Gospel and Word of the Day – 28 June 2026 – A reading from the Second Book of Kings 4:8-11, 14-16a One day Elisha came to Shunem, where there was a woman of influence, who urged him to dine with her.  Afterward, whenever he passed by, he used to stop there to dine. So she said to her husband, “I know that Elisha is a holy man of God. Since he visits us often, let us arrange a little room on the roof and furnish it for him with a bed, table, chair, and lamp, so that when he comes to us he can stay there.” Sometime later Elisha arrived and stayed in the room overnight.Later Elisha asked, “Can something be done for her?” His servant Gehazi answered, “Yes! She has no son, and her husband is getting on in years.” Elisha said, “Call her.” When the woman had been called and stood at the door, Elisha promised, “This time next year you will be fondling a baby son.”   A reading from the Letter of St. Paul to the Romans 6:3-4, 8-11 Brothers and sisters: Are you unaware that we who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were indeed buried with him through baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might live in newness of life.If, then, we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him. We know that Christ, raised from the dead, dies no more; death no longer has power over him. As to his death, he died to sin once and for all; as to his life, he lives for God. Consequently, you too must think of yourselves as dead to sin and living for God in Christ Jesus.From the Gospel according to Matthew 10:37-42 Jesus said to his apostles: “Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and whoever does not take up his cross and follow after me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.""Whoever receives you receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me. Whoever receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and whoever receives a righteous man because he is a righteous man will receive a righteous man’s reward. And whoever gives only a cup of cold water to one of these little ones to drink because the little one is a disciple— amen, I say to you, he will surely not lose his reward.”Jesus asks his disciples to take the demands of the Gospel seriously, even when that requires sacrifice and effort. (…) He says: “He who loves father or mother… son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me” (v. 37). Jesus certainly does not intend to undervalue love for parents and children, but he knows that if family bonds are put in first place, they can deviate from the true good. We see this: some forms of corruption in governments come about precisely because love for family is greater than love for country, and so they put family members in charge. When, instead, love for parents and children is inspired and purified by love for the Lord, it then becomes wholly fruitful and produces good fruits within the family itself and well beyond it. (…) Then, Jesus says to his disciples: “he who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me” (Mt 10:38). This means following him along the path that he himself trod, without looking for shortcuts. There is no true love without the cross, that is, without a personal price to pay. Many mothers, many fathers who sacrifice a great deal for their children, and bear true sacrifices, crosses, because they love them, say this. And the cross is not frightening when borne with Jesus, because he is always at our side to support us in the hour of the most difficult trial, to give us strength and courage. (Pope Francis, angelus, 28 june 2020)

unitedyam

A reading from the Second Book of Kings
4:8-11, 14-16a

One day Elisha came to Shunem,
where there was a woman of influence, who urged him to dine with her. 
Afterward, whenever he passed by, he used to stop there to dine.
So she said to her husband, “I know that Elisha is a holy man of God.
Since he visits us often, let us arrange a little room on the roof
and furnish it for him with a bed, table, chair, and lamp,
so that when he comes to us he can stay there.”
Sometime later Elisha arrived and stayed in the room overnight.Later Elisha asked, “Can something be done for her?”
His servant Gehazi answered, “Yes!
She has no son, and her husband is getting on in years.”
Elisha said, “Call her.”
When the woman had been called and stood at the door,
Elisha promised, “This time next year
you will be fondling a baby son.”

 

A reading from the Letter of St. Paul to the Romans
6:3-4, 8-11

Brothers and sisters:
Are you unaware that we who were baptized into Christ Jesus
were baptized into his death?
We were indeed buried with him through baptism into death,
so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead
by the glory of the Father,
we too might live in newness of life.If, then, we have died with Christ,
we believe that we shall also live with him.
We know that Christ, raised from the dead, dies no more;
death no longer has power over him.
As to his death, he died to sin once and for all;
as to his life, he lives for God.
Consequently, you too must think of yourselves as dead to sin
and living for God in Christ Jesus.

From the Gospel according to Matthew
10:37-42

Jesus said to his apostles:
“Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me,
and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me;
and whoever does not take up his cross
and follow after me is not worthy of me.
Whoever finds his life will lose it,
and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.""Whoever receives you receives me,
and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.
Whoever receives a prophet because he is a prophet
will receive a prophet’s reward,
and whoever receives a righteous man
because he is a righteous man
will receive a righteous man’s reward.
And whoever gives only a cup of cold water
to one of these little ones to drink
because the little one is a disciple—
amen, I say to you, he will surely not lose his reward.”

Jesus asks his disciples to take the demands of the Gospel seriously, even when that requires sacrifice and effort. (…) He says: “He who loves father or mother… son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me” (v. 37). Jesus certainly does not intend to undervalue love for parents and children, but he knows that if family bonds are put in first place, they can deviate from the true good. We see this: some forms of corruption in governments come about precisely because love for family is greater than love for country, and so they put family members in charge. When, instead, love for parents and children is inspired and purified by love for the Lord, it then becomes wholly fruitful and produces good fruits within the family itself and well beyond it. (…)

Then, Jesus says to his disciples: “he who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me” (Mt 10:38). This means following him along the path that he himself trod, without looking for shortcuts. There is no true love without the cross, that is, without a personal price to pay. Many mothers, many fathers who sacrifice a great deal for their children, and bear true sacrifices, crosses, because they love them, say this. And the cross is not frightening when borne with Jesus, because he is always at our side to support us in the hour of the most difficult trial, to give us strength and courage. (Pope Francis, angelus, 28 june 2020)

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Pope Leo XIV closes consistory with appeal to help world find God’s paths to peace – #Catholic – Pope Leo XIV on June 27 thanked the College of Cardinals for their work during their two-day extraordinary consistory, highlighting their reflections on war, poverty, and social fragmentation as well as deeper wounds such as loneliness and loss of meaning.The pope said in his closing address that he was “particularly struck by the way [the cardinals] spoke about young people,” especially in their suffering that can at times lead “to the extreme despair of taking their own lives.”“You have recognized one of the deepest wounds of our time,” he said, “yet you have also been able to recognize the work of the Holy Spirit [in their] search for authenticity, for genuine relationships, and for meaning.”Addressing another of the world’s wounds — war — Leo XIV reiterated themes from his encyclical Magnifica Humanitas , warning that war stems from a broader “culture of power” affecting politics, economics, and even religion.“War is born within us,” he said, but it is “precisely in the heart that peace is also decided.” It is in that same heart, he said, where Christ “continues to meet us, speak to us, and to convert us,” and he called for renewed commitment to dialogue, multilateral cooperation, and nonviolent responses rooted in the Gospel.Although the cardinals discussed “just war,” the pope did not specifically mention the tradition in his address, noting instead the theme of self-defense in light of “profound transformations” in contemporary conflicts. Reflection on this topic needs to be “further developed,” he said, “with necessary theological and pastoral rigor.”Issuing a global appeal, Leo XIV declared: “God desires peace for every nation and every people,” urging the Church to help the world reject violence and rediscover the Lord’s paths of reconciliation.Pope Leo also underscored the importance of the family, the Church’s social doctrine, and the formation of consciences, while reaffirming the role of ecumenical and inter-religious dialogue in promoting peace.He urged the cardinals to deepen the Church’s synodal path as a “spiritual style” rooted in listening, discernment, and fidelity to the Gospel. Synodality, he said, is not primarily about structures or decision-making, but about safeguarding the Church’s mission through shared discernment. “The question is not ‘who decides,’” he said, “but how we together safeguard the gift entrusted to the Church.”Leo XIV encouraged the cardinals to promote active participation across local Churches, saying that authentic synodality arises from encounter and openness to the Holy Spirit. He likened this two-day gathering — which had a distinctly synodal format of working group discussions — to the Gospel account of the disciples on the road to Emmaus in which Christ renews hope and clarifies mission.Referring to a meeting of bishops in October to mark the 10th anniversary of Amoris Laetitia, the pope said the gathering will be part of the implementation of the Synod on Synodality — a chance to “foster spaces where the People of God can listen to one another, pray, discern and walk together.”The pope closed by entrusting the fruits of the consistory to the intercession of Our Lady. “May she teach us to preserve unity in diversity and to serve the Gospel of peace with humility, courage, and hope,” he said.He reiterated that these extraordinary consistories will take place annually, and said he will be announcing next year’s meeting at the end of the year.Vatican synthesisAs the consistory took place behind closed doors, it was not possible to know exactly what the cardinals discussed during the two-day meeting. Instead, media had to rely on syntheses provided by the Holy See Press Office which omitted some key interventions such as Cardinal Gerhard Müller’s call on the Vatican to issue a formal response to the Society of St. Pius X’s latest challenge to Rome, as reported on Saturday by Il Giornale’s Nico Spuntoni. The syntheses also did not cover any topics raised in the free discussion at the end of the consistory. The Vatican did, however, provide full texts of four cardinals’ reflections.Opening Friday afternoon’s session on “The Culture of Power and the Civilization of Love” was Cardinal Victor Fernández, prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, who reflected on the theme and Chapter V of Magnifica Humanitas.Drawing on the social encyclical, he argued that a deep cultural shift had been enabling the outbreak and normalization of new wars, often sustained by AI-driven media and political manipulation.Magnifica Humanitas, he said, marked a significant development by declaring “just war” theory outdated in practice. It insisted instead on a far stricter understanding of legitimate defense and condemning pre-emptive and disproportionate warfare as incompatible with Catholic teaching and the Second Vatican Council’s Gaudium et Spes and its rejection of indiscriminate destruction. As examples, he highlighted military interventions in Gaza and southern Lebanon.Relativism, cynicism, “spiteful verbal attacks by political leaders,” and geopolitical inconsistency favored violent powers, the cardinal said, adding that the Church’s social doctrine was the answer. Alluding to a consistent life ethic, he said the teaching is coherent in its defense of life, migrants, peace, and the vulnerable, and that it is capable of resisting the culture of power and fostering a culture of fraternity and the common good.The Vatican reported that in their working groups during the session, presided over by Filipino Cardinal Siongco David, the cardinals similarly voiced concern about a pervasive “culture of power” marked by polarization, normalization of war, and diminished sensitivity to violence. In response, they stressed the Church’s urgent duty to witness credibly to peace through a transformed language of encounter, rooted in listening, forgiveness, and reconciliation, and through visible Christian unity.They also urged dialogue with other religions, especially Islam, and engagement with international institutions. The Vatican said “numerous groups” called for moving beyond classical “just war” frameworks toward proportionate self-defense, while reaffirming the Gospel as the true source of peace. The Vatican said strong support was expressed for Pope Leo XIV’s encyclical and his moral leadership, alongside renewed reflection on the Petrine ministry as a safeguard of the Church’s independence and a sign of unity.Building the common goodSaturday morning’s session shifted focus to “Building for the Common Good,” examining the deep fractures affecting societies, families, and individuals. Cardinal Stephen Brislin of Johannesburg presented Magnifica Humanitas as a theologically coherent vision of human “building” in an age of technological power, reading the whole encyclical through the opening contrast between Babel’s self-enclosed self-sufficiency and Jerusalem’s God-oriented rebuilding.He noted that the introduction offered a “grammar of building” structured around desire, limitation, shared responsibility, and discernment, asking whether technological expansion, including AI, actually produced more just relationships and institutions attentive to the person. In his reading, the conclusion showed how this grammar found its fulfilment in the theological virtues: faith reading history in the light of God’s merciful plan, charity rooted in the Eucharist grounding synodal communion, and hope directing concrete responsibility toward a “civilization of love,” all sustained by prayer exemplified in Mary’s contemplative gaze.In the Vatican-summarized discussions that followed, presided by Tanzanian Cardinal Protase Rugambwa, the cardinals highlighted the anthropological crisis underlying these divisions, including loss of meaning, identity, and relationships, exacerbated by extreme individualism and emerging challenges such as artificial intelligence.AI was discussed not only technologically but as a force reshaping human self-understanding, raising concerns about dignity, limitation, and the reduction of persons to data. The common good was presented as both elusive and essential, requiring a rediscovery of solidarity grounded in faith and expressed through concrete care for the poor.The Vatican said the Church’s social doctrine and the formation of responsible political leaders were seen as vital responses to systemic inequality and fragmentation. Across interventions, the Gospel emerged as the antidote to division, calling the Church to embody a “Samaritan” presence, foster belonging, and promote synodality as a lived practice of listening and shared responsibility.Final sessionThe final session of the consistory turned to the practical implementation of synodality, emphasizing spiritual elements and institutional challenges. In his reflection, Cardinal Mario Grech, secretary general of the Synod Secretariat, described the Synod on Synodality as a profound experience “in the Spirit” and declared that it had already awakened in the Church a broad desire for participation, mutual listening, and shared discernment among bishops, clergy, religious, and laity.He asserted that the current implementation phase was not a matter of mechanically applying decisions but of receiving, testing, and integrating synodal insights into the ordinary life of local Churches, culminating in the 2028 ecclesial assembly. That phase, he said, depended on bishops as primary stewards of the synodal journey, adding that they needed to hold together synodality and collegiality as complementary expressions of one communion ordered to mission in a world marked by war, inequality, migration, and technological upheaval.In their discussions that followed, presided by Cardinal Joseph Tobin of Newark, the Vatican said the cardinals agreed on the need to integrate the “ascetical and historical” dimensions of synodality while ensuring that its processes do not become overly burdensome or distract from the Church’s evangelical mission.Particular attention was given to priestly formation, with calls for a vision of the priesthood that is dynamic, attractive, and authentically evangelical without reinforcing clericalism.Discussion also clarified the complementary roles of hierarchy and laity in discerning the voice of “the Spirit,” highlighting synodality as a shared but differentiated responsibility within the People of God. The contribution of Eastern Catholic Churches, with their longstanding synodal traditions, was said to be especially valuable.The Vatican synthesis noted that cardinals discussed “the risk that the complexity of the consultation process might weigh down the Church at a time when she is called to bear witness.”
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Pope Leo XIV closes consistory with appeal to help world find God’s paths to peace – #Catholic – Pope Leo XIV on June 27 thanked the College of Cardinals for their work during their two-day extraordinary consistory, highlighting their reflections on war, poverty, and social fragmentation as well as deeper wounds such as loneliness and loss of meaning.The pope said in his closing address that he was “particularly struck by the way [the cardinals] spoke about young people,” especially in their suffering that can at times lead “to the extreme despair of taking their own lives.”“You have recognized one of the deepest wounds of our time,” he said, “yet you have also been able to recognize the work of the Holy Spirit [in their] search for authenticity, for genuine relationships, and for meaning.”Addressing another of the world’s wounds — war — Leo XIV reiterated themes from his encyclical Magnifica Humanitas , warning that war stems from a broader “culture of power” affecting politics, economics, and even religion.“War is born within us,” he said, but it is “precisely in the heart that peace is also decided.” It is in that same heart, he said, where Christ “continues to meet us, speak to us, and to convert us,” and he called for renewed commitment to dialogue, multilateral cooperation, and nonviolent responses rooted in the Gospel.Although the cardinals discussed “just war,” the pope did not specifically mention the tradition in his address, noting instead the theme of self-defense in light of “profound transformations” in contemporary conflicts. Reflection on this topic needs to be “further developed,” he said, “with necessary theological and pastoral rigor.”Issuing a global appeal, Leo XIV declared: “God desires peace for every nation and every people,” urging the Church to help the world reject violence and rediscover the Lord’s paths of reconciliation.Pope Leo also underscored the importance of the family, the Church’s social doctrine, and the formation of consciences, while reaffirming the role of ecumenical and inter-religious dialogue in promoting peace.He urged the cardinals to deepen the Church’s synodal path as a “spiritual style” rooted in listening, discernment, and fidelity to the Gospel. Synodality, he said, is not primarily about structures or decision-making, but about safeguarding the Church’s mission through shared discernment. “The question is not ‘who decides,’” he said, “but how we together safeguard the gift entrusted to the Church.”Leo XIV encouraged the cardinals to promote active participation across local Churches, saying that authentic synodality arises from encounter and openness to the Holy Spirit. He likened this two-day gathering — which had a distinctly synodal format of working group discussions — to the Gospel account of the disciples on the road to Emmaus in which Christ renews hope and clarifies mission.Referring to a meeting of bishops in October to mark the 10th anniversary of Amoris Laetitia, the pope said the gathering will be part of the implementation of the Synod on Synodality — a chance to “foster spaces where the People of God can listen to one another, pray, discern and walk together.”The pope closed by entrusting the fruits of the consistory to the intercession of Our Lady. “May she teach us to preserve unity in diversity and to serve the Gospel of peace with humility, courage, and hope,” he said.He reiterated that these extraordinary consistories will take place annually, and said he will be announcing next year’s meeting at the end of the year.Vatican synthesisAs the consistory took place behind closed doors, it was not possible to know exactly what the cardinals discussed during the two-day meeting. Instead, media had to rely on syntheses provided by the Holy See Press Office which omitted some key interventions such as Cardinal Gerhard Müller’s call on the Vatican to issue a formal response to the Society of St. Pius X’s latest challenge to Rome, as reported on Saturday by Il Giornale’s Nico Spuntoni. The syntheses also did not cover any topics raised in the free discussion at the end of the consistory. The Vatican did, however, provide full texts of four cardinals’ reflections.Opening Friday afternoon’s session on “The Culture of Power and the Civilization of Love” was Cardinal Victor Fernández, prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, who reflected on the theme and Chapter V of Magnifica Humanitas.Drawing on the social encyclical, he argued that a deep cultural shift had been enabling the outbreak and normalization of new wars, often sustained by AI-driven media and political manipulation.Magnifica Humanitas, he said, marked a significant development by declaring “just war” theory outdated in practice. It insisted instead on a far stricter understanding of legitimate defense and condemning pre-emptive and disproportionate warfare as incompatible with Catholic teaching and the Second Vatican Council’s Gaudium et Spes and its rejection of indiscriminate destruction. As examples, he highlighted military interventions in Gaza and southern Lebanon.Relativism, cynicism, “spiteful verbal attacks by political leaders,” and geopolitical inconsistency favored violent powers, the cardinal said, adding that the Church’s social doctrine was the answer. Alluding to a consistent life ethic, he said the teaching is coherent in its defense of life, migrants, peace, and the vulnerable, and that it is capable of resisting the culture of power and fostering a culture of fraternity and the common good.The Vatican reported that in their working groups during the session, presided over by Filipino Cardinal Siongco David, the cardinals similarly voiced concern about a pervasive “culture of power” marked by polarization, normalization of war, and diminished sensitivity to violence. In response, they stressed the Church’s urgent duty to witness credibly to peace through a transformed language of encounter, rooted in listening, forgiveness, and reconciliation, and through visible Christian unity.They also urged dialogue with other religions, especially Islam, and engagement with international institutions. The Vatican said “numerous groups” called for moving beyond classical “just war” frameworks toward proportionate self-defense, while reaffirming the Gospel as the true source of peace. The Vatican said strong support was expressed for Pope Leo XIV’s encyclical and his moral leadership, alongside renewed reflection on the Petrine ministry as a safeguard of the Church’s independence and a sign of unity.Building the common goodSaturday morning’s session shifted focus to “Building for the Common Good,” examining the deep fractures affecting societies, families, and individuals. Cardinal Stephen Brislin of Johannesburg presented Magnifica Humanitas as a theologically coherent vision of human “building” in an age of technological power, reading the whole encyclical through the opening contrast between Babel’s self-enclosed self-sufficiency and Jerusalem’s God-oriented rebuilding.He noted that the introduction offered a “grammar of building” structured around desire, limitation, shared responsibility, and discernment, asking whether technological expansion, including AI, actually produced more just relationships and institutions attentive to the person. In his reading, the conclusion showed how this grammar found its fulfilment in the theological virtues: faith reading history in the light of God’s merciful plan, charity rooted in the Eucharist grounding synodal communion, and hope directing concrete responsibility toward a “civilization of love,” all sustained by prayer exemplified in Mary’s contemplative gaze.In the Vatican-summarized discussions that followed, presided by Tanzanian Cardinal Protase Rugambwa, the cardinals highlighted the anthropological crisis underlying these divisions, including loss of meaning, identity, and relationships, exacerbated by extreme individualism and emerging challenges such as artificial intelligence.AI was discussed not only technologically but as a force reshaping human self-understanding, raising concerns about dignity, limitation, and the reduction of persons to data. The common good was presented as both elusive and essential, requiring a rediscovery of solidarity grounded in faith and expressed through concrete care for the poor.The Vatican said the Church’s social doctrine and the formation of responsible political leaders were seen as vital responses to systemic inequality and fragmentation. Across interventions, the Gospel emerged as the antidote to division, calling the Church to embody a “Samaritan” presence, foster belonging, and promote synodality as a lived practice of listening and shared responsibility.Final sessionThe final session of the consistory turned to the practical implementation of synodality, emphasizing spiritual elements and institutional challenges. In his reflection, Cardinal Mario Grech, secretary general of the Synod Secretariat, described the Synod on Synodality as a profound experience “in the Spirit” and declared that it had already awakened in the Church a broad desire for participation, mutual listening, and shared discernment among bishops, clergy, religious, and laity.He asserted that the current implementation phase was not a matter of mechanically applying decisions but of receiving, testing, and integrating synodal insights into the ordinary life of local Churches, culminating in the 2028 ecclesial assembly. That phase, he said, depended on bishops as primary stewards of the synodal journey, adding that they needed to hold together synodality and collegiality as complementary expressions of one communion ordered to mission in a world marked by war, inequality, migration, and technological upheaval.In their discussions that followed, presided by Cardinal Joseph Tobin of Newark, the Vatican said the cardinals agreed on the need to integrate the “ascetical and historical” dimensions of synodality while ensuring that its processes do not become overly burdensome or distract from the Church’s evangelical mission.Particular attention was given to priestly formation, with calls for a vision of the priesthood that is dynamic, attractive, and authentically evangelical without reinforcing clericalism.Discussion also clarified the complementary roles of hierarchy and laity in discerning the voice of “the Spirit,” highlighting synodality as a shared but differentiated responsibility within the People of God. The contribution of Eastern Catholic Churches, with their longstanding synodal traditions, was said to be especially valuable.The Vatican synthesis noted that cardinals discussed “the risk that the complexity of the consultation process might weigh down the Church at a time when she is called to bear witness.”

