Knights of Columbus affirms ‘solidarity’ with Pope Leo XIV as Trump escalates criticism #Catholic The Knights of Columbus issued a statement that affirms the Catholic fraternal organization’s solidarity with Pope Leo XIV as President Donald Trump criticized the Holy Father a second time on Truth Social.“The Knights of Columbus has always stood in solidarity with the Holy Father, recognizing in him a spiritual father who calls the world not to division but to unity, not to conflict but to peace,” Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly said in the statement.“In this moment, we reaffirm that commitment with clarity and conviction,” he said.Trump escalated his criticism of the Holy Father late Tuesday evening in a second post on Truth Social, which criticized the pontiff’s staunch opposition to war.Whether one agrees or disagrees with Leo’s policy views, Kelly said, “the Holy Father’s prophetic voice deserves to be heard with respect and engaged seriously.”“Pope Leo XIV has consistently called for peace, dialogue, and restraint in a world marked by war and suffering,” he said. “The Holy Father’s words are not political talking points — they are reflections of the Gospel itself.”Kelly noted that many Catholics and others “have been deeply disappointed by the disparaging comments directed at Pope Leo XIV” by Trump, and that Leo “is not a politician — he is the vicar of Christ, entrusted with proclaiming the Gospel and shepherding souls.”In his statement, Kelly acknowledged that faithful Catholics can hold differing views on foreign policy and that Catholics should engage in the public square. He said nations can safeguard security “in accordance with the demands of justice and the pursuit of peace.”“The Church does not ask Catholics to withdraw from civic life but to engage with and elevate it — bringing to our civic dialogue the light of truth, respect for the dignity of every human person, and a steadfast concern for the common good," he said.Kelly also encouraged prayers for the pope, the president, and other politicians.“As Knights, we are called to be men of unity, as followers of Christ and patriotic citizens,” he said. “I encourage all Knights of Columbus to pray for the Holy Father, to pray for civic leaders, and to pray for peace and those working to achieve it.”“And let us recommit ourselves to charity in our public discourse,” he added. “May we be known not for echoing the divisions of our time, but for healing them. In a moment of tension, the path forward is not louder conflict but deeper fidelity — to truth, to charity, and to the Gospel.”Trump goes after Leo againTrumpʼs social media post said: “Will someone please tell Pope Leo that Iran has killed at least 42,000 innocent, completely unarmed, protesters in the last two months, and that for Iran to have a nuclear bomb is absolutely unacceptable."During the protests, Leo did call for peace, saying in January that “ongoing tensions [in Iran and Syria] continue to claim many lives.”“I hope and pray that dialogue and peace may be patiently nurtured in pursuit of the common good of the whole of society,” he said at the time.Leo has also strongly opposed nuclear weapons, saying in June 2025: “The further proliferation of nuclear weapons in the Middle East, as well as this escalation of violence, imperils the fragile stability remaining in the region.”While Trump cited numbers exceeding 40,000 people, estimates about the number of people killed in anti-regime protests and unrest in Iran varies a lot, ranging from several thousand to more than 30,000. Most protesters were unarmed, but Iran’s government claims some were armed and killed about 500 security personnel. Trump said the United States tried to arm the protesters, but those guns did not get to the right people.Vance, bishops offer more commentsCatholic bishops and leaders have responded to Trump’s attack on Pope Leo, and elected officials also have made statements.Archbishop Alexander Sample of Portland, Oregon, said he is deeply concerned and troubled by Trump’s social media rhetoric, especially during Holy Week and Easter, which he says falls short of the moral standard expected of both the presidency and a professed Christian. The archbishop criticized Trump’s attacks on Pope Leo, saying the pope’s calls for peace and dialogue arise from his pastoral mission, not political ideology.Sample said the Church’s role is to proclaim peace, human dignity, and the Gospel, citing Jesus’ teaching: “Blessed are the peacemakers.”The Ancient Order of Hibernians condemned attacks and mockery directed at Pope Leo XIV and the papacy, affirming that respect for the Holy Father is essential to Catholic faith.Vice President JD Vance, a convert to Catholicism, said at a Turning Point USA event that Pope Leo XIV should “be careful when he talks about matters of theology.”“One of the issues here is that if youʼre going to opine on matters of theology, youʼve got to be careful,” he said. “Youʼve got to make sure itʼs anchored in the truth.”Republican U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana said: “Any religious leader can say anything they want, but obviously, if you wade into political waters, I think you should expect some political response.”Pope Leo XIV has responded to Trump’s public criticism by saying he has “no fear of the Trump administration” and will continue to speak out boldly with the message of the Gospel.
Read More

Knights of Columbus affirms ‘solidarity’ with Pope Leo XIV as Trump escalates criticism #Catholic The Knights of Columbus issued a statement that affirms the Catholic fraternal organization’s solidarity with Pope Leo XIV as President Donald Trump criticized the Holy Father a second time on Truth Social.“The Knights of Columbus has always stood in solidarity with the Holy Father, recognizing in him a spiritual father who calls the world not to division but to unity, not to conflict but to peace,” Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly said in the statement.“In this moment, we reaffirm that commitment with clarity and conviction,” he said.Trump escalated his criticism of the Holy Father late Tuesday evening in a second post on Truth Social, which criticized the pontiff’s staunch opposition to war.Whether one agrees or disagrees with Leo’s policy views, Kelly said, “the Holy Father’s prophetic voice deserves to be heard with respect and engaged seriously.”“Pope Leo XIV has consistently called for peace, dialogue, and restraint in a world marked by war and suffering,” he said. “The Holy Father’s words are not political talking points — they are reflections of the Gospel itself.”Kelly noted that many Catholics and others “have been deeply disappointed by the disparaging comments directed at Pope Leo XIV” by Trump, and that Leo “is not a politician — he is the vicar of Christ, entrusted with proclaiming the Gospel and shepherding souls.”In his statement, Kelly acknowledged that faithful Catholics can hold differing views on foreign policy and that Catholics should engage in the public square. He said nations can safeguard security “in accordance with the demands of justice and the pursuit of peace.”“The Church does not ask Catholics to withdraw from civic life but to engage with and elevate it — bringing to our civic dialogue the light of truth, respect for the dignity of every human person, and a steadfast concern for the common good," he said.Kelly also encouraged prayers for the pope, the president, and other politicians.“As Knights, we are called to be men of unity, as followers of Christ and patriotic citizens,” he said. “I encourage all Knights of Columbus to pray for the Holy Father, to pray for civic leaders, and to pray for peace and those working to achieve it.”“And let us recommit ourselves to charity in our public discourse,” he added. “May we be known not for echoing the divisions of our time, but for healing them. In a moment of tension, the path forward is not louder conflict but deeper fidelity — to truth, to charity, and to the Gospel.”Trump goes after Leo againTrumpʼs social media post said: “Will someone please tell Pope Leo that Iran has killed at least 42,000 innocent, completely unarmed, protesters in the last two months, and that for Iran to have a nuclear bomb is absolutely unacceptable."During the protests, Leo did call for peace, saying in January that “ongoing tensions [in Iran and Syria] continue to claim many lives.”“I hope and pray that dialogue and peace may be patiently nurtured in pursuit of the common good of the whole of society,” he said at the time.Leo has also strongly opposed nuclear weapons, saying in June 2025: “The further proliferation of nuclear weapons in the Middle East, as well as this escalation of violence, imperils the fragile stability remaining in the region.”While Trump cited numbers exceeding 40,000 people, estimates about the number of people killed in anti-regime protests and unrest in Iran varies a lot, ranging from several thousand to more than 30,000. Most protesters were unarmed, but Iran’s government claims some were armed and killed about 500 security personnel. Trump said the United States tried to arm the protesters, but those guns did not get to the right people.Vance, bishops offer more commentsCatholic bishops and leaders have responded to Trump’s attack on Pope Leo, and elected officials also have made statements.Archbishop Alexander Sample of Portland, Oregon, said he is deeply concerned and troubled by Trump’s social media rhetoric, especially during Holy Week and Easter, which he says falls short of the moral standard expected of both the presidency and a professed Christian. The archbishop criticized Trump’s attacks on Pope Leo, saying the pope’s calls for peace and dialogue arise from his pastoral mission, not political ideology.Sample said the Church’s role is to proclaim peace, human dignity, and the Gospel, citing Jesus’ teaching: “Blessed are the peacemakers.”The Ancient Order of Hibernians condemned attacks and mockery directed at Pope Leo XIV and the papacy, affirming that respect for the Holy Father is essential to Catholic faith.Vice President JD Vance, a convert to Catholicism, said at a Turning Point USA event that Pope Leo XIV should “be careful when he talks about matters of theology.”“One of the issues here is that if youʼre going to opine on matters of theology, youʼve got to be careful,” he said. “Youʼve got to make sure itʼs anchored in the truth.”Republican U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana said: “Any religious leader can say anything they want, but obviously, if you wade into political waters, I think you should expect some political response.”Pope Leo XIV has responded to Trump’s public criticism by saying he has “no fear of the Trump administration” and will continue to speak out boldly with the message of the Gospel.

unitedyam

Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly is asking Catholics to pray for the pope and the president, as President Trump again criticized Leo’s comments about the Iran war.

Read More
Pope Leo XIV arrives in Cameroon for second leg of Africa trip #Catholic YAOUNDE, Cameroon — Pope Leo XIV arrived Wednesday in Yaoundé, the capital of Cameroon, after a five-hour flight. While meeting with journalists aboard the papal plane, he delivered a brief address, thanking the Algerian authorities and reflecting on the first leg of the journey.Leo, speaking in English, expressed his “gratitude to all the authorities in Algeria, who made this visit possible. As youʼve seen, theyʼve even granted us the full honor of an escort as we fly over Algerian airspace.”This, the pope said, is “a sign of the goodness, of the generosity, of the respect that the Algerian people and the Algerian government have wished to show to the Holy See, to myself. And so I want to say a word of thanks to them, as well as a word of thanks to the very small but very significant presence of the Catholic Church in Algeria.”The pontiff then reflected on the journey.“We had, as you know,” he said, “some very special visits both in the Basilica Notre Dame dʼAfrique as well as in Annaba yesterday, in the Basilica of St. Augustine on the hill overlooking both the modern city of Annaba and the ruins of the ancient Roman city of Ippona. And that in itself, I would say, is also symbolically significant, because St. Augustine, who was bishop, as you know, of Hippo for more than 30 years, actually is a figure which is very much from the past and speaks to us of tradition, speaks to us of the life, the Church, as the Church grew in the early centuries.”Continuing to speak about St. Augustine, Leo said that he is “a very important figure today as his writings, his teaching, his spirituality, his invitation to search for God and to search for truth is something that is very much needed today — a message that is very real for all of us today, as believers in Jesus Christ, but for all people. And as youʼve seen, even the people of Algeria, the vast majority of whom are not Christian, they very much honor and respect the memory of St. Augustine as one of the great sons of their land.""So it was a special blessing for me personally to return once again to Annaba yesterday," he said, "but also to offer to the Church and the world a vision that St. Augustine offers us in terms of the search for God and the struggle to build community, to seek for unity among all peoples and respect for all peoples in spite of the differences.”The pope concluded: “In two days in Algeria I think weʼve really had a wonderful opportunity to, if you will, continue to build bridges, to promote dialogue. I think the visit to the mosque was significant and to say that it showed that although we have different beliefs, we have different ways of worshipping, we have different ways of living, we can live together in peace. And so I think that promoting that kind of image is something which the world needs to hear today, and that together we can continue to offer in our witness through as we continue on this apostolic voyage.”Pope Leo XIV is the third pope to visit Cameroon.Leo will first meet with 92-year-old President Biya, elected to an eighth term and in power for 40 years. After his address to the diplomatic corps — a standard stop at the beginning of every trip — the pope will visit the Ngul Zamba orphanage, a historic point of reference for the care and education of orphaned children and minors in situations of serious social vulnerability.In addition to Yaoundé, Leo XIV will also visit the city of Bamenda, around 230 miles from the capital, at the center of the Anglophone crisis — a complex situation in which English-speaking separatists have also called for the formation of their own state.The pope will also visit Douala, Cameroon’s economic capital, thus touching all the major realities of the country before departing for Angola on April 18.
Read More

Pope Leo XIV arrives in Cameroon for second leg of Africa trip #Catholic YAOUNDE, Cameroon — Pope Leo XIV arrived Wednesday in Yaoundé, the capital of Cameroon, after a five-hour flight. While meeting with journalists aboard the papal plane, he delivered a brief address, thanking the Algerian authorities and reflecting on the first leg of the journey.Leo, speaking in English, expressed his “gratitude to all the authorities in Algeria, who made this visit possible. As youʼve seen, theyʼve even granted us the full honor of an escort as we fly over Algerian airspace.”This, the pope said, is “a sign of the goodness, of the generosity, of the respect that the Algerian people and the Algerian government have wished to show to the Holy See, to myself. And so I want to say a word of thanks to them, as well as a word of thanks to the very small but very significant presence of the Catholic Church in Algeria.”The pontiff then reflected on the journey.“We had, as you know,” he said, “some very special visits both in the Basilica Notre Dame dʼAfrique as well as in Annaba yesterday, in the Basilica of St. Augustine on the hill overlooking both the modern city of Annaba and the ruins of the ancient Roman city of Ippona. And that in itself, I would say, is also symbolically significant, because St. Augustine, who was bishop, as you know, of Hippo for more than 30 years, actually is a figure which is very much from the past and speaks to us of tradition, speaks to us of the life, the Church, as the Church grew in the early centuries.”Continuing to speak about St. Augustine, Leo said that he is “a very important figure today as his writings, his teaching, his spirituality, his invitation to search for God and to search for truth is something that is very much needed today — a message that is very real for all of us today, as believers in Jesus Christ, but for all people. And as youʼve seen, even the people of Algeria, the vast majority of whom are not Christian, they very much honor and respect the memory of St. Augustine as one of the great sons of their land.""So it was a special blessing for me personally to return once again to Annaba yesterday," he said, "but also to offer to the Church and the world a vision that St. Augustine offers us in terms of the search for God and the struggle to build community, to seek for unity among all peoples and respect for all peoples in spite of the differences.”The pope concluded: “In two days in Algeria I think weʼve really had a wonderful opportunity to, if you will, continue to build bridges, to promote dialogue. I think the visit to the mosque was significant and to say that it showed that although we have different beliefs, we have different ways of worshipping, we have different ways of living, we can live together in peace. And so I think that promoting that kind of image is something which the world needs to hear today, and that together we can continue to offer in our witness through as we continue on this apostolic voyage.”Pope Leo XIV is the third pope to visit Cameroon.Leo will first meet with 92-year-old President Biya, elected to an eighth term and in power for 40 years. After his address to the diplomatic corps — a standard stop at the beginning of every trip — the pope will visit the Ngul Zamba orphanage, a historic point of reference for the care and education of orphaned children and minors in situations of serious social vulnerability.In addition to Yaoundé, Leo XIV will also visit the city of Bamenda, around 230 miles from the capital, at the center of the Anglophone crisis — a complex situation in which English-speaking separatists have also called for the formation of their own state.The pope will also visit Douala, Cameroon’s economic capital, thus touching all the major realities of the country before departing for Angola on April 18.

unitedyam

Reflecting on the visit to Algeria, the pope described it as “a wonderful opportunity to continue building bridges and promoting dialogue.”

Read More
The Amazing Story of St. Dymphna, the city that welcomed and embraced her, and Hope for Healing #Catholic – “The slain Dymphna was heavily mourned, respectfully buried, and long remembered in the Geel community, both for her stoic demise and for her generosity in building a hospice. After a long period of being venerated, she was canonized in 1247…” Inspired by Dymphna, Belgium town welcomes mentally ill BISHOP KEVIN J. SWEENEY Our Catholic Faith, especially the stories and impact of the lives of the saints, never ceases to amaze me! Last October, in the place of my weekly column, I introduced the presentation of a “new ministry resource,” a group that was being formed in our diocese called the St. Dymphna and Our Lady of Hope Society. As part of the introduction, I said that, “The St. Dymphna and Our Lady of Hope Society (is) a group of the faithful, as “pilgrims of Hope” within our diocese (who) have discerned the call to offer this pro-life ministry of accompaniment and offering of resources to brothers and sisters who are struggling with mental illness, addiction, or isolation. I was grateful when the St. Dymphna and Our Lady of Hope Society let me know (reminded me) that the Feast of St. Dymphna is on May 15. As is the case with many, many Saints, the Feast of St. Dymphna is not included in the liturgical calendar of Feasts (and Memorials) celebrated on an annual basis in the United States. I was grateful that the members of the society reminded me that the Feast of St. Dymphna was only a few weeks away and offered some suggestions as to how we might pray, celebrate, and raise awareness of St. Dymphna on her Feast Day. As I thought about the upcoming Feast Day and the suggestions offered by the society, I began to do some research online. As with most subjects, there is a great amount of information available on the internet about St. Dymphna. The story of St. Dymphna, of her life and death, is not an “easy read.” The article I quote above begins, “The story of Dymphna — the patron saint of the mentally ill — involves such horrors as incest and decapitation. However, her legacy launched a community of unprecedented and unrivaled compassion for the mentally ill.” The article goes on to tell the story of the town of Geel, Belgium, where St. Dymphna was martyred and is buried. It also tells the truly amazing story of how it became a therapeutic community that continues to welcome and assist those who struggle with mental illness to the present day. With regard to online resources, one that I would highly recommend is the website of the International Association of Catholic Mental Health Ministers. On the “Resources” section of the website, under “Worship and Liturgy” and “Prayer,” you can find prayers and novenas, asking the intercession of St. Dymphna. You may also see there are some (older) traditions that recognize May 30 as St. Dymphna’s Feast Day. The “Worship and Liturgy” section of the website speaks about the Feast Day and May as Mental Health Awareness Month. The month of May provides opportunities to have a special Mass for people living with mental illness and for intercessory prayers and homilies that focus on mental health and how the Church is called to accompany people who live with mental illness. Saint Dymphna is a patron saint for those who live with a mental health challenge or disorder, and her feast day is May 30 (or May 15). In addition, May is Mental Health Month in the United States, and Mental Health Awareness Week is commemorated in Canada and Europe in May. Worship and Liturgy Resources For more information on May as Mental Health Awareness Month, see also: The National Council for Mental Wellbeing. I hope that many readers are already aware that the five Latin Rite Dioceses of our State, along with the Byzantine Eparchy of Passaic, and the New Jersey Catholic Conference will be sponsoring a Mental Health Conference: “From Isolation to Belonging: Mental Health and the Catholic Church” on Saturday, May 2. For more information and to register, you can go to our Diocesan website or click New Jersey Catholic Conference. We will be sending information to our pastors and parishes for those who may be interested in having a special Mass, prayer service, or a prayer of the faithful during the month (May) that can be one of the “busiest” months for parish life, with First Holy Communions, Confirmations, graduations, Mother’s Day, and many other activities. I am happy to let you know that, in collaboration with the St. Dymphna and Our Lady of Hope Society, St. Mary’s parish in Pompton Lakes will be offering a special Mass on the Feast of St. Dymphna, Friday, May 15, for Those Living With and Supporting Those Living with Mental Illness. For more information, see the flyer included with this article below. The Mass will also be livestreamed on St. Mary’s YouTube channel and Facebook page.  Mental illness should not lead to a life of isolation. That is an imperative born of faith. In a recent address to the Pontifical Academy for Life, our Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, emphasized our common responsibility to reach out to the vulnerable. The Holy Father notes, “We need to rediscover the fundamental attitude of care as support and closeness to others, not only because someone is in need or is sick, but because they experience vulnerability, the vulnerability that is common to all human beings.” There should be no stigma attached to seeking personal health care for those struggling with mental illness, nor in caring for those who suffer from mental illness. In our efforts to accompany those who bear the cross of emotional and mental anguish, we recognize our shared mortality and our hope for the fullness of life as God’s children. For those of us who have been impacted by a loved one who has struggled with mental illness, we know that it can be a very long and painful journey. Those who suffer personally from mental illness and those who care for them share a profound experience of the mystery of the Lord’s cross, the mystery of suffering. These Easter days and this beautiful Easter Season remind us that, as people of Faith, Hope, and Love, we know that the mystery of the cross, of pain, suffering, and isolation will lead us to the joy and peace of Easter. If we are united with Him in His suffering, we will be “…united with Him in the resurrection.” (Rom. 6:5) The gift of our Catholic Faith can give us the Grace and strength to persevere in times of trial and accompany one another on the journey. I am grateful for the ministry of the St. Dymphna and Our Lady of Hope Society, and I am glad that they reminded me that the Feast of St. Dymphna was drawing near. As I mentioned above, I was amazed to learn more about the story of St. Dymphna’s life and death, but I was also amazed to learn of the impact that she has had and continues to have on the town of Geel in Belgium. I encourage you to read the full article, quoted above from “ncronline.” I also want to give credit and offer thanks to the Hallow app, because it was a link to the Hallow app’s webpage on St. Dymphna that led me to the “ncronline” article. We believe that God “works in mysterious ways.” Let us continue to pray for all those who suffer, especially those suffering with mental illness, as we ask the intercession of our Lady of Hope and of St. Dympna, knowing that our Risen Lord can give us the gifts of His healing and peace. St. Dymphna, patroness of those who suffer mental affliction, pray for us. St. Dymphna, beloved child of Jesus and Mary, pray for us.  
Read More

The Amazing Story of St. Dymphna, the city that welcomed and embraced her, and Hope for Healing #Catholic – “The slain Dymphna was heavily mourned, respectfully buried, and long remembered in the Geel community, both for her stoic demise and for her generosity in building a hospice. After a long period of being venerated, she was canonized in 1247…” Inspired by Dymphna, Belgium town welcomes mentally ill BISHOP KEVIN J. SWEENEY Our Catholic Faith, especially the stories and impact of the lives of the saints, never ceases to amaze me! Last October, in the place of my weekly column, I introduced the presentation of a “new ministry resource,” a group that was being formed in our diocese called the St. Dymphna and Our Lady of Hope Society. As part of the introduction, I said that, “The St. Dymphna and Our Lady of Hope Society (is) a group of the faithful, as “pilgrims of Hope” within our diocese (who) have discerned the call to offer this pro-life ministry of accompaniment and offering of resources to brothers and sisters who are struggling with mental illness, addiction, or isolation. I was grateful when the St. Dymphna and Our Lady of Hope Society let me know (reminded me) that the Feast of St. Dymphna is on May 15. As is the case with many, many Saints, the Feast of St. Dymphna is not included in the liturgical calendar of Feasts (and Memorials) celebrated on an annual basis in the United States. I was grateful that the members of the society reminded me that the Feast of St. Dymphna was only a few weeks away and offered some suggestions as to how we might pray, celebrate, and raise awareness of St. Dymphna on her Feast Day. As I thought about the upcoming Feast Day and the suggestions offered by the society, I began to do some research online. As with most subjects, there is a great amount of information available on the internet about St. Dymphna. The story of St. Dymphna, of her life and death, is not an “easy read.” The article I quote above begins, “The story of Dymphna — the patron saint of the mentally ill — involves such horrors as incest and decapitation. However, her legacy launched a community of unprecedented and unrivaled compassion for the mentally ill.” The article goes on to tell the story of the town of Geel, Belgium, where St. Dymphna was martyred and is buried. It also tells the truly amazing story of how it became a therapeutic community that continues to welcome and assist those who struggle with mental illness to the present day. With regard to online resources, one that I would highly recommend is the website of the International Association of Catholic Mental Health Ministers. On the “Resources” section of the website, under “Worship and Liturgy” and “Prayer,” you can find prayers and novenas, asking the intercession of St. Dymphna. You may also see there are some (older) traditions that recognize May 30 as St. Dymphna’s Feast Day. The “Worship and Liturgy” section of the website speaks about the Feast Day and May as Mental Health Awareness Month. The month of May provides opportunities to have a special Mass for people living with mental illness and for intercessory prayers and homilies that focus on mental health and how the Church is called to accompany people who live with mental illness. Saint Dymphna is a patron saint for those who live with a mental health challenge or disorder, and her feast day is May 30 (or May 15). In addition, May is Mental Health Month in the United States, and Mental Health Awareness Week is commemorated in Canada and Europe in May. Worship and Liturgy Resources For more information on May as Mental Health Awareness Month, see also: The National Council for Mental Wellbeing. I hope that many readers are already aware that the five Latin Rite Dioceses of our State, along with the Byzantine Eparchy of Passaic, and the New Jersey Catholic Conference will be sponsoring a Mental Health Conference: “From Isolation to Belonging: Mental Health and the Catholic Church” on Saturday, May 2. For more information and to register, you can go to our Diocesan website or click New Jersey Catholic Conference. We will be sending information to our pastors and parishes for those who may be interested in having a special Mass, prayer service, or a prayer of the faithful during the month (May) that can be one of the “busiest” months for parish life, with First Holy Communions, Confirmations, graduations, Mother’s Day, and many other activities. I am happy to let you know that, in collaboration with the St. Dymphna and Our Lady of Hope Society, St. Mary’s parish in Pompton Lakes will be offering a special Mass on the Feast of St. Dymphna, Friday, May 15, for Those Living With and Supporting Those Living with Mental Illness. For more information, see the flyer included with this article below. The Mass will also be livestreamed on St. Mary’s YouTube channel and Facebook page.  Mental illness should not lead to a life of isolation. That is an imperative born of faith. In a recent address to the Pontifical Academy for Life, our Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, emphasized our common responsibility to reach out to the vulnerable. The Holy Father notes, “We need to rediscover the fundamental attitude of care as support and closeness to others, not only because someone is in need or is sick, but because they experience vulnerability, the vulnerability that is common to all human beings.” There should be no stigma attached to seeking personal health care for those struggling with mental illness, nor in caring for those who suffer from mental illness. In our efforts to accompany those who bear the cross of emotional and mental anguish, we recognize our shared mortality and our hope for the fullness of life as God’s children. For those of us who have been impacted by a loved one who has struggled with mental illness, we know that it can be a very long and painful journey. Those who suffer personally from mental illness and those who care for them share a profound experience of the mystery of the Lord’s cross, the mystery of suffering. These Easter days and this beautiful Easter Season remind us that, as people of Faith, Hope, and Love, we know that the mystery of the cross, of pain, suffering, and isolation will lead us to the joy and peace of Easter. If we are united with Him in His suffering, we will be “…united with Him in the resurrection.” (Rom. 6:5) The gift of our Catholic Faith can give us the Grace and strength to persevere in times of trial and accompany one another on the journey. I am grateful for the ministry of the St. Dymphna and Our Lady of Hope Society, and I am glad that they reminded me that the Feast of St. Dymphna was drawing near. As I mentioned above, I was amazed to learn more about the story of St. Dymphna’s life and death, but I was also amazed to learn of the impact that she has had and continues to have on the town of Geel in Belgium. I encourage you to read the full article, quoted above from “ncronline.” I also want to give credit and offer thanks to the Hallow app, because it was a link to the Hallow app’s webpage on St. Dymphna that led me to the “ncronline” article. We believe that God “works in mysterious ways.” Let us continue to pray for all those who suffer, especially those suffering with mental illness, as we ask the intercession of our Lady of Hope and of St. Dympna, knowing that our Risen Lord can give us the gifts of His healing and peace. St. Dymphna, patroness of those who suffer mental affliction, pray for us. St. Dymphna, beloved child of Jesus and Mary, pray for us.  

unitedyam

The Amazing Story of St. Dymphna, the city that welcomed and embraced her, and Hope for Healing #Catholic –

“The slain Dymphna was heavily mourned, respectfully buried, and long remembered in the Geel community, both for her stoic demise and for her generosity in building a hospice. After a long period of being venerated, she was canonized in 1247…”

Inspired by Dymphna, Belgium town welcomes mentally ill

BISHOP KEVIN J. SWEENEY

Our Catholic Faith, especially the stories and impact of the lives of the saints, never ceases to amaze me! Last October, in the place of my weekly column, I introduced the presentation of a “new ministry resource,” a group that was being formed in our diocese called the St. Dymphna and Our Lady of Hope Society. As part of the introduction, I said that,

“The St. Dymphna and Our Lady of Hope Society (is) a group of the faithful, as “pilgrims of Hope” within our diocese (who) have discerned the call to offer this pro-life ministry of accompaniment and offering of resources to brothers and sisters who are struggling with mental illness, addiction, or isolation.

