Medjugorje awaits word from the Vatican—and the pilgrimage business takes a hit

Last updated on: August 27, 2015 at 12:03 pm By Deacon Greg Kandra

From The New York Times: Soon the Vatican is expected to make public the findings of its own investigation into the reported apparitions, which was concluded 18 months ago. Though the inquiry was started by Francis’ predecessor, Benedict, if the conclusions are doubtful, as some speculate, they could pit a populist pope against a popular shrine. At the very least, many here fear, theVatican’s ruling could upend what has become a thriving local industry around the claims. They have made Medjugorje... Read more

St. Monica, pray for us

Last updated on: August 27, 2015 at 12:48 pm By Deacon Greg Kandra

Today is the feast day of the mother of St. Augustine. I’ve always loved this image of her, from the great John Nava, who created the stunning tapestries of the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in Los Angeles. The picture here comes from the website for the Church of St. Monica in the Diocese of Trenton, New Jersey. From the Liturgy of the Hours:God of mercy,comfort of those in sorrow,the tears of Saint Monica moved youto convert her son Saint Augustine to... Read more

A priest faces death with faith: “I became a Jesuit to save souls, including my own”

Last updated on: August 27, 2015 at 9:29 am By Deacon Greg Kandra

From The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel: Since being diagnosed with inoperable pancreatic cancer in late January, the Rev. John Schlegel has given away most of his books, artwork and clothes. He has visited friends in Dallas; Denver; Chicago; Omaha, Neb.; New York; London; Oxford, England; and Dubuque, Iowa; and met with Pope Francis in Rome. And he has planned his funeral right down to the songs that will be sung and the obituary that will appear in the program. But do not... Read more

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

Last updated on: August 27, 2015 at 1:03 am 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

Medjugorje awaits word from the Vatican—and the pilgrimage business takes a hit

Last updated on: August 27, 2015 at 1:01 am By Deacon Greg Kandra

St. Monica, pray for us

Last updated on: August 27, 2015 at 12:59 am By Deacon Greg Kandra

Today is the feast day of the mother of St. Augustine. I’ve always loved this image of her, from the great John Nava, who created the stunning tapestries of the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in Los Angeles. The picture here comes from the website for the Church of St. Monica in the Diocese of Trenton, New Jersey. From the Liturgy of the Hours: God of mercy, comfort of those in sorrow, the tears of Saint Monica moved you to convert her... Read more

A priest faces death with faith: “I became a Jesuit to save souls, including my own”

Last updated on: August 27, 2015 at 12:56 am By Deacon Greg Kandra

Oregon Catholic school may face lawsuit after withdrawing job offer to lesbian

Last updated on: August 26, 2015 at 4:25 pm By Deacon Greg Kandra

From The Catholic Sentinel: St. Mary’s Academy in Portland may face a lawsuit filed by a woman whose job offer was withdrawn after she told school officials she planned to marry another woman. “Like other Catholic schools, St. Mary’s Academy is grounded in the teachings of the Catholic Church and asks faculty and staff to support those values,” says a statement from the school. “St. Mary’s understands that others may hold different values, and we respect the right of individuals... Read more

Uproar at Duke: “Cultural pluralism will lose its value if students aren’t allowed to follow their beliefs”

Last updated on: August 26, 2015 at 8:58 am By Deacon Greg Kandra

This story garnered some attention a few days ago: Some new Duke University students are very unhappy with a summer reading option that has gay themes. Incoming freshmen began posting on the Class of 2019 Facebook page, saying they had decided against reading Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic by New York Times best-selling author Alison Bechdel, according to the Duke Chronicle. The graphic novel, which focuses on Bechdel’s sexual identity as a lesbian and her relationship with her closeted father, includes illustrations depicting... Read more

ABC planning ensemble drama about nuns

Last updated on: August 26, 2015 at 7:01 am By Deacon Greg Kandra

I’m sure it will be sympathetic to the Church. Right? After all, this is the network bringing you “The Real O’Neals.” From Variety: The untitled project from writer-exec producer Alison Schapker revolves around a group of Catholic nuns fighting the closure of their Bronx-based convent who must suddenly deal with three young novices whose arrival unearths long-buried secrets. The ensemble drama will throw into question everything you think you know about the “Brides of Christ.” Hailing from ABC Studios, Shonda Rhimes and Betsy Beers will also serve as exec... Read more