President Donald J. Trump awarded NASA astronauts Victor Glover and Christina Koch, CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut Jeremy Hansen, and NASA astronaut Reid Wiseman with the Congressional Space Medal of Honor on Aug. 28, 2026, at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston.
Read MoreA reading from the First Letter of St. Paul to Corinthians
1:26-31
Consider your own calling, brothers and sisters.
Not many of you were wise by human standards,
not many were powerful,
not many were of noble birth.
Rather, God chose the foolish of the world to shame the wise,
and God chose the weak of the world to shame the strong,
and God chose the lowly and despised of the world,
those who count for nothing,
to reduce to nothing those who are something,
so that no human being might boast before God.
It is due to him that you are in Christ Jesus,
who became for us wisdom from God,
as well as righteousness, sanctification, and redemption,
so that, as it is written,
Whoever boasts, should boast in the Lord.
From the Gospel according to Mark
6:17-29
Herod was the one who had John the Baptist
arrested and bound in prison
on account of Herodias,
the wife of his brother Philip, whom he had married.
John had said to Herod,
?It is not lawful for you to have your brother?s wife.?
Herodias harbored a grudge against him
and wanted to kill him but was unable to do so.
Herod feared John,
knowing him to be a righteous and holy man,
and kept him in custody.
When he heard him speak he was very much perplexed,
yet he liked to listen to him.
She had an opportunity one day when Herod,
on his birthday,
gave a banquet for his courtiers,
his military officers, and the leading men of Galilee.
Herodias? own daughter came in
and performed a dance that
delighted Herod and his guests.
The king said to the girl,
?Ask of me whatever you wish and I will grant it to you.?
He even swore many things to her,
?I will grant you whatever you ask of me,
even to half of my kingdom.?
She went out and said to her mother,
?What shall I ask for??
She replied, ?The head of John the Baptist.?
The girl hurried back to the king?s presence
and made her request,
?I want you to give me at once
on a platter the head of John the Baptist.?
The king was deeply distressed,
but because of his oaths and the guests
he did not wish to break his word to her.
So he promptly dispatched an executioner with orders
to bring back his head.
He went off and beheaded him in the prison.
He brought in the head on a platter and gave it to the girl.
The girl in turn gave it to her mother.
When his disciples heard about it,
they came and took his body and laid it in a tomb.
As his last act the Baptist witnessed with his blood to faithfulness to God?s commandments, without giving in or withdrawing, carrying out his mission to the very end. (?)
We see this great figure, this force in the Passion, in resistance to the powerful. We wonder: what gave birth to this life, to this interiority so strong, so upright, so consistent, spent so totally for God in preparing the way for Jesus? The answer is simple: it was born from the relationship with God, from prayer, which was the thread that guided him throughout his existence. (?)
Celebrating the martyrdom of St John the Baptist reminds us too, Christians of this time, that with love for Christ, for his words and for the Truth, we cannot stoop to compromises. The Truth is Truth; there are no compromises. Christian life demands, so to speak, the ?martyrdom? of daily fidelity to the Gospel, the courage, that is, to let Christ grow within us and let him be the One who guides our thought and our actions. However, this can happen in our life only if we have a solid relationship with God. Prayer is not time wasted, it does not take away time from our activities, even apostolic activities, but exactly the opposite is true: only if we are able to have a faithful, constant and trusting life of prayer will God himself give us the ability and strength to live happily and serenely, to surmount difficulties and to witness courageously to him. St John the Baptist, intercede for us, that we may be ever able to preserve the primacy of God in our life. (Pope Benedict XVI, General Audience, 29 August 2012)
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Beyond The Beacon podcast 117: How serving in Alaska transformed Father Kamil’s life #Catholic – 
Father Kamil Kiszka likened serving in Alaska to a priceless two-year retreat, during which he came away more peaceful and balanced. Father Kiszka returns to the podcast to talk about this unique full-time missionary experience in the Land of the Midnight Sun and what might be next for him. The conversation is moved along by Father Kiszka’s collection of photographs from Alaska. (Watch the video version of the podcast to see the photographs.)
Host Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney reflects on our call to be missionary disciples wherever we are.
Bishop Sweeney also reflects on the life of Father Rafael Ciro, who took his life one year ago, and a Memorial Mass scheduled the day this episode was recorded. He also mentions the feast days of St. Monica (Aug. 27) and her son St. Augustine (Aug. 28).
Listen to the episode here, or on any major podcast platform, or watch it on Bishop Sweeney’s YouTube channel.
– Father Kamil Kiszka likened serving in Alaska to a priceless two-year retreat, during which he came away more peaceful and balanced. Father Kiszka returns to the podcast to talk about this unique full-time missionary experience in the Land of the Midnight Sun and what might be next for him. The conversation is moved along by Father Kiszka’s collection of photographs from Alaska. (Watch the video version of the podcast to see the photographs.) Host Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney reflects on our call to be missionary disciples wherever we are. Bishop Sweeney also reflects on the life of Father Rafael Ciro, who took
The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem has called for and investment in education, work, and special projects so Christian families can remain in the Holy Land.
Looking for a sky event this week? Check out our full Sky This Week column. August 27: A deep partial lunar eclipse Asteroid 9 Metis reaches opposition at 10 A.M. EDT. It is in the constellation Aquarius and rises around sunset and sets around sunrise. However, with the bright, nearly Full Moon still nearby this evening, theContinue reading “The Sky Today on Friday, August 28: Vesta stands still”
The post The Sky Today on Friday, August 28: Vesta stands still appeared first on Astronomy Magazine.
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Bishop Erik Varden invoked a ninth-century prayer for the dying as he commended King Harald V to God’s mercy on behalf of Norwegian Catholics.
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Standing white Pelargonium zonale. Focus stack of 47 photos.
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Caritas Nepal has begun distributing relief and operating community kitchens as authorities warn of a second flood following the deadliest natural disaster in Nepal’s recorded history.
A reading from the First Letter of St. Paul to Corinthians
1:17-25
Brothers and sisters:
Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the Gospel,
and not with the wisdom of human eloquence,
so that the cross of Christ might not be emptied of its meaning.
The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing,
but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
For it is written:
I will destroy the wisdom of the wise,
and the learning of the learned I will set aside.
Where is the wise one?
Where is the scribe?
Where is the debater of this age?
Has not God made the wisdom of the world foolish?
For since in the wisdom of God
the world did not come to know God through wisdom,
it was the will of God through the foolishness of the proclamation
to save those who have faith.
For Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom,
but we proclaim Christ crucified,
a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles,
but to those who are called, Jews and Greeks alike,
Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.
For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom,
and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.
From the Gospel according to Matthew
25:1-13
Jesus told his disciples this parable:
?The Kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins
who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom.
Five of them were foolish and five were wise.
The foolish ones, when taking their lamps,
brought no oil with them,
but the wise brought flasks of oil with their lamps.
Since the bridegroom was long delayed,
they all became drowsy and fell asleep.
At midnight, there was a cry,
?Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!?
Then all those virgins got up and trimmed their lamps.
The foolish ones said to the wise,
?Give us some of your oil,
for our lamps are going out.?
But the wise ones replied,
?No, for there may not be enough for us and you.
Go instead to the merchants and buy some for yourselves.?
While they went off to buy it,
the bridegroom came
and those who were ready went into the wedding feast with him.
Then the door was locked.
Afterwards the other virgins came and said,
?Lord, Lord, open the door for us!?
But he said in reply,
?Amen, I say to you, I do not know you.?
Therefore, stay awake,
for you know neither the day nor the hour.?
