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Newsstand Archived: In the News...*

Shooter of late term-abortionist found guilty of first-degree murder

After only 37 minutes of deliberation, the jury returned a guilty verdict against the shooter of late-term abortionist George Tiller. Found guilty of first-degree murder, his killer now faces life in prison. Pro-life groups have strongly condemned the killing.

[1/30]

Highlights From Address of Archbishop Chaput

The following are some highlights from a recent speech of Archbishop Charles Chaput...

* "God has never been more absent from the Western mind than he is today. Additionally, we live in an age when almost every scientific advance seems to be matched by some increase of cruelty in our entertainment, cynicism in our politics, ignorance of the past, consumer greed, little genocides posing as 'rights' like the cult of abortion, and a basic confusion about what – if anything at all – it means to be 'human.'"

* "While many people in the developed world still claim to be religious, their faith – in the words of the Pontifical Council for Culture – is 'often more a question of religious feeling than a demanding commitment to God.' Religion becomes a kind of insurance policy for eternity. Too often, it is little more than a convenient moral language for daily life."

* "Much of modern technology isolates people as often as it brings them together. It attacks community as easily as it builds it up. It also forms the human mind in habits of thought and expression that are very different from traditional culture based on the printed word. And that has implications..."

* "It is very odd that in the wake of the bloodiest century in history – a century when tens of millions of human beings were shot, starved, gassed and incinerated with superhuman ingenuity – even many religious leaders are embarrassed to talk about the devil. In fact, it is more than odd. It is revealing."

* "This is the kind of Being – once glorious, but then consumed by his own pride - who is now the Enemy of humanity [the devil]. This is the Pure Spirit who betrayed his own greatness. This is the Intellect who hates the Incarnation because through it, God invites creatures of clay like you and me to take part in God's own divinity. There is nothing sympathetic about Satan; only tragedy and loss and enduring, brilliant anger."

* "If we do not believe in the devil, sooner or later we will not believe in God. We cannot cut Lucifer out of the ecology of salvation. Satan is not God's equal. He is a created being subject to God and already, by the measure of eternity, defeated. Nonetheless, he is the first author of pride and rebellion, and the great seducer of man. Without him the Incarnation and Redemption do not make sense, and the cross is meaningless. Satan is real. There is no way around this simple truth."

* "We live in an age that imagines itself as post-modern and post-Christian. It is a time defined by noise, urgency, action, utility and a hunger for practical results. But there is nothing really new about any of this. I think St. Paul would find our age rather familiar. For all of the rhetoric about 'hope and change' in our politics, our urgencies hide a deep unease about the future; a kind of well-manicured selfishness and despair. The world around us has a hole in its heart, and the emptiness hurts. Only God can fill it."

* "...but the really essential questions, the questions that determine everything else in our life as Christians, are these: Do I really know God? Do I really love Him? Do I seek Him out? Do I study His word? Do I listen for His voice? Do I give my heart to Him? Do I really believe He's there?"

* "We have an obligation as Catholics to study and understand the world around us. We have a duty not just to penetrate and engage it, but to convert it to Jesus Christ."

* "The Love which moves the sun and the other stars. That is the nature of the God we preach. A God so great in glory, heat, light and majesty that He can populate the heavens and call life out of dead space; yet so intimate that He became one of us; so humble that He entered our world on dirt and straw to redeem us. I think we can be forgiven for sometimes running away from that kind of love, like a child who runs away from a parent, because we simply cannot understand or compete with that ocean of unselfishness. It is only when we give ourselves to God that we understand, finally, that we were made to do exactly that. Our hearts are restless until they rest in Him. We should not be afraid to believe and to love; it took even a great saint like Augustine half a lifetime to be able to admit, that 'late have I loved thee, Beauty so old and so new; late have I loved thee.'"

[1/28]

Ohio Commission Recommends Designating Six More Catholic Churches as Historical Landmarks

The fight over church closures in Ohio is continuing with the recommendation by Cleveland's Landmarks Commission that six additional Catholic churches be "designated as historical city landmarks, which would give them some protection against demolition or structural changes." Many Catholics welcome the government intervention to save their parishes, but the diocese opposes the plans, calling city proposals "extremely offensive." The issue may ultimately be resolved through the courts.

[1/27]

Recent news highlights...

* Reports indicate that more than 600,000 people have already made reservations to see the Shroud of Turin which will be displayed at the Cathedral of Turin this year from April 10 - May 23. Pope Benedict is scheduled to view the Shroud on May 2.

* According to new study by a sociology professor at Texas Tech University, persons who have multiple tattoos or body piercings were significantly more likely to "use illegal drugs, get arrested on criminal charges, fornicate with multiple partners, or cheat at college". The study's author notes that "escalating levels of body art acquisition and social deviance seem to be concurrent phenomena."

* A documentary film is being made about Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre, the traditionalist bishop who ran afoul of Church authorities by consecrating four bishops without an apostolic mandate

* Under-population crisis: According to a report from the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, elderly people worldwide will outnumber children in 2045, significantly impacting taxes, healthcare, and the labor pool

* Reports indicate that there has been a "mass exodus" of liberal Catholics in Austria. A dissenting group claims the departures began when the Pope lifted the excommunication of a controversial member of the SSPX. A diocesan spokesman, however, attributes the departures to "church tax" that is collected in that nation.

* A Jewish rabbi has suggested that since Pope Pius XII did not lay down his life, he is not a saint. He said, that "Jews perceive as insensitive the idea that anyone who did not put their life on the line at that time can be considered saintly or as warranting a move in that direction." They apparently are not swayed even by the mounting "piles of evidence" showing that that Pope Pius XII's efforts were instrumental in saving many thousands of Jews - not to mention that his efforts of behalf of Jews did put his life at risk.

* In a recent interview, the Cardinal Prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship has stressed the liturgy as the center of the life of the faithful which has "first priority", saying that all else comes after. He says that the "great contribution" of Pope Benedict is his "leading us to the truth of the liturgy" and that it is an "urgent duty" to correct liturgical abuse. He also reminds that without tradition, the Church would be "converted into a changing human institution"

* A Georgetown University professor who is a consultant to Pope Benedict XVI's Council for the Laity has written an article blasting Obama's controversial, homosexual activist, "Safe Schools Czar". The article states that "The appointment of a 'czar' like Kevin Jennings is one way in which President Obama can ensure the influence of homosexual-rights-activists in important places – like our nation's public schools – without the president's having to pass a law, or even hold a Congressional hearing, both of which might generate public attention and opposition."

* Archbishop Niederauer of San Francisco has attempted to set the record straight regarding pro-abort 'Catholic' Pelosi's comments regarding "free-will" and abortion. He reminds that "the exercise of freedom does not imply a right to say or do everything" and that "it is entirely incompatible with Catholic teaching to conclude that our freedom of will justifies choices that are radically contrary to the Gospel - racism, infidelity, abortion, theft. Freedom of will is the capacity to act with moral responsibility; it is not the ability to determine arbitrarily what constitutes moral right." He reminds that "free will cannot be cited as justification for society to allow moral choices that strike at the most fundamental rights of others. Such a choice is abortion, which constitutes the taking of innocent human life, and cannot be justified by any Catholic notion of freedom."

