Day: June 24, 2026

Philippine court dismisses case against bishop involved in mining dispute #Catholic A court in the northern Philippines has dismissed a forcible entry case against a Catholic bishop, a priest, and several community leaders involved in a dispute over a mining exploration project in Nueva Vizcaya province.Bishop Jose Elmer Mangalinao of Bayombong welcomed the June 24 ruling, which dismissed a complaint linked to barricades established by residents in Kasibu town against exploration activities by North Luzon Mineral Resources Corporation (NLMRC).“This outcome is not only a legal victory. It is a victory for truth, justice, and the collective efforts of communities who courageously stand to protect our land, water, and future generations,” Mangalinao said in a statement.The complaint named Mangalinao, Father Christian Dumangeng, and several community leaders allegedly involved in maintaining the barricades. The case drew national attention after a Catholic bishop and priest were included among the defendants.The dispute stems from opposition to a 4,456-hectare (11,011 acres) mining exploration project being undertaken by NLMRC in several villages in Kasibu, a municipality in Nueva Vizcaya, a mountainous province on the island of Luzon north of Manila.Residents, church groups, and some Indigenous leaders have raised concerns about the project’s potential effects on watersheds, local livelihoods, and nearby communities.Residents established barricades in May to block the movement of fuel, equipment, and mineral samples linked to NLMRC’s exploration activities, according to community groups.The complaint was filed by Rosario Camma, who identified himself as the overall chieftain of the Bugkalot-Ilongot Indigenous Cultural Communities. Some members of the Bugkalot-Ilongot Indigenous communities have joined opposition to the project, citing concerns about its possible effects on their communities and surrounding resources.In a nine-page decision obtained by EWTN News, the local court said the plaintiff failed to establish a clear legal right warranting injunctive relief and ruled that it lacked jurisdiction over the action. The court found that the relief sought was more consistent with an injunction case than a forcible entry action.The decision also cited a certification from the Philippine government’s Indigenous affairs agency stating that the exploration permit area falls outside officially recognized ancestral domain lands. Opponents of the project, however, have argued that the controversy extends beyond ancestral domain claims and includes concerns over environmental impacts and consultation requirements.The court further held that the complaint sought to stop activities related to the barricades rather than recover possession of property, a key element in forcible entry cases.Mangalinao has defended his involvement in the issue, saying his presence at the barricades was part of his pastoral responsibility. Earlier this week, he said he visited the communities to celebrate Mass and accompany residents concerned about the future of their land and water sources.“I went as their bishop to offer the Holy Mass, to pray with them, and to remind them that their concern for the land, the water, and their children’s future is one the Church shares and blesses,” he said.In his homily on June 21, the prelate said the dispute is an issue of environmental stewardship and concern for communities affected by development projects.“I could have chosen not to speak up, but if I do not speak up, my sin would be great before God,” he said.The bishop said the ruling would strengthen continuing efforts to defend the environment and communities affected by extractive projects.“Let this moment remind us that defending our watersheds, our environment, and our people’s livelihood is not a crime: it is a shared moral responsibility,” he said.“We believe, as the Church has always taught, that the earth is not ours to exhaust but ours to steward,” he added.
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Philippine court dismisses case against bishop involved in mining dispute #Catholic A court in the northern Philippines has dismissed a forcible entry case against a Catholic bishop, a priest, and several community leaders involved in a dispute over a mining exploration project in Nueva Vizcaya province.Bishop Jose Elmer Mangalinao of Bayombong welcomed the June 24 ruling, which dismissed a complaint linked to barricades established by residents in Kasibu town against exploration activities by North Luzon Mineral Resources Corporation (NLMRC).“This outcome is not only a legal victory. It is a victory for truth, justice, and the collective efforts of communities who courageously stand to protect our land, water, and future generations,” Mangalinao said in a statement.The complaint named Mangalinao, Father Christian Dumangeng, and several community leaders allegedly involved in maintaining the barricades. The case drew national attention after a Catholic bishop and priest were included among the defendants.The dispute stems from opposition to a 4,456-hectare (11,011 acres) mining exploration project being undertaken by NLMRC in several villages in Kasibu, a municipality in Nueva Vizcaya, a mountainous province on the island of Luzon north of Manila.Residents, church groups, and some Indigenous leaders have raised concerns about the project’s potential effects on watersheds, local livelihoods, and nearby communities.Residents established barricades in May to block the movement of fuel, equipment, and mineral samples linked to NLMRC’s exploration activities, according to community groups.The complaint was filed by Rosario Camma, who identified himself as the overall chieftain of the Bugkalot-Ilongot Indigenous Cultural Communities. Some members of the Bugkalot-Ilongot Indigenous communities have joined opposition to the project, citing concerns about its possible effects on their communities and surrounding resources.In a nine-page decision obtained by EWTN News, the local court said the plaintiff failed to establish a clear legal right warranting injunctive relief and ruled that it lacked jurisdiction over the action. The court found that the relief sought was more consistent with an injunction case than a forcible entry action.The decision also cited a certification from the Philippine government’s Indigenous affairs agency stating that the exploration permit area falls outside officially recognized ancestral domain lands. Opponents of the project, however, have argued that the controversy extends beyond ancestral domain claims and includes concerns over environmental impacts and consultation requirements.The court further held that the complaint sought to stop activities related to the barricades rather than recover possession of property, a key element in forcible entry cases.Mangalinao has defended his involvement in the issue, saying his presence at the barricades was part of his pastoral responsibility. Earlier this week, he said he visited the communities to celebrate Mass and accompany residents concerned about the future of their land and water sources.“I went as their bishop to offer the Holy Mass, to pray with them, and to remind them that their concern for the land, the water, and their children’s future is one the Church shares and blesses,” he said.In his homily on June 21, the prelate said the dispute is an issue of environmental stewardship and concern for communities affected by development projects.“I could have chosen not to speak up, but if I do not speak up, my sin would be great before God,” he said.The bishop said the ruling would strengthen continuing efforts to defend the environment and communities affected by extractive projects.“Let this moment remind us that defending our watersheds, our environment, and our people’s livelihood is not a crime: it is a shared moral responsibility,” he said.“We believe, as the Church has always taught, that the earth is not ours to exhaust but ours to steward,” he added.

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Bishop Jose Elmer Mangalinao of Bayombong welcomed the June 24 ruling, which dismissed a complaint against him, another priest, and community leaders related to a mining exploration project.

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Padre Pio statue appears to weep blood in Italian parish – #Catholic – Santa Maria delle Grazie (Our Lady of Grace) parish in the small Italian town of Casalba has found itself in the media spotlight after a statue of St. Padre Pio appeared to show a tear of blood trickling down its face.The discovery was made in April, when a parishioner noticed an unusual detail on the face of the saint from Pietrelcina: A reddish tear, resembling blood, appeared to be falling from its left eye.The news quickly reached the parish priest, Father Girolamo Capuano, who went to the church to verify what had happened and attempt, without success, to clean off the stain. The statue of Padre Pio, which has stood at the entrance of this Italian church for two decades, has been removed for examination in order to determine the origin of the phenomenon.Speaking to Mediaset Italia’s program Mattino Cinque, Capuano urged prudence and emphasized that bringing the matter to public attention to clarify the facts “does not stem from any desire for popularity.”Furthermore, he insisted that such “signs” are “given to all so that they may be shared with prudence, love, and discernment,” while also stating that they should be made known “because many people begin a journey of faith” through them.The Italian priest, who verified via security cameras that no one had tampered with the statue, reiterated that in his view, it is “an authentic sign that comes from God,” although he asked people to wait for the necessary verification.“What convinces me the most is that we have a camera monitoring the statue day and night for more than 10 years. I have personally reviewed all the footage from April 1st to the 30th. The tear appeared on the 18th, or at least that was when we saw it. No one approached the statue, either by day or by night, to do anything to it. That reinforces my personal conviction and my faith in Padre Pio,” he said.The priest noted several striking elements: “The statue is made of fiberglass, and the reddish color of the tear raises questions. Furthermore, the path of the tear is so perfect that not even a painter like Michelangelo could reproduce something like it.”Regardless of the investigationʼs findings, which must determine whether the stain contains hemoglobin or another substance, Capuano insists that “they cannot take our faith away from us.”In 2015, a reported case of an image of the Virgin Mary weeping circulated in the same town, although investigations concluded that the phenomenon was caused by rainwater seepage.In accordance with the Vatican’s Norms for Proceeding in the Discernment of Alleged Supernatural Phenomena, the bishop of the Diocese of Capua, Pietro Lagnese, will lead the preliminary investigation before submitting the findings to the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith (DDF).According to these norms, published by the Vatican in 2024, it is up to diocesan bishop to examine cases in dialogue with his corresponding bishops’ conference and under the supervision of the DDF.Once the facts have been investigated, the bishop must send the results to the dicastery, which analyzes both the material received and the procedure followed by the prelate. Until the DDF issues a definitive judgment, the bishop “will refrain from any public declaration regarding the authenticity or supernaturality of these phenomena.” 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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Padre Pio statue appears to weep blood in Italian parish – #Catholic – Santa Maria delle Grazie (Our Lady of Grace) parish in the small Italian town of Casalba has found itself in the media spotlight after a statue of St. Padre Pio appeared to show a tear of blood trickling down its face.The discovery was made in April, when a parishioner noticed an unusual detail on the face of the saint from Pietrelcina: A reddish tear, resembling blood, appeared to be falling from its left eye.The news quickly reached the parish priest, Father Girolamo Capuano, who went to the church to verify what had happened and attempt, without success, to clean off the stain. The statue of Padre Pio, which has stood at the entrance of this Italian church for two decades, has been removed for examination in order to determine the origin of the phenomenon.Speaking to Mediaset Italia’s program Mattino Cinque, Capuano urged prudence and emphasized that bringing the matter to public attention to clarify the facts “does not stem from any desire for popularity.”Furthermore, he insisted that such “signs” are “given to all so that they may be shared with prudence, love, and discernment,” while also stating that they should be made known “because many people begin a journey of faith” through them.The Italian priest, who verified via security cameras that no one had tampered with the statue, reiterated that in his view, it is “an authentic sign that comes from God,” although he asked people to wait for the necessary verification.“What convinces me the most is that we have a camera monitoring the statue day and night for more than 10 years. I have personally reviewed all the footage from April 1st to the 30th. The tear appeared on the 18th, or at least that was when we saw it. No one approached the statue, either by day or by night, to do anything to it. That reinforces my personal conviction and my faith in Padre Pio,” he said.The priest noted several striking elements: “The statue is made of fiberglass, and the reddish color of the tear raises questions. Furthermore, the path of the tear is so perfect that not even a painter like Michelangelo could reproduce something like it.”Regardless of the investigationʼs findings, which must determine whether the stain contains hemoglobin or another substance, Capuano insists that “they cannot take our faith away from us.”In 2015, a reported case of an image of the Virgin Mary weeping circulated in the same town, although investigations concluded that the phenomenon was caused by rainwater seepage.In accordance with the Vatican’s Norms for Proceeding in the Discernment of Alleged Supernatural Phenomena, the bishop of the Diocese of Capua, Pietro Lagnese, will lead the preliminary investigation before submitting the findings to the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith (DDF).According to these norms, published by the Vatican in 2024, it is up to diocesan bishop to examine cases in dialogue with his corresponding bishops’ conference and under the supervision of the DDF.Once the facts have been investigated, the bishop must send the results to the dicastery, which analyzes both the material received and the procedure followed by the prelate. Until the DDF issues a definitive judgment, the bishop “will refrain from any public declaration regarding the authenticity or supernaturality of these phenomena.” 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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A statue of Padre Pio in Italy has allegedly shed a tear of blood. The parish priest believes the phenomenon to be real, but the Church must investigate and verify.

