
A Message from the Editor
Remembering Anne Frank
June 12 is Anne Frank’s birthday. I have visited her home and have read her diary several times. My favorite passage from her diary is “It’s difficult in times like these: ideals, dreams and cherished hopes rise within us, only to be crushed by grim reality. It’s a wonder I haven’t abandoned all my ideals, they seem so absurd and impractical. Yet I cling to them because I still believe, in spite of everything, that people are truly good at heart.”
Anne died in the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp. Since her death, Antisemitism and hatred of “the other” has become a global pandemic. We can only address this pandemic if those who are truly good of heart speak out against all those who encourage hatred of “the other”.
Special Prayers and Meditations
Where do I find hope? How do I pray? What do I need? A formal prayer, a special petition, a spiritual director? Where do I find Support? Where do I find Courage? May I suggest that I reflect on the Angelus? The Angelus? We reflect: The Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary. And she conceived by the Holy Spirit. What happened here? Behold the handmaid of the Lord. Be it done unto me according to thy Word. The entire universe is transformed. The whole universe. The word was made flesh and dwelt among us. How did it happen? Mary said, 'You see before you the Lord's servant, let it happen to me as you have said. 'The word was made flesh and dwelt among us. This happened. Anything is possible’ by Father David O. Brown, O.S.M.. Profiles in Catholicism
A Prayer to Prevent Antisemitism
Lord God, through the covenant you established with the Jewish People, we Christians have been grafted into this covenantal tradition according to St. Paul. But very often throughout history we have shown ourselves ungrateful for this gift given us through Jesus who imbued in his teachings this Jewish covenantal tradition through acts of antisemitism. We join with Popes St. John Paul II and Francis in confessing our sins of antisemitism past and present. Through this prayer we commit ourselves to the elimination any remaining anti-Semitic teachings in the Catholic community and pledge to add our public voice in denouncing any manifestations of antisemitism in contemporary society. We ask your blessing so that we may have the strength to fulfill this pledge we make in your presence. by John T. Pawlikowski, OSM, Profiles in Catholicism
A Quote to Remember
“Yet, nearly 6 decades after the Holocaust concluded, Anti-Semitism still exists as the scourge of the world.
by Eliot Engel
Interviews
Articles/Commentaries
CLINIC convening focuses on how to gain justice for immigrants, refugees by William ConeJun Crux
Newly Ordained Catholic Priest Killed by Stabbing in Kenya - RIP Fr. Eutycas Muthur by Jesus Caritas Est Catholic News World Link to Murdered Priests
A Dying Mom's Last Wishes; Care for her Family by Tim Harfmann The Tablet
This family’s son was cured from cancer with the help of St. Padre Pio’s intercession by Matthew Green Aleteia Link to Cancer
After Virginia Beach tragedy, bishops call for curbs on gun violence by Christopher White Crux Link to Gun Violence
Surge in Anti-Semitic Attacks Has Caused a 'Sense of Emergency' Among Jews Worldwide, New Report Says by Madeline Roache Time
Jesus, Judaism, and Anti-Semitism by Herb Montgomery Patheos
Official in Germany warns Jews not to wear skullcap Rise in anti-Semitism making it dangerous to display religious symbol' by John Burger Aleteia
The Institutional Foundations of Antisemitism by Mark Koyama Medium Link to Antisemitism
Reality, History, and Holocaust Denial by Dr. Eugene Fisher Profiles in Catholicism Link to The Holocaust
A remembrance in silence: Pope Francis and Catholic responses to the Shoah by Lazar Berman The Times of Israel (An interview with John T. Pawlikowski, OSM, Ph.D)
How Magneto Became Jewish by Abraham Riesman Vulture
Novenato St. Charles Lwanga and Martyrs of Uganda in Africa by Jesus Caritas Est Catholic News World
"Climate Change and New Evidence from Science, Engineering and Policy”Meeting with Finance Ministers from Various Nations Address if His Holiness Pope Francis Casina Pio IV
