Reflections from the pastoral ministry of an Evangelical Catholic Priest.
30 December, 2019
27 December, 2019
Debate over Vatican official’s assisted suicide remark driven more by ideology than reality | America Magazine
Is it appropriate for a priest to accompany a person who had chosen to undergo assisted suicide?
Debate over Vatican official’s assisted suicide remark driven more by ideology than reality | America Magazine:
Debate over Vatican official’s assisted suicide remark driven more by ideology than reality | America Magazine:
25 December, 2019
19 December, 2019
18 December, 2019
17 December, 2019
Pope Francis abolishes the pontifical secret for sexual misconduct cases involving clerics
Pope Francis has abolished the pontifical secret for sexual misconduct cases concerning clerics, reports America’s Vatican correspondent Gerard O'Connell, a decision long called for by survivors of abuse.
Pope Francis abolishes the pontifical secret for sexual misconduct cases involving clerics | America Magazine:
Pope Francis abolishes the pontifical secret for sexual misconduct cases involving clerics | America Magazine:
Montreal's Dowd shows different face of 'the bishops' on the abuse crisis
For everyone tempted to complain about how "the bishops" have reacted to the clerical sexual abuse crisis, there’s also Auxiliary Bishop Thomas Dowd of Montreal.
Montreal's Dowd shows different face of 'the bishops' on the abuse crisis:
Montreal's Dowd shows different face of 'the bishops' on the abuse crisis:
The Pope abolishes the pontifical secret in cases of sexual abuse
Pope Francis is now making testimony collected in canonical processes available to legal authorities.
The Pope abolishes the pontifical secret in cases of sexual abuse - Vatican News:
The Pope abolishes the pontifical secret in cases of sexual abuse - Vatican News:
14 December, 2019
What Andrew Scheer’s fall says about Canada’s hypocritical embrace of diversity
On abortion and LGBT issues in particular, progressives insist Canada is only strong when complete homogeneity exists.
What Andrew Scheer’s fall says about Canada’s hypocritical embrace of diversity - The Washington Post:
What Andrew Scheer’s fall says about Canada’s hypocritical embrace of diversity - The Washington Post:
13 December, 2019
12 December, 2019
Hillary Clinton leaves flowers for Our Lady of Guadalupe, asks ‘Who painted it?’
During her recent visit to Mexico, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton made an unexpected stop at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe and left a bouquet of white flowers “on behalf of the American people,” after asking who painted the famous image.
Hillary Clinton leaves flowers for Our Lady of Guadalupe, asks ‘Who painted it?’:
Hillary Clinton leaves flowers for Our Lady of Guadalupe, asks ‘Who painted it?’:
11 December, 2019
Vatican to host interfaith meeting on end-of-life issues
Helping society move from a throwaway culture to “one that cares” is the goal of a Dec. 11-12 conference co-organized by the Vatican.
Vatican to host interfaith meeting on end-of-life issues:
Vatican to host interfaith meeting on end-of-life issues:
10 December, 2019
Recalling Venerable Fulton Sheen’s Passing 40 Years Ago
Recalling Venerable Fulton Sheen’s Passing 40 Years Ago: COMMENTARY: Fond memories of the holy archbishop, who loved Mary, the Eucharist and the priesthood.
Church nativity displays Jesus, Mary and Joseph in cages, separated at the border
The Christmas scene in California depicts Jesus's family as separated refugees.
Church nativity displays Jesus, Mary and Joseph in cages, separated at the border - The Washington Post:
Church nativity displays Jesus, Mary and Joseph in cages, separated at the border - The Washington Post:
Beyond the collection plate: These Maryland churches are preaching the value of electronic giving
Some congregations can now tithe by computer, smartphone, tablet or card reader.
Beyond the collection plate: These Maryland churches are preaching the value of electronic giving - The Washington Post:
Beyond the collection plate: These Maryland churches are preaching the value of electronic giving - The Washington Post:
09 December, 2019
06 December, 2019
05 December, 2019
04 December, 2019
Surge of new abuse claims threatens church like never before
At the end of another long day trying to sign up new clients accusing the Roman Catholic Church of sexual abuse, lawyer Adam Slater gazes out the window of his high-rise Manhattan office at one of the great symbols of the church, St. Patrick's Cathedral.
"I wonder how much that's worth?" he muses.
