From the BBC:  A Catholic bishop in the Central African Republic (CAR) has given refuge to 2,000 Muslims who are living in fear of attacks from a mainly Christian militia. Juan José Aguirre Munoz says that the refugees cannot leave the seminary’s compound in the south-eastern city of Bangassou. He told the BBC that the refugees “risk death” from anti-balaka militias. The UN’s humanitarian chief warned last week of possible genocide. Stephen O’Brien said that violence in CAR was escalating... Read more

You’ll undoubtedly recall the memorable encounter between a local TV reporter and a priest who was trying to buy wine so he could say Mass for people stranded during the hurricane. Now EWTN has tracked him down and done a brief followup. Watch it above. He also spoke with Crux. Check out that interview here.  Read more

You don’t hear this very often—certainly not from one of the biggest stars in the local news firmament in New York City, Rosanna Scotto. But she recently recorded this short testimonial on behalf of Catholic education. Watch it below. Read more

This morning, I got an email from an old friend in Arizona, Branda, a woman I sponsored by proxy for baptism nearly 10 years ago.  (Long story.) This is a great witness about the power of the priesthood, and the beauty of a life of selfless service. The priest in question visited Branda’s parents often—and even took part, with a minister, in a baptism service for Branda’s dad, Frank, a couple years ago. I share this story here with Branda’s... Read more

Details:  The number of seminarians at Philadelphia’s St. Charles Borromeo Seminary is on the rise, and rector Bishop Timothy Senior says Pope Francis’ visit has been a positive influence on the seminarians. “With 167 seminarians, we’re very excited and not only just the numbers but just extraordinary young men, candidates that really reflect the rich diversity of our region,” Bishop Senior told CBS Philly. There are 43 new seminarians at St. Charles Borromeo this year, 11 of whom are enrolled... Read more

Why not? From Vatican Radio’s Facebook page: Something unexpected took place in the Vatican’s Clementine Hall on Sunday… As Pope Francis met with participants in a meeting of the International Catholic Legislators Network, it seems this young man dropped to one knee and proposed to his girlfriend, offering her a diamond engagement ring. From the look on the Pope’s face, the lady’s smile, and the fact that the ring ends up on her finger, we think she said yes! Congratulations... Read more

Michael J. O’Loughlin has the story in America:  A group of legislators and politicians from around the world gathered in Italy this week for a meeting of the International Catholic Legislators Network, where they were received by Pope Francis at the Vatican. Among those gathered was Sean Spicer, the former White House press secretary who was by some accounts snubbed by President Trump in May. Mr. Spicer, a Catholic, had expressed a desire to meet Pope Francis, but he was... Read more

I had no idea his first wife was Catholic, but he talked about it many years ago in a television interview with David Susskind. Check out the video above. He goes into detail at about the eight minute mark. It’s fascinating, and really quite touching. (h/t to that great Jerry Lewis aficianado, Elizabeth Scalia!) Some background:  Patti Palmer was born Esther Calonico and she went on to become a singer and an actress. Some of her television appearances have included... Read more

This video was broadcast on Facebook by Houston’s St. Ignatius Church. Pray for this parish, its pastor and its people—and so many others facing a frightening and uncertain future. https://www.facebook.com/ignatiusloyolacc/videos/1425309677579546/ Read more

From CNA:  Besides widespread damage from flooding and winds, Hurricane Harvey, which swept through Houston this weekend, also caused several fires in its wake. The Roja family had to evacuate their home on their land west of Corpus Christi as Harvey approached, and were devastated to learn that it had been destroyed by fire, CNN reported. But there were two things that were left intact: statues of the Blessed Virgin Mary. “Some blame God and others blame the hurricane, but the only thing left... Read more