Today?s Gospel is a famous parable that speaks of ten maidens invited to a wedding feast, a symbol of the Kingdom of Heaven and of eternal life (Mt 25:1-13). It is a happy image with which, however, Jesus teaches a truth that calls us into question. In fact five of those 10 maidens were admitted to the feast because when the bridegroom arrived they had brought the oil to light their lamps, whereas the other five were left outside because they had been foolish enough not to bring any. What is represented by this ?oil?, the indispensable prerequisite for being admitted to the nuptial banquet?
St Augustine (cf. Discourses 93, 4), and other ancient authors interpreted it as a symbol of love that one cannot purchase but receives as a gift, preserves within one and uses in works. True wisdom is making the most of mortal life in order to do works of mercy, for after death this will no longer be possible. When we are reawoken for the Last Judgement, it will be made on the basis of the love we have shown in our earthly life (cf. Mt 25:31-46). And this love is a gift of Christ, poured out in us by the Holy Spirit. Those who believe in God-Love bear within them invincible hope, like a lamp to light them on their way through the night beyond death to arrive at the great feast of life. (Pope Benedict XVI, Angelus, 6 November 2011)
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Will Catholic colleges follow the University of Chicago as it shifts its social sciences classes to fully analog instruction this fall? At least one says it may.
Take your pick of these seaside gems with historic charm, stunning coastal scenery, and incredible gastronomy.
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New civil servants and guests pose for a group photo with NASA and Center leadership in the National Full-Scale Aerodynamics Complex (NFAC) 80-by-120-foot test section, N221.
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Marjorie Dannenfelser, head of Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, explains her support for Dr. Heidi Overton and previews the nominee’s confirmation battle on Capitol Hill.
Padres afectados por el tiroteo de 2025 en la escuela Annunciation se reúnen para orar y reflexionar antes del nuevo año escolar #Catholic – 
EDINA, Minnesota — La iglesia católica Nuestra Señora de la Gracia se llenó hasta los topes durante la Misa del 19 de agosto, previa a “Una velada con los padres de la Anunciación: fe, esperanza y resiliencia”, un evento celebrado ocho días antes del primer aniversario del tiroteo mortal ocurrido en la cercana Annunciation Catholic School en Minneapolis.
Tras la Misa vespertina de la parroquia, presidida por el arzobispo Bernard A. Hebda de St. Paul-Minneapolis, la reunión en el salón parroquial contó con una mesa redonda en la que participaron tres padres de alumnos de Annunciation y un recién graduado de esta escuela, que abarca desde preescolar hasta octavo grado.
Relataron sus experiencias y lo que vivieron tras el tiroteo ocurrido en Annunciation Catholic Church (Iglesia Católica de la Anunciación) durante una Misa para toda la escuela el 27 de agosto de 2025, en el que murieron dos alumnos: Harper Moyski, de 10 años, y Fletcher Merkel, de 8.
Los ponentes adultos fueron Laura Eiden, maestra de kindergarten de la escuela, y los padres de familia Tara Keegan y Dan Brady.
Annunciation Light Alliance –un grupo de defensa liderado por padres– ayudó a organizar el evento. El padre Kevin Finnegan, párroco de Nuestra Señora de la Gracia, ayudó a moderar el debate y concelebró la Misa. El padre Dennis Zehren, párroco de Annunciation, fue uno de los concelebrantes.
En su homilía, el arzobispo Hebda animó a todos a confiar en que Dios “nos trata como ese buen pastor”, un pastor con un gran amor por sus ovejas, “que se asegura de que no nos falte nada en esos verdes pastos a los que nos conduce”.
“Ahora bien, hermanos y hermanas, hay momentos en los que los pastos no parecen tan verdes y, sin duda, para muchas familias de nuestra arquidiócesis ha sido difícil ver el verdor de los pastos desde el pasado 27 de agosto”, afirmó el arzobispo Hebda.
“Y, sin embargo, también vemos bendiciones”, continuó. “Vemos esos indicios de la bondad de Dios, de su generosidad y de su corazón, y confiamos en que seguirá guiándonos hacia una visión más profunda de cómo es generoso con nosotros y de cómo nos ama con corazón de pastor”.
Con el padre Finnegan como moderador, los cuatro ponentes compartieron su experiencia durante ese 27 de agosto. Algunos se encontraban en la iglesia durante el tiroteo, y otros se dirigían hacia allí tras enterarse de la noticia. Todos los ponentes compartieron su profundo dolor.
Brady afirmó que encuentra esperanza en momentos como el evento celebrado en Nuestra Señora de la Gracia, donde “la gente sigue reuniéndose para escuchar estas historias, dar testimonio de ellas y actuar” con “la intención de hacerlo mejor”.
Como profesora, Eiden comentó: “La gente me pregunta constantemente cómo estamos, cómo están los niños, cómo están los profesores”.
“La realidad es que solo puedo responder a esa pregunta por mí misma”, explicó. “Dado que este camino hacia la sanación es increíblemente personal, ninguno tiene la misma experiencia de ese día, el camino (hacia la sanación) tampoco es el mismo. Lo que he podido ver por mí misma es que mi comunidad de Annunciation, mis niños y mis estudiantes me impulsan a seguir adelante. Me necesitan y yo los necesito”.
Afirmo que los alumnos de Annunciation son una fuente de esperanza para ella.
“¿Lo están pasando mal? Sí, la verdad es que sí. Y, sin embargo, se levantan cada día después de haber vivido lo que han vivido”, dijo. “Brillan, y siguen siendo la razón por la que estamos aquí y contamos estas historias”.
Keegan habló de su lucha contra la ira y dijo que “cada vez que siento esa ira, me recuerdo a mí misma que lo que ocurrió no formaba parte del plan de Dios”.
“Él no se quedó de brazos cruzados permitiendo que esto sucediera. Esto ocurrió a causa del mal, y por eso, cuando siento esa ira, cuando cualquiera de nosotros siente ira, depende de nosotros elegir qué vamos a hacer con esa ira”, afirmó.
“El diablo, el mal, las tinieblas no desean otra cosa que no sea que nos enfademos con Dios”, continuó. “No desean otra cosa que no sea que le demos la espalda a Dios y que no volvamos a pisar una iglesia jamás. Depende de nosotros canalizar esa ira para hacer el bien. Tomar lo que el enemigo pretendía para el mal y convertirlo en algo bueno”.
Poco a poco, contó Keegan, empezó a pasar más tiempo en la capilla de adoración eucarística. Rezaba un rosario todos los días y encontraba consuelo en la oración y en la presencia de Dios en la Misa y en la comunidad.
“Es difícil, y cada día es diferente”, dijo Brady. “Creo que hay que ir paso a paso. A veces das pasos atrás. Pero esa es la realidad de lo que estamos intentando hacer aquí”.
“Creo que una parte importante de ello es esta comunidad”, añadió Keegan. “No solo la de la Anunciación, sino más allá. La comunidad ha sido un gran apoyo para nosotros. Honestamente, sin ellos, no sé donde estaríamos. Cada día estoy agradecida por Annunciation”.
El padre Finnegan dijo que estaba agradecido por la valentía y la sinceridad con las que los invitados habían compartido sus sentimientos.
“Es un poderoso recordatorio de que todos llevamos el duelo, el sufrimiento y el dolor de manera diferente”, afirmó el padre Finnegan. “Pero también podemos aprender y crecer a partir de ello”.
Joe Eiden, padre de un alumno de Annunciation, feligrés y esposo de Laura Eiden, habló en nombre de Annunciation Light Alliance (ALA). Afirmó que el grupo sigue recurriendo al personal y a los dirigentes de Annunciation en busca de orientación sobre “cómo encontrar la fuerza para avanzar hacia un futuro más seguro para todos ustedes”.
En los últimos meses, la ALA ha establecido relaciones con legisladores de todo el espectro político, señaló.
