Cardinal Tobin asks for prayers as he heads to surgery for mass in kidney – #Catholic – Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin of the Archdiocese of Newark, New Jersey, is asking the faithful for prayers as he heads into surgery on Oct. 29 to address an issue with a kidney, according to an archdiocesan news release.“I am deeply grateful to the skilled and compassionate medical professionals who are guiding my care and preparing my treatment plan,” Tobin said in an Oct. 28 statement, one day before the surgery.“Above all, I place my complete trust in Christ our Redeemer, whose loving presence sustains me in all things,” Tobin said. “I humbly ask for your prayers and support during this time. God willing, I look forward to resuming my full duties within a few weeks after surgery.”According to the archdiocese, doctors discovered a mass in one of the cardinal’s kidneys and he will undergo surgery to remove it. The announcement states doctors believe the mass is confined to the kidney and are optimistic about his outlook.The news release states the doctor’s examination of the mass after the surgery will determine its nature and guide the cardinalʼs treatment moving forward.The archdiocese did not immediately respond to a request for further comment.
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Cardinal Tobin asks for prayers as he heads to surgery for mass in kidney – #Catholic – Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin of the Archdiocese of Newark, New Jersey, is asking the faithful for prayers as he heads into surgery on Oct. 29 to address an issue with a kidney, according to an archdiocesan news release.“I am deeply grateful to the skilled and compassionate medical professionals who are guiding my care and preparing my treatment plan,” Tobin said in an Oct. 28 statement, one day before the surgery.“Above all, I place my complete trust in Christ our Redeemer, whose loving presence sustains me in all things,” Tobin said. “I humbly ask for your prayers and support during this time. God willing, I look forward to resuming my full duties within a few weeks after surgery.”According to the archdiocese, doctors discovered a mass in one of the cardinal’s kidneys and he will undergo surgery to remove it. The announcement states doctors believe the mass is confined to the kidney and are optimistic about his outlook.The news release states the doctor’s examination of the mass after the surgery will determine its nature and guide the cardinalʼs treatment moving forward.The archdiocese did not immediately respond to a request for further comment.

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Cardinal Joseph Tobin will undergo surgery to remove a mass in a kidney, which will be examined by doctors. The archdiocese said doctors are optimistic about his outlook.

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Deadly train accident in Spain: The Church joins in grief – #Catholic – The Spanish Bishops’ Conference (CEE, by its Spanish acronym) and numerous bishops and dioceses have expressed their condolences and dismay at another railway tragedy following the collision of two high-speed trains, which resulted in dozens of deaths on the morning of Oct. 28.The accident occurred in Urda, Toledo province, at around 9 a.m. local time when a Renfe AVE train reportedly rear-ended another train operated by the Iryo company, causing at least two passenger cars of the second train to derail.Authorities have reported a death toll of more than 60, surpassing the number of fatalities in the accident that occurred in Adamuz in January, which claimed the lives of 45 people.Father Fernando Fernández de Bobadilla, the parish priest of Los Yébenes, a town near the site of the accident, spoke to COPE (a radio station owned by the Spanish Bishops’ Conference) from the disaster scene while attending to the victims.“Right now, I’m holding an IV bag in one hand and another bag in the other. It’s horrific,” he said. “They’ve already begun removing the deceased. They place a black wristband on those who have died, a red one on those in critical condition, and a yellow one on those who can be treated. The two people I’m with right now have red wristbands, and I’m waiting for them to be taken away.”In its message, the CEE expressed its “condolences to the families of the victims and prays for the eternal rest of the deceased and for the recovery of the injured,” while also joining “in the grief of those affected.”The bishops called for prayers for all the victims during the religious services of the Christian community, so that through the intercession of the Virgin Mary, comforter of the afflicted and queen of peace, the Lord may grant the gift of life to the victims, and hope to their families and all those affected.The CEE also commended to God “all those involved in emergency response efforts, those caring for the injured, and those providing support to the families of the victims.”Many prelates have likewise assured their prayers and closeness in the wake of the event.The archbishop of Toledo and primate of Spain, Francisco Cerro, expressed on behalf of his entire diocesan Church his “profound concern” and closeness to all those affected, assuring that they are offering prayers “for those who have been injured and for all those going through moments of distress and uncertainty as a result of this accident.”The primatial archbishop further stated that nearby parishes, the local vicariate, and the diocesan Caritas “make themselves available to all those affected and their families, to offer them the help, accompaniment, and support they may need during these difficult times.”“The diocesan Church of Toledo, like a house with open doors, joins in the pain and worry that this event is causing, and invites the faithful to lift up their prayers for those affected, their families, and the first responders,” he added.The archbishop of Madrid, Cardinal José Cobo, and the archbishop of Seville, José Ángel Saiz Meneses, have also shared expressions of consternation and prayers via social media. Saiz stated quite directly: “prayer, closeness, and support for the victims and their families.”Meanwhile, the archbishop of Granada, José María Gil Tamayo, also offered his condolences, while the bishop of Getafe, Ginés García Beltrán, prayed “that the Lord may sustain and bring comfort to those affected.”Messages in a similar vein have also been posted by the bishop of León, Luis Ángel de las Heras, who offered “our condolences and our prayers to the God of life” as well as by the bishop of Orihuela-Alicante, José Ignacio Munilla; the bishop of Málaga, José Antonio Satué; and the bishop of Vitoria, Juan Carlos Elizalde, who remarked: “May the Lord be their comfort, and may we, as brothers and sisters, accompany the injured and the families who have lost loved ones during these moments of sorrow.”This story was first published by EWTN News Español, the Spanish-language sister service of EWTN News. It has been translated and adapted by EWTN News English.
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Deadly train accident in Spain: The Church joins in grief – #Catholic – The Spanish Bishops’ Conference (CEE, by its Spanish acronym) and numerous bishops and dioceses have expressed their condolences and dismay at another railway tragedy following the collision of two high-speed trains, which resulted in dozens of deaths on the morning of Oct. 28.The accident occurred in Urda, Toledo province, at around 9 a.m. local time when a Renfe AVE train reportedly rear-ended another train operated by the Iryo company, causing at least two passenger cars of the second train to derail.Authorities have reported a death toll of more than 60, surpassing the number of fatalities in the accident that occurred in Adamuz in January, which claimed the lives of 45 people.Father Fernando Fernández de Bobadilla, the parish priest of Los Yébenes, a town near the site of the accident, spoke to COPE (a radio station owned by the Spanish Bishops’ Conference) from the disaster scene while attending to the victims.“Right now, I’m holding an IV bag in one hand and another bag in the other. It’s horrific,” he said. “They’ve already begun removing the deceased. They place a black wristband on those who have died, a red one on those in critical condition, and a yellow one on those who can be treated. The two people I’m with right now have red wristbands, and I’m waiting for them to be taken away.”In its message, the CEE expressed its “condolences to the families of the victims and prays for the eternal rest of the deceased and for the recovery of the injured,” while also joining “in the grief of those affected.”The bishops called for prayers for all the victims during the religious services of the Christian community, so that through the intercession of the Virgin Mary, comforter of the afflicted and queen of peace, the Lord may grant the gift of life to the victims, and hope to their families and all those affected.The CEE also commended to God “all those involved in emergency response efforts, those caring for the injured, and those providing support to the families of the victims.”Many prelates have likewise assured their prayers and closeness in the wake of the event.The archbishop of Toledo and primate of Spain, Francisco Cerro, expressed on behalf of his entire diocesan Church his “profound concern” and closeness to all those affected, assuring that they are offering prayers “for those who have been injured and for all those going through moments of distress and uncertainty as a result of this accident.”The primatial archbishop further stated that nearby parishes, the local vicariate, and the diocesan Caritas “make themselves available to all those affected and their families, to offer them the help, accompaniment, and support they may need during these difficult times.”“The diocesan Church of Toledo, like a house with open doors, joins in the pain and worry that this event is causing, and invites the faithful to lift up their prayers for those affected, their families, and the first responders,” he added.The archbishop of Madrid, Cardinal José Cobo, and the archbishop of Seville, José Ángel Saiz Meneses, have also shared expressions of consternation and prayers via social media. Saiz stated quite directly: “prayer, closeness, and support for the victims and their families.”Meanwhile, the archbishop of Granada, José María Gil Tamayo, also offered his condolences, while the bishop of Getafe, Ginés García Beltrán, prayed “that the Lord may sustain and bring comfort to those affected.”Messages in a similar vein have also been posted by the bishop of León, Luis Ángel de las Heras, who offered “our condolences and our prayers to the God of life” as well as by the bishop of Orihuela-Alicante, José Ignacio Munilla; the bishop of Málaga, José Antonio Satué; and the bishop of Vitoria, Juan Carlos Elizalde, who remarked: “May the Lord be their comfort, and may we, as brothers and sisters, accompany the injured and the families who have lost loved ones during these moments of sorrow.”This story was first published by EWTN News Español, the Spanish-language sister service of EWTN News. It has been translated and adapted by EWTN News English.

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The Spanish Bishops’ Conference, along with numerous bishops and dioceses, expressed condolences and consternation following a railway tragedy that resulted in dozens of deaths.

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Pew report challenges narrative on rising religiosity in U.S. – #Catholic – A Pew Research report is pushing back on headlines of religious revival in the U.S. with data showing “mixed signals” among young adults.The Oct. 28 report from Pew Research Center found that while religious practice in the U.S. has “remained stable” since 2020, a survey of young adults about religious practice uncovered “mixed signals.” The report is based on data from Pew’s probability-based, nationally representative 2026 National Public Opinion Reference Survey (NPORS) and the center’s 2025 Cross-Sectional Engagement Survey.Based on a June 2026 survey, Pew found that 34% of adults said they attended a religious service in the past month, while 45% said they either attended or watched a religious service online in the past month. “Both numbers are at their highest levels since the Center started asking these questions in July 2020,” the report said.However, the report said that while young adults born from 2004 to 2008 are reporting “relatively high rates of attendance at religious services,” young adults born from 2000 to 2003 “are the least religious age group when it comes to how often they pray, how important religion is in their lives and how many of them identify with religion.” In addition, the share of the older demographic that say they attend religious services regularly “is among the lowest of any age group.”The report noted that the youngest Republicans attend religious services at higher rates than older Republicans, but that “they are not solely responsible for the high levels of religious attendance among young adults,” and that younger Democrats also reported higher levels of attendance than older ones.The youngest men reported higher levels of religious observance than the youngest women, the report said, noting that “this is something we have not seen before in our surveys.” However, the youngest women did report “relatively high rates” of attendance at religious observance compared with older women.“Moreover, this is not the first time in recent decades that surveys have shown the youngest Americans entering adulthood with relatively high rates of religiousness,” the report said. “When this has happened in the past, the religiousness of the youngest adults has tended to fade with time, leaving them less religious than people in the preceding birth cohort. We have no way of knowing whether today’s youngest adults will follow that pattern or break it.”The report highlighted how findings from other organizations contrast with their own. While Gallup polls showed an increase in young men who identified religion as important to them and who attend religious services, more so than young women, the report noted that “by contrast, an aggregation of Pew Research Center surveys from 2025 and 2026 finds that among people ages 18 to 29, more young men than women attend services regularly, while roughly equal shares of young men and women say religion is very important to them.”
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Pew report challenges narrative on rising religiosity in U.S. – #Catholic – A Pew Research report is pushing back on headlines of religious revival in the U.S. with data showing “mixed signals” among young adults.The Oct. 28 report from Pew Research Center found that while religious practice in the U.S. has “remained stable” since 2020, a survey of young adults about religious practice uncovered “mixed signals.” The report is based on data from Pew’s probability-based, nationally representative 2026 National Public Opinion Reference Survey (NPORS) and the center’s 2025 Cross-Sectional Engagement Survey.Based on a June 2026 survey, Pew found that 34% of adults said they attended a religious service in the past month, while 45% said they either attended or watched a religious service online in the past month. “Both numbers are at their highest levels since the Center started asking these questions in July 2020,” the report said.However, the report said that while young adults born from 2004 to 2008 are reporting “relatively high rates of attendance at religious services,” young adults born from 2000 to 2003 “are the least religious age group when it comes to how often they pray, how important religion is in their lives and how many of them identify with religion.” In addition, the share of the older demographic that say they attend religious services regularly “is among the lowest of any age group.”The report noted that the youngest Republicans attend religious services at higher rates than older Republicans, but that “they are not solely responsible for the high levels of religious attendance among young adults,” and that younger Democrats also reported higher levels of attendance than older ones.The youngest men reported higher levels of religious observance than the youngest women, the report said, noting that “this is something we have not seen before in our surveys.” However, the youngest women did report “relatively high rates” of attendance at religious observance compared with older women.“Moreover, this is not the first time in recent decades that surveys have shown the youngest Americans entering adulthood with relatively high rates of religiousness,” the report said. “When this has happened in the past, the religiousness of the youngest adults has tended to fade with time, leaving them less religious than people in the preceding birth cohort. We have no way of knowing whether today’s youngest adults will follow that pattern or break it.”The report highlighted how findings from other organizations contrast with their own. While Gallup polls showed an increase in young men who identified religion as important to them and who attend religious services, more so than young women, the report noted that “by contrast, an aggregation of Pew Research Center surveys from 2025 and 2026 finds that among people ages 18 to 29, more young men than women attend services regularly, while roughly equal shares of young men and women say religion is very important to them.”

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A Pew Research Center report found that while religious practice in the U.S. has “remained stable” since 2020, a survey of young adults about religious practice found “mixed signals.”

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Coptic youths freed after video sparks accusations of insulting Islam #Catholic After less than three weeks in detention, six Coptic young men — one a minor — were released, bringing to a close a case that had raised fears of sectarian tensions in the countryside of Egypt’s Minya province. The case followed the young men’s posting of a video in which they reenacted a scene from an Egyptian film.In an interview with ACI MENA, the Arabic-language sister service of EWTN News, Nader Shukry, a citizenship researcher and writer specializing in Coptic affairs, described the case and its broader implications. He highlighted challenges around understanding Egyptian law and using social media.Shukry said the young men, who live in Ezbet Tanious in the village of Taha al-Amda, in the Samalut district of Minya, reenacted a scene from the 2018 film “Khalawis.” The scene does not mock religion, he said; it depicts prisoners known for bullying and violence trying to pray without knowing how.Dozens of Egyptian Muslims also reenacted and posted the scene without provoking similar reactions, Shukry said. But when the Coptic young men posted it, one village resident objected and accused them of insulting Islam.The young men deleted the video shortly after posting it because they did not realize some viewers might find it offensive, Shukry said. But incitement continued, prompting security forces to detain them in an effort to contain anger and prevent possible attacks on Christians and their property. He said extremist currents in Minya seek to inflame religious sentiment and create disorder.Shukry said the young men were not held for long once it became clear they had not intended to insult religion. A de-escalation meeting was also held in the village, with the church taking part. He distinguished this meeting from customary reconciliation sessions, saying it aimed to counter incitement on social media and ease tensions among residents.Shukry stressed the danger of attributing an individual’s actions, whether the person is guilty or innocent, to an entire religious community. A citizen should be held accountable for what that person did, he said; Christians as a whole, or an entire village, should not bear responsibility for one person’s actions.He also pointed to pages that publish content insulting Christians without facing legal consequences comparable to those a Christian might face for discussing Islam. The case involving the six young men remains open until the prosecutor general issues a decision to close it, Shukry said, although it has largely concluded in practice. He cited the short length of their detention compared with other cases involving alleged contempt of religion.Shukry urged young people to exercise caution when dealing with religious matters and to avoid discussions that others might exploit or present as insults to religion. He distinguished such discussions from interreligious dialogue conducted by specialists.Egyptian society faces a challenge of awareness, he said, noting that many Christians have previously become involved in cases involving alleged contempt of religion because they were unfamiliar with Egyptian law and how to use social media.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.
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Coptic youths freed after video sparks accusations of insulting Islam #Catholic After less than three weeks in detention, six Coptic young men — one a minor — were released, bringing to a close a case that had raised fears of sectarian tensions in the countryside of Egypt’s Minya province. The case followed the young men’s posting of a video in which they reenacted a scene from an Egyptian film.In an interview with ACI MENA, the Arabic-language sister service of EWTN News, Nader Shukry, a citizenship researcher and writer specializing in Coptic affairs, described the case and its broader implications. He highlighted challenges around understanding Egyptian law and using social media.Shukry said the young men, who live in Ezbet Tanious in the village of Taha al-Amda, in the Samalut district of Minya, reenacted a scene from the 2018 film “Khalawis.” The scene does not mock religion, he said; it depicts prisoners known for bullying and violence trying to pray without knowing how.Dozens of Egyptian Muslims also reenacted and posted the scene without provoking similar reactions, Shukry said. But when the Coptic young men posted it, one village resident objected and accused them of insulting Islam.The young men deleted the video shortly after posting it because they did not realize some viewers might find it offensive, Shukry said. But incitement continued, prompting security forces to detain them in an effort to contain anger and prevent possible attacks on Christians and their property. He said extremist currents in Minya seek to inflame religious sentiment and create disorder.Shukry said the young men were not held for long once it became clear they had not intended to insult religion. A de-escalation meeting was also held in the village, with the church taking part. He distinguished this meeting from customary reconciliation sessions, saying it aimed to counter incitement on social media and ease tensions among residents.Shukry stressed the danger of attributing an individual’s actions, whether the person is guilty or innocent, to an entire religious community. A citizen should be held accountable for what that person did, he said; Christians as a whole, or an entire village, should not bear responsibility for one person’s actions.He also pointed to pages that publish content insulting Christians without facing legal consequences comparable to those a Christian might face for discussing Islam. The case involving the six young men remains open until the prosecutor general issues a decision to close it, Shukry said, although it has largely concluded in practice. He cited the short length of their detention compared with other cases involving alleged contempt of religion.Shukry urged young people to exercise caution when dealing with religious matters and to avoid discussions that others might exploit or present as insults to religion. He distinguished such discussions from interreligious dialogue conducted by specialists.Egyptian society faces a challenge of awareness, he said, noting that many Christians have previously become involved in cases involving alleged contempt of religion because they were unfamiliar with Egyptian law and how to use social media.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.

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Coptic researcher urges caution as religious contempt cases persist in Egypt.

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China-Vatican deal has imperfections, Vatican’s foreign minister says #Catholic Archbishop Paul Gallagher, the Vatican’s secretary for relations with states and international organizations, acknowledged the challenges of the Vatican-China deal on Tuesday.Speaking at an event with journalists in Rome, the British diplomat responded to questions regarding the agreement, Pope Leo XIV’s health, and calls for a ceasefire in the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian war.The full text of the 2018 agreement between China and the Holy See has never been made public. Under the publicly understood terms of the agreement, the pope retains final authority over episcopal appointments in China and may reject candidates proposed by Beijing. The Holy See, for its part, agreed not to appoint bishops without the Chinese government’s prior approval.As reported by Reuters, Gallagher said that, regarding the agreement, its imperfections were visible.“Itʼs not easy, the dialogue is not easy,” Gallagher said. “The imperfections of the agreement are ⁠evident, but ​there is a commitment to persevere in dialogue … and that is what will ​continue to happen.”He also answered questions regarding a potential visit from Leo to the U.S., saying that it could happen “in the not too distant future.”Regarding the pope’s Oct. 13 surgery and subsequent recovery, Gallagher described it as a “bit of a game changer” and a revelation of the pope’s mortality, as with every human being.“[The pope] is a poor mortal like the rest of ​us,” Gallagher said.In August, Gallagher traveled to Russia to discuss the country’s ongoing war with Ukraine with senior officials. He told journalists that he did not believe the Vatican was involved in discussions of the ceasefire between the two nations.
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China-Vatican deal has imperfections, Vatican’s foreign minister says #Catholic Archbishop Paul Gallagher, the Vatican’s secretary for relations with states and international organizations, acknowledged the challenges of the Vatican-China deal on Tuesday.Speaking at an event with journalists in Rome, the British diplomat responded to questions regarding the agreement, Pope Leo XIV’s health, and calls for a ceasefire in the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian war.The full text of the 2018 agreement between China and the Holy See has never been made public. Under the publicly understood terms of the agreement, the pope retains final authority over episcopal appointments in China and may reject candidates proposed by Beijing. The Holy See, for its part, agreed not to appoint bishops without the Chinese government’s prior approval.As reported by Reuters, Gallagher said that, regarding the agreement, its imperfections were visible.“Itʼs not easy, the dialogue is not easy,” Gallagher said. “The imperfections of the agreement are ⁠evident, but ​there is a commitment to persevere in dialogue … and that is what will ​continue to happen.”He also answered questions regarding a potential visit from Leo to the U.S., saying that it could happen “in the not too distant future.”Regarding the pope’s Oct. 13 surgery and subsequent recovery, Gallagher described it as a “bit of a game changer” and a revelation of the pope’s mortality, as with every human being.“[The pope] is a poor mortal like the rest of ​us,” Gallagher said.In August, Gallagher traveled to Russia to discuss the country’s ongoing war with Ukraine with senior officials. He told journalists that he did not believe the Vatican was involved in discussions of the ceasefire between the two nations.

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Archbishop Paul Gallagher acknowledged the agreement’s challenges in a meeting with journalists in Rome.

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Passaic parish honors St. John Paul II at Mass #Catholic – The Shrine of St. John Paul II/Holy Rosary Parish in Passaic concluded a weeklong celebration of the beloved St. John Paul II on Oct. 25 with a Mass presided over by Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney. The Church observes St. John Paul II’s feast day on Oct. 22. Father Stephen Las, pastor of Holy Rosary, which serves an active Polish community, and Father Michal Dykalski, a parochial vicar, concelebrated the Mass with Bishop Sweeney. The bishop’s visit also included Eucharistic adoration. St. John Paul II is remembered for guiding the Catholic Church into a new millennium by championing human dignity, traditional moral values, and a vigorous, worldwide new evangelization. BEACON PHOTOS | JOE GIGLI [See image gallery at beaconnj.org] Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.
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Passaic parish honors St. John Paul II at Mass #Catholic – The Shrine of St. John Paul II/Holy Rosary Parish in Passaic concluded a weeklong celebration of the beloved St. John Paul II on Oct. 25 with a Mass presided over by Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney. The Church observes St. John Paul II’s feast day on Oct. 22. Father Stephen Las, pastor of Holy Rosary, which serves an active Polish community, and Father Michal Dykalski, a parochial vicar, concelebrated the Mass with Bishop Sweeney. The bishop’s visit also included Eucharistic adoration. St. John Paul II is remembered for guiding the Catholic Church into a new millennium by championing human dignity, traditional moral values, and a vigorous, worldwide new evangelization. BEACON PHOTOS | JOE GIGLI [See image gallery at beaconnj.org] Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.

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Passaic parish honors St. John Paul II at Mass #Catholic –

The Shrine of St. John Paul II/Holy Rosary Parish in Passaic concluded a weeklong celebration of the beloved St. John Paul II on Oct. 25 with a Mass presided over by Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney. The Church observes St. John Paul II’s feast day on Oct. 22.

Father Stephen Las, pastor of Holy Rosary, which serves an active Polish community, and Father Michal Dykalski, a parochial vicar, concelebrated the Mass with Bishop Sweeney. The bishop’s visit also included Eucharistic adoration.

St. John Paul II is remembered for guiding the Catholic Church into a new millennium by championing human dignity, traditional moral values, and a vigorous, worldwide new evangelization.

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

– The Shrine of St. John Paul II/Holy Rosary Parish in Passaic concluded a weeklong celebration of the beloved St. John Paul II on Oct. 25 with a Mass presided over by Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney. The Church observes St. John Paul II’s feast day on Oct. 22. Father Stephen Las, pastor of Holy Rosary, which serves an active Polish community, and Father Michal Dykalski, a parochial vicar, concelebrated the Mass with Bishop Sweeney. The bishop’s visit also included Eucharistic adoration. St. John Paul II is remembered for guiding the Catholic Church into a new millennium by championing human dignity, traditional

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‘Alma Sana, Corazón Libre’ conference brings healing and renewal #Catholic – On Oct. 24 and 25, the Catholic Charismatic Renewal of the Paterson Diocese gathered at the St. Gerard Majella Parish gym in Paterson, N.J., for its Healing and Deliverance Conference, “Alma Sana, Corazón Libre” (Healthy Soul, Free Heart). The weekend, held in Spanish, combined praise, Mass, preaching and exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. Father Alexis Coffi, parochial vicar of St. Anthony of Padua Parish in Passaic, N.J., celebrated Mass and preached on the heart as the door that lets God in to transform our lives. Osvaldo Fernández led preaching and prayer.  Father Yasid Salas, the Renewal’s spiritual director and pastor of St. Therese Parish in Paterson, N.J., preached on how the soul is set free before Jesus in the Eucharist. Los Hijos Del Padre led the music. Young people asked to join the Renewal, and others came forward to join a prayer group. “The people left with a different glow: joyful, set free, healed,” said Teresa Amparo, coordinator of the Renewal in the diocese. Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.  
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‘Alma Sana, Corazón Libre’ conference brings healing and renewal #Catholic – On Oct. 24 and 25, the Catholic Charismatic Renewal of the Paterson Diocese gathered at the St. Gerard Majella Parish gym in Paterson, N.J., for its Healing and Deliverance Conference, “Alma Sana, Corazón Libre” (Healthy Soul, Free Heart). The weekend, held in Spanish, combined praise, Mass, preaching and exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. Father Alexis Coffi, parochial vicar of St. Anthony of Padua Parish in Passaic, N.J., celebrated Mass and preached on the heart as the door that lets God in to transform our lives. Osvaldo Fernández led preaching and prayer.  Father Yasid Salas, the Renewal’s spiritual director and pastor of St. Therese Parish in Paterson, N.J., preached on how the soul is set free before Jesus in the Eucharist. Los Hijos Del Padre led the music. Young people asked to join the Renewal, and others came forward to join a prayer group. “The people left with a different glow: joyful, set free, healed,” said Teresa Amparo, coordinator of the Renewal in the diocese. Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.  