"It's not a cash grab," he said. "They want to have a voice. They want to help other people and make sure it doesn't happen again."I haven't had one person ask me about the money yet."Clearly, the Church is not the only hypocritical party in these affairs. Sadly, it's the actual victim's interests that are being neglected yet again.
Surge of new abuse claims threatens church like never before - Religion News Service: (AP) —
A Last Chance for Australian Justice
The highest judicial authority in Australia will review the Cardinal George Pell case in 2020.
A Last Chance for Australian Justice | George Weigel | First Things:
A Last Chance for Australian Justice | George Weigel | First Things:
“I utterly reject Bergoglio, so how can I remain a Catholic?” Fr. Z’s rant and beatdown.
An EXCELLENT response to someone who is thinking of leaving the Church because they do not accept Pope Francis as being a valid or legitimate Pope from someone who is certainly NOT one of the Pope's fans!
ASK FATHER: “I utterly reject Bergoglio, so how can I remain a Catholic?” Fr. Z’s rant and beatdown. | Fr. Z's Blog
ASK FATHER: “I utterly reject Bergoglio, so how can I remain a Catholic?” Fr. Z’s rant and beatdown. | Fr. Z's Blog
Buffalo Bishop Resigns After Scandal Over Secret List of Abusive Priests
Bishop Richard J. Malone “had become the lightning rod for all that was wrong,” a lay leader said.
Buffalo Bishop Resigns After Scandal Over Secret List of Abusive Priests - The New York Times:
Buffalo Bishop Resigns After Scandal Over Secret List of Abusive Priests - The New York Times:
03 December, 2019
US Bishops Discuss Communion Denial in Light of Biden Incident
To provide greater insight into the matter, the Register reached out for comment during the recent USCCB fall assembly.
US Bishops Discuss Communion Denial in Light of Biden Incident:
US Bishops Discuss Communion Denial in Light of Biden Incident:
A.I. could transform how people experience religious faith.
“A Priest, a Rabbi, and a Robot Walk Into a Bar” shows knotty questions about the union of religion and technology.
A.I. could transform how people experience religious faith.:
A.I. could transform how people experience religious faith.:
02 December, 2019
Media coverage about Andrew Scheer’s faith hurt him with voters: Angus Reid poll
51% said Scheer's personal faith had a negative impact on their opinion of him, while 24% said the same about Singh, who is a practising Sikh.
Media coverage about Andrew Scheer’s faith hurt him with voters: Angus Reid poll | National Post:
Media coverage about Andrew Scheer’s faith hurt him with voters: Angus Reid poll | National Post:
Chris Knight: The Two Popes tells story of Benedict XVI and the future Francis I with humour, sharp writing
Director Fernando Meirelles manages to make the philosophical discussions between the two lead characters far more interesting than they have any right to be.
Chris Knight: The Two Popes tells story of Benedict XVI and the future Francis I with humour, sharp writing | National Post:
Chris Knight: The Two Popes tells story of Benedict XVI and the future Francis I with humour, sharp writing | National Post:
30 November, 2019
Celebrating the Novus Ordo as It Ought to Be
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:
Celebrating the Novus Ordo as It Ought to Be:
See the Site in Jerusalem That May Be Jesus’ Tomb
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:
See the Site in Jerusalem That May Be Jesus’ Tomb:
29 November, 2019
'Questioning the Outrage-Apology Cycle' by Peter Stockland
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:
Questioning the Outrage-Apology Cycle by Peter Stockland - Convivium Magazine:
27 November, 2019
'The Reformed Liturgy, 50 Years Later': An interesting column from George Weigel | First Things
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:
The Reformed Liturgy, 50 Years Later | George Weigel | First Things:
26 November, 2019
Italian bishops face blowback for opening to divorced/remarried Catholics
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:
Italian bishops face blowback for opening to divorced/remarried Catholics:
25 November, 2019
Double standard applied to Andrew Scheer's social conservative views sends wrong message
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:
Double standard applied to Andrew Scheer's social conservative views sends wrong message | CBC News:
As data shows most Catholics don't accept transubstantiation, new book seeks to help
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:
As data shows most Catholics don't accept transubstantiation, new book seeks to help:
24 November, 2019
In Nagasaki and Hiroshima, Pope Francis calls for abolishing nuclear weapons
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:
In Nagasaki and Hiroshima, Pope Francis calls for abolishing nuclear weapons - The Washington Post:
23 November, 2019
Catholic politician kicked out of UK party over religious beliefs
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:
Catholic politician kicked out of UK party over religious beliefs:
Charles Lewis: Time for Catholics to stop the passivity
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:
Charles Lewis: Time for Catholics to stop the passivity:
22 November, 2019
20 November, 2019
Canada Divided Against Itself
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:
Canada Divided Against Itself | David T. Koyzis | First Things:
19 November, 2019
Is Asia the next stop for Pope Francis' clergy reform?
