Profiles in Catholicism
Oct 13, 202023 min
Updated: Oct 19, 2020
A Message from the President
To the readers of Profiles in Catholicism: Thank you for taking the time to read this important edition about Healing the Wounds Caused by Clergy Abuse of Minors. I am a survivor of childhood sexual abuse by clergy. Personally, it has been a joy to collaborate with Father Hans Zollner, S.J., Gordon Nary, our editor, and Eileen Quinn Knight, Ph.D.. In my opinion, a survivor of clergy abuse, working side-by-side in the spirit of healing and reconciliation, with a priest and faithful lay Catholics is a model for healing individual abuse survivors and their families, and our church overall.
Knowing the abuse can cause terrible disruption in family relationships, I share two deeply personal stories of healing and reconciliation within my own family. I share those stories with you so you may know that healing from abuse, with God’s grace, is not only possible, it is in fact happening each and every day. Additionally, several survivors from across our Church wished to share their stories of resilience, hope, and healing. Also, please note The Survivor’s Roundtable. Several survivors of abuse answer the question, “What Does Healing From Abuse Look Like for Me?”. When you read this edition, I ask you to acknowledge and respect the personal heroic courage it took for survivors to express themselves.
Thank you for hearing the voices of survivors of clergy abuse.
Mike Hoffman President, Profiles in Catholicism
A Message from the Editor
In this issue of Profiles in Catholicism, we are primarily focusing on one topic -
Healing the Wounds Caused by Clergy Abuse of Minors. This has been done in preparation for our plans to launch a new publication next year titled Healing the Wounds Caused by Clergy Abuse of Minors.
However, in addition to our special focus on clergy abuse, we also feature our regular general reports on the diverse topics that we address in each issue
This will be an interfaith publication with a global focus. We will be
Interviewing survivors of clergy abuse, their caregivers, and advocates from multiple faiths and countries and featuring a comprehensive selection of general and medical articles on the healing process, We will have an advisory committee from various faiths and disciplines to help direct this landmark publication.
Healing is a lifetime process and can be enhanced by the healing stories and reflections of others who have shared similar trauma. We can all help each other to heal and there are many thousands of people whom I hope we can help heal globally.
The date, scope, and success of this project will depend on donations to cover the costs and distribution of this project. Donations can be made online or by mail. Here are the instructions for making donations.
We are seeking volunteers to serve on our Financial Committee to help us with grant writing and funding requests and for our Service Committee to help locate caregivers and survivors in various countries. By joining one of our committees you will have a profound influence on many globally who have been harmed by clerical sexual abuse, For further information, contact gnary@catholicprofiles.org
All of our interviews in this issue are with survivors of sexual abuse and those who care for them and provide leadership in addressing this challenge. Our book reviews and other reviews are also limited to healing challenges, We will continue to have all future issue of Profiles in Catholicism follow our standard format
by Gordon Nary
Editor, Profiles in Catholicism
Prayers
A Prayer for Healing Victims of Abuse
God of endless love,
ever caring, ever strong,
always present, always just:
You gave your only Son
to save us by his blood on the cross.
Gentle Jesus, shepherd of peace,
join to your own suffering
the pain of all who have been hurt
in body, mind, and spirit
by those who betrayed the trust placed in them.
Hear the cries of our brothers and sisters
who have been gravely harmed,
and the cries of those who love them.
Soothe their restless hearts with hope,
steady their shaken spirits with faith.
Grant them justice for their cause,
enlightened by your truth.
Holy Spirit, comforter of hearts,
heal your people’s wounds
and transform brokenness into wholeness.
Grant us the courage and wisdom,
humility and grace, to act with justice.
Breathe wisdom into our prayers and labors.
Grant that all harmed by abuse may find peace in justice.
We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
by The Paulist Center
A Prayer for Healing
Strengthen me, Holy One, on my journey through illness; Steady my steps on this difficult path. Bring me through signposts of remedies and therapies, Secure in Your guidance as I face these changes You are my Strength and my Hope, The Author of my healing. You are my Promise and my Courage, Guiding my helpers as I move toward healing. Guard the encouragement of simple improvements, Every day praising Your loving concern. Make me Your partner, Divine Physician, Restoring me for Your Name’s sake.
From Flames to Heaven: New Psalms for Healing and Praise
Prayer for Luzviminda Dayanda and Albert Orlina
Peace and justice are the gifts of heaven and we pray Lord Jesus that
the cruel and unjust deaths of your servants and friends
Luzviminda Dayanda and Albert Orlina may bring about that gift
to the people of Arby,
They were falsely accused as you were Jesus, murdered as you were
Lord for taking a stand for human rights, love of the people, and justice for all.
Give them justice by inspiring the people of Alba to work for freedom, justice, truth, and peace.