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‘Alma Sana, Corazón Libre’ conference brings healing and renewal #Catholic –

On Oct. 24 and 25, the Catholic Charismatic Renewal of the Paterson Diocese gathered at the St. Gerard Majella Parish gym in Paterson, N.J., for its Healing and Deliverance Conference, “Alma Sana, Corazón Libre” (Healthy Soul, Free Heart).

The weekend, held in Spanish, combined praise, Mass, preaching and exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. Father Alexis Coffi, parochial vicar of St. Anthony of Padua Parish in Passaic, N.J., celebrated Mass and preached on the heart as the door that lets God in to transform our lives. Osvaldo Fernández led preaching and prayer.  Father Yasid Salas, the Renewal’s spiritual director and pastor of St. Therese Parish in Paterson, N.J., preached on how the soul is set free before Jesus in the Eucharist. Los Hijos Del Padre led the music.

Young people asked to join the Renewal, and others came forward to join a prayer group.

“The people left with a different glow: joyful, set free, healed,” said Teresa Amparo, coordinator of the Renewal in the diocese.

Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.

 

– On Oct. 24 and 25, the Catholic Charismatic Renewal of the Paterson Diocese gathered at the St. Gerard Majella Parish gym in Paterson, N.J., for its Healing and Deliverance Conference, “Alma Sana, Corazón Libre” (Healthy Soul, Free Heart). The weekend, held in Spanish, combined praise, Mass, preaching and exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. Father Alexis Coffi, parochial vicar of St. Anthony of Padua Parish in Passaic, N.J., celebrated Mass and preached on the heart as the door that lets God in to transform our lives. Osvaldo Fernández led preaching and prayer.  Father Yasid Salas, the Renewal’s spiritual director and pastor

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Oct. 28, 1971: The U.K. launches a satellite

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The Prospero satellite, which launched on Oct. 28, 1971, holds the distinction of being the first and only British satellite to be launched by a British rocket. (The first British satellite launched by any rocket had been Ariel 1, carried to space on a U.S. rocket in 1962.) British engineers developed the Black Arrow carrierContinue reading “Oct. 28, 1971: The U.K. launches a satellite”

The post Oct. 28, 1971: The U.K. launches a satellite appeared first on Astronomy Magazine.

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Christian persecution worsened in 55% of countries assessed, report finds #Catholic LONDON — Oppression of Christians has worsened in 55% of countries assessed according to the latest report from Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) UK, without any country showing an improvement.“Persecuted and Forgotten?” outlines how Christians are being forced from their homes through conflict, extremism, and religiously motivated violence in 18 countries across Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America between August 2024 and June 2026. “Persecuted and Forgotten?” is Aid to the Church in Need UK’s latest report outlining the persecution of Christians in 18 selected countries, Oct. 27, 2026. | Credit: Elliot Hartley According to research by ACN, 220 million Christians are directly exposed to persecution worldwide. The latest data from Pew Research Center indicates that anti-Christian harassment, ranging from verbal abuse to killings, occurred in 165 countries in 2023, up from 160 in 2021.At the launch of the report in Portcullis House, London, John Pontifex, head of press for ACN UK, told EWTN News: “By virtue of our shared faith, we identify, inevitably, particularly strongly, with those of our brothers and sisters who suffer for their faith, and we recognize that itʼs an accident of birth that sees them in that situation of persecution and us in a situation of much greater liberty.”He added: “There are Christians that suffer persecution in more countries than is the case with any other faith group. Up to 165 countries are those where Christians suffer from discrimination, oppression, or persecution. Thatʼs far more than any other religious group, so we need to share their story, and to tell people, our friends, our family, our parish, our [politicians].”The report outlines how the persecution of Christians by authoritarian regimes has grown to unprecedented levels in countries where there is an anti-West sentiment. Chinese authorities have intensified their oppression of Christians, as they aim to align religious doctrine more closely with communist principles. This has led to mass detentions, clergy being jailed on legal technicalities, churches closing, and online religious content being controlled.The report tells of the persecution in Nicaragua, where the regime increased its crackdown on Christians, arresting and exiling clergy, preventing ordinations, seizing Church institutions, and preventing people entering the country with Bibles. The report also outlines how the arrests of Christians doubled within 12 months in Iran, as crackdowns have intensified.“Weʼre calling on all countries around the world and the U.N. to fully implement Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which enshrines religious freedom,” Pontifex said. “Weʼre not calling for special treatment but simply calling for people to band together, to stop acts of oppression — be it people being kidnapped for their faith, be it people being forced from their jobs for reasons to do with their faith …  And indeed, for those who are unfairly tried and sentenced to life imprisonment, for crimes theyʼve not committed,” he said. “Like blasphemy laws, which are arbitrarily enforced. And then recognizing there are people who are often asked to pay the ultimate price. This should stop.”Sub-Saharan Africa was one particular area of focus, listing Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger as territories with the worst extremist attacks since the height of the Daesh (ISIS) violence in the Middle East.The report outlines how jihadist violence in the Sahel region has led to militant groups now controlling 40% of the country. “They often coerce villagers to follow Islamic customs, making women veil their faces in public and men grow beards. Those who refuse are expelled or even publicly executed. Where insurgents allow Christians to practice their faith, this is restricted to inside churches, and it cannot be taught to children,” Pontifex explained. Attendees at the launch of the Aid to the Church UK’s report “Persecuted and Forgotten?” in Portcullis House, London, Oct. 27, 2026.| Credit: Elliot Hartley Speaking to the conference about the Christians suffering from this oppression, Caroline Hull, national director of ACN UK, said: “These are people just like you and me. If someone said, ‘Will you give up your faith or I will take your children?’
what would you do? If someone said, ‘Iʼll let you get out of prison if you turn your back on Jesus Christ’? These are fair questions to ask ourselves, and we need to remember that these are people just like us.”In October 2025, receiving an ACN delegation, Pope Leo XIV declared that religious freedom is “a cornerstone of any just society for it safeguards the moral space in which conscience may be informed and exercised… Religious freedom, therefore, is not merely a legal right or a privilege to us granted by governments; it is a foundational condition that makes reconciliation possible.”ACN is a Catholic charity founded to help Christians in need where they are persecuted, oppressed, or in pastoral need through support, charitable work, and generating awareness.On Nov. 18, ACN will celebrate the 10th anniversary of its #RedWednesday campaign, which raises awareness about the persecution of Christians worldwide.The full report is available to read here.
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Christian persecution worsened in 55% of countries assessed, report finds #Catholic LONDON — Oppression of Christians has worsened in 55% of countries assessed according to the latest report from Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) UK, without any country showing an improvement.“Persecuted and Forgotten?” outlines how Christians are being forced from their homes through conflict, extremism, and religiously motivated violence in 18 countries across Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America between August 2024 and June 2026. “Persecuted and Forgotten?” is Aid to the Church in Need UK’s latest report outlining the persecution of Christians in 18 selected countries, Oct. 27, 2026. | Credit: Elliot Hartley According to research by ACN, 220 million Christians are directly exposed to persecution worldwide. The latest data from Pew Research Center indicates that anti-Christian harassment, ranging from verbal abuse to killings, occurred in 165 countries in 2023, up from 160 in 2021.At the launch of the report in Portcullis House, London, John Pontifex, head of press for ACN UK, told EWTN News: “By virtue of our shared faith, we identify, inevitably, particularly strongly, with those of our brothers and sisters who suffer for their faith, and we recognize that itʼs an accident of birth that sees them in that situation of persecution and us in a situation of much greater liberty.”He added: “There are Christians that suffer persecution in more countries than is the case with any other faith group. Up to 165 countries are those where Christians suffer from discrimination, oppression, or persecution. Thatʼs far more than any other religious group, so we need to share their story, and to tell people, our friends, our family, our parish, our [politicians].”The report outlines how the persecution of Christians by authoritarian regimes has grown to unprecedented levels in countries where there is an anti-West sentiment. Chinese authorities have intensified their oppression of Christians, as they aim to align religious doctrine more closely with communist principles. This has led to mass detentions, clergy being jailed on legal technicalities, churches closing, and online religious content being controlled.The report tells of the persecution in Nicaragua, where the regime increased its crackdown on Christians, arresting and exiling clergy, preventing ordinations, seizing Church institutions, and preventing people entering the country with Bibles. The report also outlines how the arrests of Christians doubled within 12 months in Iran, as crackdowns have intensified.“Weʼre calling on all countries around the world and the U.N. to fully implement Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which enshrines religious freedom,” Pontifex said. “Weʼre not calling for special treatment but simply calling for people to band together, to stop acts of oppression — be it people being kidnapped for their faith, be it people being forced from their jobs for reasons to do with their faith …  And indeed, for those who are unfairly tried and sentenced to life imprisonment, for crimes theyʼve not committed,” he said. “Like blasphemy laws, which are arbitrarily enforced. And then recognizing there are people who are often asked to pay the ultimate price. This should stop.”Sub-Saharan Africa was one particular area of focus, listing Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger as territories with the worst extremist attacks since the height of the Daesh (ISIS) violence in the Middle East.The report outlines how jihadist violence in the Sahel region has led to militant groups now controlling 40% of the country. “They often coerce villagers to follow Islamic customs, making women veil their faces in public and men grow beards. Those who refuse are expelled or even publicly executed. Where insurgents allow Christians to practice their faith, this is restricted to inside churches, and it cannot be taught to children,” Pontifex explained. Attendees at the launch of the Aid to the Church UK’s report “Persecuted and Forgotten?” in Portcullis House, London, Oct. 27, 2026.| Credit: Elliot Hartley Speaking to the conference about the Christians suffering from this oppression, Caroline Hull, national director of ACN UK, said: “These are people just like you and me. If someone said, ‘Will you give up your faith or I will take your children?’
what would you do? If someone said, ‘Iʼll let you get out of prison if you turn your back on Jesus Christ’? These are fair questions to ask ourselves, and we need to remember that these are people just like us.”In October 2025, receiving an ACN delegation, Pope Leo XIV declared that religious freedom is “a cornerstone of any just society for it safeguards the moral space in which conscience may be informed and exercised… Religious freedom, therefore, is not merely a legal right or a privilege to us granted by governments; it is a foundational condition that makes reconciliation possible.”ACN is a Catholic charity founded to help Christians in need where they are persecuted, oppressed, or in pastoral need through support, charitable work, and generating awareness.On Nov. 18, ACN will celebrate the 10th anniversary of its #RedWednesday campaign, which raises awareness about the persecution of Christians worldwide.The full report is available to read here.

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Aid to the Church in Need’s new report ““Persecuted and Forgotten?” outlines how Christians were persecuted in 18 countries across the globe between August 2024 and June 2026.

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Peace of Heart: Prayer of the Day for Wednesday, October 28, 2026 – #Prayer – Almighty and Eternal God, Give me, I beseech You, the great gift of inward peace. Command the winds and storms of my unruly passions. Subdue, by Your grace, my proneness to love created things too much. Give me a love of suffering for Your sake. make me forbearing and kind to others, that I may avoid quarrels and contentions. And teach me constantly to seek after and to acquire that perfect resignation to Your Holy Will which alone brings interior peace. Amen.

unitedyam

Almighty and Eternal God,
Give me, I beseech You,
the great gift of inward peace.
Command the winds and storms
of my unruly passions.
Subdue, by Your grace,
my proneness to love
created things too much.
Give me a love of suffering for Your sake.
make me forbearing and kind to others,
that I may avoid quarrels and contentions.
And teach me constantly to seek after
and to acquire that perfect resignation
to Your Holy Will
which alone brings interior peace.

Amen.

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Gospel and Word of the Day – 28 October 2026 – A reading from the Letter of St. Paul to the Ephesians 2:19-22 Brothers and sisters: You are no longer strangers and sojourners, but you are fellow citizens with the holy ones and members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the Apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the capstone. Through him the whole structure is held together and grows into a temple sacred in the Lord; in him you also are being built together into a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.From the Gospel according to Luke 6:12-16 Jesus went up to the mountain to pray, and he spent the night in prayer to God. When day came, he called his disciples to himself, and from them he chose Twelve, whom he also named Apostles: Simon, whom he named Peter, and his brother Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon who was called a Zealot, and Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.The Gospels show us how prayer was fundamental in the relationship between Jesus and his disciples. This can already be seen in the choice of those who would later become the Apostles. Luke places their election in a precise context of prayer, and he says: “In these days he went out to the mountain to pray; and all night he continued in prayer to God. And when it was day, he called his disciples, and chose from them twelve, whom he named apostles” (6:12-13). Jesus chooses them after a night of prayer. It seems that there is no criterion in this choice other than prayer, the dialogue of Jesus with the Father. Judging from how those men were to behave, it would seem that the choice was not the best, as they all fled, they left him alone before the Passion; but it is precisely this, especially the presence of Judas, the future betrayer, that demonstrates that those names were inscribed in God’s plan. (…) From this quick journey through the Gospel, we learn that Jesus not only wants us to pray as he prays, but assures us that, even if our attempts at prayer are completely vain and ineffective, we can always count on his prayer. We must be aware of this: Jesus prays for me. (…) Do not forget: Jesus is praying for me. Now? Now. In the moment of trial, in the moment of sin, even in that moment, Jesus is praying for me with so much love. (Pope Francis, General Audience, 2 June 2021)

unitedyam

A reading from the Letter of St. Paul to the Ephesians
2:19-22

Brothers and sisters:
You are no longer strangers and sojourners,
but you are fellow citizens with the holy ones
and members of the household of God,
built upon the foundation of the Apostles and prophets,
with Christ Jesus himself as the capstone.
Through him the whole structure is held together
and grows into a temple sacred in the Lord;
in him you also are being built together
into a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.

From the Gospel according to Luke
6:12-16

Jesus went up to the mountain to pray,
and he spent the night in prayer to God.
When day came, he called his disciples to himself,
and from them he chose Twelve, whom he also named Apostles:
Simon, whom he named Peter, and his brother Andrew,
James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew,
Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus,
Simon who was called a Zealot,
and Judas the son of James,
and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.

The Gospels show us how prayer was fundamental in the relationship between Jesus and his disciples. This can already be seen in the choice of those who would later become the Apostles. Luke places their election in a precise context of prayer, and he says: “In these days he went out to the mountain to pray; and all night he continued in prayer to God. And when it was day, he called his disciples, and chose from them twelve, whom he named apostles” (6:12-13). Jesus chooses them after a night of prayer. It seems that there is no criterion in this choice other than prayer, the dialogue of Jesus with the Father. Judging from how those men were to behave, it would seem that the choice was not the best, as they all fled, they left him alone before the Passion; but it is precisely this, especially the presence of Judas, the future betrayer, that demonstrates that those names were inscribed in God’s plan. (…)

From this quick journey through the Gospel, we learn that Jesus not only wants us to pray as he prays, but assures us that, even if our attempts at prayer are completely vain and ineffective, we can always count on his prayer. We must be aware of this: Jesus prays for me. (…) Do not forget: Jesus is praying for me. Now? Now. In the moment of trial, in the moment of sin, even in that moment, Jesus is praying for me with so much love. (Pope Francis, General Audience, 2 June 2021)

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Survey: 39% of Catholics have faced racial discrimination, 10% within parish community – #Catholic – A survey of 2,401 Catholic adults found that 39% said they have faced racial discrimination at some point in their lives, and 10% said they have faced racial discrimination within their parish community.The survey was published on Oct. 26 by the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA), which is a research center at Georgetown University that produces social scientific studies about the Catholic Church.It found significant differences among racial and ethnic categories, with Indigenous and Black Catholics reporting the highest levels of racial discrimination. Non-Hispanic white Catholics reported the lowest levels of racial discrimination.The survey found that 75% of Indigenous Catholics reported experiences of racial discrimination in their lives. About 15% said they have experienced it in their parishes and 23% have experienced it in Catholic education.It found that 66% of Black Catholics said they have experienced racial discrimination at some point in their lives, with 26% experiencing it in their parish communities and 26% experiencing it in Catholic education.About 54% of Hispanic Catholics reported experiencing racial discrimination in their lives, with 15% saying they have experienced it in their parishes and 16% saying they have experienced it in Catholic education.Among Asian, Pacific Islander, and Native Hawaiian Catholics, 54% said they have experienced racial discrimination in their lives, with 11% saying they experienced it in their parishes and 14% saying they have experienced it in Catholic education.For white non-Hispanic Catholics, 29% reported they have experienced racial discrimination in their lives, with 6% saying they experienced it in their parishes and 7% saying they experienced it in Catholic education.The largest category of respondents was white non-Hispanic Catholics, who made up 49% of those surveyed. About 24% of respondents were Hispanic; 16% were Black; 6% were Asian, Pacific Islander, or Native Hawaiian; 2% were Indigenous; 1% were another race; and 1% were mixed.Ali Mumbach, research assistant for CARA, told EWTN News: “The findings from this report are very revealing about racism in the U.S. Catholic Church.”“There is one group that experiences racial discrimination within the walls of the Catholic Church in the U.S. more than any other,” Mumbach said. “Black Catholics are the most likely to attend a parish that has merged (26%), have experienced racial discrimination in their parish (26%) as well as in Catholic education (26%). Twenty-six percent is 1 in 4 Black Catholics, compared to 1 in 10 adult Catholics in their parish or in Catholic education.”“Based on the findings in this study, adult Catholics are generally in agreement with Church teachings that racism is a sin,” she said. “However, the reality of living out anti-racism within the Church seems to be a different story.”A large majority of each racial and ethnic group said they believe implicit and explicit racism exist in their local communities to some degree. Implicit racism refers to forms of discrimination, such as unfair housing, access to education, and job opportunities. Explicit racism refers to forms of discrimination, such as verbal name calling, being denied services, and racial profiling.The survey found that 17% of Catholics believe implicit racism exists “very much” in their local communities. It found that 33% believe it exists “somewhat,” 28% believe it exists “a little,” and 22% said it does not exist at all in their communities.It found that 19% of Catholics said they believe explicit racism exists “very much” in their local communities, 32% said it exists “somewhat,” 27% said it exists “a little” and 22% said it does not exist at all.White Catholics were the least likely to say explicit and implicit racism exists “very much” in their local communities. Black Catholics were the most likely to say those forms of racism exist “very much” in their communities.Views about racismThe survey also asked respondents about their views on racism, which CARA said is derived from Church documents that condemn and define racism. A majority of each racial and ethnic group strongly or somewhat agreed with each statement.It found 75% of Catholics strongly or somewhat agree it is sinful to “exclude, ridicule, mistreat, or unjustly discriminate against persons on the basis of their race or ethnicity.” It found that 19% neither agree nor disagree and 7% either strongly or somewhat disagree.The survey found that 73% of Catholics strongly or somewhat agree racism can also come in the form of a sin of omission “when individuals, communities, and even churches remain silent and fail to act against racial injustice when it is encountered.” Another 20% neither agree nor disagree and 7% either strongly or somewhat disagree.It found 67% of Catholics strongly or somewhat agree “racism can only end if we contend with the policies and institutional barriers that perpetuate and preserve the inequality — economic and social — that we still see all around us.” Another 24% neither agreed nor disagreed, and 9% either strongly or somewhat disagreed.
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Survey: 39% of Catholics have faced racial discrimination, 10% within parish community – #Catholic – A survey of 2,401 Catholic adults found that 39% said they have faced racial discrimination at some point in their lives, and 10% said they have faced racial discrimination within their parish community.The survey was published on Oct. 26 by the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA), which is a research center at Georgetown University that produces social scientific studies about the Catholic Church.It found significant differences among racial and ethnic categories, with Indigenous and Black Catholics reporting the highest levels of racial discrimination. Non-Hispanic white Catholics reported the lowest levels of racial discrimination.The survey found that 75% of Indigenous Catholics reported experiences of racial discrimination in their lives. About 15% said they have experienced it in their parishes and 23% have experienced it in Catholic education.It found that 66% of Black Catholics said they have experienced racial discrimination at some point in their lives, with 26% experiencing it in their parish communities and 26% experiencing it in Catholic education.About 54% of Hispanic Catholics reported experiencing racial discrimination in their lives, with 15% saying they have experienced it in their parishes and 16% saying they have experienced it in Catholic education.Among Asian, Pacific Islander, and Native Hawaiian Catholics, 54% said they have experienced racial discrimination in their lives, with 11% saying they experienced it in their parishes and 14% saying they have experienced it in Catholic education.For white non-Hispanic Catholics, 29% reported they have experienced racial discrimination in their lives, with 6% saying they experienced it in their parishes and 7% saying they experienced it in Catholic education.The largest category of respondents was white non-Hispanic Catholics, who made up 49% of those surveyed. About 24% of respondents were Hispanic; 16% were Black; 6% were Asian, Pacific Islander, or Native Hawaiian; 2% were Indigenous; 1% were another race; and 1% were mixed.Ali Mumbach, research assistant for CARA, told EWTN News: “The findings from this report are very revealing about racism in the U.S. Catholic Church.”“There is one group that experiences racial discrimination within the walls of the Catholic Church in the U.S. more than any other,” Mumbach said. “Black Catholics are the most likely to attend a parish that has merged (26%), have experienced racial discrimination in their parish (26%) as well as in Catholic education (26%). Twenty-six percent is 1 in 4 Black Catholics, compared to 1 in 10 adult Catholics in their parish or in Catholic education.”“Based on the findings in this study, adult Catholics are generally in agreement with Church teachings that racism is a sin,” she said. “However, the reality of living out anti-racism within the Church seems to be a different story.”A large majority of each racial and ethnic group said they believe implicit and explicit racism exist in their local communities to some degree. Implicit racism refers to forms of discrimination, such as unfair housing, access to education, and job opportunities. Explicit racism refers to forms of discrimination, such as verbal name calling, being denied services, and racial profiling.The survey found that 17% of Catholics believe implicit racism exists “very much” in their local communities. It found that 33% believe it exists “somewhat,” 28% believe it exists “a little,” and 22% said it does not exist at all in their communities.It found that 19% of Catholics said they believe explicit racism exists “very much” in their local communities, 32% said it exists “somewhat,” 27% said it exists “a little” and 22% said it does not exist at all.White Catholics were the least likely to say explicit and implicit racism exists “very much” in their local communities. Black Catholics were the most likely to say those forms of racism exist “very much” in their communities.Views about racismThe survey also asked respondents about their views on racism, which CARA said is derived from Church documents that condemn and define racism. A majority of each racial and ethnic group strongly or somewhat agreed with each statement.It found 75% of Catholics strongly or somewhat agree it is sinful to “exclude, ridicule, mistreat, or unjustly discriminate against persons on the basis of their race or ethnicity.” It found that 19% neither agree nor disagree and 7% either strongly or somewhat disagree.The survey found that 73% of Catholics strongly or somewhat agree racism can also come in the form of a sin of omission “when individuals, communities, and even churches remain silent and fail to act against racial injustice when it is encountered.” Another 20% neither agree nor disagree and 7% either strongly or somewhat disagree.It found 67% of Catholics strongly or somewhat agree “racism can only end if we contend with the policies and institutional barriers that perpetuate and preserve the inequality — economic and social — that we still see all around us.” Another 24% neither agreed nor disagreed, and 9% either strongly or somewhat disagreed.

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The survey found that Indigenous and Black Catholics said they have faced racial discrimination at higher levels than other racial and ethnic groups.