unitedyam

The pope thanked the College of Cardinals for their work during a two-day extraordinary consistory, highlighting their reflections on war, poverty, and social fragmentation.

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Tank Pull: veterans fundraiser in Clifton showcases strength #Catholic - A record 54 teams registered for the 15th Annual New Jersey Army Tank Pull Challenge, held June 7 in Clifton, N.J. The event’s proceeds directly benefit New Jersey veterans, especially combat-wounded. The Tank Pull challenged these teams to pull an 80,000-pound tank mounted on a flatbed truck. They included 11 Knights of Columbus teams, 11 veteran teams, and 15 labor teams. Other teams drew from law enforcement, businesses, and community organizations, showing broad community support for the cause. For the fifth consecutive year, Catholic Charities of the Paterson Diocese, N.J., joined the Knights of Columbus in organizing the rain-or-shine event. Catholic Charities supports hundreds of veterans in need throughout the state each day through various programs and services, extending the event’s impact year-round. The Tank Pull took place at 1100 Clifton Ave. between St. James Place and Olga B Terrace in Clifton. Among this year’s participating teams were IBEW Local 743 Veterans Committee, Don Bosco Ironmen, Clifton PBA 36, PSEG Vets, NFL Alumni Infringers, and Women Veterans of New Jersey. Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter. The event was made possible through the generous support of sponsors, including the Pallottines of the Immaculate Conception Province, Natoli Construction, and Passaic County Central Labor Council. The Tank Pull was free for spectators and also featured family-friendly activities. BEACON PHOTOS | JOE GIGLI [See image gallery at beaconnj.org]  
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Tank Pull: veterans fundraiser in Clifton showcases strength #Catholic – A record 54 teams registered for the 15th Annual New Jersey Army Tank Pull Challenge, held June 7 in Clifton, N.J. The event’s proceeds directly benefit New Jersey veterans, especially combat-wounded. The Tank Pull challenged these teams to pull an 80,000-pound tank mounted on a flatbed truck. They included 11 Knights of Columbus teams, 11 veteran teams, and 15 labor teams. Other teams drew from law enforcement, businesses, and community organizations, showing broad community support for the cause. For the fifth consecutive year, Catholic Charities of the Paterson Diocese, N.J., joined the Knights of Columbus in organizing the rain-or-shine event. Catholic Charities supports hundreds of veterans in need throughout the state each day through various programs and services, extending the event’s impact year-round. The Tank Pull took place at 1100 Clifton Ave. between St. James Place and Olga B Terrace in Clifton. Among this year’s participating teams were IBEW Local 743 Veterans Committee, Don Bosco Ironmen, Clifton PBA 36, PSEG Vets, NFL Alumni Infringers, and Women Veterans of New Jersey. Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter. The event was made possible through the generous support of sponsors, including the Pallottines of the Immaculate Conception Province, Natoli Construction, and Passaic County Central Labor Council. The Tank Pull was free for spectators and also featured family-friendly activities. BEACON PHOTOS | JOE GIGLI [See image gallery at beaconnj.org]  

unitedyam

Tank Pull: veterans fundraiser in Clifton showcases strength #Catholic –

A record 54 teams registered for the 15th Annual New Jersey Army Tank Pull Challenge, held June 7 in Clifton, N.J. The event’s proceeds directly benefit New Jersey veterans, especially combat-wounded.

The Tank Pull challenged these teams to pull an 80,000-pound tank mounted on a flatbed truck. They included 11 Knights of Columbus teams, 11 veteran teams, and 15 labor teams. Other teams drew from law enforcement, businesses, and community organizations, showing broad community support for the cause.

For the fifth consecutive year, Catholic Charities of the Paterson Diocese, N.J., joined the Knights of Columbus in organizing the rain-or-shine event. Catholic Charities supports hundreds of veterans in need throughout the state each day through various programs and services, extending the event’s impact year-round.

The Tank Pull took place at 1100 Clifton Ave. between St. James Place and Olga B Terrace in Clifton.

Among this year’s participating teams were IBEW Local 743 Veterans Committee, Don Bosco Ironmen, Clifton PBA 36, PSEG Vets, NFL Alumni Infringers, and Women Veterans of New Jersey.

Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.

The event was made possible through the generous support of sponsors, including the Pallottines of the Immaculate Conception Province, Natoli Construction, and Passaic County Central Labor Council.

The Tank Pull was free for spectators and also featured family-friendly activities.

BEACON PHOTOS | JOE GIGLI

– A record 54 teams registered for the 15th Annual New Jersey Army Tank Pull Challenge, held June 7 in Clifton, N.J. The event’s proceeds directly benefit New Jersey veterans, especially combat-wounded. The Tank Pull challenged these teams to pull an 80,000-pound tank mounted on a flatbed truck. They included 11 Knights of Columbus teams, 11 veteran teams, and 15 labor teams. Other teams drew from law enforcement, businesses, and community organizations, showing broad community support for the cause. For the fifth consecutive year, Catholic Charities of the Paterson Diocese, N.J., joined the Knights of Columbus in organizing the rain-or-shine event.

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Father Hector Ramon Melendez Varona, retired priest, 81 #Catholic – A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, June 29, at St. Dominic Church in Miami, Fla., for Father Hector Ramon Melendez Varona, a retired priest of the Paterson Diocese, N.J., who died on June 11 in in Hialeah, Fla. He was 81. Father Melendez was ordained on May 28, 1980 for the Archdiocese of Camaguey in Cuba and was incardinated in the Paterson Diocese on Sept. 22, 2006 by Bishop Emeritus Arthur J. Serratelli. Father Melendez faithfully served the Paterson Diocese at Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Passaic, N.J., Ss. Cyril and Methodius Parish in Clifton, N.J., and Our Lady of Victories and Our Lady of Lourdes parishes in Paterson, N.J., before his retirement in 2018. Please send condolences to Gertrudis Melendez, 8873 NW 171 Lane, Hialeah, Fla. 33018. Please keep Father Melendez; his sister, Gerturdis; all their family and friends; and all of the priests of the Paterson Diocese in your prayers, especially at the Eucharist. Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.
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Father Hector Ramon Melendez Varona, retired priest, 81 #Catholic – A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, June 29, at St. Dominic Church in Miami, Fla., for Father Hector Ramon Melendez Varona, a retired priest of the Paterson Diocese, N.J., who died on June 11 in in Hialeah, Fla. He was 81. Father Melendez was ordained on May 28, 1980 for the Archdiocese of Camaguey in Cuba and was incardinated in the Paterson Diocese on Sept. 22, 2006 by Bishop Emeritus Arthur J. Serratelli. Father Melendez faithfully served the Paterson Diocese at Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Passaic, N.J., Ss. Cyril and Methodius Parish in Clifton, N.J., and Our Lady of Victories and Our Lady of Lourdes parishes in Paterson, N.J., before his retirement in 2018. Please send condolences to Gertrudis Melendez, 8873 NW 171 Lane, Hialeah, Fla. 33018. Please keep Father Melendez; his sister, Gerturdis; all their family and friends; and all of the priests of the Paterson Diocese in your prayers, especially at the Eucharist. Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.

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Father Hector Ramon Melendez Varona, retired priest, 81 #Catholic –

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, June 29, at St. Dominic Church in Miami, Fla., for Father Hector Ramon Melendez Varona, a retired priest of the Paterson Diocese, N.J., who died on June 11 in in Hialeah, Fla. He was 81.

Father Melendez was ordained on May 28, 1980 for the Archdiocese of Camaguey in Cuba and was incardinated in the Paterson Diocese on Sept. 22, 2006 by Bishop Emeritus Arthur J. Serratelli.

Father Melendez faithfully served the Paterson Diocese at Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Passaic, N.J., Ss. Cyril and Methodius Parish in Clifton, N.J., and Our Lady of Victories and Our Lady of Lourdes parishes in Paterson, N.J., before his retirement in 2018.

Please send condolences to Gertrudis Melendez, 8873 NW 171 Lane, Hialeah, Fla. 33018.

Please keep Father Melendez; his sister, Gerturdis; all their family and friends; and all of the priests of the Paterson Diocese in your prayers, especially at the Eucharist.

Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.

– A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, June 29, at St. Dominic Church in Miami, Fla., for Father Hector Ramon Melendez Varona, a retired priest of the Paterson Diocese, N.J., who died on June 11 in in Hialeah, Fla. He was 81. Father Melendez was ordained on May 28, 1980 for the Archdiocese of Camaguey in Cuba and was incardinated in the Paterson Diocese on Sept. 22, 2006 by Bishop Emeritus Arthur J. Serratelli. Father Melendez faithfully served the Paterson Diocese at Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Passaic, N.J., Ss. Cyril and Methodius Parish in Clifton,

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Jesse Watters on Trump’s Declaration of War on Communism (Video) – On Thursday, President Trump put the Communists on notice after three far-left radicals backed by Communist NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani swept New York’s House primary. The post Jesse Watters on Trump’s Declaration of War on Communism (Video) appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.
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Jesse Watters on Trump’s Declaration of War on Communism (Video) – On Thursday, President Trump put the Communists on notice after three far-left radicals backed by Communist NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani swept New York’s House primary. The post Jesse Watters on Trump’s Declaration of War on Communism (Video) appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.

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On Thursday, President Trump put the Communists on notice after three far-left radicals backed by Communist NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani swept New York’s House primary.

The post Jesse Watters on Trump’s Declaration of War on Communism (Video) appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.

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Justice Jackson Hit With a Major Constitutional Lesson Following Her Dissent in Hawaii Gun Rights Case – State Relied on an Old ‘Black Code’ Law to Disarm Residents – Gun rights experts are schooling Far-left Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson following her stupid dissent in a key gun rights case earlier this week. The post Justice Jackson Hit With a Major Constitutional Lesson Following Her Dissent in Hawaii Gun Rights Case – State Relied on an Old ‘Black Code’ Law to Disarm Residents appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.
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Justice Jackson Hit With a Major Constitutional Lesson Following Her Dissent in Hawaii Gun Rights Case – State Relied on an Old ‘Black Code’ Law to Disarm Residents – Gun rights experts are schooling Far-left Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson following her stupid dissent in a key gun rights case earlier this week. The post Justice Jackson Hit With a Major Constitutional Lesson Following Her Dissent in Hawaii Gun Rights Case – State Relied on an Old ‘Black Code’ Law to Disarm Residents appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.

