Why is Pope Francis being a stickler about sacramental words?
In his approval of Gestis Verbisque from the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, Pope Francis is reminding us that the sacraments are God’s gift to the whole church, and we should receive them as such.
Editorial: For the good of the church, begin a real discussion of celibacy
Allowing priests to marry is hardly the answer to all of the church’s demographic challenges or the broader and deeper problems of clerical culture. But it would be a significant step toward honesty and consistency.
Catholic college faculty vote ‘no confidence’ in president after program cuts, layoffs
Frustrations over changes at Manhattan College, established by the De La Salle Christian Brothers in 1853, boiled over in January, as faculty members approved a no-confidence vote in president Milo Riverso.
Day 38: The Ten Commandments (2024)
Fr. Mike explains the meaning of a covenant with God, and how The Ten Commandments strengthen this relationship. Today’s readings are Exodus 19-20, Leviticus 13, and Psalm 74. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children – parental discretion is advised. Support […]
Theme of National Marriage Week: ‘love beyond words’ (USCCB)
The theme of National Marriage Week (February 7-14) is “love beyond words,” the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has announced. The bishops’ Secretariat of Laity, Marriage, Family Life, and Youth has posted resources for the week, including an at-home retreat, prayers, and podcasts.
Federal court dismisses Satanic Temple’s challenge to Idaho’s abortion law (Religion Clause)
A federal district court has dismissed a challenge to Idaho’s abortion law, which protects unborn children from abortion except in cases of rape, incest, or when “necessary to prevent the death of the pregnant woman.” The challenge was filed by the Satanic Temple, which has created an abortion ritual.
India’s bishops reelect president (News9Live (India))
The Catholic Bishops Conference of India has reelected Archbishop Andrews Thazhath of Trichur, its president since 2022, to another two-year term as its president. The 72-year-old prelate has led his Syro-Malabar archeparchy since 2007. From July 2022 to December 2023, he was also apostolic administrator of the troubled Syro-Malabar Archeparchy of Ernakulam-Angamaly, most of whose […]
‘American bishops offer the world an example of courage,’ says French Bishop (National Catholic Register)
American bishops are more likely than French bishops to proclaim the truth when it is countercultural, said Bishop Marc Aillet of Bayonne (France), author of the recently published Le temps des saints (The Time of Saints). “When I went to the US, I found that parishes had services specifically dedicated to the dignity of life, […]
USCCB committee chairman warns against provisions of Senate’s bipartisan immigration legislation (USCCB)
Bishop Mark Seitz of El Paso, the chairman of the US bishops’ Committee on Migration, criticized provisions of a bipartisan Senate immigration measure that would impose tougher asylum laws. Bishop Seitz, “while taking no position on the overall measure,” wrote that “several changes proposed in this bill would unjustly undermine due process and pave the […]
Quebec cardinal accused of abuse attends Council of Cardinals’ meeting in Rome (La Croix)
Less than two weeks after he announced he was temporarily stepping aside from his duties, Cardinal Gerald Lacroix of Quebec has been taking part in this week’s meetings of the Council of Cardinals, the Pope’s nine-member advisory body. Cardinal Lacroix, the Primate of Canada, has denied allegations, made in a recent lawsuit, that he sexually […]