Reports out of the Vatican indicate that may be in the cards. From the New Liturgical Movement website: In the coming weeks a document of Benedict XVI will be released which reorganizes the competences of the Congregation for Divine Worship, entrusting it with the task of promoting a liturgy more faithful to the original intentions of Vatican II, with less room for arbitrary changes, and for the recovery of a dimension greater sacredness. The document, which will take the form... Read more
There goes the English language. A look at this phenomenon, from the AP: “ILY!” Susan Maushart’s 16-year-old daughter often calls out over her shoulder as she leaves the house. Sure, actual words would be better. But Mom knows not to complain. “A mother of teenagers is pathetically grateful for an ‘I love you’ no matter what form it takes,” she observes. Then there are the various forms of “LOL” that her teens use in regular parlance – it’s become a... Read more
That’s Mike Hayes, the “God Googler,” on the much-touted new confession app: I fear that people might use it as a way to just go through the motions of a checklist without thinking about their past month or so (or longer) since their last confession. I also think it might lead many to scrupulosity. Thinking that we can never be any good. “There it is in black and white–I’m horrible.” It also seems very heavy handed and while I’m the... Read more
That, according to sisters who took vows last year. Details: If she had listened to her parents, Sister Jenn Graus might never have professed vows last month to join the Congregation of St. Joseph. Though lifelong Catholics, Graus’ parents had met few nuns or sisters near their home in Sterling Heights, Mich., and assumed most were cloistered in remote convents. They were uneasy when Graus, 27, told them about her religious calling. Would they ever see her again? Would the... Read more
Well, at least he said “Please.” Below, video of the man police dubbed the “Polite Robber,” stealing from a Seattle area gas station, and apologizing for it. He was later apprehended. He’s 65-year-old Gregory Paul Hess, and he’s done this sort of thing before. Read more
A thrilling new video, from the wizards at Grassroots Films, who gave us “Fishers of Men.” A quarter century in two minutes. And it’s just great. Read more
It comes from the Diocese of Rome … From Catholic News Service: Published in seven languages, the site — www.karol-wojtyla.org — offers news updates and background information on the late pope and his sainthood cause, as well as a live webcam of his tomb in the grotto of St. Peter’s Basilica. The website also announced that the beatification ceremony in St. Peter’s Square May 1, Divine Mercy Sunday, will be open to the public and no tickets will be required... Read more
Probably not, according to Fr. Dwight Longenecker — and he makes some good points: Mass isn’t reverent simply because you start using lofty language that ‘sounds religious’. True reverence is the fruit of a condition of heart. Reverence in worship is a by product of a certain type of Catholic mindset. It is not the automatic product of a particular form of words. This is why I am not that optimistic about the new translation making Catholic worship more reverent.... Read more
Shocking but true. Details: An Afghan physiotherapist will be executed within three days for converting to Christianity. Said Musa, 45, has been held for eight months in a Kabul prison were he claims he has been tortured and sexually abused by inmates and guards. Mr Musa, who lost his left leg in a landmine explosion in the 1990s, has worked for the Red Cross for 15 years and helps to treat fellow amputees. He was arrested in May last year... Read more
Really. I’m fine. One of my email accounts was hacked, and now every person I’ve ever e-mailed about anything is receiving a message from me, with a desperate plea for money. Ignore. It’s a scam. I’ve changed the password and am using another account now. Sigh. Read more
The Deacon's Bench
Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In