My Catholic Source.com Blog: September 2010

Thursday, September 30, 2010

No scheduled news updates from 10/1 - 10/2

Please Note: There are no scheduled news updates from 10/1-10/2. For Catholic news on these dates, please try here

More News Highlights

Some more recent news highlights...

* For the second time, the Archdiocese of Boston has cleared a priest accused of abuse. The allegation involved alleged abuse in the early 1970's. The attorney for the alleged victim criticized the review process as 'biased and unfair'. The archdiocesan review board investigating the allegations included a retired law enforcement agent, a judge, and abuse victims

* The supposedly 'devout' Catholic president of the Philippines who supports government handouts of contraceptives to poor persons may face excommunication, according to the president of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines. Despite the possibility of excommunication, the nation's president says his position "has not changed" [Related: Catholic teachings on contraception (Topic Page)]

* Good riddance: A dissenting Minnesota artist employed by the archdiocese has been suspended after announcing a plan to create a "piece of art" from DVDs supporting true marriage which the archdiocese mailed to Catholics. The artist, who supports homosexual 'marriage', opposed the DVD mailing. Some other misguided parishioners in the area have launched a website to collect the DVDs which they plan to return to the archdiocese [Related: Catholic teachings on homosexuality (Topic Page)]

* Here we go again: California bishops have spoken out against the death penalty in the case of a serial rapist and murderer, citing "human dignity" [Related: Death Penalty (Topic Page)]

* If only the reviews were always reliable: Mormons are now promoting Catholic movie reviews for their "moral analysis" [Related: Catholic Movie Reviews (Topic Page)]

* Not good: It is being reported that a TLM has been cancelled in San Jose due to a dispute among the faithful regarding Mass times (particularly among a "vocal group" of "influential" parish council members). The Mass was well-attended [Related: Traditional Latin ('Tridentine') Mass (Topic Page)]

* Some Anglican 'bishops'* are reportedly "having second thoughts" about entering the Catholic Church under the provisions of Anglicanorum Coetibus. Instead, they may "merge" with another group of Anglicans [* Reminder: Anglican 'clergy' are not true priests - their orders have been ruled invalid by the Church: "Wherefore, strictly adhering, in this matter, to the decrees of the pontiffs, our predecessors, and confirming them most fully, and, as it were, renewing them by our authority, of our own initiative and certain knowledge, we pronounce and declare that ordinations carried out according to the Anglican rite have been, and are, absolutely null and utterly void." (Pope Leo XIII, "Apostolicae Curae", 1896 A.D., emphasis added)]

[9/30]

Catholic News Headlines / Links [9-30-10]

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Catholic News Headlines / Links [9-29-10]

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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 ***
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Ireland's archbishops head to Rome to prepare for apostolic visitation [9/29]

Bishop Samuel Aquila leads pro-life procession to abortion clinic amid protests; Prelate calls for use of truthful terminology concerning abortion noting that "Every time a child is aborted it is murder and it is important for us to call it by its proper name" [9/29]

Pope Benedict reminds that the liturgy "is a great school of spirituality" [9/29]

Holy Father encourages the faithful to turn to the angels [9/29]

Holy See announces theme for World Day of Social Communications: "Truth, proclamation and authenticity of life in the digital age" [9/29]

Supposedly 'devout' Catholic president of the Philippines announces that the government may begin handing out contraceptives to poor couples; Network of 100 lay Catholic groups "prepared to protest" [Refresher: Catholic teachings against contraception] [9/29]

More bad news: Federal appeals court allows federal funding of embryonic stem cell research to continue [9/29]

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Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Some Statistics

Some recent statistics...

* Broken marriages lead to poverty & high 'social welfare' costs in the U.S.

-> Poverty rates for 'single parents' in 2008 exceeded 36%

-> Poverty rates for married couples with children in 2008 was under 7%

-> Around 75% of "means-tested welfare for low-income families with children" went to 'single parent families'

Source: Zenit

Related: Divorce (Topic Page)

* High rates of fornication in the U.S.

-> Out of wedlock births in 2008 exceeded 40%

-> Out of wedlock births in 2008 by race: White/Non-Hispanic-28.6%; Hispanic-52.5%; Blacks-72.3%

Source: Zenit

Related: Fornication Reflections

* Homosexuals & HIV

-> CDC study finds that in 21 metropolitan areas in the U.S., 1 in 5 practicing homosexual men test positive for HIV

-> About half of those infected were "unaware" they carried the virus which causes AIDS

Source: LifeSiteNews

Related: Homosexuality (Topic Page)

* Religious Ignorance

A new poll indicates that many Americans are ignorant of basic tenants of their faith. For example...

-> Nearly half (45%) of Catholics polled were unaware of transubstantiation & the Real Presence - essential teachings of the Catholic Church [Reminder: "For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body, eats and drinks judgment on himself." (St. Paul, 1 Cor. 11:29)]

-> Some 29% can't name the place of Jesus' birth (Bethlehem)

-> Close to 40% couldn't name the first book of the bible (Genesis)

Reportedly, atheists and agnostics performed best on the questions, whereas Catholics did poorly

Sources: Various

Related: Catholic Basics

[9/28]

Some More News Highlights

Some more recent news highlights...