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Bishop Baldacchino to climb Mount Cristo Rey as the government moves to seize diocesan land – #Catholic – Bishop Peter Baldacchino of Las Cruces, New Mexico, will climb Mount Cristo Rey and celebrate Mass at the mountain’s peak as the government moves to seize the diocesan land for border fencing.The Diocese of Las Cruces “is currently the subject of an application by the United States government to exercise eminent domain over diocesan land situated on Mount Cristo Rey,” Baldacchino wrote in a letter.Mount Cristo Rey is a prominent mountain in Sunland Park, New Mexico, overlooking the Texas and Mexico borders. The mountain is home to a 29-foot-tall statue of Christ and a shrine.“At this site, Christ the King, with open arms, rises above two countries,” Baldacchino said. “Since the sites’ founding nearly a century ago, many have come together in devotion and journeyed to the top of this mountain seeking Him and offering prayers of thanksgiving and hope.”As the dispute remains ongoing, Baldacchino and Bishop Mark Seitz of El Paso are inviting the faithful “to join in prayer and pilgrimage” by climbing the mountain and celebrating Mass on June 28. Bishop Peter Baldacchino celebrates Mass on Holy Thursday after lifting the diocesan ban on public Masses when the coronavirus pandemic took hold of the U.S. in 2020. | Credit: Photo courtesy of David McNamara/Diocese of Las Cruces “Our government is within its rights to secure its border, however, our Diocese is defending itself against the means by which the government now seeks to do so,” Baldacchino said.The government is trying to seize the diocesan property “to construct, install, operate, and maintain…structures designed to help secure the United States/Mexico border within the state of New Mexico,” according to a civil action filed by the federal government in U.S. District Court for the District of New Mexico.The Diocese of Las Cruces had asked a district court to block the deposit of the funds while it fights the governmentʼs attempts, but on June 15, U.S. District Judge Kenneth Gonzales ruled the government could deposit the 3,071 to “allow for the safekeeping of funds pending resolution” of the dispute. This is not a matter of politics, but a matter of preserving and defending a sanctuary and devotion which has brought many people in our community to God.” Peter BaldacchinoBishop of Las Cruces, New Mexico “This is not a matter of politics, but a matter of preserving and defending a sanctuary and devotion which has brought many people in our community to God,” he said. “The spiritual value of this site cannot be compromised by politics or financial gain.”“I look forward to being with you all on June 28, 2026, as we pray for the Dioceses of Las Cruces and El Paso, and for our government and its leaders,” Baldacchino wrote.
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Bishop Baldacchino to climb Mount Cristo Rey as the government moves to seize diocesan land – #Catholic – Bishop Peter Baldacchino of Las Cruces, New Mexico, will climb Mount Cristo Rey and celebrate Mass at the mountain’s peak as the government moves to seize the diocesan land for border fencing.The Diocese of Las Cruces “is currently the subject of an application by the United States government to exercise eminent domain over diocesan land situated on Mount Cristo Rey,” Baldacchino wrote in a letter.Mount Cristo Rey is a prominent mountain in Sunland Park, New Mexico, overlooking the Texas and Mexico borders. The mountain is home to a 29-foot-tall statue of Christ and a shrine.“At this site, Christ the King, with open arms, rises above two countries,” Baldacchino said. “Since the sites’ founding nearly a century ago, many have come together in devotion and journeyed to the top of this mountain seeking Him and offering prayers of thanksgiving and hope.”As the dispute remains ongoing, Baldacchino and Bishop Mark Seitz of El Paso are inviting the faithful “to join in prayer and pilgrimage” by climbing the mountain and celebrating Mass on June 28. Bishop Peter Baldacchino celebrates Mass on Holy Thursday after lifting the diocesan ban on public Masses when the coronavirus pandemic took hold of the U.S. in 2020. | Credit: Photo courtesy of David McNamara/Diocese of Las Cruces “Our government is within its rights to secure its border, however, our Diocese is defending itself against the means by which the government now seeks to do so,” Baldacchino said.The government is trying to seize the diocesan property “to construct, install, operate, and maintain…structures designed to help secure the United States/Mexico border within the state of New Mexico,” according to a civil action filed by the federal government in U.S. District Court for the District of New Mexico.The Diocese of Las Cruces had asked a district court to block the deposit of the funds while it fights the governmentʼs attempts, but on June 15, U.S. District Judge Kenneth Gonzales ruled the government could deposit the $183,071 to “allow for the safekeeping of funds pending resolution” of the dispute. This is not a matter of politics, but a matter of preserving and defending a sanctuary and devotion which has brought many people in our community to God.” Peter BaldacchinoBishop of Las Cruces, New Mexico “This is not a matter of politics, but a matter of preserving and defending a sanctuary and devotion which has brought many people in our community to God,” he said. “The spiritual value of this site cannot be compromised by politics or financial gain.”“I look forward to being with you all on June 28, 2026, as we pray for the Dioceses of Las Cruces and El Paso, and for our government and its leaders,” Baldacchino wrote.

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The federal government is seeking to seize land from the Las Cruces Diocese for 1.5 miles of border wall, a move the diocese says would desecrate a sacred site and impede religious practice.

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Eucharist transforms believers into Christ’s body and counters division, pope says #Catholic – VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Participation in the Eucharist transforms believers into the Body of Christ and offers a remedy to the divisions affecting families and communities, Pope Leo XIV said during his weekly general audience June 24. In his final general audience until Aug. 5, Pope Leo also encouraged young people to use the downtime of summer vacation to attend Mass, go to confession frequently, reflect on Scripture, go on spiritual retreats and pilgrimages and spend time with loved ones. “Vacation is a time for rest and to seek signs of God in the beauty of creation,” he said in his remarks to Polish-speaking visitors. He also asked people to pray for students so that they may “choose wisely” the schools and universities they will attend and “discern with prudence their vocation.” Continuing his series on the documents of the Second Vatican Council, the pope focused on “Sacrosanctum Concilium,” the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, explaining how the Eucharist draws the faithful into deeper communion with God and one another. Receiving Christ in the Eucharist transforms believers into the Body of Christ, whose head is the risen Lord seated at the right hand of the Father, the pope said. “Thus, the Eucharist is the sacrament of the Kingdom that is to come,” Pope Leo said. Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter. The Eucharist teaches Catholics to adopt Christ’s way of self-giving love and to be “drawn day by day into ever more perfect union with God and with each other,” he said. “This gift draws us into the dynamic of unity, offering a powerful antidote to the forces of division that undermine our world, our communities, our families, and our hearts,” he said. The Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy teaches that the faithful are called to “offer themselves in union with Jesus Christ” to the Father “through the hands of the priest and together with him,” the pope said. Participation in the Eucharist also means being formed by God’s word and “nourished at the table of the Lord’s body.” The Eucharist cannot be separated from the Word of God, the pope said, noting that the liturgy and the Eucharist form “one single act of worship.” Quoting Pope Benedict XVI, he said Scripture illuminates and explains the mystery of the Eucharist, while the Eucharist opens believers to a deeper understanding of Scripture. “This Word nourishes and sustains us together with the Eucharistic bread and leads us from the decay of sin to new life in Christ,” Pope Leo said. Referring to the Second Vatican Council’s focus on giving Catholics greater access to Scripture, the pope pointed to the Lectionary — the book containing the biblical readings proclaimed at Mass — as a result of the council’s liturgical reform. The expanded collection of readings used in the Church’s liturgies today, he said, reflects the richness of the Church’s living tradition, combining “fidelity to tradition with openness to legitimate progress.” “Dear brothers and sisters, let us draw with faith from this source of divine life and allow ourselves to be transformed by the mystery we celebrate,” he said.  
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Eucharist transforms believers into Christ’s body and counters division, pope says #Catholic – VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Participation in the Eucharist transforms believers into the Body of Christ and offers a remedy to the divisions affecting families and communities, Pope Leo XIV said during his weekly general audience June 24. In his final general audience until Aug. 5, Pope Leo also encouraged young people to use the downtime of summer vacation to attend Mass, go to confession frequently, reflect on Scripture, go on spiritual retreats and pilgrimages and spend time with loved ones. “Vacation is a time for rest and to seek signs of God in the beauty of creation,” he said in his remarks to Polish-speaking visitors. He also asked people to pray for students so that they may “choose wisely” the schools and universities they will attend and “discern with prudence their vocation.” Continuing his series on the documents of the Second Vatican Council, the pope focused on “Sacrosanctum Concilium,” the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, explaining how the Eucharist draws the faithful into deeper communion with God and one another. Receiving Christ in the Eucharist transforms believers into the Body of Christ, whose head is the risen Lord seated at the right hand of the Father, the pope said. “Thus, the Eucharist is the sacrament of the Kingdom that is to come,” Pope Leo said. Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter. The Eucharist teaches Catholics to adopt Christ’s way of self-giving love and to be “drawn day by day into ever more perfect union with God and with each other,” he said. “This gift draws us into the dynamic of unity, offering a powerful antidote to the forces of division that undermine our world, our communities, our families, and our hearts,” he said. The Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy teaches that the faithful are called to “offer themselves in union with Jesus Christ” to the Father “through the hands of the priest and together with him,” the pope said. Participation in the Eucharist also means being formed by God’s word and “nourished at the table of the Lord’s body.” The Eucharist cannot be separated from the Word of God, the pope said, noting that the liturgy and the Eucharist form “one single act of worship.” Quoting Pope Benedict XVI, he said Scripture illuminates and explains the mystery of the Eucharist, while the Eucharist opens believers to a deeper understanding of Scripture. “This Word nourishes and sustains us together with the Eucharistic bread and leads us from the decay of sin to new life in Christ,” Pope Leo said. Referring to the Second Vatican Council’s focus on giving Catholics greater access to Scripture, the pope pointed to the Lectionary — the book containing the biblical readings proclaimed at Mass — as a result of the council’s liturgical reform. The expanded collection of readings used in the Church’s liturgies today, he said, reflects the richness of the Church’s living tradition, combining “fidelity to tradition with openness to legitimate progress.” “Dear brothers and sisters, let us draw with faith from this source of divine life and allow ourselves to be transformed by the mystery we celebrate,” he said.  

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Eucharist transforms believers into Christ’s body and counters division, pope says #Catholic –

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Participation in the Eucharist transforms believers into the Body of Christ and offers a remedy to the divisions affecting families and communities, Pope Leo XIV said during his weekly general audience June 24.

In his final general audience until Aug. 5, Pope Leo also encouraged young people to use the downtime of summer vacation to attend Mass, go to confession frequently, reflect on Scripture, go on spiritual retreats and pilgrimages and spend time with loved ones.

“Vacation is a time for rest and to seek signs of God in the beauty of creation,” he said in his remarks to Polish-speaking visitors. He also asked people to pray for students so that they may “choose wisely” the schools and universities they will attend and “discern with prudence their vocation.”

Continuing his series on the documents of the Second Vatican Council, the pope focused on “Sacrosanctum Concilium,” the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, explaining how the Eucharist draws the faithful into deeper communion with God and one another.

Receiving Christ in the Eucharist transforms believers into the Body of Christ, whose head is the risen Lord seated at the right hand of the Father, the pope said.

“Thus, the Eucharist is the sacrament of the Kingdom that is to come,” Pope Leo said.

Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.

The Eucharist teaches Catholics to adopt Christ’s way of self-giving love and to be “drawn day by day into ever more perfect union with God and with each other,” he said.

“This gift draws us into the dynamic of unity, offering a powerful antidote to the forces of division that undermine our world, our communities, our families, and our hearts,” he said.

The Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy teaches that the faithful are called to “offer themselves in union with Jesus Christ” to the Father “through the hands of the priest and together with him,” the pope said. Participation in the Eucharist also means being formed by God’s word and “nourished at the table of the Lord’s body.”

The Eucharist cannot be separated from the Word of God, the pope said, noting that the liturgy and the Eucharist form “one single act of worship.” Quoting Pope Benedict XVI, he said Scripture illuminates and explains the mystery of the Eucharist, while the Eucharist opens believers to a deeper understanding of Scripture.

“This Word nourishes and sustains us together with the Eucharistic bread and leads us from the decay of sin to new life in Christ,” Pope Leo said.

Referring to the Second Vatican Council’s focus on giving Catholics greater access to Scripture, the pope pointed to the Lectionary — the book containing the biblical readings proclaimed at Mass — as a result of the council’s liturgical reform. The expanded collection of readings used in the Church’s liturgies today, he said, reflects the richness of the Church’s living tradition, combining “fidelity to tradition with openness to legitimate progress.”

“Dear brothers and sisters, let us draw with faith from this source of divine life and allow ourselves to be transformed by the mystery we celebrate,” he said.

 

– VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Participation in the Eucharist transforms believers into the Body of Christ and offers a remedy to the divisions affecting families and communities, Pope Leo XIV said during his weekly general audience June 24. In his final general audience until Aug. 5, Pope Leo also encouraged young people to use the downtime of summer vacation to attend Mass, go to confession frequently, reflect on Scripture, go on spiritual retreats and pilgrimages and spend time with loved ones. “Vacation is a time for rest and to seek signs of God in the beauty of creation,” he said in

