Day: July 11, 2026

At lunch with the poor, Pope Leo XIV calls on society to eliminate the causes of poverty, injustice - #Catholic - Pope Leo XIV on July 11 expressed a “hunger for justice [and] authentic charity” while attending a lunch with poor people at Castel Gandolfo outside of Rome. “[I have] a hunger for a Church that truly knows how to open its doors and receive everyone — where there is love for all and no one is an enemy, where we all know how to live out reconciliation, forgiveness, and peace,” the pope told the crowd at the lunch, hosted in the gardens of the Borgo Laudato Si’. Pope Leo XIV dines with guests during a lunch for poor people at Castel Gandolfo outside of Rome, July 11, 2026. The event was the second lunch the pope has hosted with those facing poverty since the beginning of his pontificate. | Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/EWTN News Leo pointed out that the historic papal title of “pontiff” means “a builder of bridges.” “Today, we too wish to build a bridge with all of you, with your families, and with the society in which we want to live — but to live with justice, to live where the causes of poverty can be eliminated, where the causes of the injustices that still exist in our world can be removed,” he said. Pope Leo XIV and guests sit for lunch at Castel Gandolfo outside of Rome, July 11, 2026. The event was the second lunch the pope has hosted with those facing poverty since the beginning of his pontificate. | Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/EWTN News “This is the Church we want to be,” he said while thanking the organizers of the lunch, the second such event the pope has hosted since his pontificate began. “When we gather together, when we experience this spirit of encounter around the table — the very table where Jesus is present with us — we are truly building a different world, a world of hope. Let us strive always to embody this experience of a Church of justice, peace, and love,” he said.Before the pope spoke, Cardinal Fabio Baggio — the incoming pro-prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development — had addressed the gathering. Cardinal Fabio Baggio speaks during a lunch for poor people at Castel Gandolfo outside of Rome, July 11, 2026. The event was the second lunch Pope Leo XIV has hosted with those facing poverty since the beginning of his pontificate. | Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/EWTN News “At a time when the ‘throwaway culture’ risks relegating many people to the margins, this place seeks to be a small sign of hope,” the cardinal said. “Here, we wish to remind everyone — through our lives rather than just our words — that no one is superfluous in the eyes of God and that every person is a gift to the entire community.”About 200 people facing social vulnerability from the Diocese of Rome attended the lunch with the pope. On Aug. 17, 2025 the pope hosted a similar lunch with people living in poverty from the Diocese of Albano; he held another such luncheon on Nov. 16 of that year.This story was first published by ACI Stampa, the Italian-language sister service of EWTN News. It has been translated and adapted by EWTN News English. 
Read More

At lunch with the poor, Pope Leo XIV calls on society to eliminate the causes of poverty, injustice – #Catholic – Pope Leo XIV on July 11 expressed a “hunger for justice [and] authentic charity” while attending a lunch with poor people at Castel Gandolfo outside of Rome. “[I have] a hunger for a Church that truly knows how to open its doors and receive everyone — where there is love for all and no one is an enemy, where we all know how to live out reconciliation, forgiveness, and peace,” the pope told the crowd at the lunch, hosted in the gardens of the Borgo Laudato Si’. Pope Leo XIV dines with guests during a lunch for poor people at Castel Gandolfo outside of Rome, July 11, 2026. The event was the second lunch the pope has hosted with those facing poverty since the beginning of his pontificate. | Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/EWTN News Leo pointed out that the historic papal title of “pontiff” means “a builder of bridges.” “Today, we too wish to build a bridge with all of you, with your families, and with the society in which we want to live — but to live with justice, to live where the causes of poverty can be eliminated, where the causes of the injustices that still exist in our world can be removed,” he said. Pope Leo XIV and guests sit for lunch at Castel Gandolfo outside of Rome, July 11, 2026. The event was the second lunch the pope has hosted with those facing poverty since the beginning of his pontificate. | Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/EWTN News “This is the Church we want to be,” he said while thanking the organizers of the lunch, the second such event the pope has hosted since his pontificate began. “When we gather together, when we experience this spirit of encounter around the table — the very table where Jesus is present with us — we are truly building a different world, a world of hope. Let us strive always to embody this experience of a Church of justice, peace, and love,” he said.Before the pope spoke, Cardinal Fabio Baggio — the incoming pro-prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development — had addressed the gathering. Cardinal Fabio Baggio speaks during a lunch for poor people at Castel Gandolfo outside of Rome, July 11, 2026. The event was the second lunch Pope Leo XIV has hosted with those facing poverty since the beginning of his pontificate. | Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/EWTN News “At a time when the ‘throwaway culture’ risks relegating many people to the margins, this place seeks to be a small sign of hope,” the cardinal said. “Here, we wish to remind everyone — through our lives rather than just our words — that no one is superfluous in the eyes of God and that every person is a gift to the entire community.”About 200 people facing social vulnerability from the Diocese of Rome attended the lunch with the pope. On Aug. 17, 2025 the pope hosted a similar lunch with people living in poverty from the Diocese of Albano; he held another such luncheon on Nov. 16 of that year.This story was first published by ACI Stampa, the Italian-language sister service of EWTN News. It has been translated and adapted by EWTN News English. 

unitedyam

The Holy Father on July 11 hosted “Lunch with the Pope,” a day of hospitality and fraternity at Borgo Laudato Si’ within the papal gardens of Castel Gandolfo.

Read More
Catholic Church in Colombia calls for respecting presidential election results – #Catholic – The Colombian Bishops’ Conference called for the will of the people expressed in the results of the June 21 presidential elections, which saw Abelardo de la Espriella emerge as the winner, to be respected and accepted as a sign of peace for the country.In the final message of their 121st plenary assembly, the bishops noted the “robust and peaceful participation of the Colombian people” in the elections, describing it as a “clear sign of democratic maturity and of appreciation and respect for institutions.”“We regard respect for and acceptance of the will of the Colombian people, as expressed in the election results, as conditions and signs of peace,” they stated in their message, published on July 9.The bishops lamented that, following the elections, confrontation and division continue to be fueled by violent words and attitudes.After calling for a “culture of encounter,” the bishops’ conference urged government leaders to assume “their constitutional responsibility to safeguard and foster unity, the pursuit of the common good in truth and justice, and a national project that includes us all without disregarding what has been built and received as both a legacy and a task.”The bishops' call comes amid the political conflict sparked by President Gustavo Petroʼs decision on July 6 to reject the runoff election results, citing cyber fraud and claiming that the true winner was his candidate, Iván Cepeda.On June 25, the National Electoral Council declared de la Espriella the winner of the presidential runoff election.De la Espriella responded by suspending his team’s participation in the official transition process, that is, the handover of information between the outgoing government and the one set to take over the leadership of Colombia on Aug. 7.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.
Read More

Catholic Church in Colombia calls for respecting presidential election results – #Catholic – The Colombian Bishops’ Conference called for the will of the people expressed in the results of the June 21 presidential elections, which saw Abelardo de la Espriella emerge as the winner, to be respected and accepted as a sign of peace for the country.In the final message of their 121st plenary assembly, the bishops noted the “robust and peaceful participation of the Colombian people” in the elections, describing it as a “clear sign of democratic maturity and of appreciation and respect for institutions.”“We regard respect for and acceptance of the will of the Colombian people, as expressed in the election results, as conditions and signs of peace,” they stated in their message, published on July 9.The bishops lamented that, following the elections, confrontation and division continue to be fueled by violent words and attitudes.After calling for a “culture of encounter,” the bishops’ conference urged government leaders to assume “their constitutional responsibility to safeguard and foster unity, the pursuit of the common good in truth and justice, and a national project that includes us all without disregarding what has been built and received as both a legacy and a task.”The bishops' call comes amid the political conflict sparked by President Gustavo Petroʼs decision on July 6 to reject the runoff election results, citing cyber fraud and claiming that the true winner was his candidate, Iván Cepeda.On June 25, the National Electoral Council declared de la Espriella the winner of the presidential runoff election.De la Espriella responded by suspending his team’s participation in the official transition process, that is, the handover of information between the outgoing government and the one set to take over the leadership of Colombia on Aug. 7.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.

unitedyam

With Abelardo de la Espriella’s very narrow victory and outgoing President Gustavo Petros’ refusal to accept that result, alleging fraud, the Colombian bishops urged citizens to respect the outcome.

