Pope Francis prays at the tomb of Blessed John XXIII. And for the first time in nearly 60 years, not one but two popes are about to become saints. From Vatican Radio: Journalists in the Holy See Press Office busy getting to grips with Pope Francis’ first encyclical the Light of Faith, were somewhat surprised Friday lunchtime when Director Fr. Federico Lombardi S.J. called them back for a second announcement: Pope Francis had approved the cause for canonization of two... Read more
Via Fr. Z: The Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF) has questioned the notion that a special office could be created for women deacons. Archbishop Gerhard Müller said that in order to create a specific, non-sacramental office for women deacons, it would be necessary to prove that such an office was necessary. He was responding to a proposal by Cardinal Walter Kasper to create a specific deacon’s office for women an expression of the common... Read more
Reaction and analysis is pouring in. From John Allen: In what Pope Francis has referred to as a document written by “four hands,” meaning his and those of his predecessor, Benedict XVI, the new pope’s first encyclical insists that Christian faith “must be professed in all its purity and integrity,” but also strikes a pose of open arms to all the “seekers” of the post-modern world. Anyone who is “open to love,” the document says, is “already, even without knowing it, on the... Read more
Via Fr. Z: The Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF) has questioned the notion that a special office could be created for women deacons. Archbishop Gerhard Müller said that in order to create a specific, non-sacramental office for women deacons, it would be necessary to prove that such an office was necessary. He was responding to a proposal by Cardinal Walter Kasper to create a specific deacon’s office for women an expression of the common... Read more
An interesting look back: When the Declaration of Independence was drafted on July 4, 1776, religious practice in the 13 colonies of the United States was colorful and varied. The quest for independence — as well as loyalist resistance to the cause — permeated church life and teachings across denominational lines. Patriots argued that their fight was God-ordained, while many Anglican clergy were bound by oath to pray for the King and the royal family. Benjamin Franklin depicts God’s role... Read more
From yesterrday’s edition of “Morning Joe” comes this roundtable on the abortion situation in Texas. Guest host Thomas Roberts has in exchange with Nicole Wallace wherein they discuss Wendy Davis. Snip: THOMAS ROBERTS: But wasn’t she standing up for femaleness in general and women’s reproductive rights? It’s interesting to see Kathleen Parker and people like Peggy Noonan who will pile on a female leader who’s emerging. WALLACE: See this is a very interesting phenomena. Women are usually the first to... Read more
George and Mary Kandra, my grandparents, with their daughter, Anne, in the backyard of the their home in Taylor, Pennsylvania. Date unknown. A long time ago you came to this country in the bottom of a boat, from a far-flung corner of Slovakia. I never knew much more than that; your home town, I think, bore the Slovak name for St. Margaret, and I wonder sometimes if you ever dreamed of going back, or felt homesick, or worried that it... Read more
Well, those are four words I never thought I’d put in a headline. But then I saw the ad here from the good people at Beneful. For cuteness, this goes off the scales. Enjoy. Read more
If you’re wondering about the Holy Father’s first planned trip outside of Rome next week, John Allen puts it in context: For Europeans, especially Italians, the southern Mediterranean island of Lampedusa has become what the deserts along the Mexican/U.S. border have long been for Americans — the scene of appalling humanitarian tragedies as desperate migrants try to reach a better life as well as a metaphor for political and cultural tensions over immigration policy. The fact that Pope Francis has... Read more
This is a minister by the name of Jim Standridge preaching at Immanuel Baptist Church in Skiatook, OK. Details: During the sermon, preacher Jim Standridge, 76, of the Immanuel Baptist Church in Skiatook, Okla., begins by calling out a congregant for falling asleep. Shortly afterward, he singles out another man nearby, asking him, “Where have you been?” and following up by saying, “You’re one of the sorriest church members I have! You’re not worth 15 cents.” Standridge then abruptly changes his tone: He tells the man... Read more
The Deacon's Bench
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