A Message from the Editor
2019 was a year marked with increased Antisemitism, especially in the United States and Europe To review some of the reports on Antisemitism, please review our web on Antisemitism.
In addition to some of the most current reports on AntiSemitism, we are featuring an interview with Dr. Eugene Fisher that addresses some of the causes of this increase in hated and violence.
Special Prayer
A Prayer to Defeat Antisemitism
Dear Jesus, Mary and Joseph, you were Jews and lived up to your faith, Judaism, all your lives.
You worked and taught the deeper meanings of your faith, not just to Jews, but through us Christians, both Jewish and gentile, to all humanity.
Oh Lord, we ask for forgiveness, as Pope St. John Paul II did, for the centuries of persecution Christians throughout the world perpetrated against your chosen people, the people of the Jew, Jesus, who died, as our Creed states clearly, at the hands of the Romans.
Oh Lord, the Second Vatican Council clearly condemned the false canard that Jews were responsible for the death of Jesus. Tragically, this false canard was believed by many Christians over the centuries, and became the basis for modern racial antisemitism. We repent for this as well.
Lord Jesus, we see in you the sacredness of your people, the Jews. We pray that we will have the resolve to act, to do whatever we can and whatever is necessary, to defeat the evil of antisemitism, which we see with horror is now spreading again with acts of terror against synagogues and innocent Jews simply walking the streets around their homes.
We resolve to join together with good people of all faiths and none to fight the evil that is antisemitism. We resolve to teach our children in our Catholic classrooms that Jews remain the Chosen People of God and that to attack Jews is thus to attack the One God of all humanity.
We resolve to work with our communities, law enforcement agencies, local, state and national legislators, and all three branches of the federal government to call out antisemitism for the danger it presents not just to Jews but to all Americans, and indeed to the very idea of what it means to be American.
We pray that the Holy Spirit will infuse our souls and minds| to enable us to follow through on joining our sister and brother citizens of good will, to establish an American society that lives up to the best of what it means to be persons of faith and faithful American citizens.
Amen by Dr. Eugene Fisher Profiles in Catholicism
A Prayer for Those Who Died, were Injured, or Suffered Loss lo due to the Wildfires in Australia
Heavenly Father, together we pray for all those affected by the fires in Australia. We fall to our knees crying out, hearing of the suffering of so many people and the destruction of your sacred earth. Please bring hope and healing to those who have lost so much, and protection to all the wildlife. by Mike Hoffman Profiles in Catholicism
A Prayer for Those Who Died in the Iran Plane Crash
Good and Gracious God,
We place before you a request to help all those whose families were travelling on the plane from Iran. They are people who were hoping to return to Canada and other places at a time of turmoil in the Mideast. Help the families of those on the plane to heal and forgive. Help us all to strive for peace in a world that has been at war with someone or the other for a great deal of our existence as humans.
Lord, help us to put you first in our hearts and our minds. Help those who are leaders in government to soothe and protect those who are in need. Help us to reach out to one another so we can realize the importance of a world at peace. Help us do that by starting in our own neighborhood and community. Let us reach out to one other person today to offer them peace in whatever way that is good for them. We ask you this through Christ, Our Lord. Amen. by Eileen Quinn Knight, Ph.D. Profiles in Catholicism
A Prayer on the Challenge of Abortions
The headlines stream about thousands of abortions.
The news is disheartening.
More, it is heart saddening.
Truly sad.
Not for the infants. They are with the Lord
But consider the sorrow and pain of mothers and fathers who are driven to such ends.
How their hearts must ache. How their hearts must bleed.
Lord, look with pity on them. Touch them. Heal them. Forgive them.