“Creemos que proteger a los niños de la violencia armada no es una cuestión política, sino una cuestión de conciencia”, afirmó Joe Eiden. “Seguimos creyendo que compartir nuestras experiencias puede conducir a la acción, y que la acción puede conducir al cambio. No podemos permitirnos creer que estas tragedias son inevitables. No lo son”.
La velada concluyó con el arzobispo Hebda y el padre Finnegan encabezando una procesión desde el Cassidy Hall hasta la iglesia para dedicar un momento a la oración en silencio. Annunciation comienza el nuevo año escolar el 31 de agosto.
Josh McGovern es reportero de The Catholic Spirit, periódico de la Arquidiócesis de St. Paul y Minneapolis. Este artículo fue publicado originalmente en inglés por The Catholic Spirit y se distribuye a través de una colaboración con OSV News.
– EDINA, Minnesota — La iglesia católica Nuestra Señora de la Gracia se llenó hasta los topes durante la Misa del 19 de agosto, previa a “Una velada con los padres de la Anunciación: fe, esperanza y resiliencia”, un evento celebrado ocho días antes del primer aniversario del tiroteo mortal ocurrido en la cercana Annunciation Catholic School en Minneapolis. Tras la Misa vespertina de la parroquia, presidida por el arzobispo Bernard A. Hebda de St. Paul-Minneapolis, la reunión en el salón parroquial contó con una mesa redonda en la que participaron tres padres de alumnos de Annunciation y un recién graduado
Para experimentar una verdadera relación con Dios en la liturgia, la participación de los fieles no puede ser pasiva, dice el Papa León #Catholic – 
CIUDAD DEL VATICANO (CNS) — Situada “en la línea de la tradición viva de la Iglesia”, la reforma litúrgica propuesta por el Concilio Vaticano II surgió de la necesidad de que los fieles celebraran la liturgia de manera más “consciente y activa”, y no “como extraños y mudos espectadores”, dijo el Papa León XIV.
“Los fieles ‘no pueden ni deben permanecer mudos y pasivos. Su presencia material no puede conciliarse con su ausencia espiritual’”, dijo, citando al cardenal Giovanni Battista Montini de Milán, el futuro Papa Pablo VI y santo, quien asistía en ese momento a la primera sesión del concilio en 1962.
Los Padres conciliares expresaron “una renovada conciencia del valor de la liturgia”, dijo el Papa León durante su discurso en la audiencia general en la Basílica de San Pedro el 26 de agosto, que se centró en la constitución sobre la liturgia sagrada, “Sacrosanctum Concilium”, y en las razones por las que el concilio buscó promover la reforma de la liturgia.
Fue la última catequesis del Papa dedicada a la primera constitución del concilio tras haber iniciado el 7 de enero su nueva serie de charlas sobre los documentos del Concilio Vaticano II, con el fin de que las personas se sintieran motivadas a releerlos y reflexionar sobre ellos, en lugar de basar su comprensión de los textos en “rumores” y en las interpretaciones de otros, según había señalado.
Si bien la reforma litúrgica impulsada por el concilio “se sitúa, por lo tanto, en la línea de la tradición viva de la Iglesia”, explicó el Papa León, la reforma también debe entenderse adecuadamente.
“Su correcta comprensión permite también rechazar los abusos que se han verificado en algunos sectores de la Iglesia en la etapa postconciliar, y que lamentablemente a veces todavía hoy se verifican, absolutizando o comprendiendo mal algunos de los principios que estaban en la base de la misma reforma”, dijo.
Durante la liturgia, “se realiza el memorial de la obra de la salvación”, y las acciones rituales de la Iglesia también brindan la oportunidad “de vivir la verdadera relación con Dios, entrando en contacto con el evento salvífico”, dijo el Papa. “Puesto que los gestos, las palabras de la sagrada liturgia son decisivos para realizar esta experiencia, la participación de los fieles no puede ser pasiva”.
La reforma del concilio puso “en el centro lo que constituye el corazón de la experiencia eclesial”, señaló. Por lo tanto, la intención era “hacer resplandecer la liturgia como ‘la primera fuente de la vida divina que se nos comunica’”.
Debido a la importancia del lenguaje, la enseñanza y la “inteligibilidad”, surgió “la exigencia de hacer más accesible a todos los fieles la riqueza de los textos bíblicos y de las oraciones, y de hacer más lineal el ordenamiento celebrativo respecto al previsto en los libros litúrgicos entonces vigentes”, afirmó.
La liturgia es “una realidad viva”, señaló, y siempre ha estado sujeta a desarrollos y cambios a lo largo de los siglos.
“No sorprende entonces que también el Concilio Vaticano II, con el máximo respeto por el patrimonio de la tradición, y precisamente con el fin de hacerlo más accesible, haya considerado necesaria una revisión de los libros litúrgicos”, dijo el Papa León.
Citando la constitución conciliar, señaló: “Porque la Liturgia consta de una parte que es inmutable por ser la institución divina, y de otras partes sujetas a cambio, que en el decurso del tiempo pueden o incluso deben variar, si en ellas se han introducido elementos que no responden bien a la naturaleza íntima de la misma Liturgia o han llegado a ser menos apropiados”.
Por lo tanto, los textos y los ritos se deben “ordenar de manera que expresen con mayor claridad las cosas santas que significan y, en lo posible, el pueblo cristiano pueda comprenderlas fácilmente y participar en ellas por medio de una celebración plena, activa y comunitaria”, dijo, citando la constitución.
“De esta manera, el pueblo cristiano aprende a reconocer las realidades sagradas, a ofrecerse junto con el sacerdote y a través de sus manos, y a abrirse más a recibir la gracia de Dios”, afirmó en el resumen de su catequesis dirigido a los peregrinos de habla inglesa.
En su catequesis principal en italiano, señaló que sigue siendo responsabilidad primordial de los obispos y sacerdotes “custodiar y promover una liturgia que, en el respeto de las normas litúrgicas, resplandezca por su noble sencillez y manifieste así a la Iglesia una, santa, católica y apostólica”.
Tal como enseña el concilio, “las acciones litúrgicas no son acciones privadas”, sino celebraciones que atañen a todo el cuerpo de la Iglesia, “que es el ‘sacramento de unidad’, es decir, pueblo santo congregado y ordenado bajo la dirección de los obispos”, dijo, citando la constitución.
“En cada celebración de los sacramentos, especialmente de la Eucaristía, pidamos la ayuda de Dios para fortalecernos en nuestro camino y entrar en una relación más profunda con el Señor”, dijo en su resumen en inglés.
– CIUDAD DEL VATICANO (CNS) — Situada “en la línea de la tradición viva de la Iglesia”, la reforma litúrgica propuesta por el Concilio Vaticano II surgió de la necesidad de que los fieles celebraran la liturgia de manera más “consciente y activa”, y no “como extraños y mudos espectadores”, dijo el Papa León XIV. “Los fieles ‘no pueden ni deben permanecer mudos y pasivos. Su presencia material no puede conciliarse con su ausencia espiritual’”, dijo, citando al cardenal Giovanni Battista Montini de Milán, el futuro Papa Pablo VI y santo, quien asistía en ese momento a la primera sesión del
WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA — One of the nation’s loudest progressive voices issued a strong defense on his own behalf this week, as commentator Hasan Piker said anyone who tries to twist his words as being "antisemitic" is a dirty, lying Jew.
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LANSING, MI — During a live interview on Fox News, Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed forcefully defended the beheading of infidels, explaining it was really the same thing as a haircut.
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Faithful across Honolulu Diocese rally after devastating hurricane #Catholic – 
NAALEHU, Hawaii (OSV News) — As Hurricane Lala barreled across the Hawaiian Islands Aug. 15-16, several Catholic organizations kept close watch over one of the hardest-hit areas — Hawaii Island’s Kau district, home to Sacred Heart Church in Naalehu and Holy Rosary Church in Pahala.