Amen
by Father Shay Cullen Profiles in Catholicism
A Prayer for the People in India with Covid-19
Loving Father, God of Mercy, you have given us your only Begotten Son as our Redeemer and Savior, who shared with us your tangible loving concern for us your Adopted Children. In all our needs you are there to help us, to guide us, protect us. Your own Son was instrumental to bring Healing, Consolation, Life, and Source of Hope and Confidence to many in this World. “Ask, and you will Receive”, so saying He gave us the Assurance that whatever we ask YOU, You will Grant us without Fail.
At this critical moment of a Global Disaster, the daily wide-spreading COVID-19 Pandemic, by which Millions of people are suffering, starving, and dying in all Countries, our only Hope is in You. It is You alone who can take away this terrible Epidemics from the Face of the Earth, completely and once and for all. Save us, give us Faith, Hope, and Confidence in You, and lead us to the Shores of Safety and Security. Through the Precious Blood of Your Son, send us the Holy Spirit to cleanse the World from all its impurities and imperfections, and take away this deadly Virus from our midst forever.
Mary, Mother of Help, Compassionate and Loving Mother, you were by the side of your Son at Cana to understand the people’s need and, unasked, to make your Son do His First Miracle. We are now in a great need of such a Miracle from you and your Son, to crush the pangs of the Deadly Killer Corona. We pray to you for this particular Intention for the whole World and particularly for the poor Country INDIA as well as the most affected section of the Rural Population in our own State and this Particular Area of our Charity Services. We ask this Favor in the Name of the Holy Trinity, and you Our Loving Mother. Amen.
by Father Stephen Nadakuzhackal Profiles in Catholicism
A Prayer for Migrants and Refugees
Good and Gracious God,
We place before you a prayer from deep in our hearts. The leader of our flock, Pope Francis, marked the World Day of Migrants and Refugees, on Sunday, September 27, asking the world to beseech you, dear Lord, as they had to flee their homes after a deadly week in seeking entry into Europe.
Over 200 drowned in the Mediterranean, dear God, your beloved Pope Francis, spoke to us during the Angelus and called and included a special greeting to the migrants and refugees who stood before the "Angels Unaware" statute in St. Peter's Square.
Please bless the repose of their souls and give comfort to their families who are left behind. Bless all of us who mourn for them deeply and hope at some time we will realize this home belongs to all. We ask you this through your Son, Jesus Christ.
by Eileen Quinn Knight, Ph.D. Profiles in Catholicism
A Quote to Remember
“The term dissociation is ordinarily used to describe the phenomenon of compartmentalization or fragmentation of mental contents. It does not ascribe any particular mechanism by which the dissociative process occurs. Does dissociation occur as a result of automatic, nonconscious processes, or are there other specific mechanisms by which it occurs? Especially in the context of describing amnesia, the term repression is widely used in connection with several different mechanisms. As it is commonly used, it often implies how individuals may block our memories of uncomfortable or conflictual experiences. If done consciously, the mechanism is more accurately called suppression, which results from actively trying not to think about negative experiences.”
by James A. Chu, Rebuilding Shattered Lives: Treating Complex PTSD and Dissociative Disorders
Prayer for Covid 19 Patients
Oh, Lord, we pray for all
who are suffering from Covid 19.
This pandemic has disproportionally attacked
people of color, the poor and the needy.
It has also attacked our national leaders
including the President and the First Lady.
We pray for all who are suffering from this
dreadful disease, that they may be well
and survive this plague.
Oh Lord, may you be with them
in their hour of need.
May better treatments and proven vaccines
be developed and help to save the lives
of so many of our fellow Americans.
Amen
by Dr. Eugene Fisher Profiles in Catholicism
A Prayer for Anthony Adams
Lord, please be compassionate and welcome Anthony Adams into your loving embrace. When psychological pain becomes unbearable to some that they end their life, it is wrong for us to judge.
Also, give his mother Leticia the strength to bear her incomprehensible loss.