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Gun rights experts are schooling Far-left Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson following her stupid dissent in a key gun rights case earlier this week.

The post Justice Jackson Hit With a Major Constitutional Lesson Following Her Dissent in Hawaii Gun Rights Case – State Relied on an Old ‘Black Code’ Law to Disarm Residents appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.

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Catholic Charities sues Michigan in federal court, says state targeted charity over Catholic beliefs – #Catholic – A federal lawsuit filed in U.S. district court this week claims leaders in the state of Michigan targeted a Catholic charity for following the teachings of the Catholic Church. The suit, filed in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan, alleges that state Attorney General Dana Nessel, state Health and Human Services Director Elizabeth Hertel, and other government officials engaged in a “pattern of religious targeting” against the charity in order to pressure it to “abandon its beliefs.” Unknown block type “cdn77.asset”, specify a component for it in the `components.types` optionThe suit says government officials met with the charity in March 2026 and “raised concerns” about the organization’s core values, including the requirement that staff sign a pledge related to matters on abortion and adoption, among other issues. After that meeting, a state-contracted insurance distributor “adopted a brand-new policy specifically targeting Catholic Charities’ religious beliefs and practices.” Part of the new policy included a disclosure requirement regarding “service limitations” related in part to abortion and gay marriage, the suit says.The state health department subsequently discontinued its designation of the charity’s Cristo Rey Community Center as a women’s specialty service provider, the suit says, with the government stipulating that the charity must make “policy and procedural changes” in order to have that designation reinstated. The suit says the government has “completely ignored” the charity’s efforts to obtain clarification about the alleged policy violations. The state-contracted insurance facilitator, meanwhile, has stopped referring clients to the charity for women’s services, according to the filing. The decisions by the state government violates religious discrimination protections in the U.S. Constitution, the lawsuit says, while women in the region have been “left without access to the faith-based, relationship-centered treatment that Catholic Charities’ ministry uniquely provides.”The suit, which was filed by attorneys with the legal group Alliance Defending Freedom, asks the court to reverse the state government’s decisions and further prevent it from withholding federal grant funding from the charity. The state attorney general’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the suit. But this is not the first time the state government has tangled with a Catholic charity. In 2019 St. Vincent Catholic Charities filed a suit against the state over its requirement that adoption agencies must match children with same-sex couples in order to receive state funding.The charity ultimately won a settlement with the government in 2022 allowing it to continue its adoption services without violating its Catholic identity.
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Catholic Charities sues Michigan in federal court, says state targeted charity over Catholic beliefs – #Catholic – A federal lawsuit filed in U.S. district court this week claims leaders in the state of Michigan targeted a Catholic charity for following the teachings of the Catholic Church. The suit, filed in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan, alleges that state Attorney General Dana Nessel, state Health and Human Services Director Elizabeth Hertel, and other government officials engaged in a “pattern of religious targeting” against the charity in order to pressure it to “abandon its beliefs.” Unknown block type “cdn77.asset”, specify a component for it in the `components.types` optionThe suit says government officials met with the charity in March 2026 and “raised concerns” about the organization’s core values, including the requirement that staff sign a pledge related to matters on abortion and adoption, among other issues. After that meeting, a state-contracted insurance distributor “adopted a brand-new policy specifically targeting Catholic Charities’ religious beliefs and practices.” Part of the new policy included a disclosure requirement regarding “service limitations” related in part to abortion and gay marriage, the suit says.The state health department subsequently discontinued its designation of the charity’s Cristo Rey Community Center as a women’s specialty service provider, the suit says, with the government stipulating that the charity must make “policy and procedural changes” in order to have that designation reinstated. The suit says the government has “completely ignored” the charity’s efforts to obtain clarification about the alleged policy violations. The state-contracted insurance facilitator, meanwhile, has stopped referring clients to the charity for women’s services, according to the filing. The decisions by the state government violates religious discrimination protections in the U.S. Constitution, the lawsuit says, while women in the region have been “left without access to the faith-based, relationship-centered treatment that Catholic Charities’ ministry uniquely provides.”The suit, which was filed by attorneys with the legal group Alliance Defending Freedom, asks the court to reverse the state government’s decisions and further prevent it from withholding federal grant funding from the charity. The state attorney general’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the suit. But this is not the first time the state government has tangled with a Catholic charity. In 2019 St. Vincent Catholic Charities filed a suit against the state over its requirement that adoption agencies must match children with same-sex couples in order to receive state funding.The charity ultimately won a settlement with the government in 2022 allowing it to continue its adoption services without violating its Catholic identity.

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The state “singled out and punished” the Catholic ministry because it operates in accordance with the Church, the lawsuit claims.

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‘It’s coming fast’: Arlington Diocese sits at center of ‘Data Center Alley’ – #Catholic – Data centers continue popping up across the country to fuel the growth of artificial intelligence in everyday life, and the Catholic Diocese of Arlington is home to the densest concentration of these facilities in the world, known as “Data Center Alley.”“Itʼs absolutely in people’s minds to be thinking how to pastor and shepherd the flock,” Anna Knier, coordinator for the office of the peace and justice commission for the diocese, told Mark Irons on “EWTN News In Depth” on June 26."Itʼs coming fast and quickly, and itʼs kind of [like] weʼre building the plane as we fly a little bit in terms of all sorts of considerations, including infrastructure,” Knier said.The hub, dubbed “Data Center Alley,” is located in the Northern Virginia suburbs of Washington, D.C., just west of the city. There are more than 300 data centers in Northern Virginia and more than 100 in development.Data centers have become a focal point of the broader AI debate. They often receive government tax subsidies while employing few people compared to other facilities that often get similar incentives, like factories. Data centers also consume an enormous amount of energy. According to a report by the Electric Power Research Institute, about 4-5% of national energy is consumed by data centers, but that will increase to between 9-17% by 2030. Virginia is the only state in which more than 20% of energy is consumed by data centers, but that could increase to 39-57% by 2030.In Pope Leo XIV’s encyclical Magnifica Humanitas, the Holy Father warned about a “tendency to overlook the environmental impact” of AI, mostly caused by the energy and water consumption of data centers.Leo discussed broader concerns about AI development as well, such as preserving the dignity of work, building up human solidarity, and not concentrating power in the hands of a few, but instead ensuring all people benefit from the innovation."We need to be with those who are on the margins,” Knier said.
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‘It’s coming fast’: Arlington Diocese sits at center of ‘Data Center Alley’ – #Catholic – Data centers continue popping up across the country to fuel the growth of artificial intelligence in everyday life, and the Catholic Diocese of Arlington is home to the densest concentration of these facilities in the world, known as “Data Center Alley.”“Itʼs absolutely in people’s minds to be thinking how to pastor and shepherd the flock,” Anna Knier, coordinator for the office of the peace and justice commission for the diocese, told Mark Irons on “EWTN News In Depth” on June 26."Itʼs coming fast and quickly, and itʼs kind of [like] weʼre building the plane as we fly a little bit in terms of all sorts of considerations, including infrastructure,” Knier said.The hub, dubbed “Data Center Alley,” is located in the Northern Virginia suburbs of Washington, D.C., just west of the city. There are more than 300 data centers in Northern Virginia and more than 100 in development.Data centers have become a focal point of the broader AI debate. They often receive government tax subsidies while employing few people compared to other facilities that often get similar incentives, like factories. Data centers also consume an enormous amount of energy. According to a report by the Electric Power Research Institute, about 4-5% of national energy is consumed by data centers, but that will increase to between 9-17% by 2030. Virginia is the only state in which more than 20% of energy is consumed by data centers, but that could increase to 39-57% by 2030.In Pope Leo XIV’s encyclical Magnifica Humanitas, the Holy Father warned about a “tendency to overlook the environmental impact” of AI, mostly caused by the energy and water consumption of data centers.Leo discussed broader concerns about AI development as well, such as preserving the dignity of work, building up human solidarity, and not concentrating power in the hands of a few, but instead ensuring all people benefit from the innovation."We need to be with those who are on the margins,” Knier said.

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EWTN News In Depth’s Mark Irons reports on “Data Center Alley” in the Diocese of Arlington in light of Pope Leo XIV’s encyclical Magnifica Humanitas.

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Cubans Living In NYC Begin Boarding Rafts To Escape Communism Again #BabylonBee – NEW YORK, NY — Cuban Americans across the city reportedly took to the sea, eager to once again escape the terrors of communism in homemade rafts that some believed may not even be capable of making the trip.
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Cubans Living In NYC Begin Boarding Rafts To Escape Communism Again #BabylonBee – NEW YORK, NY — Cuban Americans across the city reportedly took to the sea, eager to once again escape the terrors of communism in homemade rafts that some believed may not even be capable of making the trip.

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NEW YORK, NY — Cuban Americans across the city reportedly took to the sea, eager to once again escape the terrors of communism in homemade rafts that some believed may not even be capable of making the trip.

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9 Cool Things To Do At The Obama Presidential Library #BabylonBee – The newly opened Barack Obama Presidential Center contains so much more than documents from Obama’s time in office; there are dozens of incredible, interactive exhibits for visitors of all ages.
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9 Cool Things To Do At The Obama Presidential Library #BabylonBee – The newly opened Barack Obama Presidential Center contains so much more than documents from Obama’s time in office; there are dozens of incredible, interactive exhibits for visitors of all ages.

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The newly opened Barack Obama Presidential Center contains so much more than documents from Obama’s time in office; there are dozens of incredible, interactive exhibits for visitors of all ages.

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Meet Fio: the Catholic alternative to Spotify aiming to bring faith to your playlists #Catholic For many Catholics, faith formation often competes with busy schedules and endless digital distractions. Fio, a Catholic audio streaming platform, hopes to change that by putting faith-filled content at listeners’ fingertips. Dubbed “the Catholic alternative to Spotify,” the platform offers a growing library of podcasts, audiobooks, and music, giving users a way to stay connected to their faith wherever life takes them.Currently, Fio is being used in over 100 countries, is host to over 100,000 hours of Catholic content, and has over 1,000 Catholic creators putting their work onto the platform. Will Hickl, co-founder of Fio, has been in the music industry for 15 years as a musician and founder of the Catholic record label Novum Records. During his career, he realized that secular platforms were not built for faith-based work — it was difficult to stand out, there was no fair compensation, and there was no community around it.With this in mind, Hickl, and co-founder Peter Buonincontro, launched Fio in 2023. The first version of the app hosted podcasts alone. The following year music was added, and the following year — thanks to a generous investor — the platform was able to host audiobooks and grow their collection of content. In an interview with EWTN News, Hickl shared that the platform’s “North Star” is the fact that he cares deeply about the artists and content creators.“We are a platform who, because we care, weʼre paying a penny per stream, which is already three to four times what Spotify pays,” he explained. “We want to offer better exposure and tooling. In fact, we already offer better exposure because a musician doesnʼt have to compete with 10 million other musicians. Thereʼs only maybe like 100, maybe 200 artists on the platform right now…thereʼs greater discoverability.”For creators, he hopes they would know that Fio “is the one that genuinely cares about them more than Apple or Spotify ever will.” From left to right: Will Hickl and Peter Buonincontro, founders of Fio. | Credit: Houston Dragna Currently, Fio offers three subscription levels for listeners — free, premium, and audiobooks +. While users who subscribe to the platform for free will have to listen to advertisements, Hickl pointed out that these ads “are reserved and curated for Catholic businesses, Catholic ministries, and then Catholic artists on the platform.”He also emphasized that these faith-based advertisements can also serve as a “cultural safeguard” so that parents who may be listening with children present don’t have to worry about inappropriate advertisements being played, as is the case with many secular platforms.Hickl explained that Fio aims to serve three different cohorts: Catholic creators, consumers, and businesses.“We are an artist first platform. We want to give you the best exposure, the best economics than any other platform,” he said. “For consumers, we want to give you greater choice, a better experience in terms of what you find, what your kids are exposed to. The third would be Catholic businesses who canʼt target based on religion on Facebook or Google or YouTube or anything like that. So weʼre offering a greater targeting mechanism, greater value in that regard.”For those seeking to have their content on Fio, they must go through a submission and review process. Before their content is accepted, creators must affirm that they are practicing Catholics who accept the teachings of the Church. They must also verify that their work was not primarily created by artificial intelligence. Lastly, each creator goes through a manual review process by the Fio team before their work is allowed to be on the platform.Looking to the future, the team at Fio is working on creating original content for the platform as well as being able to host video podcasts and music videos. Additionally, they are working to give Fio a more “liturgical feel.” For example, if there’s an important saint’s feast day, Fio would make suggestions to listeners of a podcast that talks about the saint or a song inspired by the saint.Hickl hopes that one day more artists will “be more excited about sharing their Fio link than the Spotify link.”He added that he hopes Catholics “would know I can trust this platform, it can and should be a part of my every day, because thereʼs so much treasure to discover.”“Thatʼs something I say a lot, which is that the Church has an immense amount of treasure and we just donʼt know about it. And so I want people to know the treasure is here and Fio is a place where itʼs aggregated,” he said.
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Meet Fio: the Catholic alternative to Spotify aiming to bring faith to your playlists #Catholic For many Catholics, faith formation often competes with busy schedules and endless digital distractions. Fio, a Catholic audio streaming platform, hopes to change that by putting faith-filled content at listeners’ fingertips. Dubbed “the Catholic alternative to Spotify,” the platform offers a growing library of podcasts, audiobooks, and music, giving users a way to stay connected to their faith wherever life takes them.Currently, Fio is being used in over 100 countries, is host to over 100,000 hours of Catholic content, and has over 1,000 Catholic creators putting their work onto the platform. Will Hickl, co-founder of Fio, has been in the music industry for 15 years as a musician and founder of the Catholic record label Novum Records. During his career, he realized that secular platforms were not built for faith-based work — it was difficult to stand out, there was no fair compensation, and there was no community around it.With this in mind, Hickl, and co-founder Peter Buonincontro, launched Fio in 2023. The first version of the app hosted podcasts alone. The following year music was added, and the following year — thanks to a generous investor — the platform was able to host audiobooks and grow their collection of content. In an interview with EWTN News, Hickl shared that the platform’s “North Star” is the fact that he cares deeply about the artists and content creators.“We are a platform who, because we care, weʼre paying a penny per stream, which is already three to four times what Spotify pays,” he explained. “We want to offer better exposure and tooling. In fact, we already offer better exposure because a musician doesnʼt have to compete with 10 million other musicians. Thereʼs only maybe like 100, maybe 200 artists on the platform right now…thereʼs greater discoverability.”For creators, he hopes they would know that Fio “is the one that genuinely cares about them more than Apple or Spotify ever will.” From left to right: Will Hickl and Peter Buonincontro, founders of Fio. | Credit: Houston Dragna Currently, Fio offers three subscription levels for listeners — free, premium, and audiobooks +. While users who subscribe to the platform for free will have to listen to advertisements, Hickl pointed out that these ads “are reserved and curated for Catholic businesses, Catholic ministries, and then Catholic artists on the platform.”He also emphasized that these faith-based advertisements can also serve as a “cultural safeguard” so that parents who may be listening with children present don’t have to worry about inappropriate advertisements being played, as is the case with many secular platforms.Hickl explained that Fio aims to serve three different cohorts: Catholic creators, consumers, and businesses.“We are an artist first platform. We want to give you the best exposure, the best economics than any other platform,” he said. “For consumers, we want to give you greater choice, a better experience in terms of what you find, what your kids are exposed to. The third would be Catholic businesses who canʼt target based on religion on Facebook or Google or YouTube or anything like that. So weʼre offering a greater targeting mechanism, greater value in that regard.”For those seeking to have their content on Fio, they must go through a submission and review process. Before their content is accepted, creators must affirm that they are practicing Catholics who accept the teachings of the Church. They must also verify that their work was not primarily created by artificial intelligence. Lastly, each creator goes through a manual review process by the Fio team before their work is allowed to be on the platform.Looking to the future, the team at Fio is working on creating original content for the platform as well as being able to host video podcasts and music videos. Additionally, they are working to give Fio a more “liturgical feel.” For example, if there’s an important saint’s feast day, Fio would make suggestions to listeners of a podcast that talks about the saint or a song inspired by the saint.Hickl hopes that one day more artists will “be more excited about sharing their Fio link than the Spotify link.”He added that he hopes Catholics “would know I can trust this platform, it can and should be a part of my every day, because thereʼs so much treasure to discover.”“Thatʼs something I say a lot, which is that the Church has an immense amount of treasure and we just donʼt know about it. And so I want people to know the treasure is here and Fio is a place where itʼs aggregated,” he said.

