From the Synod: Chicago’s Cupich on divorce, conscience, reconciliation

Last updated on: October 16, 2015 at 12:29 am By Deacon Greg Kandra

One archbishop’s take, via NCR: The Catholic church has to respect decisions divorced and remarried people make about their spiritual lives after they examine what their conscience is telling them to do, Chicago’s Archbishop Blase Cupich said during a press briefing. Cupich — one of nine Americans attending the ongoing Oct. 4-25 Synod of Bishops and one of four personally appointed by Pope Francis — said that when he counsels divorced and remarried persons he always tries “in some way to understand them.”... Read more

Meet the Muslim who became a Catholic bishop—and later baptized his father

Last updated on: October 16, 2015 at 12:19 am By Deacon Greg Kandra

Who knew? A surprising interview from Diane Montagna in Aleteia, about Archbishop Thomas Luke Msusa of the Blantyre archdiocese in Malawi. He is one of the Synod fathers and he has a remarkable story to tell: You were raised Muslim? At the age of 7, I left home and went to the parish because I wanted to go to school. Nobody from our village would help me. So I stayed at the parish. At the age of 12, I asked for baptism... Read more

Pope makes surprise visit to homeless shelter—UPDATED WITH VIDEO

Last updated on: October 16, 2015 at 12:11 am By Deacon Greg Kandra

From Vatican Radio: On Thursday, Pope Francis made a surprise visit to the new Jesuit homeless shelter, ‘Gift of Mercy’, just around the corner from the Vatican. All 30 guests at ‘Gift of Mercy’ (Dono di Misericordia), most of whom are Italian, were overjoyed to see the Holy Father and were eager to tell him their life stories and ask for his blessing. In his inimitably personal way, the Pope spoke to the men one by one and then asked... Read more

From the Synod: “We do not support a process of admitting the divorced and remarried to the Eucharist”

Last updated on: October 15, 2015 at 11:16 pm By Deacon Greg Kandra

That comment comes from a Polish archbishop who briefed reporters Thursday. Details: Archbishop Gadecki, President of the Polish Episcopal Conference, and Archbishop Carlos Aquiar Retes of Mexico, were guests at the briefing. Holy See Press spokesman, Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, told the media that there had been about 93 interventions on Wednesday afternoon and Thursday morning in the General Assembly. …The formation of priests for pastoral accompaniment was addressed. If young men do not have a good experience of family... Read more

Synod, shmynod

Last updated on: October 15, 2015 at 11:13 pm By Deacon Greg Kandra

Enough already. Put down that crockery. Count to 10. Breathe deeply. Then follow doctor’s orders: take this prescription from a Doctor of the Church, on her feast day… Read more

“Truly a miracle”: Kidnapped Syrian priest describes his escape from ISIS

Last updated on: October 15, 2015 at 11:11 pm By Deacon Greg Kandra

Miraculous, indeed, via Catholic News Agency: A Syrian priest who was captured by Islamic State militants in May thought he would die for his faith. Now, he credits the Virgin Mary and the help of a Muslim friend for his escape. “This is the miracle the Good Lord gave me: while I was a prisoner I was waiting for the day I would die, but with a great inner peace. I had no problem dying for the name of Our... Read more

“Earth-shaking”: Catholic high school in Maine to drop its religious affiliation

Last updated on: October 15, 2015 at 11:08 pm By Deacon Greg Kandra

From The Bangor Daily News: Catherine McAuley High School in Portland, which was founded by the Sisters of Mercy in 1969 as an all-girl Catholic secondary education institution, announced plans to sever ties with its religious sponsors starting next fiscal year, July 1, 2016. At that point, McAuley will continue on as an independent, non-sectarian school. “To best realize their vision and mission, institutions must evolve with the times,” said McAuley board chairwoman Heidi Osborn and Sister Jacqueline Marie Kieslich,... Read more

From the Synod: “We do not support a process of admitting the divorced and remarried to the Eucharist”

Last updated on: October 15, 2015 at 1:52 pm By Deacon Greg Kandra

Synod, shmynod

Last updated on: October 15, 2015 at 12:53 pm By Deacon Greg Kandra

Enough already. Put down that crockery. Count to 10. Breathe deeply. Then follow doctor’s orders: take this prescription from a Doctor of the Church, on her feast day… Read more

“Truly a miracle”: Kidnapped Syrian priest describes his escape from ISIS

Last updated on: October 15, 2015 at 12:39 pm By Deacon Greg Kandra