Some News Highlights

A few recent news highlights...

* Vandals have defaced a statue of Jesus at a La Marque (TX) parish. Police are seeking suspects

* Thousands of Catholics in Germany have left the Catholic Church this past year. A German bishop surmised that the exodus may be attributed to abuse scandals and noted that "every single departure is one too many". According to one report, there was a 20% increase in the number of Catholics joining (heretical) Protestant sects. [Refreshers: Necessity of being Catholic for salvation | Those Outside the Catholic Church (Reflections)]

* Pope Benedict recently gave support for the authenticity of the Shroud of Turin in his message for the upcoming World Day of the Sick. The Holy Father stated (emphasis added)...

"I still have in my heart the moment when, during the course of the pastoral visit to Turin, I was able to pause in reflection and prayer before the sacred Shroud, before that suffering countenance, that invites us to meditate on him who took upon himself man's suffering of every age and place, even our sufferings, our difficulties, our sins. How many faithful over the course of history have passed before that sepulchral winding sheet, which covered the body of a crucified man, which in everything corresponds to what the Gospels transmit about the passion and death of Jesus! Contemplating him is an invitation to reflect on what St. Peter writes: 'By his wounds we have been healed' (1 Peter 2:24)"

[12/20]

More Recent News Highlights

Some more recent news highlights...

* The recently retired bishop of Dodge City said being a bishop has always "felt like a burden" to him. He also said he has done "all I know how to do, all my strength permitted me to do, all my weakness allowed me to do" and asserted that "The good people of this Diocese deserve better from their bishop than what I was giving them"

* Northwest Catholic High School in West Hartford (CT) was evacuated Wednesday over a possible bomb threat. The investigation reportedly did not uncover any dangerous materials at the school

* Sad: The Phoenix hospital in danger of losing its status as a Catholic facility over an abortion has defended the killing of the unborn child [Refresher: Catholic teachings against abortion]

* Some good news: The Diocese of Honolulu is reportedly giving 'increased recognition' to the TLM. The bishop recently appointed a chaplain to the Latin Mass Community in Maui and will elevate a chaplain to become pastor of a parish in Honolulu which celebrates the TLM [Related: Traditional Latin Mass (Topic Page)]

* Pakistani bishops are calling for the prosecution of the imam who offered a reward for the killing of the Catholic mother already sentenced to death for 'blaspheming Mohammed'. Reportedly, some 'prominent Muslims' also signed the letter

* Vatican circus: As reported by various secular outlets, four shirtless men in tight pants recently performed in front of Pope Benedict. Scandalously, the muscular acrobats removed their shirts in front of the Holy Father - leaving only their snug pants and wrist cuffs - and proceeded to perform a routine that risked enticing both females and homosexual men to lust. In addition to the Pope, onlookers included clergy and nuns [sadly - at least from what one video showed - the nuns (in full habits) were smiling and taking pictures rather than averting their gaze from the topless male performers]. Unfortunately, Pope Benedict himself clapped and stood up for the performers (half-seriously dubbed 'Vatican Chippendales') [Commentary: How terribly sad (not to mention scandalous) that attending an audience with the Pope may be an occasion for sin! As Bl. Jacinta warns, "The sins which hurl most souls into hell, are the sins of the flesh." Christ Himself says, "But I say to you, everyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart." (Mt. 5:28) The Vatican's own Pontifical Council for the Family reminds that "The practice of decency and modesty in speech, action and dress is very important for creating an atmosphere suitable for the growth of chastity." Is it too much to ask that the Vatican heed its own advice?]

* The Holy Father's message for the upcoming 'World Day of Peace' asserts that religious freedom is "one of the ways to safeguard peace", yet it "does not imply that all religions are equal. Nor is it a reason for religious relativism or indifferentism" [Refreshers: Necessity of being Catholic for salvation | Traditional teachings on religious liberty]

[12/16]

More News Highlights

Some more recent news highlights...

