This Time, It’s Atheist Scalfari Who Surprises–He Asks Pope Francis for a Blessing

Last updated on: January 18, 2015 at 5:33 am By Kathy Schiffer

Last year, I wrote a few times about Pope Francis’ encounters with the journalist Eugenio Scalfari,the 90-year-old atheist intellectual who has been editor of the Italian newspaper La Repubblica for twenty years. Lat summer, Scalfari’s recollections about his personal interview with the pope caused controversy here in the United States and among Catholics around the world–leading Vatican spokesperson Fr. Federico Lombardi to insist that the words in his interview “cannot be attributed to the Pope.” In July 2013, Scalfari challenged Pope Francis... Read more

Controversy at Marian High School: Firing of Pregnant Lesbian Teacher Sparks Protests

Last updated on: January 14, 2015 at 11:13 am By Kathy Schiffer

There’s an important meeting happening today at Marian High School. Today Sister Mary Jane Herb, president of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (IHMs), will address faculty and staff at the Bloomfield Hills, Michigan school. Sister Mary Jane will be responding to recent protests over the dismissal of Barb Webb, a chemistry teacher and coach, following disclosure of her “non-traditional pregnancy.” Webb, a lesbian, “married” her partner Kristen Las in 2012 in a ceremony in Windsor, Ontario. The... Read more

For the International Day of Older Persons: My Reflection on Growing Older

Last updated on: January 8, 2015 at 6:04 pm By Kathy Schiffer

I am no one special. Just a common man with common thoughts. I’ve led a common life. There are no monuments dedicated to me and my name will soon be forgotten, but in one respect I’ve succeeded as gloriously as anyone who ever lived. I’ve loved another with all my heart and soul and for me that has always been enough. –Duke (James Garner), “The Notebook” I’m a pretty tough cookie when it comes to the movies. I sit back... Read more

Where Is the Archangel Raphael in the Scriptures?

Last updated on: December 28, 2014 at 4:32 pm By Kathy Schiffer

On September 29, the Catholic Church celebrates the Feast of the three Archangels who have been venerated throughout the history of the Church: Michael (from the Hebrew Who Is Like God?), who defends the friends of God against Satan and all his evil angels; Gabriel (the Power of God), chosen by the Creator to announce to Mary the mystery of the Incarnation; and Raphael (the Medicine of God or God Heals), the archangel who, in the book of Tobit, takes care of Tobias on his journey. These archangels, all... Read more

Poncho the Parrot Prays the Hail Mary

Last updated on: September 27, 2014 at 6:28 am By Kathy Schiffer

Ah, the Internet: Ain’t it grand? I stumbled upon this wonderful clip of a green parrot that’s mastered the Hail Mary. I thought you’d enjoy it, too! Read more

Sts. Cosmas and Damien: Did They Perform the First Successful Medical Transplant?

Last updated on: December 28, 2014 at 4:33 pm By Kathy Schiffer

Who are Cosmas and Damien? Their names are mentioned in the Canon of the Mass (Eucharistic Prayer I). A church was erected on their burial place, and a famous basilica was built in their honor in Constantinople. The Church in the West celebrates their memorial on September 26. But little is known about these twin brothers who lived and died during the persecution of the Emperor Diocletian. According to legend, the twins lived in Arabia and became skilled doctors. In... Read more

Anti-Catholic Slurs Bring One-Year Suspension for Wisconsin Attorney

Last updated on: January 18, 2015 at 10:59 am By Kathy Schiffer

Rebekah Mariya Nett doesn’t think much of Catholics. The attorney said as much during a bankruptcy case involving a subsidiary of the Wisconsin-based Dr. R.C. Samanta Roy Institute of Science and Technology. According to a report from EWTN News, Ms. Nett: called U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Nancy Dreher a “black-robed bigot” and a “Catholic Knight Witch Hunter.” called one trustee in the case a “Jesuitess.” called another trustee a “priest’s boy.” There was more: The outspoken attorney accused the trustees of conspiracy. She... Read more

The Conversion of Fr. Ignatius, Ancestor of Princess Diana of Wales

Last updated on: December 28, 2014 at 4:35 pm By Kathy Schiffer

Did you know that Princess Diana of Wales had a relative who may become a Catholic saint? I once knew this story–but it had fallen from memory until I read an article by Simon Caldwell in today’s Catholic Herald. In his article about Prince William, Caldwell mentioned the great-great-great uncle of the Prince’s mother, Diana, who was an Anglican vicar until he converted to Catholicism at the age of 31. Once Catholic, he was ordained a priest and ultimately became a Passionist. Caldwell... Read more

The Dalmatic Is Dramatic. But Where Did It Come From?

Last updated on: September 23, 2014 at 8:31 pm By Kathy Schiffer

Priests wear chasubles. Deacons wear dalmatics. My own husband is a deacon, so I already know that. An awful lot of Catholics don’t know, though, how to tell the difference between the liturgical attire for a priest and a deacon. Here’s a big hint: Sleeves! The chasuble, the outer garment worn by a priest during Mass, does not have sleeves. The deacon’s dalmatic is a matching garment, in the same liturgical color, but it has wide sleeves. This has been... Read more

Knoxville Bishop Opens Inquiry Into Possible Miracle

Last updated on: January 18, 2015 at 5:37 am By Kathy Schiffer

A miracle may have occurred in the Diocese of Knoxville. Bishop Richard F. Stika, bishop of Knoxville, has launched a diocesan inquiry in the diocese of Knoxville, to determine whether a miracle has occurred through the intercession of Father Isaac Hecker, founder of the Paulist Fathers. If it is found that a miracle has occurred, that would advance the process of declaring Father Hecker a saint. Cardinal Edward Egan, former archbishop of New York, formally opened Fr. Hecker’s cause for sainthood on January 25,... Read more