Day: May 15, 2026

Texas hospital agrees to end ‘sex-rejecting’ procedures on children and fund detransition clinic – #Catholic – Texas Children’s Hospital has reached a major settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton that will bring an end to sex-change procedures on minors at the facility and require the hospital to pay for the country’s first dedicated detransition clinic.The agreement, first announced by Paxton’s office May 15, resolves a years-long investigation of the hospital that began after whistleblower allegations surfaced claiming the hospital continued performing sex-change procedures on minors in secret even after state lawmakers made such procedures illegal.According to the Justice department , the Houston-based hospital has agreed to pay more than million in civil penalties and damages for allegedly falsely billing Medicaid and other insurers for these “pediatric sex-rejecting procedures.”The federal government alleges the hospital violated the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, the False Claims Act, and federal fraud and conspiracy laws.Under the terms of the settlement, Texas Children’s will no longer provide “gender-transition” interventions, including puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones, to minors, per Texas law. The hospital also agreed to establish a multidisciplinary detransition clinic to offer restorative medical care to patients who previously underwent such procedures.All services at the new clinic will be funded by Texas Children’s, the largest children’s hospital system in the country, and will be provided free of charge for the first five years. The settlement also requires the permanent termination and revocation of privileges for five physicians who performed these interventions.The hospital is permanently barred from rehiring or credentialing the doctors and must implement new compliance measures, including bylaw changes that will automatically revoke privileges for any physician who violates Texas law prohibiting such procedures on children.“Under my watch, I will investigate and bring the full force of the law against any Texas hospital that abuses children with harmful medical interventions to ‘transition’ kids,” Paxton said.Following the publication of a directive by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott that transgender procedures on minors that could be considered “child abuse” under existing state law, Texas Children’s announced in 2022 that it would cease “sex-change” therapies and procedures, citing concerns that these practices were potentially illegal.In 2023 Texas passed a law that explicitly banned puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and gender-transition surgeries for minors under 18.Nevertheless, at least three doctors associated with Texas Children’s — Richard Roberts, David Paul, and Kristy Rialon — continued to perform “sex-rejecting” procedures on children throughout 2022 and 2023, according to whistleblower evidence published by Christopher Rufo, a fellow at the Manhattan Institute. Rufo claimed that Rialon had been performing surgeries on minors ranging in age from 15 to as young as 1.Calling the settlement “historic,” Paxton said it “will ensure that the deranged child mutilators who hurt our kids are fired and held accountable.”According to Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, the DOJ “will use every weapon at its disposal to end the destructive and discredited practice of so-called ‘gender-affirming care’ for children.”The Department of Justice noted that Texas Children’s cooperated with the investigation and took proactive steps that contributed to the resolution. The claims resolved in the settlement remain allegations, with no determination of liability.“I am grateful that Texas Children’s wants to be part of the solution and no longer the problem,” said Brett Shumate, assistant attorney general for the Civil Division.
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Texas hospital agrees to end ‘sex-rejecting’ procedures on children and fund detransition clinic – #Catholic – Texas Children’s Hospital has reached a major settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton that will bring an end to sex-change procedures on minors at the facility and require the hospital to pay for the country’s first dedicated detransition clinic.The agreement, first announced by Paxton’s office May 15, resolves a years-long investigation of the hospital that began after whistleblower allegations surfaced claiming the hospital continued performing sex-change procedures on minors in secret even after state lawmakers made such procedures illegal.According to the Justice department , the Houston-based hospital has agreed to pay more than $10 million in civil penalties and damages for allegedly falsely billing Medicaid and other insurers for these “pediatric sex-rejecting procedures.”The federal government alleges the hospital violated the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, the False Claims Act, and federal fraud and conspiracy laws.Under the terms of the settlement, Texas Children’s will no longer provide “gender-transition” interventions, including puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones, to minors, per Texas law. The hospital also agreed to establish a multidisciplinary detransition clinic to offer restorative medical care to patients who previously underwent such procedures.All services at the new clinic will be funded by Texas Children’s, the largest children’s hospital system in the country, and will be provided free of charge for the first five years. The settlement also requires the permanent termination and revocation of privileges for five physicians who performed these interventions.The hospital is permanently barred from rehiring or credentialing the doctors and must implement new compliance measures, including bylaw changes that will automatically revoke privileges for any physician who violates Texas law prohibiting such procedures on children.“Under my watch, I will investigate and bring the full force of the law against any Texas hospital that abuses children with harmful medical interventions to ‘transition’ kids,” Paxton said.Following the publication of a directive by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott that transgender procedures on minors that could be considered “child abuse” under existing state law, Texas Children’s announced in 2022 that it would cease “sex-change” therapies and procedures, citing concerns that these practices were potentially illegal.In 2023 Texas passed a law that explicitly banned puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and gender-transition surgeries for minors under 18.Nevertheless, at least three doctors associated with Texas Children’s — Richard Roberts, David Paul, and Kristy Rialon — continued to perform “sex-rejecting” procedures on children throughout 2022 and 2023, according to whistleblower evidence published by Christopher Rufo, a fellow at the Manhattan Institute. Rufo claimed that Rialon had been performing surgeries on minors ranging in age from 15 to as young as 1.Calling the settlement “historic,” Paxton said it “will ensure that the deranged child mutilators who hurt our kids are fired and held accountable.”According to Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, the DOJ “will use every weapon at its disposal to end the destructive and discredited practice of so-called ‘gender-affirming care’ for children.”The Department of Justice noted that Texas Children’s cooperated with the investigation and took proactive steps that contributed to the resolution. The claims resolved in the settlement remain allegations, with no determination of liability.“I am grateful that Texas Children’s wants to be part of the solution and no longer the problem,” said Brett Shumate, assistant attorney general for the Civil Division.

