How's the Latin mass being received these days?

Last updated on: September 30, 2016 at 5:47 pm By Deacon Greg Kandra

Nearly four years after the motu proprio that made possible greater access to the Latin mass, John Allen has an interesting interview with Fr. Richard Hilgartner, Executive Director of the Secretariat for Divine Worship of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. A priest of the Baltimore archdiocese, Hilgartner studied liturgical theology at the prestigious Benedictine-run Pontifical Athenaeum of St. Anselm in Rome. From NCR: NCR: What impact has the motu proprio had in the United States? Hilgartner: For many... Read more

"Of Gods and Men" hailed as "beautiful, somber, rigorously intelligent"

Last updated on: September 30, 2016 at 5:47 pm By Deacon Greg Kandra

The highly anticipated French film “Of Gods and Men” opened today in New York. Part of the New York Times review: In the 1990s, Algeria was gripped by a gruesome, protracted civil war between the government — which declared martial law after annulling elections it appeared to have lost — and a ruthless Islamist insurgency. The country foundered in a state of terror, with beheadings, throat-slashings and large-scale massacres an almost daily feature of life. These grim circumstances provide the... Read more

I'm surprised that the meeting lasted that long

Last updated on: September 30, 2016 at 5:47 pm By Deacon Greg Kandra

Glenn Beck recently sat down with Billy Graham for three hours. The result? “I spoke of a growing darkness and evil,” Beck said of his meeting with Graham. “He spoke of a greater growth of light.” More on the Beck and Billy over at First Things. Read more

This video will just knock you out. Really.

Last updated on: March 13, 2015 at 5:30 pm By Deacon Greg Kandra

A friend posted this on his Facebook page, and I’m so glad I was able to find it on YouTube. This deserves to be seen by a wide audience. It’s the profile of one of the CNN “Heroes” — a chef who gave up his career to feed and care for the homeless of India. Grab a Kleenex. Then, take three minutes and see the face of God. You can read more of his story, and how he does this... Read more

"The Church more than ever needs saints and prophets"

Last updated on: September 30, 2016 at 5:47 pm By Deacon Greg Kandra

“Faith is not about establishment. It is about taking the risk of abandoning one’s own security in order to be like the God who did not cling to the trappings of power and authority, but who gave himself totally for our sakes. This is a message which is difficult to comprehend and realise especially by those of us who have a leadership role in the Church and who are open to the perennial temptations to defend and even to abuse... Read more

Anti-abortion billboard sparks controversy in New York City — UPDATED

Last updated on: September 30, 2016 at 5:47 pm By Deacon Greg Kandra

You can see it for yourself below. Some coverage, from local TV station, WCBS: The billboard, located at the corner of Watts Street and Sixth Avenue, reads: “The most dangerous place for an African American is in the womb.” As CBS 2’s Pablo Guzman reports, while the ad was intended to spark debate, for many, it’s simply sparked outrage. If the idea of advertising is to get your attention, the billboard doesn’t disappoint. It’s the combination of the girl and... Read more

Angry Bird-day cake

Last updated on: March 13, 2015 at 5:30 pm By Deacon Greg Kandra

Last month, I reported on my fixation with “Angry Birds.” This month, I’ve discovered what I want for my birthday. See below. Read more

Ordinary men, sacred calling

Last updated on: March 13, 2015 at 5:30 pm By Deacon Greg Kandra

I stumbled on this almost by accident, and was delighted to see it was produced by Brooklyn’s homegrown Grassroots Films (“The Human Experience”, “Fishers of Men”). It’s a terrific glimpse into the Dominicans — the Order of Preachers, don’cha know — and well worth a look. Enjoy. Read more

Best opening paragraph of the week

Last updated on: September 30, 2016 at 5:47 pm By Deacon Greg Kandra

Maybe, the month. Check it out: In his concise, elegant book, Jesus and the Jewish Roots of the Eucharist: Unlocking the Secrets of the Last Supper, Brant Pitre, a professor of sacred scripture at the Notre Dame seminary at New Orleans, attempts the scholarly equivalent of patting his head while rubbing his stomach and juggling chainsaws. That is, he makes a case for the Real Presence in the Eucharist for an ecumenical readership. And he does it — get this... Read more

"This is about evil men being held accountable for evil behavior"

Last updated on: September 30, 2016 at 5:47 pm By Deacon Greg Kandra

The Catholic prosecutor who made headlines earlier this month — with the shocking sex abuse news out of Philadelphia — remains, despite everything, deeply committed to the faith that he loves. From the Religion News Service: For Philadelphia District Attorney Seth Williams, leading the sex abuse prosecution that has roiled this city’s Catholic community is not an attack on the church in which he was raised, and to which he remains deeply committed. But the Philadelphia native says he is... Read more