I was grateful when the St. Dymphna and Our Lady of Hope Society let me know (reminded me) that the Feast of St. Dymphna is on May 15. As is the case with many, many Saints, the Feast of St. Dymphna is not included in the liturgical calendar of Feasts (and Memorials) celebrated on an annual basis in the United States. I was grateful that the members of the society reminded me that the Feast of St. Dymphna was only a few weeks away and offered some suggestions as to how we might pray, celebrate, and raise awareness of St. Dymphna on her Feast Day.

As I thought about the upcoming Feast Day and the suggestions offered by the society, I began to do some research online. As with most subjects, there is a great amount of information available on the internet about St. Dymphna. The story of St. Dymphna, of her life and death, is not an “easy read.” The article I quote above begins, “The story of Dymphna — the patron saint of the mentally ill — involves such horrors as incest and decapitation. However, her legacy launched a community of unprecedented and unrivaled compassion for the mentally ill.” The article goes on to tell the story of the town of Geel, Belgium, where St. Dymphna was martyred and is buried. It also tells the truly amazing story of how it became a therapeutic community that continues to welcome and assist those who struggle with mental illness to the present day.

With regard to online resources, one that I would highly recommend is the website of the International Association of Catholic Mental Health Ministers. On the “Resources” section of the website, under “Worship and Liturgy” and “Prayer,” you can find prayers and novenas, asking the intercession of St. Dymphna. You may also see there are some (older) traditions that recognize May 30 as St. Dymphna’s Feast Day. The “Worship and Liturgy” section of the website speaks about the Feast Day and May as Mental Health Awareness Month.

The month of May provides opportunities to have a special Mass for people living with mental illness and for intercessory prayers and homilies that focus on mental health and how the Church is called to accompany people who live with mental illness. Saint Dymphna is a patron saint for those who live with a mental health challenge or disorder, and her feast day is May 30 (or May 15). In addition, May is Mental Health Month in the United States, and Mental Health Awareness Week is commemorated in Canada and Europe in May. Worship and Liturgy Resources

For more information on May as Mental Health Awareness Month, see also: The National Council for Mental Wellbeing.

I hope that many readers are already aware that the five Latin Rite Dioceses of our State, along with the Byzantine Eparchy of Passaic, and the New Jersey Catholic Conference will be sponsoring a Mental Health Conference: “From Isolation to Belonging: Mental Health and the Catholic Church” on Saturday, May 2. For more information and to register, you can go to our Diocesan website or click New Jersey Catholic Conference.

We will be sending information to our pastors and parishes for those who may be interested in having a special Mass, prayer service, or a prayer of the faithful during the month (May) that can be one of the “busiest” months for parish life, with First Holy Communions, Confirmations, graduations, Mother’s Day, and many other activities.

I am happy to let you know that, in collaboration with the St. Dymphna and Our Lady of Hope Society, St. Mary’s parish in Pompton Lakes will be offering a special Mass on the Feast of St. Dymphna, Friday, May 15, for Those Living With and Supporting Those Living with Mental Illness. For more information, see the flyer included with this article below. The Mass will also be livestreamed on St. Mary’s YouTube channel and Facebook page. 

Mental illness should not lead to a life of isolation. That is an imperative born of faith. In a recent address to the Pontifical Academy for Life, our Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, emphasized our common responsibility to reach out to the vulnerable. The Holy Father notes, “We need to rediscover the fundamental attitude of care as support and closeness to others, not only because someone is in need or is sick, but because they experience vulnerability, the vulnerability that is common to all human beings.” There should be no stigma attached to seeking personal health care for those struggling with mental illness, nor in caring for those who suffer from mental illness.

In our efforts to accompany those who bear the cross of emotional and mental anguish, we recognize our shared mortality and our hope for the fullness of life as God’s children. For those of us who have been impacted by a loved one who has struggled with mental illness, we know that it can be a very long and painful journey. Those who suffer personally from mental illness and those who care for them share a profound experience of the mystery of the Lord’s cross, the mystery of suffering. These Easter days and this beautiful Easter Season remind us that, as people of Faith, Hope, and Love, we know that the mystery of the cross, of pain, suffering, and isolation will lead us to the joy and peace of Easter. If we are united with Him in His suffering, we will be “…united with Him in the resurrection.” (Rom. 6:5)

The gift of our Catholic Faith can give us the Grace and strength to persevere in times of trial and accompany one another on the journey. I am grateful for the ministry of the St. Dymphna and Our Lady of Hope Society, and I am glad that they reminded me that the Feast of St. Dymphna was drawing near. As I mentioned above, I was amazed to learn more about the story of St. Dymphna’s life and death, but I was also amazed to learn of the impact that she has had and continues to have on the town of Geel in Belgium. I encourage you to read the full article, quoted above from “ncronline.” I also want to give credit and offer thanks to the Hallow app, because it was a link to the Hallow app’s webpage on St. Dymphna that led me to the “ncronline” article.

We believe that God “works in mysterious ways.” Let us continue to pray for all those who suffer, especially those suffering with mental illness, as we ask the intercession of our Lady of Hope and of St. Dympna, knowing that our Risen Lord can give us the gifts of His healing and peace. St. Dymphna, patroness of those who suffer mental affliction, pray for us. St. Dymphna, beloved child of Jesus and Mary, pray for us.

 

– “The slain Dymphna was heavily mourned, respectfully buried, and long remembered in the Geel community, both for her stoic demise and for her generosity in building a hospice. After a long period of being venerated, she was canonized in 1247…” Inspired by Dymphna, Belgium town welcomes mentally ill BISHOP KEVIN J. SWEENEY Our Catholic Faith, especially the stories and impact of the lives of the saints, never ceases to amaze me! Last October, in the place of my weekly column, I introduced the presentation of a “new ministry resource,” a group that was being formed in our diocese called the

Read More
With Swalwell Resigning, Just 534 Perverts Left In Congress #BabylonBee – WASHINGTON, D.C. — With the sudden resignation of California Representative Eric Swalwell over sexual assault charges, analysts speculated that there were now just 534 perverts remaining in the United States Congress.
Read More

With Swalwell Resigning, Just 534 Perverts Left In Congress #BabylonBee – WASHINGTON, D.C. — With the sudden resignation of California Representative Eric Swalwell over sexual assault charges, analysts speculated that there were now just 534 perverts remaining in the United States Congress.

unitedyam

WASHINGTON, D.C. — With the sudden resignation of California Representative Eric Swalwell over sexual assault charges, analysts speculated that there were now just 534 perverts remaining in the United States Congress.

Read More
Obituary: Deacon Charles ‘Chuck’ Mathias, 92 #Catholic – A Mass of Christian Burial will be held April 16 at Holy Spirit Church in Avon Lake, Ohio, for Deacon Charles “Chuck” Thomas Mathias, a former permanent deacon of the Paterson Diocese in New Jersey, who died on April 11. He was 92. Deacon Mathias was ordained a permanent deacon of the Paterson Diocese in 1995 and served St. Kateri Tekakwitha Parish in Sparta, N.J. for 23 years. He belonged to Knights of Columbus and was a former Grand Knight of the Columbus Marquette Council 588 in Sparta. He also served as a chaplain in Sussex County in New Jersey. In 2018, Deacon Mathias moved to Ohio to be closer to family and was incardinated in Cleveland, Ohio that year. He was a member of the Holy Name Society in Cleveland. Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter. Deacon Mathias was born to the late Charles and Esther Mathias in Dover, Ohio, in 1934. He graduated St. Joseph Catholic High School in 1951. He continued his education at John Carroll University and Western Reserve Law School, where he earned a juris doctorate in 1958. In 1956 in Ohio, Deacon Mathias married his wife, Mary Jo, whom he met during their college years. They remained married for more than 69 years. They lived in Lakewood, Ohio; Cleveland; Novi, Mich.; Byram, N.J. where they spent 35 years; and finally in Sheffield Village in Ohio. Deacon Mathias was an attorney and retired from Allied Signal as risk manager in Morristown, N.J. He was a published poet and a member of the Wellington Writers Guild. He also was a member of the Sussex County Harmonizers. Deacon Mathias is survived by his wife Mary Jo Mathias (nee Spoerl); their daughter, Debra DiCillo (James); their grandchildren, David Charles McFeeture and Ryan Joseph Munro (Diana); their great-grandchildren, Elexis Macy (Nathan) and Miles Munro; and their great-great-granddaughter, Mia Macy. He was predeceased by their daughter, Amy Joan Mathias, and their granddaughter, Elissa Spence (Rick). Please mail condolences to Mrs. Mary Jo Mathias, 5435 Barkwood Dr., Sheffield Village, OH 44054 or email her at maryjmathias18@gmail.com
Read More

Obituary: Deacon Charles ‘Chuck’ Mathias, 92 #Catholic – A Mass of Christian Burial will be held April 16 at Holy Spirit Church in Avon Lake, Ohio, for Deacon Charles “Chuck” Thomas Mathias, a former permanent deacon of the Paterson Diocese in New Jersey, who died on April 11. He was 92. Deacon Mathias was ordained a permanent deacon of the Paterson Diocese in 1995 and served St. Kateri Tekakwitha Parish in Sparta, N.J. for 23 years. He belonged to Knights of Columbus and was a former Grand Knight of the Columbus Marquette Council 588 in Sparta. He also served as a chaplain in Sussex County in New Jersey. In 2018, Deacon Mathias moved to Ohio to be closer to family and was incardinated in Cleveland, Ohio that year. He was a member of the Holy Name Society in Cleveland. Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter. Deacon Mathias was born to the late Charles and Esther Mathias in Dover, Ohio, in 1934. He graduated St. Joseph Catholic High School in 1951. He continued his education at John Carroll University and Western Reserve Law School, where he earned a juris doctorate in 1958. In 1956 in Ohio, Deacon Mathias married his wife, Mary Jo, whom he met during their college years. They remained married for more than 69 years. They lived in Lakewood, Ohio; Cleveland; Novi, Mich.; Byram, N.J. where they spent 35 years; and finally in Sheffield Village in Ohio. Deacon Mathias was an attorney and retired from Allied Signal as risk manager in Morristown, N.J. He was a published poet and a member of the Wellington Writers Guild. He also was a member of the Sussex County Harmonizers. Deacon Mathias is survived by his wife Mary Jo Mathias (nee Spoerl); their daughter, Debra DiCillo (James); their grandchildren, David Charles McFeeture and Ryan Joseph Munro (Diana); their great-grandchildren, Elexis Macy (Nathan) and Miles Munro; and their great-great-granddaughter, Mia Macy. He was predeceased by their daughter, Amy Joan Mathias, and their granddaughter, Elissa Spence (Rick). Please mail condolences to Mrs. Mary Jo Mathias, 5435 Barkwood Dr., Sheffield Village, OH 44054 or email her at maryjmathias18@gmail.com

unitedyam

Obituary: Deacon Charles ‘Chuck’ Mathias, 92 #Catholic –

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held April 16 at Holy Spirit Church in Avon Lake, Ohio, for Deacon Charles “Chuck” Thomas Mathias, a former permanent deacon of the Paterson Diocese in New Jersey, who died on April 11. He was 92.

Deacon Mathias was ordained a permanent deacon of the Paterson Diocese in 1995 and served St. Kateri Tekakwitha Parish in Sparta, N.J. for 23 years. He belonged to Knights of Columbus and was a former Grand Knight of the Columbus Marquette Council 588 in Sparta. He also served as a chaplain in Sussex County in New Jersey.

In 2018, Deacon Mathias moved to Ohio to be closer to family and was incardinated in Cleveland, Ohio that year. He was a member of the Holy Name Society in Cleveland.

Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.

Deacon Mathias was born to the late Charles and Esther Mathias in Dover, Ohio, in 1934. He graduated St. Joseph Catholic High School in 1951. He continued his education at John Carroll University and Western Reserve Law School, where he earned a juris doctorate in 1958.

In 1956 in Ohio, Deacon Mathias married his wife, Mary Jo, whom he met during their college years. They remained married for more than 69 years. They lived in Lakewood, Ohio; Cleveland; Novi, Mich.; Byram, N.J. where they spent 35 years; and finally in Sheffield Village in Ohio.

Deacon Mathias was an attorney and retired from Allied Signal as risk manager in Morristown, N.J. He was a published poet and a member of the Wellington Writers Guild. He also was a member of the Sussex County Harmonizers.

Deacon Mathias is survived by his wife Mary Jo Mathias (nee Spoerl); their daughter, Debra DiCillo (James); their grandchildren, David Charles McFeeture and Ryan Joseph Munro (Diana); their great-grandchildren, Elexis Macy (Nathan) and Miles Munro; and their great-great-granddaughter, Mia Macy. He was predeceased by their daughter, Amy Joan Mathias, and their granddaughter, Elissa Spence (Rick).

Please mail condolences to Mrs. Mary Jo Mathias, 5435 Barkwood Dr., Sheffield Village, OH 44054 or email her at maryjmathias18@gmail.com

– A Mass of Christian Burial will be held April 16 at Holy Spirit Church in Avon Lake, Ohio, for Deacon Charles “Chuck” Thomas Mathias, a former permanent deacon of the Paterson Diocese in New Jersey, who died on April 11. He was 92. Deacon Mathias was ordained a permanent deacon of the Paterson Diocese in 1995 and served St. Kateri Tekakwitha Parish in Sparta, N.J. for 23 years. He belonged to Knights of Columbus and was a former Grand Knight of the Columbus Marquette Council 588 in Sparta. He also served as a chaplain in Sussex County in New Jersey.

Read More

Gospel and Word of the Day – 15 April 2026 – A reading from the Book of the Acts of the Apostles Acts 5:17-26 The high priest rose up and all his companions, that is, the party of the Sadducees, and, filled with jealousy, laid hands upon the Apostles and put them in the public jail. But during the night, the angel of the Lord opened the doors of the prison, led them out, and said, "Go and take your place in the temple area, and tell the people everything about this life." When they heard this, they went to the temple early in the morning and taught. When the high priest and his companions arrived, they convened the Sanhedrin, the full senate of the children of Israel, and sent to the jail to have them brought in. But the court officers who went did not find them in the prison, so they came back and reported, "We found the jail securely locked and the guards stationed outside the doors, but when we opened them, we found no one inside." When the captain of the temple guard and the chief priests heard this report, they were at a loss about them, as to what this would come to. Then someone came in and reported to them, "The men whom you put in prison are in the temple area and are teaching the people." Then the captain and the court officers went and brought them, but without force, because they were afraid of being stoned by the people.From the Gospel according to John 3:16-21 God so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him will not be condemned, but whoever does not believe has already been condemned, because he has not believed in the name of the only-begotten Son of God. And this is the verdict, that the light came into the world, but people preferred darkness to light, because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come toward the light, so that his works might not be exposed. But whoever lives the truth comes to the light, so that his works may be clearly seen as done in God.“God so loved the world that he gave his Only-Begotten Son”. This is one of the central verses of the Gospel. The subject is God the Father, origin of the whole creating and redeeming mystery. The verbs “to love” and “to give” indicate a decisive and definitive act that expresses the radicalism with which God approached man in love, even to the total gift, crossing the threshold of our ultimate solitude, throwing himself into the abyss of our extreme abandonment, going beyond the door of death. The object and beneficiary of divine love is the world, namely, humanity. It is a word that erases completely the idea of a distant God alien to man’s journey and reveals, rather, his true face. He gave us his Son out of love, to be the near God, to make us feel his presence, to come to meet us and carry us in his love so that the whole of life might be enlivened by this divine love. The Son of man did not come to be served, but to serve and to give life. God does not domineer but loves without measure. He does not express his omnipotence in punishment, but in mercy and in forgiveness. Understanding all this means entering into the mystery of salvation. Jesus came to save, not to condemn; with the sacrifice of the Cross he reveals the loving face of God. (Pope Benedict XVI, Homily, 4 November 2010)

unitedyam

A reading from the Book of the Acts of the Apostles
Acts 5:17-26

The high priest rose up and all his companions,
that is, the party of the Sadducees,
and, filled with jealousy,
laid hands upon the Apostles and put them in the public jail.
But during the night, the angel of the Lord opened the doors of the prison,
led them out, and said,
"Go and take your place in the temple area,
and tell the people everything about this life."
When they heard this,
they went to the temple early in the morning and taught.
When the high priest and his companions arrived,
they convened the Sanhedrin,
the full senate of the children of Israel,
and sent to the jail to have them brought in.
But the court officers who went did not find them in the prison,
so they came back and reported,
"We found the jail securely locked
and the guards stationed outside the doors,
but when we opened them, we found no one inside."
When the captain of the temple guard and the chief priests heard this report,
they were at a loss about them,
as to what this would come to.
Then someone came in and reported to them,
"The men whom you put in prison are in the temple area
and are teaching the people."
Then the captain and the court officers went and brought them,
but without force,
because they were afraid of being stoned by the people.

From the Gospel according to John
3:16-21

God so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten Son,
so that everyone who believes in him might not perish
but might have eternal life.
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world,
but that the world might be saved through him.
Whoever believes in him will not be condemned,
but whoever does not believe has already been condemned,
because he has not believed in the name of the only-begotten Son of God.
And this is the verdict,
that the light came into the world,
but people preferred darkness to light,
because their works were evil.
For everyone who does wicked things hates the light
and does not come toward the light,
so that his works might not be exposed.
But whoever lives the truth comes to the light,
so that his works may be clearly seen as done in God.

“God so loved the world that he gave his Only-Begotten Son”. This is one of the central verses of the Gospel. The subject is God the Father, origin of the whole creating and redeeming mystery. The verbs “to love” and “to give” indicate a decisive and definitive act that expresses the radicalism with which God approached man in love, even to the total gift, crossing the threshold of our ultimate solitude, throwing himself into the abyss of our extreme abandonment, going beyond the door of death. The object and beneficiary of divine love is the world, namely, humanity. It is a word that erases completely the idea of a distant God alien to man’s journey and reveals, rather, his true face. He gave us his Son out of love, to be the near God, to make us feel his presence, to come to meet us and carry us in his love so that the whole of life might be enlivened by this divine love. The Son of man did not come to be served, but to serve and to give life. God does not domineer but loves without measure. He does not express his omnipotence in punishment, but in mercy and in forgiveness. Understanding all this means entering into the mystery of salvation. Jesus came to save, not to condemn; with the sacrifice of the Cross he reveals the loving face of God. (Pope Benedict XVI, Homily, 4 November 2010)

Read More
Traveling exhibit tells how serving others transforms Catholic Charities workers – #Catholic – The traveling “People of Hope Museum” by Catholic Charities USA is sharing the transformative power of Christian service in a sprawling tour across the country.Catholic Charities announced the 2026-2027 tour in April 2025 after it received a million grant from the Lilly Endowment as part of its Christian Storytelling Initiative.When considering what stories the charitable organization would like to tell, Catholic Charities USA Vice President for Communications Kevin Brennan told “EWTN News Nightly” on April 10: “Ultimately, it was the story of the people, the men and women of the Catholic Charities network, staff, and volunteers, and the profound and merciful service work that they perform day in and day out.”The purpose, he said, is “to tell the story through their perspective, which is a bit of a change from how we would normally do it, and to show the rest of us around the country the profound impact this service has not only on the one being served but on the person doing the service.”The exhibit, housed in a retrofitted tractor-trailer, contains 42 stories from Catholic Charities staff serving around the country, each “telling the story of the one person or one family whom they have served through their work who had the most profound impact on them,” Brennan said.“The stories call the rest of us who experience the museum to act in kind, to find ways in ways big and small, to help our neighbors and to serve as the Gospel calls us to,” he said.The museum also has a “poverty simulator,” according to Brennan, where participants take on the persona of someone “living on the margins” and “experience the types of decisions they make.”The experience, Brennan said, helps participants to grow in “understanding and empathy” for those living in poverty.In addition, the museum has an interactive data wall on poverty and other challenges facing Americans across the country as well as a learning library and recording booth to record reactions to the museum “and talk about those who give you hope in your life.”The museum will travel through 21 states, from Texas to Ohio and from Maine to Florida, mostly in the eastern half of the United States, by December.“Weʼre going to be all over the country for the next two and a half years,” Brennan said, noting the schedule for 2026 is available to view while dates for 2027 will be announced soon.
Read More

Traveling exhibit tells how serving others transforms Catholic Charities workers – #Catholic – The traveling “People of Hope Museum” by Catholic Charities USA is sharing the transformative power of Christian service in a sprawling tour across the country.Catholic Charities announced the 2026-2027 tour in April 2025 after it received a $5 million grant from the Lilly Endowment as part of its Christian Storytelling Initiative.When considering what stories the charitable organization would like to tell, Catholic Charities USA Vice President for Communications Kevin Brennan told “EWTN News Nightly” on April 10: “Ultimately, it was the story of the people, the men and women of the Catholic Charities network, staff, and volunteers, and the profound and merciful service work that they perform day in and day out.”The purpose, he said, is “to tell the story through their perspective, which is a bit of a change from how we would normally do it, and to show the rest of us around the country the profound impact this service has not only on the one being served but on the person doing the service.”The exhibit, housed in a retrofitted tractor-trailer, contains 42 stories from Catholic Charities staff serving around the country, each “telling the story of the one person or one family whom they have served through their work who had the most profound impact on them,” Brennan said.“The stories call the rest of us who experience the museum to act in kind, to find ways in ways big and small, to help our neighbors and to serve as the Gospel calls us to,” he said.The museum also has a “poverty simulator,” according to Brennan, where participants take on the persona of someone “living on the margins” and “experience the types of decisions they make.”The experience, Brennan said, helps participants to grow in “understanding and empathy” for those living in poverty.In addition, the museum has an interactive data wall on poverty and other challenges facing Americans across the country as well as a learning library and recording booth to record reactions to the museum “and talk about those who give you hope in your life.”The museum will travel through 21 states, from Texas to Ohio and from Maine to Florida, mostly in the eastern half of the United States, by December.“Weʼre going to be all over the country for the next two and a half years,” Brennan said, noting the schedule for 2026 is available to view while dates for 2027 will be announced soon.

unitedyam

The People of Hope Museum offers personal stories of Catholic Charities workers, an immersive poverty‑simulation experience, and interactive data displays.