Read More

July 11, 1801: Jean-Louis Pons finds his first comet

unitedyam

On July 11, 1801, French astronomer Jean-Louis Pons made his first comet discovery, c/1801 N1. When he’d began his career in 1789 as a doorkeeper (essentially, a concierge) at Marseille Observatory, the directors had recognized his talents and taught him more about astronomy. That background, combined with his exceptional observational skills and the ability toContinue reading “July 11, 1801: Jean-Louis Pons finds his first comet”

The post July 11, 1801: Jean-Louis Pons finds his first comet appeared first on Astronomy Magazine.

Read More
‘We will rise with him,’ Venezuelan bishop says as Catholic nonprofits mobilize relief efforts – #Catholic – Auxiliary Bishop Carlos Márquez of Caracas, Venezuela, this week underscored the Church’s commitment “to be with people” as Venezuela recovers from earthquakes.“First of all, we are committed to being with people,” Márquez told “EWTN News In Depth” on July 10. “Bishops and priests and deacons and religious personnel of all different congregations, we are on the street talking to people, conveying hope, and giving them consolation from all the pain and distress that they are suffering.”“We accompany the pain of our people,” he said. “We don’t leave them alone.”Márquez said that in Caracas, where he serves, around 20 to 25 churches and parish houses have been destroyed. While he said Caracas has seen “a lot of damage in many buildings,” the more heavily affected area is La Guajira.“La Guajira is the poor diocese of Venezuela,” he said. “It’s the sister diocese of Caracas. La Guajira was hit really, really bad and they have much, much more damage than we suffer here.”“Though we’ve been hit by nature, we don’t lose our hope because our hope is set on Christ the Lord, and he had victory over death and destruction, and we know that we join him in this pain,” Márquez said.The auxiliary bishop’s remarks come as Catholic aid organizations, including Catholic Relief Services (CRS) and Caritas Venezuela, are working together to mobilize relief efforts across the country.CRS Senior Technical Adviser for Humanitarian Operations John Service told “EWTN News Nightly” on July 10 that CRS and Caritas have channeled their assistance “down to the most affected area, which is La Guajira.”“Weʼve been sending food, water, hygiene materials, and medical supplies,” he said. “Itʼs been a massive mobilization, a big effort, and weʼve been able to get a lot of trucks going. And itʼs nonstop. Literally in this place where Iʼm standing right now, which is their main office, we get the materials, we process them, we put them into packages that are easy to deliver, and then the trucks go out daily to these different sites.”Service described the mood on the ground in Venezuela as “sad, frustrated, angry together, and determined.”“The reality is thereʼs quite a big trauma thatʼs hit these populations. Theyʼve lost loved ones. They still have loved ones they canʼt find. So it is a very difficult process for them to come to grips with whatʼs happened,” he said.Service said many Venezuelans faced financial hardship before the earthquakes, depleting the resources they might have used to offset the present crisis. “People donʼt have a big safety net,” he said.
Read More

‘We will rise with him,’ Venezuelan bishop says as Catholic nonprofits mobilize relief efforts – #Catholic – Auxiliary Bishop Carlos Márquez of Caracas, Venezuela, this week underscored the Church’s commitment “to be with people” as Venezuela recovers from earthquakes.“First of all, we are committed to being with people,” Márquez told “EWTN News In Depth” on July 10. “Bishops and priests and deacons and religious personnel of all different congregations, we are on the street talking to people, conveying hope, and giving them consolation from all the pain and distress that they are suffering.”“We accompany the pain of our people,” he said. “We don’t leave them alone.”Márquez said that in Caracas, where he serves, around 20 to 25 churches and parish houses have been destroyed. While he said Caracas has seen “a lot of damage in many buildings,” the more heavily affected area is La Guajira.“La Guajira is the poor diocese of Venezuela,” he said. “It’s the sister diocese of Caracas. La Guajira was hit really, really bad and they have much, much more damage than we suffer here.”“Though we’ve been hit by nature, we don’t lose our hope because our hope is set on Christ the Lord, and he had victory over death and destruction, and we know that we join him in this pain,” Márquez said.The auxiliary bishop’s remarks come as Catholic aid organizations, including Catholic Relief Services (CRS) and Caritas Venezuela, are working together to mobilize relief efforts across the country.CRS Senior Technical Adviser for Humanitarian Operations John Service told “EWTN News Nightly” on July 10 that CRS and Caritas have channeled their assistance “down to the most affected area, which is La Guajira.”“Weʼve been sending food, water, hygiene materials, and medical supplies,” he said. “Itʼs been a massive mobilization, a big effort, and weʼve been able to get a lot of trucks going. And itʼs nonstop. Literally in this place where Iʼm standing right now, which is their main office, we get the materials, we process them, we put them into packages that are easy to deliver, and then the trucks go out daily to these different sites.”Service described the mood on the ground in Venezuela as “sad, frustrated, angry together, and determined.”“The reality is thereʼs quite a big trauma thatʼs hit these populations. Theyʼve lost loved ones. They still have loved ones they canʼt find. So it is a very difficult process for them to come to grips with whatʼs happened,” he said.Service said many Venezuelans faced financial hardship before the earthquakes, depleting the resources they might have used to offset the present crisis. “People donʼt have a big safety net,” he said.

unitedyam

“Though we’ve been hit by nature, we don’t lose our hope because our hope is set on Christ the Lord, and he had victory over death and destruction,” Auxiliary Bishop Carlos Márquez said.