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Currently, Fio is being used in over 100 countries, is host to over 100,000 hours of Catholic content, and has over 1,000 Catholic creators putting their work on the platform.

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Court ruling leaves Haitian migrants’ future uncertain as Archbishop Wenski urges Senate action #Catholic The future of hundreds of thousands of Haitian and Syrian migrants living legally in the United States remains uncertain after the Supreme Court allowed the Trump administration to move forward with changes to temporary protected status (TPS), shifting the issue back to Congress.In response to the decision, Archbishop Thomas Wenski of Miami called on Congress to protect TPS holders, arguing that ending the humanitarian program would have serious consequences for migrants, their families, and communities across the country.In an interview with Veronica Dudo of “EWTN News Nightly” on June 26, Wenski said the court’s ruling was “not unexpected,” adding that the justices ultimately returned the issue to lawmakers.“The decision was not unexpected, because a conservative court doesn’t want to rule from the bench, as it were. And so what has been done is kick the ball back into the Congress, which is the body of the government that is supposed to be making the laws,” he said.Push for Senate voteThe Miami archbishop said the U.S. Senate should send the president legislation passed in the House that would extend TPS protections for Haitians for three additional years. In April, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the legislation, H.R. 1689, that would extend TPS for Haitians until 2029. Senate consideration is next.“We’re asking the senators of the United States to approve that proposition, so that it could be passed into law,” he said, and he also urged its passage in a column for the Archdiocese of Miami. TPS allows nationals from countries experiencing armed conflict, natural disasters, or other extraordinary conditions to remain and work legally in the United States temporarily. Haiti was first designated for TPS following the devastating 2010 earthquake.Wenski warned that ending those protections could have severe humanitarian consequences.“Haiti could be described very correctly as a house on fire,” he said. “It would be hard to see how you could send back 350,000 people, many of whom have been here since the earthquake of 2010, and have built lives here in this country … and it’s unconscionable to think that that could be done without creating a tremendous humanitarian disaster.”The archbishop also highlighted the economic role many Haitian immigrants play, particularly in healthcare.“The Haitians are working; they’re not on the public dole. They’re not public charges. They’re working, and many of them are working in the healthcare sector,” he said.Within the Archdiocese of Miami, he said, many TPS holders serve in Catholic nursing homes and other healthcare ministries.“To have their work permits revoked and taken away from them would have not only a terrible effect on them, but it would have an economic impact on the entire community,” he said.The archdiocese is also preparing to assist migrants facing legal uncertainty.“The Archdiocese of Miami has Catholic Legal Services … we’re trying to accompany them and to see if there are any other pathways or solutions,” he said.Even so, Wenski emphasized that lasting immigration reform must come from Congress.“The ball is in the court of the Senate.”
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Court ruling leaves Haitian migrants’ future uncertain as Archbishop Wenski urges Senate action #Catholic The future of hundreds of thousands of Haitian and Syrian migrants living legally in the United States remains uncertain after the Supreme Court allowed the Trump administration to move forward with changes to temporary protected status (TPS), shifting the issue back to Congress.In response to the decision, Archbishop Thomas Wenski of Miami called on Congress to protect TPS holders, arguing that ending the humanitarian program would have serious consequences for migrants, their families, and communities across the country.In an interview with Veronica Dudo of “EWTN News Nightly” on June 26, Wenski said the court’s ruling was “not unexpected,” adding that the justices ultimately returned the issue to lawmakers.“The decision was not unexpected, because a conservative court doesn’t want to rule from the bench, as it were. And so what has been done is kick the ball back into the Congress, which is the body of the government that is supposed to be making the laws,” he said.Push for Senate voteThe Miami archbishop said the U.S. Senate should send the president legislation passed in the House that would extend TPS protections for Haitians for three additional years. In April, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the legislation, H.R. 1689, that would extend TPS for Haitians until 2029. Senate consideration is next.“We’re asking the senators of the United States to approve that proposition, so that it could be passed into law,” he said, and he also urged its passage in a column for the Archdiocese of Miami. TPS allows nationals from countries experiencing armed conflict, natural disasters, or other extraordinary conditions to remain and work legally in the United States temporarily. Haiti was first designated for TPS following the devastating 2010 earthquake.Wenski warned that ending those protections could have severe humanitarian consequences.“Haiti could be described very correctly as a house on fire,” he said. “It would be hard to see how you could send back 350,000 people, many of whom have been here since the earthquake of 2010, and have built lives here in this country … and it’s unconscionable to think that that could be done without creating a tremendous humanitarian disaster.”The archbishop also highlighted the economic role many Haitian immigrants play, particularly in healthcare.“The Haitians are working; they’re not on the public dole. They’re not public charges. They’re working, and many of them are working in the healthcare sector,” he said.Within the Archdiocese of Miami, he said, many TPS holders serve in Catholic nursing homes and other healthcare ministries.“To have their work permits revoked and taken away from them would have not only a terrible effect on them, but it would have an economic impact on the entire community,” he said.The archdiocese is also preparing to assist migrants facing legal uncertainty.“The Archdiocese of Miami has Catholic Legal Services … we’re trying to accompany them and to see if there are any other pathways or solutions,” he said.Even so, Wenski emphasized that lasting immigration reform must come from Congress.“The ball is in the court of the Senate.”

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The Miami archbishop said the U.S. Senate should send the president legislation that would extend Temporary Protected Status protections to Haitians for three years.

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Euclid Sees Heart of Milky Way – This image by ESA’s (European Space Agency) Euclid (with color added using ground-based images) provides an earlier snapshot of a region of our galaxy that NASA’s Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope will repeatedly observe during the upcoming years.
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Euclid Sees Heart of Milky Way – This image by ESA’s (European Space Agency) Euclid (with color added using ground-based images) provides an earlier snapshot of a region of our galaxy that NASA’s Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope will repeatedly observe during the upcoming years.

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This image by ESA’s (European Space Agency) Euclid (with color added using ground-based images) provides an earlier snapshot of a region of our galaxy that NASA’s Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope will repeatedly observe during the upcoming years.

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Cardinal Müller calls SSPX consecrations schismatic, defends the Latin Mass – #Catholic – Cardinal Gerhard Müller has called the Society of St. Pius X’s planned consecration of four bishops without papal mandate a schismatic act, while stressing that the dispute turns on authority, not the Traditional Latin Mass, which he affirmed remains valid.In an interview with EWTN News In Depth, the former prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith said episcopal ordinations carried out “without the pope are absolutely impossible, against the will of God,” marking those who carry them out as “not Catholic or anti-Catholic.” That judgment, he stressed, rests on “objective criteria,” not “subjective judgments.”The Society plans to consecrate four priests, including American Father Michael Goldade, on July 1 at its seminary in Écône, Switzerland, echoing Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre’s 1988 consecrations. Without a papal mandate the consecrations would be valid but illicit, carrying an automatic “latae sententiae” excommunication.Müller likened the society to the Donatists, the schism St. Augustine fought in North Africa.“They should learn from the way of the Donatists,” he said, adding that St. Pius X, the society’s patron, “will pray against these people who abuse his name.” Pope Leo XIV, he noted, is himself an Augustinian.The German prelate, a longtime professor of dogmatic theology, called devotion to traditional liturgy and the rejection of papal authority “two absolutely different questions,” and faulted bishops who forbid the TLM as “authoritarian.”Asked what faithful drawn to SSPX Masses should do if a schism follows, Müller said they “shouldn’t go, and cannot participate in the Masses of schismatic priests and bishops.”The Vatican’s current doctrine chief, Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, warned on May 13 that the consecrations would be “a schismatic act.”The SSPX rejects the charge, holding that such consecrations do not by themselves break communion; on June 24 it sent Pope Leo and the College of Cardinals a “Declaration of Catholic Faith.” Superior General Father Davide Pagliarani has cited a “state of necessity,” noting only two aging SSPX bishops remain to ordain its priests.Müller also discussed the June 26–27 consistory, which he said he expected to take up atheism and artificial intelligence, and renewed his criticism of “synodality,” which he said had been “abused” to push ideas against Church teaching on the priesthood and marriage.
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Cardinal Müller calls SSPX consecrations schismatic, defends the Latin Mass – #Catholic – Cardinal Gerhard Müller has called the Society of St. Pius X’s planned consecration of four bishops without papal mandate a schismatic act, while stressing that the dispute turns on authority, not the Traditional Latin Mass, which he affirmed remains valid.In an interview with EWTN News In Depth, the former prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith said episcopal ordinations carried out “without the pope are absolutely impossible, against the will of God,” marking those who carry them out as “not Catholic or anti-Catholic.” That judgment, he stressed, rests on “objective criteria,” not “subjective judgments.”The Society plans to consecrate four priests, including American Father Michael Goldade, on July 1 at its seminary in Écône, Switzerland, echoing Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre’s 1988 consecrations. Without a papal mandate the consecrations would be valid but illicit, carrying an automatic “latae sententiae” excommunication.Müller likened the society to the Donatists, the schism St. Augustine fought in North Africa.“They should learn from the way of the Donatists,” he said, adding that St. Pius X, the society’s patron, “will pray against these people who abuse his name.” Pope Leo XIV, he noted, is himself an Augustinian.The German prelate, a longtime professor of dogmatic theology, called devotion to traditional liturgy and the rejection of papal authority “two absolutely different questions,” and faulted bishops who forbid the TLM as “authoritarian.”Asked what faithful drawn to SSPX Masses should do if a schism follows, Müller said they “shouldn’t go, and cannot participate in the Masses of schismatic priests and bishops.”The Vatican’s current doctrine chief, Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, warned on May 13 that the consecrations would be “a schismatic act.”The SSPX rejects the charge, holding that such consecrations do not by themselves break communion; on June 24 it sent Pope Leo and the College of Cardinals a “Declaration of Catholic Faith.” Superior General Father Davide Pagliarani has cited a “state of necessity,” noting only two aging SSPX bishops remain to ordain its priests.Müller also discussed the June 26–27 consistory, which he said he expected to take up atheism and artificial intelligence, and renewed his criticism of “synodality,” which he said had been “abused” to push ideas against Church teaching on the priesthood and marriage.

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The former Vatican doctrine chief likened the Society of St. Pius X to the ancient Donatist schism, days before its planned July 1 episcopal consecrations at Écône.

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Gospel and Word of the Day – 27 June 2026 – A reading from the Book of Lamentations 2:2, 10-14, 18-19 The Lord has consumed without pity all the dwellings of Jacob; He has torn down in his anger the fortresses of daughter Judah; He has brought to the ground in dishonor her king and her princes.On the ground in silence sit the old men of daughter Zion; They strew dust on their heads and gird themselves with sackcloth; The maidens of Jerusalem bow their heads to the ground.Worn out from weeping are my eyes, within me all is in ferment; My gall is poured out on the ground because of the downfall of the daughter of my people, As child and infant faint away in the open spaces of the town.In vain they ask their mothers, “Where is the grain?” As they faint away like the wounded in the streets of the city, And breathe their last in their mothers’ arms.To what can I liken or compare you, O daughter Jerusalem? What example can I show you for your comfort, virgin daughter Zion? For great as the sea is your downfall; who can heal you?Your prophets had for you false and specious visions; They did not lay bare your guilt, to avert your fate; They beheld for you in vision false and misleading portents.Cry out to the Lord; moan, O daughter Zion! Let your tears flow like a torrent day and night; Let there be no respite for you, no repose for your eyes.Rise up, shrill in the night, at the beginning of every watch; Pour out your heart like water in the presence of the Lord; Lift up your hands to him for the lives of your little ones Who faint from hunger at the corner of every street.From the Gospel according to Matthew 8:5-17 When Jesus entered Capernaum, a centurion approached him and appealed to him, saying, “Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, suffering dreadfully.”  He said to him, “I will come and cure him.” The centurion said in reply, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof; only say the word and my servant will be healed. For I too am a man subject to authority, with soldiers subject to me. And I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come here,’ and he comes; and to my slave, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” When Jesus heard this, he was amazed and said to those following him, “Amen, I say to you, in no one in Israel have I found such faith. I say to you, many will come from the east and the west, and will recline with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob at the banquet in the Kingdom of heaven, but the children of the Kingdom will be driven out into the outer darkness, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.” And Jesus said to the centurion, “You may go; as you have believed, let it be done for you.” And at that very hour his servant was healed. Jesus entered the house of Peter, and saw his mother-in-law lying in bed with a fever. He touched her hand, the fever left her, and she rose and waited on him. When it was evening, they brought him many who were possessed by demons, and he drove out the spirits by a word and cured all the sick, to fulfill what had been said by Isaiah the prophet: He took away our infirmities and bore our diseases.Today’s Gospel also speaks to us of service. It shows us two servants who have much to teach us: the servant of the centurion whom Jesus cures and the centurion himself, who serves the Emperor. The words used by the centurion to dissuade Jesus from coming to his house are remarkable, and often the very opposite of our own: “Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you come under my roof” (…). Jesus marvels at these words. He is struck by the centurion’s great humility, by his meekness. (…) Given his troubles, the centurion might have been anxious and could have demanded to be heard, making his authority felt. He could have insisted and even forced Jesus to come to his house. Instead, he was modest, unassuming and meek; he did not raise his voice or make a fuss. He acted, perhaps without even being aware of it, like God himself, who is “meek and humble of heart” (Mt 11:29). For God, who is love, out of love is ever ready to serve us. He is patient, kind and always there for us; he suffers for our mistakes and seeks the way to help us improve. These are the characteristics of Christian service; meek and humble, it imitates God by serving others: by welcoming them with patient love and unflagging sympathy, by making them feel welcome and at home in the ecclesial community, where the greatest are not those who command but those who serve (cf. Lk 22:26). (Pope Francis, Homily, 29 May 2016)

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A reading from the Book of Lamentations
2:2, 10-14, 18-19

The Lord has consumed without pity
all the dwellings of Jacob;
He has torn down in his anger
the fortresses of daughter Judah;
He has brought to the ground in dishonor
her king and her princes.On the ground in silence sit
the old men of daughter Zion;
They strew dust on their heads
and gird themselves with sackcloth;
The maidens of Jerusalem
bow their heads to the ground.Worn out from weeping are my eyes,
within me all is in ferment;
My gall is poured out on the ground
because of the downfall of the daughter of my people,
As child and infant faint away
in the open spaces of the town.In vain they ask their mothers,
“Where is the grain?”
As they faint away like the wounded
in the streets of the city,
And breathe their last
in their mothers’ arms.To what can I liken or compare you,
O daughter Jerusalem?
What example can I show you for your comfort,
virgin daughter Zion?
For great as the sea is your downfall;
who can heal you?Your prophets had for you
false and specious visions;
They did not lay bare your guilt,
to avert your fate;
They beheld for you in vision
false and misleading portents.Cry out to the Lord;
moan, O daughter Zion!
Let your tears flow like a torrent
day and night;
Let there be no respite for you,
no repose for your eyes.Rise up, shrill in the night,
at the beginning of every watch;
Pour out your heart like water
in the presence of the Lord;
Lift up your hands to him
for the lives of your little ones
Who faint from hunger
at the corner of every street.

