Bishop Vann in Orange County recently reflected on some of the work being done on the former Crystal Cathedral, as it is transformed into a Catholic worship center—and his newspaper has a number of pictures of newly dedicated chapels on the campus: Right before our eyes is living history as chapels of prayer and worship, thanks to the generosity and goodness of so many, now come to life right before our eyes. All of these chapels on the campus are surely... Read more
[getty src=”458222880?et=EOavjOjiRUNBVxNA7r0Y0g&viewMoreLink=off&sig=hEFCigxM6jkK6-mkTgZjC6CFcRszxKZ_UeFlgIQKAv0=&caption=true” width=”594″ height=”397″] View image | gettyimages.com The anonymous priest “Fr. Nonomen” at Commonweal describes an awful experience at one funeral, from bad music to weak preaching: When it was time for the homily, Father Pastor stepped away from the pulpit and walked down to the family in the pews. I was about to give him extra points for speaking from the heart without notes, when, from under his robes, he produced a newspaper clipping. The obituary. He read... Read more
Details: A Turkish couple who got married last week invited 4,000 Syrian refugees to celebrate with them. Fethullah Üzümcüoğlu and Esra Polat tied the knot in Kilis province on the Syrian border, which is currently home to thousands of refugees fleeing conflict in the neighbouring country. It’s traditional for Turkish weddings to last between Tuesday to Thursday, culminating in a banquet on the last night, but this couple decided they wanted a celebration with a difference. Hatice Avci, a spokesperson... Read more
The pope’s remarks earlier today seem to have caught some people by surprise. In fact, he didn’t really say anything new. He reminded the world of what the Catholic Church teaches about divorce and remarriage and encouraged an attitude of mercy and welcome toward those in these circumstances. Those who are curious can check out the USCCB web page For Your Marriage: Some people believe that a Catholic who divorces is excommunicated. Not true! Divorced persons are full members of the... Read more
Pope Francis resumed his General Audiences on Wednesday, following the summer holiday. In his catechesis, the Holy Father continued his teaching on the family, reflecting on the situation of those who have divorced and entered into a second union. “The Church knows well,” he said, “that such a situation contradicts the Christian Sacrament.” However, he continued, the Church, as a Mother, always seeks the good and salvation of all her children. The Pope said it is important for the Church to... Read more
Love this. A lot. From Mary DeTurris Poust in the Diocese of Albany, who posted this on Facebook. Caption: As seen in Bishop Scharfenberger’s office at the Pastoral Center. Mary adds: “One of my favorite things in the boss’s office. It’s a permanent fixture.” Follow Bishop Scharfenbereger (a Queens boy and FOB) on Instagram here. Read more
From Vatican Radio: Pope Francis resumed his General Audiences on Wednesday, following the summer holiday. In his catechesis, the Holy Father continued his teaching on the family, reflecting on the situation of those who have divorced and entered into a second union. “The Church knows well,” he said, “that such a situation contradicts the Christian Sacrament.” However, he continued, the Church, as a Mother, always seeks the good and salvation of all her children. The Pope said it is important for... Read more
Details: A Turkish couple who got married last week invited 4,000 Syrian refugees to celebrate with them. Fethullah Üzümcüoğlu and Esra Polat tied the knot in Kilis province on the Syrian border, which is currently home to thousands of refugees fleeing conflict in the neighbouring country. It’s traditional for Turkish weddings to last between Tuesday to Thursday, culminating in a banquet on the last night, but this couple decided they wanted a celebration with a difference. Hatice Avci, a spokesperson... Read more
View image | gettyimages.com The anonymous priest “Fr. Nonomen” at Commonweal describes an awful experience at one funeral, from bad music to weak preaching: When it was time for the homily, Father Pastor stepped away from the pulpit and walked down to the family in the pews. I was about to give him extra points for speaking from the heart without notes, when, from under his robes, he produced a newspaper clipping. The obituary. He read it aloud and then... Read more
From Philly.com, the governor of New Jersey seems intent on giving Donald Trump a run for his money when it comes to speaking his mind about, well, everything: Gov. Christie on Tuesday reflected on his Catholic faith and told diners at a New Hampshire restaurant that he had used birth control, against the teaching of his church. While saying he “absolutely” believes in God, the New Jersey governor suggested religion leaves room for different interpretations of the Bible. “We should... Read more
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