In April of 2005, an Army captain by the name of Scott Smiley found himself where most people would not want to be: in Mosul, Iraq, confronting a man in a car who fit the description of suspected car bomber. Captain Smiley knew what to do. He told the man to get out. The man held his hands up for a moment, but then he let his foot off the brake. The car began to roll. Scott fired warning shots… Read more
June 4, 2011
Homily for June 5, 2011: 7th Sunday of Easter
June 4, 2011 By Deacon Greg Kandra
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June 4, 2011
What happens in Vegas…makes history — UPDATED
June 4, 2011 By Deacon Greg Kandra
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The diocese is taking a gamble that will undoubtedly pay off, big time: Friday, it ordained its very first class of permanent deacons. A few people dropped me a line last night to let me know about it. Any more information? Pictures? I checked the Diocese of Las Vegas website, but information was scarce. A local paper offered this story last fall, for those who are curious. Until I hear more: congratulations! Ad multos annos! UPDATE: Viva Las Vegas! Freshly… Read more
June 4, 2011
Homily for June 5, 2011: 7th Sunday of Easter
June 4, 2011 By Deacon Greg Kandra
In April of 2005, an Army captain by the name of Scott Smiley found himself where most people would not want to be: in Mosul, Iraq, confronting a man in a car who fit the description of suspected car bomber. Captain Smiley knew what to do. He told the man to get out. The man held his hands up for a moment, but then he let his foot off the brake. The car began to roll. Scott fired warning shots… Read more
June 3, 2011
Twin brothers who were friars die within hours of each other at 92
June 3, 2011 By Deacon Greg Kandra
6 Comments
A remarkable and touching story from Buffalo: From the moment of their birth in Buffalo 92 years ago, twin brothers Julian and Adrian Riester rarely left each other’s side. They played together, went to school together, as young men traveled cross-country together — and, in their 20s, joined the Franciscan order together. And on Wednesday, after 65 years as identical twins wearing the identical brown robes of the Franciscans — mostly at St. Bonaventure University — Brother Julian Riester and… Read more
June 3, 2011
From Baghdad to Phoenix: Iraqi Christians settling in the southwest
June 3, 2011 By Deacon Greg Kandra
4 Comments
Bridging the divide between East and West is a big part of the mission of CNEWA, where I work. So when a colleague posted this on his Facebook page, I found it both newsworthy and noteworthy. When it comes to the plight of Eastern Christians, attention must be paid. From the Catholic Sun in Phoenix: As more and more refugees from Iraq are relocated to Arizona, Msgr. Felix Shabi has a happy problem: his community of Chaldean Catholics continues to… Read more
June 3, 2011
On deacons: “You will perform minor miracles”
June 3, 2011 By Deacon Greg Kandra
Those are the words of my own Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio at the ordination of 27 new deacons last weekend for the Diocese of Brooklyn. I wrote about the event here. Now a video report is up, courtesy of “Currents.” Check it out. And the diocesan newspaper, The Tablet, has a write up and slideshow. Read more
June 3, 2011
What the world has come to: teen sells kidney for an iPad
June 3, 2011 By Deacon Greg Kandra
5 Comments
Well, at least he waited until the second version came out. But what happens when iPad3 is released?? Details: Apple lovers are known for their somewhat radical devotion to any new products the company introduces, but selling body parts to afford them is definitely something new — and scary. According to Global Times, a youngster in China’s Anhui province wanted a new iPad 2 tablet so badly he was willing to part with a kidney to be able to afford it…. Read more
June 3, 2011
On deacons: "You will perform minor miracles"
June 3, 2011 By Deacon Greg Kandra
1 Comment
Those are the words of my own Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio at the ordination of 27 new deacons last weekend for the Diocese of Brooklyn. I wrote about the event here. Now a video report is up, courtesy of “Currents.” Check it out. And the diocesan newspaper, The Tablet, has a write up and slideshow. Read more
June 3, 2011
Catholic valedictorian joins fight to pray at her graduation
June 3, 2011 By Deacon Greg Kandra
26 Comments
A judge has ruled that even words like “Amen” and “benediction” cannot be a part of a public high school graduation ceremony, and now the class valedictorian is filing a motion to change that. Details: The valedictorian of Medina Valley High School wants to pray during her speech at Saturday’s graduation and has joined the fray over a federal judge’s order barring public prayer at the event. Angela Hildenbrand and a conservative advocacy group called a news conference Thursday in front… Read more
June 2, 2011
What's wrong with "Praise and Worship" music?
June 2, 2011 By Deacon Greg Kandra
40 Comments
One priest offers his perspective on the music many teenagers hear at youth liturgies: Will the kids today who are raised on a diet of Praise and Worship continue to practice the Faith when they are no longer of that age middle-aged people in the Church want to cater to? I don’t know. But my experience has brought me to reflect on why Praise and Worship Music is not appropriate for the liturgy: 1. P&W music assumes that praise is… Read more
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