December 1-15 2019 Profiles in Catholicism
- Profiles in Catholicism
- Dec 16, 2019
- 14 min read
A Message from the Editor
Is our failure to address climate change a sin of omission? Pope Francis says destroying the environment is a sin and states that humans are turning planet into ‘wasteland full of debris, desolation and filth. We need to examine our conscious and address this challenge as a shared responsibility to protect the gift that God has given us.
Special Prayers
A Prayer to Protect our Environment
O God, your creative love brought forth our world,
Once a garden where humans could taste and see beauty and goodness.
But our eyes do not always see the sacredness of Creation.
We do not always remember that it is Gift
Given so that all humans may live and flourish.
Inattention can change the world.
Even mighty glaciers weep now.
Lifestyles create pollution that blot out the sun.
The very skies above us are threatened.
Seas rise and whole peoples lose their homes.
O God, we ask you to
Call us to renewal and to stewardship.
Call us to solidarity with the earth and all its creatures.
Give us new vision to see the fragile beauty that remains with us.
Give us new spiritual energy to become active in loving the world
through our daily lives,
Give us new voices to speak out for environmental solidarity.
Bless us with a love of your Creation
So that we may glimpse your Eden once again.
Adapted from a prayer by Jane Deren Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
A Prayer for Those Killed at US naval bases in Pensacola, Florida, and Pearl Harbor
THY WILL BE DONE
O Lord our God,
You call all your children to serve You.
To serve with sincerity and fidelity.
To serve with generosity an honor.
And to some of your children,
You call them to serve You as they serve others.
To dedication their entire lives to the service of others
In serving their country.
We are so much better for their lives.
So now, it is so difficult for us
When some of your children
So serving
Are killed so wantonly.
We want to ask why? How?
For what reason?
Gently you remind us,
Questions have no place in our prayer.
Still even as we ask that you comfort us
In our sorrow and our sadness?
You remind us always,
Thy will be done.
Thy will be done.
by Father David O. Brown, O.S.M.. Profiles in Catholicism
God, all-merciful and kind,
lead, guide, and direct the people of Iran
who struggle for justice.
Watch over, we pray, especially those who have been wounded and lost their lives.
Lift the hearts of all who grieve the loss of loved ones.
Give the people of Iran hope in their struggles. Amen
by Father Louis Cameli Profiles in Catholicism
A Prayer for the Six Children Who Died from Cystic Fibrosis
Good and gracious God, We ask you to bless our fellow journeyman, an Irishman from Co. Meath who lost six of his sons to Cystic Fibrosis. We ask you to hold this family in your loving arms and help them continue. The six sons were between the ages of 3 and 6 months born in the 1960's and 1970's.
He and has wife longed for the survival of each one of them. For the first one he bought a little statue to place on the mantel on behalf of his first son and subsequently on behalf of the others. Graciously, Lord, give them peace.
Your love for them is so embedded in their lives that you sent them 3 healthy children who have 8 wonderful grandchildren. May you continue to bless them with a long and wonderful life in which their children and grandchildren are getting to know you and love you better. We ask you this through Christ our Lord Amen
by Eileen Quinn Knight, Ph.D. Profiles in Catholicism
A Quote to Remember
The protection of our common home requires a growing global political consensus. Along these lines, I am gratified that in September 2015 the nations of the world adopted the Sustainable Development Goals, and that, in December 2015, they approved the Paris Agreement on climate change, which set the demanding yet fundamental goal of halting the rise of the global temperature. Now governments are obliged to honour the commitments they made, while businesses must also responsibly do their part. It is up to citizens to insist that this happen, and indeed to advocate for even more ambitious goals.
