From Australia:  Religious believers would be vulnerable to discrimination suits and some could lose their jobs, promotions, businesses and political careers if same-sex marriage is legalized, the Catholic archbishop of Sydney says. Anthony Fisher supported the no vote in the same-sex marriage postal survey during his homily at mass on Sunday, telling worshippers the government should “keep out of the friendship business and out of the bedroom”. “The state has no business telling us who we should love and how, sexually or... Read more

Here’s a beautiful setting of the 23rd Psalm (our responsorial this Sunday), rendered by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Our choir is singing this hymn during communion this Sunday. About the composer:  James Leith Macbeth Bain (1860–1925) was a Scottish hymn writer, religious minister and author who became known to his peers as Brother James. He is remembered for his religious publications, as well as the hymn tune “Brother James’s Air”. James’s ministry calling took him to Liverpool over the next decade, before... Read more

A small but significant shift includes three words that have huge meaning: The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released a draft of its new strategic plan for 2018-2022, and with the addition of a few small words, it’s clear that there is a major change. Formerly, the document stated the following in its introductory information: HHS accomplishes its mission through programs and initiatives that cover a wide spectrum of activities, serving Americans at every stage of life. The new edition... Read more

She founded this organization half a century ago, and today it had a shining moment at the Vatican. Details:  On Friday, Pope Francis met with soccer players in the Special Olympics, commending their commitment to the promotion of inclusion and the dignity of all. “You are the symbol of a sport that opens eyes and hearts to the value and dignity of individuals and people who would otherwise be subject to prejudice and exclusion,” the Pope said Oct. 13. The... Read more

The video above shows some of the stunning and heartbreaking devastation caused by California’s deadly string of wildfires. The pope’s response, from Vatican Radio: Pope Francis has sent a telegram expressing his condolences to the families of victims of widespread wildfires in northern California, and promising prayers for all those affected. Signed by the Secretary of State of the Holy See, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, and jointly addressed to the Archbishop of San Francisco, Salvatore Cordileone, and Archbishop José Gomez of... Read more

There are now about 25 milk banks around the United States, and Catholic Charities is involved with two in Connecticut: Jamie McCann, of Norwich, brought her 1-year-old son Hayes along as she donated the first batch of breast milk to Catholic Charities on Thursday. The more than 120 ounces of pumped milk was quickly stored in a large freezer at the Norwich Diocese headquarters on Main Street. McCann’s donation marked the simultaneous opening of two milk banks in Southeastern Connecticut... Read more

Turns out, two of the prisoners escaped. Details:  Two inmates escaped during a lunch event with Pope Francis at the Basilica of San Petronio earlier this month, Bologna-based newspaper Il Resto del Carlino reported on Wednesday. During a visit to the historic city on October 1, the pope attended a lunch with 20 inmates from a prison near Modena. However, before lasagna was served, volunteers realized that two of the inmates had left voluntarily. Fearing the worst, the volunteers immediately... Read more

And he indicated some revision or addition to the catechism on this topic might be in order. Via CNA:  In an Oct. 11 speech to members of the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of the New Evangelization, Pope Francis said the topic of the death penalty should have “a more adequate and coherent space” in the Catechism of the Catholic Church. This topic “cannot be reduced to a mere memory of a historic teaching” without taking into account the works... Read more

Check it out above. Details:  Drone video taken over part of Santa Rosa, California Tuesday shows residential areas scorched by the inferno that swept through the area late Sunday into Monday. Officials say wildfires destroyed as many as 2,000 homes and businesses. Dozens are reported dead and hundreds still missing. Pray for this scorched earth and the people whose lives are now nothing but ashes. Read more

From Vatican Radio:  Pope Francis’ Twitter account – @pontifex – has reached a milestone: 40 million followers in 9 languages. The figure is significant not only in itself, but in what it represents for the Holy Father, himself, who, like his predecessor, desires to be a Christian witness among many on the “Digital Continent”, especially through social media. Alessandro Gisotti spoke to the Prefect of the Secretariat for Communication, Msgr. Dario Edoardo Viganò, who is entrusted with the co-ordination of the... Read more