* Cardinal Juan Luis Cipriani spoke on the "grave responsibility" that parents have to raise their children in the faith. He reminds that "Raising them in the truth is to know that sin is the true enemy. From a young age we must make them see what sin is, how it is manifested, why it is sin, and of what it consists. And at the same time, we must teach them that Jesus has come with his life to reveal to us the kindness of his love, his forgiveness and his help. They should learn to forgive and to ask for forgiveness"

* A liberal Jesuit magazine has published a piece defending the proposed new translation of the Roman Missal (Novus Ordo) in response to a priest who argued against it. The article defending the new translation discusses the matter from the writer's vantage point as a former participant in the ICEL translation effort (where, he says, "Ideology, it seemed, had taken precedence over accuracy"). He writes that "So much of what I have witnessed or had described to me by eyewitnesses has been nothing shy of a betrayal of the council's great vision and, in my judgment, largely responsible for the rapid emptying of the pews." He also reveals that he assembled a team to replace the prevailing translation ("a paraphrase instead of a translation") with a new translation, which he says was received with "hostility" by the bishops' committee, but enjoyed "guarded interest" from Rome. Using the example that "If a man is told by his physician that he must lose 50 pounds or face serious problems, he must 'turn back the clock' to the time when he was lighter in order to save his life", he says "that is what the church at the highest levels is calling us to do." He even speaks of "very positive reactions" to the new translations over the past year which he says are "a vast improvement over the uninspiring, banal and all-too-often theologically problematic texts we have been using for nearly 40 years."

[1/14]

Possible Good News for Brussels

The respected Vatican analyst Andrea Tornielli says that a progressive Brussels prelate will soon be succeeded by the country's "most traditional bishop." Although the likely future Archbishop of Mechelen-Brussels presently heads the "country's smallest diocese", it "reportedly boasts half of Belgium's 70 seminarians." The prelate is said to be an "enthusiastic supporter" of the Motu Proprio Summorum Pontificum. Deo Gratias!

Related: Summorum Pontificum Info.

[1/13]

Scottish Bishops "Secretly Wish" Pope Wasn't Coming?

The Blogs Editor of the Telegraph Media Group suspects that Scottish bishops may "secretly wish" the Holy Father wasn't visiting. Although he admits it may seem "a crazy suspicion to harbour", he cites one "church source" that says "They want an easy life, and Benedict spells trouble for them. They are wedded to the outdated and discredited liturgical practices of the 70s and all that spurious inclusiveness." The source says to "Expect a polyester-style folk liturgy which will put Scotland to shame after what happens south of the border."

[1/13]

'Marriage on Trial'

Observers note that a federal court trial over California's Proposition 8, a constitutional amendment passed by voters which declared that only marriage between a man and a woman is recognized in that state, may have an impact in "determining the future of marriage in the entire U.S." The trial kicked off Monday (1/11) and is ultimately expected to be appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court, regardless of which side prevails.

"You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; such a thing is an abomination." (Lev. 18:22)

[1/11]

Update on Cardinal Etchegaray

The elderly Cardinal who was injured on Christmas Eve when a mentally ill woman jumped the security barrier to approach the Pope is said to be in "excellent" condition and is expected to be released from the hospital the middle of next week, according to the Director of the Holy See Press Office.

[1/11]

Update on the Situation in Malaysia

Religious tension in Malaysia has increased as the violence against non-Islamic religious structures has continued. At least nine structures have been firebombed or otherwise vandalized since a controversial court ruling permitted a Catholic newspaper to use the word "Allah" as a translation for God. The court ruling, which has angered many Muslims, has been suspended.

[1/11]

Pope Benedict Says Freedom Cannot Be Absolute

The following is from Pope Benedict's speech to members of the Diplomatic Corps...

"Creatures differ from one another and can be protected, or endangered, in different ways, as we know from daily experience. One such attack comes from laws or proposals which, in the name of fighting discrimination, strike at the biological basis of the difference between the sexes. I am thinking, for example, of certain countries in Europe or North and South America. Saint Columban stated that: 'If you take away freedom, you take away dignity' (Ep. 4 ad Attela, in S. Columbani Opera, Dublin, 1957, p. 34). Yet freedom cannot be absolute, since man is not himself God, but the image of God, God's creation. For man, the path to be taken cannot be determined by caprice or willfulness, but must rather correspond to the structure willed by the Creator."

The Holy Father also noted that...

"Sadly, in certain countries, mainly in the West, one increasingly encounters in political and cultural circles, as well in the media, scarce respect and at times hostility, if not scorn, directed towards religion and towards Christianity in particular. It is clear that if relativism is considered an essential element of democracy, one risks viewing secularity solely in the sense of excluding or, more precisely, denying the social importance of religion."

[1/11]

French Fried?

The Rorate-Caeli blog has highlighted a survey concerning the (already well-known) decline of Catholicism in France, the 'eldest daughter' of the Church. The survey indicates that the number of French who attend Mass once a week was "no more than 4.5% in 2009" and that "63% of practicing Catholics think all religions are the same."

Pray for France!

Note: Earlier story here ("God Help France")

[1/11]

Need a Chuckle? Media Bias

Should you need a chuckle, consider reading news accounts regarding Archbishop Burke's upcoming talk at the 40th annual Red Mass at St. Mary's Basilica in Arizona. A couple examples...

1- "One of the Catholic Church's most controversial figures, Archbishop Raymond Burke..."

2- "Divisive bishop to speak at Red Mass"

If you didn't know any better, what might you think of such a person? Truth is, he's an orthodox, faithful prelate who takes the Catholic faith seriously. Perhaps that is why he was made the "chief justice" of the "Catholic Supreme Court" and is "one of the highest ranking Americans in the Vatican."

For a little more ...um...fun... try comparing media accounts regarding this faithful prelate with articles concerning prelates who have publicly dissented from Church teachings. A betting person might wager one would see outright praise - or at least muted acclaim - for the "progressive" prelates, without a hint that such prelates were "controversial" or "divisive" (unless, of course, they made a point to decry the "unjust" Church teachings that their 'hero-like' prelate disagrees with).

Gotta love that oh-so-impartial secular media.

[1/11]

Setback for personhood initiative

A personhood measure in Nevada recently suffered a setback as a state judge ruled that a one-line (14 word) ballot measure was too broad and covered more than one subject. The simple pro-life measure which was rejected read: "In the great state of Nevada, the term 'person' applies to every human being."

Regarding the ruling, the judge said, "The issue to me is, are we adequately informing voters on what they're voting on" and claimed that "There's no way for the voter to understand the effects of the initiative."

Cynic's translation: "Truth be d*mned. Who cares if they're persons? We don't want to have to give fellow human beings rights if doing so might interfere with our materialistic lifestyles."

