‘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
Check this out: Living Faith
I'm pleased to announce my debut in the little prayer periodical Living Faith. The new issue just arrived in my mailbox,
‘A bishop should have a much broader vision of the Church’
The pope's new prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops shares a few thoughts with Vatican News: At the age of
UPDATE: Catholic hospital told to extinguish sanctuary candle or risk losing accreditation
From OSV News: A Catholic hospital in Tulsa, Oklahoma, said the federal government has presented it with a choice to
Building something beautiful in South Carolina
While the church is new, it also has many vintage elements incorporated inside, making it a well-spring of art that
Prayer request: for the family of Deacon Lawrence Klimecki
This is heartbreaking. I received word today that the multi-talented artist Deacon Lawrence Klimecki of Sacramento has entered eternal life.
Let’s do this: join me for our next pilgrimage to the Holy Land
If you followed our adventures in March of 2023, wouldn't you like to join us in May of 2024? It's
For the first time in 500 years, Catholics will play a role in a coronation
Details from The Tablet: Cardinal Vincent Nichols is to become the first Catholic bishop to play a formal role in
In a first, royal coronation to feature non-Christian religions
From AFP: The UK's non-Christian faiths and its Celtic languages will play a prominent role for the first time in
Meet a deacon proclaiming the Gospel through icons
A terrific profile of Deacon Charles Rohrbacher in Our Sunday Visitor: “An icon isn’t really an icon without a viewer,”
A Prayer to St. Joseph, Father and Traveler
Searching Joseph, you journeyed far to seek shelter and security in Bethlehem, only to find instead a place that had
Are we listening?: A reflection for Good Shepherd Sunday
My homily for this Sunday from 2014 ... On a spring morning in 2010, a young man by the name
Grace in aisle 7: Parish plans to turn grocery store into a church
A great idea, via Aleteia: With almost daily reports of Catholic churches shutting down, forced to consolidate due to financial difficulties, or sold
Religion in public schools is making a comeback
Details, from Vox: This month, Texas Senate Republicans passed three bills about religion in schools that have historians feeling déjà
Sisters of Charity of New York: ‘We are on the path to completion’
"We will no longer work toward finding nor accepting new members to our Congregation, in the United States." A sad
A first: Pope gives women right to vote in Synod
From America: For the first time in the history of the synod, Pope Francis has given women the right to
‘A new frontier’: protecting ‘vulnerable adults’ from clergy sexual abuse
From OSV News: The Catholic Church in the U.S. has made progress over the past two decades in confronting sexual
Making history: Coptic patriarch to offer Orthodox liturgy at St. John Lateran
"It will be the first time a non-Catholic has celebrated in the pope’s cathedral." Details: The head of the Coptic
Deacons, are you going to NDICE this year?
Every summer for a long time now, the National Diaconate Institute for Continuing Education (NDICE) has hosted a conference for
Making history: The oldest religious sister in the U.S. turns 110
A news bulletin from the Facebook page of the Sisters of St. Dominic in Amityville: Our very own Sister Francis
‘Significant ecumenical gesture’: Pope gives pieces of True Cross for King Charles’ coronation
From Reuters: Pope Francis has gifted fragments believed to be from the True Cross on which Jesus was crucified to
Boston Catholics brace for ‘SatanCon’
"We are finalizing a list of places throughout our whole Archdiocese where we will gather in adoration and prayer. All
Did someone actually make a movie like this? Really?