* Vatican spokesman Fr. Lombardi is reportedly 'downplaying' WikiLeaks disclosures, claiming that "There’s nothing new, nothing that wasn’t abundantly well known" in the disclosures

* Various reports indicate that the Vatican Bank is under 'new scrutiny' in the money-laundering case which led to the seizure of millions of dollars a few months ago. Reportedly, court documents indicate that the bank "deliberately flouted anti-laundering laws 'with the aim of hiding the ownership, destination and origin of the capital'" and "reveal investigators' suspicions that clergy may have acted as fronts for corrupt businessmen and Mafia"

* Cardinal Burke recently lamented that many American Catholic colleges are 'Catholic in name only'. In an address earlier this month, the prelate noted that "A Catholic college or university at which Jesus Christ alive in His Church is not taught, encountered in the Sacred Liturgy and its extension through prayer and devotion, and followed in a life of virtue is not worthy of the name"

* Archbishop Diarmuid Martin of Ireland has apologized for the abuse scandals and subsequent cover-up. He noted that "Many of those who came forward did not want to damage the Church they loved; they simply wanted abuse to be stopped effectively and definitively" and noted that "Their love of the Church was betrayed by leadership in the Church"

* Scandalous: TFP volunteers examined websites of nearly 250 Catholic universities & colleges in America and discovered that "101 (41%) of Catholic universities and colleges currently list pro-homosexual student clubs on their web sites. Among Jesuit-run universities, however, the number increases to 100%" They note that "Many of these clubs sponsor events that promote the homosexual movement’s most radical agenda, the redefinition of marriage and the social acceptance of unnatural vice, which is contrary to Catholic moral teaching". TFPStudentAction.org has launched a petition in protest [Related: Catholic teachings on homosexuality (Topic Page)]

* Here we go again: A dissenting priest in Wisconsin has questioned Church teachings concerning the all-male priesthood. His (inaccurate) comments appear in a newspaper column [Related: Top Reasons Why Women Can't Be Priests]

[12/13]

Some News Highlights

A few recent news highlights...

* Close to 2,000 persons in the Netherlands have made abuse complaints against the Church. "Most" of the allegations trace back decades and involve the Catholic school system. Reportedly, the complaints include accusations against two former bishops

* A nun who served as vice president of finance for Iona College (NY) was recently arrested and charged with embezzling $850,000 from the school over a 10 year period. If convicted, she reportedly may face nearly four years in prison

* Vandals have chopped down a tree in Britain that is said to trace back to the staff of Joseph of Arimathea some 2,000 years ago (the 'Holy Thorn Tree' of Glastonbury). The tree - which blossomed twice a year, at Christmas & Easter - previously suffered harm but locals apparently managed to re-grow it from salvaged cuttings obtained from the original tree. Some claim the recent vandalism was a 'deliberately anti-Christian act', others speculate it may be part of a 'vendetta' against the landowner

* Thousands of misguided 'Catholics' in Minnesota have returned marriage-defending DVDs in protest. Sadly, the woefully misled 'Catholics' considered the archdiocesan efforts at defending true marriage to be in conflict with "core Christian values of love, compassion, tolerance, and respect" and think that the rejection of unnatural, sinful homosexual 'marriage' is an "attack on human dignity" [Commentary: Bet it's been a long time since they've heard sermons on these topics...

"If your brother sins, rebuke him" (Jesus Christ, Lk. 17:3)

"Likewise, Sodom, Gomorrah, and the surrounding towns, which, in the same manner as they, indulged in sexual promiscuity and practiced unnatural vice, serve as an example by undergoing a punishment of eternal fire." (St. Jude 1:7)

"Do you not know that the unjust will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators nor idolaters nor adulterers nor boy prostitutes nor practicing homosexuals nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor robbers will inherit the kingdom of God." (St. Paul, 1 Cor. 6:9-10)

"Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil, who change darkness into light, and light into darkness, who change bitter into sweet, and sweet into bitter!" (Isa. 5:20)

"Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road broad that leads to destruction, and those who enter through it are many. How narrow the gate and constricted the road that leads to life. And those who find it are few." (Jesus Christ, Mt. 7:13-15)

For more, try: "10 Commandments" According to the Ignorant & Misguided: PC & False Christianity: A Scriptural Response (user-submitted article)]

[12/10]

Some News Highlights

A few recent news highlights...

