Message to U.S. bishops: Pass on the ‘Magisterium of Pope Francis’

November 12, 2019 By Deacon Greg Kandra

This is generating a lot of buzz around the interwebs — Rocco described it as a “bomb drop” — and attention must be paid. It’s yesterday’s address from apostolic nuncio Archbishop Christoph Pierre to bishops gathered for their fall meeting in Baltimore. Among other things, the archbishop pressed the bishops to ensure the American faithful were receiving “the Magisterium of Pope Francis,” noting that “the pastoral thrust of this pontificate must reach the American people, especially as families continue to... Read more

To save a life: bishop donates his bone marrow to a stranger

November 11, 2019 By Deacon Greg Kandra

“Because of the life I have been given by God, I was able to give back and make a big difference in this person’s life.” Inspiring: While they sometimes seem to be at opposite ends of the spectrum, generosity and thankfulness are more connected than they might initially appear. With a selfless act of kindness to a stranger, without expectation of repayment or recognition, a genuine spirit of giving is created. That spirit was genuinely present when [Corpus Christi] Bishop... Read more

For the veterans, from Fulton Sheen

November 10, 2019 By Deacon Greg Kandra

This Veterans Day, as we honor those who have served, here are some wise words from a future saint: “The great French preacher Lacordaire once said the vocation of a soldier is next in dignity to the priesthood, not only because it commissioned him to defend justice on the field of battle and order on the field of peace, but also because it called him to the spirit and intention of sacrifice.” +++ “It was a soldier who first uttered... Read more

Shock: Tabernacle stolen from El Paso church

November 10, 2019 By Deacon Greg Kandra

“The desecration of the greatest gift possessed by the Church, the Most Blessed Sacrament, is a very serious matter.“ Details: Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Horizon has had one of its most sacred objects stolen — the tabernacle, which according to Catholic belief holds the body and blood of Christ. The metal container is regarded as one of the most sacred objects in any Catholic Church and is used to house the Eucharist. The parish priest immediately called police for... Read more

Cardinal Burke: ‘It’s clear that the pope doesn’t want me in any leadership position’

November 9, 2019 By Deacon Greg Kandra

Cardinal Raymond Burke had several conversations recently with Ross Douthat of The New York Times, covering a wide range of issues and topics. Douthat published an edited version of these conversations this weekend. Among other things, he spoke about his relationship with Pope Francis: Burke: Throughout my priesthood, I was always criticized for being too attentive to what the pope was saying. And now I find myself in a situation where I’m called the enemy of the pope, which I... Read more

The story of a pope, a bishop and a rainstorm in Rome

November 9, 2019 By Deacon Greg Kandra

Bridgeport’s Bishop Frank Caggiano — in Rome for the ad limina visit —posted this on his Twitter feed Saturday. I think it’s a story more people need to know: Last evening I met Bishop Peter Rosazza, the retired auxiliary bishop from @ArchdioceseHart in the lobby of the hotel where we were staying. He recounted a remarkable story of encountering the Pope earlier that same day, for which he has given me permission to post. Earlier that day the weather was cold and... Read more

WATCH: Jimmy Fallon’s epic ‘Thank God I’m a Country Boy’ in Austin

November 9, 2019 By Deacon Greg Kandra

As sweeps stunts go, this is in a league of its own. This opened Thursday’s “Tonight Show” broadcast from Texas. (I’m pretty sure John Denver wouldn’t recognize some of the lyrics, but he was so 20th century…) UPDATE: The good people at CMT.com offered a transcription of the new lyrics: Well life here in Austin is kinda laid back Got drunk on Dirty Sixth ‘fore I even unpacked Let’s drink another beer before we head back Thank God I’m a... Read more

Why are fewer U.S. Latinos Catholic?

November 9, 2019 By Deacon Greg Kandra

RNS unpacks that question, drawing on details from a recent Pew report: Harold Morales, a professor at Morgan State University in Baltimore whose research focuses on the intersections between race and religion, was taken aback by the new Pew findings. “Even as people were leaving the Catholic Church, those numbers were being replenished,” Morales said. “To see this decline by almost 10% in the Latinx Catholic population, was surprising.” Morales, along with two other researchers, surveyed 560 Latino Muslims across the U.S.... Read more

Eye on Iowa: Biden woos Catholics who elected Trump

November 8, 2019 By Deacon Greg Kandra

“I’ll tell you what a priest told me today: Dubuque would not have refused him communion.” Details: Joe Biden took the stage at a Catholic college in Dubuque, Iowa, and spoke of faith and hope and the soul of America — themes that borrow from his religious upbringing that he’s betting will pry a key constituency away from President Donald Trump. Catholic voters could be a deciding factor in whether Democrats win the White House in 2020. And Biden, a... Read more

Christian YouTube star John Crist apologizes for ‘hurt and pain’ of his sexual misconduct

November 7, 2019 By Deacon Greg Kandra

Count me among those who have enjoyed his bits on social media and shared them often. From People: Christian comedian and YouTuber John Crist is apologizing after being accused of sexual misconduct by multiple women. In a report published Wednesday by Charisma News, five women, whose names were intentionally replaced with pseudonyms by the outlet, came forward with accusations about Crist. The outlet reports that “Crist has exploited his Christian reputation and platform to harass, manipulate and exploit young women over the... Read more