Denzel Washington tells graduates, “Put God first”

Last updated on: May 11, 2015 at 2:33 am By Deacon Greg Kandra

When was the last time you heard an Academy Award-winning actor or actress deliver that message in a commencement speech? Details: Actor Denzel Washington gave graduates of Dillard University four pillars of advice on Saturday during his commencement address. Washington’s speech had heavy religious overtones, and was well-received among those in attendance at the historically black university in New Orleans. He broke his speech into four takeaways: Put God first: “Everything that I have is by the grace of God, understand... Read more

“Francis has taken a new course from the one he initially traveled”

Last updated on: May 11, 2015 at 2:23 am By Deacon Greg Kandra

An astute observation from Sandro Magister: Until the synod of October 2014, Jorge Mario Bergoglio had repeatedly and in various ways shown encouragement for “openness” in matters of homosexuality and second marriages, each time with great fanfare in the media. Cardinal Kasper explicitly said that he had “agreed” with the pope on his explosive talk at the consistory. But during that synod the resistance to the new paradigms showed itself to be much more strong and widespread than expected, and... Read more

Best. Catholic. Wedding. Video. Ever.

Last updated on: May 11, 2015 at 12:01 am By Deacon Greg Kandra

A couple months ago, FOTB (Friend of the Bench) Paul Morisi—Coordinator of Adolescent and Young Adult Faith Formation for the Diocese of Brooklyn—got hitched. He’s just posted a video of that happy event. And it’s glorious. This is a must-see. Full of romance, sentiment, joy and—really—faith. If this doesn’t brighten your Monday, nothing will. Congratulations, Paul and Alison—and thanks for letting me share this video with the world. Ad multos annos! Read more

Priests and deacons, if you think “preaching seems pointless”…think again.

Last updated on: May 11, 2015 at 9:42 am By Deacon Greg Kandra

View image | gettyimages.com My blog neighbor Fr. Dwight Longenecker bemoans the state of Catholic preaching—and the seeming lack of response to said preaching: I sometimes feel like the dog who barks at the train. He doesn’t bark at the train because he thinks the train will stop. He barks because he’s a dog. I know preaching isn’t pointless, and I should stop looking at what seems like a lack of results. Instead I should see all the many... Read more

Castro: “If the Pope continues to speak like this, sooner or later I will return to the Catholic Church”

Last updated on: May 10, 2015 at 3:30 pm By Deacon Greg Kandra

From CNN: Cuba has eased its persecution of religion in the last 23 years, but there have been few overtures suggesting the country’s executive office might be finding its faith. That changed Sunday when President Raul Castro said the teachings of Pope Francis had persuaded him not only to take a softer line on religion, but perhaps to return to the Catholic Church and begin worshipping again as he once did, growing up in Jesuit schools. “As I’ve already told... Read more

Pope to Pope: “We are united by the ecumenism of blood”

Last updated on: May 10, 2015 at 9:17 am By Deacon Greg Kandra

Pope Francis sent a Message to Pope Tawadros II of Alexandria on Sunday, to mark two years since the Coptic Patriarch’s visit to the Holy See. A snip: As the second anniversary of our fraternal meeting in Rome is at hand, I wish to express to Your Holiness my prayerful best wishes for your well-being, as well as my appreciation for the spiritual bonds which unite the See of Peter and the See of Mark. Today more than ever we... Read more

“Bienvenido!” Pope welcomes Raul Castro to the Vatican

Last updated on: May 10, 2015 at 9:00 am By Deacon Greg Kandra

Details from AP: Cuban President Raul Castro received a warm welcome at the Vatican Sunday from Pope Francis, who played a key role in the breakthrough between Washington and Havana aimed at restoring U.S.-Cuban diplomatic ties. “Bienvenido!” Francis said in his native Spanish, welcoming Castro in a studio near the Vatican public audience hall. The Cuban president, bowing his head, gripped Francis’ hand with both of his, and the two men began their private talks. The meeting lasted nearly an... Read more

“Bienvenido!” Pope welcomes Raul Castro to the Vatican

Last updated on: May 10, 2015 at 12:12 am By Deacon Greg Kandra

Pope to Pope: “We are united by the ecumenism of blood”

Last updated on: May 10, 2015 at 12:10 am By Deacon Greg Kandra

Castro: “If the Pope continues to speak like this, sooner or later I will return to the Catholic Church”

Last updated on: May 10, 2015 at 12:08 am By Deacon Greg Kandra