* For the second time this year, a parishioner has been murdered at a Youngstown, Ohio parish. The most recent killing was "apparently a case of mistaken identity" involving the deceased's vehicle. The victim's wife was also injured during the attack, but she is expected to survive

* Dialog with the schismatic Orthodox reportedly failed to produce a "breakthrough" concerning papal primacy

* Two teenagers have been charged in connection with damage to a Des Moines Catholic high school which occurred in August. Police have not released the suspects' names

* A week after a presidential speech omitted the word "Creator" in reference to the Declaration of Independence, President Obama once again spoke of "inalienable rights" without referencing that such rights were endowed by our Creator

* Bishop Aquila recently reminded that "Catholics in the political arena must recognize that opposition to intrinsic evils, such as abortion, euthanasia, genocide, embryonic stem-cell research and same-sex unions is always required by the faithful Catholic" and that 'Catholics' who support such evils should refrain from Holy Communion. He also reminded that such 'Catholics' will "one day stand before the judgment seat of God and give an account of themselves"

* According to an EWTN report, Archbishop Dolan recently spoke to a Los Angeles audience regarding the "intrinsic connection" between Jesus and the Church. He reminded that we cannot have Christ without his Church

* According to the Inspector General, a controversial Catholic group ('Catholic Worker') was improperly investigated by the FBI even though there was "little or no basis" for a probe. Other groups were likewise wrongly investigated

[9/28]

Catholic News Headlines / Links [9-28-10]

Monday, September 27, 2010

A Couple Updates

Updates concerning recent news items...

* Pope Benedict met with the head of the Vatican Bank on Sunday. The Holy Father reportedly told the bank's president "that he trusted him and appreciates the work he is doing"

* Plans for the apostolic visitation in Ireland are expected to be finalized next month. The visitation is expected to start "shortly afterwards"

[9/27]

Catholic News Headlines / Links [9-27-10]

Saturday, September 25, 2010

Catholic News Headlines / Links [9-25-10]

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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 ***
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Vatican investigation of Regnum Christi expected to begin in coming weeks [9/25]

Bishop Thomas Doran warns of "hidden dangers" of abortion; Prelate says "even Nazi Germany was not quite as callous with regard to nascent infant life as our unelected judges have made our country" and warns that "procured abortion may well be the death knell of our society" [9/25]

Pope Benedict speaks to Brazilian bishops about importance of confession [9/25]

Pontifical Council for the Family may release new marriage preparation document in 2012 [9/25]

Vatican bank president says bank's image may have been "irreparably" damaged over news of investigation [9/25]

Mexican Cardinal refuses to retract statements condemning homosexual behavior despite "multiple complaints" filed with government agencies [Refresher: Scripture against homosexuality] [9/25]

Boston archdiocese introduces new online social network [9/25]

Scandalous: Archbishop Vincent Nichols of Westminster says English bishops 'support legalizing homosexual civil partnerships': Bishops' dissent from Vatican praised by homosexual Anglican [Refreshers: Catholic Teachings Against Homosexuality (Homosexuality/Topic Page) | Necessity of Union With the Roman Pontiff] [9/25]

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Friday, September 24, 2010

More News Highlights

Some more recent news highlights...

* A Saturday CNN special will reportedly attempt to implicate Pope Benedict in abuse scandals. The special has been criticized for 'rehashing old charges that were previously discredited' and for 'leaving out key information in order to paint the Pope in the worst possible light.' The special will apparently highlight the notorious Murphy case

* The bankruptcy plan recently put forth by the Diocese of Wilmington allows for compensation of up to $75,000 per abuse victim. While the diocese calls the plan an "important milestone" that provides "fair compensation" to abuse victims, a victims' attorney called the plan a "mean-spirited, vindictive, hypocritical act, maliciously intended to prolong the suffering of survivors"

* The Church in Germany is apparently "ready to pay compensation" to abuse victims. The amount of compensation "has yet to be determined." Unfortunately, German Archbishop Zollitsch also wants to "discuss" priestly celibacy [Refresher: Why Priestly Celibacy?]

* The recent event at the Vienna cathedral involving alleged Medjugorje 'visionaries' reportedly included another "road show 'apparition'". Unfortunately, it was reported that a "standing room only" crowd was present for the "'apparition' on demand" [Refresher: Marian Apparitions at Medjugorje: True or False?]

* An Ordinariate will reportedly be "ready by the end of the year" in the U.K. The Ordinariate will assist Anglicans who enter the Catholic Church under the provisions of Anglicanorum Coetibus

* According to Pope Benedict, "The organization of work, set up for competition in the marketplace and for maximum profit, as well as the idea of a holiday as time for diversions and consumption, contribute to the break-up of the family and the community and to fostering an individualistic lifestyle." The Holy Father called for "reconciling work demands and schedules with those of family life"

* Catholics in the U.K. are reportedly being encouraged by Archbishop Vincent Nichols to 'make their faith more visible' by more frequently making the sign of the cross, offering to pray for others, and by saying "God bless you"

* A "prominent European atheist" recently claimed that "the most attacked religion today is the Catholic religion." He noted "prejudice and especially major anti-clericalism" that are "taking on enormous proportions in Europe"

[9/24]

Catholic News Headlines / Links [9-24-10]

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Vatican Bank Probe: Some Updates

The following are some updates regarding the recent Vatican Bank [Institute for Works of Religion (IOR)] probe...