Read More
The Unholy Alliance? — Hal Lambert Raises Alarming Questions After Obama Strategist David Axelrod Spotted at Vatican as ‘American’ Pope Leo XIV Launches Attacks on President Trump – Is this coincidence or coordination? The post The Unholy Alliance? — Hal Lambert Raises Alarming Questions After Obama Strategist David Axelrod Spotted at Vatican as ‘American’ Pope Leo XIV Launches Attacks on President Trump appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.
Read More

The Unholy Alliance? — Hal Lambert Raises Alarming Questions After Obama Strategist David Axelrod Spotted at Vatican as ‘American’ Pope Leo XIV Launches Attacks on President Trump – Is this coincidence or coordination? The post The Unholy Alliance? — Hal Lambert Raises Alarming Questions After Obama Strategist David Axelrod Spotted at Vatican as ‘American’ Pope Leo XIV Launches Attacks on President Trump appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.

unitedyam

CNN hosts discuss the Pope's comments on the Trump administration during a live news segment.

CNN hosts discuss the Pope's comments on the Trump administration during a live news segment.

Is this coincidence or coordination?

The post The Unholy Alliance? — Hal Lambert Raises Alarming Questions After Obama Strategist David Axelrod Spotted at Vatican as ‘American’ Pope Leo XIV Launches Attacks on President Trump appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.

Read More
Application Denied: Another Dive into the Failures of Military Bureaucracy and COVID-19 Mandate Relief – On September 23, 2021, an active-duty Air Force officer who has served for 18 years submitted a request for a religious accommodation for the COVID-19 shot mandate. The post Application Denied: Another Dive into the Failures of Military Bureaucracy and COVID-19 Mandate Relief appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.
Read More

Application Denied: Another Dive into the Failures of Military Bureaucracy and COVID-19 Mandate Relief – On September 23, 2021, an active-duty Air Force officer who has served for 18 years submitted a request for a religious accommodation for the COVID-19 shot mandate. The post Application Denied: Another Dive into the Failures of Military Bureaucracy and COVID-19 Mandate Relief appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.

unitedyam

F

F

On September 23, 2021, an active-duty Air Force officer who has served for 18 years submitted a request for a religious accommodation for the COVID-19 shot mandate.

The post Application Denied: Another Dive into the Failures of Military Bureaucracy and COVID-19 Mandate Relief appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.

Read More
Trump Calls British Labour Government ‘Crazy’ for Banning North Sea Oil Exploration – Trump further called on the UK to ‘get rid of windmills.’ By now, no one is surprised that US President Donald J. The post Trump Calls British Labour Government ‘Crazy’ for Banning North Sea Oil Exploration appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.
Read More

Trump Calls British Labour Government ‘Crazy’ for Banning North Sea Oil Exploration – Trump further called on the UK to ‘get rid of windmills.’ By now, no one is surprised that US President Donald J. The post Trump Calls British Labour Government ‘Crazy’ for Banning North Sea Oil Exploration appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.

unitedyam

Two men stand in front of an offshore oil rig, highlighting the intersection of politics and energy production.

Two men stand in front of an offshore oil rig, highlighting the intersection of politics and energy production.

Trump further called on the UK to ‘get rid of windmills.’ By now, no one is surprised that US President Donald J.

The post Trump Calls British Labour Government ‘Crazy’ for Banning North Sea Oil Exploration appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.

Read More
PHOTOS: Pope Leo XIV visits Algeria during his first papal trip to Africa – #Catholic – Pope Leo XIV toured several major religious sites in Algeria on April 13 and 14, visiting with the local Catholic community and meeting with Islamic dignitaries during the first leg of his papal trip to Africa. The Holy Father is scheduled to continue his visit with trips to Angola, Equatorial Guinea, and Cameroon on his first apostolic journey to the continent lasting April 13–23.Here is a look at the popeʼs time in Algeria in photos: Pope Leo XIV arrives at El Mouradia Presidential Palace in Algiers, Algeria, Monday, April 13, 2026. | Credit: Vatican Media Pope Leo XIV shakes hands with Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune at the Presidential Palace in Algiers, Monday, April 13, 2026. | Credit: Vatican Media Pope Leo XIV stands with Rector Mohamed Mamoun Al Qasimi at the Great Mosque in Algiers, Monday, April 13, 2026. | Credit: Vatican Media Pope Leo XIV stands with Rector Mohamed Mamoun Al Qasimi and others at the Great Mosque in Algiers, Monday, April 13, 2026. | Credit: Vatican Media Pope Leo XIV stands with guests at the Great Mosque of Algiers, Monday, April 13, 2026. | Credit: Vatican Media Pope Leo XIV visits a monument to those who perished at sea at the Basilica of Our Lady of Africa in Algiers, Algeria, Monday, April 13, 2026. | Credit: Vatican Media Pope Leo XIV greets young Catholics at the Basilica of Our Lady of Africa in Algiers, Algeria, Monday, April 13, 2026. | Credit: Vatican Media Pope Leo XIV greets a member of the Algerian Catholic community at the Basilica of Our Lady of Africa in Algiers, Algeria, Monday, April 13, 2026. | Credit: Vatican Media Pope Leo XIV speaks at the Basilica of Our Lady of Africa in Algiers, Algeria, Monday, April 13, 2026. | Credit: Vatican Media Pope Leo XIV meets with members of the Augustinian Missionary Sisters’ Center for Hospitality and Friendship near Algiers, Algeria, Monday, April 13, 2026. | Credit: Vatican Media Pope Leo XIV prays at the Augustinian Missionary Sisters’ Center for Hospitality and Friendship near Algiers, Algeria, Monday, April 13, 2026. | Credit: Vatican Media Pope Leo XIV visits the historic archeological site of Hippo in modern-day Annaba, Algeria, Tuesday, April 14, 2026. | Credit: Vatican Media Pope Leo XIV visits with residents of a care home for the elderly in Annaba, Algeria, Tuesday, April 14, 2026. | Credit: Vatican Media Pope Leo XIV says Mass at the Basilica of St. Augustine in Annaba, Algeria, Tuesday, April 14, 2026. | Credit: Vatican Media Pope Leo XIV receives a painting at the Basilica of St. Augustine in Annaba, Algeria, Tuesday, April 14, 2026. | Credit: Vatican Media
Read More

PHOTOS: Pope Leo XIV visits Algeria during his first papal trip to Africa – #Catholic – Pope Leo XIV toured several major religious sites in Algeria on April 13 and 14, visiting with the local Catholic community and meeting with Islamic dignitaries during the first leg of his papal trip to Africa. The Holy Father is scheduled to continue his visit with trips to Angola, Equatorial Guinea, and Cameroon on his first apostolic journey to the continent lasting April 13–23.Here is a look at the popeʼs time in Algeria in photos: Pope Leo XIV arrives at El Mouradia Presidential Palace in Algiers, Algeria, Monday, April 13, 2026. | Credit: Vatican Media Pope Leo XIV shakes hands with Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune at the Presidential Palace in Algiers, Monday, April 13, 2026. | Credit: Vatican Media Pope Leo XIV stands with Rector Mohamed Mamoun Al Qasimi at the Great Mosque in Algiers, Monday, April 13, 2026. | Credit: Vatican Media Pope Leo XIV stands with Rector Mohamed Mamoun Al Qasimi and others at the Great Mosque in Algiers, Monday, April 13, 2026. | Credit: Vatican Media Pope Leo XIV stands with guests at the Great Mosque of Algiers, Monday, April 13, 2026. | Credit: Vatican Media Pope Leo XIV visits a monument to those who perished at sea at the Basilica of Our Lady of Africa in Algiers, Algeria, Monday, April 13, 2026. | Credit: Vatican Media Pope Leo XIV greets young Catholics at the Basilica of Our Lady of Africa in Algiers, Algeria, Monday, April 13, 2026. | Credit: Vatican Media Pope Leo XIV greets a member of the Algerian Catholic community at the Basilica of Our Lady of Africa in Algiers, Algeria, Monday, April 13, 2026. | Credit: Vatican Media Pope Leo XIV speaks at the Basilica of Our Lady of Africa in Algiers, Algeria, Monday, April 13, 2026. | Credit: Vatican Media Pope Leo XIV meets with members of the Augustinian Missionary Sisters’ Center for Hospitality and Friendship near Algiers, Algeria, Monday, April 13, 2026. | Credit: Vatican Media Pope Leo XIV prays at the Augustinian Missionary Sisters’ Center for Hospitality and Friendship near Algiers, Algeria, Monday, April 13, 2026. | Credit: Vatican Media Pope Leo XIV visits the historic archeological site of Hippo in modern-day Annaba, Algeria, Tuesday, April 14, 2026. | Credit: Vatican Media Pope Leo XIV visits with residents of a care home for the elderly in Annaba, Algeria, Tuesday, April 14, 2026. | Credit: Vatican Media Pope Leo XIV says Mass at the Basilica of St. Augustine in Annaba, Algeria, Tuesday, April 14, 2026. | Credit: Vatican Media Pope Leo XIV receives a painting at the Basilica of St. Augustine in Annaba, Algeria, Tuesday, April 14, 2026. | Credit: Vatican Media

unitedyam

The Holy Father is scheduled to visit four African countries throughout mid-April.

Read More
Catholic father whose home was raided at gunpoint wins 7-figure settlement from U.S. government – #Catholic – Nearly four years after the home of Catholic father of seven and pro-life activist Mark Houck was arrested at gunpoint, he and his wife won a settlement of more than million from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ).The Houck home, located in rural eastern Pennsylvania, was raided by 20 armed federal agents in the early hours of the morning on Sept. 23, 2022. Houck was arrested in front of his family and interrogated for six hours.Houck and his wife, Ryan-Marie, sued the DOJ and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in November 2023 after Houck was acquitted in January of that same year of the incident that prompted the raid. While praying at a Planned Parenthood facility in October 2021, Houck had defended his 12-year-old son during an altercation with an aggressive, elderly Planned Parenthood volunteer.Upon his arrest, Houck was charged with alleged violations of the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act, a 1994 federal law that protects access to abortion services and places of worship. If convicted, Houck faced up to 11 years in federal prison and up to 0,000 in fines. Under the Biden administration, many pro-life activists were charged with violating the FACE Act in what the Justice Department now claims was a weaponization of the law.In the lawsuit, the Houcks alleged that they and their children suffered post-traumatic stress, economic loss, and loss of reputation after the event. They also said their children suffered from intense anxiety, constant fear of losing their parents, and inability to sleep, and that the stress from the trial led Ryan-Marie to have three miscarriages and receive an infertility diagnosis. After being acquitted of federal charges by a jury in Philadelphia on Monday, Jan. 30, 2023, Mark Houck embraces and kisses his wife, Ryan-Marie Houck. Also with Houck are his son Mark Houck Jr., 14, and his daughter, Ava Houck, 12. | Credit: Joe Bukuras/EWTN News ‘Huge victory for free speech'Two organizations involved in the case are celebrating the victory as a win for the pro-life movement and for freedom of speech.40 Days for Life President Shawn Carney called the win a “huge legal victory for free speech, not just for pro-life Americans,” in a video statement.“Itʼs a huge victory for all Americans who want our right to speak our minds peacefully in a law-abiding way without fear of our own government,” Carney said.Peter Breen, Thomas More Society executive vice president and head of litigation, said the organization was “thrilled with the outcome.”“The Biden Department of Justice’s intimidation against pro-life people and people of faith has been put in its place,” Breen said.“We took on Goliath — the full might of the United States government — and won,” Breen said. “The jury saw through and rejected the prosecution’s discriminatory case, which was harassment from Day 1. This is a win for Mark and the entire pro-life movement.”Carney said the victory was a “long shot.”“They have a 98% conviction rate at the DOJ, so heʼs part of the 2% that got acquitted,” Carney said. “And then to go on offense and to say, weʼre not going to stand for this from our government, and to sue them, and for them to settle and win is a huge, huge victory.”Carney said that, as pro-lifers, “we got so much persecution from the DOJ under Biden, and President Trump has corrected that.”“It has been absolutely night and day. Under Biden, at one point, we were getting one to two inquiries from the FBI per week at different 40 Days for Life locations,” Carney said. “This is absolutely ridiculous, and that has stopped, and we have been victorious in our lawsuit against the DOJ.”“So, be not afraid, go out, peacefully pray to end abortion,” Carney concluded.
Read More

Catholic father whose home was raided at gunpoint wins 7-figure settlement from U.S. government – #Catholic – Nearly four years after the home of Catholic father of seven and pro-life activist Mark Houck was arrested at gunpoint, he and his wife won a settlement of more than $1 million from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ).The Houck home, located in rural eastern Pennsylvania, was raided by 20 armed federal agents in the early hours of the morning on Sept. 23, 2022. Houck was arrested in front of his family and interrogated for six hours.Houck and his wife, Ryan-Marie, sued the DOJ and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in November 2023 after Houck was acquitted in January of that same year of the incident that prompted the raid. While praying at a Planned Parenthood facility in October 2021, Houck had defended his 12-year-old son during an altercation with an aggressive, elderly Planned Parenthood volunteer.Upon his arrest, Houck was charged with alleged violations of the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act, a 1994 federal law that protects access to abortion services and places of worship. If convicted, Houck faced up to 11 years in federal prison and up to $350,000 in fines. Under the Biden administration, many pro-life activists were charged with violating the FACE Act in what the Justice Department now claims was a weaponization of the law.In the lawsuit, the Houcks alleged that they and their children suffered post-traumatic stress, economic loss, and loss of reputation after the event. They also said their children suffered from intense anxiety, constant fear of losing their parents, and inability to sleep, and that the stress from the trial led Ryan-Marie to have three miscarriages and receive an infertility diagnosis. After being acquitted of federal charges by a jury in Philadelphia on Monday, Jan. 30, 2023, Mark Houck embraces and kisses his wife, Ryan-Marie Houck. Also with Houck are his son Mark Houck Jr., 14, and his daughter, Ava Houck, 12. | Credit: Joe Bukuras/EWTN News ‘Huge victory for free speech'Two organizations involved in the case are celebrating the victory as a win for the pro-life movement and for freedom of speech.40 Days for Life President Shawn Carney called the win a “huge legal victory for free speech, not just for pro-life Americans,” in a video statement.“Itʼs a huge victory for all Americans who want our right to speak our minds peacefully in a law-abiding way without fear of our own government,” Carney said.Peter Breen, Thomas More Society executive vice president and head of litigation, said the organization was “thrilled with the outcome.”“The Biden Department of Justice’s intimidation against pro-life people and people of faith has been put in its place,” Breen said.“We took on Goliath — the full might of the United States government — and won,” Breen said. “The jury saw through and rejected the prosecution’s discriminatory case, which was harassment from Day 1. This is a win for Mark and the entire pro-life movement.”Carney said the victory was a “long shot.”“They have a 98% conviction rate at the DOJ, so heʼs part of the 2% that got acquitted,” Carney said. “And then to go on offense and to say, weʼre not going to stand for this from our government, and to sue them, and for them to settle and win is a huge, huge victory.”Carney said that, as pro-lifers, “we got so much persecution from the DOJ under Biden, and President Trump has corrected that.”“It has been absolutely night and day. Under Biden, at one point, we were getting one to two inquiries from the FBI per week at different 40 Days for Life locations,” Carney said. “This is absolutely ridiculous, and that has stopped, and we have been victorious in our lawsuit against the DOJ.”“So, be not afraid, go out, peacefully pray to end abortion,” Carney concluded.

unitedyam

Pro-lifers call the win “a huge victory for all Americans who want our right to speak our minds peacefully in a law-abiding way without fear of our own government.”

Read More

A palace on the Moon

unitedyam

The lunar eclipse of Sept. 7/8, 2025, was not favorable to observers in the Americas or Europe, but was well-placed for viewers in Asia. Tianyao Yang took the opportunity to capture the silhouette of the Chinese space station Tiangong (or “heavenly palace”) as it crossed the Moon during the eclipse. The International Space Station hasContinue reading “A palace on the Moon”

The post A palace on the Moon appeared first on Astronomy Magazine.

Read More
Pope Leo XIV in Algeria: Where there is conflict the Church brings reconciliation #Catholic ANNABA, Algeria — Pope Leo XIV concluded his visit to the land of St. Augustine by celebrating Mass at the Basilica of St. Augustine in Annaba, where he said the Church is continually reborn when it brings hope to the despairing, dignity to the poor, and reconciliation where there is conflict.The basilica, dedicated to the bishop of ancient Hippo, was built between 1881 and 1907 at the initiative of Algiers Archbishop Charles-Martial-Allemand Lavigerie and was elevated to the rank of minor basilica on April 24, 1914, by Pope Pius X. Restoration work was completed in 2013, with support that included a personal donation from Pope Benedict XVI.In his homily, the pope reflected on the Gospel account of Jesus’ nighttime encounter with Nicodemus, presenting it as a summons to renewal for the whole Church and especially for Algeria’s Christian community.“Today we listen to the Gospel, the good news for all time, in this basilica in Annaba dedicated to St. Augustine, bishop of the ancient city of Hippo,” the pope said. “Over the centuries, the names of the places that welcome us have changed, but the saints continue to serve as our patrons and faithful witnesses of a connection to the land that comes from heaven.”Leo said Jesus’ words to Nicodemus — “You must be born from above” — are not a burden but an invitation to freedom and new life in God.“Such is the invitation for every man and woman who seeks salvation!” he said. “Jesus’ invitation gives rise to the mission of the whole Church, and consequently to the Christian community in Algeria: to be born again from above, that is, from God. In this perspective, faith overcomes earthly hardships and the Lord’s grace makes the desert blossom.”The pope acknowledged that Christ’s command can sound impossible at first but said it reveals God’s power to renew human life.“On the contrary, the obligation expressed by Jesus is a gift of freedom for us, because it reveals an unexpected possibility: We can be born anew from above thanks to God,” Leo said. “We should do so, then, according to his loving will, which desires to renew humanity by calling us to a communion of life that begins with faith. While Christ invites us to renew our lives completely, he also gives us the strength to do so.”He then asked whether life can truly begin again and answered with hope rooted in the cross and Resurrection.“Yes! The Lord’s response, so full of love, fills our hearts with hope,” the pope said. “No matter how weighed down we are by pain or sin: The crucified One carries all these burdens with us and for us. No matter how discouraged we are by our own weaknesses: It is precisely then that God manifests his strength, the God who has raised Christ from the dead in order to give life to the world.”“Each one of us can experience the freedom of new life that comes from faith in the Redeemer,” he added. “Once again, St. Augustine offers us an example of this: We revere him for his conversion even more than for his wisdom.”Turning to the Acts of the Apostles, Leo said the life of the early Church remains the model for genuine ecclesial reform.“Even today, we must embrace this apostolic rule and put it into practice, meditating on it as an authentic criterion for ecclesial reform: a reform that must begin in the heart, if it is to be genuine, and must encompass everyone if it is to be effective,” he said.The pope said the first Christian community was not founded on a merely human agreement but on communion in Christ.“The early Church, therefore, was not based on a social contract but rather on the harmony of faith, affections, ideas, and life decisions centered on the love of God who became man to save all the peoples of the earth,” he said.That unity, he said, must bear fruit in charity, especially amid poverty and oppression.“Therefore, in the face of poverty and oppression, the guiding principle above all for Christians is charity: Let us do to those around us, as we would have them do to us,” Leo said. “Inspired by this law, inscribed in our hearts by God, the Church is continually reborn, for where there is despair she kindles hope, where there is misery she brings dignity, and where there is conflict she brings reconciliation.”Addressing bishops and priests, the pope said pastors are called above all to bear witness to God without fear or compromise.“The primary task of pastors as ministers of the Gospel is therefore to bear witness to God before the world with one heart and one soul, not permitting our concerns to lead us astray through fear, nor trends to undermine us through compromise,” he said.“Together with you, brothers in the episcopate and the priesthood, let us constantly renew this mission for the sake of those entrusted to us, so that through her service, the whole Church may be a message of new life for those we encounter,” he added.In his closing appeal, Leo addressed Algeria’s Christians directly, praising their fidelity and urging them to continue witnessing to the Gospel in ordinary life.“Dearest Christians of Algeria, you remain a humble and faithful sign of Christ’s love in this land,” he said. “Bear witness to the Gospel through simple gestures, genuine relationships, and a dialogue lived out day by day: In this way, you bring flavor and light to the places where you live.”He also praised their perseverance through hardship and invoked the example of the martyrs and of St. Augustine.“Your history is one of generous hospitality and resilience in times of trial,” the pope said. “Here the martyrs prayed; here St. Augustine loved his flock, fervently seeking the truth and serving Christ with ardent faith. Be heirs to this tradition, bearing witness through fraternal charity to the freedom of those born from above as a hope of salvation for the world.”Several cardinals concelebrated the Mass with the pope, including Cardinal Jean-Paul Vesco, archbishop of Algiers; Cardinal Cristóbal López Romero, archbishop of Rabat; and curial cardinals Pietro Parolin, George Koovakad, Luis Antonio Tagle, Peter Turkson, and Robert Sarah. Also among the concelebrants were Archbishop Paul Gallagher and Father Joseph Farrell, prior general of the Augustinians.Before the Mass, the pope visited the Augustinian community house and later had lunch with his confreres.At the end of the celebration, Bishop Michel Jean-Paul Guillaud of Constantine offered words of thanks to the pope.“Holy Father, your visit to this place, a source of your Augustinian roots, was brief, but it was an encouragement for us,” Guillaud said. “First of all, it strengthened our Christian community in its faith and in its trust in the goodwill and respect of the Algerian people. We could not have welcomed you without the support and active collaboration of the authorities and the joyful hospitality of our Algerian brothers and sisters.”The exchange of gifts followed: The pope received a ceramic work made by an Algerian artist, and he in turn gave a chalice.Leo then offered brief words of thanks of his own.“This journey has been for me a particular gift of God’s providence, a gift that the Lord has wished to make to the whole Church,” the pope said. “And it seems to me that I can sum it up this way: God is love; he is the Father of all men and women. Let us return to God with humility…”He continued: “We acknowledge that the current situation of the world is caught in a negative spiral that ultimately depends on our pride. We need him, we need his mercy, because only in him is the peace of the human heart found, and with him we will all be able to live together.”This story was first published by ACI Stampa, the Italian-language sister service of EWTN News. It has been translated and adapted by EWTN News English.
Read More