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USCCB and pro-life leaders: Abortion pills remain key post-Dobbs challenge #Catholic – WASHINGTON (OSV News) — On the fourth anniversary of the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision by the U.S. Supreme Court, the U.S. Catholic bishops’ conference and pro-life leaders pointed to abortion pills as among key challenges for the cause of protecting the right to life of unborn children. The Supreme Court issued the Dobbs ruling June 24, 2022, in a case involving a Mississippi law banning abortion after 15 weeks, where the state directly challenged the high court’s previous abortion-related precedents in Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey. The high court ultimately overturned its own prior rulings, undoing nearly a half-century of its own precedent that held abortion to be a constitutional right. In the years since that ruling, efforts to restrict or protect access to abortion have stalled in Congress. As a candidate in 2024, President Donald Trump stated his view that abortion should be a matter for the states rather than Congress, and said he would veto abortion restrictions if they reached his desk. Individual states have moved to either restrict abortion or expand access to it in the wake of the Dobbs ruling. However, multiple reports have found that the rate of abortions in the U.S. has increased since the Supreme Court’s reversal of Roe. According to an estimate from Guttmacher Institute, a research firm for the abortion industry, 1.12 million abortions took place in 2025, marking a 21% increase from 2020, which Guttmacher said marked “the last year of comprehensive national estimates” before Dobbs. Guttmacher found the figures were largely unchanged from 2024. It also noted that the abortion numbers overall may be an undercount due to people acquiring abortion pills in advance or obtaining them by means other than U.S. abortion clinic providers. Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter. In a statement marking the Dobbs anniversary, Bishop Daniel E. Thomas of Toledo, Ohio, chair of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities, said the “victory of the Dobbs decision risks being undone by the massive influx of abortion pills.” “While the Dobbs decision gave states the freedom to pass pro-life laws and protect preborn children, these laws are now being undermined,” he said. “The Food and Drug Administration, a government agency responsible for protecting public health, has enabled a nationwide mail-order abortion industry by allowing abortion pills to be prescribed in telemed appointments and sold both at neighborhood pharmacies and online, circumventing state laws that protect life in the womb.” Louisiana has challenged an FDA policy issued by the Biden administration, which permitted mifepristone, a pill commonly used in abortion but also in some miscarriage care protocols, to be distributed by mail. The Trump administration has thus far left that regulation in place, prompting frustration from pro-life groups, and has sought to block state challenges to mifepristone, such as Louisiana’s. The Supreme Court in May left that policy in place while the litigation proceeds. Proponents of mifepristone — the first of two drugs used in a chemical or medication-based abortion — or its distribution by mail argue it is statistically safe for a woman to take at the early stages of pregnancy, and that attempts to restrict it are an attempt to ban abortion outright. Opponents of the drug’s use for abortion argue there are significant risks to those who take it, particularly outside of medical settings, in addition to ending the life of an unborn child early in its development. Marjorie Dannenfelser, president of Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, told reporters on a June 23 press call that there has been “a failure to step up on the federal level and pass protections that are grounded in the 14th Amendment — whatever consensus can bear — grounded in the 14th Amendment.” Dannenfelser is among the pro-life leaders who have argued that the 14th Amendment, which states that “All persons born or naturalized in the United States,” shall not be denied “life, liberty, or property, without due process of law” is grounds for federal abortion restrictions. Pointing to lawsuits like Louisiana’s, Dannenfelser argued that “the abortion drug has usurped the sovereignty of those states” that have restricted abortion. “We have insisted that the Justice Department settle with the state of Louisiana, who has sued them for justice, for undermining their state laws, for putting extra burdens of financial and health care for women who are experiencing these horrible moments,” she said. A letter from more than 80 pro-life groups, including SBA, published June 23 to Acting Attorney General Rodd Blanche said, “We respectfully urge you to settle Louisiana v. FDA, end DOJ’s defense of the mail-order abortion drug regime.” In an amicus brief filed by groups including SBA, the March for Life Education and Defense Fund, and the National Catholic Bioethics Center, argued the in-person dispensing requirement should be reimplemented to prevent health risks to the mother and to prevent coercion by partners, abusers, or traffickers. “Coerced consent is no consent at all, and there is an increased risk of coercion in the context of abortion drugs and procedures if the prescribing physician does not thoroughly screen for abuse or coercion,” the brief stated. The Catholic Church teaches that all human life is sacred from conception to natural death, and as such, opposes direct abortion, which takes the life of the unborn child. In his statement, Bishop Thomas concluded, “On this Anniversary of the Dobbs decision, we praise God for the historic overturning of Roe v. Wade, and we beg the intercession of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in building a culture of life.” Kate Scanlon is a national reporter for OSV News covering Washington. Follow her on X @kgscanlon.  
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USCCB and pro-life leaders: Abortion pills remain key post-Dobbs challenge #Catholic – WASHINGTON (OSV News) — On the fourth anniversary of the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision by the U.S. Supreme Court, the U.S. Catholic bishops’ conference and pro-life leaders pointed to abortion pills as among key challenges for the cause of protecting the right to life of unborn children. The Supreme Court issued the Dobbs ruling June 24, 2022, in a case involving a Mississippi law banning abortion after 15 weeks, where the state directly challenged the high court’s previous abortion-related precedents in Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey. The high court ultimately overturned its own prior rulings, undoing nearly a half-century of its own precedent that held abortion to be a constitutional right. In the years since that ruling, efforts to restrict or protect access to abortion have stalled in Congress. As a candidate in 2024, President Donald Trump stated his view that abortion should be a matter for the states rather than Congress, and said he would veto abortion restrictions if they reached his desk. Individual states have moved to either restrict abortion or expand access to it in the wake of the Dobbs ruling. However, multiple reports have found that the rate of abortions in the U.S. has increased since the Supreme Court’s reversal of Roe. According to an estimate from Guttmacher Institute, a research firm for the abortion industry, 1.12 million abortions took place in 2025, marking a 21% increase from 2020, which Guttmacher said marked “the last year of comprehensive national estimates” before Dobbs. Guttmacher found the figures were largely unchanged from 2024. It also noted that the abortion numbers overall may be an undercount due to people acquiring abortion pills in advance or obtaining them by means other than U.S. abortion clinic providers. Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter. In a statement marking the Dobbs anniversary, Bishop Daniel E. Thomas of Toledo, Ohio, chair of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities, said the “victory of the Dobbs decision risks being undone by the massive influx of abortion pills.” “While the Dobbs decision gave states the freedom to pass pro-life laws and protect preborn children, these laws are now being undermined,” he said. “The Food and Drug Administration, a government agency responsible for protecting public health, has enabled a nationwide mail-order abortion industry by allowing abortion pills to be prescribed in telemed appointments and sold both at neighborhood pharmacies and online, circumventing state laws that protect life in the womb.” Louisiana has challenged an FDA policy issued by the Biden administration, which permitted mifepristone, a pill commonly used in abortion but also in some miscarriage care protocols, to be distributed by mail. The Trump administration has thus far left that regulation in place, prompting frustration from pro-life groups, and has sought to block state challenges to mifepristone, such as Louisiana’s. The Supreme Court in May left that policy in place while the litigation proceeds. Proponents of mifepristone — the first of two drugs used in a chemical or medication-based abortion — or its distribution by mail argue it is statistically safe for a woman to take at the early stages of pregnancy, and that attempts to restrict it are an attempt to ban abortion outright. Opponents of the drug’s use for abortion argue there are significant risks to those who take it, particularly outside of medical settings, in addition to ending the life of an unborn child early in its development. Marjorie Dannenfelser, president of Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, told reporters on a June 23 press call that there has been “a failure to step up on the federal level and pass protections that are grounded in the 14th Amendment — whatever consensus can bear — grounded in the 14th Amendment.” Dannenfelser is among the pro-life leaders who have argued that the 14th Amendment, which states that “All persons born or naturalized in the United States,” shall not be denied “life, liberty, or property, without due process of law” is grounds for federal abortion restrictions. Pointing to lawsuits like Louisiana’s, Dannenfelser argued that “the abortion drug has usurped the sovereignty of those states” that have restricted abortion. “We have insisted that the Justice Department settle with the state of Louisiana, who has sued them for justice, for undermining their state laws, for putting extra burdens of financial and health care for women who are experiencing these horrible moments,” she said. A letter from more than 80 pro-life groups, including SBA, published June 23 to Acting Attorney General Rodd Blanche said, “We respectfully urge you to settle Louisiana v. FDA, end DOJ’s defense of the mail-order abortion drug regime.” In an amicus brief filed by groups including SBA, the March for Life Education and Defense Fund, and the National Catholic Bioethics Center, argued the in-person dispensing requirement should be reimplemented to prevent health risks to the mother and to prevent coercion by partners, abusers, or traffickers. “Coerced consent is no consent at all, and there is an increased risk of coercion in the context of abortion drugs and procedures if the prescribing physician does not thoroughly screen for abuse or coercion,” the brief stated. The Catholic Church teaches that all human life is sacred from conception to natural death, and as such, opposes direct abortion, which takes the life of the unborn child. In his statement, Bishop Thomas concluded, “On this Anniversary of the Dobbs decision, we praise God for the historic overturning of Roe v. Wade, and we beg the intercession of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in building a culture of life.” Kate Scanlon is a national reporter for OSV News covering Washington. Follow her on X @kgscanlon.  

unitedyam

USCCB and pro-life leaders: Abortion pills remain key post-Dobbs challenge #Catholic –

WASHINGTON (OSV News) — On the fourth anniversary of the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision by the U.S. Supreme Court, the U.S. Catholic bishops’ conference and pro-life leaders pointed to abortion pills as among key challenges for the cause of protecting the right to life of unborn children.

The Supreme Court issued the Dobbs ruling June 24, 2022, in a case involving a Mississippi law banning abortion after 15 weeks, where the state directly challenged the high court’s previous abortion-related precedents in Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey. The high court ultimately overturned its own prior rulings, undoing nearly a half-century of its own precedent that held abortion to be a constitutional right.

In the years since that ruling, efforts to restrict or protect access to abortion have stalled in Congress. As a candidate in 2024, President Donald Trump stated his view that abortion should be a matter for the states rather than Congress, and said he would veto abortion restrictions if they reached his desk.

Individual states have moved to either restrict abortion or expand access to it in the wake of the Dobbs ruling. However, multiple reports have found that the rate of abortions in the U.S. has increased since the Supreme Court’s reversal of Roe.

According to an estimate from Guttmacher Institute, a research firm for the abortion industry, 1.12 million abortions took place in 2025, marking a 21% increase from 2020, which Guttmacher said marked “the last year of comprehensive national estimates” before Dobbs. Guttmacher found the figures were largely unchanged from 2024. It also noted that the abortion numbers overall may be an undercount due to people acquiring abortion pills in advance or obtaining them by means other than U.S. abortion clinic providers.

Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.

In a statement marking the Dobbs anniversary, Bishop Daniel E. Thomas of Toledo, Ohio, chair of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities, said the “victory of the Dobbs decision risks being undone by the massive influx of abortion pills.”

“While the Dobbs decision gave states the freedom to pass pro-life laws and protect preborn children, these laws are now being undermined,” he said. “The Food and Drug Administration, a government agency responsible for protecting public health, has enabled a nationwide mail-order abortion industry by allowing abortion pills to be prescribed in telemed appointments and sold both at neighborhood pharmacies and online, circumventing state laws that protect life in the womb.”

Louisiana has challenged an FDA policy issued by the Biden administration, which permitted mifepristone, a pill commonly used in abortion but also in some miscarriage care protocols, to be distributed by mail. The Trump administration has thus far left that regulation in place, prompting frustration from pro-life groups, and has sought to block state challenges to mifepristone, such as Louisiana’s.

The Supreme Court in May left that policy in place while the litigation proceeds.

Proponents of mifepristone — the first of two drugs used in a chemical or medication-based abortion — or its distribution by mail argue it is statistically safe for a woman to take at the early stages of pregnancy, and that attempts to restrict it are an attempt to ban abortion outright. Opponents of the drug’s use for abortion argue there are significant risks to those who take it, particularly outside of medical settings, in addition to ending the life of an unborn child early in its development.

Marjorie Dannenfelser, president of Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, told reporters on a June 23 press call that there has been “a failure to step up on the federal level and pass protections that are grounded in the 14th Amendment — whatever consensus can bear — grounded in the 14th Amendment.”

Dannenfelser is among the pro-life leaders who have argued that the 14th Amendment, which states that “All persons born or naturalized in the United States,” shall not be denied “life, liberty, or property, without due process of law” is grounds for federal abortion restrictions.

Pointing to lawsuits like Louisiana’s, Dannenfelser argued that “the abortion drug has usurped the sovereignty of those states” that have restricted abortion.

“We have insisted that the Justice Department settle with the state of Louisiana, who has sued them for justice, for undermining their state laws, for putting extra burdens of financial and health care for women who are experiencing these horrible moments,” she said.

A letter from more than 80 pro-life groups, including SBA, published June 23 to Acting Attorney General Rodd Blanche said, “We respectfully urge you to settle Louisiana v. FDA, end DOJ’s defense of the mail-order abortion drug regime.”

In an amicus brief filed by groups including SBA, the March for Life Education and Defense Fund, and the National Catholic Bioethics Center, argued the in-person dispensing requirement should be reimplemented to prevent health risks to the mother and to prevent coercion by partners, abusers, or traffickers.

“Coerced consent is no consent at all, and there is an increased risk of coercion in the context of abortion drugs and procedures if the prescribing physician does not thoroughly screen for abuse or coercion,” the brief stated.

The Catholic Church teaches that all human life is sacred from conception to natural death, and as such, opposes direct abortion, which takes the life of the unborn child.

In his statement, Bishop Thomas concluded, “On this Anniversary of the Dobbs decision, we praise God for the historic overturning of Roe v. Wade, and we beg the intercession of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in building a culture of life.”

Kate Scanlon is a national reporter for OSV News covering Washington. Follow her on X @kgscanlon.

 

– WASHINGTON (OSV News) — On the fourth anniversary of the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision by the U.S. Supreme Court, the U.S. Catholic bishops’ conference and pro-life leaders pointed to abortion pills as among key challenges for the cause of protecting the right to life of unborn children. The Supreme Court issued the Dobbs ruling June 24, 2022, in a case involving a Mississippi law banning abortion after 15 weeks, where the state directly challenged the high court’s previous abortion-related precedents in Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey. The high court ultimately overturned its own prior