The decision is expected to be appealed.

"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you..." (Jer. 1:5)

[1/11]

U.K.: Goodbye Religious Freedom?

The Church's freedom in the U.K. may be severely threatened by a controversial equality bill according to a new report by "the leading charity – backed by a legal opinion from a leading QC". It is feared that the bill will make it illegal for the Catholic Church and other Catholic organizations and charities to hire and fire based on allegiance to Church teachings. For example, a Catholic charity may be prohibited from firing openly gay employees and they may be forced to hire non-Catholics. Also, the Church may be prevented from hiring only male, celibate priests. The fact that the Church has important reasons for maintaining priestly celibacy (click here) or the fact that the male gender is essential for the valid transmission of priestly orders (click here) may not prevent such practices from being considered "illegal" under the controversial equality bill that is likely to severely threaten religious freedom in the country.

[1/11]

Critic Suggests Demonic Influence in Blockbuster Works

LifeSiteNews is reporting on an "insightful analysis" written by "one of the world's best-known critics of the Harry Potter series." The critic says the popular Twilight vampire novel series "dangerously twists evil into good and may even be demonically influenced." He notes similarities between the vampire book author's experiences and the Harry Potter author's experiences - both received ominous "inspiration" for their work (the vampires author heard "quite literally, voices in my head" as she wrote and had a "terrifying conversation" in a dream; the other author says "The character of Harry Potter just popped into my head, fully formed" and claimed the books "almost wrote themselves", an experience she called "quite spooky"). The critic also notes that both novels are "permeated with occultism", and that both writers were novices before authoring these books (both are now multi-millionaires). Looking at their similar experiences and the occultism in the works, the critic asks, "Based on this, it's appropriate to wonder, is there a supernatural source behind these revelations?"

The works have been condemned by various persons in the Church (including the Chief Exorcist of Rome, Father Gabriele Amorth, who said, "Behind Harry Potter hides the signature of the king of the darkness, the devil"; Cardinal Ratzinger, the future Pope Benedict XVI, who said, "It is good, that you enlighten people about Harry Potter, because those are subtle seductions, which act unnoticed and by this deeply distort Christianity in the soul, before it can grow properly"; and Monsignor Franco Perazzolo of the Pontifical Council of Culture who referred to the recent vampire film as "a moral vacuum with a deviant message"). Unfortunately, both works are "immensely popular", even among some Catholics who fail to see the moral dangers - in fact, many Catholics even allow their children to be exposed to these works which are "permeated with occultism".

"Be sober and watch: because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, goeth about seeking whom he may devour." (1 Pt. 5:8)

[1/9]

Simple Solution For Church Leaders: Smash the Image

An uproar has developed over an image of the disgraced former Archbishop of Milwaukee, Archbishop Rembert Weakland, which appears in St. John the Evangelist Cathedral. The homosexual former Archbishop of Milwaukee - "the most liberal bishop in America" who "wore his dissent as a badge of honor" - is no stranger to scandal. The former Archbishop shuffled around priests who faced abuse allegations and also paid "hush money" to a seminarian he had an affair with. He just recently published a controversial memoir and claims he had "no understanding" of the criminal nature of s*xual abuse of minors, and indicated that he "accepted naively the common view that it was not necessary to worry about the effects on the youngsters: either they would not remember or they would 'grow out of it'". Accordingly, victims groups are upset about the image, commissioned in 2000, which "portrays the former archbishop alongside images of the Virgin Mary, St. John and various other figures including children." The Archdiocese of Milwaukee has, unfortunately, defended the image even though it claims that its "priority remains to work toward healing and resolution. Identifying ongoing sources of pain is important to that process." Church leaders: Heal our pain - smash the image! One can't help but think Church leaders in a holier age would have already done so - without having to be told.

[1/9]

Catholic Portugal is a step closer to legalizing gay 'marriage'

As predicted, Portugal's parliament has passed a bill to 'legalize' homosexual 'marriage' in the traditionally Catholic country. The measure must be reviewed in committee before coming back for a final vote. It is possible that the final vote will occur prior to Pope Benedict's May visit to the country.

Our Lady of Fatima, pray for us!

[1/8]

'Religion of peace' at it again

Certain Muslims in Malaysia, angry over a controversial court ruling which permits a Catholic newspaper to use the word "Allah" as a translation for God, are apparently firebombing non-Islamic religious structures in the area, including at least one Catholic church. These militant actions are occurring despite the fact that the court ruling has been suspended.

[1/8]

Papal Security: The Sedia Gestatoria

In the wake of the Christmas Eve incident where Pope Benedict was knocked to the ground by a mentally ill woman - only one of a number of recent security incidents - there has been talk about bringing back the traditional sedia gestatoria ("portable papal throne for carrying the Pope on solemn entries"). The following is an excerpt from a recent Catholic Herald article:

"One only has to look at old black and white footage of pontiffs prior to Paul VI to see how popes always used to enter the basilica being carried shoulder high in the sedia gestatoria. Not only that, but there was always a throng of people around the chair, not only the actual bearers but numerous chamberlains and nobility and a large number of guards: Swiss Guards, uniformed Gendarmes, the Palatine Guard and Noble Guard. These comprised the old papal court which Pope Paul VI abolished and which formed a kind of buffer zone between the Pope and the crowds, no doubt as much a practical defence measure as a piece of ceremony.

The use of the sedia continued until very recently and many are unaware that the last pope to use the sedia was actually Pope John Paul I. While the abolition of this ancient form of transport may have since been considered appropriate in the context of the late 20th century and the [supposed] need to democratise the appearance of papal ceremonies, the reality has left the Pope an isolated and vulnerable figure separated from the deacons ahead and the MCs behind, one who appears all too often like the figure in the Third Secret of Fatima: a victim walking alone simply waiting to be attacked."

They also note that bringing back the sedia gestatoria would "save an elderly [Pope's] tired legs" and would allow people to see the Holy Father better.

Bring back the sedia gestatoria!

[1/7]

More trouble for Catholics in Vietnam

A press release of the Archdiocese of Hanoi reports that "Police attacked the [Dong Chiem parish on Wednesday], in the early morning, when both its pastor and the pastor's assistant were at the annual retreat in the Archbishop Office. An estimated 500 heavily armed and well-entrenched police officers and a large number of trained dogs were deployed in the area to protect an army engineering unit that destroyed a large crucifix erected on a boulder inside the parish cemetery,"

News accounts indicate that the police attacked parishioners who had "rushed to the site to protect their crucifix". At least six parishioners were hurt, with at least two of those sustaining serious injuries. One article describes the incident as "one of the most serious recent incidents in a long-running series of church-state land disputes."

[1/7]

Pope's "chief liturgist" on the "reform of the reform"

The following are a few highlights from a recent address of Msgr. Guido Marini, the Pontifical Master of Liturgical Ceremonies, on the 'reform of the reform'...

