Patti Smith defends performance at Vatican: “I like Pope Francis and I’m happy to sing for him”

Last updated on: March 13, 2015 at 4:15 pm By Deacon Greg Kandra

Details from The New York Daily News: Last week, the Godmother of Punk drew criticism from all sides after accepting the invitation of Pope Francis to sing at the Vatican’s upcoming Christmas concert. One Italian Catholic organization labeled the star “blasphemous.” Meanwhile, some hipsters found Smith’s proposed appearance hypocritical, considering she opened her very first album, “Horses,” with the famous sneer, “Jesus died for somebody’s sins/but not mine.” On Tuesday, Smith answered her critics during a talk at the Museum... Read more

“The Risen Christ is in the boat with us”

Last updated on: September 30, 2016 at 3:42 pm By Deacon Greg Kandra

“Just as Jesus left the peacefulness of his mountain top prayer to embrace the disciples in all their too human and fallible journey, so now the Church in our day is called to be faithful to its mission, the mission taken up by Paul and Peter, by putting aside her fears and the allure of false securities, and leap into the turbulent but creative waters of life in the world with the guidance of God and the charge of the... Read more

RIP, Deacon Sam Taub, ordained in 1973: “He was exactly what a deacon is called to be”

Last updated on: September 30, 2016 at 3:42 pm By Deacon Greg Kandra

An email with this news arrived last night, and now there’s an obit from the Arlington Catholic Herald: Deacon Samuel M. Taub, one of the longest serving deacons in the Arlington Diocese, died Nov. 17 at his McLean home surrounded by family. He was 93. Funeral arrangements were still pending as the Catholic Herald went to press. “Deacon Sam Taub was a font of wisdom and a great source of encouragement to me in my efforts to help prepare candidates... Read more

“All Are Welcome” greets Blase Cupich as he arrives at cathedral

Last updated on: September 30, 2016 at 3:42 pm By Deacon Greg Kandra

From Crux: During a ceremony rich with ritual and symbolism, the next archbishop of Chicago was welcomed to his new assignment Monday night as a prelude to his formal installation as head of the nation’s third-largest Catholic community today. And Blase Cupich, named by Pope Francis to replace ailing Cardinal Francis George, wasted no time in outlining his priorities: the poor, the disadvantaged, immigrants. And he called for more civility in public discourse — including among Church leaders. Although temperatures... Read more

Ray Flynn on Cardinal O’Malley: “The world witnessed the humility and greatness of the Catholic Church last night”

Last updated on: September 30, 2016 at 3:42 pm By Deacon Greg Kandra

The former ambassador to the Vatican writes: The world witnessed the humility and greatness of the Catholic Church last night on the nationally celebrated “60 Minutes” news magazine, as Cardinal Sean O’Malley spoke as a new American voice for the Vatican and we must believe for Pope Francis, from St. Peter’s Square. Addressing a nationwide American audience — in a venue and in a manner that will be noticed by Catholics worldwide — Cardinal Sean reminded us that we must... Read more

Confirmed: Pope Francis announces trip to U.S. next year

Last updated on: March 13, 2015 at 4:15 pm By Deacon Greg Kandra

Details: Pope Francis plans to visit Philadelphia in 2015, the pontiff announced today – his first trip to the United States as pope. The Pope made the announcement when he addressed participants at a Vatican conference on traditional marriage. The trip, expected for late September, would coincide with the World Meeting of Families organized by the Catholic church – a world event which will take place in Philadelphia that focuses on strengthening family bonds. “I wish to confirm according to the... Read more

Cardinal Sean O’Malley’s surprising comment on ordaining women

Last updated on: September 30, 2016 at 3:42 pm By Deacon Greg Kandra

I guess I wasn’t the only one who did a double-take when I heard this on “60 Minutes” Sunday night: Catholics who thought Boston Cardinal Sean O’Malley’s remarks about Kansas City Bishop Robert Finn’s suitability for office were provocative have another interesting comment to ponder: If he were to start a church, he would “love to have women priests.” In an interview with “60 Minutes” on CBS that producers said took more than a year for them to persuade him... Read more

CNN explores the priesthood: a review

Last updated on: September 30, 2016 at 3:42 pm By Deacon Greg Kandra

Set your TiVo to catch a documentary tonight on the priesthood, with Lisa Ling. The trailer: Patti Murphy Dohn of The Catholic Review in Baltimore got a preview: This program presents the increase in vocations to the priesthood and seminary enrollment in the Diocese of Lansing, highlighting the daily life, ministry, and family of several men. These scenes were very well done. I’m sure they will be informative to those who tune in on Sunday, especially interested non-Catholics. But I... Read more

Forbes on Pope Francis: “When it comes to innovation this guy is pretty epic”

Last updated on: September 30, 2016 at 3:42 pm By Deacon Greg Kandra

The magazine also makes note of two awards the pontiff received last spring, including the “Adam Smith Prize” from the Harvard Business Review and “Book of the Year” from Forbes for his apostolic exhortation Evangelii Gaudium (Joy of the Gospel). Really?? Who knew?? When was the last time a religious book took top honors from an American business magazine? In the current edition of the magazine, two authors explain the pope’s strengths as an innovator and CEO. Details: Every CEO is an... Read more

A sports tradition is born: “I almost started crying seeing these young men walking together as one”

Last updated on: September 30, 2016 at 3:42 pm By Deacon Greg Kandra

From The Catholic Compass in Green Bay, Wisconsin: The first time Norbertine Fr. Andrew Ciferni witnessed the St. Norbert College football players walking hand-in-hand across campus, he was struck with emotion. As part of a new home pregame tradition, the players make their way to Old St. Joseph Church to celebrate Mass following position meetings and breakfast. “When they come out of Michels Commons, they come out two-by-two,” explained Fr. Ciferni, director of the Center for Norbertine Studies, who celebrates the... Read more