The trailer has been working its way through social media, and when I finally took a moment to watch, I
Former Cardinal McCarrick charged with 1977 sexual assault in Wisconsin
Details: Former cardinal Theodore McCarrick has been criminally charged with fourth-degree sexual assault in Wisconsin for an incident that allegedly
In Ireland, Biden meets priest who gave his son last rites
From The New York Times: President Biden, who spent most of this week exploring his family lineage in Ireland, broke down in
On the road: next stop, Malvern
I'm headed out the door shortly, bound for the amazing Moynihan Train Hall at Penn Station and, beyond that, Malvern,
Survey: Among U.S. Latinos, Catholicism in decline, but still the largest faith
From Pew: Catholics remain the largest religious group among Latinos in the United States, even as their share among Latino
They do, come rain or shine: Catholic outdoor weddings
It's catching on in Baltimore. And yes, it's allowed. As Canon Law notes, Catholic weddings should take place in a
WATCH: ’60 Minutes’ looks at the rebuilding of Notre Dame
An Easter-night report on CBS offered a glimpse at this extraordinary undertaking: The Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris is
FBI accused of ‘domestic violent extremism investigations against Catholic Americans’
From CBS News: The Republican-led House Judiciary Committee has issued a subpoena to FBI Director Christopher Wray for records as part of
A.I. has its first superstar: Pope Francis
The New York Times takes note: Pope Francis wearing a long, white puffer jacket inspired by Balenciaga. Francis rocking aviators and
The young men risking their lives to be Catholic priests
Here's a story that needs to be told. From the BBC: When Miguel Pantaleon was ordained into the Catholic church
Good Friday: What our Lord saw from the cross
The watercolor above, by the great James Tissot, speaks volumes. From Wikipedia: What Our Lord Saw from the Cross (Ce que
‘Do you realize what I have done for you?’: Homily for Mass of the Lord’s Supper, Holy Thursday
Ours is a God of boundless generosity and humility. How much does he love us? He becomes less so that
Holy Thursday: Inside the room where it happened
The image above comes from my recent pilgrimage to the Holy Land, and shows the Upper Room, the Cenacle, the
‘Staggering’: Report details decades of abuse in Maryland
From AP: More than 150 Catholic priests and others associated with the Archdiocese of Baltimore sexually abused over 600 children
Archbishop of Dubuque resigns
Details: Pope Francis on Tuesday accepted the resignation of Archbishop Michael O. Jackels from the pastoral government of the Archdiocese
Christo Jivkov, John from ‘Passion of the Christ,’ dies
Sad news this Holy Week: Christo Jivkov is dead. According to media reports, the Bulgarian actor succumbed to a long
Jonathan Roumie on playing Jesus: ‘It becomes super humbling and strange’
Tish Harrison Warren is an Anglican priest and a fan of the streaming sensation "The Chosen." She also is a
As the pope left the hospital, this happened
Delia Gallagher posted this on social media yesterday. As my friend Tony Rossi noted: "This is a more important theology
Who is the man in the shroud?
That's the provocative and intriguing title of an exhibition at the Notre Dame Center in Jerusalem, the final hotel where
Ordination update: 13 new deacons for Nashville
The ordination happened Saturday, April 1, at Sagrado Corazón Church in the Catholic Pastoral Center of Nashville. One of the
What did the pope do in the hospital? Ate pizza, visited cancer patients, baptized a baby
He's probably heading home Saturday, according to the Vatican: Pope Francis is expected to be discharged from hospital and return
Vatican rejects German proposal for lay preaching, baptisms
Details: The Vatican’s liturgy czar has intervened against the implementation of resolutions of the German Synodal Way that demand laypeople
Reported Eucharistic miracle has connection to Blessed Michael McGivney
Could this lead to his canonization? Details: As Connecticut Catholics approach Easter, the faithful are flocking to tiny Thomaston following
Vatican: Pope hospitalized with respiratory infection
Details: Pope Francis will be hospitalized for “some days” after being diagnosed with a respiratory infection, the Vatican said Wednesday.
