Pope to Muslims: "We believers have a special contribution to make…"

Last updated on: September 30, 2016 at 5:37 pm By Deacon Greg Kandra

“From the 1970s onwards, the presence of numerous Muslim families has increasingly become a distinguishing mark of this country. Constant effort is needed in order to foster better mutual acquaintance and understanding. Not only is this important for peaceful coexistence, but also for the contribution that each can make towards building up the common good in this society.Many Muslims attribute great importance to the religious dimension of life. At times this is thought provocative in a society that tends to... Read more

"The miraculous healing power of lips to scars…"

Last updated on: September 30, 2016 at 5:37 pm By Deacon Greg Kandra

If anyone wonders what it means to be married and in love after decades together, Pat Gohn has this heart-stopping and beautiful answer: Like many survivors of breast cancer, I have some serious battle scars. My un-bandaged body after breast cancer certainly made for some interesting pillow talk between my husband and myself. Going into the crisis long ago, we barely considered what it would mean for our love. But when I was done with all the treatment, the question... Read more

Now that's using your head…!

Last updated on: September 30, 2016 at 5:37 pm By Deacon Greg Kandra

How long until this crops up in someone’s liturgical dance? Behold, the Guiness World Record for most number of head spins in one minute (131!) It’s nice when someone has a hobby, isn’t it? Read more

Phoenix restricts reception of communion under both kinds

Last updated on: September 30, 2016 at 5:37 pm By Deacon Greg Kandra

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After eliminating female altar servers at the cathedral, the Diocese of Phoenix is now eliminating something else: wide reception of communion under both species. Details: The Diocese of Phoenix has announced that it will issue norms specifying the conditions under which Holy Communion may be distributed under both species. “The new norms will promote unity in the celebration of the Eucharist all around the world, and come from the revised General Instruction of the Roman Missal, 3rd Edition, together with... Read more

A miracle for Fulton Sheen?

Last updated on: September 30, 2016 at 5:37 pm By Deacon Greg Kandra

An investigation has begun, according to CNS: That James Fulton Engstrom celebrated his first birthday Sept. 16 is amazing. In fact, some would call his life a miracle. Considered stillborn one year ago after his mother’s healthy pregnancy and “a beautiful, short labor,” James was without a pulse for the first 61 minutes of his life. It was only when doctors at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria were ready to call the time of death that his little... Read more

Gee!

Last updated on: September 30, 2016 at 5:37 pm By Deacon Greg Kandra

And now, for something completely different… From the GEE-niuses at “Sesame Street,” a parody of “Glee,” saluting the letter “G.” “Don’t stop your GEE-in’ … “ Read more

From the Balkans to the ghetto

Last updated on: September 30, 2016 at 5:37 pm By Deacon Greg Kandra

The Anchoress hits the nail on the head this afternoon, as only she can: The increased Balkanization of our society — with everyone hanging out in echo chambers peopled primarily by those who agree with everyone else — is settling us into ghetto mentalities. I once had a Catholic Mom express concern to me that her kids admired a flamboyantly “g-a-y” singer, and she didn’t know what to think about that, or what to tell them, since “we don’t know... Read more

On Fr. Pavone: his "last stand"?

Last updated on: September 30, 2016 at 5:37 pm By Deacon Greg Kandra

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That’s how Phil Lawler is characterizing the pro-life activist’s current circumstances, and he gives an interesting overview of what led to this point: The controversy that finally hit the headlines last week is a sad one, a damaging one for the pro-life movement, but not a new one. It was all too easy to see it coming. For years Father Pavone has sought autonomy for his organization, Priests for Life. His quest for independence caused some tension with the Archdiocese of... Read more

Man of the century: priest celebrates Mass for 100th birthday

Last updated on: September 30, 2016 at 5:37 pm By Deacon Greg Kandra

A Pennsylvania priest has hit a remarkable milestone: The Rev. Harry Lewis was born the year Chevrolet started competing with the Ford Model T. He served in the military at the Battle of the Bulge, became a priest the year “All About Eve” won the best picture Oscar and retired from priesthood as Ronald Reagan’s presidency wound down. On Monday, as he waited for the start of a special Mass marking his 100th birthday – apparently the first Diocese of... Read more

A Muslim woman who plays soccer in Utah?!

Last updated on: September 30, 2016 at 5:37 pm By Deacon Greg Kandra

How cool is that? Details: Serene Kergaye’s religion is important to her — so important that she wears a headscarf, long sleeves and long pants even when she’s on the soccer field at Cottonwood High School. Kergaye is Muslim, and the monochromatic clothes she wears under her uniform during games don’t bother her one bit. They are a way to uphold the modesty standards that are part of her faith. “It’s really thin and loose. It’s not that hot, I... Read more