Changing course thus means 'keeping the original commandment to preserve creation from all harm, both for our sake and for the sake of our fellow human beings.' A single question can keep our eyes fixed on the goal: 'What kind of world do we want to leave to those who come after us, to children who are now growing up? by Pope Francis
Interviews
General Articles/Commentaries
Student activists speaking up for the planet, then and now by Bill Mitchell Earthbeat/National Catholic Reporter Link to Environment Challenges
Spend Advent with Laudato Si' and a question: What is God asking of me? by Arthur Jones Earthbeat
The Effects of Climate Change by NASA Global Climate Change
WCC Statement on climate change emergency by Independent Catholic News
Pope Francis on Climate Change "...safeguard the conditions of a life worthy of humanity on a “healthy” planet for today and tomorrow.." by Jesus Caritas Est Catholic News World
Pope prays for Albania after earthquake leaves dozens dead by Junno Arocho Esteves Catholic News Service
Adrift & Alone.The Bishops Meet, and Miss the Point by Massimo Faggioli Commonweal
Lockdown lifted at Jackson State after active shooter report by The Associated Press Link to Gun Violence
Internet Safety for Teens, Kids, and Students by Dean Chester Best VPN News Link to Youth Outreach/Protection and to Social Media
Pope rushes aid to Albania earthquake victims by Independent Catholic News
Victims of Christian persecution remembered at ‘Night of Witness’ service by Kurt Jense Catholic News Service/America
Christian leaders in Egypt reflect on persecution of Coptic minority by Christopher White Crux
Martyrdom is Impossible: The Pope in Japan and Silence by Stephen G. Adubato Patheos
Bishops struggle to put out fires across a Latin America ‘in flames’ by Elise Harris Crux
A Young Jesuit Reflects on 50 Years of Social Justice by Matt Ippel, SJ, The Jesuit Post Link to Social Justice
Irish witness reveals horror of London Bridge terror attack by IrishCentral Staff IrishCentral Link to War/Terrorism/Genocide
Science Fiction Challenge by Nancy Lebofsky Sacred Space Astronomy
Germany expels Russian diplomats in probe of Berlin killing by David Rising The Associated Press Link to Murder
Evangelizers are like angels, bringing good news to the world, pope says by CNS/The Pilot Link to Evangelization
More than 5,000 patients treated during MSF response to dengue fever emergency by Médecins Sans Frontières Link to Dengue
Caritas delivers food aid to flood victims in Muslim Somalia by Fredrick Nzwili Catholic News Service/America Link to Catholic/Muslim Challenges
Reflections on the Priesthood by Bishop Fabian Bruskewitz, S.T.D. Catholic Exchange Link to Priestly Reflections
Everyday Heroes: Army officer donates part of liver to save priest's life by Anreew Fowler The Pilot
Vatican dicastery announces formation of new youth advisory body by Paige Hanley Catholic News Service/National Catholic Reporter Link to Youth Outreach/Protection
Teenager's charity calendar raises hundreds for overseas communities by Independent Catholic News
A History of Silence The story behind the AIDS crisis’ most iconic poster by Avram Finkelstein Tablet Link to HIV/AIDS
Trajectory of hateful rhetoric led to Holocaust, say speakers at dialogue by CNS/The Pilot Link to The Holocaust
Is Pope Francis Against Apologetics & Defending the Faith? by Dave Armstrong Patheos
‘The most beautiful head of the Savior’ by Nora Hamerman The Arlington Catholic Herald Link to Spirituality and Art
David Duke and His Twitter Nazis Got Mad at Me. Twitter Took Their Side. by Jon Schwarz The Intercept Link to White Supremacy
He Survived A Near-Lynching. 50 Years Later, He's Still Healing by Jud Esty-Kendall and Avery Ellfeldt NPR Link to Racial Challenges
30 million U.S. Hispanic Catholics here and now by Hosffman Ospino Echoes
Growing number of U.S. Latinos leaving Catholic Church for Islam by Deacon Greg Kandra Patheos
Christian Persecution Leads to ‘Many Thousands’ of Converts by Edward Pentin National Catholic Register
Atheist Convert Roy Schoeman’s Mystical Encounter With Our Lady by Brian Kelly Catholicism.org
Measles epidemic in Samoa – Caritas provides helping hands by CathNews Link to Measles
