Pope requests study of congregation before naming new prefect (CNS) Before Pope Francis names a new prefect for the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Sacraments, he has asked that an outside expert consult with the office’s staff and review its procedures. The pope in late February accepted the resignation of Guinean Cardinal Robert Sarah, who had reached the normal retirement age of 75 last June. The cardinal had been prefect since 2014. A French website reported March 12 that it would be a “canonical visitation” carried out by Bishop Claudio Maniago of Castellaneta, president of the Italian bishops’ conference’s liturgical commission and a member of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Sacraments…
Vatican rejects same-sex blessings; critics respond (The New York Times) “The Vatican does what the Vatican does, and sometimes the Vatican really hurts people whose lives they are unfamiliar with,” said Jason Steidl, a theologian at St. Joseph’s College who is gay. “Pastorally, it’s a devastating pronouncement for L.G.B.T.Q. people.” Francis DeBernardo, the executive director of New Ways Ministry who has been an advocate for gay Catholics for four decades, noted that “priests in parishes” were already celebrating such blessings. He said that Catholics would “continue to find creative ways to bless the couples they love and support,” and that “Catholic laity will step in and perform their own rituals, gestures, and words of support…”
Indian priest suspended for allegedly attacking bishop (CNA) A Catholic priest from a northern Indian diocese has been suspended after allegedly physically assaulting the diocese’s bishop. Bishop Pius Thomas D’Souza of Ajmer says he was attacked last week by local priest Father Varghese Palappallil, who is facing a sexual abuse case that is currently pending in Rome…
Priests share hope for new Pittsburgh parish in Black Catholic tradition (CNA) St. Benedict is a personal parish in the Black Catholic tradition, but that doesn’t mean it’s closed off to other Catholics.“Even though it’s a personal parish of African-Americans, there are many white members who belong to it because they love to worship there and the friendship and social change that goes on there,” Father David Taylor, senior parochial vicar at St. Benedict, said. But St. Benedict is tailored to the needs and the realities of Black Catholics…
Priest sells baseball card collection to fund Catholic scholarships (FOX News) A Minnesota priest and avid baseball card collector has graciously given up his impressive collection to raise more than $50,000 for student scholarships. Father John Ubel of the Cathedral of St. Paul shared with “FOX Business Tonight” that he made the decision to auction off his highly valuable cards – including Hank Aaron’s 1954 rookie card – after realizing they could do more for underprivileged children rather than sit in his cabinet…
