Profiles in Catholicism
Jan 29, 202121 min
Updated: Feb 1, 2021
A Message from the Editor
We pray for Prison Reform globally and ask God to protect prisoners and prison staff from Covid-19.
Be sure to read Eileen Quinn Knight’s review of Father James Martin’s new book Learning to Pray which we predict will soon be on the New York Times Beet Sellers List/
For insight into what Israel thinks about the attack on the US Capitol, read the interview with Rabbi Dr. Ronald Kronish.
HBO has a new film of the Murder of Monsignor Juan Gerardi The Art of Political Murder produced by George Clooney, Twenty years ago, I commissioned Judith Berry to interview Daniel Hernandez about the Monsignor’s murder, Here is the article
http://www.medadvocates.org/disciplines/humanrights/death_guatemala.html
I subsequently gave him The Jonathan Mann Human Rights Award
Also read
Revealing the image, revealing truth
in both Spanish and English
You will notice three Featured Reports in this issue. Here is a link to
to all of our Featured Reports
Prayers
A Prayer for Prisoners
Lord, you are close to those who are most alone.
Be present to our brothers and sisters in prison
who suffer from the coronavirus.
In their dark hours, be a light of hope.
In their sad plight, stir us to compassion.
In their daily routine, stir the kindness of their guards.
In their physical struggles, pour out a healing balm.
Lead them and us, one day, home to you. Amen
by Father Louis Cameli Profiles in Catholicism
A prayer for all prisoners who have died from Covid-19:
“Jesus, remember me” (Lk 23: 42)
You said to a man, like us, in the hour of death:
“Today you will be with me in paradise” (Lk 23: 43).
You did not speak from some remote place, from a
Safe distance, from far away – you were next to him
Nailed to a cross through your hands and feet.
We do not know this man’s name, like we do not know
The names of many people who are imprisoned, their
History or the crimes they have committed.
But who is not waiting on the mercy of God?
You said to a man, like us, in the hour of death:
“Today you will be with me in paradise” (Lk 23: 43).
You know the locked door’s immovability, like the nails;
You know what it is to be unable to escape, trapped,
As it were, into a dialogue with your Father (cf. Lk 23: 34).
You did not choose your companions, your place of death;
But you knew the presence, however silent, of those who
Love you, and you know those who come close:
We glimpse, through them, you, through you, them.
You said to a man, like us, in the hour of death:
“Today you will be with me in paradise” (Lk 23: 43).
We know that many people die, often alone except for the
Nurse or the doctor, bearing with them a final isolation from
The society in which they lived, suffered and sinned.
You did not ask what he had done or whom he had wronged
As he turned to you in truth and love (cf. Lk 23: 40-42); and,
Just as you remembered your mother (cf. Jn 19; 25-27) –
Remember our families, Lord, and the help we need!
You said to a man, like us, in the hour of death:
“Today you will be with me in paradise” (Lk 23: 43).
We know, too, that some are unjustly imprisoned, burdened
By prejudice, coincidence or whatever brought them
Within reach of a sentence, like you, beyond being overturned.
You were vulnerable to the wind, the cold and the pain;
Just as many, now, are vulnerable to the possibility of
Illness as well as short if not absent exercise hours –
You know the help we need in life and death.
You said to a man, like us, in the hour of death:
“Today you will be with me in paradise” (Lk 23: 43).
You have given us reason and faith, to work together for the
Effective help and healing, whether of the heart or of the
Body, that we may make fresh discoveries and new beginnings.
You know us, our families, friends and enemies, our
Circumstances, situation, health and those who care for us,
Live with us and will die with us – so let the words of the
Good thief speak for us all: “Jesus, remember me” (Lk 23: 42)
by Francis Etheredge Profiles in Catholicism
A Prayer for Prisoners with Covid-19
Heavenly Father, you are sovereign over all, giving justice and proclaiming liberty to the captive. You were with Joseph when he was imprisoned in the king’s jail. Your spirit visited Paul during his incarceration. And you sent your son, Jesus, to proclaim good news and freedom. God, we ask you to be with all those who are incarcerated today, for those living out sentences, and those awaiting trial or bail. Let your spirit of peace and comfort be upon them. They are some of your most vulnerable children and they are at high risk of exposure to coronavirus Covid-19. Provide them with resources to keep them healthy and safe, let the ears and hearts of those in power be turned to hear the needs of your children. Keep all those who work in prisons and jails healthy and prevent the spread of the virus to all those they interact with, especially those who have no means of protecting themselves. All this we pray in your name. Amen.
by Pastoral Intern Sarah Swindall Augsburg University Campus Ministry
A Prayer for Holocaust Survivors Who Have Died from COVID 19
Our Father, Avinu, we bow our heads and hearts in prayer.