* Bishop John Steinbock of Fresno died Sunday at age 73. He suffered for four months with lung cancer prior to his death

* St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral was formally inaugurated as a basilica this weekend. The gothic style basilica was built in the early 1800's and was designated a NYC landmark decades ago

* The head of the U.S. bishops' conference has added his signature to an open letter defending marriage as "the permanent and faithful union of one man and one woman" that is "fundamental to the well-being of all of society". The 'shared commitment' letter was also signed by leaders of various 'religious communities' (Protestants, Jews, etc.). Archbishop Dolan affirmed that marriage protects the common good and noted that "People of any faith or no faith at all can recognize that when the law defines marriage as between one man and one woman, it legally binds a mother and a father to each other and their children, reinforcing the foundational cell of human society." [Related: Catholic teachings on marriage (Topic Page)]

[12/6]

News Highlights

Some recent news highlights...

* St. Patrick's Old Cathedral in NY will be formally designated a basilica on Sunday

* The recently released article concerning Pope Benedict's positive influence on the Church's penal law is expected to be published on Saturday in an Italian magazine

* The Bishops Conference in England and Wales has been charged with maneuvering to "ignore, block, and ultimately frustrate Summorum Pontificum" and has reportedly "spent a great deal of effort behind the scenes gathering data to support the idea that there is no demand" in England and Wales for the TLM [Related: Summorum Pontificum Info (Latin Mass Updates | The Traditional Latin ('Tridentine') Mass vs. the Novus Ordo (New) Mass]

* Where do they find these men? A Houston-area priest has been charged with public lewdness after he reportedly exposed himself at an adult book store

* Watch where your donations go: Catholic AIDS workers in South Africa are reportedly using Pope Benedict's recent comments to "justify" the distribution of c*nd*ms, even though the Pope did not say use of c*nd*ms can be justified [Related: Catholic teachings against contraception | Pope Benedict's Remarks On C*nd*ms: Facts, Falsities & Fallout]

[12/3]

More News Highlights

Some more recent news highlights...

* Pope Benedict met with some 26 victims of the Baghdad cathedral attack who are being treated in Italy along with their relatives in a private audience

* Police are investigating a recent 'series of burglaries' in the Bronx, which have included Catholic schools & churches

* Una Voce recently published its report on the third anniversary of Summorum Pontificum. The report is dated 9/14/10 [Note: See highlights below]

* Under pressure, the Smithsonian pulled a vile video that outraged many Catholics (details of the disgusting video not repeated here). The Smithsonian receives funds from the federal government [That is, your taxpayer dollars]

* Cardinal Bertone recently charged that "Christians are the most persecuted and discriminated against religious group" in the world and he called on the international community to "combat intolerance and discrimination against Christians with the same determination that it battles hatred for members of other religious communities"

* More 'ecumenical craziness': Cardinal Bertone has reportedly given the schismatic Orthodox a relic of the Apostle St. Andrew [Related: Ecumenism (Q & A) | There once was a vacuum cleaner salesman...]

* Anglican update: The ordinariate in Australia reportedly 'may be' established by Easter or Pentecost in 2011. Also, a group of Anglicans in Canada have voted overwhelmingly (90%) to enter the Catholic Church under the provisions of Anglicanorum Coetibus

[12/1]

Recent News Highlights

Some recent news highlights...

* Copper thieves have left a "pretty big mess" at a Bluefield (WV) parish - removing water lines & fittings, and even tearing down ceiling tiles to get to copper pipes. Although an estimate was not immediately available, the damage was described as "extensive"

* A "new big-budget TV series" covering the life of "one of the most infamous of all pontiffs", Pope Alexander VI, is being filmed in Vancouver and is expected to air next year in the U.S. and Canada

* According to a Reuters report, the Salesians have admitted to paying 'hush money' to a Dutch abuse victim who has broken his silence, allegedly 'to obtain more money' from the order. The victim was allegedly abused repeatedly by seven priests, including a priest who would later become a bishop. The order reportedly "wants to look at the facts" concerning the allegations, some of which it considers unproven