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El próximo consistorio extraordinario refleja el impulso del Papa por una mayor colaboración ante los desafíos globales #Catholic – (OSV News) — El Vaticano dio a conocer el programa oficial del segundo consistorio extraordinario de este año, lo que permite vislumbrar algunos de los temas y cuestiones principales que serán discutidos por el Papa León XIV y el Colegio Cardenalicio. El programa del consistorio, que se llevará a cabo del 26 al 27 de junio y fue publicado por la oficina de prensa del Vaticano el 22 de junio, incluye debates centrados en la reciente encíclica del Papa, “Magnifica Humanitas”, sobre la protección de la persona humana en la era de la inteligencia artificial. Con este segundo consistorio, el Papa está dando respuesta a las solicitudes de mayor colaboración por parte de los cardenales, que el Colegio expresó durante las congregaciones generales previas a su elección el año pasado. Según el Código de Derecho Canónico, el Colegio Cardenalicio asiste al Papa “sobre todo en los Consistorios, en los que se reúnen por mandato del Romano Pontífice y bajo su presidencia”. El código también establece que los consistorios extraordinarios se convocan “cuando lo aconsejan especiales necesidades de la Iglesia o la gravedad de los asuntos que han de tratarse”. Para suscribirse a nuestro boletín electrónico semanal, haga click aquí. Durante los dos días, tras la Misa en la Basílica de San Pedro presidida por el Santo Padre el 26 de junio, los cardenales participarán en cuatro sesiones, dos por día. La primera sesión, la mañana del 26 de junio, se centrará en el tema “¿En qué mundo estamos llamados a anunciar el Evangelio?” y contará con una meditación bíblica a cargo del cardenal Grzegorz Rys, de Cracovia. Tras un tiempo de oración y reflexión personal, los cardenales, divididos en varios grupos, compartiran sus respuestas a dos preguntas: “¿Qué sufrimientos, tensiones e interrogantes afectan hoy con mayor intensidad a los pueblos y a las comunidades eclesiales confiadas a su cuidado?” y “¿Qué signos de esperanza, de fidelidad al Evangelio y de posible reconciliación es importante llevar a la reflexión común?”. En la segunda sesión de la tarde, el cardenal Víctor Manuel Fernández, prefecto del Dicasterio para la Doctrina de la Fe, presentará el tema “La cultura del poder y la civilización del amor”. Según el programa, el tema se basa en el quinto capítulo de “Magnifica Humanitas”. Entre los temas que aborda el Papa León en ese capítulo se encuentran los riesgos que plantea la tecnología cuando se utiliza de manera irresponsable, especialmente en la guerra. “Aquí la cuestión no se refiere únicamente a la eficiencia de los nuevos instrumentos, sino al riesgo de que la tecnología, separada de la ética y de la responsabilidad, haga más rápida e impersonal la decisión sobre la vida y la muerte, y presente el uso de la fuerza como una opción inmediata y viable”, escribió el Papa. En cuanto a la civilización del amor, el Papa León citó a San Pablo VI, quien vislumbró “un orden social en el que la justicia y la caridad se entrelazan y el amor se convierte en principio de organización de la vida económica, política y cultural”. “Hoy debemos recuperar con fuerza esta visión: la civilización del amor no es una utopía ingenua, sino un proyecto exigente”, escribió. Esta visión “consiste en traducir la caridad en estructuras de justicia, en dar cuerpo institucional a la fraternidad y en considerar al otro –ya sea persona o pueblo– como un aliado necesario para la construcción del bien común”. El Papa León también advirtió sobre una cultura del poder “en la que la disponibilidad de medios y la capacidad de dominar tienden a dictar la agenda y los criterios de decisión”. Esta cultura relega el bien común a un segundo plano y la tragedia concreta de las personas en guerra queda reducida a una consideración secundaria en relación con los intereses estratégicos. Tras la introducción del cardenal Fernández, los cardenales se dividirán una vez más en grupos y responderán a dos preguntas: “¿De qué manera las tensiones, las divisiones y los conflictos que atraviesan el mundo afectan hoy la vida de nuestras Iglesias y de nuestros pueblos?” y “¿Qué lenguajes, actitudes y prácticas pueden ayudar a construir la reconciliación, la convivencia y la paz?” Las respuestas de los grupos se presentarán en la Sala del Sínodo, seguidas de debates abiertos sobre el tema, y la jornada concluirá con una oración de clausura. El segundo y último día del consistorio, el 27 de junio, comenzará con una Misa matutina en la Basílica de San Pedro presidida por el cardenal Giovanni Battista Re, decano del Colegio Cardenalicio. La tercera sesión, que ahondará sobre el tema “Construir en el bien: las obras de nuestro tiempo”, incluye una introducción a cargo del cardenal Stephen Brislin, de Johannesburgo, basada en la introducción y la conclusión de “Magnifica Humanitas”. Entre los temas destacados sobre los que advierte el Papa en la introducción de la encíclica se encuentra el peligro que representa el “síndrome de Babel”. Basándose en el relato bíblico de la construcción de la Torre de Babel, el Papa León afirmó en la encíclica que se trataba de “una obra concebida sin referencia a Dios, sustentada por una uniformidad que elimina la diversidad y que, en lugar de la comunión”. “Evitemos, por tanto, el ‘síndrome de Babel’: la idolatría del lucro que sacrifica a los débiles, la uniformidad que aplana las diferencias, la pretensión de un lenguaje único –incluso digital– capaz de traducirlo todo, incluso el misterio de la persona, en datos y rendimientos”, escribió. En cambio, el Papa se inspira en la narración bíblica de la reconstrucción de los muros de Jerusalén tras el exilio babilónico, en la que el pueblo redescubre un lenguaje común, “no el de la uniformidad, sino el de la comunión”. “El relato muestra cómo la ciudad renace no gracias a la iniciativa de una sola persona, sino a través de la responsabilidad compartida de todo el pueblo: sacerdotes, artesanos, jefes de familia, mujeres y jóvenes”, escribió. “Es una obra que tiene a Dios en el centro y reconstruye los vínculos incluso antes que las piedras”. En la conclusión de la encíclica, el Papa León rechaza “las promesas del transhumanismo”, que a menudo busca “una humanidad potenciada y casi desencarnada”, y pide que la dignidad humana ocupe un lugar central en la era digital. “Ningún sistema de cálculo, por sofisticado que sea, genera un corazón que se entrega, ni una conciencia capaz de discernir el bien” del mal, escribió el Papa. “Incluso cuando las máquinas sobresalen en eficiencia, el centro de la historia sigue siendo un rostro humano que exige ser contemplado. Este rostro humano es la plenitud hacia la que camina la historia”. Después de que el cardenal sudafricano pronuncie su discurso, los grupos de cardenales mantendrán debates basados en las preguntas que se centran en los aspectos que “dificultan la construcción del bien común” y en las expectativas de las personas “a quienes la Iglesia está llamada a escuchar y a quienes tal vez no escuchamos lo suficiente”. La sesión final del consistorio se centrará en el proceso de implementación de tres años del Sínodo de los Obispos sobre la sinodalidad, que fue aprobado por el Papa Francisco el 11 de marzo de 2025, apenas 10 días antes de su muerte, y posteriormente confirmado por el Papa León. El proceso de implementación incluye una evaluación de los avances a nivel diocesano, nacional y continental a partir de 2027, culminando en una asamblea prevista para celebrarse en el Vaticano en octubre de 2028. Tras una presentación a cargo del cardenal Mario Grech, secretario general del Sínodo de los Obispos, y un espacio para que los cardenales formulen preguntas aclaratorias, los asistentes participarán en un diálogo abierto con el Papa León sobre el tema de la sesión. La sesión concluirá con un discurso del Papa León que será transmitido en vivo por Vatican Media, según informó el Vaticano. Junno Arocho Esteves es corresponsal internacional de OSV News. Síguelo en X en @jae_journalist.  
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El próximo consistorio extraordinario refleja el impulso del Papa por una mayor colaboración ante los desafíos globales #Catholic – (OSV News) — El Vaticano dio a conocer el programa oficial del segundo consistorio extraordinario de este año, lo que permite vislumbrar algunos de los temas y cuestiones principales que serán discutidos por el Papa León XIV y el Colegio Cardenalicio. El programa del consistorio, que se llevará a cabo del 26 al 27 de junio y fue publicado por la oficina de prensa del Vaticano el 22 de junio, incluye debates centrados en la reciente encíclica del Papa, “Magnifica Humanitas”, sobre la protección de la persona humana en la era de la inteligencia artificial. Con este segundo consistorio, el Papa está dando respuesta a las solicitudes de mayor colaboración por parte de los cardenales, que el Colegio expresó durante las congregaciones generales previas a su elección el año pasado. Según el Código de Derecho Canónico, el Colegio Cardenalicio asiste al Papa “sobre todo en los Consistorios, en los que se reúnen por mandato del Romano Pontífice y bajo su presidencia”. El código también establece que los consistorios extraordinarios se convocan “cuando lo aconsejan especiales necesidades de la Iglesia o la gravedad de los asuntos que han de tratarse”. Para suscribirse a nuestro boletín electrónico semanal, haga click aquí. Durante los dos días, tras la Misa en la Basílica de San Pedro presidida por el Santo Padre el 26 de junio, los cardenales participarán en cuatro sesiones, dos por día. La primera sesión, la mañana del 26 de junio, se centrará en el tema “¿En qué mundo estamos llamados a anunciar el Evangelio?” y contará con una meditación bíblica a cargo del cardenal Grzegorz Rys, de Cracovia. Tras un tiempo de oración y reflexión personal, los cardenales, divididos en varios grupos, compartiran sus respuestas a dos preguntas: “¿Qué sufrimientos, tensiones e interrogantes afectan hoy con mayor intensidad a los pueblos y a las comunidades eclesiales confiadas a su cuidado?” y “¿Qué signos de esperanza, de fidelidad al Evangelio y de posible reconciliación es importante llevar a la reflexión común?”. En la segunda sesión de la tarde, el cardenal Víctor Manuel Fernández, prefecto del Dicasterio para la Doctrina de la Fe, presentará el tema “La cultura del poder y la civilización del amor”. Según el programa, el tema se basa en el quinto capítulo de “Magnifica Humanitas”. Entre los temas que aborda el Papa León en ese capítulo se encuentran los riesgos que plantea la tecnología cuando se utiliza de manera irresponsable, especialmente en la guerra. “Aquí la cuestión no se refiere únicamente a la eficiencia de los nuevos instrumentos, sino al riesgo de que la tecnología, separada de la ética y de la responsabilidad, haga más rápida e impersonal la decisión sobre la vida y la muerte, y presente el uso de la fuerza como una opción inmediata y viable”, escribió el Papa. En cuanto a la civilización del amor, el Papa León citó a San Pablo VI, quien vislumbró “un orden social en el que la justicia y la caridad se entrelazan y el amor se convierte en principio de organización de la vida económica, política y cultural”. “Hoy debemos recuperar con fuerza esta visión: la civilización del amor no es una utopía ingenua, sino un proyecto exigente”, escribió. Esta visión “consiste en traducir la caridad en estructuras de justicia, en dar cuerpo institucional a la fraternidad y en considerar al otro –ya sea persona o pueblo– como un aliado necesario para la construcción del bien común”. El Papa León también advirtió sobre una cultura del poder “en la que la disponibilidad de medios y la capacidad de dominar tienden a dictar la agenda y los criterios de decisión”. Esta cultura relega el bien común a un segundo plano y la tragedia concreta de las personas en guerra queda reducida a una consideración secundaria en relación con los intereses estratégicos. Tras la introducción del cardenal Fernández, los cardenales se dividirán una vez más en grupos y responderán a dos preguntas: “¿De qué manera las tensiones, las divisiones y los conflictos que atraviesan el mundo afectan hoy la vida de nuestras Iglesias y de nuestros pueblos?” y “¿Qué lenguajes, actitudes y prácticas pueden ayudar a construir la reconciliación, la convivencia y la paz?” Las respuestas de los grupos se presentarán en la Sala del Sínodo, seguidas de debates abiertos sobre el tema, y la jornada concluirá con una oración de clausura. El segundo y último día del consistorio, el 27 de junio, comenzará con una Misa matutina en la Basílica de San Pedro presidida por el cardenal Giovanni Battista Re, decano del Colegio Cardenalicio. La tercera sesión, que ahondará sobre el tema “Construir en el bien: las obras de nuestro tiempo”, incluye una introducción a cargo del cardenal Stephen Brislin, de Johannesburgo, basada en la introducción y la conclusión de “Magnifica Humanitas”. Entre los temas destacados sobre los que advierte el Papa en la introducción de la encíclica se encuentra el peligro que representa el “síndrome de Babel”. Basándose en el relato bíblico de la construcción de la Torre de Babel, el Papa León afirmó en la encíclica que se trataba de “una obra concebida sin referencia a Dios, sustentada por una uniformidad que elimina la diversidad y que, en lugar de la comunión”. “Evitemos, por tanto, el ‘síndrome de Babel’: la idolatría del lucro que sacrifica a los débiles, la uniformidad que aplana las diferencias, la pretensión de un lenguaje único –incluso digital– capaz de traducirlo todo, incluso el misterio de la persona, en datos y rendimientos”, escribió. En cambio, el Papa se inspira en la narración bíblica de la reconstrucción de los muros de Jerusalén tras el exilio babilónico, en la que el pueblo redescubre un lenguaje común, “no el de la uniformidad, sino el de la comunión”. “El relato muestra cómo la ciudad renace no gracias a la iniciativa de una sola persona, sino a través de la responsabilidad compartida de todo el pueblo: sacerdotes, artesanos, jefes de familia, mujeres y jóvenes”, escribió. “Es una obra que tiene a Dios en el centro y reconstruye los vínculos incluso antes que las piedras”. En la conclusión de la encíclica, el Papa León rechaza “las promesas del transhumanismo”, que a menudo busca “una humanidad potenciada y casi desencarnada”, y pide que la dignidad humana ocupe un lugar central en la era digital. “Ningún sistema de cálculo, por sofisticado que sea, genera un corazón que se entrega, ni una conciencia capaz de discernir el bien” del mal, escribió el Papa. “Incluso cuando las máquinas sobresalen en eficiencia, el centro de la historia sigue siendo un rostro humano que exige ser contemplado. Este rostro humano es la plenitud hacia la que camina la historia”. Después de que el cardenal sudafricano pronuncie su discurso, los grupos de cardenales mantendrán debates basados en las preguntas que se centran en los aspectos que “dificultan la construcción del bien común” y en las expectativas de las personas “a quienes la Iglesia está llamada a escuchar y a quienes tal vez no escuchamos lo suficiente”. La sesión final del consistorio se centrará en el proceso de implementación de tres años del Sínodo de los Obispos sobre la sinodalidad, que fue aprobado por el Papa Francisco el 11 de marzo de 2025, apenas 10 días antes de su muerte, y posteriormente confirmado por el Papa León. El proceso de implementación incluye una evaluación de los avances a nivel diocesano, nacional y continental a partir de 2027, culminando en una asamblea prevista para celebrarse en el Vaticano en octubre de 2028. Tras una presentación a cargo del cardenal Mario Grech, secretario general del Sínodo de los Obispos, y un espacio para que los cardenales formulen preguntas aclaratorias, los asistentes participarán en un diálogo abierto con el Papa León sobre el tema de la sesión. La sesión concluirá con un discurso del Papa León que será transmitido en vivo por Vatican Media, según informó el Vaticano. Junno Arocho Esteves es corresponsal internacional de OSV News. Síguelo en X en @jae_journalist.  

unitedyam

El próximo consistorio extraordinario refleja el impulso del Papa por una mayor colaboración ante los desafíos globales #Catholic –

(OSV News) — El Vaticano dio a conocer el programa oficial del segundo consistorio extraordinario de este año, lo que permite vislumbrar algunos de los temas y cuestiones principales que serán discutidos por el Papa León XIV y el Colegio Cardenalicio.