Many of your People, the Jewish People,
who by Your Grace survived the Holocaust in Europe,
have been infected by and died from coronavirus.
This saddens the hearts not only of Jews,
but people of all faiths,
especially Christians, who were the major perpetrators of the Shoah.
We Christians today, repenting for what Christians then did,
join with the Jewish People in praying today for the survivors
of the Nazi genocide.
We Christians join with the Jewish People is calling on people of all faiths to pray for these good people, stricken a second time, this time by a pandemic which is out of control and killing many innocent people of all faiths. Jews, Christians, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, people of all faiths must come together in prayer in this country and around the world, for the survivors of genocide who are in danger and who have died. May they rest in your Peace, Oh Lord.
And may their memory be for a blessing.
by Dr. Eugene Fisher Profiles in Catholicism
A Prayer for the Murdered Father John Gbakaan Yaji
Loving God, I cannot trust my words to even begin to convey an adequate response to the tragic death of Father John Gbakaan Yaji. We pray for the repose of the soul of Father Yaji that he will share the good news of our Lord's resurrection. We pray for the safety of his brother and for the consolation of his family and friends. May their faith be a source of strength and encouragement during these trying times. Amen.
by Father Joseph Cheah, OSM, Ph.D.
A Prayer for Father Rene Regalado
Father Rene Regalado was murdered near his Carmalite church in Bukidnon . he stood for justice and truth he served the poor, he stood with the downtrodden, he was your true friend Lord .And may justice be done for him may his murderers be brought to justice and may we all have the courage to condemn every evil and continue to do only good and make your love present in society. Amen
by Father Shay Cullen Profiles in Catholicism
Prayer for the victims of mass murders and genocide
Lord we remember the holocaust the most heinous crime the world has ever known. Six million murdered most of the victims were like you Jesus. Jews, innocent victims, children, women, teenagers, men. The world said never again, but it has and is happening again, ethnic cleansing, mass murder.
Lord may your example of love and service change the violent people to peace makers, call the wrongdoers to repent, inspire leaders to end violence and war, may we live in unity in your friendship. Amen
by Father Shay Cullen Profiles in Catholicism
A Prayer for the Indonesian Earthquake Victims
Good and gracious God, We ask you to bless those who are left after the horrid earthquakes in Indonesia. Indonesian rescuers on Sunday retrieved more bodies from the rubble of homes and buildings toppled by a strong earthquake, raising the death toll to 78, while military engineers managed to reopen ruptured roads to clear access for relief goods. Please help them all to be patient and helpful in assisting others who are still not found. Bless their families and all who are part of this tragedy. More heavy equipment reached the hardest-hit city of Mamuju and the neighboring district of Majene on Sulawesi island, where the magnitude 6.2 quake struck early Friday, said Raditya Jati, the National Disaster Mitigation Agency’s spokesperson. A total of 67 people died in Mamuju and 11 in Majene, said the director of preparedness for the National Search and Rescue Agency, Didi Hamzar. Help us to realize the fragility of our earth and all that it encompasses and that all of us will take care of the earth and its people. Amen.
by Eileen Quinn Knight, Ph.D. Profiles in Catholicism
Prayer in honor of Jose G.Burgos Jr.
He was a man of the truth, and he wrote to set us free from oppression, lies and deceit, from the evil of martial law. He was, Lord Jesus, a man after your own heart, like you he lived and died for the truth and freedmen of expression. He wrote with honesty and integrity, he inspired so many, and even his son followed his love of justice and goodness. His son was abducted and disappeared by sinister forces that his is father fought against with the power of the Word.