by Gordon Nary Profiles in Catholicism
A Prayer for Beirut Catholic School
Dear Lord,
Beirut Catholic Schools are in a crisis, we need your assistance in helping all who are concerned about the schools to find the best way to serve you. Help the students and faculty to keep you on their minds as their school gets rebuilt. Help all who will construct the schools to realize that the next generation is being served by this construction. We ask you this in the name of the Father, Your Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen
by Eileen Quinn Knight, Ph.D. Profiles in Catholicism
Donation to Support Profiles in Catholicism
Interviews
Survivors Roundtable Discussion
Video
A discussion with Father Greg Sakowicz with Victims of Sexual Abuse and A Mass of Healing
Reading of Testimony by a Survivor by Chaplain Joe Johns
Healing General Articles/Commentaries
Making It Right At Home
by Mike Hoffman Profiles in Catholicism
A Model of Healing and Reconciliation: My Parents
by Mike Hoffman Profiles in Catholicism
Healing in God’s Hands
by Phillip Fry Profiles in Catholicism
Stages of Healing from Childhood Sexual Abuse
by Archdiocese of Milwaukee
Spiritual Healing After Sexual Abuse
by John Burger The Catholic World Report
Homecoming: Healing From Abuse
by T. Pitt Green Catholic Education Resource Center
Healing from Childhood Sexual Abuse
by Sharie Stines, Psy.D. PsychCenter
The Upside Down Room. Healing from Sexual Abuse
by Sue Johnston Chabad Lubavitch Medical Center
The Harm of Tshuvah: A Letter from an Abuse Survivor
by Rakhel Silverman Jewish Women; Archive
Spiritual Healing for Survivors of Clergy Sexual Abuse
by Dee Ann Miller, RN, BS AdvocateWeb
Healing From Clerical Sexual Abuse
by: Allen Hebert Your Holy Family Ministries
In hopes of healing, abuse survivor shares his story
by Dave Hrbacek Catholic News Service/CatholicPhilly
The Upside Down Room. Healing from Sexual Abuse
by Sue Johnston Chanod
Indigenous artist finds healing with murals at Alberta Catholic schools
by Wendy-Ann Clarke Catholic News Service via CatholicPhilly.com
Healing Medical Journal Articles/Commentaries
Healing from Childhood Sexual Abuse: A Theoretical Model
by CB Draucker J Child Sex Abus. 2011 Jul-Aug; 20(4): 435–466.
Why Get Over It Isn't Enough for Victims of Clerical Sexual Abuse
by Philippa Martyr Church Life Journal November 21, 2019
How Can We Help Victims of Clergy Abuse?
by Romeo Vitelli Ph.D. Psychology Today Feb 27, 2019
The essence of healing from sexual violence: a qualitative metasynthesis.
by Draucker CB, Martsolf DS, and others Research in Nursing & Health, 31 Jul 2009, 32(4):366-378
How Do Adult Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse Experience Formally Delivered Talking Therapy? A Systematic Review
by Sarah Parry,Jane Simpson J Child Sex Abus. 2016 Oct;25(7):793-812.
General Articles/Commentaries on Abuse of Minors
Featured Report
The Explosion of Child Abuse Online
by Father Shay Cullen Profiles in Catholicism
Top expert fears abuse of minors within families has increased during lockdown
by Inés San Martín Crux
When death and grief trigger the trauma of childhood sexual abuse
by Alisa Zipursky Healing Honestly
Fr Zollner: Do justice for victims of clerical sexual abuse. Fr Hans Zollner, SJ, President of the Centre for Child Protection at the Pontifical Gregorian University, discusses the initial results he has observed since the Meeting on the “Protection of Minors in the Church”.
by Francesca Merlo Vatican News
Protecting abuse survivors is ‘personal,’ says new Southern Baptist leader
by Adelle M. Banks Religion News Service
General Articles/Commentaries on the Other Topics That We Address
Forgiving the Unforgiveable: The Beautiful Work of Miguel Prats and the Maria Goretti Network
by Robert Fontana Catholic Life Ministries
Link to Forgiveness
Holy See at UN advocates debt relief for poor countries
by Vatican News staff writer Vatican News
Link to Catholic Activism
The White Scare. McCarthyism, woke-ism, and America’s war on humor and perversity
by Blake Smith Tablet
Cardinal Cupich on "Fratelli tutti": ‘Children of the same earth'
by Cardinal Blase Cupich Vatican News
Featured Report
Can Humanity Ever Be United in Doing Good?
by Father Shay Cullen Profiles in Catholicism
Featured Report
A Covid-19 Alternative Within America's Reach
by Wamara Mwine Profiles in Catholicism
Link to Coronavirus
Bioethics questions emerge from experimental drug used in COVID-19 treatment
by Dennis Sadowski Catholic News Service/Angelus
Link to Bioethics
COVID has killed more than one million people. How many more will die?/ Researchers warn that official figures underestimate the pandemic’s real death toll, which could more than triple if the virus is allowed to spread unchecked.
by Emiliano Rodríguez Mega Nature
US Medical Supply Chains Failed, and COVID Deaths Followed
by ABC News
Violence erupts at Dublin anti-mask rally as right wingers and counter-protesters clash. Protestors chant “Nazi scum off our streets” as they face off against Irish National Party- led group.
by Shane O'Brien IrishCentral
Nearly One-Third of Covid-19 Patients in Study Had Altered Mental State. The hospitalized patients showed signs of deteriorating neurological function, ranging from confusion to coma-like unresponsiveness, new research indicates.