The universe of ‘The Chosen’ is about to get bigger
From Deadline: Former DreamWorks exec Mark Sourian has been appointed as President of Production for the Angel Studios Original The Chosen, with plans to build
On pilgrimage: 10 things I have to tell you
What a trip. Well, the jet lag has subsided, and I finally finished unpacking my suitcases, and I’m now trying
‘Very real, very shocking’: Possible Eucharistic miracle reported in Connecticut
Details: A local Connecticut television station is reporting that the Archdiocese of Hartford is investigating a possible Eucharistic miracle that
Bishops: surgery to change gender ‘not morally justified’
From RNS: A group of U.S. Catholic bishops has issued a statement discouraging Catholic health care groups from performing various
On pilgrimage: farewell, Jerusalem
By now, I'm sure I don't have to tell you: we had a sensational time in the Holy Land. Words
On pilgrimage: The morning I will never forget
It started with a wake-up call at 3:30 in the morning. My wife and I threw on our clothes. I
On pilgrimage: the little town of Bethlehem and the muddy waters of the Jordan
So, here are a few more highlights from this week's pilgrimage. Let's start off with an early morning view of
‘Joseph, in his silence, shows us who he is…’
With the feast day of Saint Joseph right around the corner — March 19! — my friend Elizabeth Scalia decided
On pilgrimage: the story so far
We're at the halfway mark of our 11-day pilgrimage to the Holy Land. We've walked cobblestone streets, climbed ancient steps,
WATCH: 10 moments of Pope Francis in 10 minutes
From the editors at America, here's a video marking the Holy Father's 10-year anniversary, highlighting memorable moments of this landmark
Pope Francis adds new members to council of cardinals
From CNA: Pope Francis appointed five new members to his council of cardinals advisers on Tuesday, including Synod organizer Cardinal
WATCH: Bill Ditewig on humility, synodality, serving in the Navy and more
This is pretty cool. Two of my friends, Deacon Bill Ditewig and (future deacon!) Mike Hayes had a conversation recently
Jerusalem, here I come
In about 24 hours, I'll be at JFK Airport, waiting to board a Turkish Airlines flight that will carry me
Mexican bishops will ask Pope Francis to include Mayan rites in Masses
Details: he Diocese of San Cristóbal, in southern Mexico, will send Pope Francis a proposal to include indigenous Mayan rites
What happens when an AI chatbot writes a homily?
The good people at The Tablet (our diocesan newspaper in Brooklyn) decided to find out. Take a look: The following
Thousands attend funeral Mass for LA’s Bishop O’Connell
From RNS: Catholics, multi-faith clergy and elected leaders from across Southern California filled the pews of the Cathedral of Our
New York City mayor decries separation of church and state
This raised a lot of eyebrows in one of the most liberal corners of the country. From Politico: At an
Visiting the spectacular Blessed Stanley Rother Shrine in Oklahoma
I'm beginning Lent far from Queens, in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, where I'm leading a mission at St. Anne's Catholic Church.
‘He picks up the beam and begins dragging it, wood scraping on stone…’
The Way of the Cross for Deacons 3rd Station: Jesus Falls the First Time We adore you, O Christ, and
Ordination update: 11 new deacons for Atlanta
Details from the Georgia Bulletin: Deacon Dennis Dorner, the director of the permanent diaconate, said after five years of classwork
Funeral services announced for Bishop O’Connell
Details: Funeral services were announced Thursday for Los Angeles Catholic Auxiliary Bishop David O'Connell, who was gunned down at his home in Hacienda Heights.
Mark Wahlberg talks Lent on the Today show
This is something remarkable: a committed (and well-known) Catholic popped up on network television on Ash Wednesday, with a big,
The meaning of ashes: Homily for February 22, 2023, Ash Wednesday
In a few minutes, we will be marked with ashes. What, exactly, does that mean? We know historically they
A prayer for Ash Wednesday
Almighty and merciful Father, I pray this day as a prodigal, beginning my long walk home. As I mark the
The marriage cross: a beautiful tradition in Croatia
Scott Hahn posted this on his Facebook page, and it deserves wider circulation: According to Croatian tradition, when a couple
Sheriff: Man arrested in bishop’s killing is husband of housekeeper
'He was a good priest and a good bishop and a man of peace.' — Archbishop José Gomez This afternoon,
BREAKING: Arrest made in killing of Bishop O’Connell
Details: A suspect has been arrested in the killing of Auxiliary Bishop David O’Connell, the Los Angeles Times reported Monday. O’Connell,
UPDATE: ‘This incident is being handled as a murder investigation’
The latest on the death of LA's Bishop O'Connell, from CNA: The shooting death of Los Angeles Auxiliary Bishop David
‘Forgiveness is a choice’: Homily for February 19, 2023, 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time
What we have just heard may be one of the most recognizable passages in all the Gospels. The great Jewish
Shock: Los Angeles auxiliary bishop shot and killed — UPDATED
Details: An auxiliary bishop with the Archdiocese of Los Angeles was shot to death Saturday afternoon in Hacienda Heights, authorities
Beatification set for married couple martyred by Nazis
Details: The beatification date has been announced for Józef and Wiktoria Ulma and their seven children, who were killed by
Parish remembers MSU victim: ‘His light shined bright with love, leadership and kindness’
From The Detroit Free Press: Brian Fraser was a leader. From sports teams to church programs, fraternities to classrooms, Fraser
He wanted to die for Allah. Now he lives for Jesus.
