The Deacon's Bench
Seems like everybody is hopping on the gay ad bandwagon. Take a look at the latest. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=30ZnGcgVTLY Read more
Seems like everybody is hopping on the gay ad bandwagon. Take a look at the latest. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=30ZnGcgVTLY Read more
The Italian media are wondering: Conspiracy theories worthy of a Dan Brown novel sprouted in the Italian media on Thursday, with accusations that Pope Francis’s enemies were looking to undermine him after a newspaper reported he had a brain tumor. The Vatican angrily denied Wednesday’s story, calling it irresponsible and inexcusable, but rather than fading out of sight, the saga has inflated into a cloak-and-dagger whodunnit. “Who wants the pope dead,” the main headline in Il Giornale newspaper said. La Repubblica... Read more
The great pontiff’s feast day is today, and you’ll find this inspiring (and timely) gift in the Office of Readings, from his first homily as pope: The new Successor of Peter in the See of Rome today makes a fervent, humble and trusting prayer: Christ, make me become and remain the servant of your unique power, the servant of your sweet power, the servant of your power that knows no dusk. Make me a servant: indeed, the servant of your... Read more
Here’s something you don’t see every day: Details: A Muslim mother gave her blessing and support to her son who recently became one of the 11 newly ordained priests from the Societas Verbi Divini (SVD) order in the presence of Archbishop Vincensius Sensi Potokota. Robertus Belarminus Asiyanto, 31, was ordained last Oct. 10 at the St. Paul Ledalero Seminary, Maumere, Flores, East Nusa Tenggara. During the ordination rites, he was accompanied by his mother, Siti Asiyah, who was wearing Islamic... Read more
View image | gettyimages.com Details from The Wall Street Journal: Newly released documents show Catholic bishops are unlikely to back Pope Francis’ drive to let church members who have divorced and remarried receive Communion, threatening to set back one of the pope’s signature initiatives. Position papers prepared during a high-profile meeting on family issues indicate conservative opposition to the move remains strong. Without the support of the gathering, known as a synod, the pope faces the unpalatable choice of watching a... Read more
View image | gettyimages.com Not surprising: A Polish priest who lost his job at the Vatican earlier this monthafter revealing that he is gay and has a boyfriend was indefinitely suspended Wednesday by the church in Poland from performing the functions of a priest. Rev. Krzysztof Charamsa, 43, came out as gay and criticized the Vatican for its approach to homosexuality on the eve of a major meeting of world bishops in Rome. The Vatican immediately fired him from his job... Read more
Who knew? Well, anyone who hasn’t been living in a cave knows that today is a big deal for “Back to the Future” fans. What you may not know is that the iconic villain of the trilogy, Biff Tannen, was played by a devout Catholic, Thomas F. Wilson. He now has his own website, promoting his Christian music: Before I was performing in any other arena, I was playing the guitar and singing at church. Yes, I was a late... Read more
View image | gettyimages.com Not surprising: A Polish priest who lost his job at the Vatican earlier this monthafter revealing that he is gay and has a boyfriend was indefinitely suspended Wednesday by the church in Poland from performing the functions of a priest. Rev. Krzysztof Charamsa, 43, came out as gay and criticized the Vatican for its approach to homosexuality on the eve of a major meeting of world bishops in Rome. The Vatican immediately fired him from his job... Read more
From some clever Catholics in southern Maryland: Read more
Last night, I attended the bi-annual joint Clergy Convocation for the Diocese of Brooklyn— bringing together priests, bishops and deacons for Evening Prayer, fellowship and (of course) a great meal. This year’s after-dinner talk included a panel discussion on the 50th anniversary of Nostra Aetate. One of the presenters was a young Imam, Khalid Latif, whose eloquence, passion and intelligence impressed everyone. He serves as the Muslim chaplain for the New York Police Department. But he may be most famous... Read more
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