"Faithful Citizenship" reissued, with new introduction

Last updated on: September 30, 2016 at 5:36 pm By Deacon Greg Kandra

This just in, from the USCCB: A new introduction to the U.S. bishops’ document on political responsibility reminds Catholics that some issues “involve the clear obligation to oppose intrinsic evils which can never be justified,” while others “require action to pursue justice and promote the common good.” The brief Introductory Note to the 2011 reissue of “Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship” was signed by the president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and the chairmen of nine USCCB committees.... Read more

For the feast of St. Francis: a "forest of Junipers"

Last updated on: September 30, 2016 at 5:36 pm By Deacon Greg Kandra

From Fr. James Martin’s new book, “Between Heaven and Mirth,” comes this delightful anecdote about one of Francis’s most enthusiastic followers: Perhaps the most enjoyable of all the tales in the Franciscan annals concern the lovable Brother Juniper, whose lavish generosity constantly exasperated his Franciscan brothers. Juniper, one of the early companions of Francis, thought nothing of giving everything away to the poor, and so his brothers were forced to forbid him from giving away his tunic to any beggars... Read more

"We invoke the divine blessing on these animals…"

Last updated on: September 30, 2016 at 5:36 pm By Deacon Greg Kandra

“The animals of God’s creation inhabit the skies, the earth, and the sea. They share in the fortunes of human existence and have a part in human life. god, who confers his gifts on all living things, has often used the service of animals or made them symbolic reminders of the gifts of salvation. Animals were saved from the flood and afterwards made a part of the covenant with Noah. The paschal lamb brings to mind the passover sacrifice and... Read more

In her footsteps: meet Dorothy Day's granddaughter

Last updated on: September 30, 2016 at 5:36 pm By Deacon Greg Kandra

She is a Catholic activist in her own right, and recently visited Iowa State to speak. Details: Martha Hennessy is a soft-spoken woman, but her actions certainly are not. She spoke on Monday in the Sun Room of the Memorial Union, giving a speech titled “Inspiration for the 21st Century Radical” in which she discussed her life within the Catholic Worker movement. Hennessy’s grandmother, Dorothy Day, was a cofounder for the newspaper the Catholic Worker. Day helped create this paper in 1933. The... Read more

Shock: ACLU backs right of 12-year-old girl to wear rosary to school

Last updated on: September 30, 2016 at 5:36 pm By Deacon Greg Kandra

An apt news item for the beginning of October, the month of the rosary, don’t you think? Details: The Nebraska ACLU is siding with a sixth-grade girl who said that her religious beliefs have been compromised because the Fremont Public School District won’t let her go to class wearing a necklace that resembles a rosary. The Fremont Middle School student said recently that the policy infringes on her rights to express her religious beliefs. Fremont Superintendent Steve Sexton said the... Read more

"Girthers"

Last updated on: September 30, 2016 at 5:36 pm By Deacon Greg Kandra

That’s the inspired name that someone has given to all the bellyachers complaining about Chris Christie’s belly. Genius? A little bit. That is all. Read more

"Party Rock Anthem" as you've never heard it before — by a marching band

Last updated on: September 30, 2016 at 5:36 pm By Deacon Greg Kandra

“Party rock is in the house tonight” — and last weekend, the Ohio University Marching 110 knocked it out of the house and clear across Athens. This is something to see, (even if you only know the tune from that awful, creepy Kia commercial.) “Every day I’m shufflin’, shufflin’…” Everybody shuffle! Read more

Worth a thousand words: Hail, Mary!

Last updated on: September 30, 2016 at 5:36 pm By Deacon Greg Kandra

For the month of the rosary, a striking image from a shrine in India. Source. And read more here from the current issue of ONE magazine. Read more

Pro-life activist: graphic images will remain in Amarillo

Last updated on: September 30, 2016 at 5:36 pm By Deacon Greg Kandra

Images of aborted fetuses put on public display have sparked controversy lately — but the man behind them has no plans to remove them. Details: Lori Saunders shielded her 8-year-old daughter’s eyes as the trio of trucks left the Westgate Mall area. “Our children shouldn’t be subject to these graphic images,” Saunders said. “Nobody should have to see this.” Neither the billboard trucks nor a plane toting a banner featuring images of aborted fetuses appear likely to leave Amarillo soon.... Read more

How an AP reporter found religion while covering scandal

Last updated on: September 30, 2016 at 5:36 pm By Deacon Greg Kandra

Here’s something you don’t read about every day, courtesy GetReligion: You might consider Associated Press reporter Tom Breen to be the anti-William Lobdell. Breen recently told me he eventually became a weekly Mass attendee after educating himself on the Catholic abuse scandals for his journalism job. His story is quite the opposite from Lobdell, whose work on the religion beat at the Los Angeles Times caused him to drop his faith and write “Losing My Religion.” Instead of re-writing Breen’s... Read more