Want to know the power of witness? Here's a remarkable conversion story, by Al Fadi, from Christianity Today: I was
Blessed Stanley Rother shrine to be dedicated
From The Oklahoman: Another chapter in the remarkable story of an Oklahoma priest will begin with the dedication of a
Jesus visits the Super Bowl: check out these two ads
From the people behind the He Gets Us campaign, these two ads appeared during two different halves of Super Bowl
Talking about St. Joseph
The folks at Shalom World TV invited me on their Book.ed program a couple weeks back to talk about Befriending
Persecution: Nicaraguan bishop sentenced to 26 years in prison
"This constitutes the most severe repression against the Catholic Church in Latin America since the assassination of Guatemalan Bishop Juan
‘He always wanted to champion the little guy. He supported the lost, the least, and the lonely’
Today is the funeral Mass for Deacon Donald Zirkel, who entered eternal life last month. Attention must be paid. What
Pope Francis appoints new Archbishop of Toronto
From the Archdiocese of Toronto: Pope Francis has appointed Bishop Francis (Frank) Leo, currently Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of
Survey: Church giving is steady after COVID, but with fewer donors
"The base of people shrunk significantly. That was the scary part for us from a sustainability point of view." From
Church of England considers a gender-neutral God for prayers, liturgy
From MSN: In what would mark a departure from centuries of tradition, bishops are to launch a project “on gendered
Statue of Mary survives earthquake that demolished cathedral
Details, via CNA: A statue of the Virgin Mary was untouched after the collapse of a Catholic cathedral in an
History: Pope names first auxiliary bishop for Diocese of El Paso
From the diocese's website: Pope Francis has announced the appointment of a new auxiliary bishop for the Diocese of El
‘This is our faith’: We need to rediscover the power and beauty of Baptism
My latest for OSV News: While parishes across the country gear up for a Eucharistic revival, we shouldn’t forget another
UPDATE: ‘The admission of women to the diaconate is a doctrinal matter…’
Whenever I travel, I find people asking me about the latest Vatican commission on women deacons. One of the members
UPDATE: Charges dropped against woman arrested for praying outside U.K. abortion clinic
You may remember her story from late last year. The update: Authorities in the U.K. have dropped charges against a
The biggest parish church in North America is now open
Wow: North America’s largest Catholic parish church – St. Charles Borromeo with seating for 3,200 souls – was officially dedicated
Rejoice! Watch the offertory for the papal Mass in Kinshasa, DRC
An estimated one million people attended the Mass at the local airport Wednesday — evidently, the only space large enough
Ordination update: 5 new deacons for Arlington
From The Arlington Catholic Herald: Bishop Michael F. Burbidge ordained five men to the permanent diaconate at the Cathedral of
Report: Jean Vanier’s L’Arche hid a ‘mystical-sexual sect’
'Vanier was part of a small sectarian group that subscribed to … predatory and deviant doctrine and practices...' Horrifying: Two
Father Hallowell: ‘I was healed at Lourdes’
Many of you will remember the inspiring story of Father John Hallowell, who was diagnosed with a brain tumor in
Pope Francis explains his comments about homosexuality and sin
Earlier this week, in an interview with the Associated Press, Pope Francis made some headlines when he answered a question
Revealed: the real reason Benedict resigned
Details: Ever since Benedict XVI announced his resignation on Feb. 11, 2013, cardinals and others have speculated on the main
Could this ad about Jesus show up during the Super Bowl?