* "[T]here is an urgent need to reaffirm the 'authentic' spirit of the liturgy, such as it is present in the uninterrupted tradition of the Church, and attested, in continuity with the past, in the most recent Magisterial teachings: starting from the second Vatican council up to the present pontificate. I purposefully used the word continuity, a word very dear to our present Holy Father. He has made it the only authoritative criterion whereby one can correctly interpret the life of the Church, and more specifically, the conciliar documents, including all the proposed reforms contained in them."

* "[I]t is not difficult to realize how far distant some modes of conduct are from the authentic spirit of the liturgy. In fact, some individuals have managed to upset the liturgy of the church in various ways under the pretext of a wrongly devised creativity. This was done on the grounds of adapting to the local situation and the needs of the community, thus appropriating the right to remove from, add to, or modify the liturgical rite in pursuit of subjective and emotional ends. For this, we priests are largely responsible."

* "The liturgy is not a closed circle in which we decide to meet, perhaps to encourage one another, to feel we are the protagonists of some feast. The liturgy is God's summons to his people to be in His presence; it is the advent of God among us; it is God encountering us in this world."

* "Without recourse to a detailed historical analysis of the development of Christian art, we would like to reaffirm that prayer facing east, more specifically, facing the Lord, is a characteristic expression of the authentic spirit of the liturgy."

* "[E]verything in the liturgical act, through the nobility, the beauty, and the harmony of the exterior sign, must be condusive to adoration, to union with God: this includes the music, the singing, the periods of silence, the manner of proclaiming the Word of the Lord, and the manner of praying, the gestures employed, the liturgical vestments and the sacred vessels and other furnishings, as well as the sacred edifice in its entirety. It is under this perspective that the decision of his Holiness, Benedict XVI, is to be taken into consideration, who, starting from the feast of Corpus Christi last year, has begun to distribute holy Communion to the kneeling faithful directly on the tongue. By the example of this action, the Holy Father invites us to render visible the proper attitude of adoration before the greatness of the mystery of the Eucharistic presence of our Lord."

* "This is, among other things, the true novelty of the Christian liturgy with respect to every other act of worship: God Himself acts and accomplishes that which is essential, whilst man is called to open himself to the activity of God, in order to be left transformed. Consequently, the essential aspect of active participation is to overcome the difference between God's act and our own, that we might become one with Christ."

* "I mention the external actions because, should they become the essential preoccupation and the liturgy is reduced to a generic act, in that case the authentic spirit of the liturgy has been misunderstood. It follows that an authentic education in the liturgy cannot consist simply in learning and practicing exterior actions, but in an introduction to the essential action, which is God's own, the paschal mystery of Christ, whom we must allow to meet us, to involve us, to transform us. Let not the mere execution of external gestures be confused with the correct involvement of our bodies in the liturgical act. Without taking anything away from the meaning and importance of the external action which accompanies the interior act, the Liturgy demands a lot more from the human body. It requires, in fact, its total and renewed effort in the daily actions of this life. This is what the Holy Father, Benedict XVI calls 'Eucharistic coherence'. Properly speaking, it is the timely and faithful exercise of such a coherence or consistency which is the most authentic expression of participation, even bodily, in the liturgical act, the salvific action of Christ."

* "Sacred music, moreover, must never be understood as a purely subjective expression. It is anchored to the biblical or traditional texts which are to be sung during the course of the celebration. More recently, Pope Saint Pius X intervened in an analogous way, seeking to remove operatic singing from the liturgy and selecting Gregorian chant and polyphony from the time of the Catholic reformation as the standard for liturgical music, to be distinguished from religious music in general. The second Vatican Council did naught but reaffirm the same standard, so too the more recent magisterial documents."

Source: NLM

[1/7]

Italian court rejects ban on crucifix

In response to a recent court ruling requiring that crucifixes be removed from public schools in Italy, LifeSiteNews reports that "Italy's Constitutional Court has issued a ruling asserting the supremacy of Italian law and custom over the orders of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR)." They note that the court ruling banning crucifixes "lacks legitimacy" because it conflicts with provisions of the Italian Constitution. The ECHR ruling sparked outrage in Italy and elsewhere.

[1/7]

Sisters being "silenced" by their superiors

NCR is reporting that sisters who support the Vatican's investigation of female religious orders in the U.S. are being "silenced" by their superiors. One sister who "fully attest[s] to the need for this visitation" said that her community's leaders "want Jesus but not the Church." Some women religious have reportedly been blocked from accessing the Internet "to squelch participation in the visitation." NCR notes that the recently opened online discussion group for sisters who support the visitation had 79 members within just a few weeks.

Liberal sisters have both resisted and publicly criticized the (long overdue!) investigation - some even claim to be "puzzled" by it. However, it is well known that modernist sisters in the U.S. have promoted liberalism, dissent, radical feminism, anti-clericalism, paganism, New Age practices, and witchcraft. Within some circles, there has even been talk of "moving beyond the Church, even beyond Jesus."

The number of female religious in the U.S. has declined by over 50% since the 1960's. However, in contrast to the aging and shrinking liberal communities, the traditional communities are young & flourishing.

[1/7]

More News Highlights

Recent news highlights...

* Tragic: Catholic Portugal is reportedly "set to legalize gay 'marriage'"

* 2012 not the "end of the world": Vatican astronomer notes that "People have been predicting the end of the world since the dawn of humanity" and also notes that "These beliefs spread because we are all tempted by the desire to possess secret knowledge of the future, thinking that it will make us more powerful than others. In reality, this is only a sign of bad science or bad religion." Instead, he gives two precautionary measures "to increase the possibility of a long and healthy life", namely "stop smoking and fasten your seatbelt" [Related: Jesus' Second Coming (Topical Scripture)]

* Heartbreaking: Planned Parenthood is turning a former bank building in Texas into the "largest abortion clinic in the U.S." The facility will include a surgical wing "equipped to provide late-term abortions"

* New study reveals that "children who had been physically disciplined when they were young, between the ages of 2 and 6, grew up to be happier and more successful, performed better at school as teenagers and were more likely to do volunteer work and to want to go to university, than those who had never been spanked." [Related: User-Submitted Article on Spanking]

* Hold your cookies: Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran decries "ignorance of Islam", saying "I wonder if these persons [referring to Swiss persons who - with a "feeling of fear" - voted to ban construction of new Muslim minarets] know Muslims, if they have ever opened the Qur'an." Commentary: Isn't it shocking to hear a Cardinal suggesting persons subject themselves to the offensive - even blasphemous - material in this "holy book"? Doesn't history speak clearly enough for him? Don't the publications which clearly expose the ...um... 'peaceful' parts of this "central religious text of Islam" speak clearly enough? Does the Cardinal also suggest persons drink poison to experience for themselves what it's like? Rather than advising people to read material that offends God, perhaps the good Cardinal should spend more time on the truly holy book of his own religion - the Holy Bible - perhaps starting with passages where followers of Christ are instructed to be on guard against those who distort truth and where we are told to flatly reject error in matters of religion.