* The director of the Scottish Catholic Media Office has lamented anti-Catholicism in Scotland, referring to a "deep, wide and vicious anti Catholic hostility" and an "intolerance" of Catholics. He also reported being "disturbed by the fact that in a country where over 99% of Catholic clergy are demonstrably innocent of any offence they can be so frequently subjected to hate fuelled opprobrium" and noted that "anti-Catholic bigotry has existed in Scotland for a very long time", even before abuse allegations had come to light

* In a recent CNA interview, the German journalist who interviewed Pope Benedict for a new book stated that "the idea that Joseph Ratzinger is a Pope who is conservative, harsh, too strict, a man who likes power" is a "misunderstanding" (he also said he considers Pope Benedict to be "a very modern man"). The journalist - who was quite complimentary regarding the Pope during the interview - responded that "I should say that we do not have a friendship" when asked if he considered himself a friend of the Holy Father. [Note: In full context, he seems to mean that his relationship with Pope Benedict is not on the level of a personal friendship, but is more along the lines of a business relationship]

[11/29]

Recent News Highlights

Some recent news highlights...

* Good news: The newly elected future Speaker of the House, John Boehner, a Catholic and 'faithful defender of unborn children', says he wants to be the "most pro-life Speaker ever", according to a LifeNews.com report [Related: Pro-Life Topic Page]

* The planned (illicit) ordination of a bishop in China by the government-backed 'Catholic Patriotic Association' (CPA) will apparently proceed despite the Vatican's disapproval. Cardinal Joseph Zen called the ordination "really shameful", according to a Fox News report

* Archbishop Dolan has been formally installed as president of the USCCB. He will serve a three year term at the helm of the U.S. bishops' conference

* Reports are circulating that Summorum Pontificum is a 'dead letter' in Scotland. Apparently, Catholics' requests for the TLM are being denied there, despite the 7/07 papal document [Related: The Traditional Latin Mass vs. the Novus Ordo (New) Mass]

* A statement has been released regarding the future Ordinariate in England and Wales which indicates that "In collaboration with the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF) in Rome, the Bishops of England and Wales have been preparing for the establishment of an Ordinariate early in January 2011." Some converting Anglican leaders will reportedly be ordained "prior to Lent" in 2011 [Related: Anglicanorum Coetibus]

[11/19]

Some News Highlights

A few recent news highlights...

* Police have arrested a man who allegedly "donned a priest's robe to steal an undisclosed amount of parishioner donations" at a Jackson (MI) parish. The suspect was reportedly on parole at the time of the crime

* An infant was found in a church parking lot before Mass on Sunday. The baby girl - apparently born just a few hours previously - was left abandoned in the cold "for a few minutes" at a Springfield (VA) parish before being found. She is reportedly in "good condition". Authorities are searching for her mother

* Good news: Some 50 Anglican 'clergy'* are expected to enter the Catholic Church under the provisions of Anglicanorum Coetibus early next year. "Many more" Anglicans are expected to follow [*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)]

* More good news: The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith has reportedly contacted Fr. Owen O'Sullivan's superiors "with an instruction that he [is] no longer to write for publication without approval". The priest recently wrote an article questioning Church teachings regarding homosexuality [Note: This Fr. O'Sullivan should not be confused with the (non-dissenting) author Fr. Paul O'Sullivan]

[11/15]

News Highlights

Some recent news highlights...

* Parishioners bailed out a priest accused of abuse in the San Bernardino (CA) Diocese. Hundreds of people raised thousands of dollars to free the priest they believe is innocent

* A "historic Catholic school for girls" in Santa Rosa, California will reportedly close at the end of the school year due to lack of funding. The school was established in 1880 by the Ursuline Sisters

* The attempted assassin of Pope John Paul II, Mehmet Ali Agca, now alleges that "The Vatican government decided on [Pope John Paul II's] assassination." He claims that "The order to shoot the Pope was given by Vatican secretary, Cardinal Agostino Casaroli." Previously, Mehmet Ali Agca - who is believed to be of 'questionable mental health' - claimed to be Christ