Jesus we are inspired by Jose and his son and what they achieved in the darkest of times. Let the light of truth shine on our hearts and penetrate our spirit to encourage and inspire us to follow you and serve the poor and the oppressed as you have done and Jose Burgos has done too. Amen .
by Father Shay Cullen Profiles in Catholicism
A Quote to Remember
“With regard to prisoners, it would appear that in many cases practical measures are urgently needed to improve their living conditions, with particular concern for those detained while awaiting trial. It must be kept in mind that penal sanctions have the aim of rehabilitation, while national laws should consider the possibility of other establishing penalties than incarceration. In this context, I would like once more to appeal to governmental authorities to abolish the death penalty where it is still in force, and to consider the possibility of an amnesty."
by Pope Francis
Interviews
Prison Interviews
General Interviews
Prison Articles/Commentaries
Featured Report
Coronavirus in Prisons
by Father John Kumar Profiles in Catholicism
Jailed Indian Jesuit pens letter on prisoners' plight
by UCA news reporter UCA News
Brazilian bishops decry conditions in prisons .A report issued by the Catholic Church in Brazil highlights a significant increase of torture in the county's prisons during the COVID-19 outbreak.
by Lisa Zengarini Vatican News
Prison Chaplains and the Corona Virus Pandemic - A Viwe from London
by John Plummer Anglican Way Magazine
Biden orders end of federally run private prisons
by Aamer Madhani The Associated Press
China sentences 10 seeking to flee Hong Kong to prison terms
by Zen Soo The Associated Press
Renewing the lives of prisoners in India
by Shanti Pulickal Global Sisters Report
UK Bishops urge Indian government to release Fr Swamy
by Lisa Zengarini Vatican News
Virus besets Belarus prisons filled with president’s critics
by The Associated Press
Inmates facing big virus risks not near top of vaccine lists
by Colleen Slevin and Patty Nieberg The Associated Press
A Covid-19 vaccine has finally arrived. Prisoners must be prioritized. Catholic social teaching proclaims all life is sacred and that the morality of a society is judged by how it treats its most
by Alison McCrary America
UK Bishops call for protection of prisoners and staff during second Covid-19 wave
by Lisa Zengarini Vatican News
The Way Prisoners Flag Guard Abuse, Inadequate Health Care and Unsanitary Conditions Is Broken
by Shannon Heffernan WBEZ/ProPublica
Biden orders Justice Dept. to end use of private prisons
by Aamer Madhani The Associated Press
Elderly Jesuit priest describes 'joy' of Indian prison life. Father Stan Swamy says he sees God in the pain and smiles of his fellow inmates in a Mumbai jail
by Saji Thomas UCA News
Priest jailed for theft blames Catholic doctrine, also facing sex abuse charges
by JD Flynn CNA/ Catholic World Report
Prisons and law enforcement are not the solution to our social problems
by Dwayne David Paul National Catholic Reporter
Christians seek Indian leaders' help for bail for jailed priest.The help of the president and prime minister of India has been sought to obtain bail for elderly Jesuit priest Father Stan Swamy who is in precarious health condition in prison.
by Vatican News staff writer Vatican News
Jesuit Volunteer Conducts Jail Visit in NOLA During COVID-19
by Tomy Vettukallel JVC
UK Bishops call for protection of prisoners and staff during second Covid-19 wave
by Lisa Zengarini Vatican News
N-E India: Prison Ministry Discusses Skill-Building Initiatives
by Team ICM Indian Catholic Matter
Grateful for a Wedding in Prison
by Jenny Block The New York Times
Mental illness, women in prison
by Anita Boniface Independents Catholic News
No ID, No Job: How Coronavirus Left Parolees in Excruciating Limbo After Leaving Prison
by Natasha Lennard The Intercept
Catholic leaders decry prisoners’ exposure to COVID-19 during pandemic
by Mark Pattison Catholic News Service/Crux
Kirbyjon Caldwell, former presidential adviser who promoted ‘good success,’ sentenced to prison
by Bob Smietana Religion News Service
Flattening the Curve for Incarcerated Populations — Covid-19 in Jails and Prisons
by Matthew J. Akiyama, M.D., Anne C. Spaulding, M.D., and Josiah D. Rich, M.D. The New England Journal of Medicine
Sister Helen Prejean Spending COVID-19 Quarantine Advocating for Prisoners
by Christopher White New Evangelization Television (NET)
What it’s like to be locked in prison during the coronavirus pandemic by Jeremy Roebuck and Chris Palmer The Philadelphia Inquirer
No Escape From Virus Threat for 2 Million Crammed in Prisons
by Richard Wright Prison Legal News
Prison sentences could turn into death sentences amid the coronavirus pandemic, experts say. Mass releases could be the best strategy to save thousands of lives
by Joey Hadden Business Insider
On his way to prison, Catholic activist advocates for COVID-19 prisoner release
by Yonat Shimron Religion News Service
Vietnam jails environmental activist for seven years Rights group says Vietnam's economic progress is undermined by its repression of freedom of expression
by UCA News reporter UCA News
General Articles/Commentaries
NIgeria: Young Catholic priest murdered
by Fionn Shiner Independent Catholic News
Link to Murdered Priests and Seminarians
Catholic priest murdered in the Philippines, Fr. Rene Bayang Regalado, 42, was shot dead in the Southern Philippines on Sunday. Local police are conducting an investigation into the horrific crime.