The Abortion Wars May Never End. by Brian Fraga Patheos Link to Abortion
The new bill that would create a crime called “abortion murder,” explained by Anna North Vox
Ministry to Trauma Victims: Lessons from the Prophet Joel Part 2 by Marina H. Hofman, PhD Intersection
8,000 people at March for Life in Berlin, Germany with many Youth and Bishops - Protesters blocking were Removed by Police by Jesus Caritas Est Catholc News World
Four Ebola-response workers killed in attacks, forcing withdrawal from critical DRC region by Helen Branswell STAT Link to Ebola
German Catholic Church Debates Sexuality, Celibacy and Women’s Roles by Liam Stack The New York Times
Metaxas' "Donald Builds the Wall" Recalls Nazi Children's Books by Libby Anne Patheos
Inspiring Tale of a Chicago Neighborhood That Would Not Die by Martha Irvine Associated Press/The Skanner
Bishops welcome repatriation of British orphans from Syria by Independent Catholic News Link to United Kingdom Challenges
Who Are Turkey’s Proxy Fighters in Syria? by Elizabeth Tsurkov NYR Daily
Has Franklin Graham Gone Off the Rails? by Rpger E. Olson Patheos
On papal flight, Pope Francis talks Vatican financial scandal by Hannah Brockhaus The Herald Link to Financial Crimes
General election: Why Catholic schools matter by Independent Catholic News Link to Catholic Schools
How the infamous Oberammergau Passion Play is evolving by Noam E. Marans Religion News Service Link to Catholic/Jewish Challenges
Forgotten Mass Destruction of Jewish Homes During “Kristallnacht” by The Conversation Patheos
Why Have Evangelical Churches Gained So Much Political Influence in Latin America? Expert Points to 5 Factors in BBC Interview by Andrew Chesnut Patheos
50 years since White House conference on food, hunger issues remain by Carol Zimmermann Crux Link to Poverty
’Death in the modern age – and how to prepare as a Catholic by Adelaide Mena The Catholic World Report Link to End of Life
Labour’s manifesto could transform British politics—even if it doesn’t win the election by Daniel Fitzpatrick Quartz
Possibility Of Female Deacons Gives Some Catholics Hope by Shahla Farzan NPR Link to Women's Challenges
Anglican Church in Mexico supports action against child abuse by Rachel Farmer Anglican Communion News Service Link to Children Outreach/Protection
Church eases hunger pains of Vietnam's ethnic children by ucanews reporter UCANews
Bishops Viganò & Schneider Reject Authority. by Dave Armstrong Patheos
Christian leaders in India praise release of five men after years in jail on false charges by Nirmala Carvalho Crux
Autism and ADHD Share a Common Genetic Burden by GEN Link to Autism
Christians Should Embrace Neurodiversity by Fr. Matthew Schneider Patheos
A Mother And Daughter On Homelessness, Humility And A $6-A-Week Grocery Budget by Kamilah Kashanie,Kelly Moffitt, and Avery Ellfeldt NPR Link to Homeless
Convincing us to believe he doesn’t exist might be the finest trick the devil has ever played. by Elizabeth Bruenig The Hedgehog Review Link to Exorcism and Satanism
Violins recall Holocaust but also play notes of hope at prayer service by Kevin Kilbane Crux Link to The Holocaust
Pope Francis on Evangelization says "The longing for God, for an infinite and true love, is rooted in the heart of every person. by Jesus Caritas Est Catholic New World Link to Evangelization
Bishops decry firing of Philippines' drug czarina by Joe Torres, Manila UCANews
Bishops need to recognize their own checkered history by NCR Editorial Staff National Catholic Reporter
When refugees have faces and names – affirming our common humanity by Stephan de Beer Spotlight. Africa Link to African Challenges
Active Shooter Drills May Not Stop A School Shooting — But This Method Could by Anya Kamenetz and Lee Gaines NPR Link to Gun Violence
The Vatican’s China Syndrome by Robert Royal The Catholic Thing Link to Catholicism and China
Persecution has ‘strengthened the prophetic role of church’ in Asia, priests say by Christopher White Crux
Analysis: US bishops at odds over abortion and 'the Francis test' by Ed Condon Catholic News Agency
German Catholic Church Debates Sexuality, Celibacy and Women’s Roles by Liam Stack The New York Times