Please. Please forgive them. Heal their pain. by Father David O. Brown, O.S.M. Profiles in Catholicism
A Quote to Remember
"God has never stopped believing in the alliance made with Israel and, through the terrible trials of these past centuries, the Jews have kept their faith in God. And for this, we will never be grateful enough to them, as the Church, but also as humanity at large." by Pope Francis
Interviews
General Articles/Commentaries
Stabbings, shootings and assaults weigh on U.S. Jewish youth by Luis Andres Henao Associated Press/America Link to Antisemitism
The keys to understanding American anti-Semitism - and fighting back
by Rabbi Sacks The Jewish Telegraphic Agency
by Andrew Ehrkamp Catholic Canada
by Hillel Kuttler Tablet Magazine
Link to The Holocaust
Featured Report
by Father.Shay Cullen Profiles in Catholicism
Link to Human Rights and to Featured Reports
Catholicism, War, America, and Christ: Intro by Gabriel Blanchard Patheos Link to War/Acts of War/Terrorism/Genocide
What is the Vatican’s response to Trump’s attack on Iran? by America Staff America
Are Targeted Drone Strikes Allowed Under Just-War Theory? by Matt Hadro CNA/National Catholic Register
After Soleimani assassination, Pope warns war ‘brings only death and destruction’ by Elise Harris Crux
Iraqi cardinal: Innocents will 'be the fuel' for fire after drone strike by Dale Gavlak Catholic News Service/Chicago Catholic
Trump’s attacks against Iran bypassed Congress. Here’s why that’s a bad thing. by Maryann Cusimano Love America
9 big questions about Qassem Soleimani’s killing, answered by an expert by Dylan Scott Vox
Iraqi cardinal: Innocents will 'be the fuel' for fire after drone strike by Dale Gavlak Catholic News Service/Angelus News
Morality of drone warfare questioned after attack on Iranian general by Dennis Sadowski Catholic News Service/America
US faith groups condemn US aggression towards Iran by Independent Catholic News
Cardinal Tagle: ‘Shock and Sadness’ Over Suicide Rates in the Philippines by Catholic News Agency/National Catholic Register Link to Suicide/Assisted Suicide/Euthanasia
Archbishop Paglia: never euthanasia, assisted suicide and abandoning the sick by Luca Collodi Vatican News
Cardinal Nichols condemns hate speech after anti-Semitic graffiti appears by Simon Caldwell Catholic News Service/America Link to Antisemitism
The Prophet by Jacob Siegel Tablet
by Catholic News Service/Angelus News
by Elise Harris Crux
At New Year’s Mass, bishop says religious prejudice cannot be tolerated by Catholic News Service/Crux Link to Fear, Hate, Prejudice, and Discrimination against Others
Catholic, Christian, Muslim voices condemn knife attack on N.Y. rabbi
by Catholic News Service/America
Brazil judge orders Netflix to remove film with gay Jesus by Associated Press/.Crux
Traditional Catholic Procession in the Philippines brings Millions to the Streets for the 'Black Nazarene' sculpture of Jesus by Jesus Caritas Est Catholic News World Link to Spirituality and Art
There’s little evidence to support Pence’s tweets tying Qassem Soleimani to 9/11
by Isaac Saul Vox
Mideast Catholic patriarchs pray for those suffering, appeal for dialogue by Doreen Abi Raad Crux’
Australian Bishop Calls for Prayer and Support as Fires Continue to Rage. by Catholic News Agency National Catholic Register
Dangerous Disconnects? Seminarians, Theologians, & the Life of the Church by Massimo Faggioli Commonweal
What a shocking medical experiment can teach us about Christ’s atonement by M.T. Bennett America
by Richard Hollingham BBC
War with Iran – not a Catholic option by Tony Magliano Acting Franciscan
Trump’s new Iranian oil sanctions may inflict pain at home without serving strategic objectives
by Gregory Brew The Conversation
by Dylan Scott Vox
by Cerith Gardiner Aleteia
Link to Disabilities
She Shouldn’t Have to Carry It Alone by Vanessa Camacho Taller de Jose Link to Migrants, Refugees, and Immigrants Challenges
Cities of Ice. A dispatch from frozen Harbin, where Jews once flourished—and melted away by Dara Horn Tablet
The Nuba Mountains Doctor by Godfrey B. Kampamba Vatican News
Mexico and Guatemala protest US migrant agreement by James Blears Vatican News Link to United State Immigration Challenges
Priest in Mexico in ‘Serious Condition’ After Being Kidnapped, Shot by Catholic News Agency/National Catholic Register
First responder (who was once a seminarian) baptizes dying baby and she revives by Aleteia
Vatican magazine looks at women in the church in the age of Pope Francis by Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service Link to Women's Challenges
7 Reminders from the Popes that Catholics Must Oppose Anti-Semitism by Brendan Gottschall, SJ The Jesuit Post Link to Antisemitism
