The nativity scene is up and ready at my parish. But what about everyone who works at the parish? Speaking for myself, I could use another week. Which is why I appreciated these wry but insightful thoughts from a married member of clergy who is used to burning the Advent candle at both ends. I know a few deacons who will appreciate this—and, yes, some priests, too. This comes from my Patheos neighbor Erin Wathen, who is the senior pastor... Read more
From the NBC affiliate in Lexington, KY: LEX18.com | Continuous News and StormTracker Weather Read more
You might be surprised. Check out this remarkable vignette. Read more
This story got some attention a couple weeks back: Two women have given birth using wombs donated by their own mothers. The pair become the first ever to have children using the very womb that brought them into the world a generation earlier. The breakthrough brings hope to the 15,000 British women who want children but were born without a womb or have had it removed. The two mothers are among nine women to have been given womb transplants –... Read more
From Vatican Radio: Pope Francis has written a pre-Christmas letter to the Christians of the Middle East to express his closeness to them at a time of “afflictions and tribulations” due to “the continuing hostilities in the region, but especially because of the work of a newer and disturbing terrorist organization.” The full text: Dear Brothers and Sisters, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all consolation, who... Read more
My family. God love ’em. Read more
A new documentary has just been released that tells the story of this remarkable undertaking in Barcelona. At the church’s dedication in 2010, Pope Benedict noted: The joy which I feel at presiding at this ceremony became all the greater when I learned that this shrine, since its beginnings, has had a special relationship with Saint Joseph. I have been moved above all by Gaudí’s confidence when, in the face of many difficulties, filled with trust in divine Providence, he... Read more
Earlier this year, I posted several times on the impressive restoration of Holy Name Catholic Church in Brooklyn. Last spring, the parish offered Mass in the Extraordinary Form—and now they’re planning to do it again. The church will offer Mass in the Extraordinary Form (a.k.a., the “Latin Mass”) for its feast day, January 4th, at 5 p.m. Details are here. Read more
This comes from IKEA in Spain —a wake-up call to every parent this Christmas. Read more
This is how it’s done. From The New York Post: As cops were being threatened and assaulted and the city reeled over the execution of two officers, Mayor de Blasio prayed at St. Patrick’s Cathedral Sunday — then went into hiding. Police Commissioner Bill Bratton visited the scene of the horrific attack in Brooklyn and Gov. Cuomo paid a wrenching condolence call to the home of one of the slain cops, but de Blasio ran from reporters and was nowhere to be found after the church service. He showed up... Read more
The Deacon's Bench
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