I confess: I missed the Teen Choice Awards Sunday. But an author working on a book about Justin Bieber (whose mother is Catholic and whose childhood reportedly included Catholic schooling in Canada) did see the show, and notes the following: When Justin Bieber strode onto the stage of the Gibson Amphitheatre in Los Angeles on Sunday (Aug. 7) night to accept a Teen Choice Award, he thanked his fans profusely, then quickly turned his attention to something more eternal. “I... Read more
The latest sensation in state fair food… Yummy. Would you like a coronary with that, on the side? Read more
“The Roman Church commends this day to us as the blessed Lawrence’s day of triumph, on which he trod down the world as it roared and raged against him; spurned it as it coaxed and wheedled him; and in each case, conquered the devil as he persecuted him. For in that Church, you see, as you have regularly been told, he performed the office of deacon; it was there that he administered the sacred chalice of Christ’s blood; there that... Read more
Really? Yes: Renova, one of Europe’s biggest producers of household paper products, has launched toilet paper in the colours of the Vatican flag in honour of Pope Benedict XVI’s visit to Spain next week. Each pack contains two perfumed rolls of toilet paper, one yellow and the other white, which the company says on its online store can be used as giant streamers to welcome the 84-year-old pontiff to Madrid. “Is there any better way to liven up the streets... Read more
Despite recent reports indicating that the fabled megachurch isn’t for sale, the Diocese of Orange has upped the ante, and raised its bid. Details: Chapman University and the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange appear to be the front-runners to buy the bankrupt Crystal Cathedral, although a new suitor has emerged, according to documents filed in bankruptcy court Tuesday. The disclosure statement filed by the creditors committee outlined options for the Garden Grove church to exit Chapter 11. The diocese, according... Read more
My friends at the USCCB have just unveiled a new design for the website, which is now even snazzier and — dare I say it? — downright elegant. Visit the website to take it for a test drive. There’s also an explanation of everything that’s changed right here. Nice. Very nice. Kudos to Secretary of Communications Helen Osman and her team. The USCCB site is a treasure trove of resources, liturgical information and catechesis. More people should take advantage of... Read more
He’s Father Paolo Padrini, and he’s got a few other ideas up his clerical shirt sleeve. He describes some of his work to the Cult of Mac: CoM: What apps do you use most? Father Paolo Padrini: Generally, I use apps related to TV, newspapers and magazines. In addition, of course, to my app iBreviary, which I use for “professional” reasons. CoM: What are you working on now? FPP: I am currently working on several projects, a number of religious... Read more
Father, times are hard. They say many people will lose their jobs. No one can tell how long this crisis shall last. No assurance can be given to all who grope in the dark. But we believe, dear Father that this too, shall pass, and there is no trial we cannot be able to conquer with faith in our spirits and courage in our hearts. Protect us dear God first of all from despair. Let not our minds be anxious... Read more
That is how Maryland’s Catholic Governor Martin O’Malley responded to a letter from Baltimore’s archbishop, asking that he withdraw his support for a bill that would legalize gay marriage. The remarkable correspondence was reported in the Catholic Review: Two days before Gov. Martin J. O’Malley announced his July 22 decision to sponsor legislation legalizing same-sex marriage in Maryland, Archbishop Edwin F. O’Brien sent him a private letter urging O’Malley – a Catholic – to “refrain” from promoting the redefinition of... Read more
With World Youth Day about to begin in Madrid, the high cost of the pope’s visit to the event is coming under fire: The pope arrives in Madrid on August 18 to attend the final four days of the Roman Catholic Church’s six-day youth festivities, expected to draw more than one million faithful. Organisers of the World Youth Day celebrations put the price tag of staging the event, without counting security costs, at 50-60 million euros ($72-86 million)… …Organisers say... Read more
The Deacon's Bench
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