Read More
Irish bishops condemn burning of mosque replica at holiday festivities #Catholic Archbishop Eamon Martin of the Catholic Archdiocese of Armagh and Archbishop John McDowell of the Church of Ireland have condemned the burning of a mosque replica in Northern Ireland during the country’s Eleventh Night bonfires.“The placement of a replica mosque atop a bonfire is grossly offensive and raises tensions so soon after the unrest that destroyed property and severely impacted the lives of individuals and families,” the archbishops said. Bonfires are traditionally lit in loyalist areas of Northern Ireland on the night before July 12 — a holiday referred to as “The Twelfth” — marking the Battle of the Boyne in 1690, which saw the defeat of Catholic King James II. The mosque replica placed on top of a bonfire was reported to depict a person holding a knife and a flag.The incident follows weeks of civil unrest and targeting of migrant communities throughout Northern Ireland after a brutal knife attack in Belfast carried out by a Sudanese national.Little Sisters of the Poor set up field hospital for Venezuela earthquake victimsThe Congregation of the Little Sisters of the Poor of Maiquetía has set up a field hospital following the destruction of San José Hospital during the earthquakes in Venezuela last month.The sisters are continuing their health ministry operations across the street from the damaged hospital, Sister María Yraida Mora Sánchez, vicar general of the Congregation of the Little Sisters of the Poor, told Vatican News. "We are also making regular visits to three emergency shelters, and the situation is extremely difficult. It is especially challenging because Venezuela was already facing a severe economic and humanitarian crisis, as much of the world already knows,” she said. Abuse survivors seek damages from entity tied to Christian Brothers’ asset transfersSurvivors of clergy abuse at the hands of the Congregation of Christian Brothers are seeking to transfer their compensation claims to Edmund Rice Education Australia, a Catholic entity that received over million worth of property from the Christian Brothers over the course of a decade in symbolic transfers. The move comes after the Christian Brothers said in court that they could not afford to pay survivors’ claims in full but that they would sell off their remaining 36 properties valued at 7 million to divide among creditors and abuse survivors, according to a report from The Guardian on Friday.Indonesia bishops speak out against killing of American mission pilotCatholic bishops in Papua, Indonesia’s easternmost province, have condemned the murder of an American pilot on July 2 by an armed group.“We strongly condemn this brutal act,” Archbishop Petrus Canisius Mandagi of Merauke said, according to Licas News, noting that the plane that was set on fire by the group was an Associated Mission Aviation (AMA) aircraft owned by five dioceses in Papua. AMA has served Papua for 67 years, delivering humanitarian aid to areas difficult to reach by land. “For decades, we have faced risks from weather and technical problems. However, a criminal act involving the burning of an aircraft and the murder of a pilot is extremely difficult to accept. It is a barbaric and inhumane act,” Bishop Yanuarius Theofilus Matopai of Jayapura in Papua said. Pakistan archbishop declares child abuse a national, moral crisisArchbishop Joseph Arshad of Islamabad-Rawalpindi in Pakistan has designated 2026 the “Year of Children” amid what he described as “deep concern over the growing number of child abuse cases in society.”"The issue of child sexual abuse in Pakistan remains widespread and requires urgent attention,” the archbishop said in an interview with Fides News Agency on July 8. “Crimes against children are among the most shameful and intolerable violations of human dignity. No society can call itself just, peaceful, or civilized as long as its children live under threat, fear, and insecurity. Children are a sacred gift from God and must be protected with the highest level of moral, social, legal and institutional responsibility,” he said, calling for action from the Pakistani government. New Zealand marks near-50% surge in euthanasia deaths in 3 yearsA report has recorded a 48.17% increase in deaths by euthanasia and assisted suicide in New Zealand over the past three years.The Registrar (assisted dying) Annual Report to the Minister of Health June 2026 report found there was a total of 486 cases of euthanasia and assisted suicide in New Zealand from April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026. In 2023-2024, there were 328 cases nationwide. The New Zealand Catholic Bishops’ Conference has repeatedly spoken out against euthanasia and assisted suicide laws in the country. Bishop of Alexandria, Egypt, celebrates centenary of Latin Vicariate of Port SaidHundreds of pilgrims gathered in Port Said in Egypt to celebrate 100 years after the establishment of the apostolic procurator there, ACI MENA, the Arabic-language sister service of EWTN News, reported Sunday.Bishop Claudio Lurati of the Apostolic Vicariate of Alexandria presided over the Mass celebrating the anniversary at the Regina Mundi Cathedral. Beyond the anniversary itself, the celebration brought together the history of the local Church, the legacy of generations of Christians, and a remarkable example of ecumenical cooperation, with Regina Mundi Cathedral serving both Latin Catholic and Coptic Orthodox communities.Thailand Catholic schools launch program to combat food insecurityIn the wake of catastrophic flooding across southern Thailand, the Catholic Foundation of the Surat Thani Diocese has launched a program to transform schools into food hubs.The “Promoting Nutrition and Sustainable Food Production for Children and the Poor” project is funded by Pope Leo XIV through the apostolic nuncio to Thailand, according to a report from Licas News on Wednesday. The project is designed to ensure that students receive balanced meals every day by enabling schools to become agricultural food production zones. The program will also establish health monitoring systems to track body mass index (BMI) of students suffering from food insecurity.
Read More

Irish bishops condemn burning of mosque replica at holiday festivities #Catholic Archbishop Eamon Martin of the Catholic Archdiocese of Armagh and Archbishop John McDowell of the Church of Ireland have condemned the burning of a mosque replica in Northern Ireland during the country’s Eleventh Night bonfires.“The placement of a replica mosque atop a bonfire is grossly offensive and raises tensions so soon after the unrest that destroyed property and severely impacted the lives of individuals and families,” the archbishops said. Bonfires are traditionally lit in loyalist areas of Northern Ireland on the night before July 12 — a holiday referred to as “The Twelfth” — marking the Battle of the Boyne in 1690, which saw the defeat of Catholic King James II. The mosque replica placed on top of a bonfire was reported to depict a person holding a knife and a flag.The incident follows weeks of civil unrest and targeting of migrant communities throughout Northern Ireland after a brutal knife attack in Belfast carried out by a Sudanese national.Little Sisters of the Poor set up field hospital for Venezuela earthquake victimsThe Congregation of the Little Sisters of the Poor of Maiquetía has set up a field hospital following the destruction of San José Hospital during the earthquakes in Venezuela last month.The sisters are continuing their health ministry operations across the street from the damaged hospital, Sister María Yraida Mora Sánchez, vicar general of the Congregation of the Little Sisters of the Poor, told Vatican News. "We are also making regular visits to three emergency shelters, and the situation is extremely difficult. It is especially challenging because Venezuela was already facing a severe economic and humanitarian crisis, as much of the world already knows,” she said. Abuse survivors seek damages from entity tied to Christian Brothers’ asset transfersSurvivors of clergy abuse at the hands of the Congregation of Christian Brothers are seeking to transfer their compensation claims to Edmund Rice Education Australia, a Catholic entity that received over $50 million worth of property from the Christian Brothers over the course of a decade in symbolic $1 transfers. The move comes after the Christian Brothers said in court that they could not afford to pay survivors’ claims in full but that they would sell off their remaining 36 properties valued at $217 million to divide among creditors and abuse survivors, according to a report from The Guardian on Friday.Indonesia bishops speak out against killing of American mission pilotCatholic bishops in Papua, Indonesia’s easternmost province, have condemned the murder of an American pilot on July 2 by an armed group.“We strongly condemn this brutal act,” Archbishop Petrus Canisius Mandagi of Merauke said, according to Licas News, noting that the plane that was set on fire by the group was an Associated Mission Aviation (AMA) aircraft owned by five dioceses in Papua. AMA has served Papua for 67 years, delivering humanitarian aid to areas difficult to reach by land. “For decades, we have faced risks from weather and technical problems. However, a criminal act involving the burning of an aircraft and the murder of a pilot is extremely difficult to accept. It is a barbaric and inhumane act,” Bishop Yanuarius Theofilus Matopai of Jayapura in Papua said. Pakistan archbishop declares child abuse a national, moral crisisArchbishop Joseph Arshad of Islamabad-Rawalpindi in Pakistan has designated 2026 the “Year of Children” amid what he described as “deep concern over the growing number of child abuse cases in society.”"The issue of child sexual abuse in Pakistan remains widespread and requires urgent attention,” the archbishop said in an interview with Fides News Agency on July 8. “Crimes against children are among the most shameful and intolerable violations of human dignity. No society can call itself just, peaceful, or civilized as long as its children live under threat, fear, and insecurity. Children are a sacred gift from God and must be protected with the highest level of moral, social, legal and institutional responsibility,” he said, calling for action from the Pakistani government. New Zealand marks near-50% surge in euthanasia deaths in 3 yearsA report has recorded a 48.17% increase in deaths by euthanasia and assisted suicide in New Zealand over the past three years.The Registrar (assisted dying) Annual Report to the Minister of Health June 2026 report found there was a total of 486 cases of euthanasia and assisted suicide in New Zealand from April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026. In 2023-2024, there were 328 cases nationwide. The New Zealand Catholic Bishops’ Conference has repeatedly spoken out against euthanasia and assisted suicide laws in the country. Bishop of Alexandria, Egypt, celebrates centenary of Latin Vicariate of Port SaidHundreds of pilgrims gathered in Port Said in Egypt to celebrate 100 years after the establishment of the apostolic procurator there, ACI MENA, the Arabic-language sister service of EWTN News, reported Sunday.Bishop Claudio Lurati of the Apostolic Vicariate of Alexandria presided over the Mass celebrating the anniversary at the Regina Mundi Cathedral. Beyond the anniversary itself, the celebration brought together the history of the local Church, the legacy of generations of Christians, and a remarkable example of ecumenical cooperation, with Regina Mundi Cathedral serving both Latin Catholic and Coptic Orthodox communities.Thailand Catholic schools launch program to combat food insecurityIn the wake of catastrophic flooding across southern Thailand, the Catholic Foundation of the Surat Thani Diocese has launched a program to transform schools into food hubs.The “Promoting Nutrition and Sustainable Food Production for Children and the Poor” project is funded by Pope Leo XIV through the apostolic nuncio to Thailand, according to a report from Licas News on Wednesday. The project is designed to ensure that students receive balanced meals every day by enabling schools to become agricultural food production zones. The program will also establish health monitoring systems to track body mass index (BMI) of students suffering from food insecurity.