* The bank's president, Ettore Gotti Tedeschi, is reportedly "deeply humiliated" to be the subject of a money laundering investigation. He says nothing is hidden and there's 'nothing to hide'

* There is some talk of Italian prosecutors 'unfreezing' seized funds during the investigation "if the institute reveals who the cash was intended for"

* A recent Guardian article indicates that "Italian investigators are trying to identify 'numerous individuals' who appear to have received more than €2m (£1.7m) through an account at the Vatican bank"

* The matter reportedly involved "an error in procedure [that] is being used as an excuse to attack the IOR, its president and in general the Vatican." It was also described as a "misunderstanding" that "could have been clarified with great simplicity." The transactions were reportedly "perfectly normal." The above referenced Guardian article, however, references "Extracts from the judge's warrant that blocked the transfers...[which] suggest there is more to the affair than a simple misunderstanding or oversight, though not necessarily anything that indicates Vatican wrongdoing." It also notes "three substantial deposits of between €22m (£18.7m) and €25m (£21.2m) that appeared to come from the closure of other IOR accounts" which "had ostensibly been closed by 'withdrawal using counter forms', so presumably in cash" and references a five day wait "for an explanation from the IOR before going public"

* Rome's mayor expressed "solidarity" with the bank's president and L'Osservatore noted his "integrity" that is "well known in Italian and international finance circles." The director of the Holy See Press office also issued a letter to "clarify matters in order to avoid the spread of inaccurate information and to ensure that no damage is caused to the activities of the Institute or the good name of its managers." The letter also reiterated the Holy See's "complete confidence in the managers of the IOR, and its desire for complete transparency in the financial operations the Institute undertakes, in accordance with the procedures and norms required today to ensure the security and transparency of transactions in the field of international finance"

* The bank has reportedly been working to conform to new regional norms and has also been working to get on a "white list" of banks that cooperate with international norms

[9/23]

Catholic News Headlines / Links [9-23-10]

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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 ***
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Holy See Press Office director issues letter concerning IOR [9/23]

U.S. bishops' committee issues critique of Creighton University theologians' dissenting book [9/23]

Holy Father sends message to Catholic Charities USA to mark 100th anniversary [9/23]

Australian bishop says book which attacks Pope Benedict's handling of abuse scandal "contains many dramatic and false claims" [9/23]

Bishop Vasa sends "cannon over the bow of the USCCB"; Prelate reminds that authority of individual bishops in their dioceses trumps national bishops' conferences and says bishops do not have an obligation to adopt conference documents, some of which he says "are intentionally vague and misleading" [9/23]

Pope Benedict says his recent U.K. trip confirmed his conviction that Europe possesses a "Christian soul" [9/23]

Archbishop Donald Wuerl named to guide incorporation of U.S. Anglicans into the Catholic Church under Anglicanorum Coetibus [Note: Article has reference to 'Episcopal priest', however Anglican orders are invalid (click here for more information)] [9/23]

U.S. bishops seek tax policy that aids poor, supports families [9/23]

CL praises Archbishop Broglio for response to dissident group [9/23]

Defense says right to require former ND official to testify is a "major victory" & possibly will be "a decisive turning point" for ND88 [9/23]

Alleged Medjugorje 'visionaries' hosted by Vienna cathedral [Refresher: Marian Apparitions at Medjugorje: True or False?] [9/23]

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Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Catholic News Headlines / Links [9-22-10]

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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 ***
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Vatican Bank's 'inadequate' communications with Italy's central bank may have prompted money-laundering probe [9/22]

Holy See issues communiqué concerning Vatican Bank investigation [9/22]

Pope Benedict may visit Ireland 'as soon as 2012' [9/22]

Attempted repeal of U.S. military's 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy is blocked; Filibuster also blocked attempted repeal of law banning abortion on military bases [9/22]

Filipino archbishop who named officials allegedly involved in illegal gambling ring now fears for his life [9/22]

Notre Dame hires pro-life coordinator who was spokesperson for coalition opposed to Obama honor; Charges against ND88 still not dropped [9/22]

International Catholic-Orthodox commission continues dialogue on papal primacy [9/22]

'No-fault divorce' called a more serious threat to the family than homosexual 'marriage' [Refresher: Catholic teaching on divorce] [9/22]

Ten months after devastating earthquake in Haiti, over 1 million are still living in tents; Archbishop Auza says "humanitarian situation is still in an emergency phase" [9/22]

Presidential speech which quoted the Declaration of Independence omitted the word "Creator" [9/22]

Professors find that many women who have had an abortion "are in acute pain; some are almost totally incapacitated"; Many of those suffering from abortion were strongly "pro-choice" [Refresher: Catholic teaching on abortion] [9/22]

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Tuesday, September 21, 2010

News Highlights

Some recent news highlights...

