From this morning’s homily: Pope Francis said Mass on Tuesday morning in the chapel of the Santa Marta guesthouse in the Vatican. In remarks to the faithful following the readings of the day, the Holy Father focused on the need for authenticity in Christian living, saying that faith is not only a “cosmetic” matter, but one of active charity. Drawing from the Gospel reading of the day (Lk. 11:37-41), in which St. Luke recounts the story of Our Lord’s dinner... Read more
Check it out here, from the PBS News Hour: Read more
From The Dallas Morning News: Dallas nurse Nina Pham received a blood transfusion from another Ebola patient as part of her treatment, her family’s priest Father Jim Khoi said. Though isolated for treatment, the young nurse’s spirits are high and she is doing relatively well so far, said Khoi, the priest at Our Lady of Fatima. “She’s doing well,” said Khoi, who was updated on her condition by Pham’s mom. “She’s very comfortable. She’s very supported now. She knows that... Read more
In what may be an especially timely commentary, given events of the last few hours, Pope Francis offered this reflection at this morning’s Mass: Be open to God’s surprises, not closed to the signs of the times and remember holy law is not an end in itself. This was Pope Francis’ message this morning at Mass at Casa Santa Marta. Commenting on the words of Jesus to the Doctors of the Law, the Pope urged the faithful not to cling... Read more
I forgive you, John Oliver, for disliking All Things Pumpkin because you’re just so damn funny. Read more
That’s how veteran Vatican reporter John Thavis described a document released this morning: In pastoral terms, the document published today by the Synod of Bishops represents an earthquake, the “big one” that hit after months of smaller tremors. The relatio post disceptationem read aloud in the synod hall, while defending fundamental doctrine, calls for the church to build on positive values in unions that the church has always considered “irregular,” including cohabitating couples, second marriages undertaken without annulments and even homosexual unions. Regarding... Read more
A little analysis in the pages of America, from Gerard O’Connell: Participants who have attended previous synods confirm that the climate of freedom and the method that is operative here is significantly different to that of past synods, and they confirm this is producing positive results. Every participant that I have spoken to in private, as well as those who met the press, gave fulsome credit to Pope Francis for creating a climate of freedom in which everyone has felt... Read more
With all the talk lately about divorce and communion, I’ve been reminded of how much we Catholics don’t know what we don’t know. A few months ago, I met with a woman from my parish to help her begin the annulment process. We chatted a bit before we started going over what was involved. “So,” I began, “you’re already divorced?” “Yes.” “And you and your ex-husband were married by a Catholic priest?” “Yes.” “Have you remarried?” “No.” She looked away,... Read more
Last weekend, I was in Seattle, Washington, to speak to a group of deacons from the Archdiocese of Seattle. It was my first visit to the Pacific Northwest. Seattle is a beautiful city, cradled between the Pacific and the mountains. It’s also a stable city. It’s been more or less insulated from the economic downturn. Companies like Microsoft, Boeing, Amazon, and Starbucks have ensured that the area is relatively untouched by the recession. But there is something else it has... Read more
You may remember this item from a couple weeks back. Now, the exhibit has been nixed. From the AP: A provocative art exhibit featuring Barbie fashion dolls as religious figures such as the Virgin Mary and her boyfriend Ken as a crucified Jesus Christ has been canceled amid complaints and threats by angry believers, the artists behind the collection said Friday. The exhibit called “Barbie: The Plastic Religion,” by Emiliano Paolini and Marianela Perelli, had been scheduled to open Saturday at... Read more
The Deacon's Bench
Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In