by Pam Belluck The New York Times
Amid Rising Infections, Israeli Ultra-Orthodox Defy Lockdown
by Tia Goldener The Skanner
Rebuffed by the Vatican, Pompeo meets critics of Pope Francis. US secretary of state has been strident in his criticism of the Vatican's coziness with Beijing
by Michael Sainsbury UCA News
Federal Agents Used Toxic Chemical Smoke Grenades in Portland
by Sharon Lerner The Intercept
Link to War/Acts of War /Terrorism/Genocide
Push to bring coronavirus vaccines to the poor faces trouble
by Maria Cheng and Lori Hinnant Associated Press/ABC27
Link to Poverty
Will 2020 mark the turning point on abortion?
by Thomas R. Ascik The Catholic World Report
Link to Abortion
The Catholic Church in Latin America is losing control of the pro-life movement. Can it win it back?
by Eduardo Campos Lima America
Election violence in November? Here’s what the research says
by Ore Koren National Catholic Register
Link to United States Politics
Bishops and advocates denounce Trump administration’s historic low refugee cap
by AP, CNS, RNS, Staff and other sources
Pattern of Deception: From Trump Family Business to Grifter in Chief
by Andrea Bernstein NYR Daily
What Happens If Trump Actually Refuses to Accept the Election Results?
by Molly Jong-Fast Vogue
J'accuse Donald J.Trump
by Roy Morrison Common Dreams
Voting Catholic: How can Catholics help alleviate poverty in the United States?
by Kevin Christopher Robles America
Link to Poverty
In a First, New England Journal of Medicine Joins Never-Trumpers. Editors at the world’s leading medical journal said the Trump administration “took a crisis and turned it into a tragedy.”
by Gina Kolata The New York Times
Nicaraguan bishops speak out against Ortega regime’s attacks on free speech
by Inés San Martín Crux
Armenia says cathedral shelled in clashes with Azerbaijan
by Avet Demourian Crux
Link to War/Acts of War /Terrorism/Genocide
FBI uncovers plot to kidnap Michigan governor
by Veronica Rocha, Melissa Macaya and Meg Wagner CNN
Link to Political Crimes
Lessons from embedding with the Michigan militia – 5 questions answered about the group allegedly plotting to kidnap a governor
by Amy Cooter The Conversation
Link to War/Acts of War /Terrorism/Genocide
Trump Campaign Uses Racist And Sexist Tropes To Attack Kamala Harris
by NPR
Link to Racial Challenges and Outreach
GOP lawmakers seek to keep Louisiana pastor from prosecution
by Melinda Deslatte Crux
Trump’s rhetoric is at odds with Pope Francis’ call to recognize the humanity of refugees
by Giulia McPherson America
Link to General United States Immigration Challenges
A Rotting Pumpkin Reveling in Madness. The view from the debate
by Paul Merman Tablet
What a second Trump term would mean for the world
by Thomas Wright Brookings
Nessel: Militia groups, domestic terrorism are not just a Michigan problem
by Michigan Radio Network
Link to War/Acts of War /Terrorism/Genocide
Nun honored by Time Magazine says politics should serve people, not party interests
by Elise Ann Allen Crux
In Cameroon, COVID-19 pandemic preventing HIV/AIDS patients getting treatment
by Crux Staff Crux
Link to HIV/AIDS
Cardinal Zen: For the love of truth, I will not remain silent/ Cardinal Parolin lied in his Milan speech and is not even afraid of his conscience
by Cardinal Joseph Zen UCA News
Link to Catholicism and China
China Catholic bishops: Historic deal with Vatican reached
by BBC News
Archbishop pleads for help to end conflict between Armenia, Azerbaijan
by Catholic News Service/Angelus
Link to War/Acts of War /Terrorism/GenocideThe Cyber-Avengers Protecting
Hospitals From Ransomware .As medical facilities strain amid the pandemic, they’re especially vulnerable to cyberattacks. A global coalition of volunteer experts has stepped into the breach.
by Sonner Kehrt Wired
Link to Cybersecurity
Biden campaign says racism is a religious issue: ‘We must repent’
by Jack Lyons Crux
Link to Racial Challenges and Outreach
The Catholic Church Takes on Racism
by Wamara Mwine Fair Observer
Trump’s encouragement of GOP poll watchers echoes an old tactic of voter intimidation
by Mark Krasovic The Conversation
The Bleak Resonance of ‘Native Son’
by Gary Younge NYR Daily
Before the pandemic, refugee mental health was severely overlooked. Now it’s a full-blown crisis
by Tim Gaynor The UN Refugee Agency
Link to Mental Health/Illness
As Brazil burns, bishops point finger at Bolsonaro
by Eduardo Campos Lima Crux
Slain Catholic Priest Awarded Italy’s Highest Honor for Civil Valor
by Courtney Mares CNA/National Catholic Register
Link to Murdered Priests and Seminarians
Prof. David Baulcombe: Putting science at the service of Church and society. Professor David Baulcombe, newly-appointed member of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences and professor at Cambridge University, reflects on how science can be put at the service of society.