* The Vatican Post Office issued a new postage stamp to commemorate the reopening of the Vatican Library. The library was reopened Monday after a three year renovation

* The Archdiocese of New York is expected release a list of schools next month that may be closed or merged. The changes may affect more than 10% of all schools in the archdiocese

* The Vatican Splendors exhibit is scheduled to open on October 2 in Pittsburgh. The exhibit will reportedly include hundreds of "treasures from the Vatican" as well as items from churches in the area

* Rather than teaching responsibility, Edmonton's archbishop has called for an abrupt end to 'casino fundraising' in his archdiocese, citing "morality". Critics note that such fundraising is a "critical" source of funds for the schools and is "harmless and moral" for responsible persons

* The papal tartan created especially for Pope Benedict's trip to the U.K. is in high demand. Reportedly, the manufacturer's phones "have been ringing off the hook" as numerous persons seek to purchase the plaid

* Three suspects have been arrested in connection with thefts of parishioners' property in the Archdiocese of Hartford. The suspects were captured after a police chase. The thefts apparently occurred after communicants left their pews to receive Holy Communion. The suspects' vehicle reportedly contained narcotics

* An Evansville nun who had been trying to help a man reportedly became the man's victim. The nun gave the man some money and drove him to a bus station. She later gave the man more money and offered him additional assistance. In return, the man reportedly stole her money and her credit card as well as church keyboard. He fled the scene and is being sought after by police

* Celebrating your defeat? An AFP article notes that "The Vatican for the first time took part in anniversary celebrations of the 1870 capture of Rome by Italian troops which ended the Papal States’ domination of the city for more than a thousand years." The article is accompanied by a picture of Cardinal Bertone at the event, which was called both a 'tribute' and a 'celebration' [Commentary: What must Pope Pius IX and his successors through Pope Pius XI - "prisoners of the Vatican" for decades - think of this craziness? Should St. Peter's ever be taken over would we eventually 'celebrate' that as well?]

[9/21]

Catholic News Headlines / Links [9-21-10]

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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 ***
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Head of Vatican bank under investigation in money-laundering probe, police seize $30 million; Vatican expresses "bewilderment and amazement" [9/21]

Filipino archbishop submits list of officials he says received payoffs from illegal gambling operations [9/21]

Holy See releases schedule for Pope Benedict's October 3 trip to Palermo [9/21]

'Mass of atonement for sins against life' to be held at St. Peter's on October 8 [9/21]

Church officials in Minnesota rally opposition to homosexual 'marriage'; DVD presentation promoting true marriage to be mailed to "every Catholic living in Minnesota" [9/21]

ND88 protesters will get individual jury trials [9/21]

Here we go again: Belgian bishops want to debate celibacy [Refresher: Why Priestly Celibacy?] [9/21]

California bishop says impartiality of judge who ruled against Prop 8 "can certainly be questioned"; Prelate says "The judge, who is homosexual himself, ethically should have recused himself as he is in the position to benefit financially" from a homosexual 'marriage' [9/21]

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Monday, September 20, 2010

Papal Visit to the U.K.: Some Highlights [UPDATED]

The following are some highlights from Pope Benedict's visit to the United Kingdom...

* On route to Scotland, Pope Benedict spoke with reporters during a Q & A session. In answer to one of the questions, the Holy Father stated that the abuse scandals were a "shock" and "a source of great sadness" to him. He also said that it was difficult for him to understand "how this perversion of the priestly ministry was possible" and said he was "sad that the Church authorities were not sufficiently vigilant, not quick and decisive enough in taking the necessary measures"

* An estimated 125,000 people are believed to have gathered to welcome the Holy Father on the streets of Edinburgh on Thursday. Turnout was roughly 1 in 5 of the entire population of Edinburgh

* Queen Elizabeth II said the U.K. appreciated "the involvement of the Holy See in the dramatic improvement in the situation in Northern Ireland"

* Some 70,000 persons attended the Pope's open-air Mass on Thursday at Bellahouston Park

* Pope Benedict was reportedly "calm" on Friday despite a suspected terrorist plot that resulted in 6 arrests

* The Holy Father spoke to a crowd of about 4,000 young persons on Friday at St. Mary's University College. He also, from the Popemobile, kissed children which were lifted up to him and blessed a nine-year-old cancer survivor.