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World Series stars share how God and the Virgin Mary sustain their careers – #Catholic – The Milwaukee Brewers and the Tampa Bay Rays are facing each other in the Major League Baseball World Series in which both teams are seeking their first championship. In the run-up to the fall classic, several superstars from both teams spoke about their faith.Venezuelan outfielder Jackson Chourio put on a great performance in the postseason with the Brewers. At the beginning of October in Game 2 of the National League Division Series, he got a ninth-inning, 2-and-2-count hit off the San Diego Padres' star closer, Mason Miller, driving in two runs for the Brewers and winning the game.Chourio led the Brewers to their first World Series appearance since 1982. He spoke on Oct. 22 with Venezuelan journalist Mari Montes about how his relationship with God has played a vital role in his athletic career. “It’s thanks to him that I am here, and he fills me with so many blessings. How could I not believe?” he said, speaking to El Extrabase on camera.The 22-year-old ballplayer hails from Maracaibo, one of the Venezuelan cities most devoted to the Blessed Virgin. There, every Nov. 18, the city celebrates Our Lady of the Rosary of Chiquinquirá, the patroness of both the city and the entire state of Zulia. This particular devotion is affectionately known as “la Chinita.”“It means a great deal. All of us from Maracaibo believe. She is always in my prayers; I ask her for so much, that she grant me good health and continue to bestow so many blessings upon me,” Chourio said regarding the Virgin Chinita.Another of the Brewers’ stars is catcher William Contreras, who was born in Puerto Cabello, Venezuela. Immediately after the conclusion of the fourth game of the National League Championship Series in which Milwaukee swept the Los Angeles Dodgers, Contreras knelt at home plate, looked toward to heaven, raised his arms, and exclaimed in a distinctly Venezuelan way: “Thank you, Papa God!”“Throughout these playoffs, I’ve been talking a lot with God, asking him to keep me healthy for the games. This is going to be a huge dream for me and my family. I always go out there to give my best, and that’s what I’ve been talking about with him, asking him to guide me and help me,” Contreras told El Extrabase.The catcher also shared that he is a devotee of the Virgin of Coromoto, the patroness of Venezuela. “She’s the one my mom mentions the most,” he said. Contreras also mentioned the health of Pope Leo XIV, expressing his joy that the Holy Father is recovering extraordinarily well from his recent surgery.Antonio Senzatela, a Venezuelan pitcher for the Brewers, also mentioned that he thanks God every day for having gotten to this point in his career. “I am a man of deep faith; I’ve gone to church since I was a little boy, that’s what my mom and dad taught me,” he said.“Life has taken things away from me. He has taken things away; my mom and dad are no longer with me but I have a wife who loves me and wonderful children. I feel grateful to God for everything he gives me. There are difficult moments, but he also gives me many moments to laugh and be happy,” he added.Similarly, Néstor Corredor, a key member of the Brewers’ coaching staff, shared that, until recently, he “called himself an atheist.” The Venezuelan noted that he did not have a “complete faith” but that in recent years, he has sought to understand God’s presence in his life.“Every time you wake up in the morning, you have to thank God, because he’s the one who allowed you to wake up. For me, every single day, the first words I speak before checking my phone, before talking to my wife, and before seeing my children, are directed to God. Knowing that he is listening, wherever it may be, and that when you surrender yourself to him, you will be blessed and in 2026, I have been quite blessed,” he remarked.Corredor, Chourio, Contreras, and Senzatela were all part of the Venezuelan national team roster that won the World Baseball Classic title in March after defeating a U.S. team packed with superstars.On the other side is Víctor Mesa Jr., a young Cuban outfielder for the Tampa Bay Rays. Before playing in his first World Series, Mesa reflected on his youth in Cuba, noting that faith is not a value that is typically instilled there.“Since I arrived here I believe more. If I am here, it’s for a reason, I have always said that. That is one of my favorite sayings: Everything happens for a reason and thank God because look what more beautiful reason is this,” he commented.This story was first published by EWTN News Español, the Spanish-language sister service of EWTN News. It has been translated and adapted by EWTN News English.
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World Series stars share how God and the Virgin Mary sustain their careers – #Catholic – The Milwaukee Brewers and the Tampa Bay Rays are facing each other in the Major League Baseball World Series in which both teams are seeking their first championship. In the run-up to the fall classic, several superstars from both teams spoke about their faith.Venezuelan outfielder Jackson Chourio put on a great performance in the postseason with the Brewers. At the beginning of October in Game 2 of the National League Division Series, he got a ninth-inning, 2-and-2-count hit off the San Diego Padres' star closer, Mason Miller, driving in two runs for the Brewers and winning the game.Chourio led the Brewers to their first World Series appearance since 1982. He spoke on Oct. 22 with Venezuelan journalist Mari Montes about how his relationship with God has played a vital role in his athletic career. “It’s thanks to him that I am here, and he fills me with so many blessings. How could I not believe?” he said, speaking to El Extrabase on camera.The 22-year-old ballplayer hails from Maracaibo, one of the Venezuelan cities most devoted to the Blessed Virgin. There, every Nov. 18, the city celebrates Our Lady of the Rosary of Chiquinquirá, the patroness of both the city and the entire state of Zulia. This particular devotion is affectionately known as “la Chinita.”“It means a great deal. All of us from Maracaibo believe. She is always in my prayers; I ask her for so much, that she grant me good health and continue to bestow so many blessings upon me,” Chourio said regarding the Virgin Chinita.Another of the Brewers’ stars is catcher William Contreras, who was born in Puerto Cabello, Venezuela. Immediately after the conclusion of the fourth game of the National League Championship Series in which Milwaukee swept the Los Angeles Dodgers, Contreras knelt at home plate, looked toward to heaven, raised his arms, and exclaimed in a distinctly Venezuelan way: “Thank you, Papa God!”“Throughout these playoffs, I’ve been talking a lot with God, asking him to keep me healthy for the games. This is going to be a huge dream for me and my family. I always go out there to give my best, and that’s what I’ve been talking about with him, asking him to guide me and help me,” Contreras told El Extrabase.The catcher also shared that he is a devotee of the Virgin of Coromoto, the patroness of Venezuela. “She’s the one my mom mentions the most,” he said. Contreras also mentioned the health of Pope Leo XIV, expressing his joy that the Holy Father is recovering extraordinarily well from his recent surgery.Antonio Senzatela, a Venezuelan pitcher for the Brewers, also mentioned that he thanks God every day for having gotten to this point in his career. “I am a man of deep faith; I’ve gone to church since I was a little boy, that’s what my mom and dad taught me,” he said.“Life has taken things away from me. He has taken things away; my mom and dad are no longer with me but I have a wife who loves me and wonderful children. I feel grateful to God for everything he gives me. There are difficult moments, but he also gives me many moments to laugh and be happy,” he added.Similarly, Néstor Corredor, a key member of the Brewers’ coaching staff, shared that, until recently, he “called himself an atheist.” The Venezuelan noted that he did not have a “complete faith” but that in recent years, he has sought to understand God’s presence in his life.“Every time you wake up in the morning, you have to thank God, because he’s the one who allowed you to wake up. For me, every single day, the first words I speak before checking my phone, before talking to my wife, and before seeing my children, are directed to God. Knowing that he is listening, wherever it may be, and that when you surrender yourself to him, you will be blessed and in 2026, I have been quite blessed,” he remarked.Corredor, Chourio, Contreras, and Senzatela were all part of the Venezuelan national team roster that won the World Baseball Classic title in March after defeating a U.S. team packed with superstars.On the other side is Víctor Mesa Jr., a young Cuban outfielder for the Tampa Bay Rays. Before playing in his first World Series, Mesa reflected on his youth in Cuba, noting that faith is not a value that is typically instilled there.“Since I arrived here I believe more. If I am here, it’s for a reason, I have always said that. That is one of my favorite sayings: Everything happens for a reason and thank God because look what more beautiful reason is this,” he commented.This story was first published by EWTN News Español, the Spanish-language sister service of EWTN News. It has been translated and adapted by EWTN News English.

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Big leaguers from Milwaukee and Tampa Bay share how their faith in God and the Virgin Mary inspires them as they compete for their first World Series title.

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U.S. bishops urge Census Bureau to withdraw proposed rule changes – #Catholic – U.S. bishops are opposing proposed Census Bureau rule changes that would determine who is counted for congressional apportionment in the 2030 census, arguing that excluding noncitizens without lawful permanent resident status would effectively deny them recognition as persons.The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) issued a public comment on Oct. 22 to the Commerce Department, which houses the Census Bureau, asking it to entirely withdraw the proposed changes, which the bishops say “conflict with our fundamental belief in the equal dignity of every person, the obligations of a just society, and legal precedent.”The bishops compared the proposal to the Three-Fifths Compromise, calling to mind a constitutional provision rooted in slavery that was later changed and counted enslaved people as three-fifths of a person for purposes of congressional representation. They pointed to potential harm to federally funded healthcare, anti-poverty, family support, and infrastructure programs if millions of people are excluded from the census count.The proposed rule changes, published Sept. 10 and open to public comment until Nov. 2, would count only citizens and lawful permanent residents (LPRs) for apportionment, with the bureau stating that “illegal aliens (among others) should not be included in the apportionment count, as they are not true inhabitants, members of the body politic, or persons with a ‘usual residence’ in the United States due to their lack of a sufficient tie and allegiance to the United States.”“Excluding from the census noncitizens without LPR status, including but not limited to members of the undocumented population, is effectively to deny they are ‘persons,’” the letter said.The bishops called this change a “novel view,” challenging the Census Bureau’s interpretation of “usual residence,” which it says would generally be the place where a person lawfully spent the greatest number of days from Jan. 3 to April 1, consistent with tax records. The letter also notes some drafting ambiguity in the proposal about whether non-LPRs would be excluded from the census entirely or only from the apportionment base.The bishops say relying on tax records without a clear methodology will be statistically impractical and risks inaccuracy, arguing that additional questions or new practices will become necessary to determine whether a person’s “usual residence” conforms with their legal immigration status. They cite research findings published by the U.S. Census Bureau showing “an adverse effect on response rate” when immigration status and citizenship questions are scrutinized.They noted that every census since it began in 1790 has counted noncitizens, including those without permanent legal status.The bishops also wrote that in addition to its primary purpose of determining the number of seats allotted to each state in the U.S. House of Representatives, which is determined by population, the census, mandated by the U.S. Constitution, produces data used to apportion federal funds to communities.An undercount could severely harm the common good, the bishops argue, as programs that receive trillions in federal funding to provide healthcare, reduce poverty, support families, and provide crucial infrastructure utilized by all citizens will be impacted through excluding millions of persons from the apportionment count.They note that Catholic ministries, which often operate at the government’s request to help implement programs guided by census data, would be hindered in their service to vulnerable populations if communities lose access to resources and if the data needed to understand local needs is less accurate.The Census Bureau in the proposed rule change is also seeking to prohibit demographic questions concerning race, ethnicity, and sexual orientation on questionnaires used to count the population, supporting the change by citing privacy concerns, saying certain questions may make individuals more identifiable, and noting that fewer questions on the census questionnaire will increase the response rate. The bureau also argues such questions do not advance the core constitutional purpose of a census for apportionment of House seats.The bishops suggest including a “prefer not to disclose” option rather than removing questions about race and ethnicity altogether, writing that “demographic data can help identify and address inequity” due to racism. They note that the bureau “does not even attempt to address how the proposed restrictions on the collection of demographic information could adversely impact” the support various communities receive based on their particular community’s needs, which demographic data collected on the census helps determine.The U.S. Census Bureau did not immediately respond to EWTN News’ request for comment.
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U.S. bishops urge Census Bureau to withdraw proposed rule changes – #Catholic – U.S. bishops are opposing proposed Census Bureau rule changes that would determine who is counted for congressional apportionment in the 2030 census, arguing that excluding noncitizens without lawful permanent resident status would effectively deny them recognition as persons.The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) issued a public comment on Oct. 22 to the Commerce Department, which houses the Census Bureau, asking it to entirely withdraw the proposed changes, which the bishops say “conflict with our fundamental belief in the equal dignity of every person, the obligations of a just society, and legal precedent.”The bishops compared the proposal to the Three-Fifths Compromise, calling to mind a constitutional provision rooted in slavery that was later changed and counted enslaved people as three-fifths of a person for purposes of congressional representation. They pointed to potential harm to federally funded healthcare, anti-poverty, family support, and infrastructure programs if millions of people are excluded from the census count.The proposed rule changes, published Sept. 10 and open to public comment until Nov. 2, would count only citizens and lawful permanent residents (LPRs) for apportionment, with the bureau stating that “illegal aliens (among others) should not be included in the apportionment count, as they are not true inhabitants, members of the body politic, or persons with a ‘usual residence’ in the United States due to their lack of a sufficient tie and allegiance to the United States.”“Excluding from the census noncitizens without LPR status, including but not limited to members of the undocumented population, is effectively to deny they are ‘persons,’” the letter said.The bishops called this change a “novel view,” challenging the Census Bureau’s interpretation of “usual residence,” which it says would generally be the place where a person lawfully spent the greatest number of days from Jan. 3 to April 1, consistent with tax records. The letter also notes some drafting ambiguity in the proposal about whether non-LPRs would be excluded from the census entirely or only from the apportionment base.The bishops say relying on tax records without a clear methodology will be statistically impractical and risks inaccuracy, arguing that additional questions or new practices will become necessary to determine whether a person’s “usual residence” conforms with their legal immigration status. They cite research findings published by the U.S. Census Bureau showing “an adverse effect on response rate” when immigration status and citizenship questions are scrutinized.They noted that every census since it began in 1790 has counted noncitizens, including those without permanent legal status.The bishops also wrote that in addition to its primary purpose of determining the number of seats allotted to each state in the U.S. House of Representatives, which is determined by population, the census, mandated by the U.S. Constitution, produces data used to apportion federal funds to communities.An undercount could severely harm the common good, the bishops argue, as programs that receive trillions in federal funding to provide healthcare, reduce poverty, support families, and provide crucial infrastructure utilized by all citizens will be impacted through excluding millions of persons from the apportionment count.They note that Catholic ministries, which often operate at the government’s request to help implement programs guided by census data, would be hindered in their service to vulnerable populations if communities lose access to resources and if the data needed to understand local needs is less accurate.The Census Bureau in the proposed rule change is also seeking to prohibit demographic questions concerning race, ethnicity, and sexual orientation on questionnaires used to count the population, supporting the change by citing privacy concerns, saying certain questions may make individuals more identifiable, and noting that fewer questions on the census questionnaire will increase the response rate. The bureau also argues such questions do not advance the core constitutional purpose of a census for apportionment of House seats.The bishops suggest including a “prefer not to disclose” option rather than removing questions about race and ethnicity altogether, writing that “demographic data can help identify and address inequity” due to racism. They note that the bureau “does not even attempt to address how the proposed restrictions on the collection of demographic information could adversely impact” the support various communities receive based on their particular community’s needs, which demographic data collected on the census helps determine.The U.S. Census Bureau did not immediately respond to EWTN News’ request for comment.

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The proposed rule changes, open to public comment until Nov. 2, would count only citizens and lawful permanent residents in the census and would remove some demographic questions.

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The weird science behind Mars’ weirdest cloud

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Scientists believe they may finally have an explanation for a bizarre cloud that appears and promptly disappears each day above a martian volcano during the dusty season. Just after sunrise during spring and summer on Mars, an elongated cloud forms near the 12-mile-high (20 kilometers) volcano Arsia Mons. Stretching roughly 1,100 miles (1,800 km) inContinue reading “The weird science behind Mars’ weirdest cloud”

The post The weird science behind Mars’ weirdest cloud appeared first on Astronomy Magazine.

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Archbishop Gomez to be recognized for his work in U.S. Hispanic ministry #Catholic Archbishop José Gomez of Los Angeles will receive the Encuentros Award, an honor presented by the Subcommittee on Hispanic/Latino Affairs of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) that recognizes individuals who “have made significant contributions to Hispanic/Latino ministry” in the country.In an Oct. 23 statement, the USCCB noted that the award was announced by Bishop Óscar Cantú of San José, California, chair of the USCCB’s Subcommittee on Hispanic/Latino Affairs, during the 2026 annual conference of the National Catholic Association of Diocesan Directors for Hispanic Ministry.The conference, held Oct. 20–23 in Anaheim, California, brought together hundreds of leaders in Hispanic ministry from dioceses across the United States.According to the statement, Cantú noted that Gomez “has advocated for the Hispanic community for decades. He has been a tireless champion for the Catholic Church and specifically for Hispanic Catholics, highlighting the gifts that they bring to the Church in the United States.”“With the Encuentros Award, we wish to recognize his work and express our heartfelt appreciation for everything he has done across many years,” Cantú stated.Gomez will receive the Encuentros Award during the U.S. bishops’ plenary assembly in November, which will take place in Baltimore.The life of Archbishop José H. GomezBorn in Monterrey in Nuevo León state in Mexico on Dec. 26, 1951, Gomez has three older sisters and one younger sister. His parents are Dr. José H. Gomez and Esperanza Velasco, according to a biography published by the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.He was ordained a priest of the Prelature of Opus Dei on Aug. 15, 1978, at the Shrine of Torreciudad in Spain.Having studied accounting, philosophy, and theology, he earned a doctorate in theology from the University of Navarra in Spain.He subsequently served as a priest in the Archdiocese of San Antonio and in what is now the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston.In 2001, he was appointed auxiliary bishop of Denver by Pope John Paul II. Four years later, again by the decision of the Polish saint, he became the archbishop of San Antonio.In 2010, he was appointed coadjutor archbishop of Los Angeles by Pope Benedict XVI and installed as archbishop in March 2011.He served as president of the USCCB from 2019 to 2022, becoming the first Hispanic and the first immigrant to assume leadership of the U.S. episcopate. Gomez is a naturalized American citizen. This story was first published by EWTN News Español, the Spanish-language sister service of EWTN News. It has been translated and adapted by EWTN News English.
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Archbishop Gomez to be recognized for his work in U.S. Hispanic ministry #Catholic Archbishop José Gomez of Los Angeles will receive the Encuentros Award, an honor presented by the Subcommittee on Hispanic/Latino Affairs of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) that recognizes individuals who “have made significant contributions to Hispanic/Latino ministry” in the country.In an Oct. 23 statement, the USCCB noted that the award was announced by Bishop Óscar Cantú of San José, California, chair of the USCCB’s Subcommittee on Hispanic/Latino Affairs, during the 2026 annual conference of the National Catholic Association of Diocesan Directors for Hispanic Ministry.The conference, held Oct. 20–23 in Anaheim, California, brought together hundreds of leaders in Hispanic ministry from dioceses across the United States.According to the statement, Cantú noted that Gomez “has advocated for the Hispanic community for decades. He has been a tireless champion for the Catholic Church and specifically for Hispanic Catholics, highlighting the gifts that they bring to the Church in the United States.”“With the Encuentros Award, we wish to recognize his work and express our heartfelt appreciation for everything he has done across many years,” Cantú stated.Gomez will receive the Encuentros Award during the U.S. bishops’ plenary assembly in November, which will take place in Baltimore.The life of Archbishop José H. GomezBorn in Monterrey in Nuevo León state in Mexico on Dec. 26, 1951, Gomez has three older sisters and one younger sister. His parents are Dr. José H. Gomez and Esperanza Velasco, according to a biography published by the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.He was ordained a priest of the Prelature of Opus Dei on Aug. 15, 1978, at the Shrine of Torreciudad in Spain.Having studied accounting, philosophy, and theology, he earned a doctorate in theology from the University of Navarra in Spain.He subsequently served as a priest in the Archdiocese of San Antonio and in what is now the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston.In 2001, he was appointed auxiliary bishop of Denver by Pope John Paul II. Four years later, again by the decision of the Polish saint, he became the archbishop of San Antonio.In 2010, he was appointed coadjutor archbishop of Los Angeles by Pope Benedict XVI and installed as archbishop in March 2011.He served as president of the USCCB from 2019 to 2022, becoming the first Hispanic and the first immigrant to assume leadership of the U.S. episcopate. Gomez is a naturalized American citizen. This story was first published by EWTN News Español, the Spanish-language sister service of EWTN News. It has been translated and adapted by EWTN News English.

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The archbishop of Los Angeles will receive the award at the fall meeting of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

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The Diocesan Ministries Appeal 2026: ‘Be a Good Samaritan’ #Catholic – Each year, our Diocesan Ministries Appeal has a theme that is meant to emphasize the connection between the work of the Appeal and our shared responsibility to live the Gospel message of charity, especially to those in need. I think this year’s theme – Be A Good Samaritan – perfectly encapsulates that idea. BISHOP KEVIN J. SWEENEY We have all heard the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Lk. 10:25-37), and perhaps we have heard it so often that its impact could be unintentionally dulled through repetition. Even so, I ask you to join me in reflecting on it again because the story, while familiar, is both timeless and timely. Remember first that the Parable of the Good Samaritan is told in response to a question from a ‘scholar of the law’ who asks, “Who is my neighbor?” Jesus begins the parable by painting a picture of a man who was robbed, beaten, and left for dead by the side of the road. He was not simply confronted by a nervous pickpocket or a beggar asking for alms. These robbers were ruthless. It was a scene of sudden, shocking, and extreme violence. It is important to reflect on that, given that what happens next in the parable could not be more opposite. After the bloody confrontation, a priest walks by and sees the broken body in front of him. His response was not one of action. His response was deliberate passivity to the scene in front of him. He did not offer help or even speak any words of comfort. Instead, he crossed the road and continued on his way. A Levite came up to the man, and he also took no action, offered no assistance, crossed the road, and continued on his way. Neither the priest nor the Levite were blind to the man. They saw him – and chose to ignore his suffering. But their apathy did not erase the reality of the battered man’s desperate plight. Another man traveling on the road – a Samaritan – encountered the victim. Instead of turning away from such an awful scene, he was “moved with compassion at the sight,” unlike the priest and Levite. Also, unlike the other two men, he took action. He went right up to the victim and cleaned and bandaged his wounds, physically lifted him up on his animal, took him to an inn, and cared for him. He even paid for his care at the inn until he was healed. Jesus was clearly making the point that our neighbors are often people who are hurting, wounded, and suffering, and need our tender, loving care. Sometimes the pain of our neighbors is physical, sometimes it is situational, sometimes it is emotional. But it is always a wound that needs our attention, not our apathy. Crossing to the other side of the road is not the path to choose. In this parable, Jesus was not being subtle in emphasizing that our neighbors are everyone in the human family. In biblical times, a Samaritan was someone who was despised and considered untrustworthy. They were untouchables, shunned by society and to be avoided at all costs. Yet it was this pariah, this outcast, who showed love and compassion to a man who was likely taught to look down on him. It was the Samaritan who was the model to emulate. For people at that time to hear of a Samaritan in such a positive light must have been shocking. It was Jesus’ way of teaching us all that the stranger, the passerby, – the anonymous person – is our neighbor, and we must love our neighbors as ourselves. The goal of our Diocesan Ministries Appeal is to serve our neighbors by helping to fund important ministries and programs throughout our Diocese of Paterson.  I just recently blessed the newly renovated Father English Food Pantry in Paterson, which received 0,000 from the Appeal to help toward these efforts. The interior has been reconfigured to provide additional aisles for food and clothing. It has a space for guests to speak with social workers to address emergency needs. There are classrooms for English as a Second Language courses and computer classes so clients can enhance their skills and future opportunities. Your support of the Appeal is helping your neighbors in need.  Who are some other neighbors you help when you support the Diocesan Ministries Appeal? They are veterans facing homelessness. They are adults with disabilities living in our group homes and being shown dignity and respect. They are shut-ins being helped through our Meals on Wheels program. They are men and women hoping for a second chance at life through our programs that address addictions and substance abuse. In fact, there are dozens of unique Catholic Charities programs and ministries that receive support from the Diocesan Ministries Appeal each year with your support.  The Appeal also funds seminarian education so those men in formation for priesthood can focus solely on their studies and on their spiritual, pastoral, and human development. The Appeal assists inner-city Catholic education as well as senior priests’ healthcare needs, helping to support Nazareth Village, the residence for retired diocesan priests in Chester. Your gift to the Appeal negates the passivity of the priest and Levite in the parable. Through your affirmative response and generosity, you are “taking action” as a modern-day Good Samaritan. You take to heart the words of Jesus at the end of the parable when he says, “Go and do likewise” (Lk. 10:37). Your support of the Appeal helps to bring compassion and comfort to the wounded person on the side of the road who is in need. You live out your faith in concrete ways and are a priceless gift to the Lord and his people. I am grateful for your generosity, and may God bless you always! Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.  
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The Diocesan Ministries Appeal 2026: ‘Be a Good Samaritan’ #Catholic – Each year, our Diocesan Ministries Appeal has a theme that is meant to emphasize the connection between the work of the Appeal and our shared responsibility to live the Gospel message of charity, especially to those in need. I think this year’s theme – Be A Good Samaritan – perfectly encapsulates that idea. BISHOP KEVIN J. SWEENEY We have all heard the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Lk. 10:25-37), and perhaps we have heard it so often that its impact could be unintentionally dulled through repetition. Even so, I ask you to join me in reflecting on it again because the story, while familiar, is both timeless and timely. Remember first that the Parable of the Good Samaritan is told in response to a question from a ‘scholar of the law’ who asks, “Who is my neighbor?” Jesus begins the parable by painting a picture of a man who was robbed, beaten, and left for dead by the side of the road. He was not simply confronted by a nervous pickpocket or a beggar asking for alms. These robbers were ruthless. It was a scene of sudden, shocking, and extreme violence. It is important to reflect on that, given that what happens next in the parable could not be more opposite. After the bloody confrontation, a priest walks by and sees the broken body in front of him. His response was not one of action. His response was deliberate passivity to the scene in front of him. He did not offer help or even speak any words of comfort. Instead, he crossed the road and continued on his way. A Levite came up to the man, and he also took no action, offered no assistance, crossed the road, and continued on his way. Neither the priest nor the Levite were blind to the man. They saw him – and chose to ignore his suffering. But their apathy did not erase the reality of the battered man’s desperate plight. Another man traveling on the road – a Samaritan – encountered the victim. Instead of turning away from such an awful scene, he was “moved with compassion at the sight,” unlike the priest and Levite. Also, unlike the other two men, he took action. He went right up to the victim and cleaned and bandaged his wounds, physically lifted him up on his animal, took him to an inn, and cared for him. He even paid for his care at the inn until he was healed. Jesus was clearly making the point that our neighbors are often people who are hurting, wounded, and suffering, and need our tender, loving care. Sometimes the pain of our neighbors is physical, sometimes it is situational, sometimes it is emotional. But it is always a wound that needs our attention, not our apathy. Crossing to the other side of the road is not the path to choose. In this parable, Jesus was not being subtle in emphasizing that our neighbors are everyone in the human family. In biblical times, a Samaritan was someone who was despised and considered untrustworthy. They were untouchables, shunned by society and to be avoided at all costs. Yet it was this pariah, this outcast, who showed love and compassion to a man who was likely taught to look down on him. It was the Samaritan who was the model to emulate. For people at that time to hear of a Samaritan in such a positive light must have been shocking. It was Jesus’ way of teaching us all that the stranger, the passerby, – the anonymous person – is our neighbor, and we must love our neighbors as ourselves. The goal of our Diocesan Ministries Appeal is to serve our neighbors by helping to fund important ministries and programs throughout our Diocese of Paterson.  I just recently blessed the newly renovated Father English Food Pantry in Paterson, which received $600,000 from the Appeal to help toward these efforts. The interior has been reconfigured to provide additional aisles for food and clothing. It has a space for guests to speak with social workers to address emergency needs. There are classrooms for English as a Second Language courses and computer classes so clients can enhance their skills and future opportunities. Your support of the Appeal is helping your neighbors in need.  Who are some other neighbors you help when you support the Diocesan Ministries Appeal? They are veterans facing homelessness. They are adults with disabilities living in our group homes and being shown dignity and respect. They are shut-ins being helped through our Meals on Wheels program. They are men and women hoping for a second chance at life through our programs that address addictions and substance abuse. In fact, there are dozens of unique Catholic Charities programs and ministries that receive support from the Diocesan Ministries Appeal each year with your support.  The Appeal also funds seminarian education so those men in formation for priesthood can focus solely on their studies and on their spiritual, pastoral, and human development. The Appeal assists inner-city Catholic education as well as senior priests’ healthcare needs, helping to support Nazareth Village, the residence for retired diocesan priests in Chester. Your gift to the Appeal negates the passivity of the priest and Levite in the parable. Through your affirmative response and generosity, you are “taking action” as a modern-day Good Samaritan. You take to heart the words of Jesus at the end of the parable when he says, “Go and do likewise” (Lk. 10:37). Your support of the Appeal helps to bring compassion and comfort to the wounded person on the side of the road who is in need. You live out your faith in concrete ways and are a priceless gift to the Lord and his people. I am grateful for your generosity, and may God bless you always! Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.  

