An image from a couple years ago, wearing rose vestments when I visited a parish on Long Island. I’ll be doing it today at my parish in Queens, too. Remember to wear rose today! Here’s why:  Laetare Sunday is the popular name for the Fourth Sunday in Lent. (See When Is Laetare Sunday? for the date of Laetare Sunday in this and future years.) Laetare means “Rejoice” in Latin, and the Introit (entrance antiphon) in both the Traditional Latin Mass and the... Read more

The archbishop of Milwaukee, Jerome Listecki, takes note of it in the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel:  Whether it is in the field of art, media or politics, Catholic-trashing is permissible and shock is manifested when any Catholic organization such as the Catholic League protests the remarks. Catholics: pay your taxes, provide your charitable services and serve our country, but don’t object to being ridiculed. …Donald Trump found it offensive that his faith was questioned, but I don’t think Trump has any problem... Read more

The release:  In recognition of their leadership, civility and dedication to our nation, the University of Notre Dame will present two Catholic officials from opposing political parties — Vice President Joe Biden and former Speaker of the House John Boehner — with its 2016 Laetare Medal, the oldest and most prestigious honor accorded to American Catholics. The award will be presented at Notre Dame’s 171st University Commencement Ceremony on May 15 (Sunday). “We live in a toxic political environment where... Read more

In 1864, a teenager named Roswell McIntyre was drafted into the New York Cavalry during the Civil War. He ended up being sent into battle with very little training. He was young. And he was terrified. His fear got the best of him. He ended up running away from his battalion. Not long after, he was caught and tried for desertion. He was found guilty, court-martialed. For his crime, he was sentenced to be shot. Roswell’s mother appealed to President... Read more

Who knew? From The New York Times:  Because of a Trappist monk, Apple computer displays look the way they do today. The monk was the Rev. Robert Palladino, who died on Feb. 26 at 83. A Roman Catholic priest who began his vocation in a monastic order, Father Palladino was also a world-renowned master of calligraphy. “Priest and calligrapher,” his business card read, in his unimpeachableRenaissance italic, and he long plied both trades at once. For years, babies he baptized... Read more

From The Detroit Free Press:  In a move praised by LGBT advocates, the Catholic Church in Michigan is making changes to its health care plan that could allow gays to get health care for their partners or spouses. In a letter sent this week to pastors and employees of the Catholic Church in Michigan, the Michigan Catholic Conference said it is modifying its health care coverage to include legally domiciled adults (LDA), meaning those who are above 18, have lived with... Read more

For those who may have missed this last night: Donald Trump defended waterboarding, torture and killing terrorists’ families at the Fox Republican debate Thursday, all positions for which he’s drawn criticism during the course of his campaign. When asked about former CIA Director Michael Hayden’s recent comments that the military could defy unlawful orders to torture or kill civilians, Trump said, “They won’t refuse. They’re not going to refuse, believe me.” “You look at the Middle East, they’re chopping off heads,... Read more

Details:  The Lecture Fund at Georgetown University is planning to host Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA) President Cecile Richards on campus this April, The Cardinal Newman Society has learned. “This is the latest in a long history of scandal at Georgetown University,” said Cardinal Newman Society President Patrick Reilly. “Disguised as an academic event, this is nothing more than a platform for abortion advocacy at a Catholic university and under the nose of the Catholic bishops, featuring a wicked... Read more