unitedyam

Irish bishops condemn anti-Muslim display, religious sisters set up a field hospital for Venezuela earthquake victims, euthanasia in New Zealand surges, and more in this week’s world news roundup.

Read More
Our Lady Queen of Peace celebrates its patronal feast as a sign of unity in Sussex County #Catholic - The Solemnity of Our Lady Queen of Peace was far more than a patronal feast for Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish in Branchville, N.J. The celebration became a sign of unity, bringing the English-speaking and Spanish-speaking communities together to honor their patroness in a day of prayer, fellowship and joy. Throughout the day, families from both communities took part in the various activities the parish organized: games for the children, Eucharistic adoration and an outdoor Mass celebrated by the pastor, Father Philip Tangorra, together with Father Dailon Lisabet, who provides pastoral care to the Hispanic community of Sussex County. The day closed with a parish picnic. During the Mass, Father Lisabet reflected on the deep meaning of the celebration: “Although we speak different languages, we share the same faith, the same baptism, the same Eucharist, this samehurch and the same Mother, Mary.” Father Lisabet thanked Father Philip Tangorra for his closeness, his openness and his constant desire that the Hispanic community take full part in parish life. “Since I arrived at this parish, one of Father Philip’s great desires has been that the Hispanic community not feel like a separate group, but like a living part of this parish family. That has been my desire and my mission as well,” Father Lisabet said. After the Eucharist, the two communities shared food, conversation and time together. The Hispanic community prepared tacos al pastor and shaved ice, which were welcomed enthusiastically by everyone present. Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter. The following Sunday, during the Spanish Mass, Mary Eileen B. Schoen publicly expressed her gratitude to the Hispanic community in a letter. “Thank you for being such a special part of the solemnity and barbecue of Our Lady Queen of Peace. The tacos and shaved ice were a great success. Everyone in the parish is so grateful for your becoming part of our parish family. May we continue to grow together in the love of God and of one another,” Schoen wrote. Susana Cabrera, who recently began taking part in the parish along with her husband, said she felt welcome from the very first moment. “It was the first time I took part in an outdoor Mass. I was moved to see the two communities adoring the Blessed Sacrament together and sharing a meal as one community,” Cabrera said. Stella Guevara said, “The unity we shared as two communities seemed wonderful to me. It was a beautiful tribute to Our Lady Queen of Peace, and I hope we can repeat moments like this.” For Pablo Noche and his family, who were in charge of preparing the tacos al pastor, the gathering reflected the true spirit of the parish. “It was an afternoon of fellowship and unity where we were able to get to know one another better and strengthen the bonds that unite us as one family in Christ,” Noche said. Beyond the various activities, the message that stayed in many hearts was deeply significant: when Christ and the Eucharist are at the center of parish life, differences of language and culture cease to be barriers and become a richness for the whole Church. Everything experienced during this day in Branchville was a manifestation of the universality of the Church: one faith, one family and one shared desire to keep building community under the protection of Mary, Queen of Peace. [See image gallery at beaconnj.org]    
Read More

Our Lady Queen of Peace celebrates its patronal feast as a sign of unity in Sussex County #Catholic – The Solemnity of Our Lady Queen of Peace was far more than a patronal feast for Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish in Branchville, N.J. The celebration became a sign of unity, bringing the English-speaking and Spanish-speaking communities together to honor their patroness in a day of prayer, fellowship and joy. Throughout the day, families from both communities took part in the various activities the parish organized: games for the children, Eucharistic adoration and an outdoor Mass celebrated by the pastor, Father Philip Tangorra, together with Father Dailon Lisabet, who provides pastoral care to the Hispanic community of Sussex County. The day closed with a parish picnic. During the Mass, Father Lisabet reflected on the deep meaning of the celebration: “Although we speak different languages, we share the same faith, the same baptism, the same Eucharist, this samehurch and the same Mother, Mary.” Father Lisabet thanked Father Philip Tangorra for his closeness, his openness and his constant desire that the Hispanic community take full part in parish life. “Since I arrived at this parish, one of Father Philip’s great desires has been that the Hispanic community not feel like a separate group, but like a living part of this parish family. That has been my desire and my mission as well,” Father Lisabet said. After the Eucharist, the two communities shared food, conversation and time together. The Hispanic community prepared tacos al pastor and shaved ice, which were welcomed enthusiastically by everyone present. Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter. The following Sunday, during the Spanish Mass, Mary Eileen B. Schoen publicly expressed her gratitude to the Hispanic community in a letter. “Thank you for being such a special part of the solemnity and barbecue of Our Lady Queen of Peace. The tacos and shaved ice were a great success. Everyone in the parish is so grateful for your becoming part of our parish family. May we continue to grow together in the love of God and of one another,” Schoen wrote. Susana Cabrera, who recently began taking part in the parish along with her husband, said she felt welcome from the very first moment. “It was the first time I took part in an outdoor Mass. I was moved to see the two communities adoring the Blessed Sacrament together and sharing a meal as one community,” Cabrera said. Stella Guevara said, “The unity we shared as two communities seemed wonderful to me. It was a beautiful tribute to Our Lady Queen of Peace, and I hope we can repeat moments like this.” For Pablo Noche and his family, who were in charge of preparing the tacos al pastor, the gathering reflected the true spirit of the parish. “It was an afternoon of fellowship and unity where we were able to get to know one another better and strengthen the bonds that unite us as one family in Christ,” Noche said. Beyond the various activities, the message that stayed in many hearts was deeply significant: when Christ and the Eucharist are at the center of parish life, differences of language and culture cease to be barriers and become a richness for the whole Church. Everything experienced during this day in Branchville was a manifestation of the universality of the Church: one faith, one family and one shared desire to keep building community under the protection of Mary, Queen of Peace. [See image gallery at beaconnj.org]    

unitedyam

Our Lady Queen of Peace celebrates its patronal feast as a sign of unity in Sussex County #Catholic –

The Solemnity of Our Lady Queen of Peace was far more than a patronal feast for Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish in Branchville, N.J. The celebration became a sign of unity, bringing the English-speaking and Spanish-speaking communities together to honor their patroness in a day of prayer, fellowship and joy.

