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?]

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Papal visit to the U.K.: Another challenge

The Holy Father may face another challenge during his upcoming trip to the U.K. with a new 'Egg the Pope' Facebook effort. Those who join the effort enter into "a non-binding contract to do your very best to throw eggs at Pope Benedict during his upcoming UK tour." It appears that more than 20 persons have already signed up to participate. Pray for the Holy Father!

Related: Prayers for the Pope

[9/7]

More News Highlights

Some more recent news highlights...

* 'Cries of blasphemy' have been sparked by a Muslim worker's new gargoyle attached to the cathedral in Lyon (France) which resembles a Muslim foreman and bears a sign with the words "Allahu Akbar" in both Arabic and French. Amazingly, the cathedral's rector is reportedly "happy" about the image and finds it to be a "beautiful gesture" [Yes, that means the same phrase Muslims frequently shout before murdering non-Muslims in the name of 'Allah' now appears with an Islamic styled image on the Archbishop of Lyon's cathedral]

* Telegraph blogs editor Damian Thompson has suggested that Pope Benedict's "liturgical wishes are being shamefully ignored" in his upcoming visit to Scotland. He reports on rumors that the altar will not contain six candles and that 'extraordinary ministers' may distribute Holy Communion during papal Masses [Related: Lay 'Eucharistic Ministers': Why Not?]

* Some good news: Pope Benedict will apparently say "the most significant" parts of Mass in Latin throughout his U.K. trip. The Holy Father's actions will reportedly "send a message" to liberal bishops who (wrongly!) discourage the use of Latin at Mass [Related: Why Latin / Benefits of Using Latin]

* According to Archbishop Vincent Nichols, Pope Benedict may meet with abuse victims during his U.K. trip. Any such meetings would be private and would "not be announced in advance"

* Vatican spokesman Fr. Federico Lombardi has indicated that if a formal request was made the Holy See may use "diplomatic channels" to intervene for an Iranian woman sentenced to death by stoning. The possibility of obtaining clemency for the woman is unknown

* Cardinal O'Brien of Scotland has accused the BBC of 'plotting a hatchet job against the Vatican' with its new documentary set to air just before the Pope's visit to the U.K. He also accused the BBC of "a consistent anti-Christian institutional bias"

* Police are searching for a gunman who robbed and injured a volunteer in Burbank (IL) last Saturday who was selling gift cards for a Catholic school fundraiser

* Vandals in Calgary (Canada) "went on a rampage" on Sunday in a Catholic cemetery, "destroying tombstones, smashing sacred objects and desecrating the tomb where the heart of a noted Catholic priest is buried." Suspects are still being sought

[9/6]

A Few News Highlights

A few recent news highlights...

* The former chancery in the Diocese of Green Bay is being torn down, despite efforts of the 'Save the Chancery' coalition. The 100 year-old building has been vacant since last December

* According to Archbishop Vincent Nichols, everything is now in place for the papal visit to the U.K. He expects the visit to go forth in a "very excellent way"

* A federal appeals court has ruled that the University of Wisconsin must fund a Catholic student group because excluding the group was discriminatory and violated their First Amendment rights to free speech

[9/2]