Here in the Diocese of Brooklyn, we do it the old fashioned way, and have kept Ascension Thursday on Thursday. Other places, I know, have moved the feast to this Sunday. What’s up with that? Some internet digging revealed these nuggets. First, here’s an interesting time capsule from Ed Peters in the National Catholic Register in 1998, when a formal move was under discussion: Over the last 10 years, however, proposals to transfer the feast of the Ascension to the Sunday... Read more

Well, here’s a take on the Album of the Moment that I hadn’t expected, from writer Sarah Koops Vanderveen:  In Lemonade, Beyoncé gives us a glimpse of a woman who is idolized by her fans but who has felt the deep pain of betrayal. She has captivated the world, but finds herself unable to hold the heart and attention of the person she loves the most. In one scene in between songs, she says, “Why can’t you see me? Why... Read more

How awesome is this? Details: U2’s lead guitarist The Edge became the first rock star to play in the Sistine Chapel on Saturday, performing an unplugged set with the backing of a young Irish choir. The musician, whose real name is David Evans, was invited to play in the 15th century chapel for the participants of a conference on regenerative medicine, which took place inside the Vatican. “When I was asked to perform in the Sistine Chapel I didn’t know... Read more

Back in 1972, the poet laureate of Forest Hills, Paul Simon, wrote a song about two young guys who got into trouble and ended up in prison, “Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard.” He described what happened: “A radical priest come and get me released / and we was all on the cover of Newsweek.” The “radical priest” was a reference to one of the most complicated and controversial figures of the time, Fr. Daniel Berrigan.  Last night came... Read more

From NCR:  Jesuit Fr. Daniel Berrigan, poet and peacemaker who was one of the most influential voices in shaping Catholic thinking about war and peace during the past century, died today. He was 94. His death was reported by a number of sources, including Jesuit Fr. James Martin, an editor of America Magazine. Berrigan gained national attention for his work against the Vietnam War, including his participation in a striking act of civil disobedience with his brother, Philip, also a priest... Read more

This is different, via CNN: The story, from The Weather Channel: To facilitate the ark’s journey, the Ark of Noah foundation is accepting donations. According to a press release,crowdfunding has begun in the U.S. and the organization plans to reach out to private investors internationally as well. “We are so pleased with the very warm support of the private community in Fortaleza, our first stop in Brazil after crossing the Atlantic Ocean,” Janssen told ABC News. “[We also appreciate] the... Read more

Short answer, from Scott Eric Alt, yes:  Filling out all the paperwork to petition the Tribunal was an emotional ordeal of its own, because the questions (at least on the long form I used) feel very invasive. I didn’t want to say all that. Still less did I want to receive the editing directions from the procurator and re-say all that. Why read that mess again? There was this sin, there was that sin, we did and said this while... Read more

From Vatican Radio: India’s minority Christian community has come under attack again, and this time it is a Catholic bishop who is the victim.  Matters India news website on Thursday quoted the Federation of Telugu Churches (FTC), saying Bishop Prasad Gallela of Cuddapah was attacked by unidentified persons when he was returning from a religious function at Karunagari in Kadapa district.   The incident took place on April 25 but was made public only on Thursday. “It is unbelievable that such a... Read more

  The Diocese of Raleigh is building a remarkable new cathedral, designed by James O’Brien of O’Brien & Keane (rendering seen above).  Recently, a drone captured by gorgeous aerial photography of the construction site that gives a great sense of the scope and scale of this project. Check it out below. And learn more about the cathedral project here.  Read more