From the Gospel according to Matthew
8:5-17

When Jesus entered Capernaum,
a centurion approached him and appealed to him, saying,
“Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, suffering dreadfully.” 
He said to him, “I will come and cure him.”
The centurion said in reply,
“Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof;
only say the word and my servant will be healed.
For I too am a man subject to authority,
with soldiers subject to me.
And I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes;
and to another, ‘Come here,’ and he comes;
and to my slave, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”
When Jesus heard this, he was amazed and said to those following him,
“Amen, I say to you, in no one in Israel have I found such faith.
I say to you, many will come from the east and the west,
and will recline with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob
at the banquet in the Kingdom of heaven,
but the children of the Kingdom
will be driven out into the outer darkness,
where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.”
And Jesus said to the centurion,
“You may go; as you have believed, let it be done for you.”
And at that very hour his servant was healed. Jesus entered the house of Peter,
and saw his mother-in-law lying in bed with a fever.
He touched her hand, the fever left her,
and she rose and waited on him. When it was evening, they brought him many
who were possessed by demons,
and he drove out the spirits by a word and cured all the sick,
to fulfill what had been said by Isaiah the prophet: He took away our infirmities and bore our diseases.

Today’s Gospel also speaks to us of service. It shows us two servants who have much to teach us: the servant of the centurion whom Jesus cures and the centurion himself, who serves the Emperor. The words used by the centurion to dissuade Jesus from coming to his house are remarkable, and often the very opposite of our own: “Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you come under my roof” (…). Jesus marvels at these words. He is struck by the centurion’s great humility, by his meekness. (…) Given his troubles, the centurion might have been anxious and could have demanded to be heard, making his authority felt. He could have insisted and even forced Jesus to come to his house. Instead, he was modest, unassuming and meek; he did not raise his voice or make a fuss. He acted, perhaps without even being aware of it, like God himself, who is “meek and humble of heart” (Mt 11:29). For God, who is love, out of love is ever ready to serve us. He is patient, kind and always there for us; he suffers for our mistakes and seeks the way to help us improve. These are the characteristics of Christian service; meek and humble, it imitates God by serving others: by welcoming them with patient love and unflagging sympathy, by making them feel welcome and at home in the ecclesial community, where the greatest are not those who command but those who serve (cf. Lk 22:26). (Pope Francis, Homily, 29 May 2016)

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Catholic women’s leadership forum tells young women: ‘You are a gift’ – #Catholic – The 2026 GIVEN Catholic Young Women’s Leadership Forum, taking place in Washington, D.C., this week, exists to help women understand their gifts and how to share them with the world.The five-day gathering is hosted by the GIVEN Institute – a nonprofit organization dedicated to activating the gifts of Catholic young adult women for the Church and the world through faith formation and leadership.The forum, taking place June 24-28, features keynotes, leadership training, mentorship, adoration, prayer, and Mass. The GIVEN Institute features keynotes, leadership training, mentorship, adoration, prayer, and Mass in Washington, D.C. June 24-26, 2026. | Credit: Tessa Gervasini/EWTN News “We hope women will take away an understanding, on a much deeper level, that they are a gift. They are a beloved daughter of God,” executive director of GIVEN, Jennifer Cole-Schaefer, told EWTN News.Women have “been given gifts that are specific to them, and God has a plan to use those gifts,” she said. “Itʼs all about receiving this idea that we are a gift, realizing what our gifts are, and responding in a way that only we can respond with our particular gifts.”The forum welcomes Catholic women, ages 21-35, who have been accepted into the institute’s leadership program, as well as mentors, volunteers, exhibitors, and sponsors.Acceptance into the program includes participation in GIVEN’s forum, followed by a year of accompaniment with a trained mentor. Participants cultivate a personalized “action plan” designed to serve the Church and their community.The “formation starts well before we get to the forum, but the forum is a really pivotal in-person experience,” Cole-Schaefer said.“Itʼs after the forum that the real work begins – when women start to actualize their action plans, and they donʼt do that alone. They do that through mentoring,” she said. “So we have a whole army of women with some life experience whoʼve stepped forward and been trained as mentors to walk with our young women as they discern all the steps,” Cole-Schaefer said.Cole-Schaefer said she hopes that after the forum, women walk “away inspired and ready to change the world in whatever way God is calling them to.”2026 forum kicks offThis yearʼs forum welcomes a variety of presentations and keynotes, including talks from Sr. Bethany Madonna, SV, a Sister of Life, and Dr. Mary Healy, a professor of scripture at Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit and the editor of the Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture.The event is also featuring numerous panels on finding one’s vocation and mission. Panelists include GIVEN alumni who attest to the formation they received through the forum.President and COO of EWTN News, Montse Alvarado, will speak on June 27 about how young women respond with their gifts. GIVEN will also bestow Mother Agnes Mary Donovan, SV with its Fiat Award, which honors women whose lives embody the response of Our Lady through faithful leadership, service, and love.Sr. Mary Madeline Todd, OP presented the keynote address on June 26. The Dominican Sister of the Congregation of St. Cecilia told attendees that God reveals “you are the gift” and “you are the love.”Todd told her listeners that contemporary culture tells women they were made for “comfort,” “convenience,” or “control,” but, she emphasized, “you and I were made for communion.” “Every gift weʼve been given is to call others into the relationship with the Lord they were made for. Itʼs to realize our relationship with the Lord, to grow in it, to let that love that fills us up” so we can then “pour it out onto the world,” she said. “My sisters, whatever gift he gives you, receive it. Whatever struggle you face, do not get discouraged. Heʼs working in it,” she said.“Your story is a way heʼs bringing beauty into the world. But know that no matter what comes and goes with your gifts, the gift is him. His friendship, his presence, his love, is the gift heʼll never take away,” Todd said.
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Catholic women’s leadership forum tells young women: ‘You are a gift’ – #Catholic – The 2026 GIVEN Catholic Young Women’s Leadership Forum, taking place in Washington, D.C., this week, exists to help women understand their gifts and how to share them with the world.The five-day gathering is hosted by the GIVEN Institute – a nonprofit organization dedicated to activating the gifts of Catholic young adult women for the Church and the world through faith formation and leadership.The forum, taking place June 24-28, features keynotes, leadership training, mentorship, adoration, prayer, and Mass. The GIVEN Institute features keynotes, leadership training, mentorship, adoration, prayer, and Mass in Washington, D.C. June 24-26, 2026. | Credit: Tessa Gervasini/EWTN News “We hope women will take away an understanding, on a much deeper level, that they are a gift. They are a beloved daughter of God,” executive director of GIVEN, Jennifer Cole-Schaefer, told EWTN News.Women have “been given gifts that are specific to them, and God has a plan to use those gifts,” she said. “Itʼs all about receiving this idea that we are a gift, realizing what our gifts are, and responding in a way that only we can respond with our particular gifts.”The forum welcomes Catholic women, ages 21-35, who have been accepted into the institute’s leadership program, as well as mentors, volunteers, exhibitors, and sponsors.Acceptance into the program includes participation in GIVEN’s forum, followed by a year of accompaniment with a trained mentor. Participants cultivate a personalized “action plan” designed to serve the Church and their community.The “formation starts well before we get to the forum, but the forum is a really pivotal in-person experience,” Cole-Schaefer said.“Itʼs after the forum that the real work begins – when women start to actualize their action plans, and they donʼt do that alone. They do that through mentoring,” she said. “So we have a whole army of women with some life experience whoʼve stepped forward and been trained as mentors to walk with our young women as they discern all the steps,” Cole-Schaefer said.Cole-Schaefer said she hopes that after the forum, women walk “away inspired and ready to change the world in whatever way God is calling them to.”2026 forum kicks offThis yearʼs forum welcomes a variety of presentations and keynotes, including talks from Sr. Bethany Madonna, SV, a Sister of Life, and Dr. Mary Healy, a professor of scripture at Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit and the editor of the Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture.The event is also featuring numerous panels on finding one’s vocation and mission. Panelists include GIVEN alumni who attest to the formation they received through the forum.President and COO of EWTN News, Montse Alvarado, will speak on June 27 about how young women respond with their gifts. GIVEN will also bestow Mother Agnes Mary Donovan, SV with its Fiat Award, which honors women whose lives embody the response of Our Lady through faithful leadership, service, and love.Sr. Mary Madeline Todd, OP presented the keynote address on June 26. The Dominican Sister of the Congregation of St. Cecilia told attendees that God reveals “you are the gift” and “you are the love.”Todd told her listeners that contemporary culture tells women they were made for “comfort,” “convenience,” or “control,” but, she emphasized, “you and I were made for communion.” “Every gift weʼve been given is to call others into the relationship with the Lord they were made for. Itʼs to realize our relationship with the Lord, to grow in it, to let that love that fills us up” so we can then “pour it out onto the world,” she said. “My sisters, whatever gift he gives you, receive it. Whatever struggle you face, do not get discouraged. Heʼs working in it,” she said.“Your story is a way heʼs bringing beauty into the world. But know that no matter what comes and goes with your gifts, the gift is him. His friendship, his presence, his love, is the gift heʼll never take away,” Todd said.

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GIVEN will bestow Mother Agnes Mary Donovan, SV with its Fiat Award, which honors women whose lives embody the response of Our Lady through faithful leadership, service, and love.

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97-year-old cardinal, tortured under communism, climbs Medjugorje’s Apparition Hill #Catholic Cardinal Ernest Simoni, 97, who was tortured by Albaniaʼs communist regime, climbed Apparition Hill in Medjugorje on June 23, the day before the 45th anniversary of the start of the alleged apparitions.Six young people claimed to have seen the Virgin Mary for the first time on June 24, 1981, the feast day of St. John the Baptist, on Mount Podbrdo. Since then, some of those visionaries say they still receive messages from the Mother of God on a daily basis.Following a lengthy investigation, the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith approved a document in 2024 titled The Queen of Peace, which acknowledges the spiritual fruits that have been borne, finds no obstacles in the alleged messages received, and makes no pronouncement regarding the supernatural nature of the phenomena.Assisted by young people from the Cenacolo Community, who carried the cardinal part of the way as he was seated on a litter, the Albanian cardinal traversed a portion of the rocky path on foot, though not without difficulty. Members of the Cenacolo Community carry Cardinal Simoni in Medjugorje. | Credit: Courtesy of Maria Vision Medjugorje Along the way, he blessed those present who stopped to greet him. Upon reaching the summit of the mountain, he prayed the rosary beside the statue of the Virgin Mary and blessed the water with which he sprinkled the crowd before returning.The footage of this pilgrimage, provided by María Visión Medjugorje, bears witness to the determination of the cardinal who, as a priest, endured the communist dictatorship of Enver Hoxha, the man who proclaimed Albania to be “the first atheist state in the world."A priest twice sentenced to deathBorn in 1928 in the village of Troshani, the young Simoni underwent formation with the Franciscans from 1938 to 1948, until a bloody religious persecution eliminated the communityʼs superiors and forced him to continue his formation in secret.In 1956, he was ordained a priest at St. Stephenʼs Cathedral in the Archdiocese of Shkodrë-Pult. Seven years later, after celebrating Christmas Eve Mass on Dec. 24, 1963, he was arrested by four agents and informed that he would be executed by hanging, accused of having celebrated a Mass for the repose of the soul of recently assassinated U.S. President John F. Kennedy at the behest of St. Paul VI. According to his own account, an attempt was made to entrap him by placing another prisoner in his cell who began complaining about the Communist Party. News of his preaching about love for oneʼs enemies while in prison reached the dictator, who decided to commute his sentence to 28 years of forced labor. During those years, he continued to celebrate Mass and exercise his priestly ministry clandestinely.In 1973, he was once again sentenced to death, accused of inciting a rebellion. However, exonerating testimony prevented the immediate execution of the sentence, and he remained in prison for another 18 years until his release in 1981.He continued his pastoral work in secret for another nine years, until the fall of the communist regime in 1990. “The Lord has helped me to serve so many people and to reconcile many, driving hatred and the devil away from the hearts of men,” he stated upon concluding his testimony before Pope Francis in October 2016.A month later, Simoni was created a cardinal at the consistory held on Nov. 19, 2016.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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97-year-old cardinal, tortured under communism, climbs Medjugorje’s Apparition Hill #Catholic Cardinal Ernest Simoni, 97, who was tortured by Albaniaʼs communist regime, climbed Apparition Hill in Medjugorje on June 23, the day before the 45th anniversary of the start of the alleged apparitions.Six young people claimed to have seen the Virgin Mary for the first time on June 24, 1981, the feast day of St. John the Baptist, on Mount Podbrdo. Since then, some of those visionaries say they still receive messages from the Mother of God on a daily basis.Following a lengthy investigation, the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith approved a document in 2024 titled The Queen of Peace, which acknowledges the spiritual fruits that have been borne, finds no obstacles in the alleged messages received, and makes no pronouncement regarding the supernatural nature of the phenomena.Assisted by young people from the Cenacolo Community, who carried the cardinal part of the way as he was seated on a litter, the Albanian cardinal traversed a portion of the rocky path on foot, though not without difficulty. Members of the Cenacolo Community carry Cardinal Simoni in Medjugorje. | Credit: Courtesy of Maria Vision Medjugorje Along the way, he blessed those present who stopped to greet him. Upon reaching the summit of the mountain, he prayed the rosary beside the statue of the Virgin Mary and blessed the water with which he sprinkled the crowd before returning.The footage of this pilgrimage, provided by María Visión Medjugorje, bears witness to the determination of the cardinal who, as a priest, endured the communist dictatorship of Enver Hoxha, the man who proclaimed Albania to be “the first atheist state in the world."A priest twice sentenced to deathBorn in 1928 in the village of Troshani, the young Simoni underwent formation with the Franciscans from 1938 to 1948, until a bloody religious persecution eliminated the communityʼs superiors and forced him to continue his formation in secret.In 1956, he was ordained a priest at St. Stephenʼs Cathedral in the Archdiocese of Shkodrë-Pult. Seven years later, after celebrating Christmas Eve Mass on Dec. 24, 1963, he was arrested by four agents and informed that he would be executed by hanging, accused of having celebrated a Mass for the repose of the soul of recently assassinated U.S. President John F. Kennedy at the behest of St. Paul VI. According to his own account, an attempt was made to entrap him by placing another prisoner in his cell who began complaining about the Communist Party. News of his preaching about love for oneʼs enemies while in prison reached the dictator, who decided to commute his sentence to 28 years of forced labor. During those years, he continued to celebrate Mass and exercise his priestly ministry clandestinely.In 1973, he was once again sentenced to death, accused of inciting a rebellion. However, exonerating testimony prevented the immediate execution of the sentence, and he remained in prison for another 18 years until his release in 1981.He continued his pastoral work in secret for another nine years, until the fall of the communist regime in 1990. “The Lord has helped me to serve so many people and to reconcile many, driving hatred and the devil away from the hearts of men,” he stated upon concluding his testimony before Pope Francis in October 2016.A month later, Simoni was created a cardinal at the consistory held on Nov. 19, 2016.This story was first published by ACI Prensa, the Spanish-language sister service of EWTN News. It has been translated and adapted by EWTN News English.

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In an act of great devotion, the elderly cardinal reached the top with assistance, prayed the rosary and blessed those present with holy water.

