A diocesan paper in Arkansas looks at the particular challenges of deaf Catholics — and how the church is trying to help them: When Catholics who are deaf make a joyful noise to the Lord, they do it with a flourish of fingers. Every day they face isolation in a hearing world, even when it comes to expressing their religion. In Arkansas, deaf Catholics are a minority within a minority, and they are acutely aware of the lack of resources... Read more
Current bid: $1,440. It’s unclear just where this comes from, or who wore it — but the description on eBay indicates it belonged to someone who took part in the Second Vatican Council: + This is a near impossible find these days + + A solid gold Vatican II “Miter ring” inside the old red case as given out to the Cardinals in attendance of the 2nd Vatican Council 50 years ago + + The ring can fit any finger... Read more
The Vatican announced yesterday that Pope Benedict had selected, for the first time, a married couple to write the reflections for the Good Friday Way of the Cross — and Vatican Radio has a brief interview with the couple: Pope Benedict XVI’s choice of theme for the Way of the Cross this Good Friday – the family – comes at a most propitious time in the life of the Church and wider society. In many countries the institutions of marriage... Read more
Details: Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams, the head of the 85 million-strong worldwide Anglican Communion, announced Friday he will step down from his post at the end of the year. Williams has been Archbishop of Canterbury, the top role in the Church of England, for 10 years. He has accepted the position of master of Magdalene College at Cambridge University, starting in January, a statement on his website said. Williams said: “It has been an immense privilege to serve as... Read more
The story from New Jersey: Leigh Finley was acting like a kid in a candy store, or a traditional Catholic at a fish market during Lent. Scallops, monkfish, shrimp, salmon and other seafood items piled up on the counter here at the Lobster House Fish Market. Finley drove here from Cumberland County on Tuesday just to do her fish shopping for Friday’s dinner. “I have a big family and we’re Irish Catholic,” Finley, 42, of Vineland, explained. Click here for... Read more
From Dr. Ed Peters: Fr. Marcel Guarnizo’s statement evidences misunderstandings of several aspects of Catholic law on the administration of holy Communion and confirms my sense that Guarnizo erred in withholding holy Communion in this case. Regarding those errors, I believe that he, and those inclined to support or even imitate him, need correction. I offer here canonical commentary, and that, only for those who are interested in the operation of canon law in the Church and are aware of (or... Read more
Details: Italian celebrity perfume-maker Silvana Casoli, has created her most heavenly scent yet for a very special client, Pope Benedict XVI. Known for creating a number of perfumes that can be used by both men and women with names like Chocolat Bambola (Chocolate doll) and Vanilla Bourbon, Casoli has designed unique fragrances for famous personalities like Madonna and Sting. Speaking to Rome’s daily paper, Il Messaggero, Casoli said that the name of the pope’s specially-commissioned scent is top secret and... Read more
Goldman Sach’s Greg Smith caused a sensation with this Op-Ed piece in yesterday’s New York Times. Now, Darth Vader has been moved to follow suit: After almost 12 years, first as a summer intern, then in the Death Star and now in London, I believe I have worked here long enough to understand the trajectory of its culture, its people and its massive, genocidal space machines. And I can honestly say that the environment now is as toxic and destructive... Read more
This is exciting news — though I’m less excited about the way this article misrepresents the diaconate and seems to confuse deacons with lay people. Details: The Poona diocese will soon have a married deacon to conduct baptisms, marriages, funerals and even give sermons. Roy D’ Monte, 54 — an administrator at Loyola High School — will be ordained as a married deacon on April 23, after which he will acquire the right to celebrate religious functions and administer sacraments,... Read more
Soothsayer Caesar! CAESAR Ha! who calls? CASCA Bid every noise be still: peace yet again! CAESAR Who is it in the press that calls on me? I hear a tongue, shriller than all the music, Cry ‘Caesar!’ Speak; Caesar is turn’d to hear. Soothsayer Beware the ides of March. CAESAR What man is that? BRUTUS A soothsayer bids you beware the ides of March. CAESAR Set him before me; let me see his face. CASSIUS Fellow, come from the throng;... Read more
The Deacon's Bench
Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In