* The Iowa Catholic Conference has joined secular efforts to outlaw seemingly astronomical interest rates on "payday loans". Missing from news accounts: The word "usury", mention of lenders' risk on such loans, and references to the voluntary nature of such agreements (regrettable though they be).

[1/6]

New Director for Sistine Chapel Choir

Various blogs are reporting that a new director for the Sistine Chapel choir has been chosen. NLM names the new director, a Salesian, as "Dom Massimo Palombella, director of the Inter-University Choir of Rome and a specialist in chant and the full range of polyphonic sacred music." Observers anticipate an official announcement soon.

[1/5]

Recent News Highlights

Some recent news highlights include...

* Pope Benedict's planned visit to a Jewish synagogue in Rome on January 17 is expected to go ahead as planned, despite some Jewish anger over the Holy Father's declaration of Pope Pius XII as venerable

* Muslims in Malaysia are angry over a court ruling which permits a Catholic newspaper to use the word "Allah" as a translation for God. The paper claims it is the "only suitable word for God in Malay". The controversial ruling in the Muslim-majority country has sparked protest, which has included both an organized online effort by a group of Muslims who reject the use of the word "Allah" by non-Muslims & the hacking of the Catholic newspaper's website. The government is expected to appeal the ruling on this "very sensitive issue"

* Two new members have been named to the Pontifical Commission Ecclesia Dei, including a priest from a traditional institute (the FSSP)

* "Timeless treasures" from the Vatican's Secret Archives have been published for the first time in a 252-page illustrated book which is available to the general public. A special limited edition of the book - priced over $8,000 - is also available to about 30 buyers

* A bishop in China's underground Catholic Church died on December 30 at the age of 87. Bishop Leon Yao Liang was imprisoned for more than 28 years for his fidelity to the Catholic Church. News of his death is said to have been "tightly controlled" by Chinese authorities

* The Irish Cardinal Daly has died at age 92

* A new Archbishop of Milwaukee, Jerome Listecki, is being installed. He replaces Archbishop Dolan who was transferred to New York last year

* Bishop D'Arcy has celebrated his final Mass in South Bend as the head of the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend. He will be replaced by Bishop Kevin Rhoades

* Atheists in Ireland have published blasphemous statements on a website to challenge a new anti-blasphemy law which threatens fines of up to 25,000 euros (which may total more than $35,000 U.S.)

* Schism in Uganda: Twenty priests who reject their vow of celibacy have reportedly left the Catholic Church to form a new "church". The vow-breaking, schismatic priests now face excommunication [Related: Why Priestly Celibacy?]

* A former Argentinean archbishop has been sentenced to eight years in prison for abuse of a seminary student

* Heartbreaking: PP has reported that more than 1.1 million "abortion services" were provided in 2008, more than double the amount provided in 2007. Despite the huge increase, they say the figures "remain low" and claim that "much needs to be done". They plan to "seize upon" what they see as "growing international interest" and hope to garner new support & financing for their anti-life agenda

[1/4]

Note: Dates in brackets may refer to date news brief was added to MCS news page

Archived: Selected News Links *

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Please note: Over time, these news links may no longer be valid. Please do not report to us regarding expired links on this page. Sorry, but we cannot update expired links in the archive.

Teenager arrested in slaying of elderly woman after Mass in Ohio [1/30]

Vatican official says Leprosy is "not a thing of the past"; Archbishop says Leprosy affects "annually hundreds of thousands of people worldwide" [1/30]

Nigerian priest charged with embezzling nearly $200K from Wisconsin parishes [1/30]

Council of Catholic Analysts of Mexico criticizes Mexico's City's new laws: "The legalization of these homosexual unions and their adoption of children, together with the perverse legalization of abortion in Mexico City in 2007, show us the degree of scorn for children and human life that local lawmakers display" [1/30]

Bishop Sartain reminds: "Any Catholic who is going to understand our faith and live by the faith seriously must be pro-life" [1/30]

U.S. bishops call for comprehensive, long-term aid to Haiti, including trade preferences, debt cancellation, long-term funding, and "dependable flows of international assistance that target all sectors of Haiti's needs, including infrastructure, health care, education, psycho-social support, law enforcement, judiciary, and economic and agricultural development" [1/29]

Pope Benedict reminds officials of the Roman Rota that an annulment can never be granted to a Catholic whose marriage is valid according to Church law; Holy Father reminds that charity requires upholding justice and truth [1/29]

Unbelievable: Bishop of Albany approves Catholic Charities' proposal to distribute free needles to drug abusers; Catholic Charities' CEO considers the "tragically deceitful" cooperation in evil as "common sense" [1/29]

It's a baby when she wants it to be: Catholic League takes Gloria Allred to task over her duplicity concerning pro-life Super Bowl ad [1/29]

How sad: New "morning after pill" that may cause abortions up to 5 days afterward may soon be sold OTC [1/29]

British filmmakers think they have solved "archeological mystery" concerning aqueduct that supplied "the ancient city of Rome & the early Vatican"; Team member claims that "The water from this site would have supplied the early Vatican and would have been used to baptize some of the first Christians" [1/29]

Salesians face "slight decline" in membership [1/28]

Timeline shows teen pregnancy rates fall with abstinence education, rise with s*x ed [1/28]

Hundreds of NJ parishioners sue bishop for return of $1.4M in donations after parish merger [1/28]

Attempted assassin of Pope John Paul II has applied for a passport; Recently freed Mehmet Ali Agca previously stated that he wanted to visit the Vatican [1/27]

Some good news: Federal immigration judge grants political asylum to German family persecuted for homeschooling; Judge said: "The rights being violated here are basic human rights that no country has a right to violate" and called persecution of homeschoolers "repellent to everything we believe as Americans" [1/27]

As Democrats "put the brakes on healthcare reform", U.S. Bishops send letter to Congress urging "genuine health care reform that will protect the life, dignity, consciences and health of all" [1/27]

Pro-life group issues report on President Obama's nominations & appointments; Group's founder says "President Obama has nominated and appointed the most radical group of ideologues ever assembled by an American President" [Warning: Article contains disturbing, graphic references] [1/27]

Vatican experts speculate that a consistory is likely to take place "soon" [1/26]

NJ church janitor indicted in fatal stabbing of priest; Indictment claims stabbing occurred during a robbery [1/26]

Holy See to use postage stamp as fundraiser for Haitian earthquake survivors [1/26]

Pope Benedict's message for World Communications Day (5/16/2010) urges priests to use modern means of communication to proclaim Christ [1/26]

Leaked document on papal primacy is a draft that has "no authority or official status" [1/26]

Elderly woman shot in parking lot after Mass in Ohio [1/26]

Diocese of Fairbanks emerges from bankruptcy; Bishop to meet with, apologize to abuse victims [1/26]

IL priest arrested for shoplifting [1/26]

