I’m biased: I’m a Notre Dame grad, so I tend to love all things Irish. Yes, you can line up in the comments with your feelings about that if you’d like. On the occasions when my alma mater makes missteps (and I’ll admit they happen), I prefer to pray through Our Lady’s intercession for the administrators and faculty than to openly criticize. But today, I’ve got great news about a recent development under the Dome: the launch of the Office... Read more
Upon his confirmation as the next United States Ambassador to the Holy See, Ken Hackett — former President and CEO of Catholic Relief Services — received a strong message of support from Dr. Carolyn Woo, who followed him at CRS: “We are overjoyed that the country will be represented by a man who through his decades of service has demonstrated his commitment to the dignity and sanctity of life and fighting global poverty,” said Dr. Carolyn Y Woo, current CRS... Read more
Released today by the Vatican, Pope Francis’ message for World Mission Day encourages words of great hope and challenge for all of us. In so many ways, we are each called to the life of a “missionary”. Your mission field may be as close as your own home or half a world away. Regardless, we all need an infusion of the power of the Holy Spirit to rise to the daily challenges we face as missionaries. Here is the full... Read more
From Churches for Middle East Peace comes a simple way to urge your elected representatives to help Secretary of State John Kerry move forward the negotiations between Israel and Palestine. At their website, CMEP is offering a simple form — searchable by your zip code — which will help you draft and send a note of support to your senator. The pre-included text in the form states: As a Christian concerned with peace in the Holy Land, I urge you... Read more
Fans and followers of author G.K. Chesterton will be happy with the following press release from the American Chesterton Society: Bishop of Northampton, England, to Appoint Cleric for Investigation of G.K. Chesterton’s Cause for Canonization WORCESTER, Massachusetts (August 1, 2013) – In his opening address at the 32nd Annual Chesterton Conference held at Assumption College, Dale Ahlquist, President of the American Chesterton Society, announced that Bishop Peter Doyle of Northampton, England, has given permission to state that he “is sympathetic... Read more
I’m late to post these, but am so moved by both of Pope Francis’ intentions for August: GENERAL INTENTION: That parents and teachers may help the new generation to grow in upright conscience and life. MISSION INTENTION: That the local Church in Africa, faithfully proclaiming the Gospel, may promote peace and justice. Find additional commentary by the Apostleship of Prayer on both intentions here. Image credit: MattiaATH / Shutterstock.com Read more
I was happy to see yet another strong message from the USCCB today in support of Catholic Relief Services. This follows Saturday’s news that Archbishop Désiré Tsarahazana had voiced “strong support” for CRS. From the USCCB: WASHINGTON—Archbishop Odon Razanakolona of the Archdiocese of Antananarivo, which includes the capital city of Madagascar, has repudiated allegations that Catholic Relief Services (CRS) was involved with providing contraceptives or abortafacient drugs and denied that he has a strained relationship with the agency. Archbishop Razanakolona spoke... Read more
When I grow up (if I do), I would love to be half as well-educated and as eloquent as my dear friend Pat Gohn. The author of Blessed, Beautiful and Bodacious and the host of the Among Women Podcast, Pat is the perfect person to help us better understand the context of Pope Francis’ now famous airplane press conference, and specifically his comments on women. Today over at the Washington Post’s “On Faith” platform, Pat Gohn offers a fantastic primer... Read more
Were you busy this week? Has August snuck up on you? Did you miss any of the closing events from World Youth Day? Thanks to John Clem, the Director and Media Minister at Catholic Web Services (http://catholicws.com/), we’ve got a full recap of all of this week’s most important action both online and around the world. Enjoy! Papal Tweet: “There is no cross, big or small, in our life which the Lord does not share with us.” (Pope Francis) #Rio2013#JMJ Video: Entire... Read more
God’s goodness, even in light of my personal shortcomings, never ceases to amaze me. This morning, I had some fruitful prayer time with today’s gospel from Matthew 13. I was particularly struck by one portion of Jesus’ teachings to his disciples: The Kingdom of heaven is like a net thrown into the sea, which collects fish of every kind. When it is full they haul it ashore and sit down to put what is good into buckets. What is bad... Read more
Lisa Hendey
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