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The Diocesan Ministries Appeal 2026: ‘Be a Good Samaritan’ #Catholic –

Each year, our Diocesan Ministries Appeal has a theme that is meant to emphasize the connection between the work of the Appeal and our shared responsibility to live the Gospel message of charity, especially to those in need. I think this year’s theme – Be A Good Samaritan – perfectly encapsulates that idea.

BISHOP KEVIN J. SWEENEY

We have all heard the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Lk. 10:25-37), and perhaps we have heard it so often that its impact could be unintentionally dulled through repetition. Even so, I ask you to join me in reflecting on it again because the story, while familiar, is both timeless and timely.

Remember first that the Parable of the Good Samaritan is told in response to a question from a ‘scholar of the law’ who asks, “Who is my neighbor?” Jesus begins the parable by painting a picture of a man who was robbed, beaten, and left for dead by the side of the road. He was not simply confronted by a nervous pickpocket or a beggar asking for alms. These robbers were ruthless. It was a scene of sudden, shocking, and extreme violence. It is important to reflect on that, given that what happens next in the parable could not be more opposite.

After the bloody confrontation, a priest walks by and sees the broken body in front of him. His response was not one of action. His response was deliberate passivity to the scene in front of him. He did not offer help or even speak any words of comfort. Instead, he crossed the road and continued on his way. A Levite came up to the man, and he also took no action, offered no assistance, crossed the road, and continued on his way. Neither the priest nor the Levite were blind to the man. They saw him – and chose to ignore his suffering. But their apathy did not erase the reality of the battered man’s desperate plight.

Another man traveling on the road – a Samaritan – encountered the victim. Instead of turning away from such an awful scene, he was “moved with compassion at the sight,” unlike the priest and Levite. Also, unlike the other two men, he took action. He went right up to the victim and cleaned and bandaged his wounds, physically lifted him up on his animal, took him to an inn, and cared for him. He even paid for his care at the inn until he was healed.

Jesus was clearly making the point that our neighbors are often people who are hurting, wounded, and suffering, and need our tender, loving care. Sometimes the pain of our neighbors is physical, sometimes it is situational, sometimes it is emotional. But it is always a wound that needs our attention, not our apathy. Crossing to the other side of the road is not the path to choose.

In this parable, Jesus was not being subtle in emphasizing that our neighbors are everyone in the human family. In biblical times, a Samaritan was someone who was despised and considered untrustworthy. They were untouchables, shunned by society and to be avoided at all costs. Yet it was this pariah, this outcast, who showed love and compassion to a man who was likely taught to look down on him. It was the Samaritan who was the model to emulate. For people at that time to hear of a Samaritan in such a positive light must have been shocking. It was Jesus’ way of teaching us all that the stranger, the passerby, – the anonymous person – is our neighbor, and we must love our neighbors as ourselves.

The goal of our Diocesan Ministries Appeal is to serve our neighbors by helping to fund important ministries and programs throughout our Diocese of Paterson.  I just recently blessed the newly renovated Father English Food Pantry in Paterson, which received $600,000 from the Appeal to help toward these efforts. The interior has been reconfigured to provide additional aisles for food and clothing. It has a space for guests to speak with social workers to address emergency needs. There are classrooms for English as a Second Language courses and computer classes so clients can enhance their skills and future opportunities. Your support of the Appeal is helping your neighbors in need. 

Who are some other neighbors you help when you support the Diocesan Ministries Appeal?

They are veterans facing homelessness. They are adults with disabilities living in our group homes and being shown dignity and respect. They are shut-ins being helped through our Meals on Wheels program. They are men and women hoping for a second chance at life through our programs that address addictions and substance abuse. In fact, there are dozens of unique Catholic Charities programs and ministries that receive support from the Diocesan Ministries Appeal each year with your support. 

The Appeal also funds seminarian education so those men in formation for priesthood can focus solely on their studies and on their spiritual, pastoral, and human development. The Appeal assists inner-city Catholic education as well as senior priests’ healthcare needs, helping to support Nazareth Village, the residence for retired diocesan priests in Chester.

Your gift to the Appeal negates the passivity of the priest and Levite in the parable. Through your affirmative response and generosity, you are “taking action” as a modern-day Good Samaritan. You take to heart the words of Jesus at the end of the parable when he says, “Go and do likewise” (Lk. 10:37). Your support of the Appeal helps to bring compassion and comfort to the wounded person on the side of the road who is in need. You live out your faith in concrete ways and are a priceless gift to the Lord and his people. I am grateful for your generosity, and may God bless you always!

Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.

 

– Each year, our Diocesan Ministries Appeal has a theme that is meant to emphasize the connection between the work of the Appeal and our shared responsibility to live the Gospel message of charity, especially to those in need. I think this year’s theme – Be A Good Samaritan – perfectly encapsulates that idea. BISHOP KEVIN J. SWEENEY We have all heard the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Lk. 10:25-37), and perhaps we have heard it so often that its impact could be unintentionally dulled through repetition. Even so, I ask you to join me in reflecting on it again because

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Diocese of Metuchen welcomes its sixth shepherd #Catholic – The people of Metuchen were overjoyed to welcome the Most Reverend Michael Arsenio Saporito as their sixth Bishop during an installation Mass held Oct. 22 in Sacred Heart Parish, South Plainfield. Representatives from parishes, schools, religious, lay and civil organizations were joined by clergy and civil dignitaries from throughout the state and beyond to witness the newest shepherd of the central New Jersey diocese. Steeped in beauty and symbolism, the reception of the Bishop Designate began with his knock on the center door of the church. It was opened from within by Father Jonathan S. Toborowsky, diocesan administrator; Father Timothy A. Christy, Cathedral rector, and Father Edmund A. Luciano, pastor of the host parish, on behalf of the clergy, religious and faithful of the Diocese. Father Toborowsky presented Bishop-Designate Saporito with a crucifix resting upon a pillow to reverence, then he sprinkled holy water on those in the narthex. Numerous bishops of New Jersey joined other clergy in the procession, including Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M. of Trenton; Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney of Paterson; Bishop Joseph A. Williams of Camden, and Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, CSsR, of Newark. His Excellency the Most Reverend Gabriele Giordano Caccia, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States of America, read the papal mandate from Pope Leo XIV naming Bishop Saporito the spiritual head of the Metuchen Diocese. Archbishop Caccia noted that the Mass coincided with the feast day of St. Pope John Paul II, who established the Diocese 45 years ago. Bishop Saporito, smiling broadly, presented the mandate to the Diocesan College of Consultors, then, holding it aloft, walked throughout the church so that the faithful might see the Pope’s declaration up close. The bishops in the sanctuary extended a sign of peace, then Archbishop Caccia and Cardinal Tobin presented the new Bishop of Metuchen his cathedra and crozier. Bishop Saporito began his homily recalling the advice by St. Pope John Paul II at his Oct. 22, 1978, inaugural Mass in St. Peter’s Square: Do not be afraid. Open wide the doors to Christ. The bishop’s own motto was inspired by the Gospel of John wherein Jesus had eaten breakfast with them and told them: Feed My Sheep. “Our mission together in proclaiming the Good News … allows us to focus on three things: the meal, the mercy, and the mission,” said the Bishop. “Jesus used meals as places of encounter with others, he shared food and opened his heart, [and] here the word is proclaimed.” The meal, or Eucharist “fills our hearts and lives, joins us as one family, takes what we have received and offers it to the world… Jesus sought to touch people’s hearts, and so must we.” Mercy, the Bishop continued, “frees us from shackles of our own sins. During the Jubilee Year of Mercy, my own sense of mercy expanded. We come to Jesus in distress, profound suffering, brokenness, and misery, and he offers freedom and redemption regardless of the baggage. I often picture the gaze of Jesus at Peter; that’s why the song is entitled ‘Amazing Grace’: he lets yesterday go so we can embrace tomorrow with joy. We are not perfect, but all can stand tall by his grace.” Bishop Saporito cautioned the congregation not to simply fulfill the bare minimums of their faith, but rather to embrace the mission of holiness. “Purpose ignites a passion and a hope within us, for living and meaning and purpose all of our days. We know a better way, let’s show others what we know, let’s lead others to what we know.” He continued, “It is not enough for us to simply maintain what we have, we must have a heart that aches for those who are missing… Become a Church that does not wait for people to find us, but we should risk leaving the shores of own comfort and seek out the missing. The mission of the Church must go beyond those already here.” His voice rising in volume and intensity, Bishop Saporito issued a challenge to his new flock. Referring to his new ceremonial chair, or cathedra, he admitted, “Today I sit in a chair that is not mine to keep, but mine to steward, after the command of Christ for a time. Let us take advantage of it together. “My new sisters and brothers of Metuchen, let us set out together to be a people of the Eucharist, a people of Mercy and a people on a mission,” he concluded. “The waiting is over, and responding to the call now begins. Let us not be afraid, let us open wide the doors to Christ. Amen?” he asked them. They answered with a loud, fervent, “AMEN!!” and resounding applause. This article appears in the Metuchen Diocese’s October special supplement, “With Open Hearts,” welcoming Bishop Saporito as their new shepherd. Christina Leslie is a contributing editor and correspondent for The Catholic Spirit, the official newspaper of the Diocese of Metuchen in New Jersey. PHOTOS | HAL BROWN PHOTOGRAPHY [See image gallery at beaconnj.org] Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.  
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Diocese of Metuchen welcomes its sixth shepherd #Catholic – The people of Metuchen were overjoyed to welcome the Most Reverend Michael Arsenio Saporito as their sixth Bishop during an installation Mass held Oct. 22 in Sacred Heart Parish, South Plainfield. Representatives from parishes, schools, religious, lay and civil organizations were joined by clergy and civil dignitaries from throughout the state and beyond to witness the newest shepherd of the central New Jersey diocese. Steeped in beauty and symbolism, the reception of the Bishop Designate began with his knock on the center door of the church. It was opened from within by Father Jonathan S. Toborowsky, diocesan administrator; Father Timothy A. Christy, Cathedral rector, and Father Edmund A. Luciano, pastor of the host parish, on behalf of the clergy, religious and faithful of the Diocese. Father Toborowsky presented Bishop-Designate Saporito with a crucifix resting upon a pillow to reverence, then he sprinkled holy water on those in the narthex. Numerous bishops of New Jersey joined other clergy in the procession, including Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M. of Trenton; Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney of Paterson; Bishop Joseph A. Williams of Camden, and Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, CSsR, of Newark. His Excellency the Most Reverend Gabriele Giordano Caccia, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States of America, read the papal mandate from Pope Leo XIV naming Bishop Saporito the spiritual head of the Metuchen Diocese. Archbishop Caccia noted that the Mass coincided with the feast day of St. Pope John Paul II, who established the Diocese 45 years ago. Bishop Saporito, smiling broadly, presented the mandate to the Diocesan College of Consultors, then, holding it aloft, walked throughout the church so that the faithful might see the Pope’s declaration up close. The bishops in the sanctuary extended a sign of peace, then Archbishop Caccia and Cardinal Tobin presented the new Bishop of Metuchen his cathedra and crozier. Bishop Saporito began his homily recalling the advice by St. Pope John Paul II at his Oct. 22, 1978, inaugural Mass in St. Peter’s Square: Do not be afraid. Open wide the doors to Christ. The bishop’s own motto was inspired by the Gospel of John wherein Jesus had eaten breakfast with them and told them: Feed My Sheep. “Our mission together in proclaiming the Good News … allows us to focus on three things: the meal, the mercy, and the mission,” said the Bishop. “Jesus used meals as places of encounter with others, he shared food and opened his heart, [and] here the word is proclaimed.” The meal, or Eucharist “fills our hearts and lives, joins us as one family, takes what we have received and offers it to the world… Jesus sought to touch people’s hearts, and so must we.” Mercy, the Bishop continued, “frees us from shackles of our own sins. During the Jubilee Year of Mercy, my own sense of mercy expanded. We come to Jesus in distress, profound suffering, brokenness, and misery, and he offers freedom and redemption regardless of the baggage. I often picture the gaze of Jesus at Peter; that’s why the song is entitled ‘Amazing Grace’: he lets yesterday go so we can embrace tomorrow with joy. We are not perfect, but all can stand tall by his grace.” Bishop Saporito cautioned the congregation not to simply fulfill the bare minimums of their faith, but rather to embrace the mission of holiness. “Purpose ignites a passion and a hope within us, for living and meaning and purpose all of our days. We know a better way, let’s show others what we know, let’s lead others to what we know.” He continued, “It is not enough for us to simply maintain what we have, we must have a heart that aches for those who are missing… Become a Church that does not wait for people to find us, but we should risk leaving the shores of own comfort and seek out the missing. The mission of the Church must go beyond those already here.” His voice rising in volume and intensity, Bishop Saporito issued a challenge to his new flock. Referring to his new ceremonial chair, or cathedra, he admitted, “Today I sit in a chair that is not mine to keep, but mine to steward, after the command of Christ for a time. Let us take advantage of it together. “My new sisters and brothers of Metuchen, let us set out together to be a people of the Eucharist, a people of Mercy and a people on a mission,” he concluded. “The waiting is over, and responding to the call now begins. Let us not be afraid, let us open wide the doors to Christ. Amen?” he asked them. They answered with a loud, fervent, “AMEN!!” and resounding applause. This article appears in the Metuchen Diocese’s October special supplement, “With Open Hearts,” welcoming Bishop Saporito as their new shepherd. Christina Leslie is a contributing editor and correspondent for The Catholic Spirit, the official newspaper of the Diocese of Metuchen in New Jersey. PHOTOS | HAL BROWN PHOTOGRAPHY [See image gallery at beaconnj.org] Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.  

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Diocese of Metuchen welcomes its sixth shepherd #Catholic –

The people of Metuchen were overjoyed to welcome the Most Reverend Michael Arsenio Saporito as their sixth Bishop during an installation Mass held Oct. 22 in Sacred Heart Parish, South Plainfield. Representatives from parishes, schools, religious, lay and civil organizations were joined by clergy and civil dignitaries from throughout the state and beyond to witness the newest shepherd of the central New Jersey diocese.

Steeped in beauty and symbolism, the reception of the Bishop Designate began with his knock on the center door of the church. It was opened from within by Father Jonathan S. Toborowsky, diocesan administrator; Father Timothy A. Christy, Cathedral rector, and Father Edmund A. Luciano, pastor of the host parish, on behalf of the clergy, religious and faithful of the Diocese. Father Toborowsky presented Bishop-Designate Saporito with a crucifix resting upon a pillow to reverence, then he sprinkled holy water on those in the narthex. Numerous bishops of New Jersey joined other clergy in the procession, including Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M. of Trenton; Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney of Paterson; Bishop Joseph A. Williams of Camden, and Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, CSsR, of Newark.

His Excellency the Most Reverend Gabriele Giordano Caccia, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States of America, read the papal mandate from Pope Leo XIV naming Bishop Saporito the spiritual head of the Metuchen Diocese. Archbishop Caccia noted that the Mass coincided with the feast day of St. Pope John Paul II, who established the Diocese 45 years ago.

Bishop Saporito, smiling broadly, presented the mandate to the Diocesan College of Consultors, then, holding it aloft, walked throughout the church so that the faithful might see the Pope’s declaration up close. The bishops in the sanctuary extended a sign of peace, then Archbishop Caccia and Cardinal Tobin presented the new Bishop of Metuchen his cathedra and crozier.

Bishop Saporito began his homily recalling the advice by St. Pope John Paul II at his Oct. 22, 1978, inaugural Mass in St. Peter’s Square: Do not be afraid. Open wide the doors to Christ. The bishop’s own motto was inspired by the Gospel of John wherein Jesus had eaten breakfast with them and told them: Feed My Sheep.

“Our mission together in proclaiming the Good News … allows us to focus on three things: the meal, the mercy, and the mission,” said the Bishop. “Jesus used meals as places of encounter with others, he shared food and opened his heart, [and] here the word is proclaimed.” The meal, or Eucharist “fills our hearts and lives, joins us as one family, takes what we have received and offers it to the world… Jesus sought to touch people’s hearts, and so must we.”

Mercy, the Bishop continued, “frees us from shackles of our own sins. During the Jubilee Year of Mercy, my own sense of mercy expanded. We come to Jesus in distress, profound suffering, brokenness, and misery, and he offers freedom and redemption regardless of the baggage. I often picture the gaze of Jesus at Peter; that’s why the song is entitled ‘Amazing Grace’: he lets yesterday go so we can embrace tomorrow with joy. We are not perfect, but all can stand tall by his grace.”

Bishop Saporito cautioned the congregation not to simply fulfill the bare minimums of their faith, but rather to embrace the mission of holiness. “Purpose ignites a passion and a hope within us, for living and meaning and purpose all of our days. We know a better way, let’s show others what we know, let’s lead others to what we know.”

He continued, “It is not enough for us to simply maintain what we have, we must have a heart that aches for those who are missing… Become a Church that does not wait for people to find us, but we should risk leaving the shores of own comfort and seek out the missing. The mission of the Church must go beyond those already here.”

His voice rising in volume and intensity, Bishop Saporito issued a challenge to his new flock. Referring to his new ceremonial chair, or cathedra, he admitted, “Today I sit in a chair that is not mine to keep, but mine to steward, after the command of Christ for a time. Let us take advantage of it together.

“My new sisters and brothers of Metuchen, let us set out together to be a people of the Eucharist, a people of Mercy and a people on a mission,” he concluded. “The waiting is over, and responding to the call now begins. Let us not be afraid, let us open wide the doors to Christ. Amen?” he asked them. They answered with a loud, fervent, “AMEN!!” and resounding applause.

This article appears in the Metuchen Diocese’s October special supplement, “With Open Hearts,” welcoming Bishop Saporito as their new shepherd. Christina Leslie is a contributing editor and correspondent for The Catholic Spirit, the official newspaper of the Diocese of Metuchen in New Jersey.

PHOTOS | HAL BROWN PHOTOGRAPHY

[See image gallery at beaconnj.org]

Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.

 

– The people of Metuchen were overjoyed to welcome the Most Reverend Michael Arsenio Saporito as their sixth Bishop during an installation Mass held Oct. 22 in Sacred Heart Parish, South Plainfield. Representatives from parishes, schools, religious, lay and civil organizations were joined by clergy and civil dignitaries from throughout the state and beyond to witness the newest shepherd of the central New Jersey diocese. Steeped in beauty and symbolism, the reception of the Bishop Designate began with his knock on the center door of the church. It was opened from within by Father Jonathan S. Toborowsky, diocesan administrator; Father Timothy

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Newsom Touts California As The Only State Where You Can See A Homeless Man Defecating On A Beach And On A Mountain In The Same Day #BabylonBee – SACRAMENTO, CA — Ahead of the midterms, Governor Gavin Newsom once again touted California as the only state where you can see a homeless man defecating on a beach and on a mountain in the same day.
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Newsom Touts California As The Only State Where You Can See A Homeless Man Defecating On A Beach And On A Mountain In The Same Day #BabylonBee – SACRAMENTO, CA — Ahead of the midterms, Governor Gavin Newsom once again touted California as the only state where you can see a homeless man defecating on a beach and on a mountain in the same day.

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SACRAMENTO, CA — Ahead of the midterms, Governor Gavin Newsom once again touted California as the only state where you can see a homeless man defecating on a beach and on a mountain in the same day.

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Catholics urged to strengthen missionary spirit in Prospect Park #Catholic – It was a day to unite the whole Church in one mission, in response to Pope Leo XIV’s call, and for Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney to bring that missionary spirit to a united home church in the Paterson Diocese, N.J. A nearly full, bilingual crowd of pilgrims, including m missionary priests, religious, and laity, gathered on Oct. 18 at St. Paul Church in Prospect Park, N.J., to join Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney in marking the 100th World Mission Sunday at the parish’s noon Mass. That afternoon, a video from Pope Leo XIV was shown for World Mission Sunday, which was guided by the theme, One in Christ, United in Mission. “You saw him smiling in the video, right? He has that beautiful ‘alma misionera,’ that missionary heart and joy that comes, and you can see it in his smile, and in the example that he lives as he asks the whole Church to continue our missionary journey with joy and zeal, enthusiasm,” Bishop Sweeney said after the video. “This requires hearts united, corazones unidos, in Cristo, hearts united in Christ,” he said. A papal decree from the Second Vatican Council says that our pilgrim Church, by its nature, is a missionary Church. Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter. “It is from the mission of the Son and the mission of the Holy Spirit that she draws her origin,” the decree expresses. Pope Leo has been recovering from recent surgery to remove that area of his lungs after he was diagnosed with lung cancer and is waiting for his upcoming trip to Peru, Argentina, and Uruguay. Bishop Sweeney linked the missionary call to the experience of immigrants to the United States, past and present. During the Mass, St. Paul’s faithful donated to the second collection, the World Mission Sunday collection. Through the Pontifical Mission Societies, proceeds from the collection: • Support more than 1,100 missionary dioceses across the earth, including Pope Leo XIV’s previous diocese of Chiclayo in Peru, •Fund religious formation and seminaries worldwide, helping about 80,000 seminarians, •Support the Missionary Childhood Association, which helps the faith formation and practical needs of children worldwide, • Fund the Pontifical Missionary Union, which works in formation to help empower missionary disciples. • Support the Society for the Propagation of the Faith. The Vatican says the society “aims to open the heart of every believer to the vastness of the missionary horizon, through spiritual and material support for the proclamation of the Kingdom of God.” • Fund the Society of St. Peter the Apostle for priestly and religious vocations. “As we reflect on being one in Christ and united in mission,” Bishop Sweeney told the congregation in his English and Spanish homily, “let us allow ourselves to be guided and inspired by grace, to renew in ourselves the fire of our missionary vocation, cada uno de nosotros, each one of us, and advance together, juntos como hermanos, that together [as] sisters and brothers, we go forward as missionaries in the commitment of evangelization, sharing the good news of the faith in this new missionary age in the history of the Church.” Bishop Sweeney continued, “Let us pray at this Mass that we can be renewed in our hearts, at home, in our families, in school, at work, as we live our faith, to renew in ourselves the fire of our missionary vocation.” BEACON PHOTOS | JOE GIGLI [See image gallery at beaconnj.org]  
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Catholics urged to strengthen missionary spirit in Prospect Park #Catholic – It was a day to unite the whole Church in one mission, in response to Pope Leo XIV’s call, and for Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney to bring that missionary spirit to a united home church in the Paterson Diocese, N.J. A nearly full, bilingual crowd of pilgrims, including m missionary priests, religious, and laity, gathered on Oct. 18 at St. Paul Church in Prospect Park, N.J., to join Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney in marking the 100th World Mission Sunday at the parish’s noon Mass. That afternoon, a video from Pope Leo XIV was shown for World Mission Sunday, which was guided by the theme, One in Christ, United in Mission. “You saw him smiling in the video, right? He has that beautiful ‘alma misionera,’ that missionary heart and joy that comes, and you can see it in his smile, and in the example that he lives as he asks the whole Church to continue our missionary journey with joy and zeal, enthusiasm,” Bishop Sweeney said after the video. “This requires hearts united, corazones unidos, in Cristo, hearts united in Christ,” he said. A papal decree from the Second Vatican Council says that our pilgrim Church, by its nature, is a missionary Church. Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter. “It is from the mission of the Son and the mission of the Holy Spirit that she draws her origin,” the decree expresses. Pope Leo has been recovering from recent surgery to remove that area of his lungs after he was diagnosed with lung cancer and is waiting for his upcoming trip to Peru, Argentina, and Uruguay. Bishop Sweeney linked the missionary call to the experience of immigrants to the United States, past and present. During the Mass, St. Paul’s faithful donated to the second collection, the World Mission Sunday collection. Through the Pontifical Mission Societies, proceeds from the collection: • Support more than 1,100 missionary dioceses across the earth, including Pope Leo XIV’s previous diocese of Chiclayo in Peru, •Fund religious formation and seminaries worldwide, helping about 80,000 seminarians, •Support the Missionary Childhood Association, which helps the faith formation and practical needs of children worldwide, • Fund the Pontifical Missionary Union, which works in formation to help empower missionary disciples. • Support the Society for the Propagation of the Faith. The Vatican says the society “aims to open the heart of every believer to the vastness of the missionary horizon, through spiritual and material support for the proclamation of the Kingdom of God.” • Fund the Society of St. Peter the Apostle for priestly and religious vocations. “As we reflect on being one in Christ and united in mission,” Bishop Sweeney told the congregation in his English and Spanish homily, “let us allow ourselves to be guided and inspired by grace, to renew in ourselves the fire of our missionary vocation, cada uno de nosotros, each one of us, and advance together, juntos como hermanos, that together [as] sisters and brothers, we go forward as missionaries in the commitment of evangelization, sharing the good news of the faith in this new missionary age in the history of the Church.” Bishop Sweeney continued, “Let us pray at this Mass that we can be renewed in our hearts, at home, in our families, in school, at work, as we live our faith, to renew in ourselves the fire of our missionary vocation.” BEACON PHOTOS | JOE GIGLI [See image gallery at beaconnj.org]  

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Catholics urged to strengthen missionary spirit in Prospect Park #Catholic –

It was a day to unite the whole Church in one mission, in response to Pope Leo XIV’s call, and for Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney to bring that missionary spirit to a united home church in the Paterson Diocese, N.J.

