Lift high the cross: crucifix from 1963 Detroit fire to be restored

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

It’s taken nearly 50 years, but it’s finally going to happen. Details: The image is seared in the memory of many in Detroit’s Belgian community: firefighters carrying a 13-foot crucifix out of the devastated and fire-ravaged Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church on the city’s east side. The date was April 10, 1963. Shortly after 8 a.m., a five-alarm fire, believed but never proved to have been set by arsonists, roared through the deserted Briggs auto plant. Leaping flames, driven by 18... Read more

California passes bill requiring schools to teach gay history

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

It happened late Tuesday: A bill to require California public schools to teach the historical accomplishments of gay men and lesbians passed the state Legislature on Tuesday in what supporters call a first for the nation. Governor Jerry Brown, a Democrat, has not said publicly whether he supports the bill, which he has 12 days to sign or veto once it reaches his desk later this month. If he takes no action, the measure would become law automatically. The bill... Read more

A Catholic Crystal Cathedral?

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

Maybe. Is someone up for “flipping” a cathedral? The Diocese of Orange, California is looking to build a new cathedral — but there may already be one that’s been built and is ready to go…or at least, ready to become the American church’s biggest and most expensive convert: The Roman Catholic Diocese is exploring the idea of buying the Crystal Cathedral, which has been struggling financially for the last four years and is in bankruptcy. The Diocese of Orange released... Read more

Banned in Brooklyn: parish returns check from pol who backs gay marriage

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

From the In My Backyard Desk … Following Brooklyn Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio’s hard line on politicians who voted for gay marriage, there’s now word that some parishes are not accepting cash gifts from those same politicians: DiMarzio … demanded “all pastors and principals to not invite any state legislator to speak or be present at any parish or school celebration.” The ban was for the “foreseeable future,” and is already having an impact. Assemblyman Joe Lentol (D–Williamsburg) told us the... Read more

Quote of the day

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

“The spiritual life must be tended with great dedication. At first the effort is burdensome because it demands the renunciation of caprices of the pleasures of the flesh and of other such things. But if she lets herself be enthralled by holiness, a holy soul will find even contempt for the world sweet and lovable. All that is needed is to take care that the soul does not shrivel.” — Hildegard of Bingen Read the context. It’s great. And something... Read more

"I want you to live in this circle…"

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

Below, a gorgeously produced video celebrating one of my favorite places, the Monastery of the Holy Spirit in Conyers, Georgia. This holy corner of the world played a significant role in my own vocation journey, and I have many warm memories of prayers chanted, friendships forged and silences embraced in the walls of that sacred place. Seeing this, I’m reminded that I’m long overdue for a return visit. (And I’m delighted to see Deacon Dorner pop up!) H/T On This... Read more

Worth a thousand words

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

Discovered this morning on a friend’s Facebook page …click to enlarge. Read more

Wisconsin Marian shrine: "Turnout has been incredible"

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

Thousands have flocked to the Shrine of Our Lady of Good Help since it became the first and only shrine in the United States to be officially recognized for an apparition of the Blessed Mother. And it will get even more attention next week, when it will be featured in a report by ABC News on Marian apparitions. Details: “The immediate aftermath was the phone was ringing off the hook,” said Karen Tipps, a caretaker of the shrine in northeastern... Read more

Corapi reaction — UPDATED

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

48 Comments

For those seeking more… Bishop Gracida has posted what he says his his final comment on the case. Phil Lawler dissects the case and asks “Why were the warning signs ignored?” Deacon Scott Dodge says people may want to prepare for perhaps more revelations, and pray for holiness in our present day. “God may not be finished with him yet” is the hopeful message from Fr. Joseph Jenkins. Mark Shea has a long and exhaustive post that, among other things,... Read more

Adorable x 2

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

Because you can never have too much of laughing babies on YouTube. And I think we could use this about now, don’t you? Here, then, are twin babies. Laughing. In sync. Read more