* A parish priest in the Democratic Republic of Congo is thought to have been the victim of a "targeted killing" by "an armed man in military uniform". The gunman apparently stopped drivers & asked them if they were priests. He reportedly shot the victim after the priest responded in the affirmative

* The cause for canonization of Archbishop Fulton Sheen has reportedly been halted by the Diocese of Peoria. The Peoria diocese (the late Archbishop's native diocese) apparently hopes the Archdiocese of New York will take up the cause

* More than 20 cemetery markers were toppled at a Catholic cemetery in Ohio this past weekend. This was the second instance of vandalism at the cemetery in the last few months

* The Archdiocese of New York may close 32 schools in "the largest school system reorganization in its history". Proposed closures, resulting from the termination of church subsidies, may affect close to 20% of elementary schools in the archdiocese. A final decision regarding closures is expected in January

* A 'human rights watchdog group' has appealed to the Irish government to investigate alleged abuse in 'prison-style Catholic laundries' ("Magdalene Laundries") from the 1920's - mid 1990's

* Iranian officials are reportedly meeting at the Vatican to discuss ways of "strengthening ties" between the Catholic Church and the largely Muslim country

* A video 'making the rounds' online shows a pie being thrown in the face of the Belgian archbishop who recently made controversial remarks. The incident apparently occurred on All Saints Day

* Donor funds set aside for the training of seminarians in Canada may be used to pay abuse victims if the court okays the Diocese of Bathurst's request. Reportedly "the amount of money in the trust far exceeds its intended use" for seminarians

* Encouraging: The following quote from 'America’s youngest archbishop', the recently named successor to Archbishop Alex Brunett of Seattle, Archbishop-elect J. Peter Sartain, appears on the National Catholic Register website: "One of our challenges in celebrating the sacraments today is to rekindle our understanding of grace - in part, our recognition that in the sacraments Christ does something. I think that we often overemphasize what we do in the liturgy to the detriment of our realization that the sacraments are first and foremost the work of God. We must recapture and savor the mystery of grace."

* Anglican update: Members of the Catholic hierarchy in England are reportedly unhappy regarding the ordinariate structure that will be put in place for Anglicans who enter the Catholic Church under the provisions of Anglicanorum Coetibus ("this kind of whole extra wrinkle on top of the complicated structure they've already got", according to an Anglican leader). The Anglican leader also charges that he heard a (liberal) Catholic priest complain that "we've got quite enough traditionalists" in the Catholic Church already without having to have 'traditionalist Anglicans' enter the Church as well. It is also being reported that the Anglican 'Archbishop of Canterbury'*, Rowan Williams, will visit the Vatican next week [*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)]

[11/10]

News Highlights

Some recent news highlights...

* A Catholic high school in Des Moines was recently evacuated due to a bomb threat. Although notes were found at the school concerning the presence of a bomb, authorities reportedly found 'nothing unusual' and consider the incident to be a 'prank'

* The spokesman for Belgium's archbishop recently resigned after the prelate made some controversial comments. The former spokesperson claimed the archbishop behaved at times like a "loose cannon"

* A BBC report indicates that "At least two Roman Catholic priests have gone missing in Sri Lanka in the past four years." According to the article, one priest vanished in 2006, the other disappeared in 2009. The latter was last seen at a military checkpoint where he was taken for "special questioning"

* Pray the funds are used properly this time: The CCHD collection is set to take place throughout the U.S. on November 20-21

* An AP report indicates that a chapel in Mexico bears a plaque thanking "the leader of one of Mexico's most violent drug cartels", the donor who built the chapel. According to the article, "The revelation has the church distancing itself from the property in central Mexico, while admitting it knows of other donations from drug traffickers"

* So what will be in the tabernacle? Anglicans who enter the Catholic Church under the provisions of Anglicanorum Coetibus reportedly may share churches with those who refuse to cast off the heretical Anglican faith - even though Anglican orders are invalid and the Anglican 'eucharist' is mere bread. Anglicans apparently also permit the churches (originally built by Catholics) to be used by assorted Protestant denominations for 'worship' [Commentary: What faithful Catholic cannot see here the great risk of idolatry (Catholics worshiping Protestants' mere bread) and sacrilege (e.g. non-Catholics' mistreatment of the true Eucharist), not to mention the inherent scandal of Catholics using an altar/church also used for heretical 'worship'?]