Sitting Ducks. New criminal-justice reforms combined with restrictive gun laws are making it impossible for Jews to be safe in New York by Liel Leibovitz Tablet
Empowering Children and Youth with Disabilities in Jordan by International Catholic Migration Commission
Link to Disabilities and to Children Outreach/Protection
by Annalisa Teggi Aleteia
Link to Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Reparations Mark New Front for US Colleges Tied to Slavery by Carolyn Thompson Associated Press Link to Racial Challenges
by Matthew BeDugnis America
Link to Cerebral Palsy
by Jesuitical America
Link to Martha Hennessy
by Carol Zimmermann Catholic News Service
Link to Gun Violence
Pope Francis appeals for prayers for Somalia blast victims by Associated Press/Crux Link to War/Terrorism/Genocide
Pope Francis Prays for 176 Victims of Iran Plane Crash by Hannah Brockhaus CAN/National Catholic Register
He’s 4 years old with Down syndrome, and his brothers’ joyful keeper
by Annalisa Teggi Aleteia
by Eric Levitz Intelligencer
Link to United States Politics
Not a Sham. Why the Democrats Were Right to Impeach by The Editors Commonweal
The 'ecological sin' debate by Jean François Channon Denwo La Croix International (with Catholic News Service) Link to Environment and Climate Challenges
Everyday Heroes: NFL kicker’s friendship with teammate strengthens faith by Andrew Fowler Catholic News Service/Crux Link to Sports and Spirituality
Cultivating virtue through sports by Patti Maguire Armstrong Our Sunday Visitor
NFL Scout Takes Ride to Playoffs in Stride with His Catholic Faith by Trent Beattie National Catholic Register
Former Indianapolis Colts' GM Enjoying Ride to Playoffs With the Seattle Seahawks by Trent Beattie National Catholic Register
The story of Notre Dame icon Rudy Ruettiger? It's almost too good to be true by Ryan McGee ESPN
How a Former Bank Robber Saved Her Football Star Son from a System Unkind to the Mentally Ill by Vince Beiser Los Angeles Magazine Link to Mental Health/Illness
We need to protect the least among us: the unborn by Matt Malone, S.J. America Link to Abortion
Lawmakers in Mexican state defeat bill to expand legalization of abortion
by Catholic News Agency
by Russell Shaw National Catholic World Report
A New Report Highlights the Shocking Racial Disparity Among L.A.’s Homeless Population by Zoie Matthew Los Angeles Magazine Link to Homeless
Church must deal with ‘fear factor’ keeping bad bishops in power by Charles Collins Crux
Puerto Rico: ‘An unprecedented level of need’ by Catholic News Service
Growing number of U.S. Latinos leaving Catholic Church for Islam by Deacon Greg Kanfra Patheos
Why Pope Francis’ Appointment of Cardinal Tagle Is Significant by Father Raymond J. de Souza National Catholic Register
Kahlil Gibran on Silence, Solitude, and the Courage to Know Yourself by Maria Popova Brain Pickings
GOP Lawmaker Plotted Insurrections to Establish Christian State by Eric Levi Intelligencer
To fight hunger, fight climate change, Catholic charity expert says by Crux Staff Crux Link to Environment and Climate Challenges
Catholic agencies intervene in Zimbabwe climate change crisis by Tawanda Karombo National Catholic Register
Washington Post publishes Vatican report on West Virginia investigation
by Rhina Guidos Catholic News Service/Angelus
A Woman Ran Over a Teenager Because She Thought She Was Mexican by Amanda Arnold The Cut
A Catholic Sister learns to serve people with AIDS Plague: Untold Stories of AIDS & the Catholic Church Featured in Plague: Untold Stories of AIDS & the Catholic Church/America Link to HIV/AIDS
“Little Prince” Author Antoine de Saint-Exupéry on Losing a Friend by Maria Popova Brain Pickings
“I Serve a Mighty God Who is Using This Suffering for a Purpose Greater Than Myself” by Susan Klemond National Catholic Register
UNICEF: “deadly decade” of violence against children. The United Nations children’s fund UNICEF has noted a 3-fold rise in verified attacks on children since the start of the decade. by Robin Gomes Vatican News Link to Children Outreach/Protection and to General Violence Challenges
Fantasy, Vampires and Grace: An Interview with J.B. Toner by Sophia Feingold National Catholic Register
US Mass Killings Reach New High in 2019 by Lisa Maue Pane Associated Press Link to Murder
Forgive and be free: Reconciliation and the legacy of Nagasaki by Communications Office Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne
Mom with less than a quarter to her name wants to help others by Cerith Gardiner Aleteia
The Politicization of the Sacrament of Penance by John Clark National Catholic Register