A nearly full, bilingual crowd of pilgrims, including m missionary priests, religious, and laity, gathered on Oct. 18 at St. Paul Church in Prospect Park, N.J., to join Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney in marking the 100th World Mission Sunday at the parish’s noon Mass.

That afternoon, a video from Pope Leo XIV was shown for World Mission Sunday, which was guided by the theme, One in Christ, United in Mission.

“You saw him smiling in the video, right? He has that beautiful ‘alma misionera,’ that missionary heart and joy that comes, and you can see it in his smile, and in the example that he lives as he asks the whole Church to continue our missionary journey with joy and zeal, enthusiasm,” Bishop Sweeney said after the video. “This requires hearts united, corazones unidos, in Cristo, hearts united in Christ,” he said.

A papal decree from the Second Vatican Council says that our pilgrim Church, by its nature, is a missionary Church.

Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.

“It is from the mission of the Son and the mission of the Holy Spirit that she draws her origin,” the decree expresses.

Pope Leo has been recovering from recent surgery to remove that area of his lungs after he was diagnosed with lung cancer and is waiting for his upcoming trip to Peru, Argentina, and Uruguay. Bishop Sweeney linked the missionary call to the experience of immigrants to the United States, past and present.

During the Mass, St. Paul’s faithful donated to the second collection, the World Mission Sunday collection. Through the Pontifical Mission Societies, proceeds from the collection:

• Support more than 1,100 missionary dioceses across the earth, including Pope Leo XIV’s previous diocese of Chiclayo in Peru,

•Fund religious formation and seminaries worldwide, helping about 80,000 seminarians,

•Support the Missionary Childhood Association, which helps the faith formation and practical needs of children worldwide,

• Fund the Pontifical Missionary Union, which works in formation to help empower missionary disciples.

• Support the Society for the Propagation of the Faith. The Vatican says the society “aims to open the heart of every believer to the vastness of the missionary horizon, through spiritual and material support for the proclamation of the Kingdom of God.”

• Fund the Society of St. Peter the Apostle for priestly and religious vocations.

“As we reflect on being one in Christ and united in mission,” Bishop Sweeney told the congregation in his English and Spanish homily, “let us allow ourselves to be guided and inspired by grace, to renew in ourselves the fire of our missionary vocation, cada uno de nosotros, each one of us, and advance together, juntos como hermanos, that together [as] sisters and brothers, we go forward as missionaries in the commitment of evangelization, sharing the good news of the faith in this new missionary age in the history of the Church.”

Bishop Sweeney continued, “Let us pray at this Mass that we can be renewed in our hearts, at home, in our families, in school, at work, as we live our faith, to renew in ourselves the fire of our missionary vocation.”

BEACON PHOTOS | JOE GIGLI

– It was a day to unite the whole Church in one mission, in response to Pope Leo XIV’s call, and for Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney to bring that missionary spirit to a united home church in the Paterson Diocese, N.J. A nearly full, bilingual crowd of pilgrims, including m missionary priests, religious, and laity, gathered on Oct. 18 at St. Paul Church in Prospect Park, N.J., to join Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney in marking the 100th World Mission Sunday at the parish’s noon Mass. That afternoon, a video from Pope Leo XIV was shown for World Mission Sunday, which was

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Gospel and Word of the Day – 27 October 2026 – A reading from the Letter of St. Paul to the Ephesians 5:21-33 Brothers and sisters: Be subordinate to one another out of reverence for Christ. Wives should be subordinate to their husbands as to the Lord. For the husband is head of his wife just as Christ is head of the Church, he himself the savior of the Body. As the Church is subordinate to Christ, so wives should be subordinate to their husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ loved the Church and handed himself over for her to sanctify her, cleansing her by the bath of water with the word, that he might present to himself the Church in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. So also husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one hates his own flesh but rather nourishes and cherishes it, even as Christ does the Church, because we are members of his Body. For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. This is a great mystery, but I speak in reference to Christ and the Church. In any case, each one of you should love his wife as himself, and the wife should respect her husband.From the Gospel according to Luke 13:18-21 Jesus said, “What is the Kingdom of God like? To what can I compare it? It is like a mustard seed that a man took and planted in the garden. When it was fully grown, it became a large bush and the birds of the sky dwelt in its branches.” Again he said, “To what shall I compare the Kingdom of God? It is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of wheat flour until the whole batch of dough was leavened.”There is (…) a new possibility of life and salvation that comes from faith, because it not only helps us to resist evil and to persevere in doing good, but it transforms our lives so as to make of them an instrument of the salvation that even today God wishes to bring about in the world. And, as Jesus says in the Gospel, this is about a lowly strength, for faith does not impose itself by means of power and in extraordinary ways. Indeed, it is enough to have faith the size of a mustard seed in order to do unimaginable things (cf. Lk 17:6), because it carries within it the strength of God’s love that opens the way to salvation. This is a salvation that is fulfilled when we take responsibility and, with the compassion of the Gospel, care for the suffering of others; it is a salvation that leads the way, silently and apparently without success, in daily words and actions, which become precisely like the tiny seed of which Jesus speaks; it is a salvation that slowly grows when we become “unworthy servants”, namely when we place ourselves at the service of the Gospel and of our brothers and sisters, not seeking our own interests but only bringing God’s love to the world. (Pope Leo XIV, Homily, 5 October 2025)

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A reading from the Letter of St. Paul to the Ephesians
5:21-33

Brothers and sisters:
Be subordinate to one another out of reverence for Christ.
Wives should be subordinate to their husbands as to the Lord.
For the husband is head of his wife
just as Christ is head of the Church,
he himself the savior of the Body.
As the Church is subordinate to Christ,
so wives should be subordinate to their husbands in everything.
Husbands, love your wives,
even as Christ loved the Church
and handed himself over for her to sanctify her,
cleansing her by the bath of water with the word,
that he might present to himself the Church in splendor,
without spot or wrinkle or any such thing,
that she might be holy and without blemish.
So also husbands should love their wives as their own bodies.
He who loves his wife loves himself.
For no one hates his own flesh
but rather nourishes and cherishes it,
even as Christ does the Church,
because we are members of his Body.

For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother
and be joined to his wife,
and the two shall become one flesh.

This is a great mystery,
but I speak in reference to Christ and the Church.
In any case, each one of you should love his wife as himself,
and the wife should respect her husband.

From the Gospel according to Luke
13:18-21

Jesus said, “What is the Kingdom of God like?
To what can I compare it?
It is like a mustard seed that a man took and planted in the garden.
When it was fully grown, it became a large bush
and the birds of the sky dwelt in its branches.”

Again he said, “To what shall I compare the Kingdom of God?
It is like yeast that a woman took
and mixed in with three measures of wheat flour
until the whole batch of dough was leavened.”

There is (…) a new possibility of life and salvation that comes from faith, because it not only helps us to resist evil and to persevere in doing good, but it transforms our lives so as to make of them an instrument of the salvation that even today God wishes to bring about in the world. And, as Jesus says in the Gospel, this is about a lowly strength, for faith does not impose itself by means of power and in extraordinary ways. Indeed, it is enough to have faith the size of a mustard seed in order to do unimaginable things (cf. Lk 17:6), because it carries within it the strength of God’s love that opens the way to salvation.

This is a salvation that is fulfilled when we take responsibility and, with the compassion of the Gospel, care for the suffering of others; it is a salvation that leads the way, silently and apparently without success, in daily words and actions, which become precisely like the tiny seed of which Jesus speaks; it is a salvation that slowly grows when we become “unworthy servants”, namely when we place ourselves at the service of the Gospel and of our brothers and sisters, not seeking our own interests but only bringing God’s love to the world. (Pope Leo XIV, Homily, 5 October 2025)

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Obituary: Sister of Charity Kathryn (Kathy) Clementz, 81 #Catholic – A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 21 at 11 a.m. at Holy Family Chapel in the Convent Station neighborhood of Morris Township, N.J., for Sister of Charity Kathryn (Kathy) Clementz, who died Oct. 16. She was 81. Sister Clementz lived at the convent of the Sisters of Charity of St. Elizabeth in Convent Station and died at Morristown Medical Center, Morristown, N.J., after a brief hospitalization. Born in Alameda, Calif., Sister Clementz entered the Sisters of Charity in 1968 and was a member for 58 years. She earned a registered nurse diploma from St. Joseph’s Hospital School of Nursing in Paterson, N.J., and a bachelor’s degree in nursing from William Paterson University in Wayne, N.J. Sister Clementz started her nursing ministry at the former All Souls Hospital in Morristown, N.J. After formation as a Sister of Charity, she returned to St. Joseph’s, where she worked from the mid- to late-1970s. After earning her bachelor’s degree, she became involved in community health nursing, where she spent most of her nursing career. Sister Clementz served in various facilities with the Tri-Hospital Home Health Program, historically based at Passaic Beth Israel Hospital in Passaic, N.J., as a home care and hospice nurse. She witnessed the program’s growth. While working there, she was asked to start a satellite home health care program at Holy Name Hospital in Teaneck, N.J. After about four years, Sister Clementz returned to Beth Israel and worked in the hospice program. Then, responding to a need of the congregation, Sister Clementz returned to St. Joseph’s Hospital to help start the Pediatric HIV/AIDS Program. She subsequently held various nursing positions, including visiting nurse, nurse reviewer, and intake coordinator for admissions. Sister Clementz enjoyed working with indigent populations. Her kind heart and helpful spirit extended beyond physical medicine to include supportive services such as housing, nutrition, and clothing for patients and their families. She was held dear by many nursing colleagues and friends. Sister Clementz is survived by the Sisters of Charity of St. Elizabeth, her niece, her nephew, her grandniece, and sisters-in-law. A wake for Sister Clementz will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 21, from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., in Holy Family Chapel in Convent Station. The Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11 a.m., with burial in Holy Family Cemetery after the Mass. The Mass will be livestreamed. Please send contributions in Sister Clementz’s memory to the Sisters of Charity Office of Legacy and Mission Advancement, P.O. Box 476, Convent Station, N.J., 07960-0476. Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.
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Obituary: Sister of Charity Kathryn (Kathy) Clementz, 81 #Catholic – A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 21 at 11 a.m. at Holy Family Chapel in the Convent Station neighborhood of Morris Township, N.J., for Sister of Charity Kathryn (Kathy) Clementz, who died Oct. 16. She was 81. Sister Clementz lived at the convent of the Sisters of Charity of St. Elizabeth in Convent Station and died at Morristown Medical Center, Morristown, N.J., after a brief hospitalization. Born in Alameda, Calif., Sister Clementz entered the Sisters of Charity in 1968 and was a member for 58 years. She earned a registered nurse diploma from St. Joseph’s Hospital School of Nursing in Paterson, N.J., and a bachelor’s degree in nursing from William Paterson University in Wayne, N.J. Sister Clementz started her nursing ministry at the former All Souls Hospital in Morristown, N.J. After formation as a Sister of Charity, she returned to St. Joseph’s, where she worked from the mid- to late-1970s. After earning her bachelor’s degree, she became involved in community health nursing, where she spent most of her nursing career. Sister Clementz served in various facilities with the Tri-Hospital Home Health Program, historically based at Passaic Beth Israel Hospital in Passaic, N.J., as a home care and hospice nurse. She witnessed the program’s growth. While working there, she was asked to start a satellite home health care program at Holy Name Hospital in Teaneck, N.J. After about four years, Sister Clementz returned to Beth Israel and worked in the hospice program. Then, responding to a need of the congregation, Sister Clementz returned to St. Joseph’s Hospital to help start the Pediatric HIV/AIDS Program. She subsequently held various nursing positions, including visiting nurse, nurse reviewer, and intake coordinator for admissions. Sister Clementz enjoyed working with indigent populations. Her kind heart and helpful spirit extended beyond physical medicine to include supportive services such as housing, nutrition, and clothing for patients and their families. She was held dear by many nursing colleagues and friends. Sister Clementz is survived by the Sisters of Charity of St. Elizabeth, her niece, her nephew, her grandniece, and sisters-in-law. A wake for Sister Clementz will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 21, from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., in Holy Family Chapel in Convent Station. The Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11 a.m., with burial in Holy Family Cemetery after the Mass. The Mass will be livestreamed. Please send contributions in Sister Clementz’s memory to the Sisters of Charity Office of Legacy and Mission Advancement, P.O. Box 476, Convent Station, N.J., 07960-0476. Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.

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Obituary: Sister of Charity Kathryn (Kathy) Clementz, 81 #Catholic –

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 21 at 11 a.m. at Holy Family Chapel in the Convent Station neighborhood of Morris Township, N.J., for Sister of Charity Kathryn (Kathy) Clementz, who died Oct. 16. She was 81.

Sister Clementz lived at the convent of the Sisters of Charity of St. Elizabeth in Convent Station and died at Morristown Medical Center, Morristown, N.J., after a brief hospitalization.

Born in Alameda, Calif., Sister Clementz entered the Sisters of Charity in 1968 and was a member for 58 years. She earned a registered nurse diploma from St. Joseph’s Hospital School of Nursing in Paterson, N.J., and a bachelor’s degree in nursing from William Paterson University in Wayne, N.J.

Sister Clementz started her nursing ministry at the former All Souls Hospital in Morristown, N.J. After formation as a Sister of Charity, she returned to St. Joseph’s, where she worked from the mid- to late-1970s. After earning her bachelor’s degree, she became involved in community health nursing, where she spent most of her nursing career.

Sister Clementz served in various facilities with the Tri-Hospital Home Health Program, historically based at Passaic Beth Israel Hospital in Passaic, N.J., as a home care and hospice nurse. She witnessed the program’s growth. While working there, she was asked to start a satellite home health care program at Holy Name Hospital in Teaneck, N.J. After about four years, Sister Clementz returned to Beth Israel and worked in the hospice program.

Then, responding to a need of the congregation, Sister Clementz returned to St. Joseph’s Hospital to help start the Pediatric HIV/AIDS Program. She subsequently held various nursing positions, including visiting nurse, nurse reviewer, and intake coordinator for admissions.

Sister Clementz enjoyed working with indigent populations. Her kind heart and helpful spirit extended beyond physical medicine to include supportive services such as housing, nutrition, and clothing for patients and their families. She was held dear by many nursing colleagues and friends.

Sister Clementz is survived by the Sisters of Charity of St. Elizabeth, her niece, her nephew, her grandniece, and sisters-in-law.

A wake for Sister Clementz will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 21, from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., in Holy Family Chapel in Convent Station. The Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11 a.m., with burial in Holy Family Cemetery after the Mass. The Mass will be livestreamed.

Please send contributions in Sister Clementz’s memory to the Sisters of Charity Office of Legacy and Mission Advancement, P.O. Box 476, Convent Station, N.J., 07960-0476.

Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.

– A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 21 at 11 a.m. at Holy Family Chapel in the Convent Station neighborhood of Morris Township, N.J., for Sister of Charity Kathryn (Kathy) Clementz, who died Oct. 16. She was 81. Sister Clementz lived at the convent of the Sisters of Charity of St. Elizabeth in Convent Station and died at Morristown Medical Center, Morristown, N.J., after a brief hospitalization. Born in Alameda, Calif., Sister Clementz entered the Sisters of Charity in 1968 and was a member for 58 years. She earned a registered nurse diploma from St. Joseph’s

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Bishop Joensen says Trump meeting ‘exploited’ for politics, while others clarify backstory – #Catholic – A second bishop is expressing regret over a meeting with President Donald Trump at the White House last week and complained that it has been “exploited” for political gain, while others who attended are clarifying the reasons they went.On Oct. 22, the White House posted a video that showed Denver Archbishop James Golka leading a prayer with Trump, surrounded by about a dozen other bishops, who stood beside the president’s spiritual advisor Paula White-Cain and White House Faith Office Director Jennifer Korn.The video was shared by Margo Martin, a White House communications advisor, with no news release to accompany it, nor any description of what was discussed. Golka shared the video on archdiocesan social media and clarified it was not a political endorsement.Bishops who attended the meeting and the prayer have stated they were invited by the White House Faith Office to discuss issues of importance to Catholics: the right to life, the dignity of migrants, religious liberty, and school choice. Several have echoed Golka, emphasizing the meeting and prayer was not a political endorsement, while two have expressed regret for going.On Oct. 25, Milwaukee Archbishop Jeffrey Grob issued a “public apology” for any confusion the video caused, saying he did not know it would be shared publicly and it was not meant to be an endorsement of the president.A second bishop — Des Moines Bishop William Joensen — also emphasized that it was not an endorsement and conveyed regret over the video being used for political purposes.The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) had no role in the meeting.‘Exploited’ for politicsOn Oct. 24, two days after the meeting, Joensen issued a statement saying “I would have done well to be more mindful Jesus’ admonition [in the Gospel of Matthew]: ‘Behold, I am sending you like sheep in the midst of wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and simple as doves.’”“I wish I had been more shrewd and less simple, like those who exploited our meeting for partisan political purposes,” Joensen said. “I pray I am more prudent and wise going forward, even as I remain resolute in my openness to engaging and praying for political leaders at all levels.”Joensen did not say who he was accusing of exploiting the meeting and a spokesperson for the diocese did not respond to a request for clarification from EWTN News.In his statement, Joensen said he was invited by officials associated with the Faith Office to talk about a variety of issues: immigration, the exploitation of the poor, visas for international clergy, advancement of a culture of life as an alternative to abortion, and support for private education.“There was also a concluding opportunity to pray for and with our president, that God would guide his heart and impel him to lead in a way consistent with the dignity of his office,” he said.Joensen said “there are many things” linked to the administration “at odds with our Catholic faith.” Yet, he said he attended to “have a conversation” and was informed officials “would be interested in hearing our perspective.”When reached by EWTN News for comment, White House spokeswoman Taylor Rogers said in a statement, “there has never been a greater president for Catholic Americans than President Trump, and his strong record proves it.”“He stopped the weaponization of the federal government against Christians, proudly defended and expanded our religious rights, pardoned pro-life activists, stopped the chemical mutilation of our nation’s children, and protected parents’ rights,” Rogers said, but did not respond to a follow up request for a response to the comments made by Joensen and Grob.Explanations by other bishops In addition to Golka, Grob, and Joensen, a few other bishops have issued statements about the reasons they met and prayed with Trump in the Oval Office and what they talked about with administration officials.The Diocese of Rapid City, South Dakota provided a statement to EWTN News on behalf of Bishop Scott Bullock, which said the delegation discussed Catholic priorities: abortion, school choice, and the ethical implications of in vitro fertilization (IVF).According to the diocesan statement, the bishops’ prayer over Trump is not an “endorsement,” but is rather based in Scripture and following the instruction of St. Paul, who said “supplications, prayers, petitions and thanksgivings be offered for everyone, for kings and for all in authority, that we may lead a quiet and tranquil life in all devotion and dignity.”“We went there and we prayed, and we asked the Lord to instill our leaders with wisdom and also to help them remain humble,” Bullock said.A spokesperson for Diocese of Gallup, New Mexico’s Bishop James Wall told EWTN News that “Bishop Wall does want to express that he would accept a meeting with any politician, if invited, to discuss important church matters, regardless of the time of year and the political party, and that he offers prayers for all who hold political office, that they lead with integrity and not division.” The office of Archbishop Emeritus Joseph Naumann, who led the Archdiocese of Kansas City before retirement, also released a statement indicating that during the meeting the prelate voiced concerns about chemical abortion and IVF, while advocating for pro-life reproductive health care. He also discussed religious liberty, immigration, school choice, and protecting children from pornography.According to the statement, Trump expressed gratitude to the bishops “for prayers asking God to bless and guide the president, his staff and the nation.” The archbishop’s office emphasized this was not an endorsement and that the bishops “were assured that no photographs would be made public.”“They came to have a discussion on important policy matters,” the statement indicated. “As Catholic bishops, they pray with everyone, but do not endorse candidates or political parties.”The following bishops also attended the meeting, according to the White House: Bishop Edward Burns of the Diocese of Dallas, Bishop Steven Raica of the Diocese of Birmingham, Bishop Thomas Hennen of the Diocese of Baker, Bishop Michael Barber of the Diocese of Oakland, Bishop Francis Kalabat of the Chaldean Catholic Church, and Bishop Elias Zaidan of the Maronite Catholic Church.Bishop of Palm Beach Jesús Rodríguez — who did not attend the meeting — opined on the matter on X, saying any action perceived as a political endorsement by a member of the Church hierarchy “must not be construed as representing the official position of the Catholic Church.”The meeting was also attended by Mario Enzler of the Heritage Foundation, though the Heritage Foundation has stated it did not organize it.
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Bishop Joensen says Trump meeting ‘exploited’ for politics, while others clarify backstory – #Catholic – A second bishop is expressing regret over a meeting with President Donald Trump at the White House last week and complained that it has been “exploited” for political gain, while others who attended are clarifying the reasons they went.On Oct. 22, the White House posted a video that showed Denver Archbishop James Golka leading a prayer with Trump, surrounded by about a dozen other bishops, who stood beside the president’s spiritual advisor Paula White-Cain and White House Faith Office Director Jennifer Korn.The video was shared by Margo Martin, a White House communications advisor, with no news release to accompany it, nor any description of what was discussed. Golka shared the video on archdiocesan social media and clarified it was not a political endorsement.Bishops who attended the meeting and the prayer have stated they were invited by the White House Faith Office to discuss issues of importance to Catholics: the right to life, the dignity of migrants, religious liberty, and school choice. Several have echoed Golka, emphasizing the meeting and prayer was not a political endorsement, while two have expressed regret for going.On Oct. 25, Milwaukee Archbishop Jeffrey Grob issued a “public apology” for any confusion the video caused, saying he did not know it would be shared publicly and it was not meant to be an endorsement of the president.A second bishop — Des Moines Bishop William Joensen — also emphasized that it was not an endorsement and conveyed regret over the video being used for political purposes.The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) had no role in the meeting.‘Exploited’ for politicsOn Oct. 24, two days after the meeting, Joensen issued a statement saying “I would have done well to be more mindful Jesus’ admonition [in the Gospel of Matthew]: ‘Behold, I am sending you like sheep in the midst of wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and simple as doves.’”“I wish I had been more shrewd and less simple, like those who exploited our meeting for partisan political purposes,” Joensen said. “I pray I am more prudent and wise going forward, even as I remain resolute in my openness to engaging and praying for political leaders at all levels.”Joensen did not say who he was accusing of exploiting the meeting and a spokesperson for the diocese did not respond to a request for clarification from EWTN News.In his statement, Joensen said he was invited by officials associated with the Faith Office to talk about a variety of issues: immigration, the exploitation of the poor, visas for international clergy, advancement of a culture of life as an alternative to abortion, and support for private education.“There was also a concluding opportunity to pray for and with our president, that God would guide his heart and impel him to lead in a way consistent with the dignity of his office,” he said.Joensen said “there are many things” linked to the administration “at odds with our Catholic faith.” Yet, he said he attended to “have a conversation” and was informed officials “would be interested in hearing our perspective.”When reached by EWTN News for comment, White House spokeswoman Taylor Rogers said in a statement, “there has never been a greater president for Catholic Americans than President Trump, and his strong record proves it.”“He stopped the weaponization of the federal government against Christians, proudly defended and expanded our religious rights, pardoned pro-life activists, stopped the chemical mutilation of our nation’s children, and protected parents’ rights,” Rogers said, but did not respond to a follow up request for a response to the comments made by Joensen and Grob.Explanations by other bishops In addition to Golka, Grob, and Joensen, a few other bishops have issued statements about the reasons they met and prayed with Trump in the Oval Office and what they talked about with administration officials.The Diocese of Rapid City, South Dakota provided a statement to EWTN News on behalf of Bishop Scott Bullock, which said the delegation discussed Catholic priorities: abortion, school choice, and the ethical implications of in vitro fertilization (IVF).According to the diocesan statement, the bishops’ prayer over Trump is not an “endorsement,” but is rather based in Scripture and following the instruction of St. Paul, who said “supplications, prayers, petitions and thanksgivings be offered for everyone, for kings and for all in authority, that we may lead a quiet and tranquil life in all devotion and dignity.”“We went there and we prayed, and we asked the Lord to instill our leaders with wisdom and also to help them remain humble,” Bullock said.A spokesperson for Diocese of Gallup, New Mexico’s Bishop James Wall told EWTN News that “Bishop Wall does want to express that he would accept a meeting with any politician, if invited, to discuss important church matters, regardless of the time of year and the political party, and that he offers prayers for all who hold political office, that they lead with integrity and not division.” The office of Archbishop Emeritus Joseph Naumann, who led the Archdiocese of Kansas City before retirement, also released a statement indicating that during the meeting the prelate voiced concerns about chemical abortion and IVF, while advocating for pro-life reproductive health care. He also discussed religious liberty, immigration, school choice, and protecting children from pornography.According to the statement, Trump expressed gratitude to the bishops “for prayers asking God to bless and guide the president, his staff and the nation.” The archbishop’s office emphasized this was not an endorsement and that the bishops “were assured that no photographs would be made public.”“They came to have a discussion on important policy matters,” the statement indicated. “As Catholic bishops, they pray with everyone, but do not endorse candidates or political parties.”The following bishops also attended the meeting, according to the White House: Bishop Edward Burns of the Diocese of Dallas, Bishop Steven Raica of the Diocese of Birmingham, Bishop Thomas Hennen of the Diocese of Baker, Bishop Michael Barber of the Diocese of Oakland, Bishop Francis Kalabat of the Chaldean Catholic Church, and Bishop Elias Zaidan of the Maronite Catholic Church.Bishop of Palm Beach Jesús Rodríguez — who did not attend the meeting — opined on the matter on X, saying any action perceived as a political endorsement by a member of the Church hierarchy “must not be construed as representing the official position of the Catholic Church.”The meeting was also attended by Mario Enzler of the Heritage Foundation, though the Heritage Foundation has stated it did not organize it.