Lexington Bishop says Church has been "patient enough" with Pelosi; Pelosi's public statements called "a betrayal of our Catholic faith and discipline" [1/26]

So much for obedience: Leader of apostolic visitation of U.S. women's religious is forced to write letter asking for the sisters' cooperation [1/26]

Pro-life activist speaks with Fr. Jenkins at pro-life rally concerning the ND88; Regarding his talk with the ND president: "You might as well have been talking to a stone" [1/26]

Pro-lifers find hope for overturning Roe v. Wade in recent Supreme Court ruling regarding campaign finance reform [1/26]

Baseball MVP retires to become priest; Grant Desme to join St. Michael's Abbey in California [1/23]

Archbishop Dolan to represent USCCB at funeral of Haitian Archbishop; Chairman of CRS will also assess relief effort [1/23]

Pro-lifers "flood nation's capital" in opposition to abortion on the 37th anniversary of Roe v. Wade; Crowd estimated at more than 300,000 [1/23]

Pro-lifers urged to keep up their efforts at pro-life rally which was attended by 23 bishops [1/23]

Some good news: More persons view abortion as "morally wrong"; Survey says 58% of persons aged 18-29 consider abortion "morally wrong", while 60% or more persons aged 30-44 and 65+ consider abortion "morally wrong" [1/23]

New analysis by pro-life group says over 52 million babies have been killed by abortion since Roe v. Wade [1/22]

What a joke: Notre Dame's Fr. Jenkins goes to Washington for pro-life rally; President of ND still refuses to ask for leniency for pro-lifers arrested for peacefully demonstrating on his campus [1/22]

Holy See's budget forecasts "slight improvement" for 2010 [1/22]

Possible good news: Blogger claims announcement of Cardinal Mahony's successor is imminent [1/22]

Sinful AND bad for your health: In addition to already known risks, a new study finds link between use of c*ntraceptives and decreased bone density; Study found 5.9% decrease in bone mineral density of the spine in young women taking c*ntraceptive pills for more than a year [1/22]

Cardinal says attempted assassin of Pope John Paul II would be welcome to pray at tomb of the late pope [1/21]

Pope Benedict recalls his seminary days, ordination [1/21]

Abortion/Breast Cancer Coalition sends letter to Congress asking that the US National Cancer Institute be "called to the carpet" over alleged "ongoing efforts to ignore or cover up" the evidence supporting the link between breast cancer and abortion; Organization claims that NCI is "not providing accurate information" about medical risks concerning (the gravely sinful acts of) abortion & contraception [1/21]

More anti-Catholic violence in Vietnam [1/21]

Facing probable demise of existing healthcare bills, pro-lifers are still concerned about talk of "starting over", claiming that "opposition must remain in place because any new health care bill could easily fund abortions and require just as much opposition - if not more - because it would be designed to secure enough votes to receive congressional approval" [1/21]

Apostolic Nuncio to Haiti says Church must use her "moral authority" in distributing aid; Nuncio also announces that funeral for Archbishop of Port-au-Prince will be held on January 23 [1/21]

Pro-life activities of Catholic colleges planned for this week [1/21]

Priest who survived apparent suicide attempt has been charged over alleged assault of minor; Bolivian born priest was ordained in 2009 [1/21]

Pope Benedict summons Irish bishops to Vatican this February to address abuse scandal [1/20]

Pro-lifers applaud Massachusetts' election impact on healthcare legislation; Even though senator-elect is not pro-life, advocates say vote is still "tremendously helpful" since the newly elected senator opposes the pro-abortion healthcare bill [1/20]

69 year-old woman is freed from the wreckage of the Catholic Cathedral in Port-au-Prince one day before a new 6.1 tremor strikes Haiti [1/20]

Bishop of Honolulu urges Catholics to voice opposition to homosexual 'civil union' proposal; Says "In many places throughout our country and the world, and now here in Hawaii, some are attempting to distort this natural relationship by claiming the right of persons of the same sex to marry. They point out that it is discriminatory to allow opposite-sex couples to marry but to disallow the same for same-sex couples. And they are correct! It is discriminatory, making distinctions between one and another. But not all discrimination is unjust. Some is quite justified because it is based on reality and truth. While every person, no matter his or her sexual orientation, is worthy of dignity and respect and has certain inalienable rights given by the Creator, there is no right for people of the same sex to call their unions marriage. ('Civil unions' is simply a euphemism for same-sex marriage.)" [1/20]

SSPX's Williamson says position of Vatican and position of the SSPX are "absolutely irreconcilable"; Claims that "Either the SSPX becomes a traitor or Rome converts or it's a dialogue of the deaf" [1/20]

Newspaper of the Archdiocese of Mexico City warns of danger of homosexual adoption; Says "No matter how good the intentions of homosexual 'parents' might be, their mere lifestyle will impact children greatly"; Concludes that "Growing up in a homosexual environment cannot be good for a child. The testimonies of those who have experienced the trauma of being raised by homosexuals are proof" [1/20]

Pontifical Mission Societies reports on losses in Haiti; Hospital being forced to treat injured without anesthetics as supply has run out [1/19]

New study says mortality rates from "all causes" are "significantly" higher with increased television viewing; Each hour spent daily in front of TV may be associated with 18% increased risk of cardiovascular disease related death [1/19]

Vietnamese government denies blowing up crucifix, blocks Catholic news sites; Government says it "dismantled" the crucifix but bishop says "No, it was not dismantled as distorted by The Vietnamese News Agency in a report that contradicted the statement of the archdiocese of Hanoi" [1/19]

'Prominent rabbi' calls Israel's behavior towards the Holy See "outrageous" [1/19]

Aid is failing to reach many earthquake victims in Haiti [1/19]

Pope Benedict prays for victims of earthquake in Haiti, entrusts Haitians to the Blessed Virgin Mary [1/18]

Smithsonian debuts exhibit on nuns [1/18]

Abortion "preys on" blacks: Half of black babies are killed by abortion, nearly 80% of abortion clinics are "deliberately located in or near predominantly minority neighborhoods" [1/18]

Pope Benedict's address at Roman synagogue interrupted seven times by applause; Pope decries "failings" of some persons during the Jewish holocaust, but notes others "reacted with courage, often at the risk of their lives"; Holy Father notes that "The Apostolic See itself provided assistance, often in a hidden and discreet way"; Pope reflected on the Ten Commandments which are "a 'great ethical code' for all humanity" and spoke of his hope for "a growing fraternal love, expressed also in closer co-operation, so that we may offer a valid contribution to solving the problems and difficulties that we still face" [1/18]

Misguided Catholics at it again: Laity boycott Mass over firing of 'transgendered' employee [1/18]

Good news: Tornielli was right - Pope Benedict names Belgium's "most traditional bishop" as Archbishop of Malines-Brussels [1/18]

Band of Muslim youths attack Catholics on way to Mass in Nigeria [1/18]

Vatican investigating possible miracle of Pope Pius XII [1/18]

Principal slashed by knife-wielding teenager at Catholic school in California [1/16]