Throughout the day, families from both communities took part in the various activities the parish organized: games for the children, Eucharistic adoration and an outdoor Mass celebrated by the pastor, Father Philip Tangorra, together with Father Dailon Lisabet, who provides pastoral care to the Hispanic community of Sussex County. The day closed with a parish picnic.

During the Mass, Father Lisabet reflected on the deep meaning of the celebration: “Although we speak different languages, we share the same faith, the same baptism, the same Eucharist, this samehurch and the same Mother, Mary.”

Father Lisabet thanked Father Philip Tangorra for his closeness, his openness and his constant desire that the Hispanic community take full part in parish life.

“Since I arrived at this parish, one of Father Philip’s great desires has been that the Hispanic community not feel like a separate group, but like a living part of this parish family. That has been my desire and my mission as well,” Father Lisabet said.

After the Eucharist, the two communities shared food, conversation and time together. The Hispanic community prepared tacos al pastor and shaved ice, which were welcomed enthusiastically by everyone present.

Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.

The following Sunday, during the Spanish Mass, Mary Eileen B. Schoen publicly expressed her gratitude to the Hispanic community in a letter.

“Thank you for being such a special part of the solemnity and barbecue of Our Lady Queen of Peace. The tacos and shaved ice were a great success. Everyone in the parish is so grateful for your becoming part of our parish family. May we continue to grow together in the love of God and of one another,” Schoen wrote.

Susana Cabrera, who recently began taking part in the parish along with her husband, said she felt welcome from the very first moment.

“It was the first time I took part in an outdoor Mass. I was moved to see the two communities adoring the Blessed Sacrament together and sharing a meal as one community,” Cabrera said.

Stella Guevara said, “The unity we shared as two communities seemed wonderful to me. It was a beautiful tribute to Our Lady Queen of Peace, and I hope we can repeat moments like this.”

For Pablo Noche and his family, who were in charge of preparing the tacos al pastor, the gathering reflected the true spirit of the parish.

“It was an afternoon of fellowship and unity where we were able to get to know one another better and strengthen the bonds that unite us as one family in Christ,” Noche said.

Beyond the various activities, the message that stayed in many hearts was deeply significant: when Christ and the Eucharist are at the center of parish life, differences of language and culture cease to be barriers and become a richness for the whole Church. Everything experienced during this day in Branchville was a manifestation of the universality of the Church: one faith, one family and one shared desire to keep building community under the protection of Mary, Queen of Peace.

[See image gallery at beaconnj.org]

 

 

– The Solemnity of Our Lady Queen of Peace was far more than a patronal feast for Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish in Branchville, N.J. The celebration became a sign of unity, bringing the English-speaking and Spanish-speaking communities together to honor their patroness in a day of prayer, fellowship and joy. Throughout the day, families from both communities took part in the various activities the parish organized: games for the children, Eucharistic adoration and an outdoor Mass celebrated by the pastor, Father Philip Tangorra, together with Father Dailon Lisabet, who provides pastoral care to the Hispanic community of Sussex County.

Read More
Nuestra Señora Reina de la Paz celebró su fiesta patronal como un signo de unidad en Sussex County #Catholic - La Solemnidad de Nuestra Señora Reina de la Paz fue mucho más que una fiesta patronal para la parroquia Our Lady Queen of Peace, en Branchville. La celebración se convirtió en un signo de unidad al reunir a las comunidades angloparlante e hispanohablante para celebrar juntas a su patrona en un día de oración, fraternidad y alegría. A lo largo del día, familias de ambas comunidades participaron en las distintas actividades organizadas por la parroquia: juegos para los niños, adoración eucarística y una Misa al aire libre presidida por el párroco, el Padre Philip Tangorra, junto con el Padre Dailon Lisabet, quien acompaña pastoralmente a la comunidad hispana de Sussex County. La jornada concluyó con un picnic parroquial. Durante la Misa, el Padre Dailon destacó el profundo significado de esta celebración: “aunque hablamos diferentes idiomas, compartimos la misma fe, el mismo Bautismo, la misma Eucaristía, este mismo templo y la misma Madre, María.” También expresó su agradecimiento al Padre Philip Tangorra por su cercanía, su apertura y el deseo constante de que la comunidad hispana forme parte plenamente de la vida parroquial: “desde que llegué a esta parroquia, uno de los grandes deseos del Padre Philip ha sido que la comunidad hispana no se sienta como un grupo aparte, sino como una parte viva de esta familia parroquial. Ese también ha sido mi deseo y mi misión.” Tras la Eucaristía, las dos comunidades compartieron alimentos, conversaciones y momentos de convivencia. La comunidad hispana preparó tacos al pastor y raspados de hielo, que fueron recibidos con entusiasmo por todos los asistentes. Para suscribirse a nuestro boletín electrónico semanal, haga click aquí. El domingo siguiente, durante la Misa en español, Mary Eileen B. Schoen expresó públicamente su agradecimiento a la comunidad hispana mediante una carta: “gracias por ser una parte tan especial de la solemnidad y del barbecue de Nuestra Señora Reina de la Paz. Los tacos y los raspados fueron todo un éxito. Todos en la parroquia estamos muy agradecidos por su incorporación a nuestra familia parroquial. Que sigamos creciendo juntos en el amor de Dios y unos por otros.” Susana Cabrera, quien recientemente comenzó a participar en la parroquia junto con su esposo, comentó que se sintió bienvenida desde el primer momento: “fue la primera vez que participé en una Misa al aire libre. Me emocionó ver a las dos comunidades adorando juntas al Santísimo Sacramento y compartiendo la comida como una sola comunidad.” Stella Guevara también destacó el ambiente vivido durante la celebración: “me pareció espectacular la unión que tuvimos las dos comunidades. Fue un hermoso homenaje a Nuestra Señora Reina de la Paz y ojalá podamos repetir momentos como este.” Para Pablo Noche y su familia, encargados de preparar los tacos al pastor, la convivencia reflejó el verdadero espíritu de la parroquia: “fue una tarde de fraternidad y unión donde pudimos conocernos mejor y fortalecer los lazos que nos unen como una sola familia en Cristo.” Más allá de las distintas actividades, el mensaje que quedó en el corazón de muchos fue muy significativo: cuando Cristo y la Eucaristía ocupan el centro de la vida parroquial, las diferencias de idioma y cultura dejan de ser barreras para convertirse en una riqueza para toda la Iglesia. Todo lo vivido durante este día en Branchville fue una manifestación de la universalidad de la Iglesia: una sola fe, una sola familia y un mismo deseo de seguir construyendo comunidad bajo el amparo de María, Reina de la Paz. [See image gallery at beaconnj.org]  
Read More