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Leo XIV encourages representatives of North American Jesuit colleges as they confront challenges #Catholic In an audience with representatives of Jesuit colleges and universities in North America, Pope Leo XIV proposed four ways to address current challenges.In his address on June 25, the Holy Father referenced several of the major challenges facing humanity, which he said is undergoing an “epochal change.” Specifically, he pointed to the secularization of societies, where many people are “seeking to push any mention of God out of the public sphere and beyond popular culture.”In addition, he pointed to the failure of political systems to address the needs of migrants and the marginalized, as well as the lack of hope among young people, the degradation of the planetʼs resources, and the challenges posed by artificial intelligence.The pope encouraged representatives of Jesuit colleges and universities to confront these challenges by looking to the Society of Jesus’ four Universal Apostolic Preferences, which are four focus areas that are to guide the Jesuits’ mission worldwide from 2019 to 2029. They were developed through a two-year global discernment process involving Jesuits and their lay partners, then confirmed by Pope Francis in 2019.The four Universal Apostolic Preferences are to show the way to God through the Spiritual Exercises and discernment; to walk with the poor, the outcasts, and those whose dignity has been violated in a mission of reconciliation and justice; to accompany young people in the creation of a hope-filled future, and to collaborate in the care of our common home.First, the pontiff reflected on the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius and the importance of discernment, encouraging members of academic communities to have the opportunity to participate in them and thus come to know “the One who is Truth.”“Those who conduct research, those who pursue studies and those who seek the truth are ultimately seeking God, whether they realize it or not,” he emphasized.He also referred to the “thirst for God” that is increasingly palpable among young people, something he noted he had witnessed firsthand during his recent visit to Spain. Consequently, he encouraged them to offer the Spiritual Exercises to young people on university campuses.The pope also pointed out that it is essential to “walk with the poor and the outcasts of the world.” For this reason, he urged them to “offer opportunities for immigrants, refugees and those of a lower socioeconomic status to have the benefit of an advanced education.” “The resurrection of Christ is the ultimate source of hope.” Pope Leo XIV He emphasized that Jesuit schools and universities must be places where young people find “a hope-filled future,” and thus must foster opportunities for dialogue, service, and prayer, “remembering always that the resurrection of Christ is the ultimate source of hope.”As another urgent duty, the pontiff underscored the need to educate about the care of creation, primarily due to the effects of climate change as well as “the exploitation of resources by a few at the expense of the common good.”Finally, in citing the advances in artificial intelligence, he appealed to the essential role of colleges and universities and noted that it is “important to begin now to address the consequences, both positive and negative, that come from these advances.”“With the help of the prayers of St. Ignatius of Loyola, may you continue the Jesuit tradition of forming those entrusted to your care to be ‘men and women for others,’” the Holy Father encouraged.This story was first published by ACI Prensa, the Spanish-language sister service of EWTN News. It has been translated and adapted by EWTN News English.
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Leo XIV encourages representatives of North American Jesuit colleges as they confront challenges #Catholic In an audience with representatives of Jesuit colleges and universities in North America, Pope Leo XIV proposed four ways to address current challenges.In his address on June 25, the Holy Father referenced several of the major challenges facing humanity, which he said is undergoing an “epochal change.” Specifically, he pointed to the secularization of societies, where many people are “seeking to push any mention of God out of the public sphere and beyond popular culture.”In addition, he pointed to the failure of political systems to address the needs of migrants and the marginalized, as well as the lack of hope among young people, the degradation of the planetʼs resources, and the challenges posed by artificial intelligence.The pope encouraged representatives of Jesuit colleges and universities to confront these challenges by looking to the Society of Jesus’ four Universal Apostolic Preferences, which are four focus areas that are to guide the Jesuits’ mission worldwide from 2019 to 2029. They were developed through a two-year global discernment process involving Jesuits and their lay partners, then confirmed by Pope Francis in 2019.The four Universal Apostolic Preferences are to show the way to God through the Spiritual Exercises and discernment; to walk with the poor, the outcasts, and those whose dignity has been violated in a mission of reconciliation and justice; to accompany young people in the creation of a hope-filled future, and to collaborate in the care of our common home.First, the pontiff reflected on the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius and the importance of discernment, encouraging members of academic communities to have the opportunity to participate in them and thus come to know “the One who is Truth.”“Those who conduct research, those who pursue studies and those who seek the truth are ultimately seeking God, whether they realize it or not,” he emphasized.He also referred to the “thirst for God” that is increasingly palpable among young people, something he noted he had witnessed firsthand during his recent visit to Spain. Consequently, he encouraged them to offer the Spiritual Exercises to young people on university campuses.The pope also pointed out that it is essential to “walk with the poor and the outcasts of the world.” For this reason, he urged them to “offer opportunities for immigrants, refugees and those of a lower socioeconomic status to have the benefit of an advanced education.” “The resurrection of Christ is the ultimate source of hope.” Pope Leo XIV He emphasized that Jesuit schools and universities must be places where young people find “a hope-filled future,” and thus must foster opportunities for dialogue, service, and prayer, “remembering always that the resurrection of Christ is the ultimate source of hope.”As another urgent duty, the pontiff underscored the need to educate about the care of creation, primarily due to the effects of climate change as well as “the exploitation of resources by a few at the expense of the common good.”Finally, in citing the advances in artificial intelligence, he appealed to the essential role of colleges and universities and noted that it is “important to begin now to address the consequences, both positive and negative, that come from these advances.”“With the help of the prayers of St. Ignatius of Loyola, may you continue the Jesuit tradition of forming those entrusted to your care to be ‘men and women for others,’” the Holy Father encouraged.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 pope reflected on the Jesuits’ four Universal Apostolic Preferences to address today’s challenges: the Spiritual Exercises, walking with the poor, a hope-filled future, and the care of creation.

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Our planet’s electronic vulnerability

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In November 2025, Airbus grounded approximately 6,000 of its A320 family of aircraft after an international flight suddenly lost altitude, leading to an emergency landing and the hospitalization of 15 passengers. In 2003, during a local Belgian election, a candidate received over 4,000 extra votes on a computerized voting machine — more than was physicallyContinue reading “Our planet’s electronic vulnerability”

The post Our planet’s electronic vulnerability appeared first on Astronomy Magazine.

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Supreme Court rules in favor of Trump’s asylum policies that bishops opposed – #Catholic – The U.S. Supreme Court on June 25 ruled in favor of President Donald Trump’s restrictive asylum policies that faced strong opposition from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and some other Catholic advocacy groups.One ruling allows the Department of Homeland Security to end “temporary protected status” for Haitians and Syrians, who can now be deported. The other allows the government to turn away asylum seekers at the southern border by limiting the number of claims they will process each day.Both cases were decided 6-3. All of the justices who sided with the majority were appointed by Republican presidents and each dissenting justice was appointed by Democratic presidents.Anna Gallagher, the executive director of Catholic Legal Immigration Network, said in a statement to EWTN News that both decisions are “devastating for our clients, and for those of us who accompany vulnerable immigrants through the legal system.”“As Catholics, we believe in a God who weeps for our suffering, who is concerned for the fall of the sparrow, for the least of these,” she said. “And so we, too, weep for our clients whose asylum rights are restricted or who fear return to immediate life-threatening conditions because of this court decision.” “We walk with them as legal advocates, seeing the injustice of our laws play out firsthand. We know that today is a dark day for many people we have come to know and care for — including legal residents of this country, beloved members of our community.”Protections for Haitians, Syrians goneThe Supreme Court decision in Mullin v. Doe and Trump v. Miot, which were consolidated into one case, ensures that the government’s decision to terminate temporary protected status for Haitians and Syrians will be in effect. The ruling strips them of legal protections for work authorization and prevention from deportation.Justice Samuel Alito, who wrote the opinion, said that the law itself generally gives the government broad discretion in determining whether to approve, extend, or terminate protected status for a given country. The ruling found that all non-constitutional claims are not subject to judicial review.Haitians protected under the protected status argued that the policy terminations discriminated against people based on race. In its ruling the Supreme Court stated that both the protected designations and the terminations come from a racially diverse collection of countries.“They claim that TPS has not been terminated for any predominantly white nation, and they therefore infer that the reason for the termination of the TPS designation for Haiti was having a predominantly nonwhite population,” the opinion stated. The plaintiffs’ “definition of a predominantly non-white nation is broad, apparently encompassing major European countries,” the ruling said.“It may be that only the termination of a TPS designation for a Nordic or Germanic country would be sufficient in their judgment to show that the Secretary’s unbroken record of TPS terminations was race-neutral,” the decision added.Justice Elena Kagan, in her dissenting opinion, said she believes the court erred in ruling that all non-constitutional claims are barred from judicial review, arguing that the court should be able to determine whether the secretary followed the proper procedures in deciding to terminate protected status.She also argued that Trump’s comments show that race played a role in the decision to end the Haitian protected status designation.“The majority briefly replies that [his] remarks are not ‘overtly racial,’ … but it is hard to know what that means,” Kagan wrote. “Haitians are Black. …The references — of filth, disease, and primitiveness — are shot through with racial stereotypes and tropes.”Andrew Arthur, a resident fellow in law and policy at the Center for Immigration Studies and a former immigration judge, told “EWTN News Nightly” on June 25 that the ruling essentially solidifies that “no one has the ability to sue when the government decides it’s going to terminate TPS status.”He said the protected status is meant to provide temporary legal status for someone escaping a danger in their country. He said some protected designations “have been in place … for more than a quarter of a century,” even for “events that occurred decades ago” and are no longer impacting the country.The U.S. bishops had urged the government to extend protected status, including for Haitians, who are a majority Catholic community.“We are deeply concerned about the plight of our Haitian brothers and sisters living in the United States,” Bishop Brendan J. Cahill, chair of the bishops’ committee on migration, and Bishop A. Elias Zaidan, chair of the committee on international justice and peace, said in a joint statement in February.“There is simply no realistic opportunity for the safe and orderly return of people to Haiti at this time,” they said.Asylum seekers at the borderThe decision in Mullin v. Al Otro Lado dealt with the “metering” policy that started under former President Barack Obama and is being enforced by Trump, which the court ruled is a lawful policy.Under the policy, the government can limit the number of asylum claims it chooses to process in a day and can turn people away from entry into the country when they approach the southern border.The case centered on an asylum seeker’s right to apply for asylum when he or she “arrives in the United States.” The ruling, also authored by Alito, states that the right only applies when the person has already entered the country and it does not give legal protections for someone who is seeking entry into the country but has not yet been allowed in.“We begin by considering what the phrase ‘arrives in the United States’ means when used in everyday speech,” the ruling states. “That meaning is clear. A person arrives in a geographic location only when he enters it.”The ruling states that if Congress wanted to extend that right to anyone who approaches the border or seeks entry into the country, it would have written the law to clearly state that.Justice Sonia Sotomayor wrote the dissent, arguing that the ruling allows the executive branch to “circumvent … mandatory procedures by having U. S. immigration officers stand at the border and physically block noncitizens from setting a foot onto U. S. soil.”“Words … must be read in context and with attention to how they fit into the statute as a whole,” Sotomayor wrote. “The majority ignores the statutory context and history, not to mention the longstanding position of the Executive Branch, all of which show that any noncitizen arriving at our doorstep and seeking admission must be inspected and allowed to apply for asylum, regardless of whether her foot has crossed the threshold,” she said.Arthur told “EWTN News Nightly” that the decision essentially “narrows the ability of people who havenʼt actually entered the country … to apply for asylum.”“You’re not subject to United States law … until you’ve actually crossed into this country,” he said.The U.S. bishops petitioned the Supreme Court to rule against the policy and require the government to process all asylum claims.“The turnback policy is not just a flawed piece of statutory interpretation but an historical aberration — one that, during the period it was enforced, left vulnerable asylum seekers stranded in encampments on the border while lawfully trying to seek asylum at a port of entry,” the bishops wrote.The Supreme Court has not yet ruled on the most significant immigration case before it, Trump v. Barbara, which will decide the extent of birthright citizenship in the United States.This story was updated at 1:50 p.m. ET on June 25, 2026 with further analysis and expert comment.
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Supreme Court rules in favor of Trump’s asylum policies that bishops opposed – #Catholic – The U.S. Supreme Court on June 25 ruled in favor of President Donald Trump’s restrictive asylum policies that faced strong opposition from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and some other Catholic advocacy groups.One ruling allows the Department of Homeland Security to end “temporary protected status” for Haitians and Syrians, who can now be deported. The other allows the government to turn away asylum seekers at the southern border by limiting the number of claims they will process each day.Both cases were decided 6-3. All of the justices who sided with the majority were appointed by Republican presidents and each dissenting justice was appointed by Democratic presidents.Anna Gallagher, the executive director of Catholic Legal Immigration Network, said in a statement to EWTN News that both decisions are “devastating for our clients, and for those of us who accompany vulnerable immigrants through the legal system.”“As Catholics, we believe in a God who weeps for our suffering, who is concerned for the fall of the sparrow, for the least of these,” she said. “And so we, too, weep for our clients whose asylum rights are restricted or who fear return to immediate life-threatening conditions because of this court decision.” “We walk with them as legal advocates, seeing the injustice of our laws play out firsthand. We know that today is a dark day for many people we have come to know and care for — including legal residents of this country, beloved members of our community.”Protections for Haitians, Syrians goneThe Supreme Court decision in Mullin v. Doe and Trump v. Miot, which were consolidated into one case, ensures that the government’s decision to terminate temporary protected status for Haitians and Syrians will be in effect. The ruling strips them of legal protections for work authorization and prevention from deportation.Justice Samuel Alito, who wrote the opinion, said that the law itself generally gives the government broad discretion in determining whether to approve, extend, or terminate protected status for a given country. The ruling found that all non-constitutional claims are not subject to judicial review.Haitians protected under the protected status argued that the policy terminations discriminated against people based on race. In its ruling the Supreme Court stated that both the protected designations and the terminations come from a racially diverse collection of countries.“They claim that TPS has not been terminated for any predominantly white nation, and they therefore infer that the reason for the termination of the TPS designation for Haiti was having a predominantly nonwhite population,” the opinion stated. The plaintiffs’ “definition of a predominantly non-white nation is broad, apparently encompassing major European countries,” the ruling said.“It may be that only the termination of a TPS designation for a Nordic or Germanic country would be sufficient in their judgment to show that the Secretary’s unbroken record of TPS terminations was race-neutral,” the decision added.Justice Elena Kagan, in her dissenting opinion, said she believes the court erred in ruling that all non-constitutional claims are barred from judicial review, arguing that the court should be able to determine whether the secretary followed the proper procedures in deciding to terminate protected status.She also argued that Trump’s comments show that race played a role in the decision to end the Haitian protected status designation.“The majority briefly replies that [his] remarks are not ‘overtly racial,’ … but it is hard to know what that means,” Kagan wrote. “Haitians are Black. …The references — of filth, disease, and primitiveness — are shot through with racial stereotypes and tropes.”Andrew Arthur, a resident fellow in law and policy at the Center for Immigration Studies and a former immigration judge, told “EWTN News Nightly” on June 25 that the ruling essentially solidifies that “no one has the ability to sue when the government decides it’s going to terminate TPS status.”He said the protected status is meant to provide temporary legal status for someone escaping a danger in their country. He said some protected designations “have been in place … for more than a quarter of a century,” even for “events that occurred decades ago” and are no longer impacting the country.The U.S. bishops had urged the government to extend protected status, including for Haitians, who are a majority Catholic community.“We are deeply concerned about the plight of our Haitian brothers and sisters living in the United States,” Bishop Brendan J. Cahill, chair of the bishops’ committee on migration, and Bishop A. Elias Zaidan, chair of the committee on international justice and peace, said in a joint statement in February.“There is simply no realistic opportunity for the safe and orderly return of people to Haiti at this time,” they said.Asylum seekers at the borderThe decision in Mullin v. Al Otro Lado dealt with the “metering” policy that started under former President Barack Obama and is being enforced by Trump, which the court ruled is a lawful policy.Under the policy, the government can limit the number of asylum claims it chooses to process in a day and can turn people away from entry into the country when they approach the southern border.The case centered on an asylum seeker’s right to apply for asylum when he or she “arrives in the United States.” The ruling, also authored by Alito, states that the right only applies when the person has already entered the country and it does not give legal protections for someone who is seeking entry into the country but has not yet been allowed in.“We begin by considering what the phrase ‘arrives in the United States’ means when used in everyday speech,” the ruling states. “That meaning is clear. A person arrives in a geographic location only when he enters it.”The ruling states that if Congress wanted to extend that right to anyone who approaches the border or seeks entry into the country, it would have written the law to clearly state that.Justice Sonia Sotomayor wrote the dissent, arguing that the ruling allows the executive branch to “circumvent … mandatory procedures by having U. S. immigration officers stand at the border and physically block noncitizens from setting a foot onto U. S. soil.”“Words … must be read in context and with attention to how they fit into the statute as a whole,” Sotomayor wrote. “The majority ignores the statutory context and history, not to mention the longstanding position of the Executive Branch, all of which show that any noncitizen arriving at our doorstep and seeking admission must be inspected and allowed to apply for asylum, regardless of whether her foot has crossed the threshold,” she said.Arthur told “EWTN News Nightly” that the decision essentially “narrows the ability of people who havenʼt actually entered the country … to apply for asylum.”“You’re not subject to United States law … until you’ve actually crossed into this country,” he said.The U.S. bishops petitioned the Supreme Court to rule against the policy and require the government to process all asylum claims.“The turnback policy is not just a flawed piece of statutory interpretation but an historical aberration — one that, during the period it was enforced, left vulnerable asylum seekers stranded in encampments on the border while lawfully trying to seek asylum at a port of entry,” the bishops wrote.The Supreme Court has not yet ruled on the most significant immigration case before it, Trump v. Barbara, which will decide the extent of birthright citizenship in the United States.This story was updated at 1:50 p.m. ET on June 25, 2026 with further analysis and expert comment.