[11/3]

News Highlights

Some recent news highlights...

* A Spanish Jesuit is reportedly on a hunger strike in protest over land disputes in Venezuela. The hunger strike is apparently putting his health at "grave risk"

* In an address to members of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences, Pope Benedict indicated that science should not be feared, but that it is also not a panacea

* A Brazilian priest was reportedly shot in the back and found dead in his car earlier this week. No suspects or motives were indicated

* The planned gathering in Rome of abuse victims & and their supporters - scheduled for the anniversary day of Martin Luther's nailing of his '95 Theses' to the door (10/31) - which seeks to "demand greater accountability from the Vatican" will proceed. However, since permission to hold the event in St. Peter's Square was denied, they will apparently gather at a nearby location. According to a Canadian Press report, "A few hundred people from a dozen countries are expected" to participate

* Here we go again: The president of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue has wished Hindus a "joy-filled Deepavali" and a "a happy Deepavali" (Deepavali is a Hindu festival in which Hindus worship false gods) [Commentary: Ignoring the First Commandment won't make it go away, it just makes for scandal: "I am the Lord your God; you shall not have strange gods before me"]

* The USCCB is reportedly 'moving towards official mutual recognition of baptism' between the Catholic Church and various Protestant groups. While properly conducted baptisms performed by Protestants (or anyone for that matter) have always been recognized as valid by the Church, 'scrupulous priests' - aware of the grave importance of baptism - (wisely!) recommend "conditional baptism" for those entering the Catholic Church. A USCCB document concerning "the Eucharist/Lord’s Supper" is also expected a result of dialog between Catholics (who have and accept the Real Presence) and heretical groups (who typically neither have nor accept the Real Presence) [Commentary: Truly reconciling two contrary positions is an effort square the circle. Obviously, to stand in truth the erring party must actually change their position - and to do so concerning the Holy Eucharist would essentially require that Protestants repudiate their entire religion. Remember that the Catholic religion stands or falls (stands!) on the doctrine that the Holy Eucharist is literally the Flesh & Blood of Christ under the mere appearance of bread and wine. It is obviously a matter of the utmost significance and compromise is impossible]

[10/29]

More News Highlights

Some more recent news highlights...

* Mission San Jose in San Antonio will close during a 14-month restoration project. During restoration, Mass will be celebrated in the parish hall

* The recently suppressed Intercessors of the Lamb reportedly harbored a fugitive and her child for two years. The situation was reported to the FBI, apparently by the archdiocese

* A lawsuit has alleged that the Archdiocese of St. Louis 'planted a spy in a rebel parish' in an effort to regain control of church property. The dispute involves St. Stanislaus Kostka Church in St. Louis, Missouri

* For the third time in about a month, President Obama omitted the word "Creator" when quoting from the Declaration of Independence. Previously the omission was called a 'mistake', but the recurrence of the 'mistake' is being increasingly viewed as purposeful

* Once again, Archbishop Nienstedt has affirmed the Church's teachings on true marriage. He also told the Associated Press that he believes "that it's important that if you're going to be Catholic, that you have to be 100 percent Catholic"

* Cardinal-designate Raymond Burke recently spoke of the "scandal of disobedience" of supposed Christians who fail to uphold the moral law. He noted that "It is particularly insidious that our society, which is so profoundly confused about the most basic goods also believes that scandal is a thing of the past. One sees the hand of the Father of Lies at work in the disregard for the situation of scandal or in the ridicule or even censure of those who experience scandal."

* Catholic Healthcare West will reportedly have to pay $257,000 in civil penalties ("the largest amount of civil penalties ever paid to resolve such allegations") plus back pay over supposed "citizenship discrimination". CHW reportedly "required non-U.S. citizen and naturalized citizen new hires to present more work authorization documents than required by federal law" [Commentary: So this is 'citizenship discrimination' rather than a careful effort to ensure new hires are legally authorized to work in the U.S.?]

