From the BBC: Same-sex marriage has now become legal in the Republic of Ireland, after new legislation came into effect on Monday. The law was passed after a referendum in May, when the Irish state became the first in the world to legalise same-sex civil marriage by popular vote. It is not yet known when and where the first same-sex wedding will be held. But the first people to be affected are same-sex couples who have already wed legally abroad.... Read more
President Obama in Turkey this morning addressed the question of only admitting Christian refugees to the United States: “When I hear folks say that, well, maybe we should just admit the Christians but not the Muslims. when I hear political leaders suggesting that there would be a religious test for which person is fleeing from a war-torn country is admitted. When some of those folks themselves come from families who benefited from protection when they were fleeing political persecution that’s shameful.... Read more
This topic came up a couple weeks ago, with the release of a document prepared by a joint USCCB-Lutheran task force, recommending “expanded opportunities for Catholics and Lutherans to receive Holy Communion together.” But yesterday, Rocco Palmo broke this bit of news, reporting on Pope Francis visiting Rome’s Evangelical Lutheran church for an ecumenical dialogue: Among the handful chosen to take part in today’s Q&A, Francis heard from a member of the mostly German-Swiss congregation who, speaking of her marriage to a Catholic,... Read more
If you’d like to join me in Rome next year (May 27-29) for the special Jubilee for Deacons, we finally have details on how you can make that happen. The Vatican has just posted the registration form online. Some details: The major events of the Jubilee are those for which the greatest number of participants is anticipated. Once you have registered your name or group you can access the reserved area where you can register for the follwing Major Event... Read more
A round up of early reaction—and condemnation: From Tariq Ramadan at Oxford: Absolute and immediate condemnation. They shouted, we are told “Allahu akbar” (God [is] the greatest) to support and justify their inhuman actions. With this they told a lie and a truth. Their lie is related to Islam and its message as not even one of its teachings, ever, can justify their actions. Imran Khan, on Twitter: Saddened by terrorist attacks in Beirut, Lebanon & Paris, France. Strongly condemn these... Read more
I’m in Lynchburg, Virginia this weekend, giving pulpit talks on behalf of CNEWA at St. Thomas More Catholic Church. (If you’re in the neighborhood, stop by! I’m preaching at the 8:30 and 10:45 Sunday.) [img attachment=”76813″ align=”aligncenter” size=”large” alt=”IMG_3808″ /] [img attachment=”76814″ align=”aligncenter” size=”large” alt=”IMG_3803″ /] [img attachment=”76815″ align=”aligncenter” size=”large” alt=”IMG_3811″ /] The parish is giving a warm Virginia welcome to our little CNEWA team (numbering two: me and our Development Director, Norma Intriago). It’s a vibrant, engaged parish. The... Read more
Last night, when things were sliding from bad to worse, Joe Heschmeyer had the presence of mind to post the beautiful, heartbreaking, consoling words of Abbot Christian de Chergé, the Trappist many will remember from the extraordinary film “Of Gods and Men.” The abbot was one of the monks reportedly slain by Islamic extremists in Algeria during the civil war in 1996. Living and working and praying among radical Muslims in a time of war, he sensed his life might possibly end... Read more
This news was announced not long ago on Facebook: The Pontifical Shrine of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, located 448 East 116th Street Manhattan has announced plans for the return of the historic image of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. The statue, housed in the church, has been undergoing an eight month physical and artistic restoration. It will be presented to the public on Saturday October 17, 2015 at 1PM during a special Mass and celebration. Our Lady, under the title... Read more
My diocese held its annual diaconate convocation last weekend; unfortunately, I was unable to attend because I was out of town on business. But there’s a very good write-up in The Tablet: To show his gratitude and support of the diaconate ministry, Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio sponsored a day of prayer, reflection and hospitality for deacons and their wives. “We thank God for the gift of the diaconate that helps the Church in so many ways,” he said during Mass. “We are... Read more
Strong words in the pages of what many may consider a surprising source: America magazine. The authors are children of divorce: Jason Adkins, Jessica Aleman, Richard Aleman and Mary Jane O’Brien. Snip: Proposals that the church should invite those in irregular marriages to receive Communion, even after some act of penance or discussion with a priest in the “internal forum,” would dismiss the needs of children in order to satisfy the desires of adults. It confuses the little souls that the church is... Read more
The Deacon's Bench
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