Ireland: Opening Address on Faith in Digital World by Archbishop Eamon Martin by Archbishop Eamon Martin Zenit
Almost 5,000 immigrants to the US every year are clergy or religious by Mark Pattison Catholic News Service/Global Sisters Reports
Archbishop appeals for end to violence in Dublin by Independent Catholic News
Catholics bless Chicago’s “broken” streets with unusual statue by John Burger Aleteia
Voices of Fukushima power plant disaster victims strengthens call to ban nuclear energy by Rachel Farme Anglican Communion News Service Link to Nuclear Challenges
Sexual misconduct with adults next scandal facing the U.S. Church by Charles Collins Crux
Pope calls euthanasia ‘defeat for all’ after suicide of 17-year-old Dutch girl by Claire Giangravè Crux Link to Euthanasia
U.S. health care is in crisis. Here’s how the Catholic Church continues to reach the marginalized. by Kevin Clarke America Link to Health General Challenges
A Model of Reconciliation: My Parents by Mike Hoffman The Healing Voices
How a punk rock journalist found healing in the Catholic Church by Ashley McKinless America
The Draft Dodger Should Shut Up about John McCain by Kermit Zarley Patheos
Reflections on the Priesthood by Bishop Fabian Fruskewithzm S.T.D. The Catholic Exchange Link to Priestly Reflections
Former congressman Robert Drinan, S.J., on human rights in China by Robert F. Drinan America
What’s really behind the Figueiredo Report and who is the author? by CathNews
Steve Bannon’s right-wing Catholic DHI institute in breach of contract by CathNews
How a Brussels church became a home for Latin American refugees by Melissa Vida America
Making a Difference: Pope critical of 'meanness' toward migrants and refugees by Tony Magliano Catholic Online Link to Migrants, Refugees, and Immigrants
Jakarta's Catholics offer Muslim refugees safe haven by Konradus Epa La Croix International
Pakistan honors priest for promoting Christian-Muslim dialogue by ucanews.com reporterUCANews.com Link to Catholic/Muslim Challenges
Mueller's statement and the injustice that won't go away by David DeCosse National Catholic Reporter
Biden, Bernadine, and Today by George Weigel Echoes Link to Abortion
Demolition in Lebanon to Leave 15,000 Syrian Children Homeless by Zenit Staff Zenit Link to Homeless and Children Outreach/Protection
California initiative aims to transform care for dying by Heather Adamsm National Catholic Reporter Link to End of Life
Social Justice Clericalism? by Ines A. Murzaku The Catholic Thing Link to Social Justice
Staten Island Spirituality. Dorothy Day’s “True Story” Columns by Anne Klejment Commonweal
For prison inmates, health care comes slowly and unpredictably by John T. Booth America Link to Prison Challenges
RCIA and effective evangelization by Peter M.J. Stravinskas The Catholic World Report Link to RCIA and to Evangelization
How the Jesuits got a for-profit detention center company to report human rights abuses by Jim McDermott America Link to Human Rights
Pope Francis calls Trump’s border policy ‘cruel,’ compares southern barriers to Berlin Wall by Brandon Sanchez America
Letter: SB 360 pits state against priests’ vows, conscience by Letters to the Editor The Mercury News
I’m a Veteran Without PTSD. I Used to Think Something Was Wrong With Me. by Melissa Thomas The New York Times Link to US Military and Veterans
Leprosy patients given help and hope in India by Saji Thomas La Croix International Link to Leprosy
In a divided church, a challenge to find what unites us by Steven P. Millies US Catholic
Sisters support Nigeria's migrants traumatized by trafficking by Patrick Egwu Global Sisters Report Link to Human Trafficking
Confirmation for the Developmentally Disabled by Father Kenneth Doyle Echoes Link to Developmental Disabilities
Church in Pakistan expresses concern over recent violence against minorities by Nirmala Carvalho Crux
Facing LA’s ‘human catastrophe’ on Skid Row with faith by R.W. Dellinger Angelus News Link to Homeless
Pope backs Filipino bishop fighting deadly ‘drug war' by Linda Bordoni and Mario Galgano Vatican News