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Doctors at Texas Children’s Hospital allegedly continued to perform procedures on children despite a Texas law prohibiting them, with Governor Greg Abbott calling such interventions “child abuse.”

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Leo XIV greets young people who fled war-torn Gaza and will continue their studies in Rome – #Catholic – A total of 72 young people from the Gaza Strip arrived in Rome this week to continue their academic studies at various universities across the city, an opportunity that opens up for them a hopeful path amidst the tragedy of war.Their arrival in the Italian capital was made possible thanks to an initiative promoted by the Diocese of Rome, together with the Sant’Egidio Community and Sapienza University.Four of the students were able to greet Pope Leo XIV on the morning of May 14, during his visit to La Sapienza public university, the largest in Europe and one of Italy’s most prestigious academic institutions. In his address to the students, the pontiff warned that “what is happening in Ukraine, in Gaza and the Palestinian territories, in Lebanon, and in Iran illustrates the inhumane evolution of the relationship between war and new technologies, in a spiral of annihilation.”At the conclusion of the event, the Holy Father took a moment to personally greet some of the students, among whom were Nada Jouda and Salem Abumustafa, who had recently arrived from the Gaza Strip.Accommodations and scholarships for the futureThe university has awarded scholarships to all Palestinian students admitted through the special program, which includes orientation services, healthcare, and psychological support.Furthermore, the Diocese of Rome has committed to providing free accommodations to all these young people, who will remain in Italy until March 2029, with the possibility of extending their stay for an additional year should they decide to complete their theses.For its part, the Sant’Egidio Community is offering the students courses in Italian language and culture as part of its program to facilitate humanitarian corridors, an initiative promoted by the community for a decade, thanks to which thousands of refugees have been able to reach Italy safely.Hope amidst the horrors of warNada, 19, shared her heartbreaking testimony with Vatican News. The war broke out two years ago, while she was in her final year of high school, and she has not returned to school since.Following her fatherʼs death in 2023, she was forced to flee multiple times under extreme conditions, alongside her mother, who had suffered from leukemia, and her two younger sisters.Despite leaving her family behind and her concern for her motherʼs health, Nada said with confidence that her stay in Rome will be an opportunity to improve her future and bear witness to the suffering endured by the people of Gaza.Instagram postSalem Abumustafa, 20, embarked on his journey to Rome, leaving behind a devastating reality. After his home was destroyed by bombs, his family was forced to live in a tent, without electricity, struggling to find food and water each day.As he told Vatican News, resuming his studies in Rome represents an opportunity to restore hope to his family: “I came here to have a better future and to make my family proud of me,” he said.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.
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Leo XIV greets young people who fled war-torn Gaza and will continue their studies in Rome – #Catholic – A total of 72 young people from the Gaza Strip arrived in Rome this week to continue their academic studies at various universities across the city, an opportunity that opens up for them a hopeful path amidst the tragedy of war.Their arrival in the Italian capital was made possible thanks to an initiative promoted by the Diocese of Rome, together with the Sant’Egidio Community and Sapienza University.Four of the students were able to greet Pope Leo XIV on the morning of May 14, during his visit to La Sapienza public university, the largest in Europe and one of Italy’s most prestigious academic institutions. In his address to the students, the pontiff warned that “what is happening in Ukraine, in Gaza and the Palestinian territories, in Lebanon, and in Iran illustrates the inhumane evolution of the relationship between war and new technologies, in a spiral of annihilation.”At the conclusion of the event, the Holy Father took a moment to personally greet some of the students, among whom were Nada Jouda and Salem Abumustafa, who had recently arrived from the Gaza Strip.Accommodations and scholarships for the futureThe university has awarded scholarships to all Palestinian students admitted through the special program, which includes orientation services, healthcare, and psychological support.Furthermore, the Diocese of Rome has committed to providing free accommodations to all these young people, who will remain in Italy until March 2029, with the possibility of extending their stay for an additional year should they decide to complete their theses.For its part, the Sant’Egidio Community is offering the students courses in Italian language and culture as part of its program to facilitate humanitarian corridors, an initiative promoted by the community for a decade, thanks to which thousands of refugees have been able to reach Italy safely.Hope amidst the horrors of warNada, 19, shared her heartbreaking testimony with Vatican News. The war broke out two years ago, while she was in her final year of high school, and she has not returned to school since.Following her fatherʼs death in 2023, she was forced to flee multiple times under extreme conditions, alongside her mother, who had suffered from leukemia, and her two younger sisters.Despite leaving her family behind and her concern for her motherʼs health, Nada said with confidence that her stay in Rome will be an opportunity to improve her future and bear witness to the suffering endured by the people of Gaza.Instagram postSalem Abumustafa, 20, embarked on his journey to Rome, leaving behind a devastating reality. After his home was destroyed by bombs, his family was forced to live in a tent, without electricity, struggling to find food and water each day.As he told Vatican News, resuming his studies in Rome represents an opportunity to restore hope to his family: “I came here to have a better future and to make my family proud of me,” he said.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.