* Friday at Westminster Abbey, Pope Benedict twice declared that he is the successor of St. Peter. He also "did the unthinkable" by "praising St. Thomas More in Westminster Hall" (remember that St. Thomas More was "killed for his defense of the pope's sovereignty against the king's"). Noting the significance of Friday's events in the historically (meaning: since the King Henry VIII suppressed the Catholic religion to marry his mistress) Protestant & anti-Catholic country, one source claims the Pope's actions marked "the end of the British Empire"

* 'Ecumenical' gestures included the Pope's meeting with Anglican leadership and his reported public handshake of a female 'clergywoman'.* Predictably, there were no reminders regarding the keys to heaven, invalid Anglican orders & resulting invalid Anglican sacraments, necessity of union with the Roman Pontiff, or the necessity of being Catholic for salvation. However, as indicated above, the Holy Father did make two clear references to his being the successor of St. Peter [* Reminders: Anglicans do NOT have valid orders (click here for more information). Further, it is impossible to ordain women (click here for more information)]

* Messages from the Pope included warnings against a "celebrity culture", "atheist extremism", exclusion of God from public life, "the spirit of the age", relativism, wealth and secularism. He called young persons to be future saints, reminding them that "true happiness is to be found in God"

* Security incidents have included the arrest of six men in London in connection with a suspected terrorist plot and an incident in Scotland involving an alleged "breach of the peace, resisting arrest and police assault" during Mass (but "not near the Pope"). Scotland had a "heavy police presence" during the papal visit

* Other incidents: As expected, there have been some protesters ("a small number" in Scotland, more in London). There were also some medical incidents involving pilgrims (reportedly over 100 were treated for "minor ailments" in Scotland, but apparently none required hospitalization). Also, the Mass in Scotland reportedly included some "liturgical misjudgments" by organizers

* Reactions to the papal visit have reportedly included weeping, silence, and "standing in awe" as the Pope passed by. Of the visit to Scotland, the papal spokesman said, "Today has been absolutely wonderful, more than we could ever have expected. The Pope is very happy and we are delighted to have such a wonderful start to this visit"

9/18 Updates...

* The six street cleaners arrested Friday in connection with an alleged terrorist plot against the Pope remained in custody on Saturday. All six men are believed to be Muslims. Since no hard evidence has been found, it is being suggested that the suspects may be released without charges after the Pope leaves for Rome on Sunday

* Pope Benedict met with and prayed with several abuse victims for a half hour or more ("longer than the prime minister got") on Saturday. The meeting was private, but a Holy See press release indicated that the Pope was "moved by what they had to say and expressed his deep sorrow and shame." He also thanked those who worked to protect young people from abuse

* Saturday saw additional protests from anti-Catholics and abuse victims. The total amount of protesters is believed to be numbered in the thousands. Although this marked "the largest protest of his papacy", the total number of papal supporters during his U.K. trip has far outweighed the total number of protesters

* Apparently, a bookmaker group staged a 'publicity stunt' involving a fake 'Popemobile', complete with a fake 'pope'. The imposter vehicle was stopped by police, but the outcome of the encounter is unknown

* In a homily on Saturday, Pope Benedict spoke on the outpouring of Christ's Blood as "the source of the Church's life". He also addressed the abuse scandals, expressing "deep sorrow to the innocent victims of these unspeakable crimes, along with my hope that the power of Christ’s grace, his sacrifice of reconciliation, will bring deep healing and peace to their lives" and acknowledging "the shame and humiliation which all of us have suffered because of these sins"

* The Holy Father also met with elderly persons on Saturday at a residential home and stated that "God wills a proper respect for the dignity and worth the health and well-being of the elderly and through her charitable institutions in Britain and beyond, the Church seeks to fulfil the Lord’s command to respect life, regardless of age or circumstances." He also reminded that the senior years "are an opportunity to remember in affectionate prayer all those whom we have cherished in this life, and to place all that we have personally been and done before the mercy and tenderness of God"

* Also on Saturday, Pope Benedict addressed young people telling them to look into their hearts and think about & thank God for the love that they have received as well as urging them to "choose to love" every day, noting that "we were made for love" and that love "has shown us what is truly important in life". He also reminded that Jesus is the source of all true love and that we must "make space for silence, because it is in silence that we find God"

* At a Hyde Park vigil on Saturday evening before the beatification of Cardinal Newman, the Holy Father spoke of suffering for the faith, remarking that "In our own time, the price to be paid for fidelity to the gospel is no longer being hanged, drawn and quartered, but it often involves being dismissed out of hand, ridiculed and parodied"

9/20 Updates...

* Cardinal Newman was beatified by Pope Benedict on Sunday. His feast day (Novus Ordo calendar) will fall on the date of his conversion, October 9

* Pope Benedict commemorated the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain on Sunday, stating that "For me, as one who lived and suffered through the dark days of the Nazi regime in Germany, it is deeply moving to be here with you on this occasion and to recall how many of your fellow citizens sacrificed their lives, courageously resisting the forces of that evil ideology"

* The Holy Father met with the bishops of England, Scotland and Wales on Sunday, encouraging them to 'proclaim the Gospel afresh in a highly secularized environment'. He also addressed the abuse scandals, the new (Novus Ordo) Mass translation, and the implementation of Anglicanorum Coetibus. Regarding the new translation, he called on the bishops to "seize the opportunity that the new translation offers for in-depth catechesis on the Eucharist and renewed devotion in the manner of its celebration." In reference to Anglicanorum Coetibus, Pope Benedict asked the bishops to be "generous in implementing the apostolic constitution", at the same time essentially affirming that "the ultimate goal of all ecumenical activity" is the conversion of those who have left the Church (unfortunately, however, there was also reference to a supposed "enrichment" from heretical / schismatic sects)