by Fr. Benedict Mayaki, SJ Vatican News
Link to Faith and Science
Russia’s Catholic Church warns against proposed curbs on clergy
by Jonathan Luxmoore Catholic News Service/America
Pope: Women are bearers of peace and renewal
by Vatican News Staff reporter Vatican News
Link to Women Challenges/ Outreach/Protection
Pro-Lifers Hail HHS Ethics Board’s Findings Against Fetal Tissue Research The ethics board reviewed 14 research proposals and recommended that HHS withhold funding from all but one of them.
by Mary Rose Short National Catholic Register
Link to Other ProLife Challenges
Social Media App ‘Clubhouse’ Had an Anti-Semitic Meltdown Over Yom Kippur
by Waiir Rosenherg Tablet
Link to Antisemitism and to Social Media
Beirut’s Catholic Schools: ‘The Blast Struck Our History’. Damage to Immaculate Conception School — which this year marked its 125th anniversary — is estimated at $1.4 million.
by Doreen Abi Raad National Catholic Register
Link to Catholic Schools and to War/Acts of War /Terrorism/Genocide
Pope Francis closes the door on the death penalty in ‘Fratelli Tutti’
by Father James Martin. S.J.. America
Link to Death Penalty
Bishop Barron: Catholic Twitter could learn a lot from St. Thomas Aquinas
by Sean Salai, S.J America
Looking at others as brothers and sisters to save ourselves and the world
by Andrea Tornielli Vatican News
Like a century ago, a papal encyclical tries to shed light on a dark time
by John L. Allen Jr Crux
First Muslim to ever present a papal encyclical praises ‘Fratelli Tutti’
by Gerard O’Connell America
Link to Catholic/Muslim Challenges
Mystery Woman Admits 500,000-euro Payment From Dismissed Cardinal
by Agence France-Presse via Barrons
Violence against indigenous peoples growing in Brazil, says Church agency
by Eduardo Campos Lima Crux
Link to General Violence Challenges
Catholic Priest Freed Two Years After Kidnapping by Jihadist Group
by Catholic News Agency/National Catholic Reporter
MLB All-Star Mike Sweeney Talks Family, Playoffs and New ‘Pray’ Documentary. Venerable Patrick Peyton’s prolific promotion of the Rosary highlighted in film.
by Trent Beattie National Catholic Register
Link to Sports and Spirituality
For Chiefs’ star kicker, his Catholic faith and family are his priority
by Andrew Fowler CNS/Crux
Without God and the church, I wouldn't have survived my son's suicide
by Leticia Ochoa Adams National Catholic Reporter
Black church turnout effort mobilizes against alleged voter suppression
by Adelle M. Banks Religion News Service
Climate warming is altering animals’ gut microbes, which are critical to their health and survival
by Sasha Greenspan The Conversation
Link to Environment and Climate Challenges, Advocacy, and Response
Tracking energy use in the Chicago Archdiocese, one meter at a time. Benchmarking program helps address efficiency, local greenhouse gas emissions
by Brian Roewe EarthBeat
Border Patrol agents raid faith-based immigrant aid camp for second time in two months
by Jack Jenkins Religion News Service
Link to Immoral Political Practices
Vatican putting 2 priests on trial accused of abuse, coverup
by Associated Press/KVOA
Link to Catholic Sexual Violence Against Minors
Report: Church of England failed to tackle child sex abuse
by Sylvia Hui Crux
Pope appoints U.S. Archbishop Charles Brown nuncio to the Philippines
by Catholic News Service/Crux
UK Bishops, Christian leaders appeal for halt to violence in Cameroon. Bishops Declan Lang of Clifton and Philip Egan of Portsmouth join with four other UK Christian leaders to call for an end to the violence and "robust diplomatic action" in Cameroon by the international community.
by Fr. Benedict Mayaki, SJ Vatican News
Link to African Challenges and to War/Acts of War /Terrorism/Genocide
Archbishop Aymond: Priest’s desecration of altar ‘demonic’
by CNA Daily News/The Catholic World Report
Link to Exorcism and Satanism
Bishop Glen Provost of Louisiana Shares How to Help Those Recovering From Hurricane Laura
by Melissa Enaje The Tablet
Filipino bishop condemns killing of parish workers Luzviminda Dayanda and Albert Orlina were both shot after being accused of being communist rebels
by Joseph Peter Calleja UCA News
Philippine archdiocese tackles pandemic woes by expanding food program
by Catholic News Service contributor/Crux
Bishop in disbelief over high Covid backing for Duterte. Survey reveals 91 percent of Filipinos support president's coronavirus measures
by Joseph Peter Calleja UCA News
Philippine altar servers take beggar under their wing. Boys receive online praise for transforming the life of a homeless man
by Joseph Peter Calleja UCA News
Link to Homeless
Domestic violence all the rage in Philippine lockdown. Pandemic has brought a sharp rise in abuses against Filipino women by their partners.