The secret history of Catholic caregivers and the AIDS epidemic by Michael J. O’Loughlin America
The Hot Zone’: NatGeo’s Fact-Inspired Viral Ebola Nightmare by Kate O'Hare Patheos Link to Ebola
Arsonists strike at Catholic church in Northern Ireland by Charles Collins Crux
Burkina Faso: Four killed in attack on Catholic church by Independent Catholic News
An artist finds his calling in painting a city’s forgotten faces by Jean P. Kelly US Catholic Link to Spirituality and Art
Archbishop Broglio: U.S. restrictions on travel to Cuba will harm the church by Rhina Guidos Catholic News Service/America
The Church and Canada’s Abysmal Treatment of Indigenous People by René Albert Patheos
US: Bishops Issue 2018 Report on Protection of Children and Young People. Reported Cases up ‘Significantly’ from Previous Year by Zenit Staff Zenit Link to Sexual Violence Against Minors
Prayers -- Answered and Otherwise by Dick Flavin Echoes Link to Sports and Spirituality
How a Jesuit Astronomer and His Student beat Isaac Newton to a Key Idea by more than 50 Years by Christopher M. Graney Vatican Observatory Foundation
Judge not, unless it's Lindsey Graham by Michael Sean Winters National Catholic Reporter
Theologian's resolute commitment to Church reform in Germany by Delphine Nerbollier La Croix International
Providing Safe Childbirth in Rural Pakistan by International Catholic Migration Association
How Somos is Fighting the Opioid Beast by Somos Link to Substance Use/Addiction
Horror: Religious Sister Beheaded in Central African Republic by Deacon Greg Kencra Patheos
Startling’ inaction on climate change must end, pope says by Junno Arocho Esteves Crux Link to Environment Challenges
Pakistani Children Worst Affected in HIV Outbreak by BBC/Bioethics.com Link to HIV/AIDS
Pope blasts fearful, ‘racist’ attitude toward migrants by Elise Harris Crux
Trump’s ICE Targets Lutheran Minister, Betty Rendón by Leah D. Schade Patheos
UNICEF: Malnourished Children in Afghanistan Risk Dying by Voice of America
The Diocese of Buffalo is Endangering the Faithful by Mary Pezzulo Patheos
The Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston Owns Up to a Horror by Mary Pezzulo Patheos
Not Tragic, Just Sad. ‘The Case for Trump’ by Charles McNamara Commonweal
A smart take on the polarization of the American Catholic Church by Mark Shea Patheos
Laughter and Health by Adam K. Johnson Echoes
Batman, Robert Pattinson, and Body Dysmorphia by Jenn Riley Patheos
Advocacy
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
Aiming high: Irish charity wants to impact five million African students By Susan Gately Catholic Ireland.net
Donation request for mentally retarded children in India Help International Rescue Committee save lives in Yemen and worldwide. Help save the lives of people in Kenya who are dying from lack of access to clean water. Please read our interview with Father Joseph Mungai, FMH
Whether They Are Young or Old, Hungry or Addicted, Homeless or Friendless... Catholic Charities sees the face of God in those in need. By providing food, clothing, shelter and counseling, we bring hope to the hopeless in the city of Chicago and its suburbs. With 150 programs at 153 locations throughout Cook and Lake counties, we serve virtually every neighborhood and parish in the Chicago land area. Through our broad spectrum of services, we annually assist more than 1 million persons in Cook and Lake counties without regard to religious, ethnic or economic background. For more than 98 years, Catholic Charities has empowered families and individuals of all races and religious backgrounds to realize their full potential. Our services help people from the point of conception through the last stages of their lives. We keep mothers and their babies well-fed, prepare children in low-income families for school, keep youth in school and out of gangs, counsel and give job training to adults with economic troubles, provide affordable housing for seniors, and organize in-home care services for seniors who need help caring for themselves. donations@catholiccharities.net Only 8 cents of every dollar donated goes toward our administrative expenses; the rest goes directly to help clients. While Catholic Charities raises funds separately from the Archdiocese of Chicago, we serve as the social service arm of the church
