And you thought giving up chocolate was tough. Try this idea, from a bishop in the Philippines: Proving that Catholic and Islam also have some commonality, a Roman Catholic prelate said abstinence from sex during the Lenten Season is also something that they are encouraging couples to do. But according to Pampanga Archbishop Paciano Aniceto, unlike Muslims, they do not impose it strictly. “That is their own decision… But we encourage it,” said Aniceto, who is the chairman of the... Read more
And, of course, destroy all the rest. Details: Human embryos should be screened for their potential intelligence and only the smartest allowed to live, an Oxford University ethicist has argued. In shocking remarks, Prof Julian Savulescu says embryos that do not pass the intelligence test should be destroyed for the good of society. The Australian Professor is the Director of the Oxford Uehiro Centre for Practical Ethics, and claims that it is our “moral obligation” to use IVF to choose... Read more
So begins the English translation of one of the most beloved and popular Catholic hymns, “Tantum Ergo,” the great song of praise sung at Eucharistic Adoration. We have Exposition and Adoration at my parish every Thursday — concluding with Benediction (sometimes celebrated by the deacon) at 7:30. We also offer Benediction at the conclusion of the Stations of the Cross, which we pray every Friday during Lent. It remains one of the most simple, powerful, transforming experiences, and I never... Read more
Been to confession lately? Lent is a good time to do that — and I talk about my own experience as a reluctant penitent in this week’s column, “All Things New”: “Bless me, Father, for I have sinned.” I spoke the words clearly, firmly, just as I had been taught by Sister St. Margaret. This wasn’t my first confession, but it was close to it. And on this particular Saturday afternoon, my mother had decided to take me to confession... Read more
While the world watches the misery continue to unfold in Japan, I can’t help but be moved by the actions of a brave band of workers, all anonymous, struggling to keep one corner of Asia and the Pacific from nuclear disaster — and doing so at enormous personal cost. From the New York Times: A small crew of technicians, braving radiation and fire, became the only people remaining at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station on Tuesday — and perhaps... Read more
With Easter rapidly approaching, deacons everywhere will be clearing their throats and getting ready to give voice to the great hymn of the Paschal Proclamation — also known as “The Exultet,” a seven-minute a capaella chant that fittingly, as the lyric proclaims, “humbles earthly pride.” It is the Mother of All Chants, an epic best approached with a strong heart and steeled nerves. (For those interested, there’s an excellent downloadable version here that I’ve used for the last three... Read more
Another adorable baby video, for your Tuesday consumption … H/T New Advent Read more
Over at NCR, Sister Rose Pacatte has a beautiful reflection on what happens when a sister dies — and shares the life and legacy of one nun in particular, Sr. Cecilia Livingston, who recently passed away: My hunch is that only a few of you knew Sr. Cecilia, but I would like you to. She was generous, hard-working, a daughter who loved her large family of origin and her congregation intensely, who leaves behind her grieving and loving parents and... Read more
This just cracked me up. I’m still grinning. Enjoy this great Beatles tune, in what has to be one of the longest hallways anywhere. Happy Ides of March! Read more
He strikes again, with a book being released on Good Friday that seems designed to provoke and enrage: Controversial author James Frey is set to ignite another firestorm with his new book, “The Final Testament of the Holy Bible,” in which the second coming of Christ takes place in The Bronx projects — but the Messiah turns out to be a former alcoholic who impregnates a prostitute. Frey — who was famously ripped apart on TV by Oprah Winfrey and... Read more
The Deacon's Bench
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