by Vatican News staff writer Vatican News
Addiction and Redemption
by Jim Wahlberg The Coming Home Network
Link to Addiction
The Future of the Pro-Life Movement
by Gabriel Blanchard Patheos
Link to Other ProLife Challenges
Francis changes Catholic Church law: women explicitly allowed as lectors, altar servers
by Joshua J. McElwee National Catholic Reporter
Link to Women Challenges/ Outreach/Protection
Pope marking Holocaust warns another genocide possible
by The Associated Press
Poland’s Catholics and Jews mark Day of Judaism with psalms, music, and silent prayer
by CNA
Link to Catholic/Jewish Challenges
Countercultural Catholic Composer Strikes Sacred Chord in Music. Sir James MacMillan, the foremost modern British composer and a forthright Catholic, says ‘music is the perfect art form to bring people together to see a better world.’
by K.V. Turley National Catholic Register
Link to Spirituality and Music
Amanda Gorman’s inauguration poem was beautiful and mighty — no matter what your religion may be
by Perry Dane The Forward
Link to Spirituality and Poetry
Bangladesh's rape victims cry for justice in the wilderness
by Stephan Uttom UCA News
Link to Sexual Violence Against Women and Girls
Mob threat in Italy imperils the Church and the Vatican too
by John L. Allen Jr.Crux
‘Extreme urgent need’: Starvation haunts Ethiopia’s Tigray
by Cara Anna The Associated Press
Link to African Challenges and to Starvation
Israel OKs hundreds of settlement homes in last-minute push
by Josef Federman The Associated Press
Physics Today: Thinking differently about science and religion
by Sacred Space Astronomy/Vatican Observatory
Link to Faith and Science
Pope Francis suggests people have moral obligation to take coronavirus vaccine
by Joshua J. McElwee National Catholic Register
Link to Covid-19
COVID Fatigue, Life in an intensive-care unit
by Ebtesam Attaya Islam Commonweal
This is not a game’: Global virus death toll hits 2 million
by Chris Sherman, Maria Xhenn, John Leicester, and Joshua Goodman The Associated Press
Nine Catholic bishops with COVID-19 die in a single week
by Courtney Mares Catholic News Agency
3 Bioethical Questions About COVID-19 Vaccines
by Rebecca Randall Christianity Today
Link to Bioethics
Philippine bishops warn against ethically suspect Covid vaccines. Prelates claim to have received reports some were manufactured using cells from aborted embryos
by Joseph Peter Calleja UCA News
Filipino priest to stand trial for sedition charges after speaking out on president’s drug policies A protest against the Philippine war on drugs outside the Philippines Consulate General in NYC.
by Catholic News Agency
Link to Immoral Political Practices
Monthly Malaria Prophylaxis Cuts Child Deaths in Sub-Saharan Africa
by Bridget M. Kuehn, MSJ JAMA. 2021;325(3):213.
Link to Malaria
US soldier arrested in plot to blow up NYC 9/11 Memorial
by Larry Neumeister The Associated Press
Link to US Military and Veterans
Gorillas test positive for coronavirus at San Diego park
by Julie Watson The Associated Press
Link to Animal Challenges
Understanding the False Claims of Pope Francis Being Arrested and ‘Vatican Blackout’
by CNA/The Catholic Register
Hundreds reportedly dead after massacre at Oriental Orthodox church in Ethiopia
by CNA Daily/The Catholic World Report
China in darkest period for human rights since Tiananmen, says rights group Human Rights Watch lists persecutions in Xinjiang, Mongolia, Tibet and Hong Kong but notes new willingness to condemn Beijing
by Helen Davidson The Guardian
Link to China Challengesand to Human Rights
Why Trump’s challenges to democracy will be a big problem for Biden
by James D. Long The Conversation
Link to Insurrection/Sedition
Yes, It’s About the White Supremacy
by Guest Contributor Patheos
Link to White Supremacy
Featured Report
Racism: The Inheritance of Slavery
by Father Shay Cullen Profiles in Catholicism
Featured Report
God, Why Hast Thou Forsaken Our Black Lives?
