Bridgeport’s Bishop Caggiano diagnosed with COVID-19 (Diocese of Bridgeport) The Diocese of Bridgeport announced today that Bishop Frank J. Caggiano has tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. Bishop Caggiano is asymptomatic and feels well. However, he will observe a 10-day quarantine consistent with CDC guidelines. As a result, he will not engage in public ministry or attend any previously scheduled events during this time…
How Argentina bucked tradition and legalized abortion (The New York Times) Latin America has long been hostile terrain for abortion rights advocates, even in recent decades as legal abortion became accessible in most of Europe, North America and other parts of the world. But a grassroots feminist movement claimed a victory in Argentina on Wednesday when the Senate legalized abortion in a surprisingly resounding vote — making Argentina the first large country in Latin America to take that step…
20 Catholic missionaries killed in 2020 (CNA) Twenty Catholic missionaries were killed across the world in 2020, the information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies said Wednesday. Agenzia Fides reported Dec. 30 that those who lost their lives in service of the Church comprised eight priests, three religious women, one male religious, two seminarians, and six lay people…
Epiphany tradition of door blessing is a symbol of hope (CNS) The ancient Christian tradition of marking doorways with blessed chalk on the feast of the Epiphany will carry new meaning for many Catholics in 2021. Following a year that saw families shaken by the coronavirus pandemic, the traditional home blessing will serve as a special symbol of hope and a visible reminder of faith. “Many have fought COVID-19 and lived to tell about it,” said Michael Carnahan, a parishioner of Sacred Heart of Mary Church in Baltimore, who has practiced the chalk blessing since he was a child…