Maybe: For the past 10 months, the “He Gets Us” ads have shown up on billboards, YouTube channels and television
Machete attacks in Spanish churches leave one dead, four wounded
From The Guardian: A machete-wielding man killed a sexton and wounded a priest in attacks at two churches in the
What country has the highest Mass attendance?
That's the lead question in a new post at the 1964 blog, run by the good people at Center for
Pope: Homosexuality is not a crime
From the AP: Pope Francis criticized laws that criminalize homosexuality as “unjust,” saying God loves all his children just as
Pope Francis on preaching: ‘The homilies, they are a disaster’
Last week, Pope Francis offered a few words to participants in a course for Diocesan liturgical officials, organized by the
A prayer for Pope Benedict
From CNA: A bishop has authorized and published a prayer for private devotion to Pope Benedict XVI, who died Dec.
Sister André, world’s oldest person, dies at 118
From CNN: French nun Sister André, the world’s oldest known person, died on Tuesday at the age of 118 in
Lawyers say McCarrick is unfit to stand trial
Given his advancing age, this shouldn't be a surprise: Former cardinal Theodore McCarrick is in “significant” mental decline and may
Are you ready for Sunday of the Word of God?
Four years ago, Pope Francis issued an Apostolic Letter, Aperuit Illis, instituting Sunday of the Word of God for the
WATCH: Man ordered to remove ‘Jesus saves’ tee shirt at Mall of America
This happened two weekends ago, but this story is now gathering steam on social media. Details: A man inside the
‘Ungodly and inhumane’: Priest burned alive in Nigeria
From AP: A Nigerian priest was burned alive in his home in the country’s north on Sunday, police said. Rev.
A diaconal connection to the funeral of Cardinal Pell
Reading about the funeral of Cardinal George Pell in St. Peter’s Basilica on Saturday, I saw this photograph: I thought
‘I trust that you will always be signs of a Church that goes forth’
From Pope Francis's remarks Saturday morning to the priests, deacons, seminarians and staff from the North American College, here's a
‘If discouragement overwhelms you, think of Joseph…’
Part of this homily popped up in my Facebook feed yesterday. I really needed to see it. Maybe you do,
‘Pray for Damar’: the birth of a movement
The collapse of Buffalo Bills player Damar Hamlin has sparked something of a movement, according to Bills team chaplain Len
Ordination update: 18 new deacons for Fort Wayne-South Bend
Happy new year! Happy new deacons! Details from Today's Catholic: A glorious day! More than 1,300 people witnessed the ordination of 18
Shock: Cardinal Pell dead at 81
From the BBC: Cardinal George Pell, whose conviction on child abuse charges shocked the Catholic Church before being quashed, has
Damar Hamlin’s recovery: ‘Prayer is real’
'Damar got the whole world to pray. God allowed Damar to get the whole world to pray.' From OSV News:
The gift of Benedict: Homily for January 8, 2023 Memorial Mass
We dedicated the 1 p.m. Mass at my parish Sunday to Pope Emeritus Benedict. I was asked to preach the
When a funeral homily is also a eulogy: Cardinal Ratzinger on Pope John Paul II
There has been a lot of discussion lately about Pope Francis's homily for the funeral of Pope Emeritus Benedict; some
Man arrested after destroying altar in Arkansas abbey
'The man had wanted to break into the tabernacle but had looked up at the statue of Mary and decided
Joseph Ratzinger, ‘led where you do not want to go’
A different look at the trajectory of Benedict's life, from Elizabeth Scalia at OSV News: It was a coldish day
Catholic urban ‘village’ proposed for Detroit
Details: Many thousands of churches are being abandoned in North America as worship communities become geographically dissipated, often spread over
Report: ‘Passion of the Christ’ sequel to begin shooting this spring
Details: After almost a decade of anticipation, the Passion of the Christ sequel is finally in the works. Passion of the Christ:
The New York Times looks at the bond between football and faith
Check this out: As the ambulance carrying the injured Buffalo Bills player Damar Hamlin rolled slowly off the field in Cincinnati Monday
