"Truly scandalous": report indicates Irish abuse continued

Last updated on: September 30, 2016 at 5:40 pm By Deacon Greg Kandra

Another report, another dose of grim news from across the pond: The Catholic Church in Ireland was still covering up sexual abuse of children by priests as recently as 2009, long after it issued guidelines meant to protect children, and the Vatican tacitly encouraged the cover-up by ignoring the guidelines, according to a scathing report issued on Wednesday by the Irish government. Alan Shatter, the Irish justice minister, called the findings “truly scandalous” and said the church’s earlier promises to report all abuse... Read more

New York clerk quits over gay marriage: "I have to choose between my job and my God"

Last updated on: September 30, 2016 at 5:40 pm By Deacon Greg Kandra

A woman in upstate New York has taken a bold stand on the issue. Details: A rural New York town clerk has resigned her post rather than grant marriage licenses to same-sex couples. “I would be compromising my moral conscience by participating in licensing same-sex couples,” Laura Fotusky, the clerk of the Town of Barker, told POLITICO. “I had to choose between my job and my god.” Fotusky, a 56-year-old twice-elected Republican in the town of about 2,700 people about... Read more

"Heaven is where I've been since the day I was born…"

Last updated on: September 30, 2016 at 5:40 pm By Deacon Greg Kandra

Want a real day-brightener? Check out this lovely note from the late Sherwood Schwartz, creator of “The Brady Bunch” and “Gilligan’s Island,” who passed away yesterday. It was written to be published after his death. As the Hollywood Reporter notes: The Gilligan’s Island and The Brady Bunch creator penned the goodbye as an account of what he expected to encounter upon reaching “the Pearly Gates” of heaven. In it, Schwartz recalls the day he met wife Mildred, the goals achieved by each... Read more

"Call to Disobedience": cardinal to meet with dissident priests

Last updated on: September 30, 2016 at 5:40 pm By Deacon Greg Kandra

Hundreds of priests in Austria are reportedly involved in an effort that has sparked criticism — but, so far, no disciplinary action. But that could soon change. From CNS: Michael Pruller, spokesman for Cardinal Christoph Schonborn of Vienna, said the cardinal plans to meet in late August or September with the Viennese priests who are among the leaders of the “Initiative of Parish Priests,” which launched a “Call to Disobedience” in June. The initiative, which says it has just more... Read more

Remembering a "wounded healer"

Last updated on: September 30, 2016 at 5:40 pm By Deacon Greg Kandra

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Priests and parishioners gathered yesterday to pray for the repose of the soul of a young Massachusetts priest who took his own life last week: His fellow clergymen remembered the Rev. Paul Archambault Tuesday as a “wounded healer” who devotedly performed his work as a priest despite a long-time clinical depression brought on by bullying. Archambault, 42, was found dead of a gunshot wound to the head on July 3 at Sacred Heart Parish rectory in Springfield, shortly after he... Read more

Six sacraments in one day — UPDATED

Last updated on: September 30, 2016 at 5:40 pm By Deacon Greg Kandra

What does it mean to be a priest? Washington’s Msgr. Charles Pope got a vivid reminder — and a gift beyond measure — on his 50th birthday. His account of that day is his gift to us. Read all about it. Bless you, padre, and happy belated birthday. Ad multos annos! UPDATE: The Anchoress has a few thoughts on this, too. Read more

Vatican paper: thumbs up for last "Harry Potter" film

Last updated on: September 30, 2016 at 5:40 pm By Deacon Greg Kandra

“The finale is epic, with a battle worthy of this saga of unequalled planetary success. The decisive meeting between the forces of good and evil is truly the final one, played out in an atmosphere that is almost too dark. The games of magic played by the baby wizards are a thing of the past. The little students of Hogwarts have grown up and the sorcery they learnt now serves to fight against the evil of the dark master and to... Read more

RIP, Sherwood Schwartz

Last updated on: September 30, 2016 at 5:40 pm By Deacon Greg Kandra

The man who cast a long shadow over 1960s television — creating “Gilligan’s Island” and “The Brady Bunch” and writing the theme song for “Gilligan” — has died at the ripe old age of 94. The obit notes that he is survived by his wife of 69 years, Mildred. In tribute, a generation of boomers can’t help but take this brief voyage back in time…a three hour tour, a three hour tour … Read more

Ohio bishop blocks fundraising for breast cancer group — UPDATED

Last updated on: September 30, 2016 at 5:40 pm By Deacon Greg Kandra

Toledo Bishop Leonard Blair is drawing a line in the sand: he’s banned parishes and schools from raising funds for the Susan G. Komen Foundation, citing concerns about possible stem cell research in the future. Details: Mary Westphal, executive director of the Northwest Ohio Affiliate Susan G. Komen for the Cure, and board chairman Angie Ash said they were “extremely disappointed” in Bishop Blair’s decision. Neither Bishop Blair nor other diocesan leaders called or met with local Komen officials before... Read more

Quote of the day: on obedience

Last updated on: September 30, 2016 at 5:40 pm By Deacon Greg Kandra

“Your obedience is not worthy of the name unless you are ready to abandon your most flourishing work whenever someone with authority so commands… Oh, the power of obedience! The Lake of Genesareth had denied its fishes to Peter’s nets. A whole night in vain. Then, obedient, he lowered his net again into the water and they caught ‘a great number of fishes.’ Believe me, this miracle is repeated every day.” — St. Josemaria Escriva, “The Way.” Read more