This is certainly a different kind of vocation story: A former Portland City official took perpetual vows in November as a Sister of St. Joseph of Peace. Sister Susan Francois, who reclaimed her faith during the late 1990s at St. Philip Neri Parish in Portland, was also a leading Catholic peace activist in Oregon during the run-up to the Iraq War. “My heart is filled with peace and joy as I make this lifelong commitment to follow Jesus and serve... Read more
…Father John Corapi? Patrick Madrid takes note: Father John Corapi’s Internet presence at sites such as the www.theblacksheepdog.us and http://theblacksheepdog.wordpress.com has vanished, ditto for his presence on YouTube and Facebook. No one I know has any clue what happened to him, but there are several possible scenarios that would explain this. The one I hope is correct is that he has reconciled with the S.O.L.T. order he once was a member of and with, more importantly, the Catholic Church that... Read more
Now, more than ever, their numbers are dwindling, and the need continues to be great. From Stars and Stripes: Spc. Joe Murphy’s job in Afghanistan was to hunt down the things his fellow soldiers hoped they’d never have to encounter. As part of a route-clearance team that combed the roads connecting Bagram Airfield to outposts in the region, the 23-year-old Iowa National Guardsman gained a close-up familiarity with roadside bombs. Understanding the devices that insurgents have used to kill thousands... Read more
From 70 years ago: 1942. Via Lists of Note. See a larger version here. Read more
In the final hours before the Iowa caucuses, Newt Gingrich seemed to be preaching to the choir yesterday — or, at least, speaking to the all-important evangelical voters: Newt Gingrich spoke about his Catholic religion and belief in God today on two different campaign stops, recognizing the Christian Evangelical support is a necessary factor for caucus success. Gingrich is still working for last minute Christian votes before Tuesday. He held a telephone meeting with Iowa pastors Friday. “I pray before... Read more
[I wrote the following for my parish bulletin. Dcn. G.] So here we are, beginning another year, rising to face new challenges, hoping to be better people next December 31 than we were last December 31. Some people are hoping to lose weight. Some will stop smoking. Looking for suggestions? Maybe these will help. Meantime, Happy New Year! Catholic New Year’s Resolutions I resolve to arrive at Mass early. Before arriving for Mass, I resolve to turn off my cell... Read more
This broke while I was away from my desk, in the middle of the Sunday Marathon of Masses, but Rocco has all you need to know: In an unprecedented Sunday announcement — a significant sign of Rome’s degree of seriousness about the effort — the Vatican’s press bulletin gave official word of the erection of the Personal Ordinariate of the Chair of St Peter, encompassing the territory of the United States. The national quasi-diocese for the entering groups is the... Read more
There’s a long but intriguing essay here by Professor Alan Jacobs that explores how the rapidly changing technology — from cell phones to iPads and Kindles — may have a profound impact on Christianity in the developing world. He draws some interesting parallels between the small screen (cell phones) and the big screen you find in megachurches (and, increasingly, in Catholic parishes, too): Google has been working hard in recent years to maximize its presence in Africa, sensing an already-enormous... Read more
Before the confetti is swept up and the champagne glasses put away, the new year will be bringing something else new: the ordinariate, enabling Anglican parishes in the U.S. to become Catholic. Details: The Vatican is set to launch a structure Monday that will allow Anglican parishes in the United States — and their married priests — to join the Catholic Church in a small but symbolically potent effort to reunite Protestants and Catholics, who split almost 500 years ago.... Read more
In advance of tomorrow’s solemnity, and the start of a brand new year, Cuba paused to hail Mary: Thousands of Cuban Catholics flocked to Havana Bay for an open-air mass marking the end of a 16-month island tour of the statue of Our Lady of Charity of Cobre, Cuba’s patron saint. The service was led by Cardinal Jaime Ortega, the 73 year-old head of Cuba’s Catholic Church. Also present were senior members of Cuba’s Communist Party, including Vice President Estaban... Read more
The Deacon's Bench
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