Catholic News Headlines / Links [12-8-09]

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Note: The following are from the MyCatholicSource.com News & Opinion Page at
http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/cmno/news_and_opinion.htm (or archived at http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/cmno/news_and_opinion_archive.htm ). Not all links may be included. Dates in brackets may refer to dates the links were added to the MCS news page. Items herein contain text only. To view news briefs, actual news links (or to view full news stories), click above link for MCS News & Opinion Page (or archive).

*** ADVISORY: NEWS ITEMS MAY CONTAIN UNDESIRABLE TERMS & COVER SENSITIVE SUBJECTS ***
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Pope Benedict tells audience that the Blessed Virgin Mary teaches people how to treat others; Reminds that "Every time we experience our fragility and temptation, we can turn to her and our hearts will receive light and comfort. Even in the midst of the trials of life, in the storms that shake our faith and hope, we remember that we are her children" [12/8]

Three parishes in Diocese of Worcester to merge into one parish [12/8]

Good news: Pro-life group reveals that the number of abortion clinics in the U.S. has been reduced by about 2/3 since 1991; Group also seeks to document "illegal and dangerous behavior" at abortion clinics, noting that "We have never found an abortion clinic that follows the law" [12/8]

Papal Nuncio Archbishop Leanza on Irish abuse report: "We feel ashamed about what happened, I must express again my shock, my dismay" [12/8]

Director of NJ Catholic Conference testifies that the "great truth" about marriage as a union of husband and wife "is not some obscure doctrinal fine point but a fact of human nature"; Notes that it is not unjust discrimination to "treat different things differently" [12/8]

Obamas agree to display Nativity scene after receiving critical reaction to their initial plans for a "non-religious Christmas" at the White House [12/8]

USCCB says 'gay rights activist' listed on their website was not appointed by the bishops [12/8]

Baltimore Mayor signs "discriminatory" bill targeting pro-life pregnancy centers; Amendment geared towards pro-abortion clinics was defeated [12/8]

-30-