2015-01-18T22:38:32-05:00

Last updated on: January 18, 2015 at 10:38 pm   By

In case the “Bishop of Bling” thought tempers would cool down and things would return to normal, Catholic Church officials in his own diocese of Limburg have just announced that his lavish mansion will be repurposed to help the homeless. Bishop Franz Peter Tebartz-van Elst, the German bishop who was suspended last week by Pope Francis following complaints by outraged Germans about his extravagant lifestyle, will remain “outside of the diocese” for an undetermined length of time.   And now, he... Read more

2015-01-18T22:40:12-05:00

Last updated on: January 18, 2015 at 10:40 pm   By

“All babies are born atheists,” claims Berlin’s Atheist Shoe Company.  The company plans to market a new line of shoes for baby atheists, who only believe in “Mummy, Daddy and boobies.” First, I’ve got to admit that the shoes are amazing (except for that political sloganeering on the soles), and the Kickstarter video is simply hilarious.  (Watch the video below; just don’t get caught up in believing their faulty premise.) But then, I’ve got to take exception with their initial... Read more

2016-09-30T15:55:04-05:00

Last updated on: September 30, 2016 at 3:55 pm   By

Pope Francis continues to surprise and charm with his warmth and hospitality. I see a meme developing:  Pope giving up his chair to someone…. a soldier, an athlete, a child…. and choosing to stand. Back in April, when we were just getting to know him, Pope Francis brought a chair (and a sandwich!) outside to a member of the Swiss Guard who had been assigned to guard his doorway at the Domus Sanctae Marthae. In June, Pope Francis invited 17-year-old... Read more

2015-01-18T22:41:23-05:00

Last updated on: January 18, 2015 at 10:41 pm   By

This week I’ve been slowly, deliberately reading Chris Lowney’s most excellent new book, Pope Francis: Why He Leads the Way He Leads  (Loyola Press, 2013).  Lowney, author of the best-selling book Heroic Leadership, is eminently qualified to assess our dynamic new Pope’s leadership style.  As a former Jesuit seminarian, he understands St. Ignatius’ spiritual exercises and their emphasis upon humility and service.   As a businessman who has served as a managing director for J. P. Morgan on three continents, and as board... Read more

2016-09-30T15:55:04-05:00

Last updated on: September 30, 2016 at 3:55 pm   By

Here it is, finally:  a “Choose Life” license plate approved for use in the District of Columbia. On Wednesday, October 24, the D.C. Department of Motor Vehicles notified the Children First Foundation, which had submitted the new plate design for approval last summer, that the pro-life license plate was now available for purchase. Custom license plates have been popular, and have proven to be a win-win.  The state keeps half of the added revenue; and the approved charity—such as a... Read more

2016-09-30T15:55:05-05:00

Last updated on: September 30, 2016 at 3:55 pm   By

Last week, on October 21, new U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See Kenneth Hackett presented his credentials to Pope Francis and went right to work.  Ambassador Hackett, who had served for 18 years as president of Catholic Relief Services, has launched a  blog in which he plans to share stories during his tenure in Rome. In his first blog entry, Ambassador Hackett highlights the areas of concern which the U.S. and the Vatican share. The United States and the Holy... Read more

2016-09-30T15:55:05-05:00

Last updated on: September 30, 2016 at 3:55 pm   By

Earlier today, I reported that Fargo’s new bishop, Bishop  John T. Folda, had contracted Hepatitis A while attending the recent Bishops’ School in Rome, and had unknowingly exposed worshippers at four churches to the virus. It turns out that Bishop Folda isn’t the only new bishop to contract the virus.  A statement released this evening from the Diocese of Tyler reports that their ordinary, Bishop Joseph E. Strickland, has also been diagnosed with Hepatitis A.  Bishop Strickland, who was ordained... Read more

2016-09-30T15:55:05-05:00

Last updated on: September 30, 2016 at 3:55 pm   By

A college professor holds up a picture showing a priest holding a crucifix on one side, and a toilet on the other side.  Between the two images is an equal sign. “What does this mean?” he asks his audience. Someone quickly yells, “They’re both full of shit!” The audience laughs; and the professor gleefully strolls around the classroom, repeating the refrain. *     *     *     * Does this bother you?   Well, it bothers the Catholic League; and it bothers me.... Read more

2016-09-30T15:55:05-05:00

Last updated on: September 30, 2016 at 3:55 pm   By

The North Dakota Department of Health has issued a warning that people who attended any of four Catholic churches and received communion on specific dates may have been exposed to the Hepatitis A virus. The four churches listed in the Health Department warning are: Holy Spirit Church, Fargo, school mass on September 27. Cathedral of St. Mary, Fargo, noon mass on October 6. St. Paul’s Catholic Newman Center, Fargo, mass on October 7. St. James Basilica, Jamestown, priest convention from... Read more

2016-09-30T15:55:05-05:00

Last updated on: September 30, 2016 at 3:55 pm   By

Last July, Australian Jodi Rose married Le Pont du Diable Bridge in Céret, southern France.  The bride wore a flowing gown and veil of white lace and carried a bouquet of pink and white cabbage roses.  The groom…. Well, he’s a bridge. Attracted to the strong, silent type, Jodi pursued the 600-year-old span for matrimonial bliss because, as she said, He makes me feel connected to the earth and draws me to rest from my endless nomadic wanderings.” The blushing... Read more

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