Pope Leo XIV in Algeria: Where there is conflict the Church brings reconciliation #Catholic ANNABA, Algeria — Pope Leo XIV concluded his visit to the land of St. Augustine by celebrating Mass at the Basilica of St. Augustine in Annaba, where he said the Church is continually reborn when it brings hope to the despairing, dignity to the poor, and reconciliation where there is conflict.The basilica, dedicated to the bishop of ancient Hippo, was built between 1881 and 1907 at the initiative of Algiers Archbishop Charles-Martial-Allemand Lavigerie and was elevated to the rank of minor basilica on April 24, 1914, by Pope Pius X. Restoration work was completed in 2013, with support that included a personal donation from Pope Benedict XVI.In his homily, the pope reflected on the Gospel account of Jesus’ nighttime encounter with Nicodemus, presenting it as a summons to renewal for the whole Church and especially for Algeria’s Christian community.“Today we listen to the Gospel, the good news for all time, in this basilica in Annaba dedicated to St. Augustine, bishop of the ancient city of Hippo,” the pope said. “Over the centuries, the names of the places that welcome us have changed, but the saints continue to serve as our patrons and faithful witnesses of a connection to the land that comes from heaven.”Leo said Jesus’ words to Nicodemus — “You must be born from above” — are not a burden but an invitation to freedom and new life in God.“Such is the invitation for every man and woman who seeks salvation!” he said. “Jesus’ invitation gives rise to the mission of the whole Church, and consequently to the Christian community in Algeria: to be born again from above, that is, from God. In this perspective, faith overcomes earthly hardships and the Lord’s grace makes the desert blossom.”The pope acknowledged that Christ’s command can sound impossible at first but said it reveals God’s power to renew human life.“On the contrary, the obligation expressed by Jesus is a gift of freedom for us, because it reveals an unexpected possibility: We can be born anew from above thanks to God,” Leo said. “We should do so, then, according to his loving will, which desires to renew humanity by calling us to a communion of life that begins with faith. While Christ invites us to renew our lives completely, he also gives us the strength to do so.”He then asked whether life can truly begin again and answered with hope rooted in the cross and Resurrection.“Yes! The Lord’s response, so full of love, fills our hearts with hope,” the pope said. “No matter how weighed down we are by pain or sin: The crucified One carries all these burdens with us and for us. No matter how discouraged we are by our own weaknesses: It is precisely then that God manifests his strength, the God who has raised Christ from the dead in order to give life to the world.”“Each one of us can experience the freedom of new life that comes from faith in the Redeemer,” he added. “Once again, St. Augustine offers us an example of this: We revere him for his conversion even more than for his wisdom.”Turning to the Acts of the Apostles, Leo said the life of the early Church remains the model for genuine ecclesial reform.“Even today, we must embrace this apostolic rule and put it into practice, meditating on it as an authentic criterion for ecclesial reform: a reform that must begin in the heart, if it is to be genuine, and must encompass everyone if it is to be effective,” he said.The pope said the first Christian community was not founded on a merely human agreement but on communion in Christ.“The early Church, therefore, was not based on a social contract but rather on the harmony of faith, affections, ideas, and life decisions centered on the love of God who became man to save all the peoples of the earth,” he said.That unity, he said, must bear fruit in charity, especially amid poverty and oppression.“Therefore, in the face of poverty and oppression, the guiding principle above all for Christians is charity: Let us do to those around us, as we would have them do to us,” Leo said. “Inspired by this law, inscribed in our hearts by God, the Church is continually reborn, for where there is despair she kindles hope, where there is misery she brings dignity, and where there is conflict she brings reconciliation.”Addressing bishops and priests, the pope said pastors are called above all to bear witness to God without fear or compromise.“The primary task of pastors as ministers of the Gospel is therefore to bear witness to God before the world with one heart and one soul, not permitting our concerns to lead us astray through fear, nor trends to undermine us through compromise,” he said.“Together with you, brothers in the episcopate and the priesthood, let us constantly renew this mission for the sake of those entrusted to us, so that through her service, the whole Church may be a message of new life for those we encounter,” he added.In his closing appeal, Leo addressed Algeria’s Christians directly, praising their fidelity and urging them to continue witnessing to the Gospel in ordinary life.“Dearest Christians of Algeria, you remain a humble and faithful sign of Christ’s love in this land,” he said. “Bear witness to the Gospel through simple gestures, genuine relationships, and a dialogue lived out day by day: In this way, you bring flavor and light to the places where you live.”He also praised their perseverance through hardship and invoked the example of the martyrs and of St. Augustine.“Your history is one of generous hospitality and resilience in times of trial,” the pope said. “Here the martyrs prayed; here St. Augustine loved his flock, fervently seeking the truth and serving Christ with ardent faith. Be heirs to this tradition, bearing witness through fraternal charity to the freedom of those born from above as a hope of salvation for the world.”Several cardinals concelebrated the Mass with the pope, including Cardinal Jean-Paul Vesco, archbishop of Algiers; Cardinal Cristóbal López Romero, archbishop of Rabat; and curial cardinals Pietro Parolin, George Koovakad, Luis Antonio Tagle, Peter Turkson, and Robert Sarah. Also among the concelebrants were Archbishop Paul Gallagher and Father Joseph Farrell, prior general of the Augustinians.Before the Mass, the pope visited the Augustinian community house and later had lunch with his confreres.At the end of the celebration, Bishop Michel Jean-Paul Guillaud of Constantine offered words of thanks to the pope.“Holy Father, your visit to this place, a source of your Augustinian roots, was brief, but it was an encouragement for us,” Guillaud said. “First of all, it strengthened our Christian community in its faith and in its trust in the goodwill and respect of the Algerian people. We could not have welcomed you without the support and active collaboration of the authorities and the joyful hospitality of our Algerian brothers and sisters.”The exchange of gifts followed: The pope received a ceramic work made by an Algerian artist, and he in turn gave a chalice.Leo then offered brief words of thanks of his own.“This journey has been for me a particular gift of God’s providence, a gift that the Lord has wished to make to the whole Church,” the pope said. “And it seems to me that I can sum it up this way: God is love; he is the Father of all men and women. Let us return to God with humility…”He continued: “We acknowledge that the current situation of the world is caught in a negative spiral that ultimately depends on our pride. We need him, we need his mercy, because only in him is the peace of the human heart found, and with him we will all be able to live together.”This story was first published by ACI Stampa, the Italian-language sister service of EWTN News. It has been translated and adapted by EWTN News English.

unitedyam

At the Basilica of St. Augustine, the pontiff urged Christians to bear witness through “simple gestures, genuine relationships and a dialogue lived out day by day.”

Read More
Chicago priest resigns after archdiocese discovers misuse of parish funds #Catholic A priest in Chicago has resigned after the archdiocese found that he misused parish funds for “personal expenses,” Cardinal Blase Cupich told parishioners this month. Cupich told St. John Henry Newman Parish in Evanston that the archdiocese had launched a review of the parishʼs finances on March 30 amid “serious questions” about the parishʼs “fiscal administration.” The prelate said in an April 10 letter to the parish that the review found Father Kenneth Anderson “violated a number of core archdiocesan policies pertaining to the proper exercise of good stewardship of parish resources.” Among the reported violations included “the creation and maintenance of a separate bank account into which he deposited substantial parish funds,” Cupich said. Some of those funds “were used to cover costs unrelated to parish needs including his personal expenses.”Anderson resigned after being presented with the findings of the report, Cupich said. The priest also “accepted [Cupichʼs] instruction that, when the full accounting is complete, he is to make restitution for any funds clearly identified as covering his personal expenses.”The archdiocese did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the total amount of funds reportedly misused at the parish. Cupich in his letter said Father Wayne Watts, the pastor of Sts. Joseph and Francis Xavier Parish in nearby Wilmette, oversaw the administration of St. John Henry Newman Parishʼs finances during the review process. The archbishop further said that he had asked the archdiocesan placement board to recommend a new pastor for the parish by July 1. Retired priest Father Gerald Gunderson will serve as parish administrator until the new pastor is appointed, Cupich said. The parish was formed in 2022 after the merging of Sts. Athanasius and Joan of Arc parishes as part of the archdiocesan Renew My Faith campaign.
Read More

Chicago priest resigns after archdiocese discovers misuse of parish funds #Catholic A priest in Chicago has resigned after the archdiocese found that he misused parish funds for “personal expenses,” Cardinal Blase Cupich told parishioners this month. Cupich told St. John Henry Newman Parish in Evanston that the archdiocese had launched a review of the parishʼs finances on March 30 amid “serious questions” about the parishʼs “fiscal administration.” The prelate said in an April 10 letter to the parish that the review found Father Kenneth Anderson “violated a number of core archdiocesan policies pertaining to the proper exercise of good stewardship of parish resources.” Among the reported violations included “the creation and maintenance of a separate bank account into which he deposited substantial parish funds,” Cupich said. Some of those funds “were used to cover costs unrelated to parish needs including his personal expenses.”Anderson resigned after being presented with the findings of the report, Cupich said. The priest also “accepted [Cupichʼs] instruction that, when the full accounting is complete, he is to make restitution for any funds clearly identified as covering his personal expenses.”The archdiocese did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the total amount of funds reportedly misused at the parish. Cupich in his letter said Father Wayne Watts, the pastor of Sts. Joseph and Francis Xavier Parish in nearby Wilmette, oversaw the administration of St. John Henry Newman Parishʼs finances during the review process. The archbishop further said that he had asked the archdiocesan placement board to recommend a new pastor for the parish by July 1. Retired priest Father Gerald Gunderson will serve as parish administrator until the new pastor is appointed, Cupich said. The parish was formed in 2022 after the merging of Sts. Athanasius and Joan of Arc parishes as part of the archdiocesan Renew My Faith campaign.

unitedyam

Father Kenneth Anderson violated “a number of core archdiocesan policies,” Cardinal Blase Cupich told parishioners.

Read More
Celebrate Morris Plains carnival’s 50th anniversary with funnel cakes, faith #Catholic - Five decades of amusement rides and sugary, savory food, while promoting a sense of community and the Catholic faith, culminate in early May in Morris Plains, N.J. St. Virgil Parish there is set to attract nearly 10,000 festival-goers to its 50th carnival, which marks the start of the Catholic festival season in the Paterson Diocese in New Jersey. “I really enjoy and respect that the carnival has been part of the parish for 50 years,” said Father Lukasz Wnuk, the parish’s pastor. “It would have been easy for it to decline or even stop at any point, especially during COVID, when the parish could not hold it. Instead, it keeps growing, and we continue to invest in it.” The St. Virgil Carnival is set to run on the parish grounds on Wednesday, May 6, through Friday, May 8, from 6 p.m. until 10 p.m., and on Saturday, May 9, from 4 p.m. until 10 p.m. The usual Saturday Mass of Anticipation at 5 p.m. will still take place inside the church. Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter. “We make money on the carnival, which helps keep us going as a parish,” said Terence Boyne, a 60-year parishioner at St. Virgil who has regularly volunteered since the carnival began. Originally, one of the carnival’s purposes was to help a community recovering from a natural disaster. Three years before the carnival started, a priest from St. Virgil’s visited the Bahamas. A natural disaster occurred in the area he visited, and the church there was badly damaged. A deacon from St. Virgil visited and reported that it would cost $10,000 to $12,000 to repair the church. According to Boyne, there was the thought that maybe St. Virgil’s could help them. “Somebody said, ‘Why don’t we try doing a carnival? We’ll run it every year until we make up the cost.’ We ran it the first year, and they made $15,000 or $18,000. They couldn’t believe it. They sent the $10,000 to $12,000 down there, and the rest went to charities.” The annual event has grown a lot, Boyne said. It started with 10 kiddie rides and only a few rides for older kids. Now it fills the parish property and fills the whole neighborhood with parked cars. While the plethora of carnival rides attracts kids, the tasty food attracts thousands from across the diocese. “I’d say the funnel cake line is never without at least a dozen people to 20 people at any given time during the carnival,” said Michael Scannelli, the carnival’s 2026 chair. He said the carnival added fried Oreos, fried pickles, chocolate brownies, and gelato, in addition to Dellano’s Food Trucks, pizza, soft pretzels, and other carnival staples. Parish leaders emphasized that this kind of tradition doesn’t happen by accident, but through the dedication, hard work, and caring that countless people like Boyne and Scannelli have poured into it over the years. Scannelli said the carnival allows St. Virgil’s to invite the wider community to experience the Catholic faith and the Eucharist at the parish throughout the rest of the year. “I think the carnival-goers really see our faith-based community. I think they see all of us volunteering, coming together as one. Yes, we’re raising money, but we also feel like we’re giving back to the community and giving them a great four-day event,” said Scannelli. “You can’t help but see signs of faith like statues and crosses around St. Virgil’s, whether it’s outside the church or the Tracy Center (the parish hall). Our statue of Mary is right in the middle of where people eat and drink. You can’t help but feel some type of evangelization within the grounds itself,” he said. Father Wnuk added, “Everyone is truly welcome. Whether you have been part of the parish for years or you are just stopping by for the first time, there’s a place for you here.” [See image gallery at beaconnj.org]
Read More

Celebrate Morris Plains carnival’s 50th anniversary with funnel cakes, faith #Catholic – Five decades of amusement rides and sugary, savory food, while promoting a sense of community and the Catholic faith, culminate in early May in Morris Plains, N.J. St. Virgil Parish there is set to attract nearly 10,000 festival-goers to its 50th carnival, which marks the start of the Catholic festival season in the Paterson Diocese in New Jersey. “I really enjoy and respect that the carnival has been part of the parish for 50 years,” said Father Lukasz Wnuk, the parish’s pastor. “It would have been easy for it to decline or even stop at any point, especially during COVID, when the parish could not hold it. Instead, it keeps growing, and we continue to invest in it.” The St. Virgil Carnival is set to run on the parish grounds on Wednesday, May 6, through Friday, May 8, from 6 p.m. until 10 p.m., and on Saturday, May 9, from 4 p.m. until 10 p.m. The usual Saturday Mass of Anticipation at 5 p.m. will still take place inside the church. Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter. “We make money on the carnival, which helps keep us going as a parish,” said Terence Boyne, a 60-year parishioner at St. Virgil who has regularly volunteered since the carnival began. Originally, one of the carnival’s purposes was to help a community recovering from a natural disaster. Three years before the carnival started, a priest from St. Virgil’s visited the Bahamas. A natural disaster occurred in the area he visited, and the church there was badly damaged. A deacon from St. Virgil visited and reported that it would cost $10,000 to $12,000 to repair the church. According to Boyne, there was the thought that maybe St. Virgil’s could help them. “Somebody said, ‘Why don’t we try doing a carnival? We’ll run it every year until we make up the cost.’ We ran it the first year, and they made $15,000 or $18,000. They couldn’t believe it. They sent the $10,000 to $12,000 down there, and the rest went to charities.” The annual event has grown a lot, Boyne said. It started with 10 kiddie rides and only a few rides for older kids. Now it fills the parish property and fills the whole neighborhood with parked cars. While the plethora of carnival rides attracts kids, the tasty food attracts thousands from across the diocese. “I’d say the funnel cake line is never without at least a dozen people to 20 people at any given time during the carnival,” said Michael Scannelli, the carnival’s 2026 chair. He said the carnival added fried Oreos, fried pickles, chocolate brownies, and gelato, in addition to Dellano’s Food Trucks, pizza, soft pretzels, and other carnival staples. Parish leaders emphasized that this kind of tradition doesn’t happen by accident, but through the dedication, hard work, and caring that countless people like Boyne and Scannelli have poured into it over the years. Scannelli said the carnival allows St. Virgil’s to invite the wider community to experience the Catholic faith and the Eucharist at the parish throughout the rest of the year. “I think the carnival-goers really see our faith-based community. I think they see all of us volunteering, coming together as one. Yes, we’re raising money, but we also feel like we’re giving back to the community and giving them a great four-day event,” said Scannelli. “You can’t help but see signs of faith like statues and crosses around St. Virgil’s, whether it’s outside the church or the Tracy Center (the parish hall). Our statue of Mary is right in the middle of where people eat and drink. You can’t help but feel some type of evangelization within the grounds itself,” he said. Father Wnuk added, “Everyone is truly welcome. Whether you have been part of the parish for years or you are just stopping by for the first time, there’s a place for you here.” [See image gallery at beaconnj.org]

unitedyam

Celebrate Morris Plains carnival’s 50th anniversary with funnel cakes, faith #Catholic –

Five decades of amusement rides and sugary, savory food, while promoting a sense of community and the Catholic faith, culminate in early May in Morris Plains, N.J. St. Virgil Parish there is set to attract nearly 10,000 festival-goers to its 50th carnival, which marks the start of the Catholic festival season in the Paterson Diocese in New Jersey.

“I really enjoy and respect that the carnival has been part of the parish for 50 years,” said Father Lukasz Wnuk, the parish’s pastor. “It would have been easy for it to decline or even stop at any point, especially during COVID, when the parish could not hold it. Instead, it keeps growing, and we continue to invest in it.”

The St. Virgil Carnival is set to run on the parish grounds on Wednesday, May 6, through Friday, May 8, from 6 p.m. until 10 p.m., and on Saturday, May 9, from 4 p.m. until 10 p.m. The usual Saturday Mass of Anticipation at 5 p.m. will still take place inside the church.

Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.

“We make money on the carnival, which helps keep us going as a parish,” said Terence Boyne, a 60-year parishioner at St. Virgil who has regularly volunteered since the carnival began.

Originally, one of the carnival’s purposes was to help a community recovering from a natural disaster.

Three years before the carnival started, a priest from St. Virgil’s visited the Bahamas. A natural disaster occurred in the area he visited, and the church there was badly damaged. A deacon from St. Virgil visited and reported that it would cost $10,000 to $12,000 to repair the church. According to Boyne, there was the thought that maybe St. Virgil’s could help them.

“Somebody said, ‘Why don’t we try doing a carnival? We’ll run it every year until we make up the cost.’ We ran it the first year, and they made $15,000 or $18,000. They couldn’t believe it. They sent the $10,000 to $12,000 down there, and the rest went to charities.”

The annual event has grown a lot, Boyne said. It started with 10 kiddie rides and only a few rides for older kids. Now it fills the parish property and fills the whole neighborhood with parked cars.

While the plethora of carnival rides attracts kids, the tasty food attracts thousands from across the diocese.

“I’d say the funnel cake line is never without at least a dozen people to 20 people at any given time during the carnival,” said Michael Scannelli, the carnival’s 2026 chair. He said the carnival added fried Oreos, fried pickles, chocolate brownies, and gelato, in addition to Dellano’s Food Trucks, pizza, soft pretzels, and other carnival staples.

Parish leaders emphasized that this kind of tradition doesn’t happen by accident, but through the dedication, hard work, and caring that countless people like Boyne and Scannelli have poured into it over the years.

Scannelli said the carnival allows St. Virgil’s to invite the wider community to experience the Catholic faith and the Eucharist at the parish throughout the rest of the year.

“I think the carnival-goers really see our faith-based community. I think they see all of us volunteering, coming together as one. Yes, we’re raising money, but we also feel like we’re giving back to the community and giving them a great four-day event,” said Scannelli. “You can’t help but see signs of faith like statues and crosses around St. Virgil’s, whether it’s outside the church or the Tracy Center (the parish hall). Our statue of Mary is right in the middle of where people eat and drink. You can’t help but feel some type of evangelization within the grounds itself,” he said.

Father Wnuk added, “Everyone is truly welcome. Whether you have been part of the parish for years or you are just stopping by for the first time, there’s a place for you here.”

[See image gallery at beaconnj.org] – Five decades of amusement rides and sugary, savory food, while promoting a sense of community and the Catholic faith, culminate in early May in Morris Plains, N.J. St. Virgil Parish there is set to attract nearly 10,000 festival-goers to its 50th carnival, which marks the start of the Catholic festival season in the Paterson Diocese in New Jersey. “I really enjoy and respect that the carnival has been part of the parish for 50 years,” said Father Lukasz Wnuk, the parish’s pastor. “It would have been easy for it to decline or even stop at any point, especially during COVID,

Read More

Artemis II Astronauts Aboard USS John P. Murtha – NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, commander; left, Christina Koch, mission specialist; CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut Jeremy Hansen, mission specialist; and NASA astronaut Victor Glover, Artemis II pilot, right, pose for a group photo after viewing the Orion spacecraft in the well deck of USS John P. Murtha, Saturday, April 11, 2026, in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of California. The quartet splashed down Friday, April 10 at 5:07 p.m. PDT (8:07p.m. EDT).

unitedyam

NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, commander; left, Christina Koch, mission specialist; CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut Jeremy Hansen, mission specialist; and NASA astronaut Victor Glover, Artemis II pilot, right, pose for a group photo after viewing the Orion spacecraft in the well deck of USS John P. Murtha, Saturday, April 11, 2026, in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of California. The quartet splashed down Friday, April 10 at 5:07 p.m. PDT (8:07p.m. EDT).

Read More

Gospel and Word of the Day – 14 April 2026 – A reading from the Book of the Acts of the Apostles Acts 4:32-37 The community of believers was of one heart and mind, and no one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they had everything in common. With great power the Apostles bore witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great favor was accorded them all. There was no needy person among them, for those who owned property or houses would sell them, bring the proceeds of the sale, and put them at the feet of the Apostles, and they were distributed to each according to need. Thus Joseph, also named by the Apostles Barnabas (which is translated "son of encouragement"), a Levite, a Cypriot by birth, sold a piece of property that he owned, then brought the money and put it at the feet of the Apostles.From the Gospel according to John 3:7b-15 Jesus said to Nicodemus: "’You must be born from above.’ The wind blows where it wills, and you can hear the sound it makes, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes; so it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit." Nicodemus answered and said to him, ‘How can this happen?" Jesus answered and said to him, "You are the teacher of Israel and you do not understand this? Amen, amen, I say to you, we speak of what we know and we testify to what we have seen, but you people do not accept our testimony. If I tell you about earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you about heavenly things? No one has gone up to heaven except the one who has come down from heaven, the Son of Man. And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life."The scene unfolds at night: Nicodemus, one of the leaders of the Jews, a righteous and open-minded person (cf. Jn 7:50-51), comes to meet Jesus. He needs light and guidance: he seeks God and asks the Teacher of Nazareth for help because he recognizes him as a prophet, a man who performs extraordinary signs. The Lord welcomes him, listens to him, and eventually reveals to him that the Son of Man must be lifted up, “so that whoever believes in him may have eternal life” (Jn 3:15), adding: “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life” (v. 16). Nicodemus, who perhaps does not fully comprehend the meaning of these words in the moment, will certainly do so when he helps to bury the Savior’s body after the crucifixion (cf. Jn 19:39). It is then that he will understand that God, in order to redeem humanity, became man and died on the cross (…) for the immense love with which God has transformed the means to death into an instrument of life, embracing it for our salvation, teaching us that nothing can separate us from him (cf. Rom 8:35-39) and that his love is greater than our own sin (cf. Francis, Catechesis, 30 March 2016). (Pope Leo XIV, Angelus, 14 September 2025)

unitedyam

A reading from the Book of the Acts of the Apostles
Acts 4:32-37

The community of believers was of one heart and mind,
and no one claimed that any of his possessions was his own,
but they had everything in common.
With great power the Apostles bore witness
to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus,
and great favor was accorded them all.
There was no needy person among them,
for those who owned property or houses would sell them,
bring the proceeds of the sale,
and put them at the feet of the Apostles,
and they were distributed to each according to need.

Thus Joseph, also named by the Apostles Barnabas
(which is translated "son of encouragement"),
a Levite, a Cypriot by birth,
sold a piece of property that he owned,
then brought the money and put it at the feet of the Apostles.

From the Gospel according to John
3:7b-15

Jesus said to Nicodemus:
"’You must be born from above.’
The wind blows where it wills, and you can hear the sound it makes,
but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes;
so it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit."
Nicodemus answered and said to him,
‘How can this happen?"
Jesus answered and said to him,
"You are the teacher of Israel and you do not understand this?
Amen, amen, I say to you,
we speak of what we know and we testify to what we have seen,
but you people do not accept our testimony.
If I tell you about earthly things and you do not believe,
how will you believe if I tell you about heavenly things?
No one has gone up to heaven
except the one who has come down from heaven, the Son of Man.
And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert,
so must the Son of Man be lifted up,
so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life."

The scene unfolds at night: Nicodemus, one of the leaders of the Jews, a righteous and open-minded person (cf. Jn 7:50-51), comes to meet Jesus. He needs light and guidance: he seeks God and asks the Teacher of Nazareth for help because he recognizes him as a prophet, a man who performs extraordinary signs. The Lord welcomes him, listens to him, and eventually reveals to him that the Son of Man must be lifted up, “so that whoever believes in him may have eternal life” (Jn 3:15), adding: “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life” (v. 16). Nicodemus, who perhaps does not fully comprehend the meaning of these words in the moment, will certainly do so when he helps to bury the Savior’s body after the crucifixion (cf. Jn 19:39). It is then that he will understand that God, in order to redeem humanity, became man and died on the cross (…) for the immense love with which God has transformed the means to death into an instrument of life, embracing it for our salvation, teaching us that nothing can separate us from him (cf. Rom 8:35-39) and that his love is greater than our own sin (cf. Francis, Catechesis, 30 March 2016). (Pope Leo XIV, Angelus, 14 September 2025)

Read More
Thanks, Wokeness: Commercials No Longer Showing Medicine As Tiny Little Warriors Who Murder Tiny Little Germs #BabylonBee – U.S. — According to advertising experts, the reason television commercials no longer depict medicine as tiny little warriors murdering tiny little germs is because of "wokeness."
Read More

Thanks, Wokeness: Commercials No Longer Showing Medicine As Tiny Little Warriors Who Murder Tiny Little Germs #BabylonBee – U.S. — According to advertising experts, the reason television commercials no longer depict medicine as tiny little warriors murdering tiny little germs is because of "wokeness."

unitedyam

U.S. — According to advertising experts, the reason television commercials no longer depict medicine as tiny little warriors murdering tiny little germs is because of "wokeness."