Pope Francis laments violence against Iraqi protesters. by Devin Watkins Vatican News
Trump’s attacks on public servants undermine the Constitution—and his own office. by The Editors America Link to United States Politics
Civil rights league honours priest for 30-year pro-life protest on Parliament Hill by Andrew Ehrkamp Catholic Canada
Sedevacantism Is Modern Luciferianism by Michael Massey OnePeterFive
14 People Killed by Gunmen at Christian Church in Burkina Faso - Please Pray! by Jesus Caritas Est Catholic News World
How a ‘fallen away’ Catholic became a priest by Deacon Greg Kandra Patheos
On Day of the Disabled, pope calls for ‘full integration’ in society by Inés San Martín Crux Link to Disabilities
Kim again rides horse up sacred peak as N. Korea raps Trump by Hyung Jin Kim The Associated Press
Australia's bishops protest national move to force priests to reveal confessions by CNA Staff/The Pilot
Bishop accused of corruption, fathering child now faces harassment complaint by Nirmala Carvalho Crux
What the street tells me: Reflections in front of an abortion clinic by Richard McGuire The Catholic World Report
Friendship with the Poor by Elias Crim Patheos
The Catholic Apologetics Subculture has developed spiritual lupus by Mark Shea Patheos
Teen dedicates Scout project to unborn children, including four siblings by Kristen L. Byrd The Pilot
Retired Chinese cardinal blasts ‘disastrous’ rapport with Vatican by Elise Harris Crux Link to Catholicism and China
Iraq: Signs of hope amongst great suffering and persecution by David Alton Independent Catholic News
What happens When Everyone Tries To Get Nukes .Israel’s ‘Begin Doctrine,’ a commitment to prevent rival regional powers from acquiring nuclear weapons, risks becoming unenforceable—but it’s not clear what comes next by Jay Solomon Tablet Magazine Link to Nuclear Challenges
Sisters sue Catholic Diocese of Harrisburg, say church should have protected them from predatory priest by Anne Shannon WGAL News 8 Link to Sexual Violence Against Women
Woman hit with Bullet and Seriously Injured while Praying Novena at Catholic Church in Haiti by Jesus Caritas Est Catholic News World
Christians Must Fight Strongly Against Modern Antisemitism by Henry Karlson Patheos Link to Antisemitism
629 Pakistani girls sold as brides to China by Kathy Ganno Associated Press
Pakistan activists decry abduction, conversion of Christian teen by Zahid Hussain UCANews.com
Pope meets with Polish Solidarity (Solidarnosc) by Independent Catholic News
Sister Bethany Madonna on the Gift of Vocation by Team Busted Halo Busted Halo Link to Vocations
Belgian Church on the decline. Baptisms decrease by 12 percent, confirmations by 4 percent and marriages by 14 percent, according to a Church report by Xavier Le Normand La Croix International
Why I Started a Book Club in the Harris County Jail by Amalia Beckner Observer Link to Prison Challenges
Pan-African summit opens with pleas for justice for Africa and its people by Christopher White Crux Link to African Challenges
Pittsburgh Steelers’ Rookie QB Thankful for Conversion to Catholicism by Trent Beattie National Catholic Register Link to Sports and Spirituality
Only Catholic Priest Who Played in a Major League Baseball Game by Brian Kelly Catholicism.org
Strongsville Catholic priest arrested on child porn charges by Cleveland Plain Dealer Link to Pornography Challenges
#Me Too Movement for Church. Asymmetrical relationship between priests and nuns put the latter at the receiving end of abuse, says Togolese nun by Nicolas Senèze La Croix International Link to Women's Challenges
Teens hurl rocks at school bus transporting Jewish schoolgirls by Geller Report Staff Geller Report
Cardinal Tagle to lead Congregation for Evangelisation of Peoples by Independent Catholic News
New US asylum rule is gambling with lives of migrants, Catholic leaders warn by Catholic News Agency Link to General United States Immigration Challenges
Limerick man's dying wish to go to God on the back of his truck by IrishCentral Staff IrishCentral
Returnee migrant workers spark new HIV fear for Bangladesh by Stephan Uttom and Rock Ronald Rozario UCANews.com