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Bishops who attended the meeting and the prayer have stated they were invited by the White House Faith Office to discuss issues of importance to Catholics.

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Venezuelan opposition leader returns from exile and attends Mass at popular shrine – #Catholic – María Corina Machado, recipient of the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize, returned to Venezuela on Oct. 25 after nearly a year in exile. In her first public appearance on Venezuelan soil, the political leader arrived at the Archdiocesan Shrine of the Divine Shepherdess in the city of Barquisimeto.Why Machado returnedAfter the July 28, 2024, presidential election, the Venezuelan National Electoral Council, controlled by the ruling socialist regime, declared incumbent President Nicolás Maduro to be the winner. However, opposition candidate Edmundo González claimed victory, and his organization said it had to vote tallies to prove it.In a sense, Machado, very popular among voters, was the power behind González because although she had been banned from running for office by the Maduro regime, she campaigned openly in support of González.To quell protests after the election, the repressive apparatus of the Maduro regime unleashed an unprecedented campaign of persecution against opposition politicians, activists, and protesters, and Machado went into hiding.She left the country in December 2025 in a complex extraction operation coordinated from the United States that took her to Oslo, Norway. On Jan. 3, 2026, U.S special forces captured Maduro and his wife Cilia and extradited them to the United States to face federal drug trafficking charges. Venezuela’s Vice President, Delcy Rodríguez, was named acting president but the future of the socialist regime and democracy remained very unclear.Machado arrives in Venezuela“I am here. With you,” Machado, who is the coordinator of the Vente Venezuela party, wrote on X around midday on Sunday, Oct. 25. Shortly thereafter, she arrived at the Shrine of the Divine Shepherdess located in Barquisimeto. The Divine Shepherdess, taken metaphorically, is a Marian devotion that every Jan. 14 draws millions of people to the streets for one of the largest religious processions in the region and the world.Machado attended Sunday Mass while crowds gathered inside and outside the shrine calling out, “Freedom!” Following the Eucharist, Machado boarded a vehicle to join a caravan heading toward the capital, Caracas, where she arrived the afternoon of Oct. 25.Reactions from the United StatesIn Washington, D.C., President Trump stated that he was unaware of the Venezuelan leader’s return. “I don’t know anything about it,” he replied when asked by the press. “But I think she’s a very nice woman. She gave me her Nobel Prize, so how can I say anything else? And I hope she’s safe,” he remarked.Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that Machado’s return is a direct result of “reconciliation talks” between the socialist government and a segment of the Venezuelan opposition, talks supported by the U.S. administration. These dialogue sessions, Rubio noted on X, have already led to the release of hundreds of political prisoners and the safe return of many exiles.“The United States expects the freedoms of all sectors of Venezuelan politics to continue to be respected,” Rubio wrote. “Likewise, we expect all political actors to support these talks which represent the best chance Venezuela has had in thirty years to peacefully achieve not just a free and fair election but an enduring democracy,” he added.This week, interim president Delcy Rodríguez, a devoted and avowed follower of Sai Baba, an Indian spiritual guru now deceased, revealed that she had sent a letter to Pope Leo XIV, prior to his lung surgery, in which she wished him good health and also requested the swift canonization of Blessed María de San José, as well as the beatification of Bishop Salvador Montes de Oca.This story was first published by EWTN News Español, the Spanish-language sister service of EWTN News. It has been translated and adapted by EWTN News English.
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Venezuelan opposition leader returns from exile and attends Mass at popular shrine – #Catholic – María Corina Machado, recipient of the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize, returned to Venezuela on Oct. 25 after nearly a year in exile. In her first public appearance on Venezuelan soil, the political leader arrived at the Archdiocesan Shrine of the Divine Shepherdess in the city of Barquisimeto.Why Machado returnedAfter the July 28, 2024, presidential election, the Venezuelan National Electoral Council, controlled by the ruling socialist regime, declared incumbent President Nicolás Maduro to be the winner. However, opposition candidate Edmundo González claimed victory, and his organization said it had to vote tallies to prove it.In a sense, Machado, very popular among voters, was the power behind González because although she had been banned from running for office by the Maduro regime, she campaigned openly in support of González.To quell protests after the election, the repressive apparatus of the Maduro regime unleashed an unprecedented campaign of persecution against opposition politicians, activists, and protesters, and Machado went into hiding.She left the country in December 2025 in a complex extraction operation coordinated from the United States that took her to Oslo, Norway. On Jan. 3, 2026, U.S special forces captured Maduro and his wife Cilia and extradited them to the United States to face federal drug trafficking charges. Venezuela’s Vice President, Delcy Rodríguez, was named acting president but the future of the socialist regime and democracy remained very unclear.Machado arrives in Venezuela“I am here. With you,” Machado, who is the coordinator of the Vente Venezuela party, wrote on X around midday on Sunday, Oct. 25. Shortly thereafter, she arrived at the Shrine of the Divine Shepherdess located in Barquisimeto. The Divine Shepherdess, taken metaphorically, is a Marian devotion that every Jan. 14 draws millions of people to the streets for one of the largest religious processions in the region and the world.Machado attended Sunday Mass while crowds gathered inside and outside the shrine calling out, “Freedom!” Following the Eucharist, Machado boarded a vehicle to join a caravan heading toward the capital, Caracas, where she arrived the afternoon of Oct. 25.Reactions from the United StatesIn Washington, D.C., President Trump stated that he was unaware of the Venezuelan leader’s return. “I don’t know anything about it,” he replied when asked by the press. “But I think she’s a very nice woman. She gave me her Nobel Prize, so how can I say anything else? And I hope she’s safe,” he remarked.Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that Machado’s return is a direct result of “reconciliation talks” between the socialist government and a segment of the Venezuelan opposition, talks supported by the U.S. administration. These dialogue sessions, Rubio noted on X, have already led to the release of hundreds of political prisoners and the safe return of many exiles.“The United States expects the freedoms of all sectors of Venezuelan politics to continue to be respected,” Rubio wrote. “Likewise, we expect all political actors to support these talks which represent the best chance Venezuela has had in thirty years to peacefully achieve not just a free and fair election but an enduring democracy,” he added.This week, interim president Delcy Rodríguez, a devoted and avowed follower of Sai Baba, an Indian spiritual guru now deceased, revealed that she had sent a letter to Pope Leo XIV, prior to his lung surgery, in which she wished him good health and also requested the swift canonization of Blessed María de San José, as well as the beatification of Bishop Salvador Montes de Oca.This story was first published by EWTN News Español, the Spanish-language sister service of EWTN News. It has been translated and adapted by EWTN News English.

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María Corina Machado made her first public return to Venezuelan soil at the Archdiocesan Shrine of the Divine Shepherdess, in the city of Barquisimeto.

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For first time in 500 years, pope and king of England bestow religious titles on each other – #Catholic – Pope Leo XIV and King Charles III of England have bestowed honorary religious titles upon each other, the first time this has happened in 500 years according to the official website of the British Royal Family.“With the gracious approval of His Majesty the King, the Dean and Canons of Windsor are delighted to announce that His Holiness Pope Leo XIV has become Papal Confrater of the College of St. George at St. George’s Chapel, Windsor,” states the text published on Oct.23. The announcement highlights that both leaders sought to underscore the ties between Christian traditions, within a global context marked by polarization and conflict.“Mindful of the value of Christian unity, in an increasingly polarised and turbulent world, The King and The Pope have joined together in Christian brotherhood and, for the first time in half a millennium, are receiving religious titles which underscore what unites rather than what separates the Roman Catholic Church and the Church of England,” the text notes.The statement adds that this gesture represents “a visible sign of spiritual fellowship, ecumenical friendship and Christian fraternity.”It also acknowledges the historical ties between the college and St. George’s Chapel, Windsor, and the Holy See, as well as the progress made in relations between the Catholic Church, the Church of England, and the Anglican Communion.The text notes that October marks one year since the “historic state visit to the Holy See” made by King Charles III and his wife, Queen Camilla. On that occasion, the British monarch was received as a “royal confrater” of the papal basilica and abbey of St. Paul Outside the Walls in Rome. At that time, the Holy Father had already been invited to become a “papal confrater” of St. George’s at Windsor.Just as there is already a chair for the King of England at the basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, a similar chair for the pope will soon be unveiled in St. George’s Chapel at Windsor. It will be consecrated in the European autumn, alongside a “mosaic icon of Christ of Cefalù, gifted to His Majesty by His Holiness during the State Visit,” the statement concluded.The historic 2025 meetingOn Oct. 23, 2025, Pope Leo XIV and King Charles III prayed together in the Sistine Chapel, marking the first time a pope and a British monarch have prayed together during a state visit to the Vatican.During the visit, King Charles conferred upon the pope the title of Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath, while the pontiff bestowed upon the monarch the honor of Knight Grand Cross with Collar of the Vatican’s Order of Pius IX, and upon Queen Camilla the distinction of Dame Grand Cross of the same order.The connection of the King of England to the papal basilica of St. Paul Outside the WallsFollowing the arrival in England of Roman missionary monks such as St. Augustine of Canterbury and St. Paulinus of York during the sixth and seventh centuries, Saxon kings including Offa and Æthelwulf contributed to the upkeep of the apostles' tombs in Rome.Toward the end of the Middle Ages, the kings of England were recognized as “protectors” of the basilica and abbey of St. Paul Outside the Walls; its coat of arms came to include the insignia of the Order of the Garter, the oldest and most prestigious order in the United Kingdom. This tradition was interrupted by the Reformation and the centuries of estrangement that followed.A new chair, bearing the royal coat of arms and the Latin inscription Ut unum sint (That they may be one), has been placed in the basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls for King Charles and his successors to use during future visits.This story was first published by EWTN News Español, the Spanish-language sister service of EWTN News. It has been translated and adapted by EWTN News English.
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For first time in 500 years, pope and king of England bestow religious titles on each other – #Catholic – Pope Leo XIV and King Charles III of England have bestowed honorary religious titles upon each other, the first time this has happened in 500 years according to the official website of the British Royal Family.“With the gracious approval of His Majesty the King, the Dean and Canons of Windsor are delighted to announce that His Holiness Pope Leo XIV has become Papal Confrater of the College of St. George at St. George’s Chapel, Windsor,” states the text published on Oct.23. The announcement highlights that both leaders sought to underscore the ties between Christian traditions, within a global context marked by polarization and conflict.“Mindful of the value of Christian unity, in an increasingly polarised and turbulent world, The King and The Pope have joined together in Christian brotherhood and, for the first time in half a millennium, are receiving religious titles which underscore what unites rather than what separates the Roman Catholic Church and the Church of England,” the text notes.The statement adds that this gesture represents “a visible sign of spiritual fellowship, ecumenical friendship and Christian fraternity.”It also acknowledges the historical ties between the college and St. George’s Chapel, Windsor, and the Holy See, as well as the progress made in relations between the Catholic Church, the Church of England, and the Anglican Communion.The text notes that October marks one year since the “historic state visit to the Holy See” made by King Charles III and his wife, Queen Camilla. On that occasion, the British monarch was received as a “royal confrater” of the papal basilica and abbey of St. Paul Outside the Walls in Rome. At that time, the Holy Father had already been invited to become a “papal confrater” of St. George’s at Windsor.Just as there is already a chair for the King of England at the basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, a similar chair for the pope will soon be unveiled in St. George’s Chapel at Windsor. It will be consecrated in the European autumn, alongside a “mosaic icon of Christ of Cefalù, gifted to His Majesty by His Holiness during the State Visit,” the statement concluded.The historic 2025 meetingOn Oct. 23, 2025, Pope Leo XIV and King Charles III prayed together in the Sistine Chapel, marking the first time a pope and a British monarch have prayed together during a state visit to the Vatican.During the visit, King Charles conferred upon the pope the title of Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath, while the pontiff bestowed upon the monarch the honor of Knight Grand Cross with Collar of the Vatican’s Order of Pius IX, and upon Queen Camilla the distinction of Dame Grand Cross of the same order.The connection of the King of England to the papal basilica of St. Paul Outside the WallsFollowing the arrival in England of Roman missionary monks such as St. Augustine of Canterbury and St. Paulinus of York during the sixth and seventh centuries, Saxon kings including Offa and Æthelwulf contributed to the upkeep of the apostles' tombs in Rome.Toward the end of the Middle Ages, the kings of England were recognized as “protectors” of the basilica and abbey of St. Paul Outside the Walls; its coat of arms came to include the insignia of the Order of the Garter, the oldest and most prestigious order in the United Kingdom. This tradition was interrupted by the Reformation and the centuries of estrangement that followed.A new chair, bearing the royal coat of arms and the Latin inscription Ut unum sint (That they may be one), has been placed in the basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls for King Charles and his successors to use during future visits.This story was first published by EWTN News Español, the Spanish-language sister service of EWTN News. It has been translated and adapted by EWTN News English.

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King Charles III was given the title royal confrater and Pope Leo XIV was given the title papal confrater.

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Archdiocese of New York will pay out 0 million in sexual abuse settlement #Catholic The Archdiocese of New York will pay out 0 million in a settlement with sexual abuse victims.The settlement, first announced in May, required unanimous agreement of all 1,300 victims, which has been established, attorneys for hundreds of victims said on Oct. 24.The agreement comes after years of litigation following New York’s 2019 passage of the New York Child Victims’ Act, which permanently extended the civil statute of limitations so victims of childhood sexual abuse can file claims until age 55, and opened a temporary revival window (extended through August 2021) that allowed previously time-barred claims to be filed by victims of any age.The settlement also requires the archdiocese to maintain and update a list of credibly accused clergy on its website, attorneys said.The archdiocese and a plaintiffs’ liaison committee, composed of attorneys from eight law firms representing the majority of claimants, negotiated for months to arrive at the agreement.Archbishop Ronald Hicks called the news of the settlement “encouraging” in an Oct. 24 letter to priests provided to EWTN News by the archdiocese.“We are on the verge of being able to, please God, bring some measure of healing and reconciliation to all victim-survivors,” Hicks wrote. “This agreement will also allow the archdiocese to turn its full attention once again to its mission of preaching the Gospel, healing the sick, caring for the poor and needy, welcoming the stranger, and educating our children.”He instructed priests to assure their parishioners that parish life “should continue uninterrupted” if asked about the settlement, saying they will be informed through a message when the deal is finalized. The settlement agreement is scheduled to be signed Nov. 6.In his letter to priests, Hicks thanked Cardinal Timothy Dolan, “under whose leadership the process began.”The settlement amount is the second highest in history, near the record 0 million the Archdiocese of Los Angeles paid in 2024 and half a billion dollars higher than the 0 million settlement Dolan announced in December 2025.Dolan said at the time that the archdiocese had made “a series of very difficult financial decisions” to help fund the then-0 million settlement, including staff layoffs, a 10% reduction in the archdioceseʼs operating budget, and the sale of real estate holdings, including the 0 million sale of the former diocesan headquarters in Manhattan.The settlement allows the Archdiocese of New York to avoid filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Along with the Diocese of Brooklyn, it is one of only two of New York’s eight Catholic dioceses that have not sought bankruptcy protection.The archdiocese confirmed to EWTN News that is is still engaged in litigation with its longtime insurer Chubb, which it sued in 2024, claiming the company was “attempting to evade their legal and moral contractual obligation” to pay out claims to sex-abuse victims."Despite accepting millions in premiums from the archdiocese, Chubb has steadfastly refused to honor the policies it issued,” Dolan said in December 2025.
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Archdiocese of New York will pay out $800 million in sexual abuse settlement #Catholic The Archdiocese of New York will pay out $800 million in a settlement with sexual abuse victims.The settlement, first announced in May, required unanimous agreement of all 1,300 victims, which has been established, attorneys for hundreds of victims said on Oct. 24.The agreement comes after years of litigation following New York’s 2019 passage of the New York Child Victims’ Act, which permanently extended the civil statute of limitations so victims of childhood sexual abuse can file claims until age 55, and opened a temporary revival window (extended through August 2021) that allowed previously time-barred claims to be filed by victims of any age.The settlement also requires the archdiocese to maintain and update a list of credibly accused clergy on its website, attorneys said.The archdiocese and a plaintiffs’ liaison committee, composed of attorneys from eight law firms representing the majority of claimants, negotiated for months to arrive at the agreement.Archbishop Ronald Hicks called the news of the settlement “encouraging” in an Oct. 24 letter to priests provided to EWTN News by the archdiocese.“We are on the verge of being able to, please God, bring some measure of healing and reconciliation to all victim-survivors,” Hicks wrote. “This agreement will also allow the archdiocese to turn its full attention once again to its mission of preaching the Gospel, healing the sick, caring for the poor and needy, welcoming the stranger, and educating our children.”He instructed priests to assure their parishioners that parish life “should continue uninterrupted” if asked about the settlement, saying they will be informed through a message when the deal is finalized. The settlement agreement is scheduled to be signed Nov. 6.In his letter to priests, Hicks thanked Cardinal Timothy Dolan, “under whose leadership the process began.”The settlement amount is the second highest in history, near the record $880 million the Archdiocese of Los Angeles paid in 2024 and half a billion dollars higher than the $300 million settlement Dolan announced in December 2025.Dolan said at the time that the archdiocese had made “a series of very difficult financial decisions” to help fund the then-$300 million settlement, including staff layoffs, a 10% reduction in the archdioceseʼs operating budget, and the sale of real estate holdings, including the $100 million sale of the former diocesan headquarters in Manhattan.The settlement allows the Archdiocese of New York to avoid filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Along with the Diocese of Brooklyn, it is one of only two of New York’s eight Catholic dioceses that have not sought bankruptcy protection.The archdiocese confirmed to EWTN News that is is still engaged in litigation with its longtime insurer Chubb, which it sued in 2024, claiming the company was “attempting to evade their legal and moral contractual obligation” to pay out claims to sex-abuse victims."Despite accepting millions in premiums from the archdiocese, Chubb has steadfastly refused to honor the policies it issued,” Dolan said in December 2025.

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Archbishop Hicks said the settlement puts the archdiocese “on the verge of being able to … bring some measure of healing and reconciliation to all victim-survivors.”

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Stunning Sharyl Attkisson Report: Breitbart, Gateway Pundit, FOX, NY Post Being Shut Out on Yahoo, MSN and other Major Online News Platforms – Award winning journalist Sharyl Attkisson is host of “Full Measure,” which focuses on investigative and accountability reporting. The post Stunning Sharyl Attkisson Report: Breitbart, Gateway Pundit, FOX, NY Post Being Shut Out on Yahoo, MSN and other Major Online News Platforms appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.
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Stunning Sharyl Attkisson Report: Breitbart, Gateway Pundit, FOX, NY Post Being Shut Out on Yahoo, MSN and other Major Online News Platforms – Award winning journalist Sharyl Attkisson is host of “Full Measure,” which focuses on investigative and accountability reporting. The post Stunning Sharyl Attkisson Report: Breitbart, Gateway Pundit, FOX, NY Post Being Shut Out on Yahoo, MSN and other Major Online News Platforms appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.

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Award winning journalist Sharyl Attkisson is host of “Full Measure,” which focuses on investigative and accountability reporting.

The post Stunning Sharyl Attkisson Report: Breitbart, Gateway Pundit, FOX, NY Post Being Shut Out on Yahoo, MSN and other Major Online News Platforms appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.

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Wayne Root’s Top Ten Showcases the Fake Polls… and the Way Democrats Will Try to Rig the Midterms – with Millions of Illegal Aliens Voting by Mail-In Ballot (VIDEO) – This week’s Top Ten showcases the fake polls… and the way Democrats will try to rig the midterms – with millions of illegal aliens voting by mail-in ballot. The post Wayne Root’s Top Ten Showcases the Fake Polls… and the Way Democrats Will Try to Rig the Midterms – with Millions of Illegal Aliens Voting by Mail-In Ballot (VIDEO) appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.
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Wayne Root’s Top Ten Showcases the Fake Polls… and the Way Democrats Will Try to Rig the Midterms – with Millions of Illegal Aliens Voting by Mail-In Ballot (VIDEO) – This week’s Top Ten showcases the fake polls… and the way Democrats will try to rig the midterms – with millions of illegal aliens voting by mail-in ballot. The post Wayne Root’s Top Ten Showcases the Fake Polls… and the Way Democrats Will Try to Rig the Midterms – with Millions of Illegal Aliens Voting by Mail-In Ballot (VIDEO) appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.

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This week’s Top Ten showcases the fake polls… and the way Democrats will try to rig the midterms – with millions of illegal aliens voting by mail-in ballot.

The post Wayne Root’s Top Ten Showcases the Fake Polls… and the Way Democrats Will Try to Rig the Midterms – with Millions of Illegal Aliens Voting by Mail-In Ballot (VIDEO) appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.

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‘It fills me with joy’: Pope Leo XIV confirms his trip to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru #Catholic “It fills me with joy to return to the continent where I have lived through so many moments of my life,” Pope Leo XIV wrote on his X account on Oct. 26, confirming his upcoming trip to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru, which will take place in November.“May this journey be an opportunity to open our hearts to one another, strengthen our communion as brothers and sisters, and renew our commitment to proclaiming the Gospel with joy,” the Holy Father wrote, nearly two weeks after undergoing lung surgery on Oct. 13.TweetIn addition, an Oct. 26 Vatican statement indicated that “Based on his current clinical status, as well as the results of the diagnostic tests and laboratory analyses performed, there are no contraindications that would prevent him from undertaking his upcoming apostolic journey to Latin America as planned.” “The Pope is following medical recommendations with great care and diligence, and with a deep determination to continue serving the Church,” it added.“In this respect, the Holy See Press Office confirms that the Apostolic Journey of Pope Leo XIV to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru, scheduled for November 6-17, 2026, will proceed according to the program previously published,” the Vatican statement said.“The Holy Father remains deeply grateful for the prayers and affection he has received from throughout the world and for the dedicated care of the medical professionals who have accompanied him during his recovery,” the statement said.“Dr. Luigi Carbone confirms that the Holy Father’s recovery after the surgery continues, and the latest medical examinations attest to his good health,” the Vatican added.“As previously reported, the surgical procedure was successful and without complications. Subsequent medical examinations confirmed that the condition was localized and that no further oncological treatment is necessary,” the Vatican stated.
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‘It fills me with joy’: Pope Leo XIV confirms his trip to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru #Catholic “It fills me with joy to return to the continent where I have lived through so many moments of my life,” Pope Leo XIV wrote on his X account on Oct. 26, confirming his upcoming trip to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru, which will take place in November.“May this journey be an opportunity to open our hearts to one another, strengthen our communion as brothers and sisters, and renew our commitment to proclaiming the Gospel with joy,” the Holy Father wrote, nearly two weeks after undergoing lung surgery on Oct. 13.TweetIn addition, an Oct. 26 Vatican statement indicated that “Based on his current clinical status, as well as the results of the diagnostic tests and laboratory analyses performed, there are no contraindications that would prevent him from undertaking his upcoming apostolic journey to Latin America as planned.” “The Pope is following medical recommendations with great care and diligence, and with a deep determination to continue serving the Church,” it added.“In this respect, the Holy See Press Office confirms that the Apostolic Journey of Pope Leo XIV to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru, scheduled for November 6-17, 2026, will proceed according to the program previously published,” the Vatican statement said.“The Holy Father remains deeply grateful for the prayers and affection he has received from throughout the world and for the dedicated care of the medical professionals who have accompanied him during his recovery,” the statement said.“Dr. Luigi Carbone confirms that the Holy Father’s recovery after the surgery continues, and the latest medical examinations attest to his good health,” the Vatican added.“As previously reported, the surgical procedure was successful and without complications. Subsequent medical examinations confirmed that the condition was localized and that no further oncological treatment is necessary,” the Vatican stated.