Read More
‘Cabrini’ screening to boost awareness of Eucharistic pilgrimage event #Catholic – “Cabrini,” the 2024 film about St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, America’s first Catholic saint and advocate for immigrants, will be screened Tuesday, April 21, at 7 p.m. at the Dolan Performing Arts Center, St. Elizabeth University in the Convent Station neighborhood of Morris Township, N.J. A week later, on Tuesday, April 28, at 7 p.m., executive producer J. Eustace Wolfington and his team will host a “talk-back” on the film’s creation, focusing on human rights, women’s leadership, and hope. Bishop Emeritus Nicholas DiMarzio of the Brooklyn Diocese in New York, who advocates for immigrants’ rights, and Mother Cabrini’s family are also scheduled to appear. Both events at St. Elizabeth’s will focus on St. Frances Cabrini as a model of women’s leadership, especially in her work with immigrants and the poor. They also promote the 2026 National Eucharistic Pilgrimage (NEP) stops in Passaic and Paterson, N.J., on June 14 and 15. The St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Route of the NEP will travel the Eastern Seaboard this summer. Before the “Cabrini” screening, Father Cesar Jaramillo, pilgrimage stop delegate and pastor of Holy Spirit Parish in Pequannock, N.J., will address attendees and invite them to join the local NEP event. Members of the Communications Department of the Paterson Diocese in New Jersey will also be present to distribute NEP promotional materials. Register now to secure your spot for the pilgrimage. See the schedule below for details. Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter. “The pilgrimage in our diocese is an opportunity for Catholics to renew their love for Jesus and the Eucharist — a goal of the New Evangelization — and to show solidarity with immigrants,” Father Cesar Jaramillo said. “We invite all Paterson parishes and the broader community to attend and join us in this spiritual journey.” The pilgrimage route honors Mother Cabrini, born in Italy in 1850. She founded the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. In 1889, Pope Leo XIII sent her and her sisters to New York. They opened schools and orphanages for Italian immigrants despite many challenges. According to the Missionary Sisters, Mother Cabrini traveled across Europe, the Americas, and the U.S., founding 67 institutions. Father Jaramillo described “Cabrini” as telling the story of “a remarkable woman who was passionate about social justice.” “Mother Cabrini was steadfast in giving a voice to the voiceless. Most were Italian immigrants who were ignored. The movie reflects today’s immigrant crisis in the U.S. The pilgrimage will also honor the U.S.’s 250th birthday. Immigrants built much of our country in search of the American Dream,” Father Jaramillo said. The “Cabrini” screening and “talk-back” are possible through the friendship between Carol Bezak — a St. Elizabeth’s alumna and president of the National Association of Shrine and Pilgrimage Apostolate — and one of the film’s executive producers. Other NEP stops will also host screenings of the films, said Andrea M. Adams, director of alumni engagement and annual giving. All are welcome to attend the two “Cabrini” film events at St. Elizabeth’s. Admission is free. The pilgrimage, themed “One Nation Under God,” includes 18 stops from Pentecost to Independence Day in Philadelphia. It calls for renewal, unity, and mission. Nine young adult Perpetual Pilgrims and their chaplains will carry the Blessed Sacrament through the original 13 colonies, 18 dioceses, and two Eastern Rite eparchies. All are welcome to pray before the Blessed Sacrament during the pilgrimage. Admission to events is free, but advance registration is requested to assist organizers. Please register now to reserve your spot for one or more events using the QR code on this page.  For questions about events in this diocese, please contact:MMoncaleano@patersondiocese.org. For registration assistance, please contact:registration@eucharisticcongress.org. National Eucharistic Pilgrimage activities in the Paterson Diocese, N.J., on June 14 and 15 Pilgrimage activities on June 14: 3:30–5 p.m.: Eucharist talk (English), Fr. Rafael Capo, Holy Rosary Church, 6 Wall St., Passaic, N.J. 3:30–5 p.m.: “Influenciados por la Eucaristía” opening talk (Spanish), P. Heriberto García, St. Nicholas, 217 President St., Passaic, N.J. 5–6:30 p.m.: Eucharistic Procession from Holy Rosary Church (6 Wall St, Passaic, N.J.) to Boverini Stadium (1.5 miles). The procession will end with the opening Mass. 6:30–8 p.m.: Opening Mass, Boverini Stadium, 262 River Dr., Passaic, N.J., with Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney. Pilgrimage events on June 15: 3–5 p.m.: Divine Liturgy with Byzantine Catholic community, St. Michael Chapel, 415 Lackawanna Ave., Woodland Park, N.J. 5:30–7 p.m.: Eucharistic Procession (loop) for communicants and local faithful at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, 381 Grand St., Paterson, N.J. 7–8:30 p.m.: Closing Mass with Bishop Sweeney and homily by Father Casey Cole, O.F.M., at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, 381 Grand St., Paterson. The municipal parking lot opens at 5 p.m. across from the Cathedral. Watch the livestream at https://rcdopcathedral.org/
Read More

‘Cabrini’ screening to boost awareness of Eucharistic pilgrimage event #Catholic – “Cabrini,” the 2024 film about St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, America’s first Catholic saint and advocate for immigrants, will be screened Tuesday, April 21, at 7 p.m. at the Dolan Performing Arts Center, St. Elizabeth University in the Convent Station neighborhood of Morris Township, N.J. A week later, on Tuesday, April 28, at 7 p.m., executive producer J. Eustace Wolfington and his team will host a “talk-back” on the film’s creation, focusing on human rights, women’s leadership, and hope. Bishop Emeritus Nicholas DiMarzio of the Brooklyn Diocese in New York, who advocates for immigrants’ rights, and Mother Cabrini’s family are also scheduled to appear. Both events at St. Elizabeth’s will focus on St. Frances Cabrini as a model of women’s leadership, especially in her work with immigrants and the poor. They also promote the 2026 National Eucharistic Pilgrimage (NEP) stops in Passaic and Paterson, N.J., on June 14 and 15. The St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Route of the NEP will travel the Eastern Seaboard this summer. Before the “Cabrini” screening, Father Cesar Jaramillo, pilgrimage stop delegate and pastor of Holy Spirit Parish in Pequannock, N.J., will address attendees and invite them to join the local NEP event. Members of the Communications Department of the Paterson Diocese in New Jersey will also be present to distribute NEP promotional materials. Register now to secure your spot for the pilgrimage. See the schedule below for details. Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter. “The pilgrimage in our diocese is an opportunity for Catholics to renew their love for Jesus and the Eucharist — a goal of the New Evangelization — and to show solidarity with immigrants,” Father Cesar Jaramillo said. “We invite all Paterson parishes and the broader community to attend and join us in this spiritual journey.” The pilgrimage route honors Mother Cabrini, born in Italy in 1850. She founded the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. In 1889, Pope Leo XIII sent her and her sisters to New York. They opened schools and orphanages for Italian immigrants despite many challenges. According to the Missionary Sisters, Mother Cabrini traveled across Europe, the Americas, and the U.S., founding 67 institutions. Father Jaramillo described “Cabrini” as telling the story of “a remarkable woman who was passionate about social justice.” “Mother Cabrini was steadfast in giving a voice to the voiceless. Most were Italian immigrants who were ignored. The movie reflects today’s immigrant crisis in the U.S. The pilgrimage will also honor the U.S.’s 250th birthday. Immigrants built much of our country in search of the American Dream,” Father Jaramillo said. The “Cabrini” screening and “talk-back” are possible through the friendship between Carol Bezak — a St. Elizabeth’s alumna and president of the National Association of Shrine and Pilgrimage Apostolate — and one of the film’s executive producers. Other NEP stops will also host screenings of the films, said Andrea M. Adams, director of alumni engagement and annual giving. All are welcome to attend the two “Cabrini” film events at St. Elizabeth’s. Admission is free. The pilgrimage, themed “One Nation Under God,” includes 18 stops from Pentecost to Independence Day in Philadelphia. It calls for renewal, unity, and mission. Nine young adult Perpetual Pilgrims and their chaplains will carry the Blessed Sacrament through the original 13 colonies, 18 dioceses, and two Eastern Rite eparchies. All are welcome to pray before the Blessed Sacrament during the pilgrimage. Admission to events is free, but advance registration is requested to assist organizers. Please register now to reserve your spot for one or more events using the QR code on this page.  For questions about events in this diocese, please contact:MMoncaleano@patersondiocese.org. For registration assistance, please contact:registration@eucharisticcongress.org. National Eucharistic Pilgrimage activities in the Paterson Diocese, N.J., on June 14 and 15 Pilgrimage activities on June 14: 3:30–5 p.m.: Eucharist talk (English), Fr. Rafael Capo, Holy Rosary Church, 6 Wall St., Passaic, N.J. 3:30–5 p.m.: “Influenciados por la Eucaristía” opening talk (Spanish), P. Heriberto García, St. Nicholas, 217 President St., Passaic, N.J. 5–6:30 p.m.: Eucharistic Procession from Holy Rosary Church (6 Wall St, Passaic, N.J.) to Boverini Stadium (1.5 miles). The procession will end with the opening Mass. 6:30–8 p.m.: Opening Mass, Boverini Stadium, 262 River Dr., Passaic, N.J., with Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney. Pilgrimage events on June 15: 3–5 p.m.: Divine Liturgy with Byzantine Catholic community, St. Michael Chapel, 415 Lackawanna Ave., Woodland Park, N.J. 5:30–7 p.m.: Eucharistic Procession (loop) for communicants and local faithful at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, 381 Grand St., Paterson, N.J. 7–8:30 p.m.: Closing Mass with Bishop Sweeney and homily by Father Casey Cole, O.F.M., at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, 381 Grand St., Paterson. The municipal parking lot opens at 5 p.m. across from the Cathedral. Watch the livestream at https://rcdopcathedral.org/

unitedyam

‘Cabrini’ screening to boost awareness of Eucharistic pilgrimage event #Catholic –

“Cabrini,” the 2024 film about St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, America’s first Catholic saint and advocate for immigrants, will be screened Tuesday, April 21, at 7 p.m. at the Dolan Performing Arts Center, St. Elizabeth University in the Convent Station neighborhood of Morris Township, N.J.

A week later, on Tuesday, April 28, at 7 p.m., executive producer J. Eustace Wolfington and his team will host a “talk-back” on the film’s creation, focusing on human rights, women’s leadership, and hope. Bishop Emeritus Nicholas DiMarzio of the Brooklyn Diocese in New York, who advocates for immigrants’ rights, and Mother Cabrini’s family are also scheduled to appear.

Both events at St. Elizabeth’s will focus on St. Frances Cabrini as a model of women’s leadership, especially in her work with immigrants and the poor. They also promote the 2026 National Eucharistic Pilgrimage (NEP) stops in Passaic and Paterson, N.J., on June 14 and 15. The St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Route of the NEP will travel the Eastern Seaboard this summer.

Before the “Cabrini” screening, Father Cesar Jaramillo, pilgrimage stop delegate and pastor of Holy Spirit Parish in Pequannock, N.J., will address attendees and invite them to join the local NEP event. Members of the Communications Department of the Paterson Diocese in New Jersey will also be present to distribute NEP promotional materials.

Register now to secure your spot for the pilgrimage. See the schedule below for details.

Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.

“The pilgrimage in our diocese is an opportunity for Catholics to renew their love for Jesus and the Eucharist — a goal of the New Evangelization — and to show solidarity with immigrants,” Father Cesar Jaramillo said. “We invite all Paterson parishes and the broader community to attend and join us in this spiritual journey.”

The pilgrimage route honors Mother Cabrini, born in Italy in 1850. She founded the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. In 1889, Pope Leo XIII sent her and her sisters to New York. They opened schools and orphanages for Italian immigrants despite many challenges. According to the Missionary Sisters, Mother Cabrini traveled across Europe, the Americas, and the U.S., founding 67 institutions.

Father Jaramillo described “Cabrini” as telling the story of “a remarkable woman who was passionate about social justice.”

“Mother Cabrini was steadfast in giving a voice to the voiceless. Most were Italian immigrants who were ignored. The movie reflects today’s immigrant crisis in the U.S. The pilgrimage will also honor the U.S.’s 250th birthday. Immigrants built much of our country in search of the American Dream,” Father Jaramillo said.

The “Cabrini” screening and “talk-back” are possible through the friendship between Carol Bezak — a St. Elizabeth’s alumna and president of the National Association of Shrine and Pilgrimage Apostolate — and one of the film’s executive producers. Other NEP stops will also host screenings of the films, said Andrea M. Adams, director of alumni engagement and annual giving.

All are welcome to attend the two “Cabrini” film events at St. Elizabeth’s. Admission is free.

The pilgrimage, themed “One Nation Under God,” includes 18 stops from Pentecost to Independence Day in Philadelphia. It calls for renewal, unity, and mission. Nine young adult Perpetual Pilgrims and their chaplains will carry the Blessed Sacrament through the original 13 colonies, 18 dioceses, and two Eastern Rite eparchies.

All are welcome to pray before the Blessed Sacrament during the pilgrimage. Admission to events is free, but advance registration is requested to assist organizers. Please register now to reserve your spot for one or more events using the QR code on this page.

 For questions about events in this diocese, please contact:MMoncaleano@patersondiocese.org. For registration assistance, please contact:registration@eucharisticcongress.org.

National Eucharistic Pilgrimage activities in the Paterson Diocese, N.J., on June 14 and 15

Pilgrimage activities on June 14:

3:30–5 p.m.: Eucharist talk (English), Fr. Rafael Capo, Holy Rosary Church, 6 Wall St., Passaic, N.J.

3:30–5 p.m.: “Influenciados por la Eucaristía” opening talk (Spanish), P. Heriberto García, St. Nicholas, 217 President St., Passaic, N.J.

5–6:30 p.m.: Eucharistic Procession from Holy Rosary Church (6 Wall St, Passaic, N.J.) to Boverini Stadium (1.5 miles). The procession will end with the opening Mass.

6:30–8 p.m.: Opening Mass, Boverini Stadium, 262 River Dr., Passaic, N.J., with Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney.

Pilgrimage events on June 15:

3–5 p.m.: Divine Liturgy with Byzantine Catholic community, St. Michael Chapel, 415 Lackawanna Ave., Woodland Park, N.J.

5:30–7 p.m.: Eucharistic Procession (loop) for communicants and local faithful at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, 381 Grand St., Paterson, N.J.

7–8:30 p.m.: Closing Mass with Bishop Sweeney and homily by Father Casey Cole, O.F.M., at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, 381 Grand St., Paterson. The municipal parking lot opens at 5 p.m. across from the Cathedral. Watch the livestream at https://rcdopcathedral.org/

– “Cabrini,” the 2024 film about St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, America’s first Catholic saint and advocate for immigrants, will be screened Tuesday, April 21, at 7 p.m. at the Dolan Performing Arts Center, St. Elizabeth University in the Convent Station neighborhood of Morris Township, N.J. A week later, on Tuesday, April 28, at 7 p.m., executive producer J. Eustace Wolfington and his team will host a “talk-back” on the film’s creation, focusing on human rights, women’s leadership, and hope. Bishop Emeritus Nicholas DiMarzio of the Brooklyn Diocese in New York, who advocates for immigrants’ rights, and Mother Cabrini’s family are also

Read More
‘60 Minutes’ takes stock of Catholic Church under Leo with top cardinals – #Catholic – Three influential American cardinals spoke about the Church under Pope Leo XIV in an interview on “60 Minutes” this week.In two segments of the show, Cardinal Robert McElroy of Washington, D.C.; Cardinal Joseph Tobin of Newark, New Jersey; and Cardinal Blaise Cupich of Chicago spoke on the Church in America, from increased conversions and the meaning of patriotism to controversial topics like the Iran ceasefire and immigration enforcement.Why are young people joining the Church?Cupich said he does not entirely know what is behind the reported rise in young people entering the Catholic Church as U.S. dioceses report elevated numbers of Easter baptisms and confirmations.“We are doing some surveys about people who are coming to church to see whatʼs motivating them,” he said. “I do think, though, that research is showing that there really is a deep hunger in the hearts of young people for something that can help them with the meaning of life. But also thereʼs a woundedness on the part of young people that they are seeking healing for.”“We donʼt have all the answers, but we are going to try to drill down to find out more about that,” Cupich said.McElroy pointed to a need for “moral leadership in the world” as a partial explanation.“What a tragedy to have a world in which there are not moral leaders,” he said. “I think young people, and young adults particularly, are looking for a sense of that in their lives — and some of those are coming into the Church for that reason.”“The number of those joining the Church this year is a record for the archdiocese, which is a wonderful thing,” he said of the Archdiocese of Washington, which had 1,800 converts.Tobin credited some of the rising interest and attendance in the Catholic Church to Pope Leo.“Iʼve had the privilege of working closely with four popes: very different people in a lot of ways, but each one in some way was the right one for that moment in time,” Tobin said. “I believe that Pope Leo is the right man at this time.”When asked about the effect of the sex abuse scandal on people leaving the Church, Cupich noted that it “prompts us to be even more forthright in doing everything possible to protect children, but also to address the harm that was done.”“That, I think, is something thatʼs always on the front burner for us with regard to the fall off in terms of people practicing,” he said.Cupich noted, however, that other religions are seeing declines in membership as well.“Itʼs also part of the secularization thatʼs happening in society today,” he said. “People have a lot more options on Sunday, on the weekend, than they did before. So I think there are a number of factors that contributed to that decline.”What does patriotism look like for Catholics?In light of the upcoming 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, the cardinals shared their thoughts on a Catholic understanding of patriotism.“For us as Catholic Americans, we love our country because of what it aspires to be and has for the past 250 years,” McElroy said.“We love our country not merely because we were born here, if we were, but rather because of its aspirations of democracy, justice, equality, of freedom that have been lived out with differing levels of success all through our history, and having to change it and readapt it to make it more true to its core,” he continued.“For me," Cupich said, "patriotism is about being united in the common task of creating the opportunities for everyone to flourish — that they would have the opportunity to be the person God intended them to be."“That is part of the aspirations that immigrants came here with; an opportunity to have a fresh start,” he said. “So how can we work together to make sure that everybody has an opportunity to flourish? I think thatʼs patriotism.”Pope Leo and politics: Iran and ICEWhen asked if he would like to see the first American pope be more outspoken on controversial issues, Tobin said: “Heʼs the pastor of the world; heʼs not a pundit.”“The distinction is heʼs not going to pronounce on everything, but heʼs going to pronounce on whatʼs important,” Tobin said.Recently, Pope Leo has called for an end to the war with Iran, advocating for peace and dialogue.When asked if the Iran war is a just war according to Catholic teaching, McElroy said it is not.“Catholic faith teaches us there are certain prerequisites for a just war,“ he said. ”You canʼt go for a variety of different aims. You have to have a focused aim, which is to restore justice and restore peace. Thatʼs it.”When asked about the destruction of the Iranian regimeʼs nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities as an aim of the war, McElroy agreed that the regime “should be removed.”“Itʼs an abominable regime and it should be removed,” McElroy said. “But this is a war of choice that we went to and I think itʼs embedded in a wider moment in the United States thatʼs worrying, which is this. Weʼre seeing before us the possibility of war after war after war.”Cupich criticized the Trump administrationʼs “gamification” of the war through social media posts and edits, calling it “sickening.”“Weʼre dehumanizing the victims of war by turning the suffering of people and the killing of children and our own soldiers into entertainment,” he said. “It is sickening. To splice together movie cuts with actual bombing and targeting of people for the purposes of entertainment is sickening. This is not who we are. Weʼre better than this.”The cardinals also shared pastoral concerns amid ongoing deportations, an issue about which Pope Leo has also spoken.Tobin criticized the tactics used by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency, saying that when immigrants “have to hide their identities,” this “can actually violate other guarantees of our Constitution and Bill of Rights.”“I think somebodyʼs got to call that out,” he said. “And Iʼm not the only one.”McElroy shared his concern that many immigrants “live under fear.”He said attendance at Spanish Masses in his archdiocese went down 30% in the past year. “Thirty percent — thatʼs a lot, and itʼs all fear,” he said.McElroy said there "is a roundup of people throughout the country, people who have been living good, strong lives; [who have] been here a long time." These people "raised their children here; many of their children [were] born here and are citizens,” he said. “Thatʼs what our objection is.”But the cardinal, who for 10 years served as bishop of San Diego, added that he does believe in strong borders, noting that under Biden, “it got to a point where it was getting out of control.”Recalling the popeʼs recent words and actions (the pope is currently visiting Africa on his third international journey), Cupich said Leo is “sending a message that his top priority right now is to be with those who are downcast and marginalized.”
Read More

‘60 Minutes’ takes stock of Catholic Church under Leo with top cardinals – #Catholic – Three influential American cardinals spoke about the Church under Pope Leo XIV in an interview on “60 Minutes” this week.In two segments of the show, Cardinal Robert McElroy of Washington, D.C.; Cardinal Joseph Tobin of Newark, New Jersey; and Cardinal Blaise Cupich of Chicago spoke on the Church in America, from increased conversions and the meaning of patriotism to controversial topics like the Iran ceasefire and immigration enforcement.Why are young people joining the Church?Cupich said he does not entirely know what is behind the reported rise in young people entering the Catholic Church as U.S. dioceses report elevated numbers of Easter baptisms and confirmations.“We are doing some surveys about people who are coming to church to see whatʼs motivating them,” he said. “I do think, though, that research is showing that there really is a deep hunger in the hearts of young people for something that can help them with the meaning of life. But also thereʼs a woundedness on the part of young people that they are seeking healing for.”“We donʼt have all the answers, but we are going to try to drill down to find out more about that,” Cupich said.McElroy pointed to a need for “moral leadership in the world” as a partial explanation.“What a tragedy to have a world in which there are not moral leaders,” he said. “I think young people, and young adults particularly, are looking for a sense of that in their lives — and some of those are coming into the Church for that reason.”“The number of those joining the Church this year is a record for the archdiocese, which is a wonderful thing,” he said of the Archdiocese of Washington, which had 1,800 converts.Tobin credited some of the rising interest and attendance in the Catholic Church to Pope Leo.“Iʼve had the privilege of working closely with four popes: very different people in a lot of ways, but each one in some way was the right one for that moment in time,” Tobin said. “I believe that Pope Leo is the right man at this time.”When asked about the effect of the sex abuse scandal on people leaving the Church, Cupich noted that it “prompts us to be even more forthright in doing everything possible to protect children, but also to address the harm that was done.”“That, I think, is something thatʼs always on the front burner for us with regard to the fall off in terms of people practicing,” he said.Cupich noted, however, that other religions are seeing declines in membership as well.“Itʼs also part of the secularization thatʼs happening in society today,” he said. “People have a lot more options on Sunday, on the weekend, than they did before. So I think there are a number of factors that contributed to that decline.”What does patriotism look like for Catholics?In light of the upcoming 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, the cardinals shared their thoughts on a Catholic understanding of patriotism.“For us as Catholic Americans, we love our country because of what it aspires to be and has for the past 250 years,” McElroy said.“We love our country not merely because we were born here, if we were, but rather because of its aspirations of democracy, justice, equality, of freedom that have been lived out with differing levels of success all through our history, and having to change it and readapt it to make it more true to its core,” he continued.“For me," Cupich said, "patriotism is about being united in the common task of creating the opportunities for everyone to flourish — that they would have the opportunity to be the person God intended them to be."“That is part of the aspirations that immigrants came here with; an opportunity to have a fresh start,” he said. “So how can we work together to make sure that everybody has an opportunity to flourish? I think thatʼs patriotism.”Pope Leo and politics: Iran and ICEWhen asked if he would like to see the first American pope be more outspoken on controversial issues, Tobin said: “Heʼs the pastor of the world; heʼs not a pundit.”“The distinction is heʼs not going to pronounce on everything, but heʼs going to pronounce on whatʼs important,” Tobin said.Recently, Pope Leo has called for an end to the war with Iran, advocating for peace and dialogue.When asked if the Iran war is a just war according to Catholic teaching, McElroy said it is not.“Catholic faith teaches us there are certain prerequisites for a just war,“ he said. ”You canʼt go for a variety of different aims. You have to have a focused aim, which is to restore justice and restore peace. Thatʼs it.”When asked about the destruction of the Iranian regimeʼs nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities as an aim of the war, McElroy agreed that the regime “should be removed.”“Itʼs an abominable regime and it should be removed,” McElroy said. “But this is a war of choice that we went to and I think itʼs embedded in a wider moment in the United States thatʼs worrying, which is this. Weʼre seeing before us the possibility of war after war after war.”Cupich criticized the Trump administrationʼs “gamification” of the war through social media posts and edits, calling it “sickening.”“Weʼre dehumanizing the victims of war by turning the suffering of people and the killing of children and our own soldiers into entertainment,” he said. “It is sickening. To splice together movie cuts with actual bombing and targeting of people for the purposes of entertainment is sickening. This is not who we are. Weʼre better than this.”The cardinals also shared pastoral concerns amid ongoing deportations, an issue about which Pope Leo has also spoken.Tobin criticized the tactics used by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency, saying that when immigrants “have to hide their identities,” this “can actually violate other guarantees of our Constitution and Bill of Rights.”“I think somebodyʼs got to call that out,” he said. “And Iʼm not the only one.”McElroy shared his concern that many immigrants “live under fear.”He said attendance at Spanish Masses in his archdiocese went down 30% in the past year. “Thirty percent — thatʼs a lot, and itʼs all fear,” he said.McElroy said there "is a roundup of people throughout the country, people who have been living good, strong lives; [who have] been here a long time." These people "raised their children here; many of their children [were] born here and are citizens,” he said. “Thatʼs what our objection is.”But the cardinal, who for 10 years served as bishop of San Diego, added that he does believe in strong borders, noting that under Biden, “it got to a point where it was getting out of control.”Recalling the popeʼs recent words and actions (the pope is currently visiting Africa on his third international journey), Cupich said Leo is “sending a message that his top priority right now is to be with those who are downcast and marginalized.”

unitedyam

Three influential American cardinals spoke about the Church under Pope Leo XIV in an interview on “60 Minutes” that looked at rising conversions, patriotism, the Iran war, and immigration enforcement.

