A reader alerted me to this story from my home state, about a hospital CEO who was just ordained a deacon. From the Cumberland Times-News: The four-year journey to become a Catholic deacon tested not only Donald Battista’s character and commitment, but his automobile as well. After 37,576 miles, two sets of tires and zero speeding tickets, Battista was ordained to the Roman Catholic Order of Permanent Deacon on May 14 at the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen in Baltimore.... Read more
“We were more than forty candidates, who, at the solemn call on that radiant summer day, which I remember as the high point of my life, responded “Adsum”, Here I am. We should not be superstitious; but, at that moment when the elderly archbishop laid his hands on me, a little bird—perhaps a lark—flew up from the high altar in the cathedral and trilled a little joyful song. And I could not but see in this a reassurance from on... Read more
Considering the governor’s record on abortion and same sex marriage — not to mention his “concubinage” — that can’t be the kind of news New York’s bishops like to hear. Details: Voters approved of Cuomo’s first six months in office 64 percent to 19 percent, matching his previous best in April, according to a survey that Quinnipiac University released today. The positive feedback is the highest for an Empire State governor since July 2002, when George Pataki’s snagged a 66-18... Read more
From Catholic New York: Eleven men arrived at a common junction June 23 at St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Each lay prostrate on the altar while their families prayed for them. Rising, they took their final steps together before each would depart again on a separate road to a common destination. But each would now travel forward, in Cardinal Dolan’s words, “as an ordained minister of the Church. ” “Every journey in life has a beginning and an end,” Cardinal Dolan said... Read more
From Florida Catholic: As one journey ended, another began June 9 as six men from the Diocese of Orlando received their holy orders and were ordained permanent deacons by Bishop John Noonan at St. James Cathedral. The day was filled with joy and love as family and friends gathered to witness this blessed event. “Today is one of the most exciting days of my life,” said Deacon Jim Ferruzzi, the first deacon ever to be ordained from St. Stephen Parish... Read more
The news comes from the Italian newspaper La Stampa. Details: The Vatican is investigating Bishop Richard Lennon’s closings of churches in the Cleveland Catholic Diocese, according to a report in an Italian newspaper. A spokesman for the diocese said Tuesday he would look into the account, but had no immediate comment. The report Friday in the Italian newspaper La Stampa by veteran Vatican journalist Marco Tosatti, said the Vatican has decided to send “an apostolic visit, or rather, an investigation”... Read more
The thrill of victory, the agony of defeat. Read more
That’s how Elizabeth Scalia celebrated the historic moment, captured in the photograph below. The pope launched the Vatican’s new online news site with a gesture that must have sent Apple stock soaring: tweeting on an iPad. Rocco has more. Read more
That’s one man’s reflection on a recent experience of Anglican liturgy, involving Evensong and Benediction for Corpus Christi. Details: There have always been Anglicans “on the journey” to the Catholic Church and many have come into full communion over the years. With the exception of a handful of parishes that entered through the Pastoral Provision, most had to come in through a solitary journey and those who were clergy wondered if there might ever be another opportunity to offer the... Read more
Diane over at Te Deum laudamus has a very thorough update of the case, with abundant links and analysis from at least one canon lawyer. Read it all. I find her analysis to be among the most even-handed and matter-of-fact. UPDATE: The Anchoress has noted an interesting comment at the Te Deum site — and also links to this reflection by another priest. Read more
The Deacon's Bench
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