What all sinners have in common with addicts by Terrance Klein America
A Man Who Saves Children, Especially the Ones Trained to Kill by Innocent Eteng Those Catholic Men
Children of Scientology: Life After Growing Up in an Alleged Cult by Ash Sander Rolling Stone
Floods and Landslides in Indonesia cause 26 Deaths and Displace 62,000 People by Jesus Caritas Est Catholic News World
Netherlands euthanasia death linked to loneliness. by Alex Schadenberg Catholic Canada
Absolute Faith: How Phil Turned His Own Pain Into Helping Domestic Abuse Survivors by Beth Simkantin Catholic Diocese of Memphis Link to Domestic Violence
Shelter in Bolivia empowers young female victims of abuse by Giovana Soria Crux
For those on death row, redemption of souls is what matters most by Joshua Hren America Link to Death Penalty
by Jean François Channon Denwo La Croix International
Link to African Challenges
by Jean François Channon Denwo La Croix International
Link to Catholicism and China
by Catholic News Agency /Catholic Canada
by Patrick Carolan and Brian McLaren National Catholic Register
by Robin Gomes Vatican News
20-year-old filmmaker wins award for powerful 1-minute film about marriage by Zoe Romanowsky Aleteia
The Doctor, the Dentist, and the Killer by Skip Hollandsworth Texas Monthly
A new solution for America’s empty churches: A change of faith
by Ashima Krishna Crux
Social Justice in Detroit by Robert Rockaway Tablet Link to Social Justice
Nigeria: Abducted pastor makes video plea by Independent Catholic News
by Olga Khazan The Atlantic
Link to Substance Use/Addiction
by Sean Salai, S.J. America
Link to The Society of Jesus
by Christopher White America
by Hillel Kuttler Tablet Magazine
Link to The Holocaust
by Catholic News Agency/ Catholic Herald
by Catholic News Service/EarthBeat
by Catholic News Agency/Angelus News
Link to US Military and Veterans
by Ariel Levy The New Yorker
by Edward Pentin National Catholic Register
by Joshua J. McElwee EarthBeat
by Thanh Thuy AsiaNews.it
by Jo Siedlecka Independent Catholic News
by Jesus Caritas Est Catholic News World
Link to The Rosary
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. Father Thomas 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
The Busy Person’s Guide to Prayer by Deacon Greg Kandra Reviewed by Eileen Quinn Knight, Ph.D. Profiles in Catholicism
Begin The Begin by Robert Dean Lurie” Reviewed by Father Jake Martin, SJ America
Wounded Shepherd by Austen Ivereigh Reviewed by Bill McCormick, S.J. America
The Sacrament by Olaf Olafsson Reviewed by Jenny Shank America
Our Mother Earth: A Christian reading of the environmental by Pope Francis Commentary by Independent Catholic News
Wounded Shepherd by Austen Ivereigh Reviewed by Bill McCormick, S.J. America
The Overstory by Richard Powers Reviewed by Brianne Jacobs America
Enchantments of Mammon by Eugene McCarraher Reviewed by David Bentley Hart Commonweal
Sontag: Her Life And Work by Benjamin Moser Reviewed by Randy Boyagoda America
St. Peter’s B-List: Contemporary Poems Inspired by the Saints by Mary Ann B. Miller (editor) Reviewed by Kevin Spinale America
An Absolutely Remarkable Thing by Hank Green Reviewed by Vivian Cabrera America
by Meghan Daum
Reviewed by Jonathan Malesic America
by Dana Gioia
Reviewed by Liam Callanan America
by Jeffrey S. Cramer
Reviewed by Cynthia-Marie Marmo O'Brien America
Film Reviews/Commentaries
Bombshell by Joseph McAleer Catholic News Service
A Hidden Life Reviewed by Steven D. Greydanus National Catholic Register
Little Women Reviewed By Kurt Jensen Catholic News Service
Marriage Story Reviewed by Stefano Rebeggiani Angelus News
Cats Reviewed by Daniel Drake The New York Review of Books
Television Reviews/Commentaries
Commentary by Bichop Robert Barron Independent Catholic News
Reviewed by Paul Asay and Kristin Smith Plugged In
Commentary by John J. O’Keefe America
Art Reviews and Commentaries
Commentary by Leo J. O’Donovan, S.J. America
Music Reviews/Commentaries
by Craig Shepard
Commentary by Maggi Van Dorn America
Feasting with the Saints
Prayers
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 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
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
Videos
The 2015-16 Aaron-Roland Endowed Lecture with John Pawlikowski
THE "JUST WAR" THEORY - Fr Bill on the Brett Winterble Show (Historical Perspectives)
by Fr. William Nicholas
HE DIED AND MET GOD, AND HE WASN'T READY. The incredible near-death experience of Fr. Rick Wendell.
Pregnant politician gives emotional speech against Illinois' radical new abortion law
Our next Pope? Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle talks to Colm Flynn