by Obakeng Kgongoane Profiles in Catholicism
Here Are the Donors to Tea Party Group That Helped Organize Pre-Riot Rally
by Aída Chávez The Intercept
Link to United States Politics
Hawaii GOP official resigns after posting pro-QAnon tweets
by Mark Thiessen The Associated Press
Italian premier to offer resignation as government wobbles
by Frances D'Emilio The Associated Press
Link to Italy Politics
An Infection in the Blood
by Jay Neugeboren Commonweal
Doctor Who Joined Capitol Attacks Leads a Far-Right Campaign Against Covid-19 Vaccine
by Sharon Lerner The Intercept
Freedom Caucus Chair Andy Biggs Helped Plan January 6 Event, Lead Organizer Says
by Ryan Grim and Aída Chávez The Intercept
Brazil provides more evidence on link between dolutegravir and birth defects
by Hester Phillips Avert
Link to HIV/AIDS and to Pregnancy and Pregnancy Challenges
Ethiopia: Massacre at historic church
by Fionn Shiner Independent Catholic News
Link to Hate Crimes
US bishops disagree with designation of Cuba as terrorism sponsor
by CNA Daily News/The Catholic World Report
Link to Terrorism
Fr. James Martin connects Catholic leaders to Capitol riots; Bishop Stika unimpressed
by CNA Staff/The Catholic World Report
Shock: Surge in student suicides during the pandemic
by Deacon Greg Kendra The Deacon's Bench
Link to Suicide/Assisted Suicide/Euthanasia
French doctor who made Down discovery closer to sainthood
by Nicole Winfield The Associated Press
Link to Down Syndrome
Our divided church has to grapple with being pro-life
by Donna Gunn Global Sisters Report
Link to Abortion .Suicide/Assisted Suicide/Euthanasia. Death Penalty and Other ProLife Challenges
US bishops applaud Supreme Court ruling in favor of FDA abortion pill regulations
by CNA/The Catholic World Report
In rare rebuke, Cardinal Cupich criticizes USCCB president’s letter to President Biden
by Michael J. O’Loughlin America
A 'time of crisis' for Poland's Catholic Church
by Donald Snyder National Catholic Reporter
Netanyahu’s parting gift to Trump — a new embassy plot — is an empty gesture
by Noga Tarnopolsky The Forward
Korean Catholic sculptor crafts artwork for all. Han Jin-seop's portfolio includes a series of sculptures of altars, pulpits and statues in Korean churches
by UCA News reporter UCA News
Link to Spirituality and Art
What a Kristallnacht survivor says about Kristallnacht comparisons
by Stewart Ain The Forward
Two-thirds of Earth’s land is on pace to lose water as the climate warms – that’s a problem for people, crops and forests
by Yadu Pokhrel The Conversation
Link to Environment and Climate Challenges, Advocacy, and Response
Vietnam jails environmental activist for seven years
by UCA News reporter UCA News
Global Catholic Climate Movement: Raise your voice on behalf of our common home
by Francesca Merlo & Linda Bordoni Vatican News|
This image is very offensive to many people’: Poland’s ‘rainbow halo’ trial begins
by CNA
Hot again: 2020 sets yet another global temperature record
by Seth Borenstein The Associated Press
A Disease More Deadly Than Covid-19
by J. A. Dick Another Voice
Bishop protests withdrawal of food and water from Catholic patient
by Independent Catholic News
Reckoning with our national flirtation with fascism
by Michael Sean Winters National Catholic Reporter
Link to Fascism
Remembering a Filipino press freedom icon. Jose G. Burgos Jr. devoted his entire journalistic career to an unrelenting pursuit of truth and fairness,
by Edita Tronqued-Burgos UCA News
How Catholics got conned by Donald Trump.A psychological analysis of the president and his supporters
by Fran Ferder and John Heagle National Catholic Reporter
Anti-Semitism seen in Capitol insurrection raises alarms
by Elena Scho The Associated Press
Link to Antisemitism
When Radio Stations Stopped a Public Figure From Spreading Dangerous Lies
by William Kovarik The Conversation/The Smithsonian
North Dakota bill would force priests to violate confession seal in abuse cases
by Mary Farrow CNA/The Catholic World Report
Link to Catholic Sexual Violence Against Minors
Jesuit appointed to new safeguarding role
by Simon Caldwell Independent Catholic News
He has gone home to God
by Jesuit News
Irish archbishop calls report on homes for unwed mothers ‘distressing’
by Charles Collins Crux