Vatican website offers online bible in Chinese [1/16]

While some Jews boycott Pope Benedict's visit to Rome's synagogue, the chief rabbi of Rome says "We still have to get together, even if we have different opinions" [1/16]

The rainbow - oft-used symbol of the 'homosexual movement' - a new liturgical color? [1/16]

Pope Benedict may have advised Cardinal Schönborn to use more prudence over Medjugorje [Related Resource: Marian Apparitions at Medjugorje: True or False?] [1/16]

Celebrate this day! Pope Benedict tells Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith that conversion of non-Catholics into the Catholic Church is the "ultimate aim" of the ecumenical movement [1/15]

Final healthcare bill which is expected to contain "massive abortion funding" is reportedly "very close" to completion; Given the political climate, though, pro-lifer claims "Obamacare isn't a done deal yet" [1/15]

Vatican releases list of celebrations to be presided over by Pope Benedict from February through April [1/15]

Parishioners in Springfield appeal church closure to Vatican [1/15]

Program for Pope Benedict's trip to synagogue [1/15]

Good news: KY appeals court rules display containing Ten Commandments is constitutional [1/15]

Elderly Italian priest testifies to Pope Pius XII's efforts on behalf of Jews during WWII [1/15]

Papal nuncio's "dramatic report on the Church in Haiti" [1/15]

Disgusting: PP uses disaster as fundraising opportunity to promote c*ntraceptives in Haiti [1/15]

International humanitarian agency of the U.S. bishops' conference asked by Vatican to coordinate aid for earthquake victims in Haiti [1/15]

Good news: New Hampshire rejects bill 'legalizing' assisted suicide [1/14]

Lawyers' office ransacked in continuing battle over use of word "Allah" by Malaysian Catholic newspaper [1/14]

Prefect of Congregation for the Clergy says the Irish abuse cases "do not relate to the entire episcopal ministry"; Says "These are of course very serious, criminal happenings which the Church can in no way tolerate. But let me repeat it, the vast majority of priests worldwide are decent people, committed to their ministry, ready to give their entire lives, often lose their lives, for the Gospel" [1/14]

New bishop of Ft. Wayne-South Bend tells faithful to "Never be ashamed of your testimony to our Lord"; Bishop says "we should always be proud to profess our Catholic faith, doing so with courage and without equivocation" [1/14]

Former prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints critical of Cardinal Schönborn's recent visit to Medjugorje; Regarding the alleged 'apparitions', he says "The Madonna could not, in any case at all, be anti-hierarchical and incite disobedience, even if the Bishop of Mostar were wrong"; Reminds that conversions happen regularly in ordinary parishes and are not proof of authenticity of alleged 'apparitions' [Related Resource: Marian Apparitions at Medjugorje: True or False?] [1/14]

Catholic aid agencies accepting donations for Haitian relief efforts [1/14]

Canada's first Asian-born bishop is great-grandson of martyr [1/14]

Pro-life group will pay $10K for information leading to conviction of abortion providers who break the law; Abortion 'whistleblowers' have already helped close several abortion clinics [1/14]

Petition to free the ND 88 has been launched [1/14]

Priest who admitted to using $432K in parish funds for gambling avoids jail time [1/14]

"Huge victory" for homeschoolers in New Hampshire [1/14]

Disgraced former Archbishop who shuffled around priests, shredded evidence has defended his handling of abuse complaints [1/14]

Pope Benedict makes appeal for prayers, assistance for victims of devastating earthquake in Haiti [1/13]

Victims of earthquake in Haiti include Archbishop of Port-au-Prince who was found dead; Apostolic nuncio reports that "Port-au-Prince is completely devastated. The cathedral and the archbishop's residence, all the big churches, all the seminaries are reduced to rubble"; Seminarians believed to be trapped under the rubble in Haiti, "the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere" [1/13]

President of Catholic university may have found Rembrandt etching "under a pile of junk" in a bathroom cabinet [1/13]

Pope Benedict met privately with 'Christmas Eve assailant'; Mentally ill woman expressed "regret" for the incident which caused the Holy Father to be knocked to the ground [1/13]

Fatima shrine vandalized, statues painted with Islamic words [1/13]

Here we go again: Rabbi asks Pope to halt beatification of Pope Pius XII; Says beatification would "hurt the feelings" of still-living Jewish holocaust survivors [1/13]

Pro-lifers receive "unexpected gift": Judge married to pro-abort ND professor recuses self from ND88 case after appeal filed [1/13]

Mexican Cardinal Archbishop reminds that Church leaders "cannot be silent in the face of attacks on marriage and the family"; Reminds that at our judgment God "will ask us to account for the times we were too embarrassed to speak of Jesus' name"; Recalls that "We, the shepherds of the People of God, cannot put men and their laws before God, as God's law is supreme and unending. Every human law that goes against it is immoral and perverse, as going against His will brings society to moral degradation and ruin" [1/13]

Despite dire situation in France, French Catholicism is "flourishing" in small pockets "where traditional liturgical practice, combined with traditional moral doctrine, is encouraged"; TLM has been a "catalyst for growth" in the "few areas" where accepted by the bishops [1/13]

Attempted assassin of Pope John Paul II says he will answer questions about the attack after he is released from prison next week; However, gunman's "contradictory statements, including claims to be a Messiah, have frustrated prosecutors over the decades and raised questions about his mental health" [1/13]

Archbishop Burke celebrates Red Mass in Phoenix; Reminds that "Saint Thomas More understood that there could be no contradiction between his service of his nation and his service of God, and that, in fact, he could only serve his nation truly and faithfully by his true and faithful service of God" and notes that we live in "a society which is abandoning its Judeo-Christian foundations, the fundamental obedience to God's law which safeguards the common good, and is embracing a totalitarianism which masks itself as the 'hope,' the 'future,' of our nation. Reason and faith teaches us that such a society can only produce violence and death and in the end destroy itself" [1/13]

Catholic Church in Mexico faces "violent reaction" from homosexuals over bishops' defense of Catholic teachings on marriage [1/13]

Milwaukee Archbishop warns Wisconsin legislative panel that extending statue of limitations for abuse lawsuits may endanger Catholic charitable agencies [1/13]

Daughters of St. Paul "unfazed" by legal threats from the 'Church of Scientology' over book written by former member [1/13]

U.S. bishops launch massive '11th hour effort' to keep abortion out of healthcare legislation [1/12]

'Global warming' alarmists won't give up despite possible upcoming three decade long 'mini ice age': Proponent claims the "lengthy cold weather is merely a pause - a 30-years-long blip - in the larger cycle of global warming" [1/12]

Priest, Catholic journalist attacked by Vietnamese police [1/12]

Catholic League says Justice Department nominee "wants to punish the Church"; Says nominee "is not the first anti-Catholic chosen by Obama, but she is by far the most extreme and most dangerous" [1/12]

Cardinal Razafindratandra dies at age 84 [1/12]

