Category Archives: Church News

The Church Waits…..

At this very hour, the cardinals are in conclave and will be casting their first vote in a manner of minutes. I cannot tell you how vivid my memories are of the conclaves of 1978 when Albino Luciani was elected … Continue reading

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His Holiness Benedict XVI, Pope Emeritus

So it will be as of 8 PM Rome time this Thursday. The Vatican has announced that Pope Benedict will  be called His Holiness Benedict XVI, Pope Emeritus following his resignation from the papacy. He will give us his red shoes and … Continue reading

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American Seminarians’ Thoughts about Benedict

Here is a nice short video from the Catholic News Service in which several seminarians at the North American College in Rome reflect on the Holy Father’s papacy. Worth your time to view. Click on the link, then scroll down … Continue reading

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Pope will change rule for conclave date tomorrow :: Catholic News Agency (CNA)

Check out this article from the Catholic News Agency. Looks like the conclave will happen early in March. Who knows, we may have a new pope in a couple of weeks! Pope will change rule for conclave date tomorrow :: … Continue reading

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Random Thoughts on Benedict’s Example

Yesterday, I conducted a Lenten Day of Reflection for the diaconal community of the Diocese of La Crosse, Wisconsin. We reflected on Evangelization, the New Evangelization, and the Transmission of Faith. I couldn’t help but think if the topics would be ones that the new Holy Father, … Continue reading

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The Holy Father Steps Down from the Chair for the Last Time

The Holy Father, in this 12 minute video, steps down from the chair over the tomb of St. Peter for the last time. The applause and affection of the people are evident in their response to him at the end … Continue reading

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Nun describes simplicity of Pope’s retirement monastery :: Catholic News Agency (CNA)

Want to see where Benedict will live after he resigns in two weeks? Take a look at this article in the Catholic News Agency. Looks wonderful. Nun describes simplicity of Pope’s retirement monastery :: Catholic News Agency (CNA).

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Papa Luciani was the Meteor; Papa Ratzinger the Lightening Bolt?

This photo has been making its way around the internet and elsewhere in the past couple of days.  The evening of the announcement that Pope Benedict would resign on February 28, a lightening bolt struck the cupola of St. Peter’s … Continue reading

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The Resignation of Pope Benedict XVI

I was in the sacristy of the Cathedral of St. Joseph the Workman in La Crosse at 6:15 am today, vesting to assist at Mass when a parishioner entered and said the pope was going to resign. I and the … Continue reading

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Congratulations, Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon

The Holy Father today appointed Bishop Alexander Sample to be the next archbishop of Portland in Oregon. Bishop Sample until now has been the bishop of Marquette, Michigan, the diocese in which he was ordained a priest in 1990. He … Continue reading

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Child Labor in the Mideastern Country of Yemen

Fides (http://www.fides.org/aree/news/newsdet.php?idnews=33093&lan=eng) reported recently that 1,300,000 children are child laborers in that country. It identifies (no surprise) that poverty drives this exploitation of the young. Here is the article: Sanaa (Agenzia Fides) – In Yemen over 1 million and 300 thousand … Continue reading

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The Plight of Women in the Mideast

One of the links I provide my readers is to Fides (see lower right). It is an information filled website sponsored by the Vatican that reports new and events in mission lands which we will never see reported anywhere else that I … Continue reading

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Did You Know….?

The Vatican Radio has reported that in this past year 105 thousand Christians have been killed for their faith in various parts of the world. One hundred five thousand martyrs. I’ll bet you didn’t know that. It could happen here … Continue reading

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Violence Against Christians in Syria

I read this article in Fides this afternoon. Christians in Syria are caught in the cross-fire between rebels and government forces. Please keep them in your prayers. Here is the article. Tartus (Agenzia Fides) – About 150 thousand Christians live … Continue reading

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New Statistics on Permanent Deacons in the World

Every year, in view of World Mission Day celebrated this year on October 21, Fides News Service publishes statistics that describe the Church’s missionary activities throughout the world. Included in those statistics is information about permanent deacons. Catholics number 1,195,671,000 … Continue reading

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