Read: Pope Francis’s homily at funeral of Pope Emeritus Benedict
'Benedict, faithful friend of the Bridegroom, may your joy be complete as you hear his voice, now and forever!' From
Damar Hamlin: ‘I see myself through God’s eyes’
From OSV News: The Central Catholic High School community in Pittsburgh is joining in prayer for NFL player Damar Hamlin,
2017 letter from bishop explained plan to laicize Pavone
From The Pillar: A 2017 letter to then-Father Frank Pavone warned the now-laicized leader of Priests for Life that his
Gänswein: The devil was ‘very against Pope Benedict’
From Crux: Retired Pope Benedict XVI’s longtime personal secretary has given an interview in which he says he believes the
WATCH: Benedict’s last journey to St. Peter’s
The remains of the Pope Emeritus were transferred to St. Peter's Monday morning. Video below, from Vatican News. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k0vmyUJSAAM
Happy New Year, happy new news service: the debut of OSV News
At the end of 2022, before the ball fell, an important piece of news dropped: the launch of OSV News.
Benedict’s last words: ‘Lord, I love you!’
The Vatican released this photograph Sunday: Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, lying in state at his home chapel in the Monastery
‘A shepherd must love the people entrusted to him’: Homily for January 1, 2023
This weekend, as we start a new year, we’re doing more than changing calendars and making resolutions. We’re watching history
Pope Benedict at installation: ‘Do not be afraid of Christ!’
My mind goes back to 22 October 1978, when Pope John Paul II began his ministry here in Saint Peter’s
Vatican: Pope Emeritus Benedict has returned to the Father’s house
From the Vatican: The Holy See Press Office announced that the Pope Emeritus died at 9:34 AM on Saturday morning
‘The story of the Holy Family is about life not always turning out the way you expected’
A little something from the vault: I’m struck every year by the timing of this feast, celebrating the Holy Family. It
Diocese of Rome to offer special Mass for Pope Emeritus
'Although his condition remains serious, the situation at the moment is stable.' Details: The Diocese of Rome will offer a
Prayer to St. Joseph for a happy death
"Since we all must die, we should cherish a special devotion to St. Joseph, that he may obtain for us
Benedict: ‘Quite soon, I shall find myself before the final judge of my life…’
"Quite soon, I shall find myself before the final judge of my life. Even though, as I look back on
Pope Francis describes Benedict as ‘very ill,’ asks for prayers
From Vatican News: Concluding the General Audience on Wednesday morning Pope Francis asked the faithful for a "special prayer" for
‘I said I was Jew-ish’: The case of Catholic Congressman-elect George Santos
It turns out that New York's congressman-to-be misled, embellished, fabricated and outright lied about parts of his life — including
‘The manger reminds us that Jesus was surrounded by nothing but love’
"The manger of Bethlehem speaks to us not only of closeness, but also of poverty. Around the manger there is
My first Christmas homily
In December 2007, the first Christmas after my ordination, my pastor asked me to preach at Midnight Mass. The homily
Great moments in weather reporting
Let's hear it for Mark Woodley, ladies and gentlemen: Anyone who has ever seen a local news broadcast during a
Christ is always coming: Homily for Christmas 2022
Merry Christmas! If you’ve said it someone today, say it again! And say it again tonight. And tomorrow. And for
Holiday cheer in the U.K.: Woman arrested for silently praying
This incident has understandably caused a firestorm. The report from CNA: A pro-life volunteer has been arrested and charged after
Poll: All I want for Christmas is less Mariah Carey
A blessed sign of hope for our troubled times, via RNS: Most Americans plan to give a dozen gifts during
Remembering ‘Sean Patrick’ of Catholic Digest: ‘He loved God, loved life, and loved to tell stories’
My friend Paul McKibben alerted me to this sad news: a man who was a beloved fixture of Catholic Digest
