The Anti-Trump

Last updated on: August 28, 2015 at 9:16 am By Deacon Greg Kandra

It occurred to me the other day that these men represent two sides of the same coin: populist, unscripted, wildly unpredictable. Each, in his way, has turned part of the world upside down; each brings to his job a head-turning—sometimes, jaw-dropping—authenticity. Each has a penchant for breaking the rules. These guys define what it means to be outside-the-box. And: not so very long ago, I don’t think anyone could have predicted either man would be where he is today. Columnist Timothy Egan takes a... Read more

Former Vatican ambassador charged with sex abuse dies

Last updated on: August 28, 2015 at 7:18 am By Deacon Greg Kandra

From CNN: Jozef Wesolowski, a papal ambassador and the highest-ranking Catholic official to be put on trial for child abuse charges, died in his room early Friday. “Vatican authorities quickly carried out the first investigation and have established that the death was caused by natural causes,” a Vatican statement said. An autopsy has been ordered and Pope Francis informed. Wesolowski was accused of possession of child pornography and sexually abusing children during his time as papal nuncio to the Dominican... Read more

“Fastest nun in the West” moves toward sainthood

Last updated on: August 28, 2015 at 6:38 am By Deacon Greg Kandra

Details: An Italian-born nun who confronted Billy the Kid, calmed angry mobs and helped open New Mexico territory hospitals and schools faced her first test for the long road to sainthood on Tuesday. Supporters and researchers presented their case before the Archdiocese of Santa Fe at a ceremonial “first inquiry” in Albuquerque on why Sister Blandina Segale should become a saint. The public inquiry, headed by former Archbishop Michael Sheehan, was aimed at determining if there was enough evidence to move her... Read more

What we have come to: the rich who are too busy now hire others to have their babies for them

Last updated on: August 28, 2015 at 1:19 am By Deacon Greg Kandra

Really? Yes: Dylan Lauren has revealed that she chose to use a surrogate to ‘start her family’ with husband Paul Arrouet because she was busy expanding her candy store to new locations across the globe The 41-year-old daughter of fashion icons Ralph and Ricky Lauren welcomed fraternal twins Cooper Blue and daughter Kingsley Rainbow four months ago with husband Paul, 44. And, in a recent interview with Cricket’s Circle, she explained why she thought the decision to have the little boy... Read more

New rector named to replace Robert Barron at Mundelein

Last updated on: August 28, 2015 at 1:17 am By Deacon Greg Kandra

From The Archdiocese of Chicago website: Blase J. Cupich, Archbishop of Chicago, today announced the appointment of Rev. John Francis Kartje as the rector / president of the University of Saint Mary of the Lake / Mundelein Seminary, effective August 28, 2015. Archbishop Cupich made the announcement this evening at the conclusion of the Mass of the Holy Spirit which celebrated the beginning of the academic year. Father Kartje succeeds Bishop-elect Robert E. Barron who was appointed an auxiliary bishop of... Read more

Vatican expresses pope’s gratitude to author of banned children’s book

Last updated on: August 28, 2015 at 1:14 am By Deacon Greg Kandra

From The Guardian: The hippos, kangaroos and penguins adorning the cover of Piccolo Uovo (Little Egg) give little hint of the political and religious storm the children’s book has caused. While following the adventures of an egg may seem harmless enough, its discovery of different family types – including same sex – has prompted a backlash by conservatives who accuse Italian author Francesca Pardi of promoting a pro-homosexuality gender theory. In the book, the egg encounters a pair of gay... Read more

The Anti-Trump

Last updated on: August 28, 2015 at 1:11 am By Deacon Greg Kandra

Former Vatican ambassador charged with sex abuse dies

Last updated on: August 28, 2015 at 1:08 am By Deacon Greg Kandra

“Fastest nun in the West” moves toward sainthood

Last updated on: August 28, 2015 at 1:06 am By Deacon Greg Kandra

Turnabout: After backlash, Oregon school reverses policy on hiring gays

Last updated on: August 27, 2015 at 12:13 pm By Deacon Greg Kandra

The latest on a story I posted yesterday, from The Oregonian: The St. Mary’s Academy board voted Wednesday night to change the school’s policy on hiring gay employees after facing backlash over the administration’s decision to rescind a job offer to a gay counselor. Students and high-profile donor Tim Boyle, CEO of Columbia Sportswear, had earlier condemned the choice not to employ 27-year-old Lauren Brown. In response, administrators brought the board together and recommended members vote to expand the hiring policy. Administrators... Read more