Ukrainian Catholics praying for peace in their homeland (B.C. Catholic) As threats of a Russian invasion of Ukraine intensify, Ukrainian-Catholics in Canada are joining the worldwide faithful in praying for peace in their homeland. The three Ukrainian Catholic bishops in Canada have called on all Canadians to join them in prayers for peace and support for the Ukrainian people. A statement from the bishops release Jan. 23 urged Canadians to “know the facts and fight falsehood in a post-truth public debate being warped by Russian disinformation…”
Biden joins pope, imam in marking day of human fraternity (Crux) On the second annual Day of Human Fraternity both religious and secular leaders have joined voices calling for greater brotherhood and solidarity, saying faith implies respect for all people regardless of their traditions or beliefs. These leaders include Pope Francis, the Grand Imam of Egypt’s prestigious Al-Azhar mosque and university, Ahmed al-Tayeb, and United States President Joe Biden…
LGBTQ+ group at CUA fighting for recognition (The Hill) A LGBTQ+ student group at a Catholic university in Washington, D.C. has yet to be officially recognized more than ten years after it was established. The on-campus group CUAllies at the Catholic University of America says it has been operating “underground” since it was founded in 2009, as university administrators, including university President John Garvey, have on several occasions denied the club official recognition…
Catholic priest battles breast cancer (The Hawk Eye) It may seem unusual for a Catholic priest to quote the lyrics to the Tom Petty song, “I Won’t Back Down.” But that has been the theme song lately for Father Marty Goetz, who is in his 10th year as priest for the Divine Mercy Parish at St. Mary’s in Dodgeville. Goetz found out last summer that he has breast cancer, which has metastasized to other parts of his body. With Catholics all over the world praying for him, Goetz is learning to live with the disease as he undergoes treatments and works a full schedule…
What did the pope say about sinners and the communion of saints? (CNA) Any talk about apostates and former Catholics who persecute the Church is bound to grab attention, and Pope Francis’ Wednesday audience drew a reaction from some who wondered whether he had intentionally included the damned in the communion of saints. For all the controversy, the pope’s comments seem to reflect his personal emphasis on Catholic Christians’ links to the saints in heaven, but also to our loved ones and neighbors who are baptized but currently reject the faith…