Hundreds reportedly dead after massacre at Oriental Orthodox church in Ethiopia
by CNA/The Catholic World Report
Link to Murder and Terrorism
British Columbia hospice to be evicted over euthanasia opposition
by CNA/The Catholic World Report
Link to Euthanasia
Central African Republic soldiers repel rebels at capital
by Jean Fernand Koena and Carley Peterson The Associated Press
Congolese bishop: Stop the 'chain of massacres. 15 women and children were reported killed with machetes by Allied Democratic Forces fighters in a camp
by Catholic News Service
Babies taken from women raped by priests
by Sarah Mac Donald The Tablet
Italy puts over 320 on trial for ’ndrangheta mob ties
by Andrea Rosa and Frances D'Emilio The Associated Press
The faith of Tommy Lasorda, the baseball manager who 'gave God a jersey'
by Tom Hoffarth Angelus News
Link to Sports and Spirituality
Pope Francis Congratulates Sports Team on Big Win - the Spezia Football Team Meets with the Pope at the Vatican
by Sala Clementina The Catholic World Report
Ex.-Michigan Gov. Snyder charged in Flint water crisis
by David Eggart and Ed White The Associated Press
Link to Lead Poisoning
2 ex-health officials charged with manslaughter in Flint
by David Eggertm Ed Whitem abd Corey Williams The Associated Press
Link to Murder
My Pro-Life Speech on the Steps of the NH State House
by Brother Andre Marie Catholicism
Rome university reverses decision to honor controversial Fr. Pavone
by Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service/National Catholic Reporter
Doctor’s Death After Covid Vaccine Is Being Investigated
by New York Times
Government's efforts to help children of priests questioned
by Noel Baker Irish Examiner
COVID-19 pandemic increasing persecution of Christians, report claims
by Inés San Martín Crux
English bishop amid court challenges: Giving food, water is basic care
by Simon Caldwell Catholic News Service/Crux
America must bolster cybersecurity
by Ariel Levit The Hill
Link to Cybersecurity
Raphael Warnock’s Black Liberation Theology and the Faux Christianity of the Capitol Insurrection
by David J. Inczauskis, S.J. The Jesuit Post
Link to Racial Challenges and Outreach and to Insurrection/Sedition
At least 42 dead as Indonesia quake topples homes, buildings
by Ninoek Karmini and Yusef Wahil The Associated Press
Canada’s Supreme Court: Archdiocese is Responsible for Orphanage Abuse. The CBC reported that the archdiocese will now be responsible for paying roughly $2.61 million in damages for the four victims in the case.
by CNA/The Catholic World Report
Link to Children at Risk
The families against the death penalty, no matter their personal pain
by Colman McCarthy National Catholic Reporter
Link to Death Penalty
Pope Francis prays for Indonesia after deadly earthquake
by CNA/The Catholic World Report
European powers press Iran to back off latest nuclear move
by The Associated Press
Link to Nuclear Challenges
The Popes and the atomic threat: Appealing to world's conscience. The Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons enters into force on Friday, 22 January. Pope Francis’ words at Hiroshima, which defined even the possession of nuclear weapons as immoral, is the latest act of a long magisterium spanning the twentieth century up to the present day.
by Amedeo Lomonaco Vatican News
Rush to support Rohingya fire victims in Bangladesh
by Stephan Uttom UCA News
Philippine bishops question killings of tribal leadersVisayas prelates say official accounts contradict eyewitnesses who say nine men were unarmed when shot by govt forces
by Joseph Peter Calleja UCA News
Link to IImmoral Political Practices
Italy faces a political crisis amid a pandemic
by Colleen Barty The Associated Press
China: Walking in faith in Wuhan
by Independent Catholic News
Link to Catholicism and China
A silent massacre of Hong Kong's freedoms. As church leaders stand on the wrong side of history, we must hope that Catholics keep their soul and values intact
by Benedict Rogers UCA News
U.S. declares China's actions against Uighurs genocide.
by Michael R. Gordon and Eva Xiao The Wall Street Journal
Link to China Challengesand to War/Acts of War/Genocide
Communist Crackdown in China is “Beyond George Orwell’s Imaginings” — and It’s Only Getting Worse.