... 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:
Is Asia the next stop for Pope Francis' clergy reform? - La Croix International:
Theologian confident pope will approve married priests for Amazonia
Theologian confident pope will approve married priests for Amazonia... and...
Theologian confident pope will approve married priests for Amazonia - La Croix International:
Theologian confident pope will approve married priests for Amazonia - La Croix International:
18 November, 2019
Bishop Thomas Dowd: Documentary sets stage for challenging dialogue
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:
Bishop Thomas Dowd: Documentary sets stage for challenging dialogue:
17 November, 2019
Is Australian Public Opinion Shifting in Cardinal Pell’s Favor?
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?:
Is Australian Public Opinion Shifting in Cardinal Pell’s Favor?:
Author looks at what every Catholic should know about God
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:
Author looks at what every Catholic should know about God:
16 November, 2019
‘Transhumanist’ eternal life? No thanks, I’d rather learn not to fear death.
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:
‘Transhumanist’ eternal life? No thanks, I’d rather learn not to fear death. - The Washington Post:
Americans still hold positive views about religion’s role in society
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:
Americans still hold positive views about religion’s role in society - The Washington Post:
15 November, 2019
14 November, 2019
13 November, 2019
12 November, 2019
11 November, 2019
The Church must learn to discern charisms for service
The Church must learn to discern charisms for service.
The Church must learn to discern charisms for service - La Croix International:
The Church must learn to discern charisms for service - La Croix International:
10 November, 2019
Opinion | Cardinal Burke: ‘I’m Called the Enemy of the Pope, Which I Am Not’
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 | Cardinal Burke: ‘I’m Called the Enemy of the Pope, Which I Am Not’ - The New York Times:
09 November, 2019
08 November, 2019
07 November, 2019
06 November, 2019
Fearlessness and the American Bishops in Rome from George Weigel
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:
Fearlessness and the American Bishops in Rome | George Weigel | First Things:
Canada’s State Religion
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:
Canada’s State Religion | David T. Koyzis | First Things:
Father James Martin’s Exercise in Fallacy
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:
Father James Martin’s Exercise in Fallacy:
05 November, 2019
How the roles of religion and faith have evolved in the NHL
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:
How the roles of religion and faith have evolved in the NHL – The Athletic:
03 November, 2019
Why Biden being denied Communion is a big deal for people of faith
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:
Why Biden being denied Communion is a big deal for people of faith | Fox News:
02 November, 2019
Catholic Chinese community refuses to leave church scheduled for demolition
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:
Catholic Chinese community refuses to leave church scheduled for demolition -- Aleteia:
01 November, 2019
Clamor over Vatican II misreads church history
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:
Clamor over Vatican II misreads church history – Catholic Philly:
30 October, 2019
29 October, 2019
The Overstated Collapse of American Christianity
Three reasons the narrative of rapid secularization is incomplete.
Opinion | The Overstated Collapse of American Christianity - The New York Times:
Opinion | The Overstated Collapse of American Christianity - The New York Times:
28 October, 2019
LETTERS FROM THE SYNOD-2019: #9
Synod-2019 cast in sharp relief the grave doctrinal and theological issues facing the Church.
LETTERS FROM THE SYNOD-2019: #9 | Xavier Rynne II | First Things:
LETTERS FROM THE SYNOD-2019: #9 | Xavier Rynne II | First Things:
27 October, 2019
Roman Catholic bishops propose opening priesthood to married deacons in the Amazon region
The plan seeks to address a priest shortage in the Amazon region. But it touches on core traditions of the church.
Roman Catholic bishops propose opening priesthood to married deacons in the Amazon region - The Washington Post:
Roman Catholic bishops propose opening priesthood to married deacons in the Amazon region - The Washington Post:
B.C. man is one of the first Canadians with dementia to die with medical assistance
When Canada's medical assistance in dying law was passed in 2016, the widespread assumption was that it excluded those with a dementia diagnosis. But Gayle Garlock decided to challenge that assumption and to test the limits of the law.