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The Holy See Press Office confirmed that the Nov. 6-17, 2026 apostolic journey will proceed according to the previously published program.

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Latest Mass Murder in Oregon: Toxicology Secrecy, a National Fight – Latest Mass Murder in Oregon: Toxicology Secrecy, a National Fight Republished with permission from AbleChild. The post Latest Mass Murder in Oregon: Toxicology Secrecy, a National Fight appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.
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Latest Mass Murder in Oregon: Toxicology Secrecy, a National Fight – Latest Mass Murder in Oregon: Toxicology Secrecy, a National Fight Republished with permission from AbleChild. The post Latest Mass Murder in Oregon: Toxicology Secrecy, a National Fight appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.

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Latest Mass Murder in Oregon: Toxicology Secrecy, a National Fight Republished with permission from AbleChild.

The post Latest Mass Murder in Oregon: Toxicology Secrecy, a National Fight appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.

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2026 Full Moon calendar: When to see the Full Moon and phases

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The phenomenon of a Full Moon arises when our planet, Earth, is precisely sandwiched between the Sun and the Moon. This alignment ensures the entire side of the Moon that faces us gleams under sunlight. Thanks to the Moon’s orbit around Earth, the angle of sunlight hitting the lunar surface and being reflected back toContinue reading “2026 Full Moon calendar: When to see the Full Moon and phases”

The post 2026 Full Moon calendar: When to see the Full Moon and phases appeared first on Astronomy Magazine.

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Gospel and Word of the Day – 26 October 2026 – A reading from the Letter of St. Paul to the Ephesians 4:32–5:8 Brothers and sisters: Be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving one another as God has forgiven you in Christ. Be imitators of God, as beloved children, and live in love, as Christ loved us and handed himself over for us as a sacrificial offering to God for a fragrant aroma. Immorality or any impurity or greed must not even be mentioned among you, as is fitting among holy ones, no obscenity or silly or suggestive talk, which is out of place, but instead, thanksgiving. Be sure of this, that no immoral or impure or greedy person, that is, an idolater, has any inheritance in the Kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no one deceive you with empty arguments, for because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the disobedient. So do not be associated with them. For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light. From the Gospel according to Luke 13:10-17 Jesus was teaching in a synagogue on the sabbath. And a woman was there who for eighteen years had been crippled by a spirit; she was bent over, completely incapable of standing erect. When Jesus saw her, he called to her and said, “Woman, you are set free of your infirmity.” He laid his hands on her, and she at once stood up straight and glorified God. But the leader of the synagogue, indignant that Jesus had cured on the sabbath, said to the crowd in reply, “There are six days when work should be done. Come on those days to be cured, not on the sabbath day.” The Lord said to him in reply, “Hypocrites! Does not each one of you on the sabbath untie his ox or his ass from the manger and lead it out for watering? This daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has bound for eighteen years now, ought she not to have been set free on the sabbath day from this bondage?” When he said this, all his adversaries were humiliated; and the whole crowd rejoiced at all the splendid deeds done by him.Like the bent-over woman of the Gospel, the risk is always that of remaining prisoners of our self-centered perspective. Yet, in reality, many of the things that truly matter in life – we might say, the most fundamental things – do not come from ourselves; we receive them from others. They come to us through our teachers, encounters and life experiences. This is an experience of grace, for it heals us from self-absorption. This is a genuine healing that, just as for the woman in the Gospel, allows us once again to stand upright before life and its reality, and to look at them with a wider perspective. The healed woman receives hope, for she can finally lift her eyes and see something different, can see in a new way. This especially happens when we encounter Christ in our lives, when we open ourselves up to a life-changing truth capable of making us step out of ourselves and freeing us from our self-absorption. (Pope Leo XIV, Homily, 27 October 2025)

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A reading from the Letter of St. Paul to the Ephesians
4:32–5:8

Brothers and sisters:
Be kind to one another, compassionate,
forgiving one another as God has forgiven you in Christ.

Be imitators of God, as beloved children, and live in love,
as Christ loved us and handed himself over for us
as a sacrificial offering to God for a fragrant aroma.
Immorality or any impurity or greed must not even be mentioned among you,
as is fitting among holy ones,
no obscenity or silly or suggestive talk, which is out of place,
but instead, thanksgiving.
Be sure of this, that no immoral or impure or greedy person,
that is, an idolater,
has any inheritance in the Kingdom of Christ and of God.

Let no one deceive you with empty arguments,
for because of these things
the wrath of God is coming upon the disobedient.
So do not be associated with them.
For you were once darkness,
but now you are light in the Lord.
Live as children of light. 

From the Gospel according to Luke
13:10-17

Jesus was teaching in a synagogue on the sabbath.
And a woman was there who for eighteen years
had been crippled by a spirit;
she was bent over, completely incapable of standing erect.
When Jesus saw her, he called to her and said,
“Woman, you are set free of your infirmity.”
He laid his hands on her,
and she at once stood up straight and glorified God.
But the leader of the synagogue,
indignant that Jesus had cured on the sabbath,
said to the crowd in reply,
“There are six days when work should be done.
Come on those days to be cured, not on the sabbath day.”
The Lord said to him in reply, “Hypocrites!
Does not each one of you on the sabbath
untie his ox or his ass from the manger
and lead it out for watering?
This daughter of Abraham,
whom Satan has bound for eighteen years now,
ought she not to have been set free on the sabbath day
from this bondage?”
When he said this, all his adversaries were humiliated;
and the whole crowd rejoiced at all the splendid deeds done by him.

Like the bent-over woman of the Gospel, the risk is always that of remaining prisoners of our self-centered perspective. Yet, in reality, many of the things that truly matter in life – we might say, the most fundamental things – do not come from ourselves; we receive them from others. They come to us through our teachers, encounters and life experiences. This is an experience of grace, for it heals us from self-absorption. This is a genuine healing that, just as for the woman in the Gospel, allows us once again to stand upright before life and its reality, and to look at them with a wider perspective. The healed woman receives hope, for she can finally lift her eyes and see something different, can see in a new way. This especially happens when we encounter Christ in our lives, when we open ourselves up to a life-changing truth capable of making us step out of ourselves and freeing us from our self-absorption. (Pope Leo XIV, Homily, 27 October 2025)

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Milwaukee Archbishop Grob issues ‘public apology’ over White House meeting – #Catholic – Archbishop Jeffrey Grob of Milwaukee on Sunday issued what he called a “public apology” over his part in the Oct. 22 meeting of bishops at the White House.Grob said that over the last few days, he had “received many questions and comments about the October 22 meeting I and 11 other bishops attended at the White House, which was soon thereafter publicized by the administration without the consent of the participants.”He went on to say that his “intention was never to cause confusion, anger, or disappointment among the people entrusted to my care” and that he issued the Oct. 25 statement to provide context for the meeting.The meeting “was in no way an endorsement of the president, his policies, or his party,” Grob said.Last month, Grob explained, he was invited along with other bishops to a meeting to discuss “matters of importance to the Church and our people, including immigration enforcement, religious worker visas, and human dignity.” The meeting was the second of two such gatherings organized by the Heritage Foundation, he said.“We were told the meeting was to be a private discussion, that several Catholic members of the cabinet might make an appearance, and that there could be an opportunity to pray privately with the president,” he continued.After about an hour and a half of meeting on Oct. 22 with White House staff and policy advisers, the archbishop said, the group entered the Oval Office, where they were greeted by President Donald Trump. After being presented with commemorative tokens, Grob said, the group was directed to stand behind the president to pray, and photos were taken afterward.“Unbeknownst to the group of bishops a video was also taken. But permission for the public distribution or posting of either the video or photos was not given by the bishops,” Grob said in his statement. Not long after, photos and the video of the prayer were posted online.“I soon began receiving messages of serious concern over the possibility that I had inadvertently participated in a political event less than two weeks before a national election,” Grob said. “I also heard from some who felt wounded because of the ways they or their family had been harmed by the president’s policies.”“I feel a heavy sadness, not only over the pain I caused, but also for the fact that something so sacred to a group of religious leaders, prayer to our Heavenly Father, would be manipulated in that way,” he continued. “We came in good faith to try to work for the betterment of our fellow human beings, to ease their suffering, to build up the common good, and to pray with a president, not to pose for a political photo opportunity to benefit the few. We should never have been put in that position by the White House.”Grob concluded his statement by saying that he did not go to the meeting “without reservations” and that he wished he “had heeded them.” “I apologize for any damage my actions have done,” he said.EWTN News reached out to the White House for comment regarding Grob’s assertion that the photos and video were shared without the bishops’ consent and received the following response from White House spokeswoman Taylor Rogers: “There has never been a greater president for Catholic Americans than President Trump, and his strong record proves it: he stopped the weaponization of the federal government against Christians, proudly defended and expanded our religious rights, pardoned pro-life activists, stopped the chemical mutilation of our nation’s children, and protected parents’ rights.”Grob’s statement comes after another participant at the Oct. 22 meeting, Denver Archbishop James Golka, who led the prayer in the Oval Office, defended his participation in the event. Golka said he “knew people might be upset” at the event and that it could be "use[d] for political purposes.”“But as I prayed about it, I thought that this is what Catholics do. We pray for people. No matter whether we agree or disagree on anything, we always pray for our country and leaders,” he said in remarks to the Denver Catholic on Oct. 23.Golka, like Grob, also denied that the meeting was in any way an endorsement of the president or his policies. “The bishops of the United States teach that the Church cannot champion any candidate or party,” Golka said. “I hold to that. However you vote, you ultimately belong to Jesus who loves you infinitely more than you can imagine.”This story was updated at 5:22 p.m. ET on Oct. 25, 2026, with the White House statement.
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Milwaukee Archbishop Grob issues ‘public apology’ over White House meeting – #Catholic – Archbishop Jeffrey Grob of Milwaukee on Sunday issued what he called a “public apology” over his part in the Oct. 22 meeting of bishops at the White House.Grob said that over the last few days, he had “received many questions and comments about the October 22 meeting I and 11 other bishops attended at the White House, which was soon thereafter publicized by the administration without the consent of the participants.”He went on to say that his “intention was never to cause confusion, anger, or disappointment among the people entrusted to my care” and that he issued the Oct. 25 statement to provide context for the meeting.The meeting “was in no way an endorsement of the president, his policies, or his party,” Grob said.Last month, Grob explained, he was invited along with other bishops to a meeting to discuss “matters of importance to the Church and our people, including immigration enforcement, religious worker visas, and human dignity.” The meeting was the second of two such gatherings organized by the Heritage Foundation, he said.“We were told the meeting was to be a private discussion, that several Catholic members of the cabinet might make an appearance, and that there could be an opportunity to pray privately with the president,” he continued.After about an hour and a half of meeting on Oct. 22 with White House staff and policy advisers, the archbishop said, the group entered the Oval Office, where they were greeted by President Donald Trump. After being presented with commemorative tokens, Grob said, the group was directed to stand behind the president to pray, and photos were taken afterward.“Unbeknownst to the group of bishops a video was also taken. But permission for the public distribution or posting of either the video or photos was not given by the bishops,” Grob said in his statement. Not long after, photos and the video of the prayer were posted online.“I soon began receiving messages of serious concern over the possibility that I had inadvertently participated in a political event less than two weeks before a national election,” Grob said. “I also heard from some who felt wounded because of the ways they or their family had been harmed by the president’s policies.”“I feel a heavy sadness, not only over the pain I caused, but also for the fact that something so sacred to a group of religious leaders, prayer to our Heavenly Father, would be manipulated in that way,” he continued. “We came in good faith to try to work for the betterment of our fellow human beings, to ease their suffering, to build up the common good, and to pray with a president, not to pose for a political photo opportunity to benefit the few. We should never have been put in that position by the White House.”Grob concluded his statement by saying that he did not go to the meeting “without reservations” and that he wished he “had heeded them.” “I apologize for any damage my actions have done,” he said.EWTN News reached out to the White House for comment regarding Grob’s assertion that the photos and video were shared without the bishops’ consent and received the following response from White House spokeswoman Taylor Rogers: “There has never been a greater president for Catholic Americans than President Trump, and his strong record proves it: he stopped the weaponization of the federal government against Christians, proudly defended and expanded our religious rights, pardoned pro-life activists, stopped the chemical mutilation of our nation’s children, and protected parents’ rights.”Grob’s statement comes after another participant at the Oct. 22 meeting, Denver Archbishop James Golka, who led the prayer in the Oval Office, defended his participation in the event. Golka said he “knew people might be upset” at the event and that it could be "use[d] for political purposes.”“But as I prayed about it, I thought that this is what Catholics do. We pray for people. No matter whether we agree or disagree on anything, we always pray for our country and leaders,” he said in remarks to the Denver Catholic on Oct. 23.Golka, like Grob, also denied that the meeting was in any way an endorsement of the president or his policies. “The bishops of the United States teach that the Church cannot champion any candidate or party,” Golka said. “I hold to that. However you vote, you ultimately belong to Jesus who loves you infinitely more than you can imagine.”This story was updated at 5:22 p.m. ET on Oct. 25, 2026, with the White House statement.

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Archbishop Jeffrey Grob said his “intention was never to cause confusion, anger, or disappointment among the people entrusted to my care” and that the meeting was publicized without consent.

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St. Mary’s man found faith through pre-game football Masses #Catholic – Billy Harris, longtime parishioner at St. Mary’s Parish in Denville, N.J., “is a person who lives his faith, and you can see it in his actions, in his words, and in his deeds. He lives it very faithfully every single day,” according to Father Martin Glynn, St. Mary’s pastor. That faith was in motion back in 1980, when Harris and his Whippany Park High School Wildcat teammates faced reigning state champion Madison High School in the 1980 Group II Section II state football final. Early in the second quarter, the Wildcats led 3-0 and had the ball at their own 40-yard line when quarterback Mark Grasso heaved a 50-yard pass, which Harris took away from the opposing defender at the 10-yard line and scooted for the touchdown and an eventual 10-0 lead. It was the biggest catch of the season for the 1980 Wildcats football team, a team that rarely passed the ball. The Wildcats would go on to win, 10 – 9, for Whippany Park High School’s lone state football crown, and they finished the season with 10 wins and one loss. Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter. Harris said, “We [he and his former teammates] have gotten together and brought back the old game films, and I just remember smiling the entire time. It is almost indescribable how the bond has stayed with us.” Harris and his teammates also had deep faith and relied on God. Before every game, except one [coincidentally, that game against Chatham was their only loss], the team would travel in the morning to the chapel at Notre Dame of Mount Carmel Parish in the Cedar Knolls neighborhood in Hanover Township, N.J. There, they attended a Mass celebrated by the late Father Regis Wallace. The club would also recite a pre-game prayer in the locker room before heading out to the gridiron. In 1980, Harris was a parishioner of Notre Dame of Mount Carmel. Later, he was part of their Operation Appalachia Ministry group, where he spent a week each year in Preston County, W.V. doing volunteer construction work. Harris eventually moved to Denville, where he became a member of St. Mary’s Parish and joined its Outreach Ministry. The ministry combined with that of Notre Dame’s to travel to West Virginia with more than 50 volunteers. Harris has been part of that first-week-of-August volunteer effort for 20 years. Harris, who is also a member of the Knights of Columbus, and his brother, Joseph, an ordained permanent deacon at Notre Dame, would bring their children with them on Operation Appalachia Ministry mission trips. Joseph’s daughter, Julia, met and later married Dan Rizos, a member of Saint Mary’s volunteer group, and now runs Operation Appalachia for Notre Dame. In 1980, Father Wallace’s pregame homily spoke about teamwork and friendship, which moved Harris and his teammates. “That team was comprised of friends, and we grew together for a common goal. And playing together built relationships that are still very dear to us today,” Harris said. With his wife, Dawn, Harris has a daughter, Kelsey, and his son, Mark, who are also involved at St. Mary’s. In addition to Operation Appalachia, Harris helps with the annual parish picnic and live streaming of the Sunday Masses. “Billy is very much involved with our outreach programs,” Father Glynn said. “He has a very open heart, especially for those who are vulnerable. And he really comes to the plate when you need him. He’s also involved in the celebration for the 100th anniversary of the founding of St. Mary’s,” the pastor said.  
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St. Mary’s man found faith through pre-game football Masses #Catholic – Billy Harris, longtime parishioner at St. Mary’s Parish in Denville, N.J., “is a person who lives his faith, and you can see it in his actions, in his words, and in his deeds. He lives it very faithfully every single day,” according to Father Martin Glynn, St. Mary’s pastor. That faith was in motion back in 1980, when Harris and his Whippany Park High School Wildcat teammates faced reigning state champion Madison High School in the 1980 Group II Section II state football final. Early in the second quarter, the Wildcats led 3-0 and had the ball at their own 40-yard line when quarterback Mark Grasso heaved a 50-yard pass, which Harris took away from the opposing defender at the 10-yard line and scooted for the touchdown and an eventual 10-0 lead. It was the biggest catch of the season for the 1980 Wildcats football team, a team that rarely passed the ball. The Wildcats would go on to win, 10 – 9, for Whippany Park High School’s lone state football crown, and they finished the season with 10 wins and one loss. Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter. Harris said, “We [he and his former teammates] have gotten together and brought back the old game films, and I just remember smiling the entire time. It is almost indescribable how the bond has stayed with us.” Harris and his teammates also had deep faith and relied on God. Before every game, except one [coincidentally, that game against Chatham was their only loss], the team would travel in the morning to the chapel at Notre Dame of Mount Carmel Parish in the Cedar Knolls neighborhood in Hanover Township, N.J. There, they attended a Mass celebrated by the late Father Regis Wallace. The club would also recite a pre-game prayer in the locker room before heading out to the gridiron. In 1980, Harris was a parishioner of Notre Dame of Mount Carmel. Later, he was part of their Operation Appalachia Ministry group, where he spent a week each year in Preston County, W.V. doing volunteer construction work. Harris eventually moved to Denville, where he became a member of St. Mary’s Parish and joined its Outreach Ministry. The ministry combined with that of Notre Dame’s to travel to West Virginia with more than 50 volunteers. Harris has been part of that first-week-of-August volunteer effort for 20 years. Harris, who is also a member of the Knights of Columbus, and his brother, Joseph, an ordained permanent deacon at Notre Dame, would bring their children with them on Operation Appalachia Ministry mission trips. Joseph’s daughter, Julia, met and later married Dan Rizos, a member of Saint Mary’s volunteer group, and now runs Operation Appalachia for Notre Dame. In 1980, Father Wallace’s pregame homily spoke about teamwork and friendship, which moved Harris and his teammates. “That team was comprised of friends, and we grew together for a common goal. And playing together built relationships that are still very dear to us today,” Harris said. With his wife, Dawn, Harris has a daughter, Kelsey, and his son, Mark, who are also involved at St. Mary’s. In addition to Operation Appalachia, Harris helps with the annual parish picnic and live streaming of the Sunday Masses. “Billy is very much involved with our outreach programs,” Father Glynn said. “He has a very open heart, especially for those who are vulnerable. And he really comes to the plate when you need him. He’s also involved in the celebration for the 100th anniversary of the founding of St. Mary’s,” the pastor said.  

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St. Mary’s man found faith through pre-game football Masses #Catholic –

Billy Harris, longtime parishioner at St. Mary’s Parish in Denville, N.J., “is a person who lives his faith, and you can see it in his actions, in his words, and in his deeds. He lives it very faithfully every single day,” according to Father Martin Glynn, St. Mary’s pastor.

That faith was in motion back in 1980, when Harris and his Whippany Park High School Wildcat teammates faced reigning state champion Madison High School in the 1980 Group II Section II state football final.

Early in the second quarter, the Wildcats led 3-0 and had the ball at their own 40-yard line when quarterback Mark Grasso heaved a 50-yard pass, which Harris took away from the opposing defender at the 10-yard line and scooted for the touchdown and an eventual 10-0 lead.

It was the biggest catch of the season for the 1980 Wildcats football team, a team that rarely passed the ball. The Wildcats would go on to win, 10 – 9, for Whippany Park High School’s lone state football crown, and they finished the season with 10 wins and one loss.

Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.

Harris said, “We [he and his former teammates] have gotten together and brought back the old game films, and I just remember smiling the entire time. It is almost indescribable how the bond has stayed with us.”

Harris and his teammates also had deep faith and relied on God. Before every game, except one [coincidentally, that game against Chatham was their only loss], the team would travel in the morning to the chapel at Notre Dame of Mount Carmel Parish in the Cedar Knolls neighborhood in Hanover Township, N.J. There, they attended a Mass celebrated by the late Father Regis Wallace. The club would also recite a pre-game prayer in the locker room before heading out to the gridiron.

In 1980, Harris was a parishioner of Notre Dame of Mount Carmel. Later, he was part of their Operation Appalachia Ministry group, where he spent a week each year in Preston County, W.V. doing volunteer construction work. Harris eventually moved to Denville, where he became a member of St. Mary’s Parish and joined its Outreach Ministry. The ministry combined with that of Notre Dame’s to travel to West Virginia with more than 50 volunteers. Harris has been part of that first-week-of-August volunteer effort for 20 years.

Harris, who is also a member of the Knights of Columbus, and his brother, Joseph, an ordained permanent deacon at Notre Dame, would bring their children with them on Operation Appalachia Ministry mission trips. Joseph’s daughter, Julia, met and later married Dan Rizos, a member of Saint Mary’s volunteer group, and now runs Operation Appalachia for Notre Dame.

In 1980, Father Wallace’s pregame homily spoke about teamwork and friendship, which moved Harris and his teammates.

“That team was comprised of friends, and we grew together for a common goal. And playing together built relationships that are still very dear to us today,” Harris said.

With his wife, Dawn, Harris has a daughter, Kelsey, and his son, Mark, who are also involved at St. Mary’s. In addition to Operation Appalachia, Harris helps with the annual parish picnic and live streaming of the Sunday Masses.

“Billy is very much involved with our outreach programs,” Father Glynn said. “He has a very open heart, especially for those who are vulnerable. And he really comes to the plate when you need him. He’s also involved in the celebration for the 100th anniversary of the founding of St. Mary’s,” the pastor said.

 

– Billy Harris, longtime parishioner at St. Mary’s Parish in Denville, N.J., “is a person who lives his faith, and you can see it in his actions, in his words, and in his deeds. He lives it very faithfully every single day,” according to Father Martin Glynn, St. Mary’s pastor. That faith was in motion back in 1980, when Harris and his Whippany Park High School Wildcat teammates faced reigning state champion Madison High School in the 1980 Group II Section II state football final. Early in the second quarter, the Wildcats led 3-0 and had the ball at their own

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Oct. 25, 1671: Iapetus is discovered

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In 1669, French-Italian astronomer Giovanni Cassini arrived at the still-under-construction Paris Observatory as its new director. He quickly talked Louis XIV’s minister of finance into buying a 34-foot Campani refractor for the observatory, and on Oct. 25, 1671, used that refractor to discover Saturn’s moon Iapetus. The second saturnian moon discovered, after Christaan Huygens’ 1655Continue reading “Oct. 25, 1671: Iapetus is discovered”

The post Oct. 25, 1671: Iapetus is discovered appeared first on Astronomy Magazine.