by Joseph Peter Calleja UCA News
Link to Domestic Violence
NYPD Memorial Mass Remembered Officers Lost to COVID
by NetTV
Trump’s ‘Remain in Mexico’ policy has thousands of asylum seekers still stuck at the border
by J.D. Long-García America
Link to General United States Immigration Challenges
Jesuit Refugee Service. USA Urges US to Stop Turning Away and Expelling Asylum Seekers
by Jesuit Refugee Service
How QAnon Conspiracy Theories Spread in My Colorado Hometown
by Aída Chávez The Intercept
Pittsburgh Jews urged to be vigilant as neo-Nazi released into community
by Donna Rachel Edmunds The Jerusalem Post
Link to United States Neo-Nazis
Spanish ‘Hosts Case’ Reveals Europe’s Internal Divisions Over Human Rights
by Solène Tadié National Catholic Register
Link to Human Rights
Call of the Heart - Prison Fellowship's Prayer Line
by Anita Boniface Independent Catholic News
Link to Prison Challenges
Bullying Presidents and Pastors
by James F. McGrath Patheos
New report details 44 accounts of alleged abuse by David Haas. Accusers request ban on Haas' liturgical music, saying it retraumatizes them
by Sophie Vodvarka National Catholic Reporter
Link to Sexual Violence Against Women and Girls
Catholic 'influencers' are using TikTok for community and evangelization
by Allyson Escobar National Catholic Reporter
Link to Social Media and to Evangelization
At election time, clergy need to stay pastoral rather than political
by Father Jeffrey F. Kirby Crux
Link to Politics
After Trying To Protect Water Sources, These Hondurans Have Been Held Without Bail For More Than A Year. Over the past two years, 31 people from the municipality of Tocoa, on the lush north shore of Honduras, have faced criminal prosecution as a result of their opposition to an iron ore mining project in the Botaderos Mount “|Carlos Escaleras” National Park.
by Jackie McVicar America
Link to Environment and Climate Challenges, Advocacy, and Response and to Catholic Activism
Pope Francis calls for ‘integral ecology’ in TED Climate Countdown video
by CNA Daily News/ The Catholic World Report
Cardinal says Pope’s new encyclical is a warning: The world is ‘on the brink
by Inés San Martín Crux
Pope Francis says Blessed Carlo Acutis is a model for young people to put God first
by CNA Daily News/The Catholic World Report
Link to Youth Challenges/ Outreach/Protection
Catholic Disability Group: Linden Cameron Shooting ‘Devastating
by JD Flynn CNA/National Catholic Register
Link to Disabilities and to Police Brutality and Misconduct
What Are the Moral Limits of Pacifism?
by Fellow Dying Inmate Patheos
New DRC Ebola case, allegations
by Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy
Link to Ebola
Backing Biden, John Carr calls out political misuse of bishops' voting guid
by Christopher White National Catholic Register
Moral Necessity of Voting With a Well-Formed Catholic Conscience
by Tony Magliano Indian Catholic Matters
Bishop Seitz: Single-Issue Voting Has Corrupted Christian Political Witness. Our vote is but one expression of this all-encompassing commitment to the common good and the project of building up solidarity
by Bishop Mark J. Seitz America
Chaldean cathedral in El Cajon vandalized. The door of St. Peter's Chaldean Catholic Cathedral in El Cajon. Credit. Eparchy of St. Peter
by Catholic News Agency/Catholic San Francisco
Report: Cardinal Pell is returning to Rome
by Rod McGuirk Associated Press/America
Child poverty facts: PM ‘misleading’
by CathNews New Zealand
Link to Children Challenges/ Outreach/Protection and to Poverty and to Murdered Children
Child poverty likely to increase in EU amid virus pandemic
by Samual Petrequin Associated Press
Elderly Jesuit priest arrested by Indian police. Bishop Mascaren has condemns NIA for taking away ailing Father Swamy at night
by UCA News reporter UCA News
Sister Thea Bowman on dying with dignity
by U.S. Catholic
Link to End of life
Catholic activists praise pope's move away from just war theory
by Joshua J. McElwee National Catholic Reporter
Pope prays for migrants, as 200 more die at sea
by Elise Ann Allen Crux
Link to General Immigration Challenges
Vatican appeals for 300,000 seafarers stranded at sea by Covid
by Independent Catholic News
Lifting women’s voices ignites important conversations about faith
by Susan Salaz U.S .Catholic
Link to Women Challenges/ Outreach/Protection
Vatican at UN: Statement on Women
by Independent Catholic News
Fantasy Football and the Catholic Church
by Maren Grossman Patheos
Link to Sports and Spirituality
Ethics experts see national security concern in Trump's massive debt; Trump went even further than other uber-rich to shrink taxes
by Samuel Petrequen The Associated Press
European Commission launches legal action against UK for breaching Withdrawal Agreement
by Kerry O'Shea Irish Central
US soldier plotted with Satanic neo-Nazis to ambush his own unit overseas, feds say
by Kyle Rempfer Anytimes
Link to NeoNazis Italy
Immigration and Citizenship, ‘Americanizing’ immigrants means first and foremost assuring them that they aren’t the first or the last new Americans
by Michael Walzer Tablet
Link to General United States Immigration Challenges
Georgetown Law Represents Plaintiffs in Lawsuit Challenging Public Charge.