by Edward Pentin National Catholic Register
Neo-Nazi group to pay $10K to Charlottesville car attack survivor
by Associated Press/Fox19Now
Link to Neo-Nazis
U.S. church aid to seminary helps continue work of slain Salvadoran rector
by Rhina Guidos Catholic News Service/Crux1
What Dr. King and St. Ignatius Taught Me About Discernment and Anti-Racism
by Ken Homan, SJ The Jesuit Post
Sudan: Over 140 people die in clashes between rival groups
by Vatican News reporter Vatican News
The Philippines’ Antiterror Bill Will Stifle Dissent
by Aaron Sobel Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
Link to Terrorism and to Political Abuse
Ohio cathedral vandalism suspect, police officer killed in volley of gunfire
by Catholic News Service/Crux
Oklahoma seeking to return $2M worth of hydroxychloroquine
by Sean Murphy The Associated Press
The secret Jewish history of Dolly Parton
by Seth Rogovoy The Forward
Caravan of migrants halted on Guatemala border. The latest caravan of migrants originating in Honduras, is facing a markedly different response from the authorities of neighboring Guatemala and Mexico.
by James Blears Vatican News
Link to Migrants, Refugees, and Immigrants Challenges
In message for World Sick Day, Pope Francis calls for health care for all
by Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service/Chicago Catholic
Link to Healthcare
What Joe Biden (and all American Catholics) owe Jesuit John Courtney Murray
by Massimo Faggioli America
Netanyahu courts Arab voters in election-year turnabout
by Joseph Krauss The Associated Press
Witness & Grace Conversations .A Conversation on Anti-Human Trafficking
by Sr. Gabriella Bottani and Sr. Jean Schafer Global Sisters Report
Link to Human Trafficking
Pope Francis prays for homeless man who died in freezing cold near St. Peter’s Square
by CNA
Link to Homeless
4 Die in Explosion in Madrid, Spain including Newly Ordained Catholic Priest - Pope Sends Condolences - RIP
by Jesus Caritas Est Catholic World Report
American Funerals
by Anne Roiphe Tablet
Link to End of Life Challenges
Ex-Vatican bank president given 9-year prison sentence for money-laundering
by Hannah Brockhaus Catholic News Agency/Angelus
Link to Financial Crimes
President Joe Biden, St. Augustine, and the ‘City of Man’
by Father Raymond J. de Souza National Catholic Register
President Biden: ‘Build Back Better’ for everyone, everywhere
by Tony Magliano Catholic Sentinel
Dutch police clash with anti-lockdown protesters in 2 cities
by Peter Dejong The Associated Press
Link to General Violence Challenges
Bible podcast hits top of the charts
by CathNews
Link to The Bible
The Holy See and thug regimes
by George Weigel Catholic San Francisco
Can Artificial Intelligence Replicate the Mystery of Human Conversation?
by Kevin Kuehl, SJ The Jesuit Post
The removal of Trump from Twitter was long overdue. A priest argues why truth must trump access to social media
by Bill Dailey National Catholic Register
Link to Social Media
Mayor in Spain removes cross from convent, throws it in dump
by Inés San Martín Crux
Link to Fear, Hate, Prejudice, and Discrimination against Others
Mayor in Spain removes cross from convent, throws it in dump
by Soli Salgado Global Sisters Report
Link to Central and South America Challenges
Please support one of our organizations, colleagues, and friends who need help
Please send a donation for help save the life of my close friend Alwin Rex in India. Please read the article How do we love our neighbor as ourselves? and send a donation of $10.00 or more to help cover his healthcare costs to PayPal link : https://www.paypal.me/AlwinRex
Thank you
Gordon Nary
Editor, Profiles in Catholicism
Please help Francis Otieno care for children affected by HIV/AIDS
in Africa who are also starving. He desperately needs your donations.
Thank you
Gordon Nary
Editor, Profiles in Catholicism
Donation request for mentally retarded children in India When Children are Set Free
by Father Shay Cullen Preda Foundation
Father Shay Cullen established The Preda Foundation in Olongapo City in 1974 and has being rescuing enslaved children and women from sex slavery and children from jails. He has been nominated four times for the Nobel Peace Prize, and received other human rights awards
Book Reviews/Commentaries
Beyond the Bars: From Prison to the Podium
by Chris “Tatted Strength” Luera and Michael Oropollo
Reviewed by Eileen Quinn Knight, Ph.D. Profiles in Catholicism
Aging Behind Prison Walls: Studies in Trauma and Resilience
by Tina Maschi, Ph.D. and Keith Morgen, Ph.D.