* A recent Remnant article highlights various alleged contradictions in the Vatican's handling of the SSPX (reportedly "saying one thing but doing another"). The article claims that SSPX priests have been given permission by the Vatican on various occasions to absolve persons from certain grave sins - even despite lacking legal jurisdiction to hear confession. The Vatican also reportedly "acknowledged the legal existence of the Society for two weeks last March" in exchange for "a change in venue for a SSPX ordination." An SSPX leader quoted in the article also claims that Pope Benedict - twice - favorably referenced Archbishop Lefebvre. The article implies that Pope Benedict's hands are being tied in the matter of recognizing the SSPX due to disobedience & rebellion of bishops. The SSPX remains in doctrinal discussions with the Vatican [Related: Third Vatican-SSPX Meeting (3/10)]

[10/21]

More News Highlights

Some more recent news highlights...

* "Massive restructuring" in the Twin Cities will result in the closure of 21 parishes and the "clustering" ("sharing priests and other resources") of 33 others. School closures are also anticipated and may be announced at the end of the current school year

* Fresh reports of a possible November consistory are again circulating. It is thought that a formal announcement may be made on Wednesday

* The gathering of abuse victims at St. Peter's on 10/31 is set to move forward. Victims reportedly hope to draw a crowd of 50,000

* An Anglican 'bishop'* and a 'small Anglican parish' will reportedly enter the Catholic Church under the provisions of Anglicanorum Coetibus. Other Anglican 'bishops' are considered "likely" to follow [*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).]

* Here we go again: The Vatican newspaper has reportedly claimed the cartoon characters Homer & Bart Simpson are Catholic (according to a CNN blog: "Homer Simpson - perhaps the most profane character and worst father ever to headline a mainstream American television program - is Catholic, the Vatican's official newspaper has declared"). This is the second L'Osservatore Romano article praising the irreverent program in less than a year (see previous news brief here). The paper has also been criticized for recent praise of anti-Catholic movies, 'rockers', heretics, and Karl Marx [Related: What's Next for L'Osservatore Romano - Praise for Satan himself? (7/09) | Vatican newspaper: Here we go again (10/09) | L'Osservatore Romano: Get Serious (2/10) | Good Question (4/10)]

[10/18]

News Highlights

Some recent news highlights...

* Arrest warrants have been issued in NJ for three Connecticut men who reportedly did "serious damage" to a Catholic center in Madison. The "vandalism spree", which apparently lasted for 90 minutes, has not been considered a 'hate crime'

* "Massive restructuring" affecting "nearly every Catholic in the Twin Cities" is expected to be announced this weekend. Mergers and closures of various parishes & Catholic schools are anticipated

* Another life spared: The popular Catholic singer Susan Boyle has revealed that her mother was advised to abort her. Her mother was reportedly told that having another child "could kill her" [Related: Catholic teaching on abortion]

* The beatification process for Pope John Paul II is reportedly "picking up" and may be completed by next year. Previous accounts indicated that the process had hit a "snag", while an earlier report claimed the process was "practically finished". There has been some controversy over an alleged miracle attributed to the late pope and also over the fast-tracking of the process. Concerns have also arisen over his handling of abuse cases and over other matters related to his lengthy pontificate [Related: Cardinal says beatification process for Pope John Paul II is "practically finished" (2/10) | Pope John Paul II "can't do anything"? (1/10) | When a Pope Should Be & Should Not Be Called Great (User-Submitted Article)]

 * Sad: A recent CNS article indicates that the new papal coat of arms bearing the 'triple tiara' will be "modified" if it is used again. The modified version will include the miter instead of the triregnum ("the Papal Tiara formed by three crowns symbolizing the triple power of the Pope")

* More ecumenical craziness: Reportedly, the Croatian Archdiocese of Zadar has handed over a relic of St. Simeon to the schismatic Orthodox. St. Simeon is the "righteous and devout" man (Lk. 2:25) who took the infant Jesus into his arms [Related: Ecumenism (Q & A) | There once was a vacuum cleaner salesman...]

* Still more ecumenical craziness: An Archbishop and a Catholic priest have apparently participated in 'Hindu funeral rites' in India. One report says "The prelate offered flowers, sesame and butter at the funeral pyre" according to the instructions of a Hindu 'priest' [Comment: How many saints have been martyred rather than do such a thing?]

