The Blog
Explore the latest from the Deacon’s Bench.
Pope Leo speaks out on war, same-sex blessings, executions in Iran
From Vatican News: Pope Leo XIV has concluded his long Apostolic Journey in Africa. Aboard the flight from Malabo—the final
No, ‘Exultet Rolls’ are not what you have with your Easter dinner
H/T to the always-interesting Amy Welborn for uncovering this from the Medieval manuscripts blog: The medieval churches of Southern Italy
The Cancer Chronicles: ‘I’m down one organ — packing lighter than ever’
Rick Steves, from YouTube Now that an important medical diagnosis has entered my life, I'm going to be blogging about
Become a Partner
Like what you see? Help keep the lights on and support The Deacon’s Bench. Become a patron at my Patreon page and get exclusive early access to homilies, book excerpts, essays, articles and more.
Choir
$3 or more PER MONTH
Thank you for helping keep the lights on! You will receive daily Catholic news headlines, “The Church Bulletin,” delivered to your inbox every morning (M-F), pulling together interesting Catholic links, news and commentary from around the world.

Sodality
$10 PER MONTH
Previous tier benefits plus:a signed copy of A Deacon Prays (Ave Maria Press). Makes a great ordination gift! Just leave me your address when you sign up.
The Patron’s Bench
$20 PER MONTH
All previous tier benefits plus: A signed copy of The Busy Person’s Guide to Prayer (Word Among Us Press).Just leave details and your mailing address when you subscribe.
Like the Bench? Browse the Books!

Befriending St. Joseph: Finding Faith, Hope and Courage in the Seven Sorrows Devotion

A Deacon Prays

The Busy Person’s Guide to Prayer

The Busy Person’s Guide To An Extraordinary Life

A Stranger and You Welcomed Me

The Handy Little Guide to Fasting
From the Archives
Other articles you may find interesting
Bishop Barron, evangelical leaders to join Trump event rededicating America to God
Notably absent from the lineup are representatives from Islam or Indigenous spiritual traditions, or leaders
Meet a deacon who is ‘consoling hearts from his La-Z-Boy’
This is a terrific portrait of a deacon who is continuing to serve, despite some
Pope Leo to journalists: I’m not in Africa to debate Trump
“There has been a certain narrative that has not been accurate in all its aspects.”
Pope Francis on Cardinal Prevost: ‘He’s a saint’
From OSV News comes an interview with Vatican News correspondent Salvatore Cernuzio, who covered Pope
Trump v. Leo: Round Two
“The masters of war pretend not to know that it takes only a moment to
About last night
Let's not fool ourselves. The fact that this mess between President Trump and Pope Leo
A Prayer for Pope Leo
Heavenly Father, Look with love upon your servant Leo, as he undertakes the great and
Three prominent US cardinals appear on ’60 Minutes’
In case you missed it last night, CBS's Norah O'Donnell had this on "60 Minutes,"
Trump v. Leo: the latest — UPDATED
Image: YouTube On the Sunday devoted to celebrating Divine Mercy and reconciliation, the president of
Contact Deacon Greg
REACH OUT FOR SPEAKING REQUESTS OR QUESTIONS!