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Through a special program sponsored by the Diocese of Rome, Sapienza University and the Sant’Egidio Community, 72 young people from Gaza will be able to continue studies cut short by the war.

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Cardinal Czerny on Cuba: Every decision must seek the ‘good of the people,’ not ‘geopolitical ends’ – #Catholic – Cardinal Michael Czerny, prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, called for political, economic, and international decisions regarding Cuba to be aimed at seeking the well-being of the countryʼs population.The cardinal made this appeal May 15 during the Mass for Peace and Social Development in Cuba, held at St. Ignatius of Loyola Church in Rome, an event organized by the Cuban Embassy to the Holy See.“Let us pray that the beloved land of Cuba may experience days of greater serenity, of authentic human and social development, of harmony, and of hope. Let us pray that every political, economic, and international decision be illuminated by wisdom, prudence, and a sincere pursuit of the well-being of the people,” Czerny said.This appeal comes amidst talks between the Cuban and U.S. governments and pressure from Washington for fundamental changes to take place on the island.In his homily, the cardinal noted that “any logic of permanent confrontation runs the risk of compounding the burden that already weighs upon ordinary people, especially the poorest, the elderly, the sick, and children.”Therefore, he called for humanitarian aid to arrive “in sufficient quantity and without obstacles, never being instrumentalized for political or geopolitical ends.”Czerny’s remarks follow an offer by the U.S. to send 0 million in humanitarian assistance to Cuba, to be distributed by the Catholic Church without the intermediation of the communist government.The proposed aid would follow two previous shipments, totaling million and million, earmarked for those affected by Hurricane Melissa and which are being distributed directly by Caritas Cuba.Other countries that have sent humanitarian aid include Mexico, Brazil, and Spain, although the extent of the Cuban governmentʼs involvement in the aid distribution is unknown.Placing the person at the centerIn his homily, the Vatican prefect noted that the social doctrine of the Church teaches that “authentic peace is founded on moral and spiritual pillars even before political or economic ones.”Czerny also recalled the apostolic visits of St. John Paul II in 1998 and Pope Francis in 2015, highlighting the Polish pope’s prophetic call for “the world to open itself to Cuba, and for Cuba to open itself to the world.”“It wasn’t a political slogan. It was a spiritual and human invitation to tear down walls of misunderstanding, to open up spaces of mutual trust, and to allow peoples to encounter one another without fear,” he noted.Regarding Francis' visit, the cardinal recalled the pontiffʼs invitation to “place the concrete individual at the center of social and political life,” because “service is ‘never ideological,’” but rather, stems from genuine care for one’s neighbor.Czerny affirmed that Jesus’s promise that “sadness will turn into joy” is not naive, for it is grounded in “the Christian certainty that God continues to act within human history, even when darkness and bewilderment prevail.”“The Holy Spirit continues to raise up men and women capable of building fraternity, reconciliation, and paths of peace,” Czerny said, inviting the faithful to ask the Virgin of Charity of El Cobre, the patroness of Cuba, to “accompany this nation’s journey with her maternal protection and safeguard all her children in peace.”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.
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Cardinal Czerny on Cuba: Every decision must seek the ‘good of the people,’ not ‘geopolitical ends’ – #Catholic – Cardinal Michael Czerny, prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, called for political, economic, and international decisions regarding Cuba to be aimed at seeking the well-being of the countryʼs population.The cardinal made this appeal May 15 during the Mass for Peace and Social Development in Cuba, held at St. Ignatius of Loyola Church in Rome, an event organized by the Cuban Embassy to the Holy See.