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The policies allow the government to limit the number of asylum claims they process and terminate the temporary protected status of Haitians and Syrians.

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Franciscan University professors urge SSPX to desist from schism – #Catholic – More than 20 professors at the Franciscan University of Steubenville are calling on the Society of Saint Pius X (SSPX) to not proceed with its planned consecration of bishops on July 1.“We write not as adversaries, but as fellow Christians who love the Church, which is built on Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition, and who, like you, long for the salvation of souls,” the professors wrote in an open letter to the SSPX, noting that if the group moves forward with the illicit consecrations, “it would cement and deepen the already existing separation between the Society and the See of Peter.”“Whatever legitimate questions or grievances may exist, they are no excuse to create a schism,” the letter’s signatories assert. The letter is signed by 26  faculty and staff, with university professors of theology constituting the majority of the signatories.  “The treasures of Catholic Tradition do not belong outside communion with Peter; they belong at the heart of the Church,” the letter continues. “A new episcopal ordination outside the ecclesial hierarchy without the Apostolic mandate would create a new wound in the Body of Christ and place the gifts that God has entrusted to the Society, which belong to the Church and are ordered towards unity with her (Lumen Gentium 8), outside of her maternal embrace.”“Please don’t do this,” the letter said. “Please don’t create this wound! Please, re-enter into dialogue with the Holy See and into full communion with the Church.”The letter comes after the SSPX announced it plans to consecrate four new bishops at its seminary in Écône, Switzerland, prompting Pope Leo XIV and the Vatican to warn that doing do without a papal mandate would constitute “a schismatic act” and carry the penalty of excommunication.“We have invited them, and I am still considering making another appeal, to say: ‘Do not do this. Let us try to live communion in the Church.’ But it is their choice. They must understand what it means for them and for the Church,” the pope said, responding to journalists’ questions outside Villa Barberini in Castel Gandolfo on June 16.Courage International priest says Pride Month events ‘inappropriate’ at Catholic collegesCourage International Associate Director Father Colin Blatchford has spoken out against Catholic colleges holding Pride Month events.In an interview with the Cardinal Newman Society, Blatchford said “it causes scandal” when a Catholic college encourages students to participate in events celebrating Pride Month in June.Courage International is a Catholic apostolate that ministers to individuals experiencing same-sex attraction and gender confusion.“When a Catholic college picks and chooses the theological or philosophical teachings of the Church that it will abide, it undermines that process,” Blatchford said. “Indeed, it hollows it out and provides merely an empty emotional shell where there should be a full abiding relationship with God.”“The anthropological underpinnings of ‘Pride Month’ include a dualistic view of the person and radical autonomy,” he said. “Each of the last four popes has spoken about the necessity of recognizing the dignity of the human person and that no one thing here on this earth can sufficiently define who we are, beyond ‘beloved child of God.’”Blatchford encouraged Catholic colleges to remember three things when encountering individuals with same-sex attraction: “First, communicate that they are loved. Second, let them know that even if it does not seem so now, God has a unique plan for their life. And finally, ask if they would be willing to share their story.”“We don’t have to agree on everything or approve of every action, but we walk together towards God. We are a group of imperfect people striving to grow closer to God, by means of His grace,” he said.
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Franciscan University professors urge SSPX to desist from schism – #Catholic – More than 20 professors at the Franciscan University of Steubenville are calling on the Society of Saint Pius X (SSPX) to not proceed with its planned consecration of bishops on July 1.“We write not as adversaries, but as fellow Christians who love the Church, which is built on Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition, and who, like you, long for the salvation of souls,” the professors wrote in an open letter to the SSPX, noting that if the group moves forward with the illicit consecrations, “it would cement and deepen the already existing separation between the Society and the See of Peter.”“Whatever legitimate questions or grievances may exist, they are no excuse to create a schism,” the letter’s signatories assert. The letter is signed by 26  faculty and staff, with university professors of theology constituting the majority of the signatories.  “The treasures of Catholic Tradition do not belong outside communion with Peter; they belong at the heart of the Church,” the letter continues. “A new episcopal ordination outside the ecclesial hierarchy without the Apostolic mandate would create a new wound in the Body of Christ and place the gifts that God has entrusted to the Society, which belong to the Church and are ordered towards unity with her (Lumen Gentium 8), outside of her maternal embrace.”“Please don’t do this,” the letter said. “Please don’t create this wound! Please, re-enter into dialogue with the Holy See and into full communion with the Church.”The letter comes after the SSPX announced it plans to consecrate four new bishops at its seminary in Écône, Switzerland, prompting Pope Leo XIV and the Vatican to warn that doing do without a papal mandate would constitute “a schismatic act” and carry the penalty of excommunication.“We have invited them, and I am still considering making another appeal, to say: ‘Do not do this. Let us try to live communion in the Church.’ But it is their choice. They must understand what it means for them and for the Church,” the pope said, responding to journalists’ questions outside Villa Barberini in Castel Gandolfo on June 16.Courage International priest says Pride Month events ‘inappropriate’ at Catholic collegesCourage International Associate Director Father Colin Blatchford has spoken out against Catholic colleges holding Pride Month events.In an interview with the Cardinal Newman Society, Blatchford said “it causes scandal” when a Catholic college encourages students to participate in events celebrating Pride Month in June.Courage International is a Catholic apostolate that ministers to individuals experiencing same-sex attraction and gender confusion.“When a Catholic college picks and chooses the theological or philosophical teachings of the Church that it will abide, it undermines that process,” Blatchford said. “Indeed, it hollows it out and provides merely an empty emotional shell where there should be a full abiding relationship with God.”“The anthropological underpinnings of ‘Pride Month’ include a dualistic view of the person and radical autonomy,” he said. “Each of the last four popes has spoken about the necessity of recognizing the dignity of the human person and that no one thing here on this earth can sufficiently define who we are, beyond ‘beloved child of God.’”Blatchford encouraged Catholic colleges to remember three things when encountering individuals with same-sex attraction: “First, communicate that they are loved. Second, let them know that even if it does not seem so now, God has a unique plan for their life. And finally, ask if they would be willing to share their story.”“We don’t have to agree on everything or approve of every action, but we walk together towards God. We are a group of imperfect people striving to grow closer to God, by means of His grace,” he said.

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Franciscan University professors call on SSPX to scrap consecration of bishops and a Courage International priest offers Catholic schools guidance on “Pride Month,” in this week’s education roundup.

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Owensboro Bishop ends only Traditional Latin Mass in western Kentucky – #Catholic – The only weekly celebration of the Traditional Latin Mass (TLM) in western Kentucky will come to an end this weekend, following an order from Diocese of Owensboro Bishop William Medley, who says he is enforcing Pope Francis’ 2021 motu proprio Traditionis Custodes.Immaculate Conception Parish in Earlington — the oldest Catholic church in Hopkins County, established in 1886 — has offered the TLM for nearly a decade, and will have its final Mass in the extraordinary form at 12:30 p.m. CT on June 28.It is the only parish offering the TLM in the diocese, which covers the 32 westernmost counties in Kentucky. The closest options available will be east in the Archdiocese of Louisville, Kentucky; north in the Diocese of Evansville, Indiana; and south in the Diocese of Nashville, Tennessee.Penny Giardinella, administrative assistant for the small parish, told EWTN News the church is “pretty full” during the TLM, as it is during all Sunday Masses. She said a large portion of TLM worshipers travel from outside parish lines to attend.On May 18, the bishop sent a letter to the parish priest, Father David Kennedy, instructing him to halt all celebrations of the TLM after June 30. Although he initially secured a dispensation for the parish to continue its weekly celebration amid the 2021 Vatican restrictions, Medley did not seek an extension into the latter half of 2026.The issue, Medley said in his letter, is that he lacked standing to seek an extension because the parish did not submit a report to the bishop, which the Holy See required for an extension to be granted. The bishop said this requirement was based on his 2023 correspondence with the Holy See.The report, he wrote, needed to provide the TLM attendance and explain what steps were taken to lead the faithful toward the Novus Ordo Mass — the ordinary form of the liturgy adopted in 1969 by the Catholic Church in reforms following the Second Vatican Council.“As I am unable to demonstrate that this condition has been met, I have no standing to request an extension of the Holy See,” Medley wrote.Medley said the parish can instead celebrate the novus ordo Mass in accordance with the 1969 reforms in the Latin language and ad orientem, with the priest facing toward the tabernacle and away from the people.“I know in some dioceses, the faithful who have shown a preference for the Mass celebrated in Latin have accepted the Novus Ordo Mass celebrated in the Latin language,” Medley said.The bishop added that he postponed halting the Mass upon the death of Francis to see whether Pope Leo XIV would alter the restrictions. Because Leo has not — and because the January Consistory of the College of Cardinals explicitly opted not to review Traditionis Custodes — the bishop said he “felt obligated to act in accord with the direction of the Holy See.”“For the faithful who may object to this directive, you may certainly refer them to me, but please make clear that I am acting in accord with my promise to the pope, the Bishop of Rome,” Medley said. “I am grateful for your ministry to this small and unique community. And I assure you of my prayers for them and for you and I kindly ask that you all pray for me.”Rachel Hall, director of communications for the diocese, told EWTN News that “the parish will transition to the scheduled details in the correspondence” after June 30.“As the parish navigates this transition with their faithful pastor Father Kennedy, the diocese asks for prayers to the Holy Spirit in guidance, with unity and peace,” she said.Leo has not taken any official steps to amend Francis’s TLM restrictions, but has offered a conciliatory tone toward those attached to the older form of the liturgy.In March, Leo described liturgical divisions as a “painful wound” in a communication with French bishops, and encouraged solutions that allow “the generous inclusion” of Catholics who choose to worship at the TLM “in respect for the directions desired by the Second Vatican Council in matters of liturgy.”Last year, Leo approved Cardinal Raymond Leo Burke’s celebration of the TLM at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City.
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Owensboro Bishop ends only Traditional Latin Mass in western Kentucky – #Catholic – The only weekly celebration of the Traditional Latin Mass (TLM) in western Kentucky will come to an end this weekend, following an order from Diocese of Owensboro Bishop William Medley, who says he is enforcing Pope Francis’ 2021 motu proprio Traditionis Custodes.Immaculate Conception Parish in Earlington — the oldest Catholic church in Hopkins County, established in 1886 — has offered the TLM for nearly a decade, and will have its final Mass in the extraordinary form at 12:30 p.m. CT on June 28.It is the only parish offering the TLM in the diocese, which covers the 32 westernmost counties in Kentucky. The closest options available will be east in the Archdiocese of Louisville, Kentucky; north in the Diocese of Evansville, Indiana; and south in the Diocese of Nashville, Tennessee.Penny Giardinella, administrative assistant for the small parish, told EWTN News the church is “pretty full” during the TLM, as it is during all Sunday Masses. She said a large portion of TLM worshipers travel from outside parish lines to attend.On May 18, the bishop sent a letter to the parish priest, Father David Kennedy, instructing him to halt all celebrations of the TLM after June 30. Although he initially secured a dispensation for the parish to continue its weekly celebration amid the 2021 Vatican restrictions, Medley did not seek an extension into the latter half of 2026.The issue, Medley said in his letter, is that he lacked standing to seek an extension because the parish did not submit a report to the bishop, which the Holy See required for an extension to be granted. The bishop said this requirement was based on his 2023 correspondence with the Holy See.The report, he wrote, needed to provide the TLM attendance and explain what steps were taken to lead the faithful toward the Novus Ordo Mass — the ordinary form of the liturgy adopted in 1969 by the Catholic Church in reforms following the Second Vatican Council.“As I am unable to demonstrate that this condition has been met, I have no standing to request an extension of the Holy See,” Medley wrote.Medley said the parish can instead celebrate the novus ordo Mass in accordance with the 1969 reforms in the Latin language and ad orientem, with the priest facing toward the tabernacle and away from the people.“I know in some dioceses, the faithful who have shown a preference for the Mass celebrated in Latin have accepted the Novus Ordo Mass celebrated in the Latin language,” Medley said.The bishop added that he postponed halting the Mass upon the death of Francis to see whether Pope Leo XIV would alter the restrictions. Because Leo has not — and because the January Consistory of the College of Cardinals explicitly opted not to review Traditionis Custodes — the bishop said he “felt obligated to act in accord with the direction of the Holy See.”“For the faithful who may object to this directive, you may certainly refer them to me, but please make clear that I am acting in accord with my promise to the pope, the Bishop of Rome,” Medley said. “I am grateful for your ministry to this small and unique community. And I assure you of my prayers for them and for you and I kindly ask that you all pray for me.”Rachel Hall, director of communications for the diocese, told EWTN News that “the parish will transition to the scheduled details in the correspondence” after June 30.“As the parish navigates this transition with their faithful pastor Father Kennedy, the diocese asks for prayers to the Holy Spirit in guidance, with unity and peace,” she said.Leo has not taken any official steps to amend Francis’s TLM restrictions, but has offered a conciliatory tone toward those attached to the older form of the liturgy.In March, Leo described liturgical divisions as a “painful wound” in a communication with French bishops, and encouraged solutions that allow “the generous inclusion” of Catholics who choose to worship at the TLM “in respect for the directions desired by the Second Vatican Council in matters of liturgy.”Last year, Leo approved Cardinal Raymond Leo Burke’s celebration of the TLM at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City.

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Bishop William Medley is halting the Traditional Latin Mass option in the diocese, but will allow the parish to offer the Novus Ordo Mass in Latin and ad orientem.

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Gospel and Word of the Day – 26 June 2026 – A reading from the Second Book of Kings 25:1-12 In the tenth month of the ninth year of Zedekiah’s reign, on the tenth day of the month, Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, and his whole army advanced against Jerusalem, encamped around it, and built siege walls on every side. The siege of the city continued until the eleventh year of Zedekiah. On the ninth day of the fourth month, when famine had gripped the city, and the people had no more bread, the city walls were breached. Then the king and all the soldiers left the city by night through the gate between the two walls that was near the king’s garden. Since the Chaldeans had the city surrounded, they went in the direction of the Arabah. But the Chaldean army pursued the king and overtook him in the desert near Jericho, abandoned by his whole army. The king was therefore arrested and brought to Riblah to the king of Babylon, who pronounced sentence on him. He had Zedekiah’s sons slain before his eyes. Then he blinded Zedekiah, bound him with fetters, and had him brought to Babylon.On the seventh day of the fifth month (this was in the nineteenth year of Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon), Nebuzaradan, captain of the bodyguard, came to Jerusalem as the representative of the king of Babylon. He burned the house of the Lord, the palace of the king, and all the houses of Jerusalem; every large building was destroyed by fire. Then the Chaldean troops who were with the captain of the guard tore down the walls that surrounded Jerusalem. Then Nebuzaradan, captain of the guard, led into exile the last of the people remaining in the city, and those who had deserted to the king of Babylon, and the last of the artisans. But some of the country’s poor, Nebuzaradan, captain of the guard, left behind as vinedressers and farmers.From the Gospel according to Matthew 8:1-4 When Jesus came down from the mountain, great crowds followed him. And then a leper approached, did him homage, and said, “Lord, if you wish, you can make me clean.” He stretched out his hand, touched him, and said, “I will do it.  Be made clean.” His leprosy was cleansed immediately. Then Jesus said to him, “See that you tell no one, but go show yourself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses prescribed; that will be proof for them.”While Jesus was going about the villages of Galilee preaching, a leper came up and besought him: “If you will, you can make me clean”. Jesus did not shun contact with that man; on the contrary, impelled by deep participation in his condition, he stretched out his hand and touched the man — overcoming the legal prohibition — and said to him: “I will; be clean”. That gesture and those words of Christ contain the whole history of salvation, they embody God’s will to heal us, to purify us from the illness that disfigures us and ruins our relationships. In that contact between Jesus’ hand and the leper, every barrier between God and human impurity, between the Sacred and its opposite, was pulled down. This was not of course in order to deny evil and its negative power, but to demonstrate that God’s love is stronger than all illness, even in its most contagious and horrible form. Jesus took upon himself our infirmities, he made himself “a leper” so that we might be cleansed. A splendid existential comment on this Gospel is the well known experience of St Francis of Assisi. (…) In those lepers whom Francis met when he was still “in sin” — as he says — Jesus was present; and when Francis approached one of them, overcoming his own disgust, he embraced him, Jesus healed him from his “leprosy”, namely, from his pride, and converted him to love of God. This is Christ’s victory which is our profound healing and our resurrection to new life! (Pope Benedict XVI, Angelus, 12 February 2012)

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A reading from the Second Book of Kings
25:1-12

In the tenth month of the ninth year of Zedekiah’s reign,
on the tenth day of the month,
Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, and his whole army
advanced against Jerusalem, encamped around it,
and built siege walls on every side.
The siege of the city continued until the eleventh year of Zedekiah.
On the ninth day of the fourth month,
when famine had gripped the city,
and the people had no more bread,
the city walls were breached.
Then the king and all the soldiers left the city by night
through the gate between the two walls
that was near the king’s garden.
Since the Chaldeans had the city surrounded,
they went in the direction of the Arabah.
But the Chaldean army pursued the king
and overtook him in the desert near Jericho,
abandoned by his whole army.