Read More
President Trump’s criticism of Pope Leo XIV sparks global reaction – #Catholic – President Donald Trump sharply criticized Pope Leo XIV on Sunday, calling him “weak on crime” and “terrible for foreign policy” and saying he is “not a fan” of the pope, prompting a wave of international reactions.Trump made the comments about the Holy Father in a lengthy April 12 post on Truth Social that appeared to be reacting to the pontiff’s recent appeals for peace and an end to the war in Iran. In comments to reporters at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, shortly afterward, Trump said: “I don’t think he’s doing a very good job. … I am not a fan of Pope Leo.” He added: “He’s a very liberal person.”On Monday morning, the president doubled down on his comments, saying he would not apologize to the pontiff “because Pope Leo said things that are wrong.”In recent weeks, the pope has repeatedly called for an end to hostilities, crying out “Enough of war!” while presiding over a vigil for peace at St. Peterʼs Basilica at the Vatican on April 11. “Stop! Itʼs time for peace! Sit at tables of dialogue and mediation, not at tables where rearmament is planned and death actions are deliberated,” he continued.Iranian leadership spoke out against Trump’s comments, with both the current presidentʼs and the late Imam Sayyid Ali Khameneiʼs social media accounts issuing statements.Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian wrote in an April 13 social media post: “His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, I condemn the insult to Your Excellency on behalf of the great nation of Iran and declare that the desecration of Jesus, the prophet of peace and brotherhood, is not acceptable to any free person. I wish you glory by Allah.”Pezeshkian’s statement comes after peace talks involving Vice President JD Vance collapsed on April 12. Vance, a Catholic convert and Iraq War veteran, blamed Iran’s refusal to commit to abandoning its nuclear program.Khamenei’s social media account posted an April 13 message invoking the teachings of Jesus against war: “Prophet Jesus (peace be upon him) used to call people to the path of God, and forbade them from vice and injustice.”Tweet“The corrupt and tyrannical powers sought to assassinate that divine Messenger,” the post read, “for those steeped in their passions and the instigators of wars could not tolerate the religion, nor the Prophet, nor those who followed the divine path.”Romeʼs mayor, Roberto Gualtieri, wrote in an April 13 post: “Rome is close to Pope Leo. Donald Trump’s attacks on his high spiritual magisterium and on his commitment to peace are unacceptable and wound sensitivities and consciences. The city of Rome, uniquely bound to its bishop, firmly reaffirms the values of respect, dialogue, and peace.”Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who has strong diplomatic ties to the Trump administration, has yet to make a statement.Father Nikodemus Schnabel, abbot of the Benedictine Abbey of the Dormition in Jerusalem, denounced Trump’s post, writing in German: “And then there are actually Catholics — even in the German-speaking world (!) — who still try to sugarcoat the words and actions of this morally bankrupt president and even defend him on moral grounds.”Catholic bishops in the United Kingdom condemned Trump’s criticism of Pope Leo and defended the Holy Father’s repeated calls for peace.“As Pope Leo has made clear, we cannot stand by and allow the message of the Gospel to be abused,” Archbishop John Wilson of Southwark, England, said in a statement shared with EWTN News. “As bishops, we are not politicians, nor statesmen, nor do we pretend to have all the answers. But as followers of the Lord Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, we know that each of us is called to be a beacon of his peace."Wilson called Catholics in the U.K. to “be as courageous as our Holy Father in proclaiming the truth that God demands peace.”Cardinal Fernando Chomali of Santiago, Chile, also defended the Holy Father, writing in an April 13 post: “Pope Leo XIV is a good man, forged by years of prayer, study, and closeness to the poor.”Tweet“[Leo] prefers to obey God rather than men. His courage comes from his deepest convictions, from God, and not from passions. We have a coherent leader who charts a path of no return for us: to promote peace always and under all circumstances,” Chomali said.
Read More

President Trump’s criticism of Pope Leo XIV sparks global reaction – #Catholic – President Donald Trump sharply criticized Pope Leo XIV on Sunday, calling him “weak on crime” and “terrible for foreign policy” and saying he is “not a fan” of the pope, prompting a wave of international reactions.Trump made the comments about the Holy Father in a lengthy April 12 post on Truth Social that appeared to be reacting to the pontiff’s recent appeals for peace and an end to the war in Iran. In comments to reporters at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, shortly afterward, Trump said: “I don’t think he’s doing a very good job. … I am not a fan of Pope Leo.” He added: “He’s a very liberal person.”On Monday morning, the president doubled down on his comments, saying he would not apologize to the pontiff “because Pope Leo said things that are wrong.”In recent weeks, the pope has repeatedly called for an end to hostilities, crying out “Enough of war!” while presiding over a vigil for peace at St. Peterʼs Basilica at the Vatican on April 11. “Stop! Itʼs time for peace! Sit at tables of dialogue and mediation, not at tables where rearmament is planned and death actions are deliberated,” he continued.Iranian leadership spoke out against Trump’s comments, with both the current presidentʼs and the late Imam Sayyid Ali Khameneiʼs social media accounts issuing statements.Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian wrote in an April 13 social media post: “His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, I condemn the insult to Your Excellency on behalf of the great nation of Iran and declare that the desecration of Jesus, the prophet of peace and brotherhood, is not acceptable to any free person. I wish you glory by Allah.”Pezeshkian’s statement comes after peace talks involving Vice President JD Vance collapsed on April 12. Vance, a Catholic convert and Iraq War veteran, blamed Iran’s refusal to commit to abandoning its nuclear program.Khamenei’s social media account posted an April 13 message invoking the teachings of Jesus against war: “Prophet Jesus (peace be upon him) used to call people to the path of God, and forbade them from vice and injustice.”Tweet“The corrupt and tyrannical powers sought to assassinate that divine Messenger,” the post read, “for those steeped in their passions and the instigators of wars could not tolerate the religion, nor the Prophet, nor those who followed the divine path.”Romeʼs mayor, Roberto Gualtieri, wrote in an April 13 post: “Rome is close to Pope Leo. Donald Trump’s attacks on his high spiritual magisterium and on his commitment to peace are unacceptable and wound sensitivities and consciences. The city of Rome, uniquely bound to its bishop, firmly reaffirms the values of respect, dialogue, and peace.”Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who has strong diplomatic ties to the Trump administration, has yet to make a statement.Father Nikodemus Schnabel, abbot of the Benedictine Abbey of the Dormition in Jerusalem, denounced Trump’s post, writing in German: “And then there are actually Catholics — even in the German-speaking world (!) — who still try to sugarcoat the words and actions of this morally bankrupt president and even defend him on moral grounds.”Catholic bishops in the United Kingdom condemned Trump’s criticism of Pope Leo and defended the Holy Father’s repeated calls for peace.“As Pope Leo has made clear, we cannot stand by and allow the message of the Gospel to be abused,” Archbishop John Wilson of Southwark, England, said in a statement shared with EWTN News. “As bishops, we are not politicians, nor statesmen, nor do we pretend to have all the answers. But as followers of the Lord Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, we know that each of us is called to be a beacon of his peace."Wilson called Catholics in the U.K. to “be as courageous as our Holy Father in proclaiming the truth that God demands peace.”Cardinal Fernando Chomali of Santiago, Chile, also defended the Holy Father, writing in an April 13 post: “Pope Leo XIV is a good man, forged by years of prayer, study, and closeness to the poor.”Tweet“[Leo] prefers to obey God rather than men. His courage comes from his deepest convictions, from God, and not from passions. We have a coherent leader who charts a path of no return for us: to promote peace always and under all circumstances,” Chomali said.

unitedyam

Politicians and faith leaders around the world condemned President Donald Trump’s comments about the American pontiff.

Read More

See spring’s best galaxies

unitedyam

Galaxy season is upon us  —  the time of the year in the Northern Hemisphere when Earth’s nightside faces out of the plane of the Milky Way. This week, Astronomy magazine Editor Emeritus Dave Eicher invites you to explore some of the best galaxies on offer in Leo, Ursa Major, Coma Berenices, and Virgo. ClearContinue reading “See spring’s best galaxies”

The post See spring’s best galaxies appeared first on Astronomy Magazine.

Read More
Pope Leo XIV recalls the ‘living seed’ of the martyrs of Algeria – #Catholic – ALGIERS, Algeria — The first day of Pope Leo XIV’s international apostolic journey to Africa concluded with an encounter with the Algerian community at the Basilica of Our Lady of Africa in Algiers.“It is with profound joy and fatherly affection that I meet with you today, you whose discrete and precious presence in this land is marked by an ancient heritage and by luminous witnesses of the faith," Pope Leo said after listening to several testimonies."Your community has deep roots indeed. You are the heirs of a host of witnesses who gave their lives, motivated by love for God and neighbor," he continued. "I am particularly reminded of the 19 men and women religious who were martyred in Algeria, choosing to stand alongside this people in its joys and sorrows. Their blood is a living seed that never ceases to bear fruit.”After fulfilling the more formal engagements — beginning with the late‑morning meeting with the president of the Algerian Republic, authorities, and the diplomatic corps — Leo on Monday afternoon received the embrace of the Algerian Catholic community, present despite heavy rain.At the opening of the meeting, the pope knelt in adoration in front of a tabernacle containing the Eucharist. Pope Leo XIV prays in front of a tabernacle in the Basilica of Our Lady of Africa in Algiers, Algeria, on April 13, 2026, the first day of an apostolic journey to four countries in Africa. | Credit: AIGAV Pool “You are also heirs to a still more ancient tradition, dating back to the early centuries of Christianity," he said in a speech delivered in French. "In this land resounded the fervent voice of Augustine of Hippo, preceded by the testimony of his mother, St. Monica, and of other saints. Their memory shines as a call to be authentic signs of communion, dialogue, and peace today."“To all of you, dear friends, and to those who are not able to be present but are following this meeting from afar,“ he added, ”I express my gratitude for your daily commitment to manifest the maternal heart of the Church.”After thanking Cardinal Dieudonné Nzapalainga and a religious sister, Pentecostal student, basilica guide, and Muslim woman who had spoken, the pope invited those present to reflect on three essential aspects of Christian life.“First, prayer. We all need to pray. … Prayer unites, humanizes, strengthens, and purifies the heart. Through prayer, the Church in Algeria sows humanity, unity, strength, and purity, reaching places known only to the Lord," he said.Turning to charity, Leo emphasized that mercy and service are not merely practical assistance but places of grace and mutual growth.“After all, it is precisely love for their brothers and sisters that inspired the witness of the martyrs we have commemorated. In the face of hatred and violence, they remained faithful to charity even to the point of sacrificing themselves alongside many other men and women, Christians and Muslims. They did so without ostentation or fanfare, with serenity and steadfastness, neither falling into presumption nor despair, for they knew the One in whom they had placed their trust.”Addressing peace and unity, Pope Leo recalled that this was the central theme of his visit.“In a world where division and wars sow pain and death among nations, in communities, and even within families, your experience of unity and peace is a compelling sign. Together, you spread fraternity and inspire a deep longing for communion and reconciliation with a powerful and clear message that is borne in simplicity and humility," the pope said.“A considerable part of this country’s territory is desert, and in the desert, no one can survive alone. The hostile environment dispels any presumptions of self‑sufficiency, reminding us that we need one another, and that we need God,“ he said. ”When we acknowledge our fragility, our hearts become open to supporting one another and to invoking the One who can grant what no human power can ensure: the profound reconciliation of hearts and, with it, true peace.”Before reaching the Basilica of Our Lady of Africa, Pope Leo XIV stopped at the Great Mosque of Algiers and earlier at the center of hospitality and friendship of the Augustinian Missionary Sisters in Bab El Oued.There, the pope paid homage to the memory of several religious sisters of this community killed during the civil war in the 1990s. After praying with the sisters and listening to the words of their superior, Leo XIV recalled the martyrs as a precious presence in the land and as a sign of the heart of Augustinian life: witness, even unto martyrdom.“Your presence here means a great deal,” the Holy Father said, recalling a previous visit and highlighting the legacy of St. Augustine in the region: promoting respect for the dignity of every person and affirming that it is possible to live in peace while valuing differences.Before departing, he thanked the sisters and encouraged them to persevere, recalling that the feast of the 19 martyrs of Algeria falls on May 8 — the day of his election.Tomorrow, Pope Leo XIV will make what he described as a true return to his roots, with a visit to Hippo, where St. Augustine — founder of the order to which the pope belongs — served as bishop from A.D. 396 to 430.This story was first published by ACI Stampa, the Italian-language sister service of EWTN News. It has been translated and adapted by EWTN News English.
Read More

Pope Leo XIV recalls the ‘living seed’ of the martyrs of Algeria – #Catholic – ALGIERS, Algeria — The first day of Pope Leo XIV’s international apostolic journey to Africa concluded with an encounter with the Algerian community at the Basilica of Our Lady of Africa in Algiers.“It is with profound joy and fatherly affection that I meet with you today, you whose discrete and precious presence in this land is marked by an ancient heritage and by luminous witnesses of the faith," Pope Leo said after listening to several testimonies."Your community has deep roots indeed. You are the heirs of a host of witnesses who gave their lives, motivated by love for God and neighbor," he continued. "I am particularly reminded of the 19 men and women religious who were martyred in Algeria, choosing to stand alongside this people in its joys and sorrows. Their blood is a living seed that never ceases to bear fruit.”After fulfilling the more formal engagements — beginning with the late‑morning meeting with the president of the Algerian Republic, authorities, and the diplomatic corps — Leo on Monday afternoon received the embrace of the Algerian Catholic community, present despite heavy rain.At the opening of the meeting, the pope knelt in adoration in front of a tabernacle containing the Eucharist. Pope Leo XIV prays in front of a tabernacle in the Basilica of Our Lady of Africa in Algiers, Algeria, on April 13, 2026, the first day of an apostolic journey to four countries in Africa. | Credit: AIGAV Pool “You are also heirs to a still more ancient tradition, dating back to the early centuries of Christianity," he said in a speech delivered in French. "In this land resounded the fervent voice of Augustine of Hippo, preceded by the testimony of his mother, St. Monica, and of other saints. Their memory shines as a call to be authentic signs of communion, dialogue, and peace today."“To all of you, dear friends, and to those who are not able to be present but are following this meeting from afar,“ he added, ”I express my gratitude for your daily commitment to manifest the maternal heart of the Church.”After thanking Cardinal Dieudonné Nzapalainga and a religious sister, Pentecostal student, basilica guide, and Muslim woman who had spoken, the pope invited those present to reflect on three essential aspects of Christian life.“First, prayer. We all need to pray. … Prayer unites, humanizes, strengthens, and purifies the heart. Through prayer, the Church in Algeria sows humanity, unity, strength, and purity, reaching places known only to the Lord," he said.Turning to charity, Leo emphasized that mercy and service are not merely practical assistance but places of grace and mutual growth.“After all, it is precisely love for their brothers and sisters that inspired the witness of the martyrs we have commemorated. In the face of hatred and violence, they remained faithful to charity even to the point of sacrificing themselves alongside many other men and women, Christians and Muslims. They did so without ostentation or fanfare, with serenity and steadfastness, neither falling into presumption nor despair, for they knew the One in whom they had placed their trust.”Addressing peace and unity, Pope Leo recalled that this was the central theme of his visit.“In a world where division and wars sow pain and death among nations, in communities, and even within families, your experience of unity and peace is a compelling sign. Together, you spread fraternity and inspire a deep longing for communion and reconciliation with a powerful and clear message that is borne in simplicity and humility," the pope said.“A considerable part of this country’s territory is desert, and in the desert, no one can survive alone. The hostile environment dispels any presumptions of self‑sufficiency, reminding us that we need one another, and that we need God,“ he said. ”When we acknowledge our fragility, our hearts become open to supporting one another and to invoking the One who can grant what no human power can ensure: the profound reconciliation of hearts and, with it, true peace.”Before reaching the Basilica of Our Lady of Africa, Pope Leo XIV stopped at the Great Mosque of Algiers and earlier at the center of hospitality and friendship of the Augustinian Missionary Sisters in Bab El Oued.There, the pope paid homage to the memory of several religious sisters of this community killed during the civil war in the 1990s. After praying with the sisters and listening to the words of their superior, Leo XIV recalled the martyrs as a precious presence in the land and as a sign of the heart of Augustinian life: witness, even unto martyrdom.“Your presence here means a great deal,” the Holy Father said, recalling a previous visit and highlighting the legacy of St. Augustine in the region: promoting respect for the dignity of every person and affirming that it is possible to live in peace while valuing differences.Before departing, he thanked the sisters and encouraged them to persevere, recalling that the feast of the 19 martyrs of Algeria falls on May 8 — the day of his election.Tomorrow, Pope Leo XIV will make what he described as a true return to his roots, with a visit to Hippo, where St. Augustine — founder of the order to which the pope belongs — served as bishop from A.D. 396 to 430.This story was first published by ACI Stampa, the Italian-language sister service of EWTN News. It has been translated and adapted by EWTN News English.

unitedyam

The meeting in the Catholic Basilica of Our Lady of Africa concluded the first day of the pope’s journey to Africa.

Read More
Wayne Root’s Top Ten Stories of the Week – Including the Failing Communist State of Colorado… Democrats Legalizing Public Sex in the Gay Somali Bathhouses of Minnesota… and NYC Putting Police Officers in Prison for Stopping Bad Guys (VIDEO) – Watch Wayne Allyn Root’s Top Ten Stories of the Week – including the failing communist state of Colorado… Democrats legalizing public sex in the gay Somali bathhouses of Minnesota… and NYC putting police officers in prison for stopping bad guys. The post Wayne Root’s Top Ten Stories of the Week – Including the Failing Communist State of Colorado… Democrats Legalizing Public Sex in the Gay Somali Bathhouses of Minnesota… and NYC Putting Police Officers in Prison for Stopping Bad Guys (VIDEO) appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.
Read More

Wayne Root’s Top Ten Stories of the Week – Including the Failing Communist State of Colorado… Democrats Legalizing Public Sex in the Gay Somali Bathhouses of Minnesota… and NYC Putting Police Officers in Prison for Stopping Bad Guys (VIDEO) – Watch Wayne Allyn Root’s Top Ten Stories of the Week – including the failing communist state of Colorado… Democrats legalizing public sex in the gay Somali bathhouses of Minnesota… and NYC putting police officers in prison for stopping bad guys. The post Wayne Root’s Top Ten Stories of the Week – Including the Failing Communist State of Colorado… Democrats Legalizing Public Sex in the Gay Somali Bathhouses of Minnesota… and NYC Putting Police Officers in Prison for Stopping Bad Guys (VIDEO) appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.

unitedyam

Watch Wayne Allyn Root’s Top Ten Stories of the Week – including the failing communist state of Colorado… Democrats legalizing public sex in the gay Somali bathhouses of Minnesota… and NYC putting police officers in prison for stopping bad guys.

The post Wayne Root’s Top Ten Stories of the Week – Including the Failing Communist State of Colorado… Democrats Legalizing Public Sex in the Gay Somali Bathhouses of Minnesota… and NYC Putting Police Officers in Prison for Stopping Bad Guys (VIDEO) appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.

Read More
Ireland Government Blinks, Partially Cuts Motor Fuel Tax as Protests Continue To Grow, Blockading Ports and Runways (VIDEOS) – After unleashing police and military on protesters, Ireland government starts to partially agree to protesters’ demands. The post Ireland Government Blinks, Partially Cuts Motor Fuel Tax as Protests Continue To Grow, Blockading Ports and Runways (VIDEOS) appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.
Read More

Ireland Government Blinks, Partially Cuts Motor Fuel Tax as Protests Continue To Grow, Blockading Ports and Runways (VIDEOS) – After unleashing police and military on protesters, Ireland government starts to partially agree to protesters’ demands. The post Ireland Government Blinks, Partially Cuts Motor Fuel Tax as Protests Continue To Grow, Blockading Ports and Runways (VIDEOS) appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.

unitedyam

Crowd of people celebrating with Irish flags during a lively public event, showcasing a vibrant atmosphere and community spirit.

Crowd of people celebrating with Irish flags during a lively public event, showcasing a vibrant atmosphere and community spirit.

After unleashing police and military on protesters, Ireland government starts to partially agree to protesters’ demands.

The post Ireland Government Blinks, Partially Cuts Motor Fuel Tax as Protests Continue To Grow, Blockading Ports and Runways (VIDEOS) appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.

Read More
Son of Legendary Australian Cricketer Shane Warne Blames His Father’s Sudden Death on ‘Forced’ COVID Vaccine – Jackson Warne, the son of legendary Australian cricketer Shane Warne, joined 2WorldsPodcast to discuss his father’s untimely death at just 52 years old. The post Son of Legendary Australian Cricketer Shane Warne Blames His Father’s Sudden Death on ‘Forced’ COVID Vaccine appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.
Read More

Son of Legendary Australian Cricketer Shane Warne Blames His Father’s Sudden Death on ‘Forced’ COVID Vaccine – Jackson Warne, the son of legendary Australian cricketer Shane Warne, joined 2WorldsPodcast to discuss his father’s untimely death at just 52 years old. The post Son of Legendary Australian Cricketer Shane Warne Blames His Father’s Sudden Death on ‘Forced’ COVID Vaccine appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.

unitedyam

Cricketer speaking at a press conference in Melbourne, surrounded by microphones and media representatives.

Cricketer speaking at a press conference in Melbourne, surrounded by microphones and media representatives.

Jackson Warne, the son of legendary Australian cricketer Shane Warne, joined 2WorldsPodcast to discuss his father’s untimely death at just 52 years old.

The post Son of Legendary Australian Cricketer Shane Warne Blames His Father’s Sudden Death on ‘Forced’ COVID Vaccine appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.