* The six suspects arrested in the alleged terrorist threat against Pope Benedict were released Saturday evening or Sunday morning without being charged. They reportedly posed "no credible threat" to the Holy Father. There is some talk of the former suspects suing for 'unlawful arrest and detention', but unnamed "security sources" claimed that "the arrests were proportionate and justified" and that "intelligence received suggested this was a very serious situation" (not a "a light-hearted conversation" as some suggested). Note that the former suspects were reportedly Muslim and an Islamic publication recently issued a call to Muslims in connection with the papal trip that was feared to be an "incitement to violence"

* A papal spokesman used the terms "very, very positive" and a "great success" in connection with the Holy Father's historic trip to the U.K. Likewise, British media coverage of the event was called "remarkable" and the same term ("remarkable") was used to describe the number of cheering pilgrims in the streets of London (estimated at more than 100,000, "remarkable numbers given the indifference and downright hostility prior to the visit and the fact that Catholics make up only 10 percent of Britain's population"). U.S. media coverage of the Pope's 'first ever state visit' to the U.K. was called "mixed" by the Catholic League, which noted CNN's "relentless...criticism of a male-only clergy" and the New York Time's 'fixation' on the abuse scandal

* The Holy Father arrived safely back in Rome late Sunday night and is reportedly resting at Castelgandolfo

[9/17, updated 9/18 & 9/20]

Catholic News Headlines / Links [9-20-10]

Saturday, September 18, 2010

Catholic News Headlines / Links [9-18-10]

Friday, September 17, 2010

News Highlights

The following are some recent news highlights...

* The priest who was a passenger in the automobile accident which killed a nun and injured the U.S. Ambassador to Malta has died. He was 94 and had been in critical condition as a result of the single-vehicle accident, the cause of which is still under investigation

* The Vatican Splendors exhibit which recently concluded after a four month run reportedly drew record crowds to the Missouri History Museum

* A Filipino prelate has alleged that eight bishops in his country have taken payoffs from gaming bosses in connection with illegal gambling. He has apparently agreed to reveal the names of the bishops he claims are involved

* Contradicting an earlier claim by Pakistan's Federal Minister for Minorities Affairs that there has been no discrimination in aid distribution to non-Muslims, Pakistani bishops have alleged that the discrimination against Christians is still occurring

* Bishop Olmsted of Phoenix has announced the excommunication of a priest who recently participated in the attempted* 'ordination' of a woman, noting that "Actions such as these are extremely serious and carry with them profoundly harmful consequences for the salvation of the souls participating in this attempted ordination" [* Note: 'Attempted ordination' because it is impossible to actually ordain a woman (click here for more information)]

* There have been at least 19 deaths in connection with previous plans by a Protestant group in Florida to burn the Qu’ran on 9/11. Also, even though India's bishops condemned the planned Qu'ran burning, Muslims bombed a Catholic school in that country in protest. The Holy Father recently prayed for the victims and asked that "reconciliation and peace may prevail over hatred and violence"

* Sacraments designed for humans can be given to 'extra terrestrials'? The "Pope's astronomer" reportedly claimed that (supposed) aliens have souls and he would be willing to baptize an alien "if they asked" [Commentary: How exactly does he suppose 'aliens' got stained by Original Sin which was passed down only to Adam & Eve's descendents?]

* Bishop Harpigny indicated that the Belgian Church may have been hesitant to issue an apology to alleged abuse victims because an apology may have made the Church legally liable for damages

* Foreseeable consequence of homosexual 'marriage': A new television show is attempting to redefine marriage as a union of one man and many women. The show features a "polygamous Mormon household"

* Sacrilege: A communicant at a TLM in Ireland refused to receive Holy Communion on the tongue. He reportedly grabbed a host from the ciborium, causing the Host to fall to the floor. He was restrained and told not to return to the church [Related: Communion in the Hand: Why Not?]

* The approach of Cardinal Newman's beatification has again brought to light criticism of the alleged miracle involved in the cause. The nature of the alleged miracle - a supposedly "fast recovery" of a deacon after back surgery (the 'fast recovery' is the alleged 'miracle', not the healing itself) - has provided opportunities for skeptics to cast doubt on the veracity of miracles themselves. Some have charged that miracles have been "downgraded" in recent times from fantastic (e.g. parting of the sea, healing the blind, raising the dead) to "near-trivial" (e.g. a 'fast recovery' after surgery) - or as one article put it, 'today's miracles' have "lost their wow factor". The deacon involved in Cardinal Newman's case, who is married and who has enjoyed "considerable notoriety" since the alleged miracle, previously claimed to receive assistance with his back pain from Cardinal Newman before he had a relapse which required surgery. The deacon was also in the news last year after he asked newspapers and other media to "erase references" to his meeting with dissenting 'Catholic' Cherie Blair. The allegation that the deacon's 'fast recovery' was miraculous reportedly gave one neurosurgeon (who said there was nothing remarkable about his five-day recovery) and his colleagues "a good chuckle." Also controversial in his cause have been questionable statements made by the Anglican convert as well as allegations that the prelate was homosexual. Pope Benedict is scheduled to beatify Cardinal Newman on Sunday, to the gratification of some 'conservatives' who enjoy his writings and to various 'liberals' who see him as a 'precursor' of Vatican II