El programa del consistorio, que se llevará a cabo del 26 al 27 de junio y fue publicado por la oficina de prensa del Vaticano el 22 de junio, incluye debates centrados en la reciente encíclica del Papa, “Magnifica Humanitas”, sobre la protección de la persona humana en la era de la inteligencia artificial.

Con este segundo consistorio, el Papa está dando respuesta a las solicitudes de mayor colaboración por parte de los cardenales, que el Colegio expresó durante las congregaciones generales previas a su elección el año pasado.

Según el Código de Derecho Canónico, el Colegio Cardenalicio asiste al Papa “sobre todo en los Consistorios, en los que se reúnen por mandato del Romano Pontífice y bajo su presidencia”.

El código también establece que los consistorios extraordinarios se convocan “cuando lo aconsejan especiales necesidades de la Iglesia o la gravedad de los asuntos que han de tratarse”.

Para suscribirse a nuestro boletín electrónico semanal, haga click aquí.

Durante los dos días, tras la Misa en la Basílica de San Pedro presidida por el Santo Padre el 26 de junio, los cardenales participarán en cuatro sesiones, dos por día. La primera sesión, la mañana del 26 de junio, se centrará en el tema “¿En qué mundo estamos llamados a anunciar el Evangelio?” y contará con una meditación bíblica a cargo del cardenal Grzegorz Rys, de Cracovia.

Tras un tiempo de oración y reflexión personal, los cardenales, divididos en varios grupos, compartiran sus respuestas a dos preguntas: “¿Qué sufrimientos, tensiones e interrogantes afectan hoy con mayor intensidad a los pueblos y a las comunidades eclesiales confiadas a su cuidado?” y “¿Qué signos de esperanza, de fidelidad al Evangelio y de posible reconciliación es importante llevar a la reflexión común?”.

En la segunda sesión de la tarde, el cardenal Víctor Manuel Fernández, prefecto del Dicasterio para la Doctrina de la Fe, presentará el tema “La cultura del poder y la civilización del amor”.

Según el programa, el tema se basa en el quinto capítulo de “Magnifica Humanitas”. Entre los temas que aborda el Papa León en ese capítulo se encuentran los riesgos que plantea la tecnología cuando se utiliza de manera irresponsable, especialmente en la guerra.

“Aquí la cuestión no se refiere únicamente a la eficiencia de los nuevos instrumentos, sino al riesgo de que la tecnología, separada de la ética y de la responsabilidad, haga más rápida e impersonal la decisión sobre la vida y la muerte, y presente el uso de la fuerza como una opción inmediata y viable”, escribió el Papa.

En cuanto a la civilización del amor, el Papa León citó a San Pablo VI, quien vislumbró “un orden social en el que la justicia y la caridad se entrelazan y el amor se convierte en principio de organización de la vida económica, política y cultural”.

“Hoy debemos recuperar con fuerza esta visión: la civilización del amor no es una utopía ingenua, sino un proyecto exigente”, escribió. Esta visión “consiste en traducir la caridad en estructuras de justicia, en dar cuerpo institucional a la fraternidad y en considerar al otro –ya sea persona o pueblo– como un aliado necesario para la construcción del bien común”.

El Papa León también advirtió sobre una cultura del poder “en la que la disponibilidad de medios y la capacidad de dominar tienden a dictar la agenda y los criterios de decisión”. Esta cultura relega el bien común a un segundo plano y la tragedia concreta de las personas en guerra queda reducida a una consideración secundaria en relación con los intereses estratégicos.

Tras la introducción del cardenal Fernández, los cardenales se dividirán una vez más en grupos y responderán a dos preguntas: “¿De qué manera las tensiones, las divisiones y los conflictos que atraviesan el mundo afectan hoy la vida de nuestras Iglesias y de nuestros pueblos?” y “¿Qué lenguajes, actitudes y prácticas pueden ayudar a construir la reconciliación, la convivencia y la paz?”

Las respuestas de los grupos se presentarán en la Sala del Sínodo, seguidas de debates abiertos sobre el tema, y la jornada concluirá con una oración de clausura.

El segundo y último día del consistorio, el 27 de junio, comenzará con una Misa matutina en la Basílica de San Pedro presidida por el cardenal Giovanni Battista Re, decano del Colegio Cardenalicio.

La tercera sesión, que ahondará sobre el tema “Construir en el bien: las obras de nuestro tiempo”, incluye una introducción a cargo del cardenal Stephen Brislin, de Johannesburgo, basada en la introducción y la conclusión de “Magnifica Humanitas”.

Entre los temas destacados sobre los que advierte el Papa en la introducción de la encíclica se encuentra el peligro que representa el “síndrome de Babel”.

Basándose en el relato bíblico de la construcción de la Torre de Babel, el Papa León afirmó en la encíclica que se trataba de “una obra concebida sin referencia a Dios, sustentada por una uniformidad que elimina la diversidad y que, en lugar de la comunión”.

“Evitemos, por tanto, el ‘síndrome de Babel’: la idolatría del lucro que sacrifica a los débiles, la uniformidad que aplana las diferencias, la pretensión de un lenguaje único –incluso digital– capaz de traducirlo todo, incluso el misterio de la persona, en datos y rendimientos”, escribió.

En cambio, el Papa se inspira en la narración bíblica de la reconstrucción de los muros de Jerusalén tras el exilio babilónico, en la que el pueblo redescubre un lenguaje común, “no el de la uniformidad, sino el de la comunión”.

“El relato muestra cómo la ciudad renace no gracias a la iniciativa de una sola persona, sino a través de la responsabilidad compartida de todo el pueblo: sacerdotes, artesanos, jefes de familia, mujeres y jóvenes”, escribió. “Es una obra que tiene a Dios en el centro y reconstruye los vínculos incluso antes que las piedras”.

En la conclusión de la encíclica, el Papa León rechaza “las promesas del transhumanismo”, que a menudo busca “una humanidad potenciada y casi desencarnada”, y pide que la dignidad humana ocupe un lugar central en la era digital.

“Ningún sistema de cálculo, por sofisticado que sea, genera un corazón que se entrega, ni una conciencia capaz de discernir el bien” del mal, escribió el Papa. “Incluso cuando las máquinas sobresalen en eficiencia, el centro de la historia sigue siendo un rostro humano que exige ser contemplado. Este rostro humano es la plenitud hacia la que camina la historia”.

Después de que el cardenal sudafricano pronuncie su discurso, los grupos de cardenales mantendrán debates basados en las preguntas que se centran en los aspectos que “dificultan la construcción del bien común” y en las expectativas de las personas “a quienes la Iglesia está llamada a escuchar y a quienes tal vez no escuchamos lo suficiente”.

La sesión final del consistorio se centrará en el proceso de implementación de tres años del Sínodo de los Obispos sobre la sinodalidad, que fue aprobado por el Papa Francisco el 11 de marzo de 2025, apenas 10 días antes de su muerte, y posteriormente confirmado por el Papa León.

El proceso de implementación incluye una evaluación de los avances a nivel diocesano, nacional y continental a partir de 2027, culminando en una asamblea prevista para celebrarse en el Vaticano en octubre de 2028.

Tras una presentación a cargo del cardenal Mario Grech, secretario general del Sínodo de los Obispos, y un espacio para que los cardenales formulen preguntas aclaratorias, los asistentes participarán en un diálogo abierto con el Papa León sobre el tema de la sesión.

La sesión concluirá con un discurso del Papa León que será transmitido en vivo por Vatican Media, según informó el Vaticano.

Junno Arocho Esteves es corresponsal internacional de OSV News. Síguelo en X en @jae_journalist.

 

– (OSV News) — El Vaticano dio a conocer el programa oficial del segundo consistorio extraordinario de este año, lo que permite vislumbrar algunos de los temas y cuestiones principales que serán discutidos por el Papa León XIV y el Colegio Cardenalicio. El programa del consistorio, que se llevará a cabo del 26 al 27 de junio y fue publicado por la oficina de prensa del Vaticano el 22 de junio, incluye debates centrados en la reciente encíclica del Papa, “Magnifica Humanitas”, sobre la protección de la persona humana en la era de la inteligencia artificial. Con este segundo consistorio, el

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Parsippany parish hosts Philippine Independence Day celebration #Catholic - St. Christopher Parish in Parsippany, N.J., hosted a vibrant Mass and celebration of Philippine Independence Day (Araw ng Kalayaan) on June 20. The colorful event fostered unity, fellowship, and camaraderie among Filipino Catholics from Parsippany, neighboring communities in Morris County, and throughout the Paterson Diocese, N.J. Organizing this year’s celebration were the Diocesan Commission for Catholic Filipino Ministries (DCCFM), under the leadership of its president, Deacon Elmer Maximo, and the Biyaya Group of St. Christopher’s. Jeanette East was the event’s principal coordinator. A beautiful image of Our Lady of the Philippines was prominently displayed near the altar, which was adorned with elegant white-and-red floral arrangements. Red, white, and blue ribbons echoed the colors of the Philippine flag, creating a festive and patriotic atmosphere. Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter. The Mass was concelebrated by Father. Emerson Francisco, parochial vicar of St. Philip the Apostle Parish in Clifton, N.J.; Father Cerilo Javinez, temporary administrator of Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Rockaway, N.J., and parochial vicar of Sacred Heart and Our Lady Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Parish in Dover, N.J.; and Father Luis Hernandez, pastor of St. Christopher’s. Assisting with the liturgy were Deacon Maximo of Sacred Heart in Rockaway, Deacon Luis Carlos Mendez of St. Christopher’s, Deacon Jose Rivera, and St. Francis of Assisi Parish in the Haskell neighborhood of Wanaque, N.J. In his homily, Deacon Maximo invited Filipinos, who are commemorating the sacrifices of national heroes who fought for the nation’s freedom, to remember the greater sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who gave his life to free humanity from sin. He reminded everyone that the greatest freedom is not merely freedom from oppression, but the freedom to love God and serve others — a freedom that rests within our hands and hearts. Following the Mass, the celebration continued in the parish’s All-Purpose Room with a joyful cultural program showcasing Filipino talent and heritage. Guests enjoyed musical performances, including Ako’y Isang Pinoy, Harana by Parokya ni Edgar, performed by Eugene Ungab, as well as Bayan Ko and Rosas Pandan by the Alay Awit Choir. The festivities also featured a lively Kuratsa dance performed by Dr. Edgar Gary and Melissa Bautista, line dancing, and a feast of authentic Filipino cuisine highlighted by a delicious roasted lechon. Afterward, Deacon Maximo thanked the organizers, volunteers, performers, clergy, and participants for their contributions to the event. “The celebration was a beautiful expression of Filipino faith, culture, and patriotism, bringing together generations of Filipino Catholics in thanksgiving to God for the gift of freedom, community, and the enduring spirit of the Filipino people,” Deacon Maximo told BeaconNJ.org. BEACON PHOTOS | JOE GIGLI [See image gallery at beaconnj.org]  
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Parsippany parish hosts Philippine Independence Day celebration #Catholic – St. Christopher Parish in Parsippany, N.J., hosted a vibrant Mass and celebration of Philippine Independence Day (Araw ng Kalayaan) on June 20. The colorful event fostered unity, fellowship, and camaraderie among Filipino Catholics from Parsippany, neighboring communities in Morris County, and throughout the Paterson Diocese, N.J. Organizing this year’s celebration were the Diocesan Commission for Catholic Filipino Ministries (DCCFM), under the leadership of its president, Deacon Elmer Maximo, and the Biyaya Group of St. Christopher’s. Jeanette East was the event’s principal coordinator. A beautiful image of Our Lady of the Philippines was prominently displayed near the altar, which was adorned with elegant white-and-red floral arrangements. Red, white, and blue ribbons echoed the colors of the Philippine flag, creating a festive and patriotic atmosphere. Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter. The Mass was concelebrated by Father. Emerson Francisco, parochial vicar of St. Philip the Apostle Parish in Clifton, N.J.; Father Cerilo Javinez, temporary administrator of Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Rockaway, N.J., and parochial vicar of Sacred Heart and Our Lady Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Parish in Dover, N.J.; and Father Luis Hernandez, pastor of St. Christopher’s. Assisting with the liturgy were Deacon Maximo of Sacred Heart in Rockaway, Deacon Luis Carlos Mendez of St. Christopher’s, Deacon Jose Rivera, and St. Francis of Assisi Parish in the Haskell neighborhood of Wanaque, N.J. In his homily, Deacon Maximo invited Filipinos, who are commemorating the sacrifices of national heroes who fought for the nation’s freedom, to remember the greater sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who gave his life to free humanity from sin. He reminded everyone that the greatest freedom is not merely freedom from oppression, but the freedom to love God and serve others — a freedom that rests within our hands and hearts. Following the Mass, the celebration continued in the parish’s All-Purpose Room with a joyful cultural program showcasing Filipino talent and heritage. Guests enjoyed musical performances, including Ako’y Isang Pinoy, Harana by Parokya ni Edgar, performed by Eugene Ungab, as well as Bayan Ko and Rosas Pandan by the Alay Awit Choir. The festivities also featured a lively Kuratsa dance performed by Dr. Edgar Gary and Melissa Bautista, line dancing, and a feast of authentic Filipino cuisine highlighted by a delicious roasted lechon. Afterward, Deacon Maximo thanked the organizers, volunteers, performers, clergy, and participants for their contributions to the event. “The celebration was a beautiful expression of Filipino faith, culture, and patriotism, bringing together generations of Filipino Catholics in thanksgiving to God for the gift of freedom, community, and the enduring spirit of the Filipino people,” Deacon Maximo told BeaconNJ.org. BEACON PHOTOS | JOE GIGLI [See image gallery at beaconnj.org]  

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Parsippany parish hosts Philippine Independence Day celebration #Catholic –

St. Christopher Parish in Parsippany, N.J., hosted a vibrant Mass and celebration of Philippine Independence Day (Araw ng Kalayaan) on June 20. The colorful event fostered unity, fellowship, and camaraderie among Filipino Catholics from Parsippany, neighboring communities in Morris County, and throughout the Paterson Diocese, N.J.