Read More
Trump’s comments on Pope Leo called ‘disrespectful’ as Americans react #Catholic Catholic bishops and U.S. elected officials have publicly criticized the president’s statements about Pope Leo XIV.President Donald Trump called Leo “weak on crime and terrible for foreign policy” in a lengthy social media post April 12 that drew response from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and elected officials.Bishop Robert Barron of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester, Minnesota, called Trump’s attack on Pope Leo XIV “disrespectful." Barron, who serves on Trump’s Religious Liberty Commission, said in a post on X that Trump’s comments “were entirely inappropriate and disrespectful” and “I think the president owes the pope an apology.”“[Trump’s comments] don’t contribute at all to a constructive conversation,” he said. “It is the pope’s prerogative to articulate Catholic doctrine and the principles that govern the moral life. In regard to the concrete application of those principles, people of goodwill can and do disagree.”Barron encouraged Catholic Trump officials to arrange a meeting with Vatican officials “so that a real dialogue can take place,” saying “this is far preferable to the statements on social media.”Bishop Michael Burbidge of Arlington, Virginia, said in a social media post: “Along with Archbishop [Paul] Coakley, president of the USCCB, and my brother bishops, I was disheartened by recent comments from President Trump concerning Pope Leo XIV and the Church. I pray that civility and respect are fully restored as together, with God’s grace, we work for peace and harmony among all people. May we also be united in our prayer for the end of war and violence so that Christ’s peace reigns throughout the world and in our hearts.”Palm Beach, Florida, Bishop Manuel de Jesús Rodríguez posted on X: “The @DiocesePB stands firm with our Holy Father, @Pontifex, and strongly rejects the disrespectful and violent attacks that Donald J. Trump has directed against the Holy Father.”Buffalo, New York, Bishop Michael Fisher posted on X: “This is not about politics but the very cause of humanity.”The Catholic Association's Ashley McGuire said in a statement: “The Catholic Church does not in any way fit into American political boxes. It will always prioritize the protection of innocent life in all its stages as well as the cause of the poor and marginalized. Insulting the pope, and all Catholics by extension, with the hope of making the Church bend to American political agendas, is discouraging and counterproductive.” McGuire added: “We pray that President Trump apologizes to Pope Leo.”U.S. officials' reaction beginsRepublican Vice President JD Vance, who is Catholic, has not yet commented on the matter, nor has Secretary of State Marco Rubio, also a Catholic.Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Arizona, who is Catholic, posted on X that “I find it abhorrent that the president of the United States would publicly attack the successor of St. Peter.”U.S. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said on X that Trump “shamefully attacked” the pope. Few Republican elected officials have spoken out.TweetDemocratic California Gov. Gavin Newsom posted on X: “Hey @GOP, you good with your guy directly attacking the pope now?”Rep. Lukas Schubert, a Republican Montana state lawmaker, disputed the presidentʼs statement that the pope is a “liberal person.”“Pope Leo is significantly further to the right than President Trump on abortion, gay marriage, and family values. Also he is more America First on the Iran War,” Schubert said.AI imageTrump also posted an AI-created image on Truth Social that appeared to portray himself as Jesus Christ, healing the sick, which led several Catholics to accuse the president of blasphemy.Edward Feser, a Catholic philosopher and professor at Pasadena City College, posted on X that Trump’s comments illustrate “how utter enslavement to the sin of pride makes a man unsuitable for the presidency.”“For all their faults, previous presidents had the visceral understanding of proper boundaries not to attack the vicar of Christ even when they disagreed with him,” he said.Feser quoted Daniel 11:36-37 in response to Trump’s AI image of himself as Christ, which reads: “And the king shall do according to his will; he shall exalt himself and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak astonishing things against the God of gods … He shall not give heed to any other god, for he shall magnify himself above all.”In reaction to the AI photo, Matt Fradd, the host of “Pints With Aquinas,“ urged Catholics to “offer a rosary today for Donald Trump and all blasphemers. … Seriously. Do it. I will too.”TweetRep. Shontel Brown, D-Ohio, did not directly reference Trumpʼs remarks about the pope but criticized the AI-created image on X: “There aren’t enough words to denounce how wrong this is.”The comments came after Leo criticized the Iran war and Trump’s rhetoric about targeting the entire civilization of Iran. Leo said in response to the post: “I have no fear neither of the Trump administration nor of speaking out loudly about the message of the Gospel.”Marjorie Taylor Greene, a former Republican congresswoman who was a strong ally of Trump before splitting with him on the Iran war and his handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files, posted on X that Trump “attacked the pope because the pope is rightly against Trump’s war in Iran and then he posted this picture of himself as if he is replacing Jesus.”“This comes after last week’s post of his evil tirade on Easter and then threatening to kill an entire civilization,” she said. “I completely denounce this and I’m praying against it!!!”‘Fuels division’Father Robert Sirico, the founder of the Acton Institute, said in a statement that Leo “has both the right and the duty to speak prophetically on matters of war and peace, the dignity of the human person, and the moral limits of force — even when his words discomfort political leaders.”He said Trump’s post does not “strengthen America’s moral standing but “merely fuels division.”Sirico also added that Catholics can disagree with popes on prudential judgments, such as foreign policy or crime, which he said are not infallible: “The Church herself teaches that such applications of principle admit of legitimate debate.”This story was updated at 11:50 a.m. ET on April 13, 2026, with comments from Buffalo, New York, Bishop Michael Fisher and The Catholic Associationʼs Ashley McGuire.
Read More

Trump’s comments on Pope Leo called ‘disrespectful’ as Americans react #Catholic Catholic bishops and U.S. elected officials have publicly criticized the president’s statements about Pope Leo XIV.President Donald Trump called Leo “weak on crime and terrible for foreign policy” in a lengthy social media post April 12 that drew response from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and elected officials.Bishop Robert Barron of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester, Minnesota, called Trump’s attack on Pope Leo XIV “disrespectful." Barron, who serves on Trump’s Religious Liberty Commission, said in a post on X that Trump’s comments “were entirely inappropriate and disrespectful” and “I think the president owes the pope an apology.”“[Trump’s comments] don’t contribute at all to a constructive conversation,” he said. “It is the pope’s prerogative to articulate Catholic doctrine and the principles that govern the moral life. In regard to the concrete application of those principles, people of goodwill can and do disagree.”Barron encouraged Catholic Trump officials to arrange a meeting with Vatican officials “so that a real dialogue can take place,” saying “this is far preferable to the statements on social media.”Bishop Michael Burbidge of Arlington, Virginia, said in a social media post: “Along with Archbishop [Paul] Coakley, president of the USCCB, and my brother bishops, I was disheartened by recent comments from President Trump concerning Pope Leo XIV and the Church. I pray that civility and respect are fully restored as together, with God’s grace, we work for peace and harmony among all people. May we also be united in our prayer for the end of war and violence so that Christ’s peace reigns throughout the world and in our hearts.”Palm Beach, Florida, Bishop Manuel de Jesús Rodríguez posted on X: “The @DiocesePB stands firm with our Holy Father, @Pontifex, and strongly rejects the disrespectful and violent attacks that Donald J. Trump has directed against the Holy Father.”Buffalo, New York, Bishop Michael Fisher posted on X: “This is not about politics but the very cause of humanity.”The Catholic Association's Ashley McGuire said in a statement: “The Catholic Church does not in any way fit into American political boxes. It will always prioritize the protection of innocent life in all its stages as well as the cause of the poor and marginalized. Insulting the pope, and all Catholics by extension, with the hope of making the Church bend to American political agendas, is discouraging and counterproductive.” McGuire added: “We pray that President Trump apologizes to Pope Leo.”U.S. officials' reaction beginsRepublican Vice President JD Vance, who is Catholic, has not yet commented on the matter, nor has Secretary of State Marco Rubio, also a Catholic.Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Arizona, who is Catholic, posted on X that “I find it abhorrent that the president of the United States would publicly attack the successor of St. Peter.”U.S. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said on X that Trump “shamefully attacked” the pope. Few Republican elected officials have spoken out.TweetDemocratic California Gov. Gavin Newsom posted on X: “Hey @GOP, you good with your guy directly attacking the pope now?”Rep. Lukas Schubert, a Republican Montana state lawmaker, disputed the presidentʼs statement that the pope is a “liberal person.”“Pope Leo is significantly further to the right than President Trump on abortion, gay marriage, and family values. Also he is more America First on the Iran War,” Schubert said.AI imageTrump also posted an AI-created image on Truth Social that appeared to portray himself as Jesus Christ, healing the sick, which led several Catholics to accuse the president of blasphemy.Edward Feser, a Catholic philosopher and professor at Pasadena City College, posted on X that Trump’s comments illustrate “how utter enslavement to the sin of pride makes a man unsuitable for the presidency.”“For all their faults, previous presidents had the visceral understanding of proper boundaries not to attack the vicar of Christ even when they disagreed with him,” he said.Feser quoted Daniel 11:36-37 in response to Trump’s AI image of himself as Christ, which reads: “And the king shall do according to his will; he shall exalt himself and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak astonishing things against the God of gods … He shall not give heed to any other god, for he shall magnify himself above all.”In reaction to the AI photo, Matt Fradd, the host of “Pints With Aquinas,“ urged Catholics to “offer a rosary today for Donald Trump and all blasphemers. … Seriously. Do it. I will too.”TweetRep. Shontel Brown, D-Ohio, did not directly reference Trumpʼs remarks about the pope but criticized the AI-created image on X: “There aren’t enough words to denounce how wrong this is.”The comments came after Leo criticized the Iran war and Trump’s rhetoric about targeting the entire civilization of Iran. Leo said in response to the post: “I have no fear neither of the Trump administration nor of speaking out loudly about the message of the Gospel.”Marjorie Taylor Greene, a former Republican congresswoman who was a strong ally of Trump before splitting with him on the Iran war and his handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files, posted on X that Trump “attacked the pope because the pope is rightly against Trump’s war in Iran and then he posted this picture of himself as if he is replacing Jesus.”“This comes after last week’s post of his evil tirade on Easter and then threatening to kill an entire civilization,” she said. “I completely denounce this and I’m praying against it!!!”‘Fuels division’Father Robert Sirico, the founder of the Acton Institute, said in a statement that Leo “has both the right and the duty to speak prophetically on matters of war and peace, the dignity of the human person, and the moral limits of force — even when his words discomfort political leaders.”He said Trump’s post does not “strengthen America’s moral standing but “merely fuels division.”Sirico also added that Catholics can disagree with popes on prudential judgments, such as foreign policy or crime, which he said are not infallible: “The Church herself teaches that such applications of principle admit of legitimate debate.”This story was updated at 11:50 a.m. ET on April 13, 2026, with comments from Buffalo, New York, Bishop Michael Fisher and The Catholic Associationʼs Ashley McGuire.

unitedyam

President Donald Trump called Leo “weak on crime and terrible for foreign policy” in a lengthy social media post April 12 that drew response from U.S. bishops and elected officials.

Read More
Pope Leo XIV in Algeria: ‘I am here among you as a pilgrim of peace’ #Catholic ALGIERS, Algeria — Pope Leo XIV on Monday presented himself to Algeria’s diplomatic corps and civil society as “a pilgrim of peace,” urging a more just international order, warning against exclusion and inequality, and praising those who refuse to be “blinded by power or wealth.”Peace remained the central theme of the pope’s first day in Algeria, following his earlier stop at the Martyrs’ Memorial, where he delivered an appeal for peace and reconciliation.Speaking in French at the Djamaa el Djazair Conference Center, Leo recalled his previous visits to Algeria in 2001 and 2013 to Annaba, the ancient see of St. Augustine, whose spiritual legacy has long shaped the Augustinian order to which the pope belongs.“I am here among you as a pilgrim of peace, eager to meet the noble Algerian people,” the pope said. “We are brothers and sisters, for we have the same Father in heaven.”Leo said the “profound religious sense of the Algerian people” fosters “a culture of encounter and reconciliation,” adding that his visit also seeks to be a sign of that spirit.“In a world full of conflicts and misunderstandings, let us meet and strive for mutual understanding, recognizing that we are one family!” he said. “Today, the simplicity of this awareness is the key to opening many doors that are closed.”Addressing an audience of about 1,400 people from civil society and the diplomatic corps, the pope praised the resilience of the Algerian people, saying they had never been defeated by their trials because of their spirit of solidarity, hospitality, and community.“They are the truly strong ones, to whom the future belongs: those who do not allow themselves to be blinded by power or wealth, and those who refuse to sacrifice the dignity of their fellow citizens for the sake of personal or collective gain,” he said.Leo also highlighted the Algerian understanding of hospitality and almsgiving, reflected in the word “sadaka,” which he noted can also mean justice.“The one who accumulates wealth and remains indifferent to others is unjust,” the pope said, calling this vision of justice both “simple and radical” because it recognizes the image of God in others. “Indeed, a religion without mercy and a society without solidarity are a scandal in God’s eyes.”At the same time, he warned that many societies that consider themselves advanced are falling ever deeper into inequality and exclusion, while “people and organizations that dominate others destroy the world.” He said Africa knows this reality well and suggested that Algeria’s historical experience gives it a critical perspective on global power balances.“If you are able to engage in dialogue regarding the concerns of all and show solidarity with the sufferings of so many countries near and far, then you will be able to contribute to both envisioning and bringing about greater justice among peoples,” Leo said.He added that this task is especially urgent “in the face of continuous violations of international law and neocolonial tendencies.”Drawing on the teaching of Benedict XVI and Pope Francis, Leo called on Algeria’s authorities not to fear a broader social participation by those on the margins.“I therefore urge those of you who hold positions of authority in this country not to fear this outlook but to promote a vibrant, dynamic, and free civil society, in which young people in particular are recognized as capable of helping to broaden the horizon of hope for all,” he said.“The true strength of a nation lies in the cooperation of everyone in pursuing the common good,” he continued. “Authorities are called not to dominate but to serve the people and foster their development.”The pope also pointed to Algeria’s unique role as “a bridge between North and South, and between East and West,” describing the Mediterranean and the Sahara as geographical and spiritual crossroads rich with human and cultural meaning.“Woe to us if we turn them into graveyards where hope also dies!” he said. “Let us multiply oases of peace; let us denounce and remove the causes of despair; and let us oppose those who profit from the misfortune of others!”“For illicit are the gains of those who exploit human life, whose dignity is inviolable,” he added.Leo then broadened his reflection to the place of religion in modern society, noting that Algeria, like much of the world, experiences tensions between religious sensibility and modern life. He warned against both fundamentalism and secularization when they distort the true sense of God and human dignity.“Religious symbols and words can become, on the one hand, blasphemous languages of violence and oppression, or on the other, empty signs in the immense marketplace of consumption that does not satisfy us,” he said.Still, the pope insisted that such polarization should not lead to despair.“We must educate people in critical thinking and freedom, in listening and dialogue, and in the trust that leads us to recognize in those who are different fellow travelers and not threats,” he said. “We must work toward the healing of memory and reconciliation among former adversaries.”In his introduction, Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune called Leo’s presence the first visit of a pope to Algeria and said it gave the occasion “a unique resonance.” He invoked both St. Augustine and Emir Abdelkader as enduring models at a time of accelerating change and weakening moral values.Tebboune also praised the pope’s moral authority and his support for social justice while reaffirming Algeria’s commitment to working with the Holy Father to promote dialogue, coexistence, and cooperation over division and conflict.This story was first published by ACI Stampa, the Italian-language sister service of EWTN News. It has been translated and adapted by EWTN News English.
Read More

Pope Leo XIV in Algeria: ‘I am here among you as a pilgrim of peace’ #Catholic ALGIERS, Algeria — Pope Leo XIV on Monday presented himself to Algeria’s diplomatic corps and civil society as “a pilgrim of peace,” urging a more just international order, warning against exclusion and inequality, and praising those who refuse to be “blinded by power or wealth.”Peace remained the central theme of the pope’s first day in Algeria, following his earlier stop at the Martyrs’ Memorial, where he delivered an appeal for peace and reconciliation.Speaking in French at the Djamaa el Djazair Conference Center, Leo recalled his previous visits to Algeria in 2001 and 2013 to Annaba, the ancient see of St. Augustine, whose spiritual legacy has long shaped the Augustinian order to which the pope belongs.“I am here among you as a pilgrim of peace, eager to meet the noble Algerian people,” the pope said. “We are brothers and sisters, for we have the same Father in heaven.”Leo said the “profound religious sense of the Algerian people” fosters “a culture of encounter and reconciliation,” adding that his visit also seeks to be a sign of that spirit.“In a world full of conflicts and misunderstandings, let us meet and strive for mutual understanding, recognizing that we are one family!” he said. “Today, the simplicity of this awareness is the key to opening many doors that are closed.”Addressing an audience of about 1,400 people from civil society and the diplomatic corps, the pope praised the resilience of the Algerian people, saying they had never been defeated by their trials because of their spirit of solidarity, hospitality, and community.“They are the truly strong ones, to whom the future belongs: those who do not allow themselves to be blinded by power or wealth, and those who refuse to sacrifice the dignity of their fellow citizens for the sake of personal or collective gain,” he said.Leo also highlighted the Algerian understanding of hospitality and almsgiving, reflected in the word “sadaka,” which he noted can also mean justice.“The one who accumulates wealth and remains indifferent to others is unjust,” the pope said, calling this vision of justice both “simple and radical” because it recognizes the image of God in others. “Indeed, a religion without mercy and a society without solidarity are a scandal in God’s eyes.”At the same time, he warned that many societies that consider themselves advanced are falling ever deeper into inequality and exclusion, while “people and organizations that dominate others destroy the world.” He said Africa knows this reality well and suggested that Algeria’s historical experience gives it a critical perspective on global power balances.“If you are able to engage in dialogue regarding the concerns of all and show solidarity with the sufferings of so many countries near and far, then you will be able to contribute to both envisioning and bringing about greater justice among peoples,” Leo said.He added that this task is especially urgent “in the face of continuous violations of international law and neocolonial tendencies.”Drawing on the teaching of Benedict XVI and Pope Francis, Leo called on Algeria’s authorities not to fear a broader social participation by those on the margins.“I therefore urge those of you who hold positions of authority in this country not to fear this outlook but to promote a vibrant, dynamic, and free civil society, in which young people in particular are recognized as capable of helping to broaden the horizon of hope for all,” he said.“The true strength of a nation lies in the cooperation of everyone in pursuing the common good,” he continued. “Authorities are called not to dominate but to serve the people and foster their development.”The pope also pointed to Algeria’s unique role as “a bridge between North and South, and between East and West,” describing the Mediterranean and the Sahara as geographical and spiritual crossroads rich with human and cultural meaning.“Woe to us if we turn them into graveyards where hope also dies!” he said. “Let us multiply oases of peace; let us denounce and remove the causes of despair; and let us oppose those who profit from the misfortune of others!”“For illicit are the gains of those who exploit human life, whose dignity is inviolable,” he added.Leo then broadened his reflection to the place of religion in modern society, noting that Algeria, like much of the world, experiences tensions between religious sensibility and modern life. He warned against both fundamentalism and secularization when they distort the true sense of God and human dignity.“Religious symbols and words can become, on the one hand, blasphemous languages of violence and oppression, or on the other, empty signs in the immense marketplace of consumption that does not satisfy us,” he said.Still, the pope insisted that such polarization should not lead to despair.“We must educate people in critical thinking and freedom, in listening and dialogue, and in the trust that leads us to recognize in those who are different fellow travelers and not threats,” he said. “We must work toward the healing of memory and reconciliation among former adversaries.”In his introduction, Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune called Leo’s presence the first visit of a pope to Algeria and said it gave the occasion “a unique resonance.” He invoked both St. Augustine and Emir Abdelkader as enduring models at a time of accelerating change and weakening moral values.Tebboune also praised the pope’s moral authority and his support for social justice while reaffirming Algeria’s commitment to working with the Holy Father to promote dialogue, coexistence, and cooperation over division and conflict.This story was first published by ACI Stampa, the Italian-language sister service of EWTN News. It has been translated and adapted by EWTN News English.

unitedyam

The pontiff called for a world order that does not exclude the vulnerable and urged leaders to serve the common good.

Read More
St. Therese Ministry reignites powerful gatherings praying for America #Catholic – The rosary and prayer ministry of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, also known as the “Little Flower,” at St. Catherine of Siena Parish in Mountain Lakes, N.J., will restart its activities for the year with its first monthly meeting at the parish church on Tuesday, May 5, at 1 p.m. The group will meet on Tuesdays until the end of the year. Members will pray the Novena to St. Therese, a PEACE prayer for the United States, the Memorare, and the rosary. Intentions will include prayers for peace in the Middle East. Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter. Upcoming St. Therese Ministry events at St. Catherine’s will include: • Healing service on Tuesday, May 19 at 1 p.m. led by Father Edward Rama, pastor of St. Bernard of Clairvaux Parish in Wharton, N.J. Those suffering serious illness will have the opportunity to be anointed with healing oil. A reception will follow in the gym. • Musical performance on July 28 at 1 p.m. by, Karen Jaworski, vocalist, and Joe Tamburro, pianist, of St. Lawrence the Martyr Parish in Chester, N.J. • Talk on Tuesday, Sept. 15 at 1 p.m. by Father Jared Brogan, director of the Worship Office of the Paterson Diocese, N.J. • Celebration of the Feast Day of St. Therese on Sunday, Oct. 11, at 2 p.m. led by Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney. It will not be a Mass. The celebration will feature five vocalists, the Knights of Columbus, an organist, and bagpipers. A reception will follow. • Healing service on Tuesday, Nov. 17, at 1 p.m. with Father Rama. • A Christmas concert and final prayer service on Dec. 15 at 1 p.m. For more information, call Carol Bsarany at 973-271-9252.
Read More

St. Therese Ministry reignites powerful gatherings praying for America #Catholic – The rosary and prayer ministry of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, also known as the “Little Flower,” at St. Catherine of Siena Parish in Mountain Lakes, N.J., will restart its activities for the year with its first monthly meeting at the parish church on Tuesday, May 5, at 1 p.m. The group will meet on Tuesdays until the end of the year. Members will pray the Novena to St. Therese, a PEACE prayer for the United States, the Memorare, and the rosary. Intentions will include prayers for peace in the Middle East. Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter. Upcoming St. Therese Ministry events at St. Catherine’s will include: • Healing service on Tuesday, May 19 at 1 p.m. led by Father Edward Rama, pastor of St. Bernard of Clairvaux Parish in Wharton, N.J. Those suffering serious illness will have the opportunity to be anointed with healing oil. A reception will follow in the gym. • Musical performance on July 28 at 1 p.m. by, Karen Jaworski, vocalist, and Joe Tamburro, pianist, of St. Lawrence the Martyr Parish in Chester, N.J. • Talk on Tuesday, Sept. 15 at 1 p.m. by Father Jared Brogan, director of the Worship Office of the Paterson Diocese, N.J. • Celebration of the Feast Day of St. Therese on Sunday, Oct. 11, at 2 p.m. led by Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney. It will not be a Mass. The celebration will feature five vocalists, the Knights of Columbus, an organist, and bagpipers. A reception will follow. • Healing service on Tuesday, Nov. 17, at 1 p.m. with Father Rama. • A Christmas concert and final prayer service on Dec. 15 at 1 p.m. For more information, call Carol Bsarany at 973-271-9252.

unitedyam

St. Therese Ministry reignites powerful gatherings praying for America #Catholic –

The rosary and prayer ministry of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, also known as the “Little Flower,” at St. Catherine of Siena Parish in Mountain Lakes, N.J., will restart its activities for the year with its first monthly meeting at the parish church on Tuesday, May 5, at 1 p.m.

The group will meet on Tuesdays until the end of the year. Members will pray the Novena to St. Therese, a PEACE prayer for the United States, the Memorare, and the rosary. Intentions will include prayers for peace in the Middle East.

Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.

Upcoming St. Therese Ministry events at St. Catherine’s will include:

• Healing service on Tuesday, May 19 at 1 p.m. led by Father Edward Rama, pastor of St. Bernard of Clairvaux Parish in Wharton, N.J. Those suffering serious illness will have the opportunity to be anointed with healing oil. A reception will follow in the gym.

• Musical performance on July 28 at 1 p.m. by, Karen Jaworski, vocalist, and Joe Tamburro, pianist, of St. Lawrence the Martyr Parish in Chester, N.J.

• Talk on Tuesday, Sept. 15 at 1 p.m. by Father Jared Brogan, director of the Worship Office of the Paterson Diocese, N.J.

• Celebration of the Feast Day of St. Therese on Sunday, Oct. 11, at 2 p.m. led by Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney. It will not be a Mass. The celebration will feature five vocalists, the Knights of Columbus, an organist, and bagpipers. A reception will follow.

• Healing service on Tuesday, Nov. 17, at 1 p.m. with Father Rama.

• A Christmas concert and final prayer service on Dec. 15 at 1 p.m.

For more information, call Carol Bsarany at 973-271-9252.

– The rosary and prayer ministry of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, also known as the “Little Flower,” at St. Catherine of Siena Parish in Mountain Lakes, N.J., will restart its activities for the year with its first monthly meeting at the parish church on Tuesday, May 5, at 1 p.m. The group will meet on Tuesdays until the end of the year. Members will pray the Novena to St. Therese, a PEACE prayer for the United States, the Memorare, and the rosary. Intentions will include prayers for peace in the Middle East. Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter. Upcoming

Read More

Prayer to be Faithful of Serving God: Prayer of the Day for Monday, April 13, 2026 – #Prayer – Father in Heaven, ever-living source of all that is good, keep me faithful in serving You. Help me to drink of Christ’s Truth, and fill my heart with His Love so that I may serve You in faith and love and reach eternal life. In the Sacrament of the Eucharist You give me the joy of sharing Your Life. Keep me in Your presence. Let me never be separated from You and help me to do Your Will.

unitedyam

Father in Heaven,
ever-living source of all that is good,
keep me faithful in serving You.
Help me to drink of Christ’s Truth,
and fill my heart with His Love
so that I may serve You in faith
and love and reach eternal life.
In the Sacrament of the Eucharist
You give me the joy of sharing Your Life.
Keep me in Your presence.
Let me never be separated from You
and help me to do Your Will.

Read More

Gospel and Word of the Day – 13 April 2026 – A reading from the Book of the Acts of the Apostles Acts 4:23-31 After their release Peter and John went back to their own people and reported what the chief priests and elders had told them. And when they heard it, they raised their voices to God with one accord and said, "Sovereign Lord, maker of heaven and earth and the sea and all that is in them, you said by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of our father David, your servant: Why did the Gentiles rage and the peoples entertain folly? The kings of the earth took their stand and the princes gathered together against the Lord and against his anointed. Indeed they gathered in this city against your holy servant Jesus whom you anointed, Herod and Pontius Pilate, together with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, to do what your hand and your will had long ago planned to take place. And now, Lord, take note of their threats, and enable your servants to speak your word with all boldness, as you stretch forth your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are done through the name of your holy servant Jesus." As they prayed, the place where they were gathered shook, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.From the Gospel according to John 3:1-8 There was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. He came to Jesus at night and said to him, "Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God, for no one can do these signs that you are doing unless God is with him." Jesus answered and said to him, "Amen, amen, I say to you, unless one is born from above, he cannot see the Kingdom of God." Nicodemus said to him, "How can a man once grown old be born again? Surely he cannot reenter his mother’s womb and be born again, can he?" Jesus answered, "Amen, amen, I say to you, unless one is born of water and Spirit he cannot enter the Kingdom of God. What is born of flesh is flesh and what is born of spirit is spirit. Do not be amazed that I told you, ‘You must be born from above.’ The wind blows where it wills, and you can hear the sound it makes, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes; so it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit."Jesus says to Nicodemus that in order to “see the kingdom of God”, one needs to be “born anew” from above (cf. v. 3). This does not mean starting over from birth, repeating our coming into the world, hoping that a new reincarnation will re-open our chance at  a better life. This repetition makes no sense. Indeed, it would empty all meaning from the life we have lived, erasing it as if it were a failed experiment, an expired and lost value. No, this is not the rebirth that Jesus speaks of. It is something else. This life is precious in God’s eyes — it identifies us as creatures loved tenderly by Him. This “born anew” that allows us to “enter” the kingdom of God is a generation in the Spirit, a passage through the waters toward the promised land of a creation reconciled with the love of God. It is a rebirth from above with the grace of God. It is not being reborn physically another time. (…) Jesus says that faith, which welcomes the evangelical proclamation of the kingdom of God to which we are destined, has an extraordinary primary effect. It enables us to “see” the kingdom of God. We become capable of truly seeing the many signs of the approximation of our hope of fulfilment for that which in our life bears the sign of being destined for God’s eternity. (Pope Francis, General Audience, 8 June 2022)

unitedyam

A reading from the Book of the Acts of the Apostles
Acts 4:23-31

After their release Peter and John went back to their own people
and reported what the chief priests and elders had told them.
And when they heard it,
they raised their voices to God with one accord
and said, "Sovereign Lord, maker of heaven and earth
and the sea and all that is in them,
you said by the Holy Spirit
through the mouth of our father David, your servant:

Why did the Gentiles rage
and the peoples entertain folly?
The kings of the earth took their stand
and the princes gathered together
against the Lord and against his anointed.