“Let us pray that the beloved land of Cuba may experience days of greater serenity, of authentic human and social development, of harmony, and of hope. Let us pray that every political, economic, and international decision be illuminated by wisdom, prudence, and a sincere pursuit of the well-being of the people,” Czerny said.This appeal comes amidst talks between the Cuban and U.S. governments and pressure from Washington for fundamental changes to take place on the island.In his homily, the cardinal noted that “any logic of permanent confrontation runs the risk of compounding the burden that already weighs upon ordinary people, especially the poorest, the elderly, the sick, and children.”Therefore, he called for humanitarian aid to arrive “in sufficient quantity and without obstacles, never being instrumentalized for political or geopolitical ends.”Czerny’s remarks follow an offer by the U.S. to send $100 million in humanitarian assistance to Cuba, to be distributed by the Catholic Church without the intermediation of the communist government.The proposed aid would follow two previous shipments, totaling $3 million and $6 million, earmarked for those affected by Hurricane Melissa and which are being distributed directly by Caritas Cuba.Other countries that have sent humanitarian aid include Mexico, Brazil, and Spain, although the extent of the Cuban governmentʼs involvement in the aid distribution is unknown.Placing the person at the centerIn his homily, the Vatican prefect noted that the social doctrine of the Church teaches that “authentic peace is founded on moral and spiritual pillars even before political or economic ones.”Czerny also recalled the apostolic visits of St. John Paul II in 1998 and Pope Francis in 2015, highlighting the Polish pope’s prophetic call for “the world to open itself to Cuba, and for Cuba to open itself to the world.”“It wasn’t a political slogan. It was a spiritual and human invitation to tear down walls of misunderstanding, to open up spaces of mutual trust, and to allow peoples to encounter one another without fear,” he noted.Regarding Francis' visit, the cardinal recalled the pontiffʼs invitation to “place the concrete individual at the center of social and political life,” because “service is ‘never ideological,’” but rather, stems from genuine care for one’s neighbor.Czerny affirmed that Jesus’s promise that “sadness will turn into joy” is not naive, for it is grounded in “the Christian certainty that God continues to act within human history, even when darkness and bewilderment prevail.”“The Holy Spirit continues to raise up men and women capable of building fraternity, reconciliation, and paths of peace,” Czerny said, inviting the faithful to ask the Virgin of Charity of El Cobre, the patroness of Cuba, to “accompany this nation’s journey with her maternal protection and safeguard all her children in peace.”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.

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In his homily at a Mass that was part of an event organized by the Cuban Embassy to the Holy See, Cardinal Czerny said that any decisions and any aid to Cuba should be for the welfare of the people.

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Gospel and Word of the Day – 16 May 2026 – A reading from the Book of the Acts of the Apostles Acts 18:23-28 After staying in Antioch some time, Paul left and traveled in orderly sequence through the Galatian country and Phrygia, bringing strength to all the disciples. A Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, an eloquent speaker, arrived in Ephesus. He was an authority on the Scriptures. He had been instructed in the Way of the Lord and, with ardent spirit, spoke and taught accurately about Jesus, although he knew only the baptism of John. He began to speak boldly in the synagogue; but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the Way of God more accurately. And when he wanted to cross to Achaia, the brothers encouraged him and wrote to the disciples there to welcome him. After his arrival he gave great assistance to those who had come to believe through grace. He vigorously refuted the Jews in public, establishing from the Scriptures that the Christ is Jesus.From the Gospel according to John 16:23b-28 Jesus said to his disciples: “Amen, amen, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in my name he will give you. Until now you have not asked anything in my name; ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be complete. “I have told you this in figures of speech. The hour is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figures but I will tell you clearly about the Father. On that day you will ask in my name, and I do not tell you that I will ask the Father for you. For the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me and have come to believe that I came from God. I came from the Father and have come into the world. Now I am leaving the world and going back to the Father.”We can say that this passage of the Gospel of John is the declaration of ascent to the Father. The Father was always present in Jesus’s life , and Jesus spoke about Him. Jesus prayed to the Father. And many times, He spoke about the Father who cares for us, as He cares for the birds, the lilies of the field… the Father. And when the disciples asked to learn how to pray, Jesus taught them to pray to the Father: “Our Father” (Mt 6:9). He always addresses the Father. But in this passage it is very strong; it is also as if He opened the doors of the omnipotence of prayer. (…) This trust in the Father, trust in the Father who is capable of doing everything, This courage to pray, because it takes courage to pray! (…) Praying is going with Jesus to the Father who will give you everything. Courage in prayer, boldness in prayer. (Pope Francis, Homily Santa Marta, 10 May 2020)