B.C. man is one of the first Canadians with dementia to die with medical assistance | CBC Radio:
B.C. man is one of the first Canadians with dementia to die with medical assistance | CBC Radio:
Researchers cast spotlight on euthanasia for dementia in the Netherlands
Dutch EAS doctors use past statements to determine what demented patients want.
Researchers cast spotlight on euthanasia for dementia in the Netherlands:
Researchers cast spotlight on euthanasia for dementia in the Netherlands:
Russian biologist still plans to edit human genome
The journal Nature has been following Rebrikov’s experiments closely.
BioEdge: Russian biologist still plans to edit human genome:
BioEdge: Russian biologist still plans to edit human genome:
26 October, 2019
Lack of Eucharistic Belief: Faithful Affected by Secularism’s Strong Pull
What the Pew Survey Reveals About Belief in the Real Presence.
Lack of Eucharistic Belief: Faithful Affected by Secularism’s Strong Pull:
Lack of Eucharistic Belief: Faithful Affected by Secularism’s Strong Pull:
Movie Review: 'By the Grace of God' explores France's Catholic Church scandal
François Ozon's coolly devastating drama 'By the Grace of God' follows survivors of sexual abuse by a Catholic priest in Lyon, France.
Review: 'By the Grace of God' explores France's Catholic Church scandal - Los Angeles Times:
Review: 'By the Grace of God' explores France's Catholic Church scandal - Los Angeles Times:
Losing Our Faith in Political History by Raymond J. de Souza
About the election, three observations: one about history, another about campaigns, and the third about religion.
Losing Our Faith in Political History by Raymond J. de Souza - Convivium Magazine:
Losing Our Faith in Political History by Raymond J. de Souza - Convivium Magazine:
24 October, 2019
The Ideological Hijacking of Pope St. John XXIII
John XXIII knew that the Church’s evangelical mission would only meet the needs of the day if it were anchored in the ancient, abiding truths bequeathed to it.
The Ideological Hijacking of Pope St. John XXIII | George Weigel | First Things:
The Ideological Hijacking of Pope St. John XXIII | George Weigel | First Things:
23 October, 2019
Letters From the Synod-2019: #8
It made a great difference to the future of Christianity that the first Christians turned left rather than right when leaving the Holy Land on mission.
Letters From the Synod-2019: #8 | Xavier Rynne II | First Things:
Letters From the Synod-2019: #8 | Xavier Rynne II | First Things:
21 October, 2019
20 October, 2019
Vatican II's forgotten apostle of the poor stages comeback at Amazon synod
One could make the argument that the Vatican II figure to whom Pope Francis is closest actually isn’t John XXIII but rather Cardinal Giacomo Lercaro of Bologna, Italy, the council’s leading apostle of the “option for the poor.”
Vatican II's forgotten apostle of the poor stages comeback at Amazon synod:
Vatican II's forgotten apostle of the poor stages comeback at Amazon synod:
18 October, 2019
Amazon synod reports support, dissent on married priests and women deacons
Judging from Friday’s reports, the Oct. 6-27 Synod on the Amazon, there’s overwhelming consensus on most points, such as Pope Francis’s call for an “integral ecology.” Yet even within that climate of basic harmony, there were also scattered notes of dissent on two hot-button questions: Married priests and women deacons.
Amazon synod reports support, dissent on married priests and women deacons:
Amazon synod reports support, dissent on married priests and women deacons:
Letters From the Synod-2019: #6 - Xavier Rynne II
The conversation at Synod-2019 drinks more deeply from the wells of Jean-Jacques Rousseau and Margaret Mead than from the living waters of biblical revelation.
Letters From the Synod-2019: #6 | Xavier Rynne II | First Things:
Letters From the Synod-2019: #6 | Xavier Rynne II | First Things:
In synod's married priests debate, somebody finally names elephant in the room
If the Catholic Church were Microsoft or Walmart, it would have implemented a plan a long time ago to shift personnel to where its markets are growing. Instead, it’s effectively doing the opposite.
In synod's married priests debate, somebody finally names elephant in the room:
In synod's married priests debate, somebody finally names elephant in the room:
In U.S., Decline of Christianity Continues at Rapid Pace
The religious landscape of the United States continues to change at a rapid clip, with both Protestantism and Catholicism experiencing losses of population share.