Support Capuchin Community Services At the Capuchin Community Services, we support those who cannot support themselves. We are grateful to you for your support whether it be through prayer, through donated goods, or through financial donation. Please be assured that we are careful stewards of your trust. We welcome contributions of any size. All are acknowledged and are tax-deductible as allowed by law. Capuchin Community Services is a ministry of the Capuchin Franciscan Province of St. Joseph. Unless otherwise directed, donations support the local ministry and the Province. To donate through the mail: Capuchin Community Services PO Box 05830 Milwaukee, WI 53205-0830
Book Reviews
Christianity in the Public Square: Literature of Politics, Protest and Social Justice by Anthony Grasso, CSC Reviewed by Eileen Quinn Knight, Ph.D. Profiles in Catholicism
Elie Wiesel: Teacher, Mentor and Friend by Alan L. Berger (Editor), Reviewed by Father John Pawlikowski, OSM, PhD Profiles in Catholicism
Sitting Like A Saint. Catholic Mindfulness for Kids by Dr. Gregory Bottaro and Barbra Bottaro Reviewed by Anne Remien Profiles in Catholicism
No Friend But the Mountains: Writing from Manus Prison by Behrouz Boochani Reviewed by Andrew Hamilton La Croix International
The Rise And Fall Of The Dinosaurs by Steve Brusatte Reviewed by John W. Miller America
Christian Flesh by Paul J. Griffith Reviewed by John Cavadini Commonweal
Film Reviews/Commentaries
The Sultan and the Saint Commentary by Victor Edwin SJ Independent Catholic News
The Francis Impact Reviewed by Emma Winters America
Rocketman Reviewed by John Anderson America
Pavarotti Commentary by Independent Catholic News
Me Before You Reviewed by Sr. Helena Burns, FSP Teen Life Blog
The Dead Don’t Die Reviewed by Vladislav Davidzon Tablet Magazine
TV Reviews/Commentaries
Fleabag Reviewed by Jake Martin America
The Name of the Rose Commentary by Kate O'Hare Patheos
Good Omens Reviewed by Lauren Enk Mann The Catholic World Report
Redemption Project Commentary by Sister Rose Pacatte Patheos
Catch 22 Reviewed by James T. Keane America
Music Reviews/Commentaries
Dialogues of the Carmelites Commentary by Leo J. O'Donovan, S.J. America
Feasting with the Saints
General 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 relationships.
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
A Prayer to Prevent Nuclear War
Lord God, you created life and beauty in this world. You then entrusted the human community with caring for, and enhancing, your creation. Strengthen us, we pray, in this challenging time when the power to destroy this creation has grown so dangerously. Lead us on a road of peace, a road that includes a program of removing all nuclear weapons from our earth. We cannot hope to meet this challenge without your continuing presence and support. For this we make our prayerful plea in your name. by Father John Pawlikowski, OSM 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 Racism
As we gather together for prayer and communion, we are reaffirming our commitment to love unconditionally, welcome all people and work to root out the cancer of racism that betrays our faith and country’s highest principles.”
by The Rev. Dr. Darryl Roberts, Senior Pastor, Nineteenth Street Baptist Church, Washington. DC
A Prayer for East Africa
O Lord, with so much tragedy going on in our own country, children separated from their parents at our borders,
needy asylum seekers turned away,
against the spirit of all that we stand for,
as stated on the Statue of Liberty,
help us to think of, pray for, and find the means to help others
around the world, especially the millions of people facing starvationin East Africa.
We are called by the Jewish prophets and by Jesus
to help all in need, and our country has the resources to do so.
Help us to work together with other nations around the world
to raise awareness of the desperation of the East Africans,
and to pool our resources to send them food and medical aid,
so that they may survive and help others to survive and thrive.
We