Organizing this year’s celebration were the Diocesan Commission for Catholic Filipino Ministries (DCCFM), under the leadership of its president, Deacon Elmer Maximo, and the Biyaya Group of St. Christopher’s. Jeanette East was the event’s principal coordinator.

A beautiful image of Our Lady of the Philippines was prominently displayed near the altar, which was adorned with elegant white-and-red floral arrangements. Red, white, and blue ribbons echoed the colors of the Philippine flag, creating a festive and patriotic atmosphere.

Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.

The Mass was concelebrated by Father. Emerson Francisco, parochial vicar of St. Philip the Apostle Parish in Clifton, N.J.; Father Cerilo Javinez, temporary administrator of Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Rockaway, N.J., and parochial vicar of Sacred Heart and Our Lady Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Parish in Dover, N.J.; and Father Luis Hernandez, pastor of St. Christopher’s. Assisting with the liturgy were Deacon Maximo of Sacred Heart in Rockaway, Deacon Luis Carlos Mendez of St. Christopher’s, Deacon Jose Rivera, and St. Francis of Assisi Parish in the Haskell neighborhood of Wanaque, N.J.

In his homily, Deacon Maximo invited Filipinos, who are commemorating the sacrifices of national heroes who fought for the nation’s freedom, to remember the greater sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who gave his life to free humanity from sin. He reminded everyone that the greatest freedom is not merely freedom from oppression, but the freedom to love God and serve others — a freedom that rests within our hands and hearts.

Following the Mass, the celebration continued in the parish’s All-Purpose Room with a joyful cultural program showcasing Filipino talent and heritage. Guests enjoyed musical performances, including Ako’y Isang Pinoy, Harana by Parokya ni Edgar, performed by Eugene Ungab, as well as Bayan Ko and Rosas Pandan by the Alay Awit Choir.

The festivities also featured a lively Kuratsa dance performed by Dr. Edgar Gary and Melissa Bautista, line dancing, and a feast of authentic Filipino cuisine highlighted by a delicious roasted lechon.

Afterward, Deacon Maximo thanked the organizers, volunteers, performers, clergy, and participants for their contributions to the event.

“The celebration was a beautiful expression of Filipino faith, culture, and patriotism, bringing together generations of Filipino Catholics in thanksgiving to God for the gift of freedom, community, and the enduring spirit of the Filipino people,” Deacon Maximo told BeaconNJ.org.

BEACON PHOTOS | JOE GIGLI

– St. Christopher Parish in Parsippany, N.J., hosted a vibrant Mass and celebration of Philippine Independence Day (Araw ng Kalayaan) on June 20. The colorful event fostered unity, fellowship, and camaraderie among Filipino Catholics from Parsippany, neighboring communities in Morris County, and throughout the Paterson Diocese, N.J. Organizing this year’s celebration were the Diocesan Commission for Catholic Filipino Ministries (DCCFM), under the leadership of its president, Deacon Elmer Maximo, and the Biyaya Group of St. Christopher’s. Jeanette East was the event’s principal coordinator. A beautiful image of Our Lady of the Philippines was prominently displayed near the altar, which was adorned

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African bishops lead ‘Peace University’ effort to train future leaders in terror-plagued region – #Catholic – Catholic bishops from West Africa are leading an international effort to develop the Sahel Peace University — a prospective higher education institution to train future leaders in addressing the scourge of terrorism and violence in the region.The proposed university is borne out of the broader Sahel Peace Initiative, an interfaith advocacy organization working toward peacebuilding in the region. The Sahel is the region sitting directly below the Sahara desert, representing the northernmost part of Sub-Saharan Africa.According to a concept proposal provided to EWTN News, the initiative is led by the Catholic bishops conferences in Burkina Faso and Niger. Christians are the minority in both countries, representing slightly more than one-fourth of Burkina Faso and about 1% of Niger. Traditional African religions also represent a minority, while Islam is the most practiced religion.“While we will envision solutions like buildings and programs, the goal is to foster a robust population engaged in problem solving and developing a sustainable peace in the Sahel,” the proposal states.Although led by Catholics, the bishops also partner with Muslim clerics and leaders of traditional African faith communities. The proposal notes the university will be grounded in Catholic social teaching, and open to everyone, and expressed a commitment to work with interfaith partners, especially the Muslim community.“The [university] will serve as a regional hub for peacebuilding, governance research, trauma healing, and community resilience, equipping leaders and communities to address the Sahel’s most urgent challenges,” it adds.The bishops hope to headquarter the university in Ouagadougou, the capital of Burkina Faso. It will be African- and Catholic-led, but the bishops are looking for international support, including from the United States.“While the physical requirements include buildings and materials, these are merely tools for the emerging leaders to cultivate a new group of younger and empowered people of all faiths working collaboratively towards the shared goal of lasting peace,” it states.Burkina Faso bishops seek solidarityBishops from Burkina Faso have met with Pope Leo XIV in Rome and have offered information to the U.S. State Department in a recent trip to the United States, hoping to spread awareness about problems in the Sahel and to garner more support for their peace efforts.Two of the bishops — Archbishop Laurent Dabire, archbishop of Bobo-Dioulasso, and Bishop Alexandre Bazie, auxiliary bishop of Koudougou and head of the Burkina Faso-Niger bishops’ delegation — spoke with EWTN News about the situation on the ground and efforts to gain support for the university.The bishops spoke in French through a translator, Father Barthelemy Bazemo.Dabire said he told Leo the bishops have been trying to raise awareness about problems in the region for a long time. He said people globally are aware of the conflicts in Ukraine, Iran, and Gaza, but often Africa and the Sahel are overlooked.President Donald Trump coordinated with the Nigerian government to strike terrorists in Nigeria — a country in the Sahel, east of Burkina Faso — amid rampant violence, killings, and terrorism that has disproportionately targeted Christians, but also victimized many Muslims and followers of traditional African religions.Bazie said the U.S. has coordinated with Burkina Faso on separate issues, such as health initiatives, but the terrorism problem has not drawn as much attention from the administration when compared to Nigeria.He said the violence in Burkina Faso is not one-sided against Christians, but that terrorists target both churches and mosques, and both Christian and Muslim clerics. He warned the people of Burkina Faso, however, cannot afford to wait until the situation reaches the level of Nigeria.According to a 2025 report from the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) about the Sahel countries, Burkina Faso has “one of the world’s highest rates of civilian attacks and fatalities from insurgent violence.”It cites actions from violent insurgent groups, including a February 2024 attack by the Islamic State – Sahel Province that killed 12 worshipers at a Catholic Church in Essakane. There was another attack that month on a mosque that killed dozens of people, along with numerous attacks on villages by bandits and insurgents. These attacks have targeted both Christians and Muslims.In addition to murders, attacks have included kidnappings of priests, religious sisters, imams, and other Christian and Muslim civilians.“As a result of brutal killings — thousands [have been] killed — there [are] many [in the] community being impacted [and] it takes education,” Bazie said. “It takes several years of training to get people into the [right] mindset, even if we have different solutions.”Bazie noted that the Church has been working to improve the region through construction of schools and hospitals and other forms of economic development, but that additional support from outside partners can help the region further.“With limited resources, [we’re] trying to do [our] best,” he said. “But now coming here is to ask for support in what’s already being done.”
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African bishops lead ‘Peace University’ effort to train future leaders in terror-plagued region – #Catholic – Catholic bishops from West Africa are leading an international effort to develop the Sahel Peace University — a prospective higher education institution to train future leaders in addressing the scourge of terrorism and violence in the region.The proposed university is borne out of the broader Sahel Peace Initiative, an interfaith advocacy organization working toward peacebuilding in the region. The Sahel is the region sitting directly below the Sahara desert, representing the northernmost part of Sub-Saharan Africa.According to a concept proposal provided to EWTN News, the initiative is led by the Catholic bishops conferences in Burkina Faso and Niger. Christians are the minority in both countries, representing slightly more than one-fourth of Burkina Faso and about 1% of Niger. Traditional African religions also represent a minority, while Islam is the most practiced religion.“While we will envision solutions like buildings and programs, the goal is to foster a robust population engaged in problem solving and developing a sustainable peace in the Sahel,” the proposal states.Although led by Catholics, the bishops also partner with Muslim clerics and leaders of traditional African faith communities. The proposal notes the university will be grounded in Catholic social teaching, and open to everyone, and expressed a commitment to work with interfaith partners, especially the Muslim community.“The [university] will serve as a regional hub for peacebuilding, governance research, trauma healing, and community resilience, equipping leaders and communities to address the Sahel’s most urgent challenges,” it adds.The bishops hope to headquarter the university in Ouagadougou, the capital of Burkina Faso. It will be African- and Catholic-led, but the bishops are looking for international support, including from the United States.“While the physical requirements include buildings and materials, these are merely tools for the emerging leaders to cultivate a new group of younger and empowered people of all faiths working collaboratively towards the shared goal of lasting peace,” it states.Burkina Faso bishops seek solidarityBishops from Burkina Faso have met with Pope Leo XIV in Rome and have offered information to the U.S. State Department in a recent trip to the United States, hoping to spread awareness about problems in the Sahel and to garner more support for their peace efforts.Two of the bishops — Archbishop Laurent Dabire, archbishop of Bobo-Dioulasso, and Bishop Alexandre Bazie, auxiliary bishop of Koudougou and head of the Burkina Faso-Niger bishops’ delegation — spoke with EWTN News about the situation on the ground and efforts to gain support for the university.The bishops spoke in French through a translator, Father Barthelemy Bazemo.Dabire said he told Leo the bishops have been trying to raise awareness about problems in the region for a long time. He said people globally are aware of the conflicts in Ukraine, Iran, and Gaza, but often Africa and the Sahel are overlooked.President Donald Trump coordinated with the Nigerian government to strike terrorists in Nigeria — a country in the Sahel, east of Burkina Faso — amid rampant violence, killings, and terrorism that has disproportionately targeted Christians, but also victimized many Muslims and followers of traditional African religions.Bazie said the U.S. has coordinated with Burkina Faso on separate issues, such as health initiatives, but the terrorism problem has not drawn as much attention from the administration when compared to Nigeria.He said the violence in Burkina Faso is not one-sided against Christians, but that terrorists target both churches and mosques, and both Christian and Muslim clerics. He warned the people of Burkina Faso, however, cannot afford to wait until the situation reaches the level of Nigeria.According to a 2025 report from the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) about the Sahel countries, Burkina Faso has “one of the world’s highest rates of civilian attacks and fatalities from insurgent violence.”It cites actions from violent insurgent groups, including a February 2024 attack by the Islamic State – Sahel Province that killed 12 worshipers at a Catholic Church in Essakane. There was another attack that month on a mosque that killed dozens of people, along with numerous attacks on villages by bandits and insurgents. These attacks have targeted both Christians and Muslims.In addition to murders, attacks have included kidnappings of priests, religious sisters, imams, and other Christian and Muslim civilians.“As a result of brutal killings — thousands [have been] killed — there [are] many [in the] community being impacted [and] it takes education,” Bazie said. “It takes several years of training to get people into the [right] mindset, even if we have different solutions.”Bazie noted that the Church has been working to improve the region through construction of schools and hospitals and other forms of economic development, but that additional support from outside partners can help the region further.“With limited resources, [we’re] trying to do [our] best,” he said. “But now coming here is to ask for support in what’s already being done.”

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Two bishops from Burkina Faso spoke about efforts to gain international support for the university, which they said they hope can be part of the solution to the terrorism and violence.