Archbishop of Manila condemns "excessively emotional displays" which occurred during an annual procession [1/12]

L'Osservatore Romano publishes Pope Benedict's 2011 prayer intentions, one year in advance [1/12]

Unbelievable: Ignoring the negative judgments, lies, disobedience, questionable messages & bad fruits, Cardinal Schönborn compares alleged apparitions at Medjugorje to Lourdes [Related Resource: Marian Apparitions at Medjugorje: True or False?] [1/12]

Vatican newspaper says blockbuster movie Avatar is a "rather facile anti-imperialist and antimilitarist parable which doesn't have the same bite as other more serious films"; Vatican Radio accuses the film - which, among other things, has been criticized for holding "liberal environmental and anti-military messages" - of being "a wink towards the pseudo-doctrines which have made ecology the religion of the millennium" [1/11]

Ridiculous: Attempted assassin of Pope John Paul II who may be released from prison later this month wants multi-million dollar book deal, interview; Says his plan is to "proclaim the end of the world and to write the perfect gospel" and "the perfect Christianity that Vatican has never understood" [1/11]

Pope Benedict baptizes 14 infants in Sistine Chapel [1/11]

For second time in three months, grenade explodes in Philippine cathedral [1/11]

Chair of U.S. bishops' Ad Hoc Committee for the Defense of Marriage praises NJ vote to defeat bill that would have 'legalized' homosexual 'marriage'; Archbishop notes that "Preserving marriage between one man and one woman is a matter of justice; indeed it is one of the premier social justice issues of our time" and reminds that "It does not deny but rather supports basic human rights -especially the rights of children" [1/11]

Pro-life group issues letter detailing six ways the Senate healthcare bill mandates taxpayer funding of abortion; The group believes that "enactment of the abortion-related provisions of the Senate-passed health care bill would ultimately result in substantial expansions of abortion, driven by federal administrative decrees and federal subsidies" [1/11]

International consortium of Catholic relief agencies issues emergency appeal on behalf of Ethiopians due to drought [1/11]

In wake of bloody riots between immigrants and Italians as well as anti-Christian violence elsewhere, Pope Benedict says that "Violence must never be a way to resolve difficulties"; Holy Father reminds that Baptism "provides a model for society: that of being brothers. Fraternity cannot be created through an ideology, even less so by a decree on the part of some authority. We recognize one another as brothers on the basis of a humble but profound awareness of being children of the one heavenly Father. As Christians, and thanks to the Holy Spirit we received at Baptism, our lot is to have the gift and the commitment of living as children of God and as brothers, in order to become a 'leaven' for a new humanity, united and rich in peace and hope" [1/11]

Anti-Catholic discrimination in European Commission [1/11]

L'Osservatore Romano discusses "hidden epidemic" of premature births [1/11]

Pope Benedict speaks at meeting marking 150th anniversary of the foundation of the Pontifical North American College in Rome [1/11]

Pope visits hospitalized Cardinal injured in security incident on Christmas Eve [1/9]

Healthcare reform proposals contain annual $2K 'marriage tax' [1/9]

"Top ten most important bioethics stories" of last decade [1/9]

Hanoi archdiocese calls demolition of crucifix by the police "an extreme act of sacrilege" and an insult to the Catholic faith [1/9]

Pope thanks agents of the General Inspectorate for Public Security [1/8]

Vatican-Israel negotiations to continue in February; Joint statement reports "cordial and productive talks" [1/8]

Pro-life Supreme Court Justice says those who support the use of international law in American courts do so selectively [1/8]

California priest voluntarily comes forward with admission of misconduct dating back two decades; Priest is now in treatment center [1/8]

Priest accused of abuse in IL apparently attempted suicide by jumping from church balcony [1/8]

"A must read": Pope Benedict renews traditions [1/8]

Good news: New Jersey state senate votes down measure legalizing homosexual 'marriage' [1/8]

Retired Bishop Pelotte dies at age 64 [1/8]

Regarding the Christmas Eve incident in which a mentally ill woman was arrested after jumping the security barrier at St. Peter's, a chief security officer says "That night everything worked perfectly, according to the usual standards", noting that the director of Vatican security services "reacted in a split second"; The quick reaction, however, did not prevent the Pope from being knocked to the ground [1/8]

Thousands of brave Chinese mourners attend funeral for underground Chinese bishop [1/8]

Holy Father thanks Carabinieri police for their service [1/7]

U.S. bishops launch "massive postcard campaign" urging immigration reform [1/7]

HLI president predicts global disaster over abortion; Says "We've got a serious crisis on the horizon. I'm not a prophet of doom but I don't see this going any other way but a serious political crisis that's going to affect the globe"; To be saved from impending disaster, he says "We have to turn back to God" [1/7]

Federal study concluded in 4/09 shows "strong correlation" between oral c*ntraceptives and breast cancer as well as a link between abortion and breast cancer; Group questions why the study has not garnered major media attention [1/7]

Bishop Vasa confirms that prelates' publicly confronting wayward Catholic politicians is an act of charity towards them and the scandalized faithful [1/6]

As many as 24 U.S. bishops could retire due to age in 2010 [1/6]

Malaysian court suspends the controversial ruing which allowed a Catholic newspaper to use the word "Allah" [1/6]

"Church of Scientology" to sue Daughters of St. Paul over books which contain stories of ex-members of the Scientology cult [1/6]

Czech cardinal warns: "if Europe doesn't change its relation to its own roots, it will be Islamized"; Says "Europe has denied its Christian roots from which it has risen and which could give it the strength to fend off the danger that it will be conquered by Muslims -- which is actually happening gradually" [1/6]

Over 2.2 million attended papal events at the Vatican & Castelgandolfo in 2009 [1/5]

Security change has been made at St. Peter's in wake of Christmas Eve incident [1/5]

Secretary-general of Italian Bishops' Conference says much preaching today is "not too nourishing"; Bishop says sermons are often "boring mush" [1/5]

Online TLM petition [1/5]

Police recover chalices stolen from Indiana parish; Historic vessels are "badly damaged" [1/4]

Holy See Press Office confirms that Pope Benedict's personal secretary visited the woman who knocked the Holy Father to the ground on Christmas Eve [1/4]

City Council in Springfield, Massachusetts creates historic district to prevent demolition, alteration of historic parish; Diocese may appeal [1/4]

VIS bulletin 2010 schedule [1/4]

How sad: Montana becomes 3rd state in U.S. to allow euthanasia [1/4]

Bishop of Mostar-Duvno Diocese "regrets" Cardinal's personal visit to Medjugorje [Related Resource: Marian Apparitions at Medjugorje: True or False?] [1/4]

Good news: Priests' conference in Rome to feature 'Tridentine' liturgies [1/4]

More good news: New weekly TLM in Anchorage [1/4]

2009 saw increase in killings of priests, nuns and missionaries [1/4]

Pope's 2010 calendar is filling up; Bishop Burke counted as "among those most certain to be on the next list of new cardinals" [1/4]

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