by ISN Staff Ignation Solidarity Network
Church leaders condemn anti-Christian harassment in India
by Nirmala Carvalho Crux
Interfaith demonstrations across California demand release of incarcerated people amid COVID-19
by Alejandra Molina Religion News Service
Link to Prison Challenges
Mincione used former Vatican fund to invest in mafia-linked bond managed by Torzi company
by Ed Condon CNA/The Catholic World Report
Dominican brings compassion, insight to her second pandemic as an MD
by Chris Herlinger Global Sisters Report
Scholars call out Putin and the 'escalation' of persecution against Jehovah's Witnesses in Russia
by Emily McFarlan Miller Religion news Service
Link to Immoral Political Practices
Pope prays for migrants, as 200 more die at sea
by Elise Ann Allen Crux
Link to General Immigration Challenges
Cathedral, church in San Diego area desecrated with swastikas, other graffiti
by Catholic News Service/Crux
Link to United Stets Neo-Nazis
Graffiti attacks on San Diego-area churches being investigated as hate crimes
by Jonah McKeown Catholic News Agency/Angelus
Report: US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo Won’t Be Meeting With Pope Francis. As is the Vatian custom, Pompeo will meet with his Vatican counterpart, Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin. Report: US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo Won’t Be Meeting With Pope Francis
by Edward Pentin National Catholic Register
On China, Vatican and US risk flawed assumptions about each other
by John L. Allen Jr Crux
Australia: Men’s Gathering envisions men more engaged in the Church's life and mission. Archbishop Anthony Fisher of Sydney reflects on the upcoming Australian Men’s Gathering and the importance of a Christian formation to prepare Catholic lay men for their mission in the Church.
by Fr. Benedict Mayaki, SJ Vatican News
Systemic impunity for police parallels clerical protection of abusers
by Daniel P. Horan National Catholic Register
As Pompeo arrives in Rome, we’re through the looking glass
by John L. Allen Crux
Link to Catholicism and China
Hong Kong's Catholic millionaire pledges to fight for democracy. Jimmy Lai has been a supporter of Cardinal Joseph Zen, who baptized him in 1997
by UCA News reporter UCA News
Christianity Today Editor Becomes Catholic
by K. Albert Litle Patheos
Link to Conversions
President Higgins welcomes historic ruling on El Salvador murders'
by Jesuits in Ireland
Brazilian priest serving addicts in São Paulo’s ‘Crackland’ faces threats
by Eduardo Campos Lim Crux
Link to Substance Use/Addiction
Tracking energy use in the Chicago Archdiocese, one meter at a time. Benchmarking program helps address efficiency, local greenhouse gas emissions
by Brian Roewe EarthBeat
Link to Environment and Climate Challenges, Advocacy, and Response
The Two Spectres Haunting the Catholic Church
by David Cruz-Uribe Patheos
Sydney archbishop welcomes Australian plan to protect victims of modern slavery
by Catholic News Service/America
Economy prefect says Vatican must be ‘a house of glass’ as 2019 figures released
by CNA Daily News/the Catholic World Report
With no school amid pandemic, Kenyan girls fall prey to pregnancy risks
by Doreen Ajiambo Global Sisters Report
Link to African Challenges
Concerned Catholics Tasmania says church must change
by ABC News/CathNews
’Q & A with Sr. Mary Grace Akiror, 'the sister you cannot bribe' in Uganda
by Gerald Matembu Global Sisters Report
Bishops call for the release of Anglophone ‘political prisoners’ in Cameroonby Crux Staff Crux
Zimbabwe: Bishop protests at plan to conscript doctors
by Independent Catholic News
Kenya: Shalom Centre receives UN Accreditation
by Matt Moran Independent Catholic News
Catholicism in Nigeria: The Church stays strong while facing terrorism, persecution. Nigeria has become the world’s leading source of Christian martyrs, reportedly accounting for 90 percent of Christians killed for their faith worldwide in 2018
by Ray Cavanaugh The Catholic World Report
Proud Boys are "emboldened" by President Trump's language, former member says
by CBS News
Link to Fear, Hate, Prejudice, and Discrimination against Others
One Chicago community endures virus, violence, and turmoil
by Sharon Cohen Associated Press/Crux
Vatican Steps up Opposition to Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide
by Reuters
Link to Suicide/Assisted Suicide/Euthanasia
Why Are So Few Drugs Tested for Safety in Pregnancy? Expectant mothers have long been excluded from clinical trials.