"For all the gods of the Gentiles are devils" (Ps. 95:5, DR Trans.)

"But the things which the heathens sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils and not to God. And I would not that you should be made partakers with devils." (1 Corinthians 10:20, DR Trans.)

[Related: Ecumenism (Q & A) | There once was a vacuum cleaner salesman...]

[10/14]

Some More News Highlights

More recent news highlights...

* Thanks in part to new healthcare legislation, three Catholic hospitals in Pennsylvania are now on the market. The legislation will reportedly "make it difficult" for the Catholic hospitals to stay in business

* A Motu Proprio regarding the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of the New Evangelization is expected to be released on Tuesday, October 12

* An upcoming book by a German journalist who interviewed Pope Benedict will reportedly contain some 'surprises'

* Some Catholics & Orthodox are once again suggesting a 'common date' for celebrating Easter in an effort for unity with the schismatic Orthodox

* Bad for body & soul? A woman has sued the Hartford Diocese over injures after falling backwards ("resting in the spirit") at a "Catholic Charismatic Revival healing service"

* Good news: A new papal coat of arms bearing the 'triple tiara' was displayed on Sunday at the Vatican

* A Catholic organization in Germany has launched a campaign for a 'Santa-free zone'

* The Synod of Bishops for the Middle East has opened

* Yet another survey has highlighted misguided views of 'Catholics' concerning homosexual "marriage" (sadly, results indicate that more 'Catholics' favor homosexual "marriage" than oppose it) [Related: Catholic teachings on homosexuality (Topic Page)]

* The Holy Father spoke to Catholic journalists at the World Press Congress and emphasized the importance of truth and helping "contemporary man to orient himself to Christ, only Savior, and to keep burning the flame of hope in the world, to live worthily our today and to build the future appropriately"

[10/11]

More News Highlights

Some more recent news highlights...

* Various Catholic groups have criticized the decision to award the man responsible for the immoral IVF procedure a Nobel prize. The procedure, which is condemned by the Church, has resulted in the death of numerous human embryos [Related: Pro-life (Topic Page)]

* A federal judge has reversed a contempt order against the Diocese of Spokane which was "erroneously ordered" by a bankruptcy judge

* Well over 200 participants have registered for the Catholic Press Congress organized by the Pontifical Council for Social Communications currently being held in Rome through October 7

* The previously announced DVD of the TLM at the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception is now available through the pontificalmass.org website [Related: The Traditional Latin ('Tridentine') Mass vs. the New (Novus Ordo) Mass]

* Unbelievable: Archbishop Vincent Nichols has compared the abuse scandals to the banking collapse. Not surprisingly, his comparison brought "astonishment" and "criticism"

* According to a CWNews report, Cardinal Schönborn recently praised the alleged Medjugorje 'visionaries' and asked that "God pay [them] back a hundredfold for what [they] are doing tirelessly" [Commentary: Interesting choice of words, "pay [them] back... for what [they] are doing"...] [Refresher: Marian Apparitions at Medjugorje: True or False?]

[10/5]

A Few More News Highlights

Some more recent news highlights...

* The Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph has acquired the historic New York Life building in Kansas City. The building will become the diocese's new headquarters

* Good news: The Archdiocese of Portland has rescinded a CCHD grant to a newspaper which refused to remove a PP reference. Unfortunately, however, a diocesan official complained about "one or two people" in the diocese "who spend their time looking for organizations on our grant lists that have connections to anything contrary to Catholic teaching, specifically abortion" [Commentary: So faithful Catholics are the problem here rather than the diocese which funds organizations that support murdering unborn children?]

* The city of Canton, Ohio will reportedly name a street in honor of Mother Angelica, founder of the Catholic television network EWTN

* Not good: Church officials in the Philippines are apparently distancing themselves from earlier reports that the supposedly 'devout' Catholic president of the Philippines who supports government handouts of contraceptives to poor persons may face excommunication [Related: Catholic teachings on contraception (Topic Page)]

[10/2]

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]