[9/17]

Catholic News Headlines / Links [9-17-10] (late edition)

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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 ***
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Church in Angola concerned about witchcraft, "the new war that makes pastoral activity very difficult" [9/17]

New USCCB leadership to be elected at November assembly [9/17]

New archbishop appointed for Seattle [9/17]

Church spokesmen "work to downplay" Cardinal Kasper's remarks comparing Britain to a "third world country" [9/17]

Guardian article charging that priests convicted of abuse are still members of the clergy is called "misleading", "skewed" [9/17]

Good news: After outcry, Texas parish puts stop to Jewish services led by rabbi who serves on the board of Planned Parenthood [9/17]

More good news: New TLM to begin October 3 in Syracuse diocese [9/17]

Belgium prelate who admitted to abuse is no longer in his diocese; Future sanctions against former bishop are up to Pope Benedict [9/17]

"Noted canon law expert" says priests have been 'worse' than silent regarding contraception; Says "It would be good for the bishops of the United States to speak more often about the grave sinfulness of contraceptive use" [Note: Click here for Catholic teachings regarding contraception / NFP] [9/17]

More craziness: Qu’ran "blessed" at Sacramento cathedral [9/17]

-30-

Suspects Arrested For Alleged Terrorist Threat Against Pope Benedict [Updated]

Five men were arrested in London on Friday over an alleged terrorist threat against Pope Benedict XVI. According to one source, the men are "suspected Islamist terrorists from a variety of countries." The suspects were reportedly "planning to assassinate the Pope", but were arrested and are being held by police. An initial search reportedly turned up "no hazardous items." The incident is not expected to affect the Holy Father's schedule during his historic U.K. visit.

Update: A sixth man has been arrested in connection with the suspected terrorist plot against the Holy Father. The sixth suspect, a 29 year old, was reportedly arrested at his home. Unconfirmed reports indicate that the sixth suspect is from Algeria, a predominately Muslim country in North Africa.

[9/17]

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

No scheduled news updates from 9/16-9/17/10

Please Note: There are no scheduled news updates from 9/16-9/17. For Catholic news on these dates, please try here

Papal Visit to the U.K.: Itinerary Highlights

The following are some highlights from the Holy Father's itinerary for his historic September 16-19 visit to the United Kingdom...

Thursday, September 16: Scotland

Events Include: Audience with HM Queen Elizabeth, State Reception, St. Ninian's Day Parade (occurring on the streets of Edinburgh), Mass at Bellahouston Park

Friday, September 17: London

Events Include: Events at St. Mary's University College, Lambeth Palace, Westminster Hall, Westminster Abbey

Saturday, September 18: London

Events Include: Mass at Westminster Cathedral, Visit to St. Peter's Residential Home for the Elderly, Open Air Prayer Vigil at Hyde Park

Sunday, September 19: Birmingham

Events Include: Beatification of Cardinal Newman at Cofton Park, Private Visit to Oratory of St. Philip Neri, Meeting with Bishops

[9/15]

Catholic News Headlines / Links [9-15-10]

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Three Year Anniversary of the Effective Date of Summorum Pontificum

September 14th, the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, marks the 3rd anniversary of the effective date of Pope Benedict's 7/7/07 Motu Proprio 'Summorum Pontificum', which 'formally freed' the Traditional Latin Mass. In the MP, the Holy Father invited bishops to send an account of their experiences to the Holy See in three years so that remedies for "truly serious difficulties" which come to light could be sought. Recently, it was reported that Una Voce was likewise preparing a report that they claim "will be of vital importance in the safeguarding of the traditional Mass and liturgy." [Note: Click here for more information]

[9/14]

Catholic News Headlines / Links [9-14-10]

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
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 ***
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Vatican Post Office issues new postmark for papal trip to the U.K. [9/14]

Irish bishop disputes dissident theologian Hans Küng's claim to be a 'true interpreter' of V2 documents [9/14]

Editor criticizes media for 'skewing' abuse statistics; Calls claims "wildly inaccurate" and says there has been "zero interest in applying the tools of rational investigation and critical questioning" [9/14]

Holy Father defends true marriage; Reminds that "Marriage is manifested as a lasting union of love between a man and a woman, which is also always oriented toward the transmission of human life" [9/14]

Pakistan's Federal Minister for Minorities Affairs, a Catholic, denies claims of discrimination in aid distribution to non-Muslims [9/14]

Here we go again: Precious saints' relics given to schismatic Orthodox [9/14]

Excommunicated former archbishop Milingo makes claim against archdiocesan property [9/14]

More craziness: Texas parish hosts Jewish celebrations overseen by rabbi who is Planned Parenthood board member; Star of David placed over the tabernacle [9/14]

Papal trip organizers 'not sure' if they will find takers for thousands of tickets which are still available for papal events [9/14]

Another distraction from the Church's primary mission of saving souls? Bishops' Conference of England and Wales announces launch of sports foundation [9/14]

Pope Benedict says loss of belief in "a personal God" results in loss of man's moral and spiritual strength and results in social actions becoming "dominated increasingly by private interest or by the calculation of power, at the expense of society" [9/14]

Catholic Church in Belgium announces 'five-point plan' to respond to abuse allegations [9/14]

-30-

Monday, September 13, 2010

Where's that in the Catholic dictionary?