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Bishop Sweeney, Communications Office of the Diocese of Paterson awarded by Catholic Media Association #Catholic – Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney of the Paterson Diocese, N.J., once again earned top-tier awards for excellence as a social-media content creator for the third consecutive year and as a podcaster during the Catholic Media Association (CMA) Conference from June 16 to 19 in Atlantic City, N.J. The Communications Office also won other awards for Photographer of the Year and for a quality pro-life video. The CMA recognizes and celebrates excellence in journalism, communications, and other forms of media. During the annual national conference, Bishop Sweeney and the Communications Office won third place for Best Social Media Account — Bishop for his Instagram social media account. The award-winning digital content was produced in collaboration with Bishop Sweeney and Cecile Pagliarulo, the diocese’s digital media specialist, who posts the bishop’s messages, creates video reels, and graphics. CMA has recognized the bishop’s account three years in a row with this latest win. The CMA judges wrote, “The consistency of Bishop Sweeney’s communication with his flock is impressive. His pages have regular, personal, and pastoral posts, engaging the faithful well.” The bishop’s account can be found on Instagram here. Bishop Sweeney also won an honorable mention in the Best Podcast category for his long-running podcast, “Beyond the Beacon.” He shares the honor with Jai Agnish, diocesan communications director, and Pagliarulo. In 2024, the bishop won Best Podcast on Social Justice Issues (second place) and Podcaster of the Year (third place) for “Beyond the Beacon.” The podcast features local Church stories, faith reflections, and discussions on national and global Catholic events. To watch “Beyond the Beacon,” visit the bishop’s YouTube channel.  In other accolades, Joe Gigli, the Communication Department’s photographer since 2001, placed third in the Photographer of the Year category. He has been a consistent recipient of CMA awards across various photographic categories over his 25 years with the diocese. He also provides video content for diocesan social media and other digital platforms. This is the first year Gigli was nominated for the prestigious Photographer of the Year honor. In their assessment of Gigli’s work, the CMA judges praised many of the photos submitted for the award. “Each photograph is strong enough to stand on its own: the peaceful face of a sister in prayer, full of quiet devotion; the sun shining through stained glass, casting jeweled colors across the quiet church, and onto a priest at prayer, as if toughed by something divine; the organist, partially hidden, filling the space with music; and the unfiltered joy of a little boy celebrating,” the judges wrote. The judges concluded, “The photographer skillfully stirs emotion and draws the viewer into these sacred moments with beauty, reverence, and authenticity.” In addition, Pagliarulo and Gigli earned an honorable mention in the Best Video: Pro-Life Activities, Diocesan and National News Organizations category for a video of Bishop Sweeney’s monthly prayer vigil at Planned Parenthood in Morristown, N.J. To enjoy a comprehensive coverage of the Paterson Diocese, visit BeaconNJ.org. Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.
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Bishop Sweeney, Communications Office of the Diocese of Paterson awarded by Catholic Media Association #Catholic – Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney of the Paterson Diocese, N.J., once again earned top-tier awards for excellence as a social-media content creator for the third consecutive year and as a podcaster during the Catholic Media Association (CMA) Conference from June 16 to 19 in Atlantic City, N.J. The Communications Office also won other awards for Photographer of the Year and for a quality pro-life video. The CMA recognizes and celebrates excellence in journalism, communications, and other forms of media. During the annual national conference, Bishop Sweeney and the Communications Office won third place for Best Social Media Account — Bishop for his Instagram social media account. The award-winning digital content was produced in collaboration with Bishop Sweeney and Cecile Pagliarulo, the diocese’s digital media specialist, who posts the bishop’s messages, creates video reels, and graphics. CMA has recognized the bishop’s account three years in a row with this latest win. The CMA judges wrote, “The consistency of Bishop Sweeney’s communication with his flock is impressive. His pages have regular, personal, and pastoral posts, engaging the faithful well.” The bishop’s account can be found on Instagram here. Bishop Sweeney also won an honorable mention in the Best Podcast category for his long-running podcast, “Beyond the Beacon.” He shares the honor with Jai Agnish, diocesan communications director, and Pagliarulo. In 2024, the bishop won Best Podcast on Social Justice Issues (second place) and Podcaster of the Year (third place) for “Beyond the Beacon.” The podcast features local Church stories, faith reflections, and discussions on national and global Catholic events. To watch “Beyond the Beacon,” visit the bishop’s YouTube channel.  In other accolades, Joe Gigli, the Communication Department’s photographer since 2001, placed third in the Photographer of the Year category. He has been a consistent recipient of CMA awards across various photographic categories over his 25 years with the diocese. He also provides video content for diocesan social media and other digital platforms. This is the first year Gigli was nominated for the prestigious Photographer of the Year honor. In their assessment of Gigli’s work, the CMA judges praised many of the photos submitted for the award. “Each photograph is strong enough to stand on its own: the peaceful face of a sister in prayer, full of quiet devotion; the sun shining through stained glass, casting jeweled colors across the quiet church, and onto a priest at prayer, as if toughed by something divine; the organist, partially hidden, filling the space with music; and the unfiltered joy of a little boy celebrating,” the judges wrote. The judges concluded, “The photographer skillfully stirs emotion and draws the viewer into these sacred moments with beauty, reverence, and authenticity.” In addition, Pagliarulo and Gigli earned an honorable mention in the Best Video: Pro-Life Activities, Diocesan and National News Organizations category for a video of Bishop Sweeney’s monthly prayer vigil at Planned Parenthood in Morristown, N.J. To enjoy a comprehensive coverage of the Paterson Diocese, visit BeaconNJ.org. Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.

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Bishop Sweeney, Communications Office of the Diocese of Paterson awarded by Catholic Media Association #Catholic –

Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney of the Paterson Diocese, N.J., once again earned top-tier awards for excellence as a social-media content creator for the third consecutive year and as a podcaster during the Catholic Media Association (CMA) Conference from June 16 to 19 in Atlantic City, N.J. The Communications Office also won other awards for Photographer of the Year and for a quality pro-life video.

The CMA recognizes and celebrates excellence in journalism, communications, and other forms of media.

During the annual national conference, Bishop Sweeney and the Communications Office won third place for Best Social Media Account — Bishop for his Instagram social media account. The award-winning digital content was produced in collaboration with Bishop Sweeney and Cecile Pagliarulo, the diocese’s digital media specialist, who posts the bishop’s messages, creates video reels, and graphics. CMA has recognized the bishop’s account three years in a row with this latest win.

The CMA judges wrote, “The consistency of Bishop Sweeney’s communication with his flock is impressive. His pages have regular, personal, and pastoral posts, engaging the faithful well.”

The bishop’s account can be found on Instagram here.

Bishop Sweeney also won an honorable mention in the Best Podcast category for his long-running podcast, “Beyond the Beacon.” He shares the honor with Jai Agnish, diocesan communications director, and Pagliarulo. In 2024, the bishop won Best Podcast on Social Justice Issues (second place) and Podcaster of the Year (third place) for “Beyond the Beacon.” The podcast features local Church stories, faith reflections, and discussions on national and global Catholic events.

To watch “Beyond the Beacon,” visit the bishop’s YouTube channel. 

In other accolades, Joe Gigli, the Communication Department’s photographer since 2001, placed third in the Photographer of the Year category. He has been a consistent recipient of CMA awards across various photographic categories over his 25 years with the diocese. He also provides video content for diocesan social media and other digital platforms.

This is the first year Gigli was nominated for the prestigious Photographer of the Year honor.

In their assessment of Gigli’s work, the CMA judges praised many of the photos submitted for the award.

“Each photograph is strong enough to stand on its own: the peaceful face of a sister in prayer, full of quiet devotion; the sun shining through stained glass, casting jeweled colors across the quiet church, and onto a priest at prayer, as if toughed by something divine; the organist, partially hidden, filling the space with music; and the unfiltered joy of a little boy celebrating,” the judges wrote.

The judges concluded, “The photographer skillfully stirs emotion and draws the viewer into these sacred moments with beauty, reverence, and authenticity.”

In addition, Pagliarulo and Gigli earned an honorable mention in the Best Video: Pro-Life Activities, Diocesan and National News Organizations category for a video of Bishop Sweeney’s monthly prayer vigil at Planned Parenthood in Morristown, N.J.

To enjoy a comprehensive coverage of the Paterson Diocese, visit BeaconNJ.org.

Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.

– Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney of the Paterson Diocese, N.J., once again earned top-tier awards for excellence as a social-media content creator for the third consecutive year and as a podcaster during the Catholic Media Association (CMA) Conference from June 16 to 19 in Atlantic City, N.J. The Communications Office also won other awards for Photographer of the Year and for a quality pro-life video. The CMA recognizes and celebrates excellence in journalism, communications, and other forms of media. During the annual national conference, Bishop Sweeney and the Communications Office won third place for Best Social Media Account — Bishop for

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Paterson hospital mounts colorful celebration of Philippine Independence Day #Catholic - On June 16, Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney visited St. Joseph’s University Medical Center in Paterson, N.J., to preside over its annual Mass in the chapel for Philippine Independence Day. St. Joseph’s Health Filipino Affinity Group organized the event, which included a cultural fiesta showcasing Filipino heritage and featuring traditional foods, music, dance, and clothing. The participating Filipino community included clergy and lay staff. Philippine Independence Day is observed on June 12. BEACON PHOTOS | JOE GIGLI [See image gallery at beaconnj.org] Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.
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Paterson hospital mounts colorful celebration of Philippine Independence Day #Catholic – On June 16, Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney visited St. Joseph’s University Medical Center in Paterson, N.J., to preside over its annual Mass in the chapel for Philippine Independence Day. St. Joseph’s Health Filipino Affinity Group organized the event, which included a cultural fiesta showcasing Filipino heritage and featuring traditional foods, music, dance, and clothing. The participating Filipino community included clergy and lay staff. Philippine Independence Day is observed on June 12. BEACON PHOTOS | JOE GIGLI [See image gallery at beaconnj.org] Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.

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Paterson hospital mounts colorful celebration of Philippine Independence Day #Catholic –

On June 16, Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney visited St. Joseph’s University Medical Center in Paterson, N.J., to preside over its annual Mass in the chapel for Philippine Independence Day. St. Joseph’s Health Filipino Affinity Group organized the event, which included a cultural fiesta showcasing Filipino heritage and featuring traditional foods, music, dance, and clothing. The participating Filipino community included clergy and lay staff. Philippine Independence Day is observed on June 12.

BEACON PHOTOS | JOE GIGLI
Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.

– On June 16, Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney visited St. Joseph’s University Medical Center in Paterson, N.J., to preside over its annual Mass in the chapel for Philippine Independence Day. St. Joseph’s Health Filipino Affinity Group organized the event, which included a cultural fiesta showcasing Filipino heritage and featuring traditional foods, music, dance, and clothing. The participating Filipino community included clergy and lay staff. Philippine Independence Day is observed on June 12. BEACON PHOTOS | JOE GIGLI Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.

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Faith over finance: Delbarton alum pursues fulfilling priestly vocation #Catholic – Kevin McCarthy’s career at T. Rowe Price was soaring. Since joining in 2016, the young man had risen to vice president at the Baltimore, Md., office of the global investment management firm. At the time, the firm was managing .3 trillion in assets. Despite his professional success, McCarthy felt his life lacked something essential — something spiritual. Previously, he had lived out his Catholic faith in the Paterson Diocese, N.J., as a parishioner of Holy Family in Florham Park and St. Lawrence the Martyr in Chester. McCarthy is also a 2004 graduate of Delbarton School in Morristown. “I fell away from my Catholic faith. I wanted to discover what kind of man I was supposed to be. I needed to take Christian life seriously,” McCarthy, now 40, said of his time with T. Rowe Price. So McCarthy began attending midday Masses during his lunch hours at the Basilica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which became his parish. He also structured his workday to attend Eucharistic adoration there and returned to confession. It took years of discernment for McCarthy, now known as Deacon Kevin McCarthy of the Baltimore Archdiocese, to hear God gradually calling him away from his successful corporate career and toward a more spiritually gratifying life as a priest. Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter. On May 16, Archbishop William Lori of the Baltimore Archdiocese ordained Deacon McCarthy and 11 other men as transitional deacons in the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen. It’s their last step before being ordained priests of the archdiocese next summer. “My work at T. Rowe Price was intellectually stimulating and kept me busy. Although I was succeeding at my work, the parish is where I felt fulfilled,” Deacon McCarthy said. “During adoration at the basilica in Baltimore, the Lord showed me that I wanted to be close to Jesus. My desire to go to Mass and adoration grew,” he said. Deacon McCarthy’s diaconal assignment is at St. Peter the Apostle Parish in Libertytown, Md. He is a seminarian at Mount Saint Mary’s Seminary in Emmitsburg, Md. “Walking with people as a deacon in every stage of the spiritual life in their joy and in their grief stretches the mind and the heart in ways I never previously imagined possible,” Deacon McCarthy said. “It’s a privilege beyond description — and so is the life of the parish priest,” he said. Deacon McCarthy’s spiritual journey started at Holy Family in Florham Park, where he received his sacraments and attended religious education. During his high school senior year, he moved with his parents, Kevin and Mary Ellen, and his younger brother, Tom, now married with children, to Chester, where he attended St. Lawrence. For high school, Deacon McCarthy attended Delbarton School, a Catholic boys’ prep school run by Benedictine monks. He said his freshman Family Life class was enlightening, magnifying his appreciation of “the vast beauty of God’s creation.” He graduated Delbarton in 2004. Deacon McCarthy fell away from the faith while attending Yale University in New Haven, Conn., where he earned a bachelor’s degree in history in 2008. After having worked in New York City, Deacon McCarthy moved to Baltimore in 2016. As vice president of T. Rowe Price, he worked with the senior sales leadership team to develop and execute sales and marketing strategies. Before leaving T. Rowe Price, McCarthy had attended an archdiocesan vocations retreat, where he heard God urge him to apply to the seminary, which he did in 2020. His parents weren’t surprised because he would often talk about his activities at the basilica on their phone calls. “It will be my privilege to lay down my life for the Lord and his people as a priest,” Deacon McCarthy said. “I look forward to being united with Jesus with the words of consecration at Mass and absolution in confession. This is beyond what any man can hope for on his own. I look forward to it with all my heart,” he said.  
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Faith over finance: Delbarton alum pursues fulfilling priestly vocation #Catholic – Kevin McCarthy’s career at T. Rowe Price was soaring. Since joining in 2016, the young man had risen to vice president at the Baltimore, Md., office of the global investment management firm. At the time, the firm was managing $1.3 trillion in assets. Despite his professional success, McCarthy felt his life lacked something essential — something spiritual. Previously, he had lived out his Catholic faith in the Paterson Diocese, N.J., as a parishioner of Holy Family in Florham Park and St. Lawrence the Martyr in Chester. McCarthy is also a 2004 graduate of Delbarton School in Morristown. “I fell away from my Catholic faith. I wanted to discover what kind of man I was supposed to be. I needed to take Christian life seriously,” McCarthy, now 40, said of his time with T. Rowe Price. So McCarthy began attending midday Masses during his lunch hours at the Basilica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which became his parish. He also structured his workday to attend Eucharistic adoration there and returned to confession. It took years of discernment for McCarthy, now known as Deacon Kevin McCarthy of the Baltimore Archdiocese, to hear God gradually calling him away from his successful corporate career and toward a more spiritually gratifying life as a priest. Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter. On May 16, Archbishop William Lori of the Baltimore Archdiocese ordained Deacon McCarthy and 11 other men as transitional deacons in the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen. It’s their last step before being ordained priests of the archdiocese next summer. “My work at T. Rowe Price was intellectually stimulating and kept me busy. Although I was succeeding at my work, the parish is where I felt fulfilled,” Deacon McCarthy said. “During adoration at the basilica in Baltimore, the Lord showed me that I wanted to be close to Jesus. My desire to go to Mass and adoration grew,” he said. Deacon McCarthy’s diaconal assignment is at St. Peter the Apostle Parish in Libertytown, Md. He is a seminarian at Mount Saint Mary’s Seminary in Emmitsburg, Md. “Walking with people as a deacon in every stage of the spiritual life in their joy and in their grief stretches the mind and the heart in ways I never previously imagined possible,” Deacon McCarthy said. “It’s a privilege beyond description — and so is the life of the parish priest,” he said. Deacon McCarthy’s spiritual journey started at Holy Family in Florham Park, where he received his sacraments and attended religious education. During his high school senior year, he moved with his parents, Kevin and Mary Ellen, and his younger brother, Tom, now married with children, to Chester, where he attended St. Lawrence. For high school, Deacon McCarthy attended Delbarton School, a Catholic boys’ prep school run by Benedictine monks. He said his freshman Family Life class was enlightening, magnifying his appreciation of “the vast beauty of God’s creation.” He graduated Delbarton in 2004. Deacon McCarthy fell away from the faith while attending Yale University in New Haven, Conn., where he earned a bachelor’s degree in history in 2008. After having worked in New York City, Deacon McCarthy moved to Baltimore in 2016. As vice president of T. Rowe Price, he worked with the senior sales leadership team to develop and execute sales and marketing strategies. Before leaving T. Rowe Price, McCarthy had attended an archdiocesan vocations retreat, where he heard God urge him to apply to the seminary, which he did in 2020. His parents weren’t surprised because he would often talk about his activities at the basilica on their phone calls. “It will be my privilege to lay down my life for the Lord and his people as a priest,” Deacon McCarthy said. “I look forward to being united with Jesus with the words of consecration at Mass and absolution in confession. This is beyond what any man can hope for on his own. I look forward to it with all my heart,” he said.  