In U.S., Decline of Christianity Continues at Rapid Pace | Pew Research Center:
In U.S., Decline of Christianity Continues at Rapid Pace | Pew Research Center:
16 October, 2019
Historical Clarity and Today’s Catholic Contentions
Contrary to both traditionalist and progressive misconceptions, Catholicism was not a placid institution, free of controversy and contention, prior to Vatican II.
Historical Clarity and Today’s Catholic Contentions | George Weigel | First Things:
Historical Clarity and Today’s Catholic Contentions | George Weigel | First Things:
15 October, 2019
Barbara Kay: Stop the conspiracy theories about Canadian Catholics in government
Peddling the idea that any Christian pro-life group has the will to undemocratically infiltrate our government is irresponsible journalism.
Barbara Kay: Stop the conspiracy theories about Canadian Catholics in government | National Post:
Barbara Kay: Stop the conspiracy theories about Canadian Catholics in government | National Post:
Pope Francis and the Catholic church continue to look towards science, and that can only be a good thing
Pope Francis continues to champion the importance of science in our world. Having the head of the Catholic Church support various scientific movements is a win for us all.
Pope Francis and the Catholic church continue to look towards science, and that can only be a good thing:
Pope Francis and the Catholic church continue to look towards science, and that can only be a good thing:
From dementia to medically assisted death: A Canadian woman’s journey, and the dilemma of the doctors who helped
To give Alzheimer’s patient Mary Wilson the death she sought, her physicians had to make a tough decision in a short time – and risked going to prison if they got it wrong. Now they’ve been cleared of wrongdoing in a decision that could have wide-reaching implications for tens of thousands of Canadians.Wide reaching implications indeed! This is another step down that infamous 'slippery slope' diminishing the value of life. Why? Because with this decision life has now been reduced to one's cognitive capabilities. That should worry all Canadians a great deal imho. Alas though, I doubt that it will.
From dementia to medically assisted death: A Canadian woman’s journey, and the dilemma of the doctors who helped - The Globe and Mail:
Lonely voice in Brazilian episcopate speaks against synod document
Bishop José LuÃs Azcona is among the minority of Brazilian prelates to raise concerns about the synod, calling the Vatican meeting’s preparatory document “weak and inconsistent.”
Lonely voice in Brazilian episcopate speaks against synod document:
Lonely voice in Brazilian episcopate speaks against synod document:
Head of Vatican security resigns following news leak connected to internal financial investigation
Domenico Giani resigned after being unable to identify the source of a leak of a confidential Vatican security notice connected to ongoing financial investigations.
Head of Vatican security resigns following news leak connected to internal financial investigation | America Magazine:
Head of Vatican security resigns following news leak connected to internal financial investigation | America Magazine:
14 October, 2019
13 October, 2019
Catholic Church: Why young men are still choosing to be priests
Why are young men still choosing to become Catholic priests? It’s a fair enough question to ask any trainee priest in the current Australian climate: who, today, is choosing to devote their entire lives to the Catholic Church?
Catholic Church: Why young men are still choosing to be priests:
Catholic Church: Why young men are still choosing to be priests:
12 October, 2019
11 October, 2019
10 October, 2019
09 October, 2019
Letters From the Synod–2019: #2
Catholics are growing dispirited by a Church that increasingly presents itself as a global NGO whose primary concerns are political rather than spiritual.
Letters From the Synod–2019: #2 | Xavier Rynne II | First Things:
Letters From the Synod–2019: #2 | Xavier Rynne II | First Things:
08 October, 2019
07 October, 2019
06 October, 2019
Pope Francis Prays for ‘Daring Prudence’ During Amazon Synod
'Daring Prudence'? That's one of those oxymorons like 'Jumbo Shrimp'. It will be interesting to see how the Synod responds to such a confusing paradigm to work out.
Pope Francis Prays for ‘Daring Prudence’ During Amazon Synod:
Pope Francis Prays for ‘Daring Prudence’ During Amazon Synod:
05 October, 2019
04 October, 2019
03 October, 2019
02 October, 2019
At Vatican, Pompeo says authoritarian regimes see God as a threat
"At the Vatican on Wednesday, United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo denounced authoritarian regimes and autocrats, naming Cuba, Iran, China and Syria as the roots of religious repression, because they fail to acknowledge a power higher than their own."I was with him until he said Iran. Maybe someone should explain the good Secretary that Iran is a full-fledged theocracy! It's because they believe that their God is the higher than the non-Islamic nations that they have organized their country into a 20/21st century version of 'Christendom' - a worldview long eschewed by the Christian faith. Such theocracies are in dire need of their own 'Enlightenment' if they truly want to respect the full panoply of human rights and freedoms that exist in most of the world today.