A boy dying of cancer wanted to be buried near Pope Francis. His wish came true. by Gerard O’Connell America
US Catholics speak out in opposition to restart of federal executions by Independent Catholic News Link to Death Penalty
Pope Francis says he is ‘scandalized’ by anti-migrant rhetoric by Cindy Wooden - Catholic News Service/America Link to General Challenges
The Hidden Crisis in Rural America by Emily Buder The Atlantic Link to Mental Health/Illness
How do you forgive your abuser? by Vivien McGrath Vivien McGrath Link to Forgiveness
How I Became a Street Catholic by Elias Crim Patheos
Specola Guestbook: July 21, 1911 – Joel Metcalf by Robert Macke Vatican Observatory Sacred Space Astronomy Link to Astronomy
Vatican investments linked to global money laundering investigations by Ed Condon The Catholic World Report
Rosary Shrine Shines Light on Marian Heart of London by K.V. Turley National Catholic Register Link to The Rosary
Argentina: Church calls for social pact to help 16 million in poverty by Independent Catholic News
U.S. Catholic priests beset by overwork, isolation and scandals by David Crary Associated Press/America
Where there is pain, there is God. Human beings will never understand why suffering exists. But even in the midst of our pain, there is God. by a U.S. Catholic interview
Heartbroken Irish father buried all six sons he tragically lost to Cystic Fibrosis by IrishCentral Staff IrishCentral Link to Cystic Fibrosis
Quebec considers expanding eligibility for euthanasia by CathNews Link to Euthanasia
Tucker Carlson’s New Crush.The Fox News host goes full anti-Semite in his latest rant, a love letter to Henry Ford by Liel Leibovitz Tablet Magazine Link to Antisemitism
Lovers in Auschwitz, Reunited 72 Years Later. He Had One Question. by Keren Blankfeld The New York Times
For one Afghan activist, her burqa is the shield allowing her to denounce corruption, Trump by Claire Giangravé Religion News Service
St. Francis Xavier by Mission Doctors Association
Please support one of our organizations and people 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 Father Thomas Ayyaneth, Syro Malankara Catholic Eparchial Chancery,1500 DePaul Street, Elmont, New York 11003, USA with a notation that the donation is for Alwin Rex. FatherThomas will process donations and send them to his pastor. Thank you Gordon Nary Editor, Profiles in Catholicism
When Children are Set Free by Father Shay Cullen Preda Foundation
Book Reviews/Commentaries
Mary and the Fathers of the Church by Luigi Gambero Reviewed by Eileen Quinn Knight, Ph.D. Profiles in Catholcism
All God's Animals by Christopher Steck, S.J. Reviewed by Benjamin Ivry America
Love Prevails: One Couiple's Story of Faith and Survival in the Rwandan Genocide by Jean Bosco Rutagengwa with Daniel G. Groody Reviewed by Bill Tammeus National Catholic Reporter
Praying the Rosary With St. John Paul II by Gretchen Crowe Reviewed by Mark Pattison Catholic News Service/America
Sacred Liberty: America's Long, Bloody, and Ongoing Struggle for Religious Freedom by Steven Waldman Reviewed by Michael Sean Winters National Catholic Reporter (Part 1)
Sons of a Priest by Pat Okedinachi Utomi Reviewed by Pat Okedinachi Utomi The Guardian
Palestine Posts: An Eye-Witness Account of the Birth of Israel by Mordecai Chertoff Reviewed by Daniel Chertoff Tablet Magazine
Body Leaping Backward by Maureen Stanton Reviewed by Jenny Shank America
Age of Anger by Pankaj Mishra Reviewed by Chris Chatteris SJ Spotlight.Africa
Film Reviews/Commentaries
The Two Popes Reviewed by John Anderson America
Dickinson Reviewed by Jake Martin America
Frozen Reviewed by Sean Barry, The Jesuit Post
The Honest Struggle Reviewed by Aysha Khan Religion News Service
Waves Reviewed by Ciaran Freeman America
Television Reviews/Commentaries
The Crown Reviewed by KateT O'Hare Patheos
Art Reviews
Theater of Operations: The Gulf Wars, 1991-2011 Museum of Modern Art’s PS1 annex Reviewed by Peter Schjeldahl The New Yorker
Feasting with the Saints
December 27 St. John the Evangelist Feast Day
Prayers
A Prayer for Those Who Have Suffered Abuse by the Clergy
God, in your providential love you comfort those who are wounded and afflicted.