by Jyoti Madhusoodanan Undark
Link to Pregnancy and Pregnancy Challenges
Order of Malta in limbo after Becciu’s ouster
by Elise Ann Allen Crux
Yes, I Denounce White Supremacy.
by Rene Albert Patheos
Link to White Supremacy
Indonesian nun lightens load on poor single mothers .Franciscan Sister Maria Katharina teaches women the skills to support themselves and their children
by Konradus Epa UCA News
Klausener remembered as first Catholic victim of Nazi regime in 1934
by Anli Serfontein Catholic News Service/Crux
The American-backed Syrian Democratic Forces captured two notorious British members of an Islamic State insurgent cell commonly dubbed “The Beatles” and known for beheading hostages, U.S. military officials said Thursday.
by Deb Riechmann, and Lolita C. Baldor The Associated Press/The Military Times
How a journalist uncovered a dangerous piece of Biblical fraud
by John J. Miller Angelus News
In India, hunger may kill migrant laborers before COVID-19
by Rani Punnaserril National Catholic Reporter
Fiji’s archbishop attacks ‘neo-colonialism’ of globalization, international corporations
by Charles Collins Crux
In Canada, New Bill Would Expand Euthanasia, Assisted Suicide, Catholics Warn
by Catholic News Agency/National Catholic Register
A Catholic star is born in Pakistan. Ravish Zahid should use her Mrs. Pakistan World title to promote interfaith harmony and women's rights
by Kamran Chaudhry UCA News
Our Virgilian Civilization (Or, the Devil Was the First Whig)
by James Matthew Wilson The Catholic Thing
For Coptic Church, changes, questions after priest ouster
by Mariam Fam Associated Press
Link to Sexual Violence Against Women and Girls
Saints Who Have Suffered Sexual Abuse
Please support one of our organizations, colleagues, and friends who need help
Please send a donation to 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 is 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 been 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.
Saikou Kambi, a 7-year-old boy in The Gambia who fell from a mango tree, was seriously injured and later died. We hope that some of our readers will make a donation to cover his medical expense. Donations should be sent to Heidi Troyer via PayPal to her email address-heiditroyercrossclub16@gmail.com. She will foreword it on it on to Saikou’s pastor, and funds donated that exceed his medical expenses will go to help support his family
Book Reviews/Commentaries
Toward Healing and Renewal: Sexual Abuse of Minors Held at the Pontifical Gregorian University
Edited by Charles J. Scicluna, Hans Zollner and David John Ayotte
Reviewed by Eileen Quinn Knight, Ph.D. Profiles in Catholicism
Abuse of Trust: Healing from Sexual Abuse
by Allen Hebert and Denae Hebert
Reviewed by Eileen Quinn Knight, Ph.D. Profiles in Catholicism
Glimmers of Grace: Moments of Peace and Healing Following Sexual Abuse
by Faith Hakesley
Reviewed by Eileen Quinn Knight, Ph.D. Profiles in Catholicism
Hurting in the Church: A Way Forward for Wounded Catholics
by Father Thomas Berg
Reviewed by Eileen Quinn Knight, Ph.D. Profiles in Catholicism
Film Reviews/Commentaries
Stories of Silence: Recovering from Sexual Abuse
Commentary by Florangela Davila The Seattle Times
Spotlight
Commentary by Andrew Pulver The Guardian
Remembering Those Who Have Passed
September 21, 2020, Maria Eugenia Rodriguez Torres,
Feasting with the Saints
Videos
Rosary for Healing and Protection
How to begin the healing process after child sexual abuse
Clergy sexual abuse survivor talks about his healing
How Childhood Sexual Assault Survivors Turned Trauma Into Art - Forum@360
Creating a safe Catholic Church with Fr Hans Zollner SJ
Interview with Fr. Hans Zollner SJ at Forum for Child Dignity in the Digital World
NYPD Memorial Mass Remembers Officers Lost to COVID
Survivor Testimony: Escaping the Auschwitz Gas Chambers - Rachel Gleitman
Depression & Child Sexual Abuse | Dr Rosaleen McElvaney
Clerical sex abuse victim's healing road
Healing from Clergy Sexual Abuse
Goals for Integrating Faith with Recovery from Child Sexual Abuse
Pope to Help Heal Wounds From Clergy Sex Abuse
Millions of children face starvation in Yemen warns United Nations - BBC News
Starving in Philippines' Coronavirus Lockdown: A 16-Year-Old's Story
The Joy of Feeding Hungry Children
Missionaries with Heart - 6/26/20
A Catholic Theologian Discusses Islam
The Maltese Bishops meet members of Christians Together in Malta
3 HOURS Healing Gregorian Chant 432Hz | Bendictus | Powerfull music for healing body mind and spirit