Get in your bid: A Montevideo auction house hopes to get at least $40,000 for an iPad used by Pope Francis, with the proceeds to be donated to a Catholic high school in the northwestern Uruguayan city of Paysandu. “There is interest not only in our country,” auctioneer Juan Castells told Efe. “Recently, we received calls from around the world. The buzz has been great.” The device to be auctioned on April 14 was given by Pope Francis to Uruguayan... Read more
From our Orthodox siblings: Orthodox Church officials joined Archpriest Nicholas Dahdal and officials from the Town of Cicero in commemorating the miracle of the Tearing Icon known as “The Miraculous Lady of Cicero, Illinois.” The Town of Cicero placed an Honorary Street Marker that reads “Our Lady of Cicero Court” on the corner of 60th Court and Roosevelt Road in Cicero, adjacent to the Church. Joining in the ceremony in front of St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church, 1220 S. 60th... Read more
From AP: Salem Hajdarovac says he didn’t sleep for a week when he heard his workshop had been granted the honor of carving a special chair that Pope Francis will sit on during his visit to Bosnia. Hajdarovac, 61, and his 33-year-old son Edin, both devout Muslims, started working on the chair on Monday in their little workshop in the central Bosnian town of Zavidovici. They have put all other orders on hold to produce the perfect chair by June... Read more
A perfect Easter gift: Each morning when Pope Francis celebrates Mass he offers a short homily for fellow residents and guests in the chapel of St. Martha’s Guesthouse, where he has chosen to live. Now, Morning Homilies makes it possible for everyone to experience his lively interpretations of Scripture and his uncanny capacity to engage his listeners, capturing the tenor of daily life. Francis reflects on the disciples on the road to Emmaus, “simmering their lives in the sauce of... Read more
From Reuters: The Vatican on Tuesday strongly defended its appointment of a bishop in Chile despite protests by critics who have accused him of covering up sexual abuse. Juan Barros was installed on March 21 as new bishop of Osorno as supporters holding white balloons and opponents carrying black ones shouted at each other during the ceremony in the city’s cathedral. The appointment outraged some parishioners, national legislators and abuse victims who said Barros had protected one of the nation’s... Read more
Making murder more comfortable: With its natural wood floors and plush upholstery, Carafem aims to feel more like a spa than a medical clinic. But the slick ads set to go up in Metro stations across the Washington region leave nothing to doubt: “Abortion. Yeah, we do that.” The Maryland clinic, opening this week in Montgomery County’s tony Friendship Heights area, specializes in the abortion pill. The advertising reflects its unabashed approach — and a new push to de-stigmatize the... Read more
Yesterday, I posted about my visit to a church in midtown Manhattan to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Today, my blog neighbor Fr. Michael Duffy tells the story from the other side of the screen: I walked into the church at ten to three and already fifty people were waiting. I went into the priest’s sacristy, took my coat off and put on my surplice and violet stole. Walking into the church I could feel the eyes of everyone in... Read more
From AP: Salem Hajdarovac says he didn’t sleep for a week when he heard his workshop had been granted the honor of carving a special chair that Pope Francis will sit on during his visit to Bosnia. Hajdarovac, 61, and his 33-year-old son Edin, both devout Muslims, started working on the chair on Monday in their little workshop in the central Bosnian town of Zavidovici. They have put all other orders on hold to produce the perfect chair by June... Read more
The day before Holy Thursday is traditionally known as “Spy Wednesday” — when Judas “spied” for an opportunity to betray Jesus. (The 13th century fresco above shows him being paid his 30 pieces of silver.) This day comes complete with its own traditions and customs: Wednesday is known as Spy Wednesday because on this day Judas made a bargain with the high priest to betray Jesus for 30 silver pieces (Matt 26:14-16; Mark 14:10-11; Luke 22:1-6). In Poland, the young... Read more
From our Orthodox siblings: Orthodox Church officials joined Archpriest Nicholas Dahdal and officials from the Town of Cicero in commemorating the miracle of the Tearing Icon known as “The Miraculous Lady of Cicero, Illinois.” The Town of Cicero placed an Honorary Street Marker that reads “Our Lady of Cicero Court” on the corner of 60th Court and Roosevelt Road in Cicero, adjacent to the Church. Joining in the ceremony in front of St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church, 1220 S. 60th Court, was... Read more
The Deacon's Bench
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