Indeed they gathered in this city
against your holy servant Jesus whom you anointed,
Herod and Pontius Pilate,
together with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel,
to do what your hand and your will
had long ago planned to take place.
And now, Lord, take note of their threats,
and enable your servants to speak your word
with all boldness, as you stretch forth your hand to heal,
and signs and wonders are done
through the name of your holy servant Jesus."
As they prayed, the place where they were gathered shook,
and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit
and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.

From the Gospel according to John
3:1-8

There was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews.
He came to Jesus at night and said to him,
"Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God,
for no one can do these signs that you are doing
unless God is with him."
Jesus answered and said to him,
"Amen, amen, I say to you,
unless one is born from above, he cannot see the Kingdom of God."
Nicodemus said to him,
"How can a man once grown old be born again?
Surely he cannot reenter his mother’s womb and be born again, can he?"
Jesus answered,
"Amen, amen, I say to you,
unless one is born of water and Spirit
he cannot enter the Kingdom of God.
What is born of flesh is flesh
and what is born of spirit is spirit.
Do not be amazed that I told you,
‘You must be born from above.’
The wind blows where it wills,
and you can hear the sound it makes,
but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes;
so it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit."

Jesus says to Nicodemus that in order to “see the kingdom of God”, one needs to be “born anew” from above (cf. v. 3). This does not mean starting over from birth, repeating our coming into the world, hoping that a new reincarnation will re-open our chance at  a better life. This repetition makes no sense. Indeed, it would empty all meaning from the life we have lived, erasing it as if it were a failed experiment, an expired and lost value. No, this is not the rebirth that Jesus speaks of. It is something else. This life is precious in God’s eyes — it identifies us as creatures loved tenderly by Him. This “born anew” that allows us to “enter” the kingdom of God is a generation in the Spirit, a passage through the waters toward the promised land of a creation reconciled with the love of God. It is a rebirth from above with the grace of God. It is not being reborn physically another time. (…) Jesus says that faith, which welcomes the evangelical proclamation of the kingdom of God to which we are destined, has an extraordinary primary effect. It enables us to “see” the kingdom of God. We become capable of truly seeing the many signs of the approximation of our hope of fulfilment for that which in our life bears the sign of being destined for God’s eternity. (Pope Francis, General Audience, 8 June 2022)

Read More
Swalwell Insists He Didn’t Assault Any Of Those Chinese Spies He Slept With #BabylonBee – SACRAMENTO, CA — After being accused of multiple counts of sexual assault, Representative Eric Swalwell issued a fierce denial today, insisting that he never assaulted any of the Chinese spies he slept with.
Read More

Swalwell Insists He Didn’t Assault Any Of Those Chinese Spies He Slept With #BabylonBee – SACRAMENTO, CA — After being accused of multiple counts of sexual assault, Representative Eric Swalwell issued a fierce denial today, insisting that he never assaulted any of the Chinese spies he slept with.

unitedyam

SACRAMENTO, CA — After being accused of multiple counts of sexual assault, Representative Eric Swalwell issued a fierce denial today, insisting that he never assaulted any of the Chinese spies he slept with.

Read More
Pope Leo XIV: Eucharist is ‘indispensable for Christian life’ #Catholic “The Sunday Eucharist is indispensable for Christian life,” said Pope Leo XIV before reciting the Marian prayer of the Regina Caeli on April 12 in St. Peterʼs Square. Speaking to crowds gathered in the square, the pope noted his upcoming departure for Africa, where “some martyrs of the early African Church, the Martyrs of Abitene, have left us a beautiful testimony in this regard." "Faced with the offer to save their lives on the condition that they renounce celebrating the Eucharist, they replied that they could not live without celebrating the Lord’s Day. It is there that our faith is nourished and grows,” the Holy Father said. “Because it is through the Eucharist that even our hands become ‘hands of the Risen One,’ witnesses of his presence, of his mercy, and of his peace, in the signs of work, of sacrifices, of illness, and of the passing of the years, which are often engraved upon them — just as in the tenderness of a caress, a handshake, or a gesture of charity," he said. In his commentary on the April 12 Gospel for the second Sunday of Easter — dedicated by Pope John Paul II to Divine Mercy — the pope spoke about the faithfulʼs encounter with Jesus: “Where can we find him? How can we recognize him? How can we believe?”“Certainly, it is not always easy to believe. It was not easy for Thomas, and it is not easy for us either. Faith needs to be nourished and supported. For this reason, on the ‘eighth day,’ that is, every Sunday, the Church invites us to do as the first disciples did: to gather together and celebrate the Eucharist as one," he said.The pope concluded: “In a world that is in such great need of peace, this commits us more than ever to be assiduous and faithful in our Eucharistic encounter with the Risen Lord, so that we may depart from it as witnesses of charity and bearers of reconciliation." “May the Virgin Mary help us to do this — she who is blessed because she was the first to believe without seeing,” he said. After the prayer, Pope Leo XIV returned to the theme of peace. Recalling the Easter celebration of the Orthodox Churches, he said: “I accompany those communities with even more intense prayer for all those who suffer because of the war, in particular for the dear people of Ukraine.”“May the light of Christ bring comfort to afflicted hearts and strengthen the hope of peace. May the attention of the international community toward the drama of this war not diminish. I am also more than ever close to the beloved people of Lebanon in these days of sorrow, fear, and invincible hope in God.”“The principle of humanity, inscribed in the conscience of every person and recognized in international law, entails the moral obligation to protect the civilian population from the atrocious effects of war. I appeal to the conflicting parties to cease fire and to urgently seek a peaceful solution," he said. Next Wednesday marks three years since the beginning of the bloody conflict in Sudan. “How much the Sudanese people are suffering — innocent victims of this inhuman tragedy!“ the pope said. ”I renew my heartfelt appeal to the warring parties to silence the weapons and to begin, without preconditions, a sincere dialogue aimed at ending as soon as possible this fratricidal war.”The pope then greeted everyone: “I extend a warm welcome to all of you, Romans and pilgrims, especially to the faithful who have celebrated Divine Mercy Sunday at the Shrine of Santo Spirito in Sassia.”This story was first published by ACI Stampa, the Italian-language sister service of EWTN News. It has been translated and adapted by EWTN News English.
Read More

Pope Leo XIV: Eucharist is ‘indispensable for Christian life’ #Catholic “The Sunday Eucharist is indispensable for Christian life,” said Pope Leo XIV before reciting the Marian prayer of the Regina Caeli on April 12 in St. Peterʼs Square. Speaking to crowds gathered in the square, the pope noted his upcoming departure for Africa, where “some martyrs of the early African Church, the Martyrs of Abitene, have left us a beautiful testimony in this regard." "Faced with the offer to save their lives on the condition that they renounce celebrating the Eucharist, they replied that they could not live without celebrating the Lord’s Day. It is there that our faith is nourished and grows,” the Holy Father said. “Because it is through the Eucharist that even our hands become ‘hands of the Risen One,’ witnesses of his presence, of his mercy, and of his peace, in the signs of work, of sacrifices, of illness, and of the passing of the years, which are often engraved upon them — just as in the tenderness of a caress, a handshake, or a gesture of charity," he said. In his commentary on the April 12 Gospel for the second Sunday of Easter — dedicated by Pope John Paul II to Divine Mercy — the pope spoke about the faithfulʼs encounter with Jesus: “Where can we find him? How can we recognize him? How can we believe?”“Certainly, it is not always easy to believe. It was not easy for Thomas, and it is not easy for us either. Faith needs to be nourished and supported. For this reason, on the ‘eighth day,’ that is, every Sunday, the Church invites us to do as the first disciples did: to gather together and celebrate the Eucharist as one," he said.The pope concluded: “In a world that is in such great need of peace, this commits us more than ever to be assiduous and faithful in our Eucharistic encounter with the Risen Lord, so that we may depart from it as witnesses of charity and bearers of reconciliation." “May the Virgin Mary help us to do this — she who is blessed because she was the first to believe without seeing,” he said. After the prayer, Pope Leo XIV returned to the theme of peace. Recalling the Easter celebration of the Orthodox Churches, he said: “I accompany those communities with even more intense prayer for all those who suffer because of the war, in particular for the dear people of Ukraine.”“May the light of Christ bring comfort to afflicted hearts and strengthen the hope of peace. May the attention of the international community toward the drama of this war not diminish. I am also more than ever close to the beloved people of Lebanon in these days of sorrow, fear, and invincible hope in God.”“The principle of humanity, inscribed in the conscience of every person and recognized in international law, entails the moral obligation to protect the civilian population from the atrocious effects of war. I appeal to the conflicting parties to cease fire and to urgently seek a peaceful solution," he said. Next Wednesday marks three years since the beginning of the bloody conflict in Sudan. “How much the Sudanese people are suffering — innocent victims of this inhuman tragedy!“ the pope said. ”I renew my heartfelt appeal to the warring parties to silence the weapons and to begin, without preconditions, a sincere dialogue aimed at ending as soon as possible this fratricidal war.”The pope then greeted everyone: “I extend a warm welcome to all of you, Romans and pilgrims, especially to the faithful who have celebrated Divine Mercy Sunday at the Shrine of Santo Spirito in Sassia.”This story was first published by ACI Stampa, the Italian-language sister service of EWTN News. It has been translated and adapted by EWTN News English.

unitedyam

“It is through the Eucharist that even our hands become ‘hands of the Risen One’,” the pope said.

Read More
Chaldean Church chooses Archbishop Amel Nona as patriarch, succeeding Cardinal Sako #Catholic The Chaldean Synod has elected Archbishop Amel Shamon Nona as the new Patriarch of the Chaldean Catholic Church, succeeding Cardinal Louis Raphael Sako, who submitted his resignation to Pope Leo XIV on March 9 amid a financial and legal scandal concerning a former Chaldean bishop in San Diego.The election took place during the synod’s meetings held in Rome since April 9.This election comes at a critical time for both the Chaldean Church and the wider region, amid ongoing political challenges in Iraq and the Middle East, as well as internal ecclesial issues related to unity and the organization of Church life both locally and in the diaspora.Following the election, the Chaldean bishops issued a statement saying:“After deep spiritual and fraternal deliberations, conducted in a spirit of prayer and ecclesial discernment, and mindful of the apostolic responsibility entrusted to them, the Fathers of the Synod elected the Patriarch of the Chaldean Church according to the established canonical procedures. After completing the required ballots, and in accordance with the will expressed by the Synod, His Excellency Archbishop Amel Shamon Nona was elected Patriarch of the Chaldean Church and chose for himself the name His Beatitude Patriarch Mar Paul III Nona.”The statement continued: “His Beatitude accepted the election in accordance with canonical norms, expressing his reliance on God’s grace and his commitment to exercise his patriarchal ministry with fidelity and responsibility, in full communion with the Fathers of the Synod, in service of the unity of the Chaldean Church and its mission in the homeland and the diaspora.”“The Fathers of the Synod raise their prayers to the Lord Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd, asking that He grant the elected Patriarch wisdom and strength,“ the statement continued. ”They affirm their confidence that this ministry will contribute to strengthening the faithful in their faith, enhancing their unity, and revitalizing the Church’s mission in bearing witness to the Gospel.”The Synod also called on all members of the Chaldean Church — clergy and faithful alike — to unite around the new Patriarch and support him through prayer and shared responsibility for the good of the Church and the growth of its mission.Archbishop Nona was born in Alqosh in northern Iraq in 1967. He was ordained a priest in 1991 after completing his studies at the Patriarchal Seminary in Baghdad. He later pursued higher studies in Rome, earning a doctorate in theological anthropology from the Pontifical Lateran University.He served in the parishes of Alqosh before being appointed Archbishop of Mosul in 2009, during a period marked by escalating violence against Christians in Iraq.During the events of 2014, he left Mosul along with his faithful following the takeover of the city by the terrorist group ISIS, marking a pivotal moment in the modern history of the Chaldean Church.In 2015, the Holy See appointed him head of the Chaldean Eparchy of St. Thomas the Apostle in Australia and New Zealand, where he continued his pastoral ministry among the Chaldean diaspora.His appointment comes following the resignation of Cardinal Raphael Sako, who announced that he submitted his resignation to Pope Leo XIV of his own free will on the morning of March 9 so he could “dedicate himself quietly to prayer, writing, and simple service.”The timing sparked controversy within the Chaldean community. Pope Leo XIV on March 10 accepted the resignation of Bishop Emanuel Shaleta, a Chaldean Catholic bishop arrested in San Diego in March on charges of embezzling Church funds.Sako had allegedly attempted to support or transfer the embattled bishop to a higher position, leading many to question whether the financial scandal played a role in the patriarch’s decision.This story was first published by ACI MENA, the Arabic-language sister service of EWTN News. It has been translated and adapted by EWTN News English.
Read More

Chaldean Church chooses Archbishop Amel Nona as patriarch, succeeding Cardinal Sako #Catholic The Chaldean Synod has elected Archbishop Amel Shamon Nona as the new Patriarch of the Chaldean Catholic Church, succeeding Cardinal Louis Raphael Sako, who submitted his resignation to Pope Leo XIV on March 9 amid a financial and legal scandal concerning a former Chaldean bishop in San Diego.The election took place during the synod’s meetings held in Rome since April 9.This election comes at a critical time for both the Chaldean Church and the wider region, amid ongoing political challenges in Iraq and the Middle East, as well as internal ecclesial issues related to unity and the organization of Church life both locally and in the diaspora.Following the election, the Chaldean bishops issued a statement saying:“After deep spiritual and fraternal deliberations, conducted in a spirit of prayer and ecclesial discernment, and mindful of the apostolic responsibility entrusted to them, the Fathers of the Synod elected the Patriarch of the Chaldean Church according to the established canonical procedures. After completing the required ballots, and in accordance with the will expressed by the Synod, His Excellency Archbishop Amel Shamon Nona was elected Patriarch of the Chaldean Church and chose for himself the name His Beatitude Patriarch Mar Paul III Nona.”The statement continued: “His Beatitude accepted the election in accordance with canonical norms, expressing his reliance on God’s grace and his commitment to exercise his patriarchal ministry with fidelity and responsibility, in full communion with the Fathers of the Synod, in service of the unity of the Chaldean Church and its mission in the homeland and the diaspora.”“The Fathers of the Synod raise their prayers to the Lord Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd, asking that He grant the elected Patriarch wisdom and strength,“ the statement continued. ”They affirm their confidence that this ministry will contribute to strengthening the faithful in their faith, enhancing their unity, and revitalizing the Church’s mission in bearing witness to the Gospel.”The Synod also called on all members of the Chaldean Church — clergy and faithful alike — to unite around the new Patriarch and support him through prayer and shared responsibility for the good of the Church and the growth of its mission.Archbishop Nona was born in Alqosh in northern Iraq in 1967. He was ordained a priest in 1991 after completing his studies at the Patriarchal Seminary in Baghdad. He later pursued higher studies in Rome, earning a doctorate in theological anthropology from the Pontifical Lateran University.He served in the parishes of Alqosh before being appointed Archbishop of Mosul in 2009, during a period marked by escalating violence against Christians in Iraq.During the events of 2014, he left Mosul along with his faithful following the takeover of the city by the terrorist group ISIS, marking a pivotal moment in the modern history of the Chaldean Church.In 2015, the Holy See appointed him head of the Chaldean Eparchy of St. Thomas the Apostle in Australia and New Zealand, where he continued his pastoral ministry among the Chaldean diaspora.His appointment comes following the resignation of Cardinal Raphael Sako, who announced that he submitted his resignation to Pope Leo XIV of his own free will on the morning of March 9 so he could “dedicate himself quietly to prayer, writing, and simple service.”The timing sparked controversy within the Chaldean community. Pope Leo XIV on March 10 accepted the resignation of Bishop Emanuel Shaleta, a Chaldean Catholic bishop arrested in San Diego in March on charges of embezzling Church funds.Sako had allegedly attempted to support or transfer the embattled bishop to a higher position, leading many to question whether the financial scandal played a role in the patriarch’s decision.This story was first published by ACI MENA, the Arabic-language sister service of EWTN News. It has been translated and adapted by EWTN News English.

unitedyam

His appointment comes following the resignation of Cardinal Raphael Sako, who submitted his resignation to Pope Leo XIV on March 9 amid a legal and financial scandal surrounding a former bishop.

Read More
U.S.-Iran talks collapse as Vance cites nuclear impasse and Catholic leaders call for peace – #Catholic – U.S.-Iran peace talks collapsed on Sunday after a 21-hour marathon session, with Vice President JD Vance blaming Iranʼs refusal to commit to abandoning its nuclear program, even as Catholic leaders in Rome and Washington condemned the broader conflict as immoral and pleaded “Enough of war!”“The bad news is that we have not reached an agreement. And I think that’s bad news for Iran much more than it’s bad news for the United States of America,” Vance told reporters in Islamabad, where the meetings took place. “We’ve had a number of substantive discussions with the Iranians. That’s the good news.”He added that the core impasse remained Iran’s nuclear ambitions: “But the simple fact is that we need to see an affirmative commitment that they will not seek a nuclear weapon, and they will not seek the tools that would enable them to quickly achieve a nuclear weapon. That is the core goal of the president of the United States. And that’s what we’ve tried to achieve through these negotiations.”Vance emphasized that the U.S. side negotiated “in good faith,” but Iran “has chosen not to accept our terms.” He further noted, “We leave here with a very simple proposal, a method of understanding that is our final and best offer. We’ll see if the Iranians accept it.”Iran has insisted the aims of its nuclear program are civilian.The high-level face-to-face talks in Pakistan, a mediator between the two countries, followed weeks of military confrontation that began in late February and produced a tenuous two-week ceasefire, which ends April 22. With no deal secured, the future of that truce now hangs in greater uncertainty.Despite the breakdown in negotiations, Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar pushed both sides to continue to "uphold their commitment to ceasefire."Vance, a Catholic convert and Iraq War veteran, has reflected on the moral weight of these national security decisions in the context of his faith. Speaking to the Washington Post last week about U.S. actions to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, he said, “I certainly hope that God agrees with the decision that Iran shouldn’t have a nuclear weapon, but I’ll keep praying about it.” He added that his approach has been “to pray that we are on God’s side” because “that would mean a lot of innocent people dead.”Catholic leaders in the U.S. and at the Vatican have responded to the broader conflict with strong calls for peace and a return to dialogue. In Rome, Pope Leo XIV led a peace vigil at the Vatican April 11, where he delivered a forceful appeal against the violence.“Enough of war!” he declared, lamenting the human and spiritual cost of the fighting. He stressed that prayer is “the most free, universal and disruptive response to death," and is among the things that “break the demonic chain of evil and put themselves at the service of the Kingdom of God; a kingdom in which there is no sword, no drones, no revenge, no trivialization of evil, no unfair profit, but only dignity, understanding and forgiveness.”He and other Catholic leaders have drawn on the Church’s just war tradition, which holds that the use of force must meet strict moral criteria, including just cause, right intention, last resort, proportionality, and discrimination between combatants and non-combatants.The Holy Father called on all parties to reject escalation and instead commit to patient, honest dialogue aimed at genuine coexistence and the protection of civilians.“Stop! Itʼs time for peace! Sit at tables of dialogue and mediation, not at tables where rearmament is planned and death actions are deliberated,” he said.At a special Mass for Peace held in Washington, also on April 11, Cardinal Robert McElroy argued that the current war fails to meet the strict criteria of just war theory, particularly in light of civilian suffering and the risk of disproportionate harm. The cardinal urged the faithful to pray for an immediate end to hostilities and for diplomats to pursue a just settlement that protects human life.Predicting the failure of negotiations “because of recalcitrance on both sides” and the United States’ reentry into hostilities after the ceasefire, he said:“At that critical juncture, as disciples of Jesus Christ called to be peacemakers in the world, we must answer vocally and in unison: No,” he said. “Not in our name. Not at this moment. Not with our country.”He warned of the “expansion of the war far beyond Iran, the disruption of the world economy, and the loss of life.”
Read More

U.S.-Iran talks collapse as Vance cites nuclear impasse and Catholic leaders call for peace – #Catholic – U.S.-Iran peace talks collapsed on Sunday after a 21-hour marathon session, with Vice President JD Vance blaming Iranʼs refusal to commit to abandoning its nuclear program, even as Catholic leaders in Rome and Washington condemned the broader conflict as immoral and pleaded “Enough of war!”“The bad news is that we have not reached an agreement. And I think that’s bad news for Iran much more than it’s bad news for the United States of America,” Vance told reporters in Islamabad, where the meetings took place. “We’ve had a number of substantive discussions with the Iranians. That’s the good news.”He added that the core impasse remained Iran’s nuclear ambitions: “But the simple fact is that we need to see an affirmative commitment that they will not seek a nuclear weapon, and they will not seek the tools that would enable them to quickly achieve a nuclear weapon. That is the core goal of the president of the United States. And that’s what we’ve tried to achieve through these negotiations.”Vance emphasized that the U.S. side negotiated “in good faith,” but Iran “has chosen not to accept our terms.” He further noted, “We leave here with a very simple proposal, a method of understanding that is our final and best offer. We’ll see if the Iranians accept it.”Iran has insisted the aims of its nuclear program are civilian.The high-level face-to-face talks in Pakistan, a mediator between the two countries, followed weeks of military confrontation that began in late February and produced a tenuous two-week ceasefire, which ends April 22. With no deal secured, the future of that truce now hangs in greater uncertainty.Despite the breakdown in negotiations, Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar pushed both sides to continue to "uphold their commitment to ceasefire."Vance, a Catholic convert and Iraq War veteran, has reflected on the moral weight of these national security decisions in the context of his faith. Speaking to the Washington Post last week about U.S. actions to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, he said, “I certainly hope that God agrees with the decision that Iran shouldn’t have a nuclear weapon, but I’ll keep praying about it.” He added that his approach has been “to pray that we are on God’s side” because “that would mean a lot of innocent people dead.”Catholic leaders in the U.S. and at the Vatican have responded to the broader conflict with strong calls for peace and a return to dialogue. In Rome, Pope Leo XIV led a peace vigil at the Vatican April 11, where he delivered a forceful appeal against the violence.“Enough of war!” he declared, lamenting the human and spiritual cost of the fighting. He stressed that prayer is “the most free, universal and disruptive response to death," and is among the things that “break the demonic chain of evil and put themselves at the service of the Kingdom of God; a kingdom in which there is no sword, no drones, no revenge, no trivialization of evil, no unfair profit, but only dignity, understanding and forgiveness.”He and other Catholic leaders have drawn on the Church’s just war tradition, which holds that the use of force must meet strict moral criteria, including just cause, right intention, last resort, proportionality, and discrimination between combatants and non-combatants.The Holy Father called on all parties to reject escalation and instead commit to patient, honest dialogue aimed at genuine coexistence and the protection of civilians.“Stop! Itʼs time for peace! Sit at tables of dialogue and mediation, not at tables where rearmament is planned and death actions are deliberated,” he said.At a special Mass for Peace held in Washington, also on April 11, Cardinal Robert McElroy argued that the current war fails to meet the strict criteria of just war theory, particularly in light of civilian suffering and the risk of disproportionate harm. The cardinal urged the faithful to pray for an immediate end to hostilities and for diplomats to pursue a just settlement that protects human life.Predicting the failure of negotiations “because of recalcitrance on both sides” and the United States’ reentry into hostilities after the ceasefire, he said:“At that critical juncture, as disciples of Jesus Christ called to be peacemakers in the world, we must answer vocally and in unison: No,” he said. “Not in our name. Not at this moment. Not with our country.”He warned of the “expansion of the war far beyond Iran, the disruption of the world economy, and the loss of life.”

unitedyam

The high-level face-to-face talks in Pakistan followed weeks of military confrontation that began in late February and produced a tenuous two-week ceasefire, which ends April 22.

Read More

April 12, 1981: Columbia lifts of for the first space shuttle mission

unitedyam

In 1972, President Nixon authorized the development of the space shuttle program, a new approach to space travel. By creating a reusable spacecraft, NASA aimed to establish a reliable system for ferrying personnel, supplies, and equipment. When Space Shuttle Columbia launched for the first time on April 12, 1981, on STS-1, it was the firstContinue reading “April 12, 1981: Columbia lifts of for the first space shuttle mission”

The post April 12, 1981: Columbia lifts of for the first space shuttle mission appeared first on Astronomy Magazine.

Read More
Older Posts