Pope baptizes twins after surgery to separate them (CNS) Their heads encased in white bandages covering the wounds where they had been conjoined, 2-year-old twins named Ervina and Prefina were baptized by Pope Francis Aug. 6 in the chapel of his residence. The babies from the Central Africa Republic are still hospitalized at the Vatican-owned Bambino Gesu pediatric hospital in Rome, a spokesman said Aug. 10. But their mother, identified only as Ermine, “really wanted the pope to baptize them…”
Italy approves outpatient use for abortion pill (AP) Women in Italy can now use the abortion pill on an outpatient basis rather than be hospitalized to terminate a pregnancy. Italy’s health minister, Roberto Speranza, announced the change in guidelines in a tweet Saturday. He said it was based on scientific evidence and was “an important step forward” in line with Italy’s 1978 law legalizing abortion…
Philadelphia fashion designer weaves faith into her fabric (CatholicPhilly.com) Holly Guertin, a textile designer who has worked with brands such as Lilly Pulitzer and Marie Oliver, launched a new line of women’s dresses July 27, with prints inspired by Scripture, stained glass windows and even holy Communion…
Parish in Charlotte feels quake, and Sunday scripture comes to life (AP) According to a news release from the Diocese of Charlotte, Father Richard Sutter of St. Gabriel’s Catholic Church said the lector in the Sunday service had just reached the 19th chapter of 1 Kings, a Bible passage referring to the prophet Elijah, which said, “After the wind there was an earthquake — but the LORD was not in the earthquake.” It was then that parishioners felt the 5.1 magnitude earthquake centered near Sparta, the most powerful to hit the state in more than 100 years…
Catholic churches dropping hymns by David Haas (The New York Times) Several Roman Catholic archdioceses have banned a well-known liturgical composer from performing in their churches and many others have stopped playing his music after dozens of women accused him of sexual misconduct and harassment over more than 40 years…
In Wales, government changes advisory against organ-playing (BBC) Advice against organists playing their instruments in church because they could spread coronavirus has been changed, says the Church in Wales. The Welsh Government had said their use should be “specifically avoided, along with singing, chanting and shouting”. But the Church in Wales said it had now received new guidance on the matter. It said: “The decision to use an organ ‘should be based on a risk assessment and adherence with social distancing, hand hygiene and cleaning guidance’…