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A reading from the Book of the Acts of the Apostles
Acts 18:23-28

After staying in Antioch some time,
Paul left and traveled in orderly sequence
through the Galatian country and Phrygia,
bringing strength to all the disciples.

A Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria,
an eloquent speaker, arrived in Ephesus.
He was an authority on the Scriptures.
He had been instructed in the Way of the Lord and,
with ardent spirit, spoke and taught accurately about Jesus,
although he knew only the baptism of John.
He began to speak boldly in the synagogue;
but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him,
they took him aside
and explained to him the Way of God more accurately.
And when he wanted to cross to Achaia,
the brothers encouraged him
and wrote to the disciples there to welcome him.
After his arrival he gave great assistance
to those who had come to believe through grace.
He vigorously refuted the Jews in public,
establishing from the Scriptures that the Christ is Jesus.

From the Gospel according to John
16:23b-28

Jesus said to his disciples:
“Amen, amen, I say to you,
whatever you ask the Father in my name he will give you.
Until now you have not asked anything in my name;
ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be complete.

“I have told you this in figures of speech.
The hour is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figures
but I will tell you clearly about the Father.
On that day you will ask in my name,
and I do not tell you that I will ask the Father for you.
For the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me
and have come to believe that I came from God.
I came from the Father and have come into the world.
Now I am leaving the world and going back to the Father.”

We can say that this passage of the Gospel of John is the declaration of ascent to the Father. The Father was always present in Jesus’s life , and Jesus spoke about Him. Jesus prayed to the Father. And many times, He spoke about the Father who cares for us, as He cares for the birds, the lilies of the field… the Father. And when the disciples asked to learn how to pray, Jesus taught them to pray to the Father: “Our Father” (Mt 6:9). He always addresses the Father. But in this passage it is very strong; it is also as if He opened the doors of the omnipotence of prayer. (…) This trust in the Father, trust in the Father who is capable of doing everything, This courage to pray, because it takes courage to pray! (…) Praying is going with Jesus to the Father who will give you everything. Courage in prayer, boldness in prayer. (Pope Francis, Homily Santa Marta, 10 May 2020)

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Modifying your DSLR for astrophotography

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There comes a point in many astrophotographers’ lives when we realize that our standard DSLR just isn’t going to cut it anymore, and there’s just one reason why. There’s a noticeable lack of red in astroimages, and the stock UV/IR filter over the sensor is the culprit. To better mimic the human eye, these filtersContinue reading “Modifying your DSLR for astrophotography”

The post Modifying your DSLR for astrophotography appeared first on Astronomy Magazine.