The town that ‘Silent Night’ put on the map
Some fascinating history here, via CNS: The Christmas song “Stille Nacht” (“Silent Night”) may have put the town of Oberndorf,
One number for the new year that can really count
My latest for OSV: As the new year begins, it’s all about numbers, isn’t it? From the annual countdown in
Holy humility — and a saint for this moment, Jeanne Jugan
Reflecting on the idea of obedience, many people this week have mentioned the case of Padre Pio. Others have brought
Nearly 1,000 U.S. faith leaders call for Christmas cease-fire in Ukraine
Details: Nearly 1,000 U.S. faith leaders are calling for a Christmas cease-fire in Ukraine 10 months after Russia invaded its
Mary, did you know?: One reason why it’s a wonderful film
'Mary sees the big man in George from the first, because she is a big woman.' From The Bulwark, writer
Everything you wanted to know about the Pavone case
Sources said that the Pavone case had less to do with his media profile and public statements, and more to
‘Be open to believe’: Just in time for Christmas, ’60 Minutes’ gives us a story of miracles
This is something to see: From CBS News's Bill Whitaker, a fascinating, inspiring and superbly-reported account of the miracles that
Pavone vows legal action
From CNA: The national director of Priests for Life, Frank Pavone, canceled a scheduled livestreamed Mass today, one day after
CNA: Father Pavone dismissed from clerical state — UPDATED
This has been a long time coming. Details: Father Frank Pavone, a well-known pro-life activist and national director of the
Martyrs: Married couple with 7 children, all executed by the Nazis, could be beatified
Details: Pope Francis has recognized the martyrdom of a married couple with seven children who were killed by the Nazis
Life matters: Oregon’s governor commutes sentences of death row inmates
Attention must be paid: Democratic Gov. Kate Brown of Oregon announced on Tuesday she is commuting the sentences of the state's 17
Women deacons? A member of the Vatican commission weighs in
From Our Sunday Visitor, here's part of an interview with Deacon Dominic Cerrato, editor of OSV’s The Deacon magazine, and
Pope names Holy Cross priest bishop of St. Cloud
From the Diocese of St. Cloud website: The Holy See announced that Pope Francis has appointed Father Patrick Neary, C.S.C., a
On Jordan’s bank: a stunning development rises at baptism site
Those of us who have been to this ancient site can't help but find this jarring and a little disorienting
‘We are all Newtown’: Remembering the tragedy of Sandy Hook
From 2012, part of my homily after the tragedy in Sandy Hook: As some of you know, my office is
More Protestant churches are celebrating Our Lady of Guadalupe
The presence of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Episcopalian, Lutheran or other Protestant spaces could be more commonplace in Mexican
‘Men for others’: Heisman winner Caleb Williams salutes Gonzaga’s influence on his life
"To the 11-year-old out there who’s watching right now, who was told you’re too small, like they told me. Go
Chicago’s Father Pfleger cleared of abuse allegations, reinstated as pastor
Details, via CNN: Father Michael Pfleger, the senior pastor of the St. Sabina Parish in Chicago, has been reinstated after
The Lord is near: Homily for December 11, 2022, 3rd Sunday in Advent
“Rejoice in the Lord always…the Lord is near!” That message from St. Paul, from the opening chant for this Mass,
The composer behind ‘Mary’s Boy Child’
He also composed that contemporary classic, "Amen," that we all remember from "Lilies of the Field." (He also dubbed Sidney
Mary, the woman of ‘Yes’
This feast we celebrate, the Immaculate Conception, commemorates a great mystery and a miracle: that God so loved the world
Prominent Jesuit artist has ministry restricted after allegations
Photo: by Centroaletti / Creative Commons From CNS: Slovenian Jesuit Father Marko Rupnik, whose mosaics decorate chapels in the Vatican,
‘Carol of the Bells’: Ukraine’s enduring song of hope
One hundred years after it was introduced to Western audiences at Carnegie Hall, this enduring classic returned. And it's even
Ordination update: 20 new deacons for Peoria