Father William “Pila” Tulua — pastor of the two parishes, the southernmost on Hawaii island, also called the Big Island — stayed in touch with members of the Knights of Columbus, EPIC Ministry and the Military and Hospitaller Order of St. Lazarus of Jerusalem.
Father Tulua, who is also the senior chaplain for the Order of St. Lazarus, sent photos and provided an account of the devastation in the Kau district as it unfolded — until he ran out of power.
“During the hurricane, we were on the phone with him (Father Tulua) and texting with him and seeing his pictures and the last thing we heard from him was, ‘It’s getting bad.’ Then he dropped off, which was very scary,” said Steve Brock, leader of the order’s Hawaii cadre and chief marshal in the order’s national office, known as the Grand Priory of America.
Through photos and other accounts, the groups learned that Sacred Heart’s parish office flooded, as did the local cemetery in Naalehu, resulting in unearthed coffins.
“There are walls missing (in residents’ homes). There are houses that were moved and smashed into the neighbor’s house,” Father Tulua told the Hawaii Catholic Herald, news outlet of the Honolulu Diocese. “At the hotel, the rooms were destroyed. … The new cultural center for Naalehu, that was destroyed. They just built it.”
Roads and bridges were washed away, with Highway 11 severely damaged; immediately after the storm rolled through, the area was completely inaccessible.
Homes flooded, families were displaced, and residents faced shortages of potable water and electricity. They could not bathe or use their toilets, despite the heat and high humidity.
Downed trees blocked the 12-mile road between the two parishes, creating a physical barrier for the peripatetic priest. Father Tulua had to rely on assistance from Michelle Andrade, Holy Rosary’s parish secretary, to organize the effort and maintain the Pahala church.
EPIC Ministry member Tyler Johansen and his family, residents of Naalehu, began to rescue residents immediately. They used their farm tractors and bulldozers to begin the cleanup effort.
“The driveways were full of (about eight inches of) mud,” Father Tulua said. “The Johansens brought their skid loader, and they cleaned out the driveway. Otherwise, I would have been stuck.”
As soon as the Johansens freed Father Tulua’s car, the priest began assisting parishioners with rides.
“We are incredibly grateful to Tyler, his family and all those in Kau who did not wait for outside help but immediately began taking care of their neighbors,” said Dallas Carter, president of EPIC Ministry, in an email to the lay organization’s members.
After passing Hawaii island, Lala was downgraded to a tropical storm as it moved beneath the island chain, according to AccuWeather.
Heavy winds and rain pummeled Maui, Oahu and Kauai through early Aug. 17.
During the storm, more than 25% of utility customers lost power statewide, with 65% losing power on Hawaii Island alone. Many people were left without power and internet access for most of the weekend; days after Lala’s worst impact, tens of thousands were still without power.
On Aug. 26, President Donald Trump signed a disaster declaration for Hawaii County — which covers Hawaii Island — making it eligible for federal assistance for storm recovery.
While Hawaii Island bore the brunt of Lala’s fury Aug. 15, on Oahu, members of the three groups pooled their resources. They managed to raise $17,000 within 48 hours.
“They’re going to see about getting these things done,” Father Tulua told the Hawaii Catholic Herald of his friends on Oahu.
For Anthony Selvanathan, a member of the Order of St. Lazarus, the disaster in the Kau district was deeply personal.
“Father William isn’t simply a priest serving an affected area. He is a friend and someone whose ministry I have supported and worked alongside,” Selvanathan said. “Through the Order of St. Lazarus and our shared life in the Church in Hawaii, I have come to know his deep commitment to the people he serves in Kau. His parishioners aren’t statistics on a damage report to him — they are people he knows, loves and serves.”
This is not the first time that members of these three fraternal and lay organizations came together to provide assistance during a disaster.
The groups coordinated to gather much-needed immediate resources for survivors of the deadly Maui wildfires in 2023. They also provided help and resources in Waialua this past spring after back-to-back Kona low storms devastated the rural Oahu town — bringing generators, water, propane and satellite networks while providing physical cleanup and other assistance wherever they could.
To assist during Hurricane Lala, Brock from the Order of St. Lazarus and John Fielding, Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus Council 5000, flew to Hawaii island Aug. 18 to gather up and transport five containers of supplies that included potable water, gas, propane and propane burners for cooking, flashlights, generators and Starlink internet connectivity.
Brock drove to Holy Rosary Church in Pahala to drop off the supplies and set up the Starlink internet connection. He also brought a satellite phone for Father Tulua to use as emergency communication.
“We want to make sure that he always has a lifeline out,” Brock said in a phone interview with the Herald before his flight.
Brock also conducted a needs assessment to see how the groups could continue service until power is restored to the area and the community recovers.
“We, as a people of God, will show the witness to the people in this community,” Father Tulua said. “We have been blessed. We’re still hurting, but it’s going to be OK. I think this is going to be a long journey in repair and healing.”
While Hawaii Island saw the majority of Lala’s force, other islands also were significantly affected. In addition to widespread power outages, the relentless wind and rain wreaked havoc on communities on Maui, Oahu and Kauai.
At St. Joseph Parish in Makawao, Maui, a tree fell through the roof of the two-story convent there, according to a Hawaii News Now report.
Mass attendance was sparse across the diocese as wind, rain and loss of power kept parishioners away. (As Lala bore down on Hawaii, Honolulu Bishop Michael T.T. Castori granted a dispensation Aug. 13 for parishioners who would not be able to attend Mass due to the storm.)
At Sacred Heart Church in Honolulu, Father Ese’ese “Ace” Tui said that the early morning Mass on Aug. 16 was canceled due to heavy rain.
Father Tui, who is pastor of Sacred Heart, said conditions then improved, allowing the subsequent Sunday Masses to be celebrated.
“One surprising thing during the storm was the power situation,” he added. “With all the outages in our area, the only building on our campus that did not lose power was the church. The hall attached to the church lost power, as did the rectory and the school buildings, but the church itself had power throughout the entire storm.
“One parishioner asked me, ‘Father, why does the church still have power? Do we have a generator?’ I jokingly responded, ‘Yes,’ and pointed to the tabernacle. Apparently, we have a different kind of backup power!” Father Tui said.
EPIC Ministry’s Carter, who works at St. Louis School in Kaimuki, said one storm event that hit particularly close to home for him was when a large portion of a student’s family’s roof in Kalihi Valley was torn off by the wind.
“Seeing a disaster on the news is one thing; knowing personally one of the children who went through it is another,” Carter said in an email to the Herald.
EPIC Ministry assisted the family, as well as that of another student whose home sustained damage, with a monetary donation for food and necessities.
“There are undoubtedly many more families across Oahu with similar stories that we simply have not heard yet,” Carter said.
EPIC Ministry has started a donation site for relief efforts at relief.raiselysite.com.
Lisa Dahm is a reporter at the Hawaii Catholic Herald, news outlet of the Diocese of Honolulu. This story was originally published by the Hawaii Catholic Herald and distributed through a partnership with OSV News.
– NAALEHU, Hawaii (OSV News) — As Hurricane Lala barreled across the Hawaiian Islands Aug. 15-16, several Catholic organizations kept close watch over one of the hardest-hit areas — Hawaii Island’s Kau district, home to Sacred Heart Church in Naalehu and Holy Rosary Church in Pahala. Father William “Pila” Tulua — pastor of the two parishes, the southernmost on Hawaii island, also called the Big Island — stayed in touch with members of the Knights of Columbus, EPIC Ministry and the Military and Hospitaller Order of St. Lazarus of Jerusalem. Father Tulua, who is also the senior chaplain for the Order
Inspired by Pope Leo’s call for communion, the Catholic initiative is working to build unity in the Church and the nation.
