Recent News Highlights

The following are some recent news highlights...

* The Washington Post has published the "astounding - and completely unsupported - claim" (CatholicCulture.org) that Archbishop Burke was "'kicked upstairs' because of improper handling" of abuse allegations. The "reliably faithful prelate" - appreciated by many Catholics for his orthodox, conservative views - is presently serving as head of the Church's 'Supreme Court' and is widely expected to be made a Cardinal

* Lawmakers in Oklahoma have overridden their Governor's veto of two pro-life bills that are expected to reduce abortions. One of the new laws requires that women be given a chance to see an ultrasound before having an abortion, the other law prohibits "wrongful life" lawsuits from being brought against doctors for not suggesting abortion [Related: Catholic teaching against abortion]

* Caution: The Catholic news agency Zenit appears to be having trouble with their website. At present, it is being flagged as potentially dangerous by both search giant Google & the Firefox web browser. Readers may be advised to avoid this site (including any links that may appear herein) until the problem is resolved

* The Knights of Columbus have donated more than 1,000 wheelchairs to earthquake victims in Haiti

* Under fire over a same sex 'marriage' course to be led by a professor with connections to homosexual activist groups, Seton Hall University has issued a statement saying that they "fully anticipate that the Catholic position" regarding same-sex 'marriage' will be "robustly explored" in the course. [They "anticipate" that the "Catholic position" will be "explored"? How about promising that the (truthful!) teachings of the Catholic Church will be taught and defended?] Supposedly, the archdiocese was "unaware" of the course offering and finds it "troubling." [So stop it!]

* The Gingrich's new film on Pope John Paul II will be released next week. The film covers the late pope's visit to Poland in 1979

* No surprise here: Various U.S. bishops have condemned Arizona's anti-illegal immigration legislation, calling the new law "harmful", "mean spirited", "draconian", "inhumane", "un-American", etc. While certain bishops have forcefully condemned the legislation's possible negative effects on illegal immigrants, similar concern for U.S. citizens suffering due to illegal immigration - e.g. those suffering from violent crime, property damage, job loss, increased tax burden, closure of emergency rooms, etc. - was "almost absent." Also "noticeably missing" was mention of Mexico's significantly harsher anti-illegal immigrant policies, the duty of persons to obey lawful authority, concern for national sovereignty, safety concerns for U.S. citizens, etc. [Related: Civics 101: Breaking the law is not okay]

* Cardinal Bertone's comments that priestly celibacy is not "untouchable" have (rightly) raised many eyebrows. However, the prelate was not speaking of any planned change in the Church's discipline, a discipline called "one of the purest glories of the Catholic priesthood" (Pope Pius XI), "a brilliant jewel" (Pope Paul VI), and "a spiritual treasure" (Pope John Paul II). While the Church has occasionally permitted some exceptions to priestly celibacy, she has "from time immemorial" strongly praised & defended "this the purest and noblest glories of her priesthood" (Pope John XXIII), a discipline that is recommended in Holy Scripture [Note: For reasons for priestly celibacy, click here]

* Some abuse victims who previously met with Pope Benedict are hoping that thousands of other abuse victims will join them at St. Peter's Square on October 31 - the unfortunate anniversary day marking the beginning of Martin Luther's revolt - for a "healing moment"

[4/28]

Refresher: Holy Communion & Public Sinners

In the wake of the recent revelation concerning Patrick Kennedy's being asked to refrain from Holy Communion, numerous news reports contain misinformation. The facts are:

* Abortion - the killing of the unborn - is a grave sin, "a most serious and dangerous crime" according to Pope John Paul II. It is a sin which results in excommunication: "Can. 1398 A person who procures a completed abortion incurs a latae sententiae excommunication." Pope John Paul II also stated that "The excommunication affects all those who commit this crime with knowledge of the penalty attached, and thus includes those accomplices without whose help the crime would not have been committed."

* In the case of grave sin, Canon Law requires that obstinate public sinners be denied Holy Communion: "Can. 915 Those who have been excommunicated or interdicted after the imposition or declaration of the penalty and others obstinately persevering in manifest grave sin are not to be admitted to Holy Communion." (1983 Code of Canon Law)

* The head of the Catholic Church's "supreme court", Archbishop Raymond Burke, earlier this year confirmed to an anti-abortion activist that Canon 915 forbids administering Holy Communion to those publicly and obstinately in grave sin ("The Canon is completely clear, it is not subject in my judgment to any other interpretations") and said that laity should pressure their bishops and priests over the scandal of notorious sinners receiving Holy Communion ("I would encourage the faithful when they are scandalized by the giving of Holy Communion to persons [who] are publicly and obstinately in sin, that they go to their pastors, whether it’s their parish priest or to their bishop, to insist that this scandal stop").

* Scripture says those who receive Holy Communion unworthily "will have to answer for the body and blood of the Lord" (St. Paul, 1 Cor. 11:27)

Those who claim to love Christ should object to the sacrilege of notorious public sinners daring to receive the Precious Body & Blood of Christ, not to a bishop's attempt to enforce Canon Law against such obstinate public sinners.

[Related Resource: The Holy Eucharist | Holy Eucharist / Mass Reflections]

[11/23]

More Clarity: Head of Catholic 'Supreme Court' Tells Obama Supporters to Get to Confession

The Prefect of the Apostolic Signatura ("Chief Justice of the Church's Supreme Court") has stated that Catholics who knew Obama's "clearly announced" anti-life, anti-family agenda could not have voted for him "with a clear conscience". He further stated that if a Catholic "knowingly and deliberately" voted for a candidate who was in favor of "the most grievous violations of the natural moral law" (i.e. Obama), then he has "formally cooperated in a grave evil and must confess his serious sin". Finally, some straight talk. For those who couldn't bring themselves to vote for McCain, don't fret. Americans are always free to write in a pro-life candidate (or they can choose one of the independent pro-life candidates already on the ballot). At least that's one freedom we haven't lost. [story here] [5/13]