An early Christmas gift! Details from The Catholic Post: In ordaining 20 permanent deacons for the Diocese of Peoria on
Another diocese plans to file for bankruptcy
From the Press Democrat in California: The Roman Catholic Diocese of Santa Rosa plans to file for bankruptcy protection in
Next stop: the glorious lights of Attleboro
The Fall Tour (Deaconpalooza '22) is wrapping up. I'm heading to the train station this morning with my wife to
The great religious caretakers of America: chaplains
About a quarter of new students in the Master of Divinity programs at Boston University and Union Theological Seminary in
Check it out: A gift for the preacher in your life
I'm pleased to announce that a new collection of homilies is being released today by the good people at Clear
Amid scandals and politics, Poland’s young people are losing faith
“This is a time bomb that was always going to explode sooner or later.” Further evidence that we are often
Census: Less than half of England and Wales is Christian
From the BBC: For the first time fewer than half of people in England and Wales describe themselves as Christian,
Rest in peace: ‘Die Hard’ actor Clarence Gilyard, Catholic
His memorable turn as a computer hacker in the Bruce Willis smash led to ongoing roles in "Waker, Texas Ranger"
History: Deacon becomes first Indigenous man ordained in Brisbane
From The Catholic Leader in Australia: Deacon Clinton McGoldrick became the first Indigenous man ordained in the history of Brisbane
Must-read: Pope Francis’s wide-ranging interview with America magazine
The Holy Father spoke exclusively with Matt Malone, S.J., the departing editor in chief of America, Sam Sawyer, S.J., the
Ordination update: 8 new deacons for Scranton
Just in time for Advent! Details: Bishop Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton, ordained eight men as permanent deacons for
Vatican: China violated terms of agreement with bishop installation
From CNA: The Vatican said on Saturday that Chinese authorities had violated the terms stipulated in its provisional agreement on
No, you don’t have to sing that hymn this weekend. Really.
It's everybody's go-to chant for Advent: "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel." It's a classic, sober piece of music, and it's
Jesus Christ, streaming star: ‘The Chosen’ becomes a breakout hit
The streaming sensation has even caught the attention of The New York Times: In the biblical account of the miracle
Report: Apostolic Visitation for Diocese of Knoxville
From The Pillar: A Vatican-ordered apostolic visitation will be conducted in the Diocese of Knoxville next week, several sources close
‘Oh, the humanity’: The true story behind the WKRP ‘Turkey Drop’
From Rodney Ho at The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, who re-posts this item every year: The show was created by former Atlanta
Bishop Henning of Rockville Centre becomes coadjutor bishop of Providence
News from the In My Backyard Desk: The Holy Father, Pope Francis, has appointed Most Reverend Richard G. Henning, S.T.D.
Shock: Pope removes entire leadership of Caritas, appoints administrator
From CNA: Pope Francis on Tuesday removed the entire leadership of an international confederation of charities and appointed a temporary
Singing phenomenon Sister Cristina of ‘The Voice’ leaves religious life
You remember she caused a sensation a few years back. Now, this news: A nun who became a singing sensation
Unpacking the USCCB meeting — and finding some surprises
Elizabeth Scalia sat through most of the public sessions (so we wouldn't have to) and offers this assessment over at
Rest in peace: ‘Miracle deacon’ Ken Conklin has died
Friday evening, Bishop Rick Stika posted the news on Facebook: It is with sadness that I share with you the
Albany’s retired Bishop Hubbard asks Vatican ‘to return to the lay state’
This is extraordinary, via The Evangelist newspaper: Bishop Emeritus Howard J. Hubbard of the Diocese of Albany has asked the
Patriarch: discussions underway about one date for Easter
From Zenit: In an interview with a Turkish media , the Patriarch of Constantinople stated that conversations are underway between