Nuestra Señora Reina de la Paz celebró su fiesta patronal como un signo de unidad en Sussex County #Catholic – La Solemnidad de Nuestra Señora Reina de la Paz fue mucho más que una fiesta patronal para la parroquia Our Lady Queen of Peace, en Branchville. La celebración se convirtió en un signo de unidad al reunir a las comunidades angloparlante e hispanohablante para celebrar juntas a su patrona en un día de oración, fraternidad y alegría. A lo largo del día, familias de ambas comunidades participaron en las distintas actividades organizadas por la parroquia: juegos para los niños, adoración eucarística y una Misa al aire libre presidida por el párroco, el Padre Philip Tangorra, junto con el Padre Dailon Lisabet, quien acompaña pastoralmente a la comunidad hispana de Sussex County. La jornada concluyó con un picnic parroquial. Durante la Misa, el Padre Dailon destacó el profundo significado de esta celebración: “aunque hablamos diferentes idiomas, compartimos la misma fe, el mismo Bautismo, la misma Eucaristía, este mismo templo y la misma Madre, María.” También expresó su agradecimiento al Padre Philip Tangorra por su cercanía, su apertura y el deseo constante de que la comunidad hispana forme parte plenamente de la vida parroquial: “desde que llegué a esta parroquia, uno de los grandes deseos del Padre Philip ha sido que la comunidad hispana no se sienta como un grupo aparte, sino como una parte viva de esta familia parroquial. Ese también ha sido mi deseo y mi misión.” Tras la Eucaristía, las dos comunidades compartieron alimentos, conversaciones y momentos de convivencia. La comunidad hispana preparó tacos al pastor y raspados de hielo, que fueron recibidos con entusiasmo por todos los asistentes. Para suscribirse a nuestro boletín electrónico semanal, haga click aquí. El domingo siguiente, durante la Misa en español, Mary Eileen B. Schoen expresó públicamente su agradecimiento a la comunidad hispana mediante una carta: “gracias por ser una parte tan especial de la solemnidad y del barbecue de Nuestra Señora Reina de la Paz. Los tacos y los raspados fueron todo un éxito. Todos en la parroquia estamos muy agradecidos por su incorporación a nuestra familia parroquial. Que sigamos creciendo juntos en el amor de Dios y unos por otros.” Susana Cabrera, quien recientemente comenzó a participar en la parroquia junto con su esposo, comentó que se sintió bienvenida desde el primer momento: “fue la primera vez que participé en una Misa al aire libre. Me emocionó ver a las dos comunidades adorando juntas al Santísimo Sacramento y compartiendo la comida como una sola comunidad.” Stella Guevara también destacó el ambiente vivido durante la celebración: “me pareció espectacular la unión que tuvimos las dos comunidades. Fue un hermoso homenaje a Nuestra Señora Reina de la Paz y ojalá podamos repetir momentos como este.” Para Pablo Noche y su familia, encargados de preparar los tacos al pastor, la convivencia reflejó el verdadero espíritu de la parroquia: “fue una tarde de fraternidad y unión donde pudimos conocernos mejor y fortalecer los lazos que nos unen como una sola familia en Cristo.” Más allá de las distintas actividades, el mensaje que quedó en el corazón de muchos fue muy significativo: cuando Cristo y la Eucaristía ocupan el centro de la vida parroquial, las diferencias de idioma y cultura dejan de ser barreras para convertirse en una riqueza para toda la Iglesia. Todo lo vivido durante este día en Branchville fue una manifestación de la universalidad de la Iglesia: una sola fe, una sola familia y un mismo deseo de seguir construyendo comunidad bajo el amparo de María, Reina de la Paz. [See image gallery at beaconnj.org]  

unitedyam

Nuestra Señora Reina de la Paz celebró su fiesta patronal como un signo de unidad en Sussex County #Catholic –

La Solemnidad de Nuestra Señora Reina de la Paz fue mucho más que una fiesta patronal para la parroquia Our Lady Queen of Peace, en Branchville. La celebración se convirtió en un signo de unidad al reunir a las comunidades angloparlante e hispanohablante para celebrar juntas a su patrona en un día de oración, fraternidad y alegría.

A lo largo del día, familias de ambas comunidades participaron en las distintas actividades organizadas por la parroquia: juegos para los niños, adoración eucarística y una Misa al aire libre presidida por el párroco, el Padre Philip Tangorra, junto con el Padre Dailon Lisabet, quien acompaña pastoralmente a la comunidad hispana de Sussex County. La jornada concluyó con un picnic parroquial.

Durante la Misa, el Padre Dailon destacó el profundo significado de esta celebración: “aunque hablamos diferentes idiomas, compartimos la misma fe, el mismo Bautismo, la misma Eucaristía, este mismo templo y la misma Madre, María.”

También expresó su agradecimiento al Padre Philip Tangorra por su cercanía, su apertura y el deseo constante de que la comunidad hispana forme parte plenamente de la vida parroquial: “desde que llegué a esta parroquia, uno de los grandes deseos del Padre Philip ha sido que la comunidad hispana no se sienta como un grupo aparte, sino como una parte viva de esta familia parroquial. Ese también ha sido mi deseo y mi misión.”

Tras la Eucaristía, las dos comunidades compartieron alimentos, conversaciones y momentos de convivencia. La comunidad hispana preparó tacos al pastor y raspados de hielo, que fueron recibidos con entusiasmo por todos los asistentes.

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

El domingo siguiente, durante la Misa en español, Mary Eileen B. Schoen expresó públicamente su agradecimiento a la comunidad hispana mediante una carta: “gracias por ser una parte tan especial de la solemnidad y del barbecue de Nuestra Señora Reina de la Paz. Los tacos y los raspados fueron todo un éxito. Todos en la parroquia estamos muy agradecidos por su incorporación a nuestra familia parroquial. Que sigamos creciendo juntos en el amor de Dios y unos por otros.”

Susana Cabrera, quien recientemente comenzó a participar en la parroquia junto con su esposo, comentó que se sintió bienvenida desde el primer momento: “fue la primera vez que participé en una Misa al aire libre. Me emocionó ver a las dos comunidades adorando juntas al Santísimo Sacramento y compartiendo la comida como una sola comunidad.”

Stella Guevara también destacó el ambiente vivido durante la celebración: “me pareció espectacular la unión que tuvimos las dos comunidades. Fue un hermoso homenaje a Nuestra Señora Reina de la Paz y ojalá podamos repetir momentos como este.”

Para Pablo Noche y su familia, encargados de preparar los tacos al pastor, la convivencia reflejó el verdadero espíritu de la parroquia: “fue una tarde de fraternidad y unión donde pudimos conocernos mejor y fortalecer los lazos que nos unen como una sola familia en Cristo.”

Más allá de las distintas actividades, el mensaje que quedó en el corazón de muchos fue muy significativo: cuando Cristo y la Eucaristía ocupan el centro de la vida parroquial, las diferencias de idioma y cultura dejan de ser barreras para convertirse en una riqueza para toda la Iglesia. Todo lo vivido durante este día en Branchville fue una manifestación de la universalidad de la Iglesia: una sola fe, una sola familia y un mismo deseo de seguir construyendo comunidad bajo el amparo de María, Reina de la Paz.