An "embarrassing, cringe-making" guide for the Pope's upcoming U.K. visit includes a chart designed to "assist" with Catholic terminology. The following items and their 'equivalents' (dubbed "Similar Terms often used") are included in the guide...

Congregation => Audience, Crowd

Liturgy, Celebration, Mass, Benediction => Event, Show, Gig

Spiritual, Uplifting => Enjoyable, Fun, Exciting

Liturgists => Performers, Artists

Pope/Holy Father, Bishops, Priests (or collectively 'Concelebrants') => Headline Act(s)

Sanctuary => Stage

Sacristy => Backstage

The guide ("produced by the Papal Visit Team, overseen by Archbishop of Westminster Vincent Nichols" and containing the "official slogan of the visit") was reportedly defended by Church officials after criticism.

Commentary: Merely "embarrassing"? Doesn't reducing Benediction - or the propitiatory Holy Sacrifice of the Mass presided over by a priest acting 'In Persona Christi' in the sanctuary - to a 'fun gig' presided over by the 'Headline Act' appearing on 'stage' seem sacrilegious ("gross irreverence toward a hallowed person, place, or thing")?

[9/13]

Controversy in India still unresolved

The controversy regarding the fired professor in India has not yet been settled. A 9/7 news brief contained the following report...

A Catholic school in India has dismissed a teacher who was accused of "having offended the religious sentiments of students" over a test question which included a character named Mohammed. After the initial Muslim outcry, the teacher was attacked by "Islamic radicals" who cut off his hand and inflicted other injures. The teacher - who forgave his attackers and is still reportedly in serious condition - was dismissed by the Catholic school without benefits or pension

Shortly afterward, the above was followed by a news link which read...

More good news: University in India ordered to reinstate professor [9/10]

However, according to a story appearing today on cathnewsindia.com, the matter has not yet been resolved. The above referenced site indicates that seven people were arrested for protesting a Church issued circular that "justif[ied] the dismissal of a college lecturer for allegedly insulting Islam in an exam question paper." Catholics were reportedly "shocked" by the circular that was "read in all the diocese’s 116 churches during Sunday Mass." Apparently the university has also failed to reinstate the professor.

[9/13]

Catholic News Headlines / Links [9-13-10]

Saturday, September 11, 2010

A Prayer For the U.S.

In light of the 9 year anniversary of the 9/11/01 terrorist attacks against the United States, we reprint the following prayer for the U.S. which appears in a traditional Missal. May God continue to bless America.

We pray Thee, O almighty and Eternal God, who through Jesus Christ hast revealed Thy glory to all nations, to preserve the works of Thy mercy; that Thy Church, being spread through the whole world, may continue, with unchanging faith, in the confession of Thy name. We pray Thee, O God of might, wisdom, and justice, through whom authority is rightly administered, laws are enacted, and judgment decreed, assist, with Thy Holy Spirit of counsel and fortitude, the President of these United States, that his administration may be conducted in righteousness, and be eminently useful to Thy people, over whom he presides, by encouraging due respect for virtue and religion; by a faithful execution of the laws in justice and mercy; and by restraining vice and immorality. Let the light of Thy divine wisdom direct the deliberations of the Congress, and shine forth in all the proceedings and laws framed for our rule and government, so that they may tend to the preservation of peace, the promotion of national happiness, the increase of industry, sobriety, and useful knowledge, and may perpetuate to us the blessings of equal liberty. We pray for his Excellency the Governor of this State, for the members of the Assembly, for all Judges, Magistrates, and other officers who are appointed to guard our political welfare; that they may be enabled, by Thy powerful protection, to discharge the duties of their respective stations with honesty and ability. We recommend likewise to Thy unbounded mercy all our brethren and fellow-citizens, throughout the United States, that they may be blessed in the knowledge, and sanctified in the observance of Thy most holy law; that they may be preserved in union and in that peace which the world cannot give; and, after enjoying the blessings of this life, be admitted to those which are eternal. (Source: St. Andrew's Missal)

And a prayer for the departed...

Fidelium animae per misericordiam Dei requiescant in pace. Amen. / May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen. [Latin / English] (Why Latin?)

Also See: 9/11 Was a 'Religious Event' (Catholic League Article, Used With Permission)

[9/11]

Thursday, September 30, 2010

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Monday, September 27, 2010

Saturday, September 25, 2010

Friday, September 24, 2010

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Monday, September 20, 2010

Saturday, September 18, 2010

Friday, September 17, 2010

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Monday, September 13, 2010

Saturday, September 11, 2010

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