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Faith over finance: Delbarton alum pursues fulfilling priestly vocation #Catholic –

Kevin McCarthy’s career at T. Rowe Price was soaring. Since joining in 2016, the young man had risen to vice president at the Baltimore, Md., office of the global investment management firm. At the time, the firm was managing $1.3 trillion in assets.

Despite his professional success, McCarthy felt his life lacked something essential — something spiritual. Previously, he had lived out his Catholic faith in the Paterson Diocese, N.J., as a parishioner of Holy Family in Florham Park and St. Lawrence the Martyr in Chester. McCarthy is also a 2004 graduate of Delbarton School in Morristown.

“I fell away from my Catholic faith. I wanted to discover what kind of man I was supposed to be. I needed to take Christian life seriously,” McCarthy, now 40, said of his time with T. Rowe Price.

So McCarthy began attending midday Masses during his lunch hours at the Basilica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which became his parish. He also structured his workday to attend Eucharistic adoration there and returned to confession.

It took years of discernment for McCarthy, now known as Deacon Kevin McCarthy of the Baltimore Archdiocese, to hear God gradually calling him away from his successful corporate career and toward a more spiritually gratifying life as a priest.

Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.

On May 16, Archbishop William Lori of the Baltimore Archdiocese ordained Deacon McCarthy and 11 other men as transitional deacons in the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen. It’s their last step before being ordained priests of the archdiocese next summer.

“My work at T. Rowe Price was intellectually stimulating and kept me busy. Although I was succeeding at my work, the parish is where I felt fulfilled,” Deacon McCarthy said. “During adoration at the basilica in Baltimore, the Lord showed me that I wanted to be close to Jesus. My desire to go to Mass and adoration grew,” he said.

Deacon McCarthy’s diaconal assignment is at St. Peter the Apostle Parish in Libertytown, Md. He is a seminarian at Mount Saint Mary’s Seminary in Emmitsburg, Md.

“Walking with people as a deacon in every stage of the spiritual life in their joy and in their grief stretches the mind and the heart in ways I never previously imagined possible,” Deacon McCarthy said. “It’s a privilege beyond description — and so is the life of the parish priest,” he said.

Deacon McCarthy’s spiritual journey started at Holy Family in Florham Park, where he received his sacraments and attended religious education. During his high school senior year, he moved with his parents, Kevin and Mary Ellen, and his younger brother, Tom, now married with children, to Chester, where he attended St. Lawrence.

For high school, Deacon McCarthy attended Delbarton School, a Catholic boys’ prep school run by Benedictine monks. He said his freshman Family Life class was enlightening, magnifying his appreciation of “the vast beauty of God’s creation.” He graduated Delbarton in 2004.

Deacon McCarthy fell away from the faith while attending Yale University in New Haven, Conn., where he earned a bachelor’s degree in history in 2008.

After having worked in New York City, Deacon McCarthy moved to Baltimore in 2016. As vice president of T. Rowe Price, he worked with the senior sales leadership team to develop and execute sales and marketing strategies.

Before leaving T. Rowe Price, McCarthy had attended an archdiocesan vocations retreat, where he heard God urge him to apply to the seminary, which he did in 2020. His parents weren’t surprised because he would often talk about his activities at the basilica on their phone calls.

“It will be my privilege to lay down my life for the Lord and his people as a priest,” Deacon McCarthy said. “I look forward to being united with Jesus with the words of consecration at Mass and absolution in confession. This is beyond what any man can hope for on his own. I look forward to it with all my heart,” he said.

 

– Kevin McCarthy’s career at T. Rowe Price was soaring. Since joining in 2016, the young man had risen to vice president at the Baltimore, Md., office of the global investment management firm. At the time, the firm was managing $1.3 trillion in assets. Despite his professional success, McCarthy felt his life lacked something essential — something spiritual. Previously, he had lived out his Catholic faith in the Paterson Diocese, N.J., as a parishioner of Holy Family in Florham Park and St. Lawrence the Martyr in Chester. McCarthy is also a 2004 graduate of Delbarton School in Morristown. “I fell away

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Parents sentenced to prison in Brazil after excluding gender content in homeschool curriculum #Catholic A Brazilian couple was sentenced to 50 days in prison related to the homeschooling of their two daughters in an unprecedented case that has raised concerns regarding educational freedom and parental rights in Brazil.Audato and Ieda Denardi were found guilty of the crime of “intellectual neglect” by a court in the state of São Paulo, even though the prosecution itself had requested their acquittal after concluding that the minors were not suffering from any neglect and were demonstrating appropriate academic and social development.The Christian legal organization ADF International, which is representing the family in the appeal, denounced the case as “a grotesque abuse of criminal law” and stated that it would continue defending the couple.The conviction, initially handed down in April 2026 and currently under appeal before the Seventh Criminal Court Chamber of the São Paulo State Court of Justice, will remain suspended while the appeal is being resolved.‘I cannot conceive of a more dictatorial state’Ieda Denardi expressed her distress and defended the right of parents to choose their childrenʼs education.“As a mother, I cannot conceive of a more dictatorial state than the one that wants me in jail because I chose to exercise my right to direct the education and upbringing of my daughters,” she told ADF International.“My husband and I are hopeful the court will recognize our right to choose the best education for our children and overturn this unjust conviction,” she added.The couple began homeschooling their daughters in 2020 after realizing the limitations of the remote public education imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic.Since then, they report a significant improvement in their daughters' academic performance and have been able to incorporate family values ​​and faith into their education.Judge takes into account the girls’ music preferencesOne of the most striking aspects of the case is the reasoning the judge used to reach the verdict. According to the ruling, the educational program provided by the parents did not include content regarding “gender and sex education” or “tolerance and diversity.”Furthermore, the court concluded that the fact that the girls, aged 15 and 11, do not enjoy popular musical genres such as “trap” or “sertanejo” demonstrated an alleged deficiency in their cultural education.The judge cited this despite the fact that both girls are pianists with advanced training and are fluent in several languages.In his ruling, the judge further accused the parents of “using their daughters as pawns in an ideological struggle, subjecting them to a form of unregulated education, the effectiveness and quality of which lack adequate metrics within the Brazilian legal system, while completely excluding the state’s involvement.”The prosecution sought the parents' acquittal“The prosecutor examined the witnesses and recommended acquittal. An independent educational psychologist found no sign of neglect. The girls themselves described rigorous daily education,” explained Julio Pohl, legal counsel for Latin America at ADF International.However, “the judge convicted anyway,” he said, “because a fifteen-year-old said she finds some music lyrics morally questionable, and because the curriculum didn’t include state-approved content on gender.”“A parent has been sentenced to prison not for failing to educate her children, but for educating them according to her own values. This is a grotesque abuse of the criminal law, and we will not let it stand.” Pohl pledged.First criminal prosecution against homeschooling familiesAccording to ADF International, more than 70,000 children are currently being homeschooled in Brazil. However, a lack of regulation has left thousands of families in a state of uncertainty.The Denardi case sets a precedent as the first criminal conviction of parents for homeschooling their children.The situation has even reached the country’s legislature, where hearings were recently held on the matter, and the Denardis asked lawmakers to pass a law guaranteeing families the right to choose this educational model.Although a homeschooling bill was passed by the Chamber of Deputies (lower house) in 2022, the initiative remains stalled in the Senate.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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Parents sentenced to prison in Brazil after excluding gender content in homeschool curriculum #Catholic A Brazilian couple was sentenced to 50 days in prison related to the homeschooling of their two daughters in an unprecedented case that has raised concerns regarding educational freedom and parental rights in Brazil.Audato and Ieda Denardi were found guilty of the crime of “intellectual neglect” by a court in the state of São Paulo, even though the prosecution itself had requested their acquittal after concluding that the minors were not suffering from any neglect and were demonstrating appropriate academic and social development.The Christian legal organization ADF International, which is representing the family in the appeal, denounced the case as “a grotesque abuse of criminal law” and stated that it would continue defending the couple.The conviction, initially handed down in April 2026 and currently under appeal before the Seventh Criminal Court Chamber of the São Paulo State Court of Justice, will remain suspended while the appeal is being resolved.‘I cannot conceive of a more dictatorial state’Ieda Denardi expressed her distress and defended the right of parents to choose their childrenʼs education.“As a mother, I cannot conceive of a more dictatorial state than the one that wants me in jail because I chose to exercise my right to direct the education and upbringing of my daughters,” she told ADF International.“My husband and I are hopeful the court will recognize our right to choose the best education for our children and overturn this unjust conviction,” she added.The couple began homeschooling their daughters in 2020 after realizing the limitations of the remote public education imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic.Since then, they report a significant improvement in their daughters' academic performance and have been able to incorporate family values ​​and faith into their education.Judge takes into account the girls’ music preferencesOne of the most striking aspects of the case is the reasoning the judge used to reach the verdict. According to the ruling, the educational program provided by the parents did not include content regarding “gender and sex education” or “tolerance and diversity.”Furthermore, the court concluded that the fact that the girls, aged 15 and 11, do not enjoy popular musical genres such as “trap” or “sertanejo” demonstrated an alleged deficiency in their cultural education.The judge cited this despite the fact that both girls are pianists with advanced training and are fluent in several languages.In his ruling, the judge further accused the parents of “using their daughters as pawns in an ideological struggle, subjecting them to a form of unregulated education, the effectiveness and quality of which lack adequate metrics within the Brazilian legal system, while completely excluding the state’s involvement.”The prosecution sought the parents' acquittal“The prosecutor examined the witnesses and recommended acquittal. An independent educational psychologist found no sign of neglect. The girls themselves described rigorous daily education,” explained Julio Pohl, legal counsel for Latin America at ADF International.However, “the judge convicted anyway,” he said, “because a fifteen-year-old said she finds some music lyrics morally questionable, and because the curriculum didn’t include state-approved content on gender.”“A parent has been sentenced to prison not for failing to educate her children, but for educating them according to her own values. This is a grotesque abuse of the criminal law, and we will not let it stand.” Pohl pledged.First criminal prosecution against homeschooling familiesAccording to ADF International, more than 70,000 children are currently being homeschooled in Brazil. However, a lack of regulation has left thousands of families in a state of uncertainty.The Denardi case sets a precedent as the first criminal conviction of parents for homeschooling their children.The situation has even reached the country’s legislature, where hearings were recently held on the matter, and the Denardis asked lawmakers to pass a law guaranteeing families the right to choose this educational model.Although a homeschooling bill was passed by the Chamber of Deputies (lower house) in 2022, the initiative remains stalled in the Senate.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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The judge said the fact that the 15- and 11-year-old girls do not enjoy popular music demonstrated an alleged deficiency in their cultural education.

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Stargazing under city lights

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Most amateur astronomers live with light pollution. When a free schedule, the New Moon, and the ability to travel to a dark site align, you have a night to remember. But like finding a valuable old coin in your change, such nights are the exception, not the rule.  However, there’s no need to consider the restContinue reading “Stargazing under city lights”

The post Stargazing under city lights appeared first on Astronomy Magazine.

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