[See image gallery at beaconnj.org]

 

– La Solemnidad de Nuestra Señora Reina de la Paz fue mucho más que una fiesta patronal para la parroquia Our Lady Queen of Peace, en Branchville. La celebración se convirtió en un signo de unidad al reunir a las comunidades angloparlante e hispanohablante para celebrar juntas a su patrona en un día de oración, fraternidad y alegría. A lo largo del día, familias de ambas comunidades participaron en las distintas actividades organizadas por la parroquia: juegos para los niños, adoración eucarística y una Misa al aire libre presidida por el párroco, el Padre Philip Tangorra, junto con el Padre Dailon

Read More
Czech court to weigh clearing cardinal jailed by communists #Catholic A second cardinal and a third senior churchman may be rehabilitated this year for mistreatment under the communist regime in Czechoslovakia. The District Court in Litoměřice, in what is now the Czech Republic, will consider a proposal for the rehabilitation of Cardinal Štěpán Trochta, the former bishop of Litoměřice, over his internment between 1950 and 1953.The public prosecutor asked the relevant authorities to carry out an investigation into the archives and, based on the outcome, found the initiative reasonable. He has already submitted a proposal for the judicial rehabilitation of Trochta over the illegal deprivation of his personal freedom. A date for consideration of the proposal has not yet been set.“I firmly believe that the name of Štěpán Trochta, my predecessor in Litoměřice, will be cleared through the courts,” said Archbishop Stanislav Přibyl of Prague, who is also apostolic administrator of Litoměřice.The verdict that sent Trochta to prison, handed down in a political trial for “treason and conspiracy,” was overturned in 1968, but the Czech courts have not dealt with his earlier illegal internment. The initiative for full rehabilitation came from Jan Kratochvil, director of the Museum of Czech, Slovak, and Ruthenian Exile of the 20th Century, and the lawyer Lubomír Müller.It is “important to clean his name in this way as well,” said Kratochvil, whose family was friends with the prelate.Salesian, prisoner, cardinalŠtěpán Trochta (1905–1974) was one of the first Czech members of the Society of St. Francis de Sales, the so-called Salesians. He studied in Turin, Italy, where he obtained a doctorate in theology. He returned to Czechoslovakia, and when Nazi Germany occupied the country, he was arrested for his contacts with and support for the resistance and was sent to several concentration camps.He was “ready to work, full of energy, enthusiasm, and willing to work hard.” Trochta was also a good organizer and a gifted speaker and writer who “enjoyed being among the boys, even though he gradually had to spend more time in administration,” according to “Life and Legacy,” a booklet published by the Salesians on the 50th anniversary of the prelate’s death.Shortly before the communists took over in Czechoslovakia, he was appointed bishop of Litoměřice. He became the spokesman for the episcopate of Czechoslovakia in difficult negotiations with the new government. In the end, the regime interned him in his residence and later imprisoned him. Although he was released sooner than expected, he was not allowed to continue as a bishop and had to work as a manual laborer.In 1969, when he was already back in the Diocese of Litoměřice, Pope Paul VI created him a cardinal “in pectore” — that is, secretly.When Trochta died five years later, the funeral was attended by many of the faithful, including cardinals from Berlin, Krakow, and Vienna. Archbishop Karol Wojtyła of Krakow, who later became Pope John Paul II, reportedly asked to concelebrate but was not permitted to do so. Wojtyła then defied the ban on foreign participants speaking, delivering a short address over the coffin in which he called the deceased prelate a martyr. The funeral Mass was celebrated by the Czech bishop and future Cardinal František Tomášek.A series of Czech rehabilitationsThe case may become one more in a recent series of rehabilitations in the Czech Republic.In February, the District Court of Prague recognized the unjust treatment of Cardinal Josef Beran, the former archbishop of Prague, who was interned in several locations. Last month, the District Court in Olomouc rehabilitated Archbishop Josef Karel Matocha of Olomouc, also over his internment.In 2024, the Regional Court in Hradec Králové rehabilitated Father Josef Toufar, who was illegally arrested and tortured to death.
Read More

Czech court to weigh clearing cardinal jailed by communists #Catholic A second cardinal and a third senior churchman may be rehabilitated this year for mistreatment under the communist regime in Czechoslovakia. The District Court in Litoměřice, in what is now the Czech Republic, will consider a proposal for the rehabilitation of Cardinal Štěpán Trochta, the former bishop of Litoměřice, over his internment between 1950 and 1953.The public prosecutor asked the relevant authorities to carry out an investigation into the archives and, based on the outcome, found the initiative reasonable. He has already submitted a proposal for the judicial rehabilitation of Trochta over the illegal deprivation of his personal freedom. A date for consideration of the proposal has not yet been set.“I firmly believe that the name of Štěpán Trochta, my predecessor in Litoměřice, will be cleared through the courts,” said Archbishop Stanislav Přibyl of Prague, who is also apostolic administrator of Litoměřice.The verdict that sent Trochta to prison, handed down in a political trial for “treason and conspiracy,” was overturned in 1968, but the Czech courts have not dealt with his earlier illegal internment. The initiative for full rehabilitation came from Jan Kratochvil, director of the Museum of Czech, Slovak, and Ruthenian Exile of the 20th Century, and the lawyer Lubomír Müller.It is “important to clean his name in this way as well,” said Kratochvil, whose family was friends with the prelate.Salesian, prisoner, cardinalŠtěpán Trochta (1905–1974) was one of the first Czech members of the Society of St. Francis de Sales, the so-called Salesians. He studied in Turin, Italy, where he obtained a doctorate in theology. He returned to Czechoslovakia, and when Nazi Germany occupied the country, he was arrested for his contacts with and support for the resistance and was sent to several concentration camps.He was “ready to work, full of energy, enthusiasm, and willing to work hard.” Trochta was also a good organizer and a gifted speaker and writer who “enjoyed being among the boys, even though he gradually had to spend more time in administration,” according to “Life and Legacy,” a booklet published by the Salesians on the 50th anniversary of the prelate’s death.Shortly before the communists took over in Czechoslovakia, he was appointed bishop of Litoměřice. He became the spokesman for the episcopate of Czechoslovakia in difficult negotiations with the new government. In the end, the regime interned him in his residence and later imprisoned him. Although he was released sooner than expected, he was not allowed to continue as a bishop and had to work as a manual laborer.In 1969, when he was already back in the Diocese of Litoměřice, Pope Paul VI created him a cardinal “in pectore” — that is, secretly.When Trochta died five years later, the funeral was attended by many of the faithful, including cardinals from Berlin, Krakow, and Vienna. Archbishop Karol Wojtyła of Krakow, who later became Pope John Paul II, reportedly asked to concelebrate but was not permitted to do so. Wojtyła then defied the ban on foreign participants speaking, delivering a short address over the coffin in which he called the deceased prelate a martyr. The funeral Mass was celebrated by the Czech bishop and future Cardinal František Tomášek.A series of Czech rehabilitationsThe case may become one more in a recent series of rehabilitations in the Czech Republic.In February, the District Court of Prague recognized the unjust treatment of Cardinal Josef Beran, the former archbishop of Prague, who was interned in several locations. Last month, the District Court in Olomouc rehabilitated Archbishop Josef Karel Matocha of Olomouc, also over his internment.In 2024, the Regional Court in Hradec Králové rehabilitated Father Josef Toufar, who was illegally arrested and tortured to death.

unitedyam

A district court will weigh whether Cardinal Štěpán Trochta, imprisoned by the Nazis and later by the communists, was unlawfully interned in the 1950s.