![Possible Eucharistic miracle in Guatemala: Church urges ‘prudence and restraint’ – #Catholic – An alleged “Eucharistic manifestation” has drawn the attention of the faithful in Guatemala, where a consecrated host reportedly remained intact inside a glass of water, bearing apparent stains of what “could be blood.”While the event has captured the attention of the Catholic community in the country, the Church has urged the faithful to exercise “prudence and restraint.”A consecrated host that reportedly failed to dissolveThe Niño Dios (Child God) Cathedral of the Diocese of Santa Rosa de Lima announced in a statement that the occurrence took place on July 30 during a Mass for Eucharistic Missionary Week held at a private school in Cuilapa, a city located approximately 40 miles southeast of Guatemala City.According to the statement, during Communion, the priest celebrating the Mass noticed that one of the young people who had received the Eucharist “was taking the sacred host out of his mouth; he quickly approached him and was able to prevent him from discarding it on the floor.”“Following the guidelines for such cases, the priest placed the sacred host in a glass vessel containing water in the rectory chapel,” the statement explained.The intention was for the host to dissolve naturally. However, according to the statement, “the following Thursday [Aug. 13], while cleaning the chapel, a parish volunteer noticed that the host had not dissolved and bore red stains that could be blood.”The discovery was reported to the parish priest, who questioned and took a statement from the volunteer who had noticed the situation. Subsequently, the matter was reported to Bishop José Cayetano Parra Novo of the Diocese of Santa Rosa de Lima.‘Prudence and restraint’The cathedral explicitly urged the faithful to exercise “prudence and restraint.”“Throughout history, the Church has received testimony regarding the real and substantial presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist, under this unique form of manifestation,” the cathedral noted in its statement, cautioning that such cases “have been neither common nor easy to discern; therefore, they cannot be called miracles until a full investigation, which must be carried out and will take time, is concluded.”The cathedral also announced that the host is being reserved “in a special place and will not be on public display,” while Parra Novo is providing “guidelines for the necessary discernment and to enable a study of this possible Eucharistic manifestation” of the Real Presence.This story was first published by ACI Prensa, the Spanish-language sister service of EWTN News. It has been translated and adapted by EWTN News English.](https://unitedyam.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/possible-eucharistic-miracle-in-guatemala-church-urges-prudence-and-restraint-catholic-an-alleged-eucharistic-manifestation-has-drawn-the-attention-of-the-fai.jpg "Possible Eucharistic miracle in Guatemala: Church urges ‘prudence and restraint’ – #Catholic – An alleged “Eucharistic manifestation” has drawn the attention of the faithful in Guatemala, where a consecrated host reportedly remained intact inside a glass of water, bearing apparent stains of what “could be blood.”While the event has captured the attention of the Catholic community in the country, the Church has urged the faithful to exercise “prudence and restraint.”A consecrated host that reportedly failed to dissolveThe Niño Dios (Child God) Cathedral of the Diocese of Santa Rosa de Lima announced in a statement that the occurrence took place on July 30 during a Mass for Eucharistic Missionary Week held at a private school in Cuilapa, a city located approximately 40 miles southeast of Guatemala City.According to the statement, during Communion, the priest celebrating the Mass noticed that one of the young people who had received the Eucharist “was taking the sacred host out of his mouth; he quickly approached him and was able to prevent him from discarding it on the floor.”“Following the guidelines for such cases, the priest placed the sacred host in a glass vessel containing water in the rectory chapel,” the statement explained.The intention was for the host to dissolve naturally. However, according to the statement, “the following Thursday [Aug. 13], while cleaning the chapel, a parish volunteer noticed that the host had not dissolved and bore red stains that could be blood.”The discovery was reported to the parish priest, who questioned and took a statement from the volunteer who had noticed the situation. Subsequently, the matter was reported to Bishop José Cayetano Parra Novo of the Diocese of Santa Rosa de Lima.‘Prudence and restraint’The cathedral explicitly urged the faithful to exercise “prudence and restraint.”“Throughout history, the Church has received testimony regarding the real and substantial presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist, under this unique form of manifestation,” the cathedral noted in its statement, cautioning that such cases “have been neither common nor easy to discern; therefore, they cannot be called miracles until a full investigation, which must be carried out and will take time, is concluded.”The cathedral also announced that the host is being reserved “in a special place and will not be on public display,” while Parra Novo is providing “guidelines for the necessary discernment and to enable a study of this possible Eucharistic manifestation” of the Real Presence.This story was first published by ACI Prensa, the Spanish-language sister service of EWTN News. It has been translated and adapted by EWTN News English.")
As in all such cases of an apparent manifestation of the Real Presence, the local Church is duly investigating the phenomenon and urging the faithful not to draw any conclusions.
Through sacred art, a neighboring parish is paying tribute to the Annunciation parish community in Minneapolis after the deadly shooting last year.
Looking for a sky event this week? Check out our full Sky This Week column. August 26: Catch Barnard’s star A partial eclipse of the Moon occurs tonight, following August 12th’s total eclipse of the Sun. The deep lunar eclipse is visible across North and South America, Africa, and western Europe. The Moon rises around 7:30 P.M.Continue reading “The Sky Today on Thursday, August 27: A deep partial lunar eclipse”
The post The Sky Today on Thursday, August 27: A deep partial lunar eclipse appeared first on Astronomy Magazine.
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Two Augustinian priests living in Rome explain why the woman they refer to as their “grandmother” continues to be a source of hope and inspiration.
New details are being reported about Jeanine John Taele, the heavily armed man who was arrested earlier this month at Trump’s golf course in California shortly before a planned visit by the President.
The post New Details Emerge About Armed Man Arrested at Trump’s California Golf Course Earlier This Month (VIDEO) appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.
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Jessica Tarlov, one the liberal contributors on FOX News, is now saying that she wishes Trump had won the 2020 election.
The post Frustrated FOX News Liberal Jessica Tarlov Now Says She Wishes Trump Had Won in 2020 (VIDEO) appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.
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Lots of people who live in Los Angeles are disgusted by the two choices they have for mayor this year, Democrat incumbent Karen Bass and radical DSA candidate Nithya Raman.
The post Los Angeles Residents Disgusted by Their Choices for Mayor: ‘I Wish They Could Both Lose’ appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.
Read More| Picture of the day |
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The Beatles arriving at JFK International Airport in 1964. On 18 August 1962, Ringo Starr officially joined The Beatles.
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From all eternity, O Lord, You planned my very existence and my destiny. You wrapped me in Your love in baptism and gave me the Faith to lead me to an eternal life of happiness with You. You have showered me with Your graces and You have been always ready with Your mercy and forgiveness when I have fallen. Now I beg You for the light I so earnestly need that I may find the way of life in which lies the best fulfillment of Your will. Whatever state this may be, give me the grace necessary to …
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The Aug. 26 ruling ordered Yona Schreiber to be committed to an inpatient treatment facility for a maximum six years, though he may be released early at the discretion of the facility.
![Catholic Hispanics welcome Bishop Sweeney for Mass in Branchville #Catholic – Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney visited Our Lady Queen of Peace (OLQP) Parish in Branchville, N.J., on Aug. 23 to celebrate a Spanish Mass for the Hispanic community.
Father Philip-Michael Tangorra, pastor of OLQP and an advocate in the Tribunal of the Paterson Diocese, N.J., and Father Dailon Lisabet, who provides pastoral care for the Spanish-speaking community in Sussex County, concelebrated the Mass.
Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.
Bishop Sweeney preached about the importance of the Church and the sacraments and emphasized the Church’s and diocese’s commitment to welcoming and serving the Hispanic people.
