After 56 years of the priesthood, at age 85, I want to say a word of thanks to my brother priests, who have sacrificed so much to bring the good news of God’s love to our troubled world. Years ago, the priests of my diocese elected me to be their clergy personnel director, a job […]
Bill Dodds: How to cope with holiday grief
YOUR FAMILY I was startled a few weeks ago when familiar feelings of grief surfaced. It was evening, mid-October, and there was a sadness I hadn’t felt for a while. The same thing happened the next night. This January, it will be four years since my wife, Monica, died of uterine cancer. It’s not an […]
In some places, Christmas season begins with St. Barbara’s Day
By Dale Gavlak Catholic News Service AMMAN, Jordan — Although there are different versions of the story of St. Barbara, Christians in the Middle East and Central Europe still celebrate the early Christian martyr each Dec. 4. To celebrate St. Barbara’s Day, known as “Eid il-Burbara,” Christians in Jordan, Syria and Lebanon prepare and share […]
Questions and answers on proper handling of ashes following cremation
By Catholic News Service WASHINGTON — In 1963, the Vatican Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith issued an instruction permitting cremation as long as it was not done as a sign of denial of the basic Christian belief in the resurrection of the dead. However, Cardinal Gerhard Muller, prefect of the congregation, told […]
Hope, pain, prayer: Religious leaders react to Trump win
By Catholic News Service WASHINGTON — Lay and religious leaders of all stripes reacted to news of Donald J. Trump’s upset win in the Nov. 8 presidential election. Most expressed hope that Trump would pay attention to their agenda, while others were more decidedly downbeat and still others counseled prayer. Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz of […]
Mercy Fridays give pope a year of stories, tears, hugs
By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY — Tears, prayers, caresses — but most of all, listening — were the hallmarks of Pope Francis’ “Mercy Friday” visits during the Year of Mercy. As the jubilee began last December, Pope Francis said he would ditch the media one Friday afternoon each month and personally try […]
Mexican priest kidnapped, found alive with signs of torture
By David Agren Catholic News Service MEXICO CITY — An outspoken priest who had been reported missing in the state of Veracruz was found alive, but with signs of torture. Father Jose Luis Sanchez Ruiz, pastor of Twelve Apostles parish in Catemaco — a town known for witchcraft, some 340 miles southeast of Mexico City […]
Father Eugene Hemrick: Dealing wisely with turbulent times
THE HUMAN SIDE “If only I had wings like a dove that I might fly away and find rest. Far away I would flee; I would stay in the desert. I would soon find a shelter from the raging wind and storm” (Ps 55:7-9). Sadly, many people are fed up with our uncouth political atmosphere […]
Father John Catoir: The beauty of human sexuality
In an age of porn and sleaze, the need for a deepened respect for the positive aspects of human sexuality is real. In marriage, the desire to give one’s self to the delight of the beloved is a sign of Christian holiness. Human sexuality is perhaps the most talked about but least understood subject in […]
Pope, Lutherans begin Reformation commemoration with prayer
By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service LUND, Sweden — Urging Catholics and Lutherans to take decisive steps toward unity, Pope Francis nevertheless offered no new openings to the idea of sharing Communion before full unity is achieved. “We Christians will be credible witnesses of mercy to the extent that forgiveness, renewal and reconciliation are daily […]
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