Read More
How the St. Benedict medal became a shield against the powers of darkness #Catholic Temptations in a fallen city, memories of a beautiful woman, a poisoned chalice, the attacks of an envious priest, curses from a pagan priest, a rock that won’t budge and another that falls on a young monk, a kitchen in flames, a dragon that lurks to devour a fleeing monk, threats from Gothic warlords, and the prospect of a destroyed monastery.These are some of the attacks that St. Benedict, whose feast the Catholic Church celebrates on July 11, endured throughout his life.Benedict even had to use force to manifest his authority as abbot over his monks oppressed by the enemy, as related in Father Robert Nixon’s book “The Cross and Medal of Saint Benedict: A Mystical Sign of Divine Power” (TAN, 2024):“Benedict found this monk outside wandering around aimlessly when he should have been in the oratory in prayer. With a certain degree of paternal severity and charitable discipline, he reprimanded him for his lack of wisdom and discernment and struck him with his staff. At this, the monk fell down, motionless. And after that, the devil … never troubled him again. It was as if the staff of Benedict had not struck the hapless monk but had rather driven away the wicked tempter himself!” (p. 14).St. Benedict has come to be recognized for the power of his actions against the enemy, alongside St. Michael the Archangel, as a major protector against evil — particularly through the medal that bears his image.Nixon’s book offers an overview of how the medal rose to prominence as a Catholic devotion and received papal approval, couching it within the story of St. Benedict’s life and the rise of his order of monks.The St. Benedict medalIf you’ve seen the back of a St. Benedict medal, you may have noticed a series of letters. The first set is arranged in and around the shape of the cross: C S P B C S S M L N D S M D. The next set is arranged in a circle around the cross: V R S N S M V S M Q L I V B.This arrangement first came to serious attention in the year 1647 in relation to the Benedictine Abbey of Metten in Bavaria, Germany, when it was believed to have prevented a series of diabolic attacks.Although some of the laity already had medals with these letters engraved, no one at the time understood their meaning. It was only in researching the library’s manuscripts that a 15th-century illustration of St. Benedict pointed to the full prayer they abbreviated:“Cross of our Holy Father Benedict. May the cross be light to me. May the dragon not be a leader to me. Get behind me, Satan: Never persuade me to vain things. What you like is evil; may you yourself drink your venom!”Due to a widespread story of the medal preventing the effect of curses and bringing about exorcisms and healings, which Nixon details in his book, its use spread across Europe, with Pope Benedict XIV approving an official blessing for it and granting it indulgences in 1741.The great father of modern Benedictine monasticism, Dom Prosper Guéranger, speculated why God would grant so many favors to those who invoke his help through St. Benedict’s medal. In an age when “rationalism is so rife,” God has deigned to offer help to those “who put their confidence in the sacred signs marked on the medal” with “strong and simple” faith (Guéranger, “The Medal or Cross of St. Benedict,” author’s preface). It’s as if to laugh at the devil and his plans to pull people away from God through the alleged sophistication of the modern world, overcoming them with simple signs pointing us to the cross and the protection of a holy monk.Of course, the medal should not be used in a superstitious way. It expresses our faith and confidence in God, which conquers the power of the enemy through the blood of Christ. Within God’s plan of salvation, there are certain key defenders of God’s people. St. Benedict proved himself as one over his own monks in spiritual combat. Through the efficacy of his medal, he has manifested himself as a fatherly defender of all who invoke his help.Throughout history, the monastic life has served as a constant beacon calling us to greater conversion of life and prayer. Turning to St. Benedict can lead us to embrace some of his spiritual principles, such as humility, obedience, stability, hospitality, the prayerful reading of Scripture in “lectio divina,” and viewing our work as a means of honoring God.While St. Benedict faced trials in his life as a monk, we all face trials and attacks from the enemy in the Christian life. Sacramentals can help us in our journey of faith, including our efforts to keep evil far away.St. Benedict medals and rosaries with the medal affixed can be purchased at religious gift stores and can be blessed after purchase. Medals are also available at EWTN’s Religious Catalogue site.This story was first published by the National Catholic Register, the sister partner of EWTN News, and has been adapted by EWTN News.
Read More

How the St. Benedict medal became a shield against the powers of darkness #Catholic Temptations in a fallen city, memories of a beautiful woman, a poisoned chalice, the attacks of an envious priest, curses from a pagan priest, a rock that won’t budge and another that falls on a young monk, a kitchen in flames, a dragon that lurks to devour a fleeing monk, threats from Gothic warlords, and the prospect of a destroyed monastery.These are some of the attacks that St. Benedict, whose feast the Catholic Church celebrates on July 11, endured throughout his life.Benedict even had to use force to manifest his authority as abbot over his monks oppressed by the enemy, as related in Father Robert Nixon’s book “The Cross and Medal of Saint Benedict: A Mystical Sign of Divine Power” (TAN, 2024):“Benedict found this monk outside wandering around aimlessly when he should have been in the oratory in prayer. With a certain degree of paternal severity and charitable discipline, he reprimanded him for his lack of wisdom and discernment and struck him with his staff. At this, the monk fell down, motionless. And after that, the devil … never troubled him again. It was as if the staff of Benedict had not struck the hapless monk but had rather driven away the wicked tempter himself!” (p. 14).St. Benedict has come to be recognized for the power of his actions against the enemy, alongside St. Michael the Archangel, as a major protector against evil — particularly through the medal that bears his image.Nixon’s book offers an overview of how the medal rose to prominence as a Catholic devotion and received papal approval, couching it within the story of St. Benedict’s life and the rise of his order of monks.The St. Benedict medalIf you’ve seen the back of a St. Benedict medal, you may have noticed a series of letters. The first set is arranged in and around the shape of the cross: C S P B C S S M L N D S M D. The next set is arranged in a circle around the cross: V R S N S M V S M Q L I V B.This arrangement first came to serious attention in the year 1647 in relation to the Benedictine Abbey of Metten in Bavaria, Germany, when it was believed to have prevented a series of diabolic attacks.Although some of the laity already had medals with these letters engraved, no one at the time understood their meaning. It was only in researching the library’s manuscripts that a 15th-century illustration of St. Benedict pointed to the full prayer they abbreviated:“Cross of our Holy Father Benedict. May the cross be light to me. May the dragon not be a leader to me. Get behind me, Satan: Never persuade me to vain things. What you like is evil; may you yourself drink your venom!”Due to a widespread story of the medal preventing the effect of curses and bringing about exorcisms and healings, which Nixon details in his book, its use spread across Europe, with Pope Benedict XIV approving an official blessing for it and granting it indulgences in 1741.The great father of modern Benedictine monasticism, Dom Prosper Guéranger, speculated why God would grant so many favors to those who invoke his help through St. Benedict’s medal. In an age when “rationalism is so rife,” God has deigned to offer help to those “who put their confidence in the sacred signs marked on the medal” with “strong and simple” faith (Guéranger, “The Medal or Cross of St. Benedict,” author’s preface). It’s as if to laugh at the devil and his plans to pull people away from God through the alleged sophistication of the modern world, overcoming them with simple signs pointing us to the cross and the protection of a holy monk.Of course, the medal should not be used in a superstitious way. It expresses our faith and confidence in God, which conquers the power of the enemy through the blood of Christ. Within God’s plan of salvation, there are certain key defenders of God’s people. St. Benedict proved himself as one over his own monks in spiritual combat. Through the efficacy of his medal, he has manifested himself as a fatherly defender of all who invoke his help.Throughout history, the monastic life has served as a constant beacon calling us to greater conversion of life and prayer. Turning to St. Benedict can lead us to embrace some of his spiritual principles, such as humility, obedience, stability, hospitality, the prayerful reading of Scripture in “lectio divina,” and viewing our work as a means of honoring God.While St. Benedict faced trials in his life as a monk, we all face trials and attacks from the enemy in the Christian life. Sacramentals can help us in our journey of faith, including our efforts to keep evil far away.St. Benedict medals and rosaries with the medal affixed can be purchased at religious gift stores and can be blessed after purchase. Medals are also available at EWTN’s Religious Catalogue site.This story was first published by the National Catholic Register, the sister partner of EWTN News, and has been adapted by EWTN News.

unitedyam

St. Benedict, whose feast the Catholic Church celebrates on July 11, endured constant attacks from the enemy throughout his life.

Read More