A feast was held in OLQP’s parish hall after the Mass.
OLQP has a Hispanic Ministry, which aims to integrate Spanish-speaking people into all aspects of the Sussex County parish’s life. The parish has been holding events that bring together English and Spanish communities so they become more acquainted.
BEACON PHOTOS | DENNIS DALELIO
[See image gallery at beaconnj.org]](https://unitedyam.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/catholic-hispanics-welcome-bishop-sweeney-for-mass-in-branchville-catholic-bishop-kevin-j-sweeney-visited-our-lady-queen-of-peace-olqp-parish-in-branchville-n-j-on-aug-23-to-celebrate-a-span.jpg "Catholic Hispanics welcome Bishop Sweeney for Mass in Branchville #Catholic – Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney visited Our Lady Queen of Peace (OLQP) Parish in Branchville, N.J., on Aug. 23 to celebrate a Spanish Mass for the Hispanic community.
Father Philip-Michael Tangorra, pastor of OLQP and an advocate in the Tribunal of the Paterson Diocese, N.J., and Father Dailon Lisabet, who provides pastoral care for the Spanish-speaking community in Sussex County, concelebrated the Mass.
Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.
Bishop Sweeney preached about the importance of the Church and the sacraments and emphasized the Church’s and diocese’s commitment to welcoming and serving the Hispanic people.
A feast was held in OLQP’s parish hall after the Mass.
OLQP has a Hispanic Ministry, which aims to integrate Spanish-speaking people into all aspects of the Sussex County parish’s life. The parish has been holding events that bring together English and Spanish communities so they become more acquainted.
BEACON PHOTOS | DENNIS DALELIO
[See image gallery at beaconnj.org]")
Catholic Hispanics welcome Bishop Sweeney for Mass in Branchville #Catholic – 
Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney visited Our Lady Queen of Peace (OLQP) Parish in Branchville, N.J., on Aug. 23 to celebrate a Spanish Mass for the Hispanic community.
Father Philip-Michael Tangorra, pastor of OLQP and an advocate in the Tribunal of the Paterson Diocese, N.J., and Father Dailon Lisabet, who provides pastoral care for the Spanish-speaking community in Sussex County, concelebrated the Mass.
Bishop Sweeney preached about the importance of the Church and the sacraments and emphasized the Church’s and diocese’s commitment to welcoming and serving the Hispanic people.
A feast was held in OLQP’s parish hall after the Mass.
OLQP has a Hispanic Ministry, which aims to integrate Spanish-speaking people into all aspects of the Sussex County parish’s life. The parish has been holding events that bring together English and Spanish communities so they become more acquainted.
– Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney visited Our Lady Queen of Peace (OLQP) Parish in Branchville, N.J., on Aug. 23 to celebrate a Spanish Mass for the Hispanic community. Father Philip-Michael Tangorra, pastor of OLQP and an advocate in the Tribunal of the Paterson Diocese, N.J., and Father Dailon Lisabet, who provides pastoral care for the Spanish-speaking community in Sussex County, concelebrated the Mass. Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter. Bishop Sweeney preached about the importance of the Church and the sacraments and emphasized the Church’s and diocese’s commitment to welcoming and serving the Hispanic people. A feast was held
Obituary: Sister Margaret Andrew Sherlock served at Wayne Catholic school, 82 #Catholic – 
A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Aug. 19 at St. Joseph Villa in Flourtown, Penn., for Sister Margaret Andrew Sherlock, a Sister of St. Joseph of Philadelphia, who died on Aug. 9. She was 82.
Sister Sherlock’s extensive teaching ministry included Our Lady of the Valley (OLV) School in Wayne, N.J., in the Paterson Diocese.
Formerly Sister Margaret Andrew, Sister Sherlock also ministered in numerous schools in the Philadelphia Archdiocese. They include St. Bartholomew School, Corpus Christi School, Our Mother of Sorrows School, St. Timothy School, St. Ambrose School, and Christ the King School (Morrell Park), all in Philadelphia; St. Matthew School in Conshohocken; and Nativity of Our Lord School in Warminster.
Including OLV in Wayne, Sister Sherlock also served the following schools outside the Philadelphia Archdiocese: Our Lady of Good Counsel School in Vienna, Va., in the Arlington Diocese; St. Mary School in Lebanon, Penn., in the Harrisburg Diocese; and St. Ambrose School in Schuylkill Haven, Penn., in the Allentown Diocese.
Sister Sherlock also ministered at the Sisters’ motherhouse in Philadelphia.
Sister Sherlock is preceded in death by her parents, Andrew and Margaret Sherlock (nee Davis), and her brothers, Andrew, James, John, and Michael Sherlock.
She is survived by her sisters, Margaret Weir, Rosemary “Suzy” Graf, and Nancy Carey; her brother, Fred Sherlock; and their extended families. Members of her congregation also survive her: the Sisters of St. Joseph of Philadelphia.
Please send memorial donations in Sister Margaret Andrew Sherlock’s name to St. Joseph Villa, 110 W. Wissahickon Ave., Flourtown, Penn. 19031.
– A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Aug. 19 at St. Joseph Villa in Flourtown, Penn., for Sister Margaret Andrew Sherlock, a Sister of St. Joseph of Philadelphia, who died on Aug. 9. She was 82. Sister Sherlock’s extensive teaching ministry included Our Lady of the Valley (OLV) School in Wayne, N.J., in the Paterson Diocese. Formerly Sister Margaret Andrew, Sister Sherlock also ministered in numerous schools in the Philadelphia Archdiocese. They include St. Bartholomew School, Corpus Christi School, Our Mother of Sorrows School, St. Timothy School, St. Ambrose School, and Christ the King School (Morrell Park), all in
NASA astronaut Reid Wiseman, Artemis II commander, is seen in the two-seat IndyCar as he prepares for driver Conor Daly to take him on a lap in the fastest seat in sport ahead of the start of the Freedom 250 Grand Prix, Sunday, Aug. 23, 2026, in Washington, D.C. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)
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The consecration to be carried out by the bishop is part of the “Great Reconquest” initiative promoted by the Hesed Institute with the arrival in Brazil of the pilgrim statue of St. Michael.
The pontiff’s Aug. 26 general audience addressed the reasons for the church’s recent liturgical reforms.
