform? - La Croix International :

Theologian confident pope will approve married priests for Amazonia... and... Theologian confident pope will approve married priests for Amazonia - La Croix International :

The fall meeting of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops brought with it an unexpected invitation. Bishop Thomas Dowd: Documentary sets stage for challenging dialogue : 

Some prominent figures in Australia are putting their heads above the parapet to express doubts about the cardinal’s conviction. Is Australian Public Opinion Shifting in Cardinal Pell’s Favor? :

NATIONAL AFFAIRS Cardinal Pell's appeal to go to High Court

Elizabeth Klein is an Assistant Professor of Theology at the Augustine Institute in Denver. She spoke to Charles Camosy about her new book, 'God: What Every Catholic Should Know.' Author looks at what every Catholic should know about God :

The idea that aging is not inevitable is now in the mainstream. ‘Transhumanist’ eternal life? No thanks, I’d rather learn not to fear death. - The Washington Post :

A new poll by the Pew Research Center found that majorities of Americans say that churches and religious organizations do more good than harm and that they strengthen morality in society. Americans still hold positive views about religion’s role in society - The Washington Post :

Australian court to hear jailed cardinal's appeal - La Croix International :

Extensive Reforms Already Underway at US Seminaries

New head of Vatican's economy office needs pope's strong backing to succeed

George Pell: Australia court will hear top Vatican official's appeal for abuse conviction - The Washington Post

FAITH: Are Christians second class citizens in Canadian society? | Pembroke Daily Observer :

Lack of ethics leads to 'throwaway' culture, Pope Francis says :

Freedom, Including Religious Freedom, Is Never Free – Catholic World Report

Catholics know how important death is and need to share it. Death should be talked about--Aleteia :

Why We Pray Before the Blessed Sacrament :

The Church must learn to discern charisms for service. The Church must learn to discern charisms for service - La Croix International :

A conversation with Cardinal Raymond Burke. Opinion | Cardinal Burke: ‘I’m Called the Enemy of the Pope, Which I Am Not’ - The New York Times :

Opinion | What Will Happen to Conservative Catholicism? - The New York Times :

Priests would die rather than break seal of confession, says English Cardinal :

Toronto Catholic board votes to include gender terms :

Charles Lewis: Our leaders could use a lesson in humility :

The Catholic church needs to get back to the business of evangelization says author and theologian George Weigel | Food + Living | lancasteronline.com :

Euthanasia Prevention Coalition Euthanasia Prevention Coalition: Québec - 1331 reported euthanasia deaths (April 1, 2018 - March 31, 2019) At least 13 deaths did not comply with the law.

Has denying Communion lost its political luster? - Religion News Service

For all its faults, the Catholic Church in the United States lives the New Evangelization better than any other local Church in the developed world. Fearlessness and the American Bishops in Rome | George Weigel | First Things :

Those maintaining standards of life and behavior at odds with the religion of human rights are increasingly treated as dissenters and pressured to conform. Canada’s State Religion | David T. Koyzis | First Things :

It’s not enough to simply be outraged by these accusations; we need to know how to intellectually combat them. Father James Martin’s Exercise in Fallacy :

Spirituality is visible in other sports, but in the NHL it's often private. "It's personal, but I respect that," one player said. How the roles of religion and faith have evolved in the NHL – The Athletic :

There was controversy this week over a Catholic priest refusing to let Democratic Presidential candidate Joe Biden receive Holy Communion because of his support for abortion. Why Biden being denied Communion is a big deal for people of faith | Fox News :

In an effort to defend their church from destruction, a congregation of Catholics in China’s Hebei province have barricaded themselves within their sanctuary and refuse to leave. Catholic Chinese community refuses to leave church scheduled for demolition -- Aleteia :

In praise of Purgatory: 4 Points to ponder about your hour of death :

Excavation at site of ancient Shiloh offers evidence for biblical accounts :

Nurturing Saintly Supplication: Imploring the Intercession of Heavenly Friends :

Decades of debate, war and secularization shaped the church's encounter with the modern world long before the council, writes George Weigel. By understanding their past, Catholics can better engage in the present while envisioning their future. Clamor over Vatican II misreads church history – Catholic Philly :

Scientists are baffled: What’s up with the universe? - The Washington Post