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Pope Leo XIV: Love for neighbor begins with a personal relationship with God – #Catholic – Beginning with the question posed in Sundayʼs Gospel, “Which commandment in the law is the greatest?” Pope Leo XIV focused his reflection before the Angelus on the theme of love.The faithful gathered in St. Peterʼs Square awaited the words of hope from the vicar of Christ, their pope.At the heart of love, Leo XIV placed our relationship with God, emphasizing that this is where the true meaning of love is found.“Indeed, it is not enough to know that God exists, that he is the only God, or that he is the Almighty. The Lord seeks a personal relationship with us: The one true God wants to become our God,” the pope said.“In our encounter with him, the commandment of love is neither an obligation nor an imposition.”He then turned to the meaning of authentic love, explaining that “our love can be authentic only when it is a response to his love, which always precedes us. From this arises the need for a total commitment that involves the whole person: heart, soul, and mind.”Heart, soul, and mind must all be engaged in our relationship with God so that we become capable of looking at ourselves “and our neighbors through the eyes of Christ, from his perspective. In this way, selfishness is overcome and even love for oneself becomes charity: Our existence turns toward the other and becomes a gift for those around us.”Toward the end of his reflection, the pope quoted St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus, who wrote: “Love alone” makes “the Church’s members act, and if Love ever became extinct, apostles would not preach the Gospel.”The theme, in this case, concerns the Church itself. Without love, the pope stressed, “our faith would be deprived of its essence, our good works would be reduced to mere moralism, and our hope would be in vain.”He added: “Dear friends, we cannot truly love God unless this love overflows into love for our brothers and sisters. And we cannot truly love our neighbor except as children of the same Father who loved us first in his Son, Jesus.”Following the Marian prayer, Leo XIV turned his attention to the humanitarian crisis in Yemen.“I am following with concern the grave humanitarian situation in Yemen, particularly in the city of Taiz, where the population is suffering from a lack of food, water, and medical care,” he said.“I make a heartfelt appeal for hostilities to cease and for the Yemeni people and all the peoples of the region to be guaranteed the right to live in peace.”The pope also remembered the victims of a terrorist attack against Orthodox Christians in Jordan.“My prayers go out to all those who were injured or lost their lives last Friday in the terrorist attack on worshippers at the Orthodox Church of St. George in Hamoud, Jordan. I express my closeness to the community and the entire country, which is known for its peaceful coexistence and respect between different religions.”Finally, Leo XIV urged the faithful to continue praying for peace and recalled the gathering scheduled for Oct. 27 in Assisi, Italy.The pope had originally been expected to travel to the city of St. Francis, but following his recent surgery, he was advised to avoid traveling for the time being.“Let us continue to pray together for peace,” he said.“The day after tomorrow, on 27 October, let us join in spirit with the heads of churches and religious leaders who will gather in Assisi to mark the 40th anniversary of the meeting convened by St. John Paul II. Never before has it been so clear that wars, as well as sowing death and destruction, impoverish and harm the world. May the Lord inspire choices of dialogue and peace!”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.
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Pope Leo XIV: Love for neighbor begins with a personal relationship with God – #Catholic – Beginning with the question posed in Sundayʼs Gospel, “Which commandment in the law is the greatest?” Pope Leo XIV focused his reflection before the Angelus on the theme of love.The faithful gathered in St. Peterʼs Square awaited the words of hope from the vicar of Christ, their pope.At the heart of love, Leo XIV placed our relationship with God, emphasizing that this is where the true meaning of love is found.“Indeed, it is not enough to know that God exists, that he is the only God, or that he is the Almighty. The Lord seeks a personal relationship with us: The one true God wants to become our God,” the pope said.“In our encounter with him, the commandment of love is neither an obligation nor an imposition.”He then turned to the meaning of authentic love, explaining that “our love can be authentic only when it is a response to his love, which always precedes us. From this arises the need for a total commitment that involves the whole person: heart, soul, and mind.”Heart, soul, and mind must all be engaged in our relationship with God so that we become capable of looking at ourselves “and our neighbors through the eyes of Christ, from his perspective. In this way, selfishness is overcome and even love for oneself becomes charity: Our existence turns toward the other and becomes a gift for those around us.”Toward the end of his reflection, the pope quoted St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus, who wrote: “Love alone” makes “the Church’s members act, and if Love ever became extinct, apostles would not preach the Gospel.”The theme, in this case, concerns the Church itself. Without love, the pope stressed, “our faith would be deprived of its essence, our good works would be reduced to mere moralism, and our hope would be in vain.”He added: “Dear friends, we cannot truly love God unless this love overflows into love for our brothers and sisters. And we cannot truly love our neighbor except as children of the same Father who loved us first in his Son, Jesus.”Following the Marian prayer, Leo XIV turned his attention to the humanitarian crisis in Yemen.“I am following with concern the grave humanitarian situation in Yemen, particularly in the city of Taiz, where the population is suffering from a lack of food, water, and medical care,” he said.“I make a heartfelt appeal for hostilities to cease and for the Yemeni people and all the peoples of the region to be guaranteed the right to live in peace.”The pope also remembered the victims of a terrorist attack against Orthodox Christians in Jordan.“My prayers go out to all those who were injured or lost their lives last Friday in the terrorist attack on worshippers at the Orthodox Church of St. George in Hamoud, Jordan. I express my closeness to the community and the entire country, which is known for its peaceful coexistence and respect between different religions.”Finally, Leo XIV urged the faithful to continue praying for peace and recalled the gathering scheduled for Oct. 27 in Assisi, Italy.The pope had originally been expected to travel to the city of St. Francis, but following his recent surgery, he was advised to avoid traveling for the time being.“Let us continue to pray together for peace,” he said.“The day after tomorrow, on 27 October, let us join in spirit with the heads of churches and religious leaders who will gather in Assisi to mark the 40th anniversary of the meeting convened by St. John Paul II. Never before has it been so clear that wars, as well as sowing death and destruction, impoverish and harm the world. May the Lord inspire choices of dialogue and peace!”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.

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During his Sunday Angelus, the pope reflected on the greatest commandment and called for peace in Yemen and Jordan.

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Rights group urges immediate release of 6 Christians detained over TikTok video in Egypt – #Catholic – CAIRO — Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) has urged Egyptian authorities to free six young Christians detained for more than two weeks after posting a TikTok video that authorities considered offensive to Islam.In an Oct. 22 report, the legal advocacy organization said the six, who range in age from 17 to 23, were detained and questioned on charges of “exploiting” and “insulting” the religion of Islam.“We urge the authorities to release these six young men and drop any investigations against them immediately,” said Kelsey Zorzi, ADF’s senior counsel and vice president of international advocacy.The video posted on Oct. 4 featured audio from a popular Egyptian comedy film depicting prisoners unfamiliar with Quranic prayers. According to ADF, the six reenacted the scene.“These young men did nothing but share a lighthearted video with a voiceover from a popular and uncontroversial film, as many others on the platform have done. There is no reason to charge or imprison them,” Zorzi said.ADF said the post attracted comments inciting violence against the young men and their families, and that some villagers reported them to the authorities.On Oct. 6, the six were handed over to police for questioning, with the understanding that they would be released once tensions in their village had calmed, according to the organization. They remained in detention as of the Oct. 22 report.Zorzi described their detention as part of a wider pattern of discrimination against Christians in Egypt.“This is tragically common in Egypt, where Christians face threats, discrimination, and ultimately imprisonment for speech that is only seen as problematic because they are not part of the majority religion,” she said.ADF estimated that Christians constitute 10% to 15% of Egypt’s population. The organization said they continue to face discrimination, violence, and imprisonment despite constitutional guarantees of religious freedom.It said the continued use of blasphemy and related “insult” laws has perpetuated the persecution of Coptic Christians.According to ADF, scores of members of religious minorities have been prosecuted and imprisoned over the past year for social media posts deemed blasphemous amid a wider crackdown on online content considered offensive to Islam.The organization cited Augustinos Samaan, a YouTuber who, it said, was sentenced to five years of hard labor for teaching the Christian faith on his channel.It also highlighted the case of Abdulbaqi Saeed Abdo, a Christian father of five, imprisoned on blasphemy charges after sharing his beliefs in a Christian Facebook group. ADF said he was subsequently released with its support and had relocated safely to another country.“Christian persecution has been a persistent problem in Egypt for many years. We have seen countless cases of individuals who are targeted and punished for nothing more than expressing their beliefs. Egypt must take action to address this crisis and protect freedom of speech and religious freedom for all,” Zorzi said.This story was first published by ACI Africa, the sister service of EWTN News in Africa, and has been adapted by EWTN News.
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Rights group urges immediate release of 6 Christians detained over TikTok video in Egypt – #Catholic – CAIRO — Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) has urged Egyptian authorities to free six young Christians detained for more than two weeks after posting a TikTok video that authorities considered offensive to Islam.In an Oct. 22 report, the legal advocacy organization said the six, who range in age from 17 to 23, were detained and questioned on charges of “exploiting” and “insulting” the religion of Islam.“We urge the authorities to release these six young men and drop any investigations against them immediately,” said Kelsey Zorzi, ADF’s senior counsel and vice president of international advocacy.The video posted on Oct. 4 featured audio from a popular Egyptian comedy film depicting prisoners unfamiliar with Quranic prayers. According to ADF, the six reenacted the scene.“These young men did nothing but share a lighthearted video with a voiceover from a popular and uncontroversial film, as many others on the platform have done. There is no reason to charge or imprison them,” Zorzi said.ADF said the post attracted comments inciting violence against the young men and their families, and that some villagers reported them to the authorities.On Oct. 6, the six were handed over to police for questioning, with the understanding that they would be released once tensions in their village had calmed, according to the organization. They remained in detention as of the Oct. 22 report.Zorzi described their detention as part of a wider pattern of discrimination against Christians in Egypt.“This is tragically common in Egypt, where Christians face threats, discrimination, and ultimately imprisonment for speech that is only seen as problematic because they are not part of the majority religion,” she said.ADF estimated that Christians constitute 10% to 15% of Egypt’s population. The organization said they continue to face discrimination, violence, and imprisonment despite constitutional guarantees of religious freedom.It said the continued use of blasphemy and related “insult” laws has perpetuated the persecution of Coptic Christians.According to ADF, scores of members of religious minorities have been prosecuted and imprisoned over the past year for social media posts deemed blasphemous amid a wider crackdown on online content considered offensive to Islam.The organization cited Augustinos Samaan, a YouTuber who, it said, was sentenced to five years of hard labor for teaching the Christian faith on his channel.It also highlighted the case of Abdulbaqi Saeed Abdo, a Christian father of five, imprisoned on blasphemy charges after sharing his beliefs in a Christian Facebook group. ADF said he was subsequently released with its support and had relocated safely to another country.“Christian persecution has been a persistent problem in Egypt for many years. We have seen countless cases of individuals who are targeted and punished for nothing more than expressing their beliefs. Egypt must take action to address this crisis and protect freedom of speech and religious freedom for all,” Zorzi said.This story was first published by ACI Africa, the sister service of EWTN News in Africa, and has been adapted by EWTN News.

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Alliance Defending Freedom has urged Egyptian authorities to free six young Christians after they posted a TikTok video that authorities considered offensive to Islam.

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What the Catholic Church in Egypt is doing to keep youths attached to their faith #Catholic CAIRO — The Catholic Church in Egypt faces the challenge of keeping its young population attached to the faith, a bishop in the country said, noting that many youths abandon the Catholic faith at marriage.Speaking to Aid to the Church in Need, Bishop Emmanuel Bishay of Egypt’s Coptic Catholic Eparchy of Luxor clarified that relations between the Catholic and Orthodox churches are good.However, he pointed out the challenge of keeping youths in the Church, noting that to deepen the Catholic faith, the Church runs formation programs alongside initiatives that make it easier for young Catholics to meet and forge relationships.“At the official level, relations between the Catholic and Orthodox churches are good. There is affection, and people exchange greetings on religious occasions,” Bishay said in an Oct. 19 ACN report.“Unfortunately, if a young Catholic man or woman marries an Orthodox person, they may be required to become Orthodox and to follow the Orthodox Church’s requirements,” he said. “This is a major challenge for us as a Church: How can we help our young people deepen their Catholic faith and remain attached to their Church?”“I believe that the formation we provide, especially through catechesis, is an important service. We also create many opportunities for young Catholics to meet one another,” he said.In Egypt, Catholics are described as “a minority within a minority” in the ACN report. The charity organization says that the largest Christian denomination in Egypt is the historic Coptic Orthodox Church.“Though there are no official numbers, estimates point to between 10 and 15 million Copts in the country, making it the biggest Christian community in the Middle East, by a large margin. Muslims make up the vast majority of the rest of Egypt’s 120 million people,” the ACN report said.The Catholic Coptic Church, on the other hand, has only around 300,000 faithful living in Egypt, but according to Bishay, they are playing an important part in forging good relations between different religious communities and also for their contributions to health, education, and culture.“As one travels farther into Upper Egypt, people can be somewhat more rigid in their attitudes. We make every effort to build relationships with the Orthodox community and with Muslims, who are the majority, even if we encounter some difficulties, especially in villages and small settlements,” Bishay was quoted as explaining.Regarding relations with the Muslim community, the Catholic bishop admitted that there have been difficult periods but said the situation has improved.“The hard-line voices that used to be heard are no longer as prominent, while another voice, the moderate one, is growing. The change is slow but noticeable: People are listening to those with moderate views, and the government is giving them room to act. The process is moving in this direction. I believe that if Egypt continues along this path, things will keep getting better,” the Church leader said.Bishay further said that the Catholic Church plays an outsized role in the services it provides in Egypt, especially in the poorer regions, but its faithful continue to face difficult challenges as a minority within a large country.“The Catholic Church is small in numbers but strong in services. Some of the best schools in Egypt are Catholic schools, and the fact that state officials regularly turn to Catholic schools is evidence of this. We also work in healthcare. Our diocese alone has 14 clinics, most of which are staffed by religious sisters who devote much of their time to this work. Another contribution is through cultural centers and libraries,” Bishay explained.He added: “The Catholic Church has not only provided these services; it has also shown Egyptian society how to provide them. The Coptic Orthodox Church learned to provide them from us and, more recently, mosques have also begun providing services of this kind, following our example. The Catholic Church has been a pioneer in this field.”The bishop went on to say that the services are particularly important in the Eparchy of Luxor.“Upper Egypt receives less attention than the Delta and the north of the country, which means that services are less adequate, particularly in healthcare. Hospitals do not always meet the required standard, and there are also shortcomings in education and childcare. This requires a great deal of effort from us as the Catholic Church.”He added: “The figures indicate that we are among the poorest governorates in Egypt. This affects people’s abilities and talents, whether intellectual or otherwise. It saddens me to see talented people whose abilities are not given their due, or whose surroundings do not give them the opportunity to develop and fulfill their potential,” the bishop said.He expressed gratitude to ACN, which he said continues to support the Catholic Church in Egypt in many different fields. “ACN is a very important support for us. What is especially valuable is that the foundation looks at our priorities, rather than imposing its own agenda. That is very important!”This story was first published by ACI Africa, the sister service of EWTN News in Africa, and has been adapted by EWTN News.
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What the Catholic Church in Egypt is doing to keep youths attached to their faith #Catholic CAIRO — The Catholic Church in Egypt faces the challenge of keeping its young population attached to the faith, a bishop in the country said, noting that many youths abandon the Catholic faith at marriage.Speaking to Aid to the Church in Need, Bishop Emmanuel Bishay of Egypt’s Coptic Catholic Eparchy of Luxor clarified that relations between the Catholic and Orthodox churches are good.However, he pointed out the challenge of keeping youths in the Church, noting that to deepen the Catholic faith, the Church runs formation programs alongside initiatives that make it easier for young Catholics to meet and forge relationships.“At the official level, relations between the Catholic and Orthodox churches are good. There is affection, and people exchange greetings on religious occasions,” Bishay said in an Oct. 19 ACN report.“Unfortunately, if a young Catholic man or woman marries an Orthodox person, they may be required to become Orthodox and to follow the Orthodox Church’s requirements,” he said. “This is a major challenge for us as a Church: How can we help our young people deepen their Catholic faith and remain attached to their Church?”“I believe that the formation we provide, especially through catechesis, is an important service. We also create many opportunities for young Catholics to meet one another,” he said.In Egypt, Catholics are described as “a minority within a minority” in the ACN report. The charity organization says that the largest Christian denomination in Egypt is the historic Coptic Orthodox Church.“Though there are no official numbers, estimates point to between 10 and 15 million Copts in the country, making it the biggest Christian community in the Middle East, by a large margin. Muslims make up the vast majority of the rest of Egypt’s 120 million people,” the ACN report said.The Catholic Coptic Church, on the other hand, has only around 300,000 faithful living in Egypt, but according to Bishay, they are playing an important part in forging good relations between different religious communities and also for their contributions to health, education, and culture.“As one travels farther into Upper Egypt, people can be somewhat more rigid in their attitudes. We make every effort to build relationships with the Orthodox community and with Muslims, who are the majority, even if we encounter some difficulties, especially in villages and small settlements,” Bishay was quoted as explaining.Regarding relations with the Muslim community, the Catholic bishop admitted that there have been difficult periods but said the situation has improved.“The hard-line voices that used to be heard are no longer as prominent, while another voice, the moderate one, is growing. The change is slow but noticeable: People are listening to those with moderate views, and the government is giving them room to act. The process is moving in this direction. I believe that if Egypt continues along this path, things will keep getting better,” the Church leader said.Bishay further said that the Catholic Church plays an outsized role in the services it provides in Egypt, especially in the poorer regions, but its faithful continue to face difficult challenges as a minority within a large country.“The Catholic Church is small in numbers but strong in services. Some of the best schools in Egypt are Catholic schools, and the fact that state officials regularly turn to Catholic schools is evidence of this. We also work in healthcare. Our diocese alone has 14 clinics, most of which are staffed by religious sisters who devote much of their time to this work. Another contribution is through cultural centers and libraries,” Bishay explained.He added: “The Catholic Church has not only provided these services; it has also shown Egyptian society how to provide them. The Coptic Orthodox Church learned to provide them from us and, more recently, mosques have also begun providing services of this kind, following our example. The Catholic Church has been a pioneer in this field.”The bishop went on to say that the services are particularly important in the Eparchy of Luxor.“Upper Egypt receives less attention than the Delta and the north of the country, which means that services are less adequate, particularly in healthcare. Hospitals do not always meet the required standard, and there are also shortcomings in education and childcare. This requires a great deal of effort from us as the Catholic Church.”He added: “The figures indicate that we are among the poorest governorates in Egypt. This affects people’s abilities and talents, whether intellectual or otherwise. It saddens me to see talented people whose abilities are not given their due, or whose surroundings do not give them the opportunity to develop and fulfill their potential,” the bishop said.He expressed gratitude to ACN, which he said continues to support the Catholic Church in Egypt in many different fields. “ACN is a very important support for us. What is especially valuable is that the foundation looks at our priorities, rather than imposing its own agenda. That is very important!”This story was first published by ACI Africa, the sister service of EWTN News in Africa, and has been adapted by EWTN News.

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Speaking to Aid to the Church in Need, Bishop Emmanuel Bishay of Egypt’s Coptic Catholic Eparchy of Luxor said that relations between the Catholic and Orthodox churches are good.

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Virgin of Guadalupe takes center stage at U.S. Hispanic ministry meeting #Catholic The role of Our Lady of Guadalupe took center stage at the 2026 annual conference of the National Catholic Association of Diocesan Directors for Hispanic Ministry, which took place Oct. 20–23 in Anaheim, California.The conference brought together dozens of diocesan directors and leaders of Hispanic and Latino ministry from various parts of the United States. Conference speakers included Bishop Óscar Cantú of San José, California; Bishop Mario Alberto Avilés, CO, of Corpus Christi, Texas; and Bishop Eusebio Elizondo, MSpS, auxiliary bishop of Seattle.Monsignor Eduardo Chávez of the Archdiocese of Mexico City, considered the foremost expert on the apparitions of Our Lady of Guadalupe, spoke to the gathering on “The Truth of Guadalupe,” which is also the title of his book on the subject.“It has been a moment of such joy and spirituality, of such devotion and emotion, to go on discovering who Holy Mary of Guadalupe and her humble messenger, St. Juan Diego, are during this encounter,” Chávez told EWTN News Español, the Spanish-language sister service of EWTN News.“The Virgin of Guadalupe, through St. Juan Diego, helps us open our hearts to the presence of Christ the King, the love of God, which our people need so much,” emphasized Chávez, who also served as the postulator for the canonization cause of St. Juan Diego, the visionary of Our Lady of Guadalupe. The meeting with the leaders of U.S. Hispanic pastoral ministry, he noted, “has been the best way to prepare ourselves for the 500th anniversary of the apparitions of Holy Mary of Guadalupe, which help us prepare for the Jubilee of the Redemption in 2033.”“There are not enough words to thank God and His Most Holy Mother, our Mother, Holy Mary of Guadalupe,” he said.Our Lady of Guadalupe appeared to the Indigenous man St. Juan Diego at the foot of Tepeyac Hill, north of Mexico City, Dec. 9–12, 1531. There she asked him to intercede with the then-bishop of Mexico, Friar Juan de Zumárraga, so that a “sacred little house” might be built in her honor.As proof of the authenticity of the apparitions, the Virgin asked Juan Diego to gather some roses that had bloomed on Tepeyac and place them in his tilma (a type of cloak or cape). When he unfolded the cloth before the bishop, the image of the Virgin of Guadalupe was found to be miraculously imprinted upon it.To this day, nearly 500 years later, the tilma of St. Juan Diego is preserved in the Guadalupe Basilica at the foot of Tepeyac.Our Lady of Guadalupe ‘leads us to Jesus’Chávez emphasized that the Virgin “leads us to Jesus” and that, as one examines the event of Guadalupe, “there are no longer any walls or divisions — not only physical ones, but also those related to language, culture, or traditions — because she makes us brothers and sisters to one another, something that all our peoples need so much.”Our Lady of Guadalupe, he recalled, “is the mother of humanity. She said as much to Juan Diego: ‘I am your mother, the mother of all those who dwell in this land, and of all the various ancestries and nations; the mother of those who love me, who seek me, who cry out to me, and who place their trust in me.’”Chávez was recently appointed by Cardinal Carlos Aguiar Retes as the representative of the Primatial Archdiocese of Mexico for the preparation and celebrations of the fifth centenary of the apparitions of the Virgin of Guadalupe.This story was first published by EWTN News Español, the Spanish-language sister service of EWTN News. It has been translated and adapted by EWTN News English.
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Virgin of Guadalupe takes center stage at U.S. Hispanic ministry meeting #Catholic The role of Our Lady of Guadalupe took center stage at the 2026 annual conference of the National Catholic Association of Diocesan Directors for Hispanic Ministry, which took place Oct. 20–23 in Anaheim, California.The conference brought together dozens of diocesan directors and leaders of Hispanic and Latino ministry from various parts of the United States. Conference speakers included Bishop Óscar Cantú of San José, California; Bishop Mario Alberto Avilés, CO, of Corpus Christi, Texas; and Bishop Eusebio Elizondo, MSpS, auxiliary bishop of Seattle.Monsignor Eduardo Chávez of the Archdiocese of Mexico City, considered the foremost expert on the apparitions of Our Lady of Guadalupe, spoke to the gathering on “The Truth of Guadalupe,” which is also the title of his book on the subject.“It has been a moment of such joy and spirituality, of such devotion and emotion, to go on discovering who Holy Mary of Guadalupe and her humble messenger, St. Juan Diego, are during this encounter,” Chávez told EWTN News Español, the Spanish-language sister service of EWTN News.“The Virgin of Guadalupe, through St. Juan Diego, helps us open our hearts to the presence of Christ the King, the love of God, which our people need so much,” emphasized Chávez, who also served as the postulator for the canonization cause of St. Juan Diego, the visionary of Our Lady of Guadalupe. The meeting with the leaders of U.S. Hispanic pastoral ministry, he noted, “has been the best way to prepare ourselves for the 500th anniversary of the apparitions of Holy Mary of Guadalupe, which help us prepare for the Jubilee of the Redemption in 2033.”“There are not enough words to thank God and His Most Holy Mother, our Mother, Holy Mary of Guadalupe,” he said.Our Lady of Guadalupe appeared to the Indigenous man St. Juan Diego at the foot of Tepeyac Hill, north of Mexico City, Dec. 9–12, 1531. There she asked him to intercede with the then-bishop of Mexico, Friar Juan de Zumárraga, so that a “sacred little house” might be built in her honor.As proof of the authenticity of the apparitions, the Virgin asked Juan Diego to gather some roses that had bloomed on Tepeyac and place them in his tilma (a type of cloak or cape). When he unfolded the cloth before the bishop, the image of the Virgin of Guadalupe was found to be miraculously imprinted upon it.To this day, nearly 500 years later, the tilma of St. Juan Diego is preserved in the Guadalupe Basilica at the foot of Tepeyac.Our Lady of Guadalupe ‘leads us to Jesus’Chávez emphasized that the Virgin “leads us to Jesus” and that, as one examines the event of Guadalupe, “there are no longer any walls or divisions — not only physical ones, but also those related to language, culture, or traditions — because she makes us brothers and sisters to one another, something that all our peoples need so much.”Our Lady of Guadalupe, he recalled, “is the mother of humanity. She said as much to Juan Diego: ‘I am your mother, the mother of all those who dwell in this land, and of all the various ancestries and nations; the mother of those who love me, who seek me, who cry out to me, and who place their trust in me.’”Chávez was recently appointed by Cardinal Carlos Aguiar Retes as the representative of the Primatial Archdiocese of Mexico for the preparation and celebrations of the fifth centenary of the apparitions of the Virgin of Guadalupe.This story was first published by EWTN News Español, the Spanish-language sister service of EWTN News. It has been translated and adapted by EWTN News English.

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A conference brought together dozens of diocesan directors and leaders of Hispanic and Latino ministry from various parts of the United States.

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