![Symposium in Brazil addresses the devil’s existence as part of Catholic doctrine – #Catholic – A recent symposium in Fortaleza, Brazil, on demonology and exorcism “focused on the theological affirmation of the devil’s existence as part of Catholic doctrine,” Father Diogo Jairo Rebouças told ACI Digital, the Portuguese-language sister service of EWTN News. The priest is an exorcist for the Diocese of Limoeiro do Norte in Ceará state and coordinator of the gathering held Aug. 18–19.The symposium drew 240 participants, 76% of whom were laypeople. According to Rebouças, the event was open to this audience because its goal was not “to provide training for performing exorcisms” but rather “to reflect theologically in light of Scripture, tradition, and the magisterium on the reality of the angelic beings who chose damnation.”“We are convinced that this perspective is highly beneficial for deepening the faith of any and every Christian,” he said.The gathering was organized by Marian Community Oasis of Peace with the support of the Archdiocese of Fortaleza and took place in the central auditorium of the Catholic College of Fortaleza.Among the speakers were Bishop André Vital of Limoeiro do Norte in Ceará state; Father Pedro Paulo Alexandre, exorcist from the Archdiocese of Florianópolis in Santa Catarina state and member of the International Association of Exorcists (AIE, by its Portuguese acronym); Father Fellinto de Oliveira Britto, exorcist from the Diocese of Tianguá in Ceará state and a psychologist; Father Antônio Gomes Macedo Júnior, assistant exorcist; medical doctor Mauro Martins, also an assistant exorcist; and Father David Piter, exorcist from the Diocese of Quixadá in Ceará state and Rebouças.The lectures dealt, among other topics, with demonology in the Gospels and the liberating ministry of Christ, the Churchʼs guidelines for the ministry of exorcisms, the distinction between prayer for deliverance and exorcism, and the discernment between psychiatric pathologies and possible spiritual phenomena.Appointment by the bishop requiredAccording to Rebouças, the meeting presented the AIE’s guidelines to “make it clear that only priests duly appointed by the bishop may perform solemn exorcisms.”The priest stated that the guidance highlights “the Catholic Church’s commitment to pastoral ministry focused on discernment and mercy, rather than fear and sensationalism.”The symposium also addressed the necessary precautions during prayer for healing and deliverance, particularly regarding individuals who become highly distressed during such prayer.“Talks by both exorcists and mental health professionals addressed the need for prudence during prayer for healing and deliverance as it is frequently observed that highly suggestible individuals become emotionally destabilized during events that strongly appeal to the emotions,” Rebouças said.According to him, participants were instructed on “what procedure to follow when a member of the faithful experiences a crisis during [such prayer], in order to protect him from unnecessary exposure and avoid leading to hasty conclusions about possible activity by the evil one.”Moral certainty requiredAnother topic addressed was the discernment between possible extraordinary action by the devil and illnesses or other conditions of natural origin.“The guidelines for the exorcism ministry state that it is not permissible to perform an exorcism on a member of the faithful until the exorcist possesses moral certainty that the case involves extraordinary action by the evil one, rather than merely an illness or condition of natural origin,” Rebouças explained.Therefore, according to him, “mutual collaboration among the exorcist, family members, and healthcare professionals, especially mental health professionals, is extremely important.”“It is certainly not the exorcist’s role to provide a psychiatric diagnosis for the person nor is it the role of scientists to say whether the devil exists or not,” he said. “Each performs their respective role, observing signs of improvement or deterioration in the person throughout the process of accompaniment.”“Sometimes, a deeply devout but mentally ill believer refuses to take their medication until the priest comforts them by saying, ‘I will bless your medicines!’” he said. “And faith encourages the person to follow the treatment and therapies through which they find healing.”“An exorcist will never discourage a believer from making use of scientific therapeutic resources,” the priest added.“It is also not uncommon, in cases of genuine extraordinary demonic activity, for a doctor to tell the family: ‘We have done everything within our power!’ or even: ‘This defies scientific explanation!’” he said.“In this sense, the Church’s faith offers an explanation that addresses the human need regarding spiritual realities,” Rebouças said.The priest highlighted the importance of the training sessions for assistant exorcists offered by the Portuguese-language secretariat of the AIE in which laypeople and healthcare professionals may participate. The next training session will take place Nov. 27–29 at St. Benedict Monastery in Rio de Janeiro.This story was first published by ACI Digital, the Portuguese-language sister service of EWTN News. It has been translated and adapted by EWTN News English.](https://unitedyam.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/symposium-in-brazil-addresses-the-devils-existence-as-part-of-catholic-doctrine-catholic-a-recent-symposium-in-fortaleza-brazil-on-demonology-and-exorcism-focused-on-the-theol-scaled.jpg "Symposium in Brazil addresses the devil’s existence as part of Catholic doctrine – #Catholic – A recent symposium in Fortaleza, Brazil, on demonology and exorcism “focused on the theological affirmation of the devil’s existence as part of Catholic doctrine,” Father Diogo Jairo Rebouças told ACI Digital, the Portuguese-language sister service of EWTN News. The priest is an exorcist for the Diocese of Limoeiro do Norte in Ceará state and coordinator of the gathering held Aug. 18–19.The symposium drew 240 participants, 76% of whom were laypeople. According to Rebouças, the event was open to this audience because its goal was not “to provide training for performing exorcisms” but rather “to reflect theologically in light of Scripture, tradition, and the magisterium on the reality of the angelic beings who chose damnation.”“We are convinced that this perspective is highly beneficial for deepening the faith of any and every Christian,” he said.The gathering was organized by Marian Community Oasis of Peace with the support of the Archdiocese of Fortaleza and took place in the central auditorium of the Catholic College of Fortaleza.Among the speakers were Bishop André Vital of Limoeiro do Norte in Ceará state; Father Pedro Paulo Alexandre, exorcist from the Archdiocese of Florianópolis in Santa Catarina state and member of the International Association of Exorcists (AIE, by its Portuguese acronym); Father Fellinto de Oliveira Britto, exorcist from the Diocese of Tianguá in Ceará state and a psychologist; Father Antônio Gomes Macedo Júnior, assistant exorcist; medical doctor Mauro Martins, also an assistant exorcist; and Father David Piter, exorcist from the Diocese of Quixadá in Ceará state and Rebouças.The lectures dealt, among other topics, with demonology in the Gospels and the liberating ministry of Christ, the Churchʼs guidelines for the ministry of exorcisms, the distinction between prayer for deliverance and exorcism, and the discernment between psychiatric pathologies and possible spiritual phenomena.Appointment by the bishop requiredAccording to Rebouças, the meeting presented the AIE’s guidelines to “make it clear that only priests duly appointed by the bishop may perform solemn exorcisms.”The priest stated that the guidance highlights “the Catholic Church’s commitment to pastoral ministry focused on discernment and mercy, rather than fear and sensationalism.”The symposium also addressed the necessary precautions during prayer for healing and deliverance, particularly regarding individuals who become highly distressed during such prayer.“Talks by both exorcists and mental health professionals addressed the need for prudence during prayer for healing and deliverance as it is frequently observed that highly suggestible individuals become emotionally destabilized during events that strongly appeal to the emotions,” Rebouças said.According to him, participants were instructed on “what procedure to follow when a member of the faithful experiences a crisis during [such prayer], in order to protect him from unnecessary exposure and avoid leading to hasty conclusions about possible activity by the evil one.”Moral certainty requiredAnother topic addressed was the discernment between possible extraordinary action by the devil and illnesses or other conditions of natural origin.“The guidelines for the exorcism ministry state that it is not permissible to perform an exorcism on a member of the faithful until the exorcist possesses moral certainty that the case involves extraordinary action by the evil one, rather than merely an illness or condition of natural origin,” Rebouças explained.Therefore, according to him, “mutual collaboration among the exorcist, family members, and healthcare professionals, especially mental health professionals, is extremely important.”“It is certainly not the exorcist’s role to provide a psychiatric diagnosis for the person nor is it the role of scientists to say whether the devil exists or not,” he said. “Each performs their respective role, observing signs of improvement or deterioration in the person throughout the process of accompaniment.”“Sometimes, a deeply devout but mentally ill believer refuses to take their medication until the priest comforts them by saying, ‘I will bless your medicines!’” he said. “And faith encourages the person to follow the treatment and therapies through which they find healing.”“An exorcist will never discourage a believer from making use of scientific therapeutic resources,” the priest added.“It is also not uncommon, in cases of genuine extraordinary demonic activity, for a doctor to tell the family: ‘We have done everything within our power!’ or even: ‘This defies scientific explanation!’” he said.“In this sense, the Church’s faith offers an explanation that addresses the human need regarding spiritual realities,” Rebouças said.The priest highlighted the importance of the training sessions for assistant exorcists offered by the Portuguese-language secretariat of the AIE in which laypeople and healthcare professionals may participate. The next training session will take place Nov. 27–29 at St. Benedict Monastery in Rio de Janeiro.This story was first published by ACI Digital, the Portuguese-language sister service of EWTN News. It has been translated and adapted by EWTN News English.")
Besides affirming the existence of demons based on Scripture, tradition, and the magisterium, the symposium emphasized the need to discern between genuine demonic activity and mental illness.