At Vatican, Pompeo says authoritarian regimes see God as a threat:
30 September, 2019
28 September, 2019
27 September, 2019
Pope endorsement of journal's controversial articles shines light on his view of U.S.
Pope Francis has endorsed a controversial view of the United States presented in two articles in a prominent Jesuit journal. Like them or not, if you want to understand the pope's relationship with America, you need to read them.
Pope endorsement of journal's controversial articles shines light on his view of U.S.
Pope endorsement of journal's controversial articles shines light on his view of U.S.
26 September, 2019
25 September, 2019
Opinion | A Beating Heart, Even After Death
LVADs are changing human life. Are we ready?
Opinion | A Beating Heart, Even After Death - The New York Times:
Opinion | A Beating Heart, Even After Death - The New York Times:
24 September, 2019
23 September, 2019
22 September, 2019
21 September, 2019
20 September, 2019
George Pell: Choirboy can be believed - and Pell freed, Cardinal's lawyers say
George Pell: Choirboy can be believed - and Pell freed, Cardinal's lawyers say: Can the choirboy be believed and George Pell cleared of all charges? The Cardinal's lawyers say yes.
I just came across this stunning quote in an article called Thomism for The New Evangelization:
https://gallery.mailchimp.com/7822970b3e83d8bc284f4eb57/files/10b4c7f2-7f33-4b07-9697-d6ca1750a6ba/Thomism_for_the_New_Evangelization.pdf?fbclid=IwAR1KW3bdStnMa2XZDPYwMjevSQT7DfhpK5GVK9_4qpMk5GonRcL1w2thyRc
"We live in an age where there is a profound antipathy to the Catholic faith in the public square and in the media, and for good reason. There is an innate recognition among the advocates of secularism that the Catholic religion is the single most serious adversary to a secular view of the world. They sense that the depth of Catholic teaching regarding human personhood, moral realism, the reality of God, and divine revelation all challenge the status quo at a deep level. Those who take on the Church do so in an attempt to banish one of the most serious enemies to a perennial secularism."Click on the link below if you want to read the entire article.
https://gallery.mailchimp.com/7822970b3e83d8bc284f4eb57/files/10b4c7f2-7f33-4b07-9697-d6ca1750a6ba/Thomism_for_the_New_Evangelization.pdf?fbclid=IwAR1KW3bdStnMa2XZDPYwMjevSQT7DfhpK5GVK9_4qpMk5GonRcL1w2thyRc
19 September, 2019
18 September, 2019
17 September, 2019
16 September, 2019
Bishops-D&P review ready for next stage
A review by Canada’s bishops of Development and Peace is completed and will be presented by the end of September.
Bishops-D&P review ready for next stage:
Bishops-D&P review ready for next stage:
Bioethics Intends to Destroy Catholic Healthcare
Replacing religion-conscious practices with utilitarian bioethics harms practitioners and patients.
Bioethics Intends to Destroy Catholic Healthcare | National Review:
Bioethics Intends to Destroy Catholic Healthcare | National Review:
15 September, 2019
14 September, 2019
13 September, 2019
12 September, 2019
11 September, 2019
Quebec judge overturns parts of federal, provincial laws on medically assisted dying | CBC News
Be careful what you wish for... as the previous post should make all too clear.
Quebec judge overturns parts of federal, provincial laws on medically assisted dying | CBC News
Quebec judge overturns parts of federal, provincial laws on medically assisted dying | CBC News
Dutch court clears doctor in landmark euthanasia trial
"To carry out the euthanasia, the physician drugged the patient's coffee without her knowledge and then had family members physically restrain the woman while delivering the fatal injection."And yet the judgement was not guilty! We do indeed live in dark times.
Dutch court clears doctor in landmark euthanasia trial | CTV News
10 September, 2019
Science says marriage saves you. So why is it so unpopular?
You are used to coddling your ego. Marriage toughens it up.
Science says marriage saves you. So why is it so unpopular?09 September, 2019
08 September, 2019
George Weigel Traces the Church’s Engagement With Modernity
A review of George Weigel's latest book, The Irony of Modern Catholic History: How the Church Rediscovered Itself and Challenged the Modern World to Reform (Basic Press, 2019)
George Weigel Traces the Church’s Engagement With Modernity
George Weigel Traces the Church’s Engagement With Modernity