Hear our prayers for those who have suffered abuse by those in their families or by those entrusted with their care. In a special way, we pray for those who suffered abuse by clergy who betrayed a sacred trust and who were meant to stand for your loving presence in their lives. May those who have been hurt find support and encouragement in communities of faith, hope, and love. May they discover healing in genuinely loving and caring relationship. May they reclaim hope for themselves. May they be strengthened and confirmed in their resolve to set things aright. May they rest in you who make all things work for the good. Amen by Father Louis Cameli Profiles in Catholicism
I Am Becoming a Catholic
He called me...At first it was a tiny call and I said:
"Well I am listening" He called again and again I said:
"I am listening"
Sometimes His voice is strong and clear,
other times I can hardly hear Him,
Sometimes He calls me when I am looking at a beautiful sunset,
Sometimes He calls me when I am helping to serve the homeless,
sometimes He calls me when I am out to dinner with friends.
I am still listening
He wants me to follow Him now and always.
He wants me to follow Him in joy and solitude.
He wants me to follow Him when others are in need.
He wants me to follow Him when I have chosen to hurt Him
and then say I am sorry.
He is after me night and day.
He is after me at the dawn of a new day.
He is after me when daylight disappears.
His never ending loving call is for ME!
I want to belong to Him and His Church.
I want His presence to become stronger in my everyday life.
I want Him to love me now and forever.
I say YES and again YES.
He hugs me with a strong embrace.
He and I are together with the rest of His followers.
Now and forever. by Holy Name RC(A Committee Profiles in Catholicism
A Prayer for Migrant Children
Good Lord, who said “Whoever receives one of these little ones, receives me,” bless the little ones who are caught in the struggle of migration, separation, and abuse. Give all those adults who are responsible for them and for their welfare the wisdom and courage to do the children justice and to protect them. Make our hearts more ,loving and willing to do the right thing by them. May we see in all people young and old your image and so reverence their great dignity. We make our prayer through you who came among us as a child and who was forced to flee the threat of violence Amen by Father Louis Cameli Profiles in Catholicism
A Prayer to End Gun Violence
Lord Jesus, as you approached the city of Jerusalem, Before your passion, As your people waved palms in your honor, You saw the city and wept over it because you Loved it.
You knew of the violence and chaos you would suffer In that beloved city still you loved it and wept over it. Lord Jesus, look upon our cities, weep over them, Love them and protect them. Weep over us and strengthen us as we suffer Violence and chaos. Weep over us and love us. Lord Jesus, weep over us and love us. (See Lk 19) by Father David O. Brown, O.S.M.. Profiles in Catholicism
Videos
Grace, Guts & Glory ... Life of St Francis Xavier
Why did St. Padre Pio receive the Stigmata?
HE DIED AND MET GOD, AND HE WASN'T READY. The incredible near-death experience of Fr. Rick Wendell.