Looking for a sky event this week? Check out our full Sky This Week column. August 25: Messier 73 One of the most famous stars in the sky lies in Ophiuchus the Serpent-bearer, still high in the west and southwest (it’s a big constellation) two hours after sunset. In its northeastern corner is Barnard’s star — althoughContinue reading “The Sky Today on Wednesday, August 26: Catch Barnard’s star”
The post The Sky Today on Wednesday, August 26: Catch Barnard’s star appeared first on Astronomy Magazine.
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After reviewing a joint investigation, Cardinal Blase Cupich, archbishop of Chicago, has approved Father Michael Pfleger to return to ministry “effective immediately.”
A reading from the Second Letter of St. Paul to Thessalonians
3:6-10, 16-18
We instruct you, brothers and sisters,
in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,
to shun any brother
who walks in a disorderly way
and not according to the tradition they received from us.
For you know how one must imitate us.
For we did not act in a disorderly way among you,
nor did we eat food received free from anyone.
On the contrary, in toil and drudgery, night and day we worked,
so as not to burden any of you.
Not that we do not have the right.
Rather, we wanted to present ourselves as a model for you,
so that you might imitate us.
In fact, when we were with you, we instructed you that
if anyone was unwilling to work, neither should that one eat.
May the Lord of peace himself
give you peace at all times and in every way.
The Lord be with all of you.
This greeting is in my own hand, Paul?s.
This is the sign in every letter; this is how I write.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with all of you.
From the Gospel according to Matthew
23:27-32
Jesus said,
?Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites.
You are like whitewashed tombs,
which appear beautiful on the outside,
but inside are full of dead men?s bones and every kind of filth.
Even so, on the outside you appear righteous,
but inside you are filled with hypocrisy and evildoing.
?Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites.
You build the tombs of the prophets
and adorn the memorials of the righteous,
and you say, ?If we had lived
in the days of our ancestors,
we would not have joined them
in shedding the prophets? blood.?
Thus you bear witness against yourselves
that you are the children of those
who murdered the prophets;
now fill up what your ancestors measured out!?
The hearts of these people, of this small group, had hardened so much over time that it was impossible for them to listen to the Lord?s voice. And from being sinners, they had slipped further and become corrupt. It is very difficult for a corrupt person to change his ways. A sinner can, because the Lord is merciful and awaits us all. But the corrupt are set in their ways, and these people were corrupt. And that is why they justify themselves: because Jesus, with His simplicity, yet with the power of God, annoyed them. (?) They rejected the Lord?s love, and this rejection meant they were on a path that was not that of the dialectic of freedom offered by the Lord, but that of the logic of necessity, where there is no place for the Lord. In the dialectic of freedom there is the good Lord, who loves us, who loves us a great deal! Instead, in the logic of necessity there is no place for God: one must do, this, one must do that, one must? They have become mere creatures of habit. Men of good manners and bad habits. Jesus calls them ?whited sepulchres?. (?) Those who justify themselves understand neither mercy nor compassion. Instead, those people who loved Jesus so much needed mercy and compassion, so they went to the Lord to ask for them. (Pope Francis, Homily, Holy Mass for Italian Parliamentarians, 27 March 2014)
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Altar of the church of the Monastery of Jesus, Setúbal, Portugal. The monastery, founded in 1490, is one of the oldest buildings in Manueline style (Portuguese version of Gothic) and served as a monastery of Poor Clare nuns.
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Last year, 18-year-old Lexi Arguello died after complications from a late-term abortion. Activists say staff waited too long to call 911 — and note that women continue to be injured at the clinic.
The pristine white sand on Whitehaven Beach in Queensland is never too hot to walk across.
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From left, Expedition 75 flight engineers Anil Menon of NASA (partially obscured and wearing the spacesuit with a red stripe on the legs) and Sophie Adenot of ESA (European Space Agency) work together during a six‑hour and 23‑minute spacewalk outside the International Space Station.
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France’s highest constitutional authority has carved out conscience protections for Catholic institutions and pharmacists, which was welcomed by Archbishop Laurent Ulrich of Paris.
Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago and Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Gary will each receive $100,000 to aid in their efforts for Midwest storm relief.
Looking for a sky event this week? Check out our full Sky This Week column. August 24: Iapetus at eastern elongation Charles Messier’s famous list of non-cometary objects largely contains star clusters, nebulae, and galaxies — faint fuzzies it could be easy to confuse for a cometary nucleus in a telescope of the type the comet-hunter wasContinue reading “The Sky Today on Tuesday, August 25: Messier 73”
The post The Sky Today on Tuesday, August 25: Messier 73 appeared first on Astronomy Magazine.
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Catholic parishes and Catholic Charities in Nevada are responding with aid amid an ongoing wildfire that has caused mass evacuations in the Reno area.
A reading from the Second Letter of St. Paul to Thessalonians
2:1-3a, 14-17
We ask you, brothers and sisters,
with regard to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ
and our assembling with him,
not to be shaken out of your minds suddenly,
or to be alarmed either by a ?spirit,? or by an oral statement,
or by a letter allegedly from us
to the effect that the day of the Lord is at hand.
Let no one deceive you in any way.
To this end he has also called you through our Gospel
to possess the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Therefore, brothers and sisters, stand firm
and hold fast to the traditions that you were taught,
either by an oral statement or by a letter of ours.
May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father,
who has loved us and given us everlasting encouragement
and good hope through his grace,
encourage your hearts and strengthen them
in every good deed and word.
From the Gospel according to Matthew
23:23-26
Jesus said:
?Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites.
You pay tithes of mint and dill and cummin,
and have neglected the weightier things of the law:
judgment and mercy and fidelity.
But these you should have done, without neglecting the others.
Blind guides, who strain out the gnat and swallow the camel!?Woe to
you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites.
You cleanse the outside of cup and dish,
but inside they are full of plunder and self-indulgence.
Blind Pharisee, cleanse first the inside of the cup,
so that the outside also may be clean.?
Hypocrisy is the greatest danger because it can ruin even the most sacred realities. Hypocrisy is a serious danger. This is why (?) Jesus (?) was harsh with hypocrites. We can read, for example, chapter 23 of Matthew, in which Jesus speaks so strongly to the hypocrites of that time. (?)
Are we not at times a bit like those Pharisees? Perhaps we look at others from top to bottom, thinking that we are better than them, that we have our lives under control, that we do not need God or the Church, or our brothers or sisters, every day. We forget that it is legitimate to look down on someone else only in one case: when it is necessary to help them get up. This is the only case. The others are not legitimate. (?)
There is only one way, the way of humility ? to purify ourselves from the sense of superiority, from formalism and hypocrisy, to see others as our brothers and sisters, sinners like ourselves, and to see Jesus as the Saviour who comes for us, not for others, for us, just as we are, with our poverty, misery and failings, above all with our need to be raised up, forgiven and saved.
And let us remember another thing: with Jesus, there is always the possibility of beginning again. It is never too late. There is always the possibility to begin again. Take courage. He is close to us and this is a time of conversion. Each of us can think: ?I have this situation inside, this problem that I am ashamed of…?. But Jesus is beside you. Begin again. There is always the possibility of taking a step forward. He is waiting for us and never grows tired of us. He never tires! (Pope Francis, Angelus, 4 December 2022)
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With Archbishop Paul Gallagher’s visit to Moscow this week, the Vatican continues to try to be a facilitator in bringing about a peaceful resolution to the Russia-Ukraine war.
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Tea plantations around Mattupetty lake near Munnar, Kerala, India. The country—which celebrates its independence day today—is the second largest producer and exporter of tea in the world, and also its largest consumer with a vibrant and diverse tea culture.
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