I first posted on them a couple weeks ago. Now, full details are in the Georgia Bulletin, including the story of the deacon in a wheelchair, Francis Head: With its incense and ancient prayers, the ordination Mass was celebrated Saturday, Feb. 2, as friends and family crowded Christ the King Cathedral. The new deacons of the Atlanta Archdiocese are Dan Buckley, Joseph Crowley, Eugene Dickerson, Mark F. Friedlein, Carlos Garcia, James C. Harkins, Jerome M. Hayward, Francis D. Head... Read more
Details: In his first public comments since he announced his resignation, Pope Benedict said he was fully aware of the gravity of his decision but confident that it would not hurt the Church. “Continue to pray for me, for the Church and for the future Pope,” he said in unscripted remarks at the start of his weekly general audience. It is one of his last public appearances before he resigns on 28 February. The Pope, who looked and sounded strong,... Read more
The Anchoress has a fascinating insight into the pope’s pending retirement: Forgive me if this sounds absurd on the face of it, but I am wondering if, despite these pieces of evidence, Benedict’s recent entry into Twitter has had anything to do with the seeming abruptness of his announcement. The pope’s interest in, and support of, the church’s engagement with new media proves he is not exactly out of touch with the world, but when the Benedict finally logged on to... Read more
Monday afternoon, somebody sent me a message on Facebook that put the last 48 hours into perspective. This year, he wrote, the winner of the “What-are-you-giving-up-for-Lent?” prize goes to the pope. I don’t think anyone would disagree. As I’ve watched this story unfold for the last two days, and read commentaries and analysis, it becomes more clear to me that what the Holy Father is doing is not only historic, not only courageous. It is also profoundly humble. And it... Read more
My blog neighbor Fr. Dwight Longenecker has his take in the Washington Post: Apostles has become a traveling missionary–reaching out to the entire world. John Paul II showed the apostolic power of the pope in a fresh and dynamic way. He became the predominant religious leader in the world. Benedict XVI showed that he understood this new development by calling his trips around the world “apostolic journeys.” Benedict did his best to step into the shoes of global evangelist, but... Read more
From the BBC: A day after Pope Benedict XVI announced his resignation, the Vatican has acknowledged that the pontiff has had a pacemaker for years. But Vatican spokesman Federico Lombardi reiterated that he was not stepping down because of any specific illness. His last public appearance will be his final mass in Saint Peter’s Square on 27 February, Fr Lombardi said. The pontiff would have no role in the running of the church after his resignation, he added. The unexpected... Read more
From AFP: An Italian journalist who beat the world’s media on Pope Benedict XVI’s decision to resign got the scoop on the utterly unexpected news thanks to her knowledge of Latin. “Our Vatican expert, Giovanna Chirri, was listening to the Pope’s speech,” the ANSA news agency’s head of information Luigi Contu told AFP. “At one point, the Pope stopped talking about the consistory. Chirri understood he was saying he was tired, that the pressure was too much, and that he... Read more
With all the pope news, here’s a nice palate-cleanser. This was produced by Fr. Manuel Dorantes in the Archdiocese of Chicago. He once toiled for Univision, and knows a thing or two about TV production. This may be one of the most thoughtful and comprehensive instructional videos for training altar servers. While this ministry varies from parish to parish, what you find here is a terrific primer that could be adapted to almost any church. (The servers shown in the... Read more
From the White House: On behalf of Americans everywhere, Michelle and I wish to extend our appreciation and prayers to His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI. Michelle and I warmly remember our meeting with the Holy Father in 2009, and I have appreciated our work together over these last four years. The Church plays a critical role in the United States and the world, and I wish the best to those who will soon gather to choose His Holiness Pope Benedict... Read more
A good primer on the days ahead, from Rome Reports: During this transition, the chamberlain will be in charge. Right now, that post is held by Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, who also serves as the Vatican’s Secretary of State. To prevent any forgery, he must also break the pope’s fisherman’s ring by hitting it with a small hammer. The pope’s apartment must then be sealed by Cardinal Bertone, to prevent the tampering of any official documents. He’s also in charge of... Read more
The Deacon's Bench
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