Commentary by Tom Stoelker Fordham News
Chokehold: Policing Black Men
by Paul Butler
Commentary by Georgetown University
Refuge In Hell
by Ronald D. Lemmert
Reviewed by George Williams America
St. Maximilian Kolbe The Saint of Auschwitz
by Jean-Francoi Vivier
Reviewed by Thomas L. McDonald National Catholic Register
Prison Truth
by William J. Drummond
Reviewed by Robin Kaiser-Schatzlein L.A. Review of Books
No Friend But the Mountains: Writing from Manus Prison
by Behrouz Boochani
Reviewed by Andrew Hamilton La Croix International
Learning to Pray
by James Martin. S.J.
Reviewed by Eileen Quinn Knight, Ph.D. Profiles in Catholicism
Catholicism & Citizenship: Political Cultures of the Church in The Twenty‐First Century
by Massimo Faggioli
Reviewed by Eileen Quinn Knight, Ph.D. Profiles in Catholicism
Race & Religion in American Buddhism: White Supremacy and Immigrant Adaptation
Adaptation by Joseph Cheah
Reviewed by Eileen Quinn Knight, Ph.D. Profiles in Catholicism
Joe Biden and Catholicism in the United States
by Massimo Faggioli
Reviewed by John Lavenburg Crux
Abraham Joshua Heschel Today: Voices from Warsaw and Jerusalem
by Harold Kasimow
Reviewed by Dr. Eugene Fisher Profiles in Catholicism
Life in Christ: Knowledge of God Made Visible in Jesus the Man
by Mary Jane Miller
Reviewed by Eileen Quinn Knight, Ph.D. Profiles in Catholicism
Let us Dream, the Path to a Better Future
by Pope Francis
Reviewed by Eileen Quinn Knight, Ph.D. Profiles in Catholicism
Saint Irenaeus of Lyons: Against Heresies & Fragments
Edited by Alexander Roberts, D.D & James Donaldson, L.L.D
Reviewed by Eileen Quinn Knight, Ph.D. Profiles in Catholicism
The Kingdom Began in Puerto Rico: Neil Connolly's Priesthood in the South Bronx
by Neil Connolly
Reviewed by Alyssa Maldonado-Estrada National Catholic Reporter
Tolkien’s Modern Reading: Middle-earth Beyond the Middle Ages
by Holly Ordway
Reviewed by Michael Ward The Dispatch/The Catholic World Report
The Accursed Tower
by Roner Crowley
Reviewed by Timothy D. Lusch The Catholic World Report
Finding Christ in the Crisis
by Father Harrison Ayre
Commentary by Kate Olivera Catholic News Agency
How the Mothers of Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, and James Baldwin Shaped a Nation
by Anna Malaika Tubbs
Commentary by Adelle M. Banks Religion News Service
The Purpose of Power: How We Come Together When We Fall Apart.
by Alicia Garza
Commentary by Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor The New Yorker
Holy Week Voices from the Holy Land
by Fr Richard Nesbitt
Reviewed by Independent Catholic News
The Franciscan Pontificate
Reviewed by Shaun Kenney Ethika Politika
Translation Perspectives: Jesus and Early Christians
by J. A. Dick Another Voice
When Prophecy Failed: QAnon in Light of Sociology of Religion
Reviewed by James F. McGrath Patheos
Green Burial
Reviewed by Bernadette Meaden Independent Catholic News
Tropic of Stupid
by Tim Dorsey
Reviewed by Bruce DeSilva The Associated Press
Love Tenderly: Sacred Stories of Lesbian and Queer Religious
by Grace Surdovel IHM and Jeannine Gramick SL
Commentary by Claire Giangravé Religion News Service
Film Reviews/Commentaries
A Prayer Before Dawn
Reviewed by Geoffrey Macnab Independent
Soul
Commentary by Tim Breen, SJ The Jesuit Post
Just Mercy
Commentary by Christopher White Crux
The Work
Commentary by Gregory Mellor America
13TH: A Documentary by Ava DuVernay
Reviewed by Morris Reeves Profiles in Catholicism
Chasing the Rain
Reviewed by Emily McFarlan Miller Religion News Service
The Flood
Reviewed by Ellen Teague Independent Catholic News
The Life Ahead
Reviewed by Jo Siedlecka Independent Catholic News
Television Reviews/Commentaries
The Crown
Reviewed by James Martin, S.J. and Kerry Weber America
The Promised Neverland
Commentary by Sean Barry, SJ The Jesuit Post
The Art of Political Murder
Reviewed by Pamela Hill Nettleton U.S. Catholic
Tiger
Commentary by Joshua River The Verge
Remembering Those Who Have Passed
Feasting with the Saints
February 09 The Anniversary of Agnes Sorrel's Death
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