The king was therefore arrested and brought to Riblah
to the king of Babylon, who pronounced sentence on him.
He had Zedekiah’s sons slain before his eyes.
Then he blinded Zedekiah, bound him with fetters,
and had him brought to Babylon.On the seventh day of the fifth month
(this was in the nineteenth year of Nebuchadnezzar,
king of Babylon),
Nebuzaradan, captain of the bodyguard,
came to Jerusalem as the representative
of the king of Babylon.
He burned the house of the Lord,
the palace of the king, and all the houses of Jerusalem;
every large building was destroyed by fire.
Then the Chaldean troops who were with the captain of the guard
tore down the walls that surrounded Jerusalem.

Then Nebuzaradan, captain of the guard,
led into exile the last of the people remaining in the city,
and those who had deserted to the king of Babylon,
and the last of the artisans.
But some of the country’s poor, Nebuzaradan, captain of the guard,
left behind as vinedressers and farmers.

From the Gospel according to Matthew
8:1-4

When Jesus came down from the mountain, great crowds followed him.
And then a leper approached, did him homage, and said,
“Lord, if you wish, you can make me clean.”
He stretched out his hand, touched him, and said,
“I will do it.  Be made clean.”
His leprosy was cleansed immediately.
Then Jesus said to him, “See that you tell no one,
but go show yourself to the priest,
and offer the gift that Moses prescribed;
that will be proof for them.”

While Jesus was going about the villages of Galilee preaching, a leper came up and besought him: “If you will, you can make me clean”. Jesus did not shun contact with that man; on the contrary, impelled by deep participation in his condition, he stretched out his hand and touched the man — overcoming the legal prohibition — and said to him: “I will; be clean”.

That gesture and those words of Christ contain the whole history of salvation, they embody God’s will to heal us, to purify us from the illness that disfigures us and ruins our relationships. In that contact between Jesus’ hand and the leper, every barrier between God and human impurity, between the Sacred and its opposite, was pulled down. This was not of course in order to deny evil and its negative power, but to demonstrate that God’s love is stronger than all illness, even in its most contagious and horrible form. Jesus took upon himself our infirmities, he made himself “a leper” so that we might be cleansed.

A splendid existential comment on this Gospel is the well known experience of St Francis of Assisi. (…) In those lepers whom Francis met when he was still “in sin” — as he says — Jesus was present; and when Francis approached one of them, overcoming his own disgust, he embraced him, Jesus healed him from his “leprosy”, namely, from his pride, and converted him to love of God. This is Christ’s victory which is our profound healing and our resurrection to new life!

(Pope Benedict XVI, Angelus, 12 February 2012)

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Five years of euthanasia in Spain: The toll and path forward to overturn #Catholic It hasbeen five years since the Euthanasia Law came into effect in Spain — a law that, since its approval, has claimed the lives of 1,668 people, according to official data published by the Spanish Ministry of Health.Since its inception, the number of euthanasia procedures carried out in the country has risen steadily; from 75 in the second half of 2021 to 288 in 2022, followed by 334 in 2023, some 426 in 2024 and 565 in 2025.The Madrid-based Professionals for Ethics Association has issued a report that points out that the progression of euthanasia over the past five years shows that “once approved, euthanasia becomes a slippery slope” with destructive effects.In addition to accelerated year-to-year growth in the number of euthanasia cases, the ethics professionals cite the progressive expansion of the grounds for the procedure under the catch-all category of “severe suffering.”Euthanasia procedures have been streamlined “even at the cost of reducing or eliminating safeguards,” according to the report.Euthanasia is being promoted “as an altruistic choice, based on arguments regarding organ donation and bequests to pro-euthanasia associations.”The report denounces the “imposition of the so-called ‘right to die’ and personal autonomy over good medical practice.”The practice of euthanasia results in the “abandonment of clinical effort” in situations where it appears to be an “easier and less costly” option. The report also underscores that euthanasia “harms the relationship of trust” between patient and physician, as well as between the patient and their family members.The "normalization of euthanasia" in society and among healthcare professionals has led to the "loss of the meaning of vulnerable life, of aging, and of the value of caring for and accompanying” such patients, the report finds.Other destructive effects include “social pressure on dependent individuals based on ‘quality of life’ criteria and the perception of being a burden to others” and, finally, the fostering of individualism and “society’s indifference toward suffering.”RecommendationsBeyond pointing out dangers and contradictions inherent in the advance of euthanasia in Spain, the Professionals for Ethics Association proposes five measures “to reverse the slippery slope of euthanasia upon which we have already embarked.” The first recommended measure is to develop “the plan, organization, and resources necessary to provide nationwide palliative care coverage," which must include "home-based teams and specialized pediatric units."The ethics professionals also recommend boosting support “for vulnerable individuals and their families,” specifically those facing dependency, mental illness, and unwanted loneliness. This requires both the allocation of resources to address these challenges and facilitating “family support through programs that balance work and family life in order to provide care” for the patient.A third recommendation is to monitor official information regarding the euthanasia procedures performed in order to “ensure rigor in the processes for requesting and approving euthanasia,” as well as preventing lax interpretations of the law that make “euthanasia the easiest, most accessible, and quickest ‘solution’.”Fourth, the association holds that “it is vital to preserve the mission and objectives of healthcare aimed at preventing, curing, and caring for health as well as professional ethics and practice.”In this regard, the group emphasizes that “euthanasia runs counter to the essence of medicine, caring for human life, and should never be considered a medical act.” Thus, the association also advocates the right of healthcare workers to conscientiously object to participating in euthanasia procedures.Finally, the association calls for halting the promotion of euthanasia, as its rise “is neither a social good nor a sign of progress in human rights, nor is it even a neutral matter.”“The fact that an increasing number of people in Spain desire a lethal injection should be a cause for concern, not celebration,” the group emphasizes; and therefore advocates for “a euthanasia prevention plan” similar to those for suicide and, ultimately, the repeal of the euthanasia law and the enactment of legislation “that facilitates the care of human life until the very end.”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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Five years of euthanasia in Spain: The toll and path forward to overturn #Catholic It hasbeen five years since the Euthanasia Law came into effect in Spain — a law that, since its approval, has claimed the lives of 1,668 people, according to official data published by the Spanish Ministry of Health.Since its inception, the number of euthanasia procedures carried out in the country has risen steadily; from 75 in the second half of 2021 to 288 in 2022, followed by 334 in 2023, some 426 in 2024 and 565 in 2025.The Madrid-based Professionals for Ethics Association has issued a report that points out that the progression of euthanasia over the past five years shows that “once approved, euthanasia becomes a slippery slope” with destructive effects.In addition to accelerated year-to-year growth in the number of euthanasia cases, the ethics professionals cite the progressive expansion of the grounds for the procedure under the catch-all category of “severe suffering.”Euthanasia procedures have been streamlined “even at the cost of reducing or eliminating safeguards,” according to the report.Euthanasia is being promoted “as an altruistic choice, based on arguments regarding organ donation and bequests to pro-euthanasia associations.”The report denounces the “imposition of the so-called ‘right to die’ and personal autonomy over good medical practice.”The practice of euthanasia results in the “abandonment of clinical effort” in situations where it appears to be an “easier and less costly” option. The report also underscores that euthanasia “harms the relationship of trust” between patient and physician, as well as between the patient and their family members.The "normalization of euthanasia" in society and among healthcare professionals has led to the "loss of the meaning of vulnerable life, of aging, and of the value of caring for and accompanying” such patients, the report finds.Other destructive effects include “social pressure on dependent individuals based on ‘quality of life’ criteria and the perception of being a burden to others” and, finally, the fostering of individualism and “society’s indifference toward suffering.”RecommendationsBeyond pointing out dangers and contradictions inherent in the advance of euthanasia in Spain, the Professionals for Ethics Association proposes five measures “to reverse the slippery slope of euthanasia upon which we have already embarked.” The first recommended measure is to develop “the plan, organization, and resources necessary to provide nationwide palliative care coverage," which must include "home-based teams and specialized pediatric units."The ethics professionals also recommend boosting support “for vulnerable individuals and their families,” specifically those facing dependency, mental illness, and unwanted loneliness. This requires both the allocation of resources to address these challenges and facilitating “family support through programs that balance work and family life in order to provide care” for the patient.A third recommendation is to monitor official information regarding the euthanasia procedures performed in order to “ensure rigor in the processes for requesting and approving euthanasia,” as well as preventing lax interpretations of the law that make “euthanasia the easiest, most accessible, and quickest ‘solution’.”Fourth, the association holds that “it is vital to preserve the mission and objectives of healthcare aimed at preventing, curing, and caring for health as well as professional ethics and practice.”In this regard, the group emphasizes that “euthanasia runs counter to the essence of medicine, caring for human life, and should never be considered a medical act.” Thus, the association also advocates the right of healthcare workers to conscientiously object to participating in euthanasia procedures.Finally, the association calls for halting the promotion of euthanasia, as its rise “is neither a social good nor a sign of progress in human rights, nor is it even a neutral matter.”“The fact that an increasing number of people in Spain desire a lethal injection should be a cause for concern, not celebration,” the group emphasizes; and therefore advocates for “a euthanasia prevention plan” similar to those for suicide and, ultimately, the repeal of the euthanasia law and the enactment of legislation “that facilitates the care of human life until the very end.”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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Euthanasia is on the rise in Spain, and as its destructive effects become more apparent, ethics professionals are offering recommendations to prevent and ultimately eliminate the practice.

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Trump administration cuts million in funding for teen pregnancy prevention programs #Catholic The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is set to cut tens of millions of teenage pregnancy prevention grants that don’t align with the administration’s goals.The department’s Office of Population Affairs, which designates grants for teenage pregnancy prevention, will divert million to open new grants for prevention programs, a source confirmed to EWTN News. The department will terminate 53 of 67 of the Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program grants following a department review, according to a Daily Signal report. The department reportedly described the current grants as “age-inappropriate,” “sexually explicit," and in violation of the program’s founding statute.Some of the current teenage pregnancy programs teach teens how to access abortion, while others promote transgender ideology or sexually explicit material.“Under programming favored by the Biden Administration, we saw too much emphasis on abortion and too little on protecting kids,” said Kristi Hamrick, a spokeswoman for Students for Life.Hamrick referred to various instances of programming that instruct high schoolers with sexually explicit content.“The kind of programming that tries to separate sexual activity from marriage or from babies, who are an important reality, misses the point,” Hamrick told EWTN News. “Pretending in programming that the presence or absence of a baby is the only thing to discuss, or that contraception comes with magical guarantees, doesnʼt begin to educate teenagers.”“Young girls being groomed by older men; sexually transmitted diseases or broken hearts are all part of this reality, which makes pushing abortion as a ‘solution’ seriously off base,” Hamrick continued.The administration is opening up new grants for pregnancy prevention programming more aligned with its goals, promoting two new funding streams according to two notices the department listed on Tuesday, totaling .1 million in grants. Applications close July 26.Andrea Trudden, spokeswoman for Heartbeat International, an organization of pregnancy help centers, noted that many pregnancy centers provide education that reduces the risk of unplanned pregnancies."Pregnancy help organizations serve as an important resource for young women when an unexpected pregnancy occurs, offering practical support, compassionate care, and information about the resources available to help them continue their pregnancies,” she told EWTN News.“Many of these organizations also provide sexual risk avoidance education that encourages healthy relationships, responsible decision-making, and behaviors that reduce the risk of unintended pregnancy,” Trudden continued."When a teen pregnancy does occur, the goal should be to ensure that no young woman feels she has to choose between her future and her child,” said Trudden.“Pregnancy help organizations have decades of experience walking alongside teens before, during, and after pregnancy, helping them build healthy futures,” said Trudden.“With the right support, education, parenting resources, and community assistance, teens can pursue their goals while welcoming the life of their baby,” Trudden said.“There are so many out there ready to help, at churches, at pregnancy care centers, and in the community,” Hamrick added.Hamrick noted that Students for Life lists resources at their webpage, Standing With You.“A baby represents hope and a future, and for a family, whether by birth or adoption, and we need to help teenagers understand that they are not alone, that many will help, and that this is the beginning of another personʼs story,” Hamrick said.
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Trump administration cuts $67 million in funding for teen pregnancy prevention programs #Catholic The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is set to cut tens of millions of teenage pregnancy prevention grants that don’t align with the administration’s goals.The department’s Office of Population Affairs, which designates grants for teenage pregnancy prevention, will divert $67 million to open new grants for prevention programs, a source confirmed to EWTN News. The department will terminate 53 of 67 of the Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program grants following a department review, according to a Daily Signal report. The department reportedly described the current grants as “age-inappropriate,” “sexually explicit," and in violation of the program’s founding statute.Some of the current teenage pregnancy programs teach teens how to access abortion, while others promote transgender ideology or sexually explicit material.“Under programming favored by the Biden Administration, we saw too much emphasis on abortion and too little on protecting kids,” said Kristi Hamrick, a spokeswoman for Students for Life.Hamrick referred to various instances of programming that instruct high schoolers with sexually explicit content.“The kind of programming that tries to separate sexual activity from marriage or from babies, who are an important reality, misses the point,” Hamrick told EWTN News. “Pretending in programming that the presence or absence of a baby is the only thing to discuss, or that contraception comes with magical guarantees, doesnʼt begin to educate teenagers.”“Young girls being groomed by older men; sexually transmitted diseases or broken hearts are all part of this reality, which makes pushing abortion as a ‘solution’ seriously off base,” Hamrick continued.The administration is opening up new grants for pregnancy prevention programming more aligned with its goals, promoting two new funding streams according to two notices the department listed on Tuesday, totaling $71.1 million in grants. Applications close July 26.Andrea Trudden, spokeswoman for Heartbeat International, an organization of pregnancy help centers, noted that many pregnancy centers provide education that reduces the risk of unplanned pregnancies."Pregnancy help organizations serve as an important resource for young women when an unexpected pregnancy occurs, offering practical support, compassionate care, and information about the resources available to help them continue their pregnancies,” she told EWTN News.“Many of these organizations also provide sexual risk avoidance education that encourages healthy relationships, responsible decision-making, and behaviors that reduce the risk of unintended pregnancy,” Trudden continued."When a teen pregnancy does occur, the goal should be to ensure that no young woman feels she has to choose between her future and her child,” said Trudden.“Pregnancy help organizations have decades of experience walking alongside teens before, during, and after pregnancy, helping them build healthy futures,” said Trudden.“With the right support, education, parenting resources, and community assistance, teens can pursue their goals while welcoming the life of their baby,” Trudden said.“There are so many out there ready to help, at churches, at pregnancy care centers, and in the community,” Hamrick added.Hamrick noted that Students for Life lists resources at their webpage, Standing With You.“A baby represents hope and a future, and for a family, whether by birth or adoption, and we need to help teenagers understand that they are not alone, that many will help, and that this is the beginning of another personʼs story,” Hamrick said.

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The Department of Health and Human Services is cutting grants for teenage pregnancy prevention programs that promote abortion, sexual activity for minors, or transgender ideology.

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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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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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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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