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Newman Guide schools honor Catholic leaders at 2026 commencements #Catholic Here are some of the distinguished individuals receiving honorary degrees at many of the Catholic institutions the Cardinal Newman Society recommends for their commitment to a faithful Catholic education. The Catholic University of AmericaThe Catholic University of America (CUA) will confer honorary degrees on three “notable individuals” at its May 16 commencement ceremony, including Lisa Brenninkmeyer, Dr. John Bruchalski, and Iqbal Z. Quadir.Brenninkmeyer is the founder and CEO of Walking with Purpose, a Catholic Bible study group for women and girls, while Bruchalski is the founder of Tepeyac OB-GYN and Quadir is a distinguished fellow at the CUA’s Busch School of Business “who has pioneered technology-based and for-profit entrepreneurship for the economic empowerment of low-income people,” according to a press release from the university.Monsignor James Patrick Shea, president of the University of Mary, will serve as commencement speaker.Thomas More College of Liberal ArtsThomas More College of Liberal Arts in New Hampshire will award former Wyoming Catholic College President Glenn Arbery, PhD, and his wife, Virginia, with honorary doctorates at its commencement ceremony May 16.“Thomas More College is glad to have old friends and teachers — Glenn and Virginia Arbery — returning,” Thomas More College President William Fahey said. “A community is healthy when it remembers and honors important moments and people of its history. The Arberys are well known and influential teachers and scholars at several institutions of higher learning, but our college was profoundly shaped and ennobled by their learning and generous hearts. We are glad to have them return for this most solemn and joyful of occasions.”University of MaryCatholic businessman and lawyer Timothy Busch received an honorary degree from the University of Mary in Bismarck, North Dakota, in addition to delivering the commencement address during the university’s April 25 commencement.The university also honored Dan Butler, chairman of the board of trustees at the University of Mary, as well as his wife, Heather Butler, who co-chaired the university’s 2030 Capital Campaign with U.S. Sen. Kevin Cramer, R-North Dakota, raising over 0 million for the university’s advancement, according to the university.Franciscan University of SteubenvilleBusch also served as commencement speaker for graduates of science and professional programs at Franciscan University in Steubenville, Ohio, and received an honorary doctorate in humane letters during its May 9 commencement.Busch’s NAPA Institute co-founder, Father Robert Spitzer, SJ, also delivered a commencement address for graduates from the arts, humanities, and social scientists at the university. Spitzer received an honorary doctorate in catechetics and evangelization.University of DallasIn addition to delivering the school’s commencement address, Cardinal Timothy Dolan, archbishop emeritus of New York, will receive an honorary degree of doctor of humane letters from the University of Dallas.“Cardinal Dolan is one of the Church’s most joyful and widely respected shepherds, and we are honored to welcome him to the University of Dallas,” said President Jonathan J. Sanford said in a press release. The university’s commencement ceremony will take place May 16.Benedictine CollegePeter Cancro, the founder and chairman of the popular sandwich chain Jersey Mike’s, will receive an honorary doctor of humane letters at Benedictine College’s May 16 commencement.Cancro, who is renowned for his charitable contributions to faith-based organizations, including a million gift to Ave Maria School of Law, will also deliver the commencement address.Ave Maria UniversityFlorida Gov. Ron DeSantis received an honorary degree from Ave Maria University during its May 9 commencement ceremony. “The faith does not depend on what is fashionable or who holds power. It is, in fact, the truth that ultimately will set you free,” DeSantis said during his speech, urging Ave Maria’s class of 2026 to put on “the full armor of God” as they go out into the world.Walsh UniversityEWTN “Real Life Catholic” host Chris Stefanick received an honorary doctorate of applied theology at Walsh University’s May 2 commencement ceremonies.“Your formation as men and women of character is the primary end of Catholic education,” Stefanik told graduates during his speech at the Ohio Catholic school. “The secondary end is the formation of useful citizens. Your greatest achievement will forever be marked not by what you do, but by what you do for others.” Walsh University also conferred an honorary doctorate of applied engineering upon Michael White, former principal director for hypersonics in the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering.
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Newman Guide schools honor Catholic leaders at 2026 commencements #Catholic Here are some of the distinguished individuals receiving honorary degrees at many of the Catholic institutions the Cardinal Newman Society recommends for their commitment to a faithful Catholic education. The Catholic University of AmericaThe Catholic University of America (CUA) will confer honorary degrees on three “notable individuals” at its May 16 commencement ceremony, including Lisa Brenninkmeyer, Dr. John Bruchalski, and Iqbal Z. Quadir.Brenninkmeyer is the founder and CEO of Walking with Purpose, a Catholic Bible study group for women and girls, while Bruchalski is the founder of Tepeyac OB-GYN and Quadir is a distinguished fellow at the CUA’s Busch School of Business “who has pioneered technology-based and for-profit entrepreneurship for the economic empowerment of low-income people,” according to a press release from the university.Monsignor James Patrick Shea, president of the University of Mary, will serve as commencement speaker.Thomas More College of Liberal ArtsThomas More College of Liberal Arts in New Hampshire will award former Wyoming Catholic College President Glenn Arbery, PhD, and his wife, Virginia, with honorary doctorates at its commencement ceremony May 16.“Thomas More College is glad to have old friends and teachers — Glenn and Virginia Arbery — returning,” Thomas More College President William Fahey said. “A community is healthy when it remembers and honors important moments and people of its history. The Arberys are well known and influential teachers and scholars at several institutions of higher learning, but our college was profoundly shaped and ennobled by their learning and generous hearts. We are glad to have them return for this most solemn and joyful of occasions.”University of MaryCatholic businessman and lawyer Timothy Busch received an honorary degree from the University of Mary in Bismarck, North Dakota, in addition to delivering the commencement address during the university’s April 25 commencement.The university also honored Dan Butler, chairman of the board of trustees at the University of Mary, as well as his wife, Heather Butler, who co-chaired the university’s 2030 Capital Campaign with U.S. Sen. Kevin Cramer, R-North Dakota, raising over $100 million for the university’s advancement, according to the university.Franciscan University of SteubenvilleBusch also served as commencement speaker for graduates of science and professional programs at Franciscan University in Steubenville, Ohio, and received an honorary doctorate in humane letters during its May 9 commencement.Busch’s NAPA Institute co-founder, Father Robert Spitzer, SJ, also delivered a commencement address for graduates from the arts, humanities, and social scientists at the university. Spitzer received an honorary doctorate in catechetics and evangelization.University of DallasIn addition to delivering the school’s commencement address, Cardinal Timothy Dolan, archbishop emeritus of New York, will receive an honorary degree of doctor of humane letters from the University of Dallas.“Cardinal Dolan is one of the Church’s most joyful and widely respected shepherds, and we are honored to welcome him to the University of Dallas,” said President Jonathan J. Sanford said in a press release. The university’s commencement ceremony will take place May 16.Benedictine CollegePeter Cancro, the founder and chairman of the popular sandwich chain Jersey Mike’s, will receive an honorary doctor of humane letters at Benedictine College’s May 16 commencement.Cancro, who is renowned for his charitable contributions to faith-based organizations, including a $5 million gift to Ave Maria School of Law, will also deliver the commencement address.Ave Maria UniversityFlorida Gov. Ron DeSantis received an honorary degree from Ave Maria University during its May 9 commencement ceremony. “The faith does not depend on what is fashionable or who holds power. It is, in fact, the truth that ultimately will set you free,” DeSantis said during his speech, urging Ave Maria’s class of 2026 to put on “the full armor of God” as they go out into the world.Walsh UniversityEWTN “Real Life Catholic” host Chris Stefanick received an honorary doctorate of applied theology at Walsh University’s May 2 commencement ceremonies.“Your formation as men and women of character is the primary end of Catholic education,” Stefanik told graduates during his speech at the Ohio Catholic school. “The secondary end is the formation of useful citizens. Your greatest achievement will forever be marked not by what you do, but by what you do for others.” Walsh University also conferred an honorary doctorate of applied engineering upon Michael White, former principal director for hypersonics in the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering.

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With graduation season underway, here is a roundup of individuals who will receive honorary degrees from Catholic colleges at commencement ceremonies across the country.

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SSPX responds to Vatican warning about excommunication with ‘declaration of Catholic faith’ #Catholic The traditionalist Society of St. Pius X (SSPX) addressed Pope Leo XIV this week with a statement of faith it called “the minimum necessary to be in communion with the Church.”In an introduction to the “Declaration of Catholic Faith” — published May 14 on the society’s website — the SSPX said that for more than 50 years it has raised the issue of what it believes are “errors that are destroying Catholic faith and morals” but that the group has never received “any truly satisfactory response” from the Holy See.The statement, signed by SSPX superior general Father Davide Pagliarani, said it "places this simple Declaration of Faith” into the hands of Pope Leo: “It seems to us to correspond to the minimum necessary to be in communion with the Church, to call ourselves truly Catholic and, consequently, Your children.”The Vatican’s prefect for the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith (DDF), Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, issued a brief statement on May 13, warning that if the SSPX carried out the “schismatic act” of consecrating new bishops without papal mandate — as the group has announced it plans to do on July 1 — it will result in excommunications as established by canon law.Fernández also said Pope Leo XIV is praying that the leaders of the SSPX “may reconsider the very grave decision they have made.”In the society’s declaration following Fernández’s statement, it reiterates the teachings of the Catholic faith about the existence of only one faith and one Church, and that Jesus Christ is the one mediator between God and men.The declaration appears to reject a document issued by the DDF last year stating that “Co-Redemptrix” is not an appropriate way to describe the Virgin Mary’s participation in salvation because “it carries the risk of eclipsing the exclusive role of Jesus Christ.”The SSPX said, “By divine decree, the Most Holy Virgin Mary has been directly and intimately associated with the entire work of Redemption; to deny this association — in the terms received from Tradition — is therefore to alter the very notion of Redemption as willed by divine Providence.”The “declaration of Catholic faith” also appears to make oblique references to some of the theological questions contested by the SSPX, which are mostly tied to the interpretation of post–Second Vatican Council teaching, including God’s will regarding the plurality of religions; and the differing levels of assent required by various Vatican II texts and their interpretation.For example, the society’s statement says the necessity to be a part of the Catholic Church to save one’s soul “concerns the whole of humanity without exception and embraces without distinction Christians, Jews, Muslims, pagans, and atheists” and that the mandate “to convert every man to the Catholic Faith, remains binding until the end of time and responds to the most absolute and most pressing necessity in the world.”The declaration also says a couple living a “lifestyle” that includes “sins of impurity” should be helped to free themselves from sin and that the couple “can in no way be blessed — formally or informally — by ministers of the Church” — an apparent reference to Pope Francis’ 2023 declaration Fiducia Supplicans, which allows priests to offer private, nonliturgical blessings to same-sex couples.
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SSPX responds to Vatican warning about excommunication with ‘declaration of Catholic faith’ #Catholic The traditionalist Society of St. Pius X (SSPX) addressed Pope Leo XIV this week with a statement of faith it called “the minimum necessary to be in communion with the Church.”In an introduction to the “Declaration of Catholic Faith” — published May 14 on the society’s website — the SSPX said that for more than 50 years it has raised the issue of what it believes are “errors that are destroying Catholic faith and morals” but that the group has never received “any truly satisfactory response” from the Holy See.The statement, signed by SSPX superior general Father Davide Pagliarani, said it "places this simple Declaration of Faith” into the hands of Pope Leo: “It seems to us to correspond to the minimum necessary to be in communion with the Church, to call ourselves truly Catholic and, consequently, Your children.”The Vatican’s prefect for the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith (DDF), Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, issued a brief statement on May 13, warning that if the SSPX carried out the “schismatic act” of consecrating new bishops without papal mandate — as the group has announced it plans to do on July 1 — it will result in excommunications as established by canon law.Fernández also said Pope Leo XIV is praying that the leaders of the SSPX “may reconsider the very grave decision they have made.”In the society’s declaration following Fernández’s statement, it reiterates the teachings of the Catholic faith about the existence of only one faith and one Church, and that Jesus Christ is the one mediator between God and men.The declaration appears to reject a document issued by the DDF last year stating that “Co-Redemptrix” is not an appropriate way to describe the Virgin Mary’s participation in salvation because “it carries the risk of eclipsing the exclusive role of Jesus Christ.”The SSPX said, “By divine decree, the Most Holy Virgin Mary has been directly and intimately associated with the entire work of Redemption; to deny this association — in the terms received from Tradition — is therefore to alter the very notion of Redemption as willed by divine Providence.”The “declaration of Catholic faith” also appears to make oblique references to some of the theological questions contested by the SSPX, which are mostly tied to the interpretation of post–Second Vatican Council teaching, including God’s will regarding the plurality of religions; and the differing levels of assent required by various Vatican II texts and their interpretation.For example, the society’s statement says the necessity to be a part of the Catholic Church to save one’s soul “concerns the whole of humanity without exception and embraces without distinction Christians, Jews, Muslims, pagans, and atheists” and that the mandate “to convert every man to the Catholic Faith, remains binding until the end of time and responds to the most absolute and most pressing necessity in the world.”The declaration also says a couple living a “lifestyle” that includes “sins of impurity” should be helped to free themselves from sin and that the couple “can in no way be blessed — formally or informally — by ministers of the Church” — an apparent reference to Pope Francis’ 2023 declaration Fiducia Supplicans, which allows priests to offer private, nonliturgical blessings to same-sex couples.

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The Vatican said on May 13 that the Society of St. Pius X’s plan to consecrate new bishops without papal mandate will be a schismatic act resulting in excommunication.

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Fresh Food Delivery for Space Station – You’re allowed to play with your food when you’re on the International Space Station! To celebrate a delivery of fresh food, NASA astronauts Jack Hathaway (bottom left), Jessica Meir (middle left), and Chris Williams (bottom right), and ESA (European Space Agency) astronaut Sophie Adenot (top right) pose for a group photo.

unitedyam

You’re allowed to play with your food when you’re on the International Space Station! To celebrate a delivery of fresh food, NASA astronauts Jack Hathaway (bottom left), Jessica Meir (middle left), and Chris Williams (bottom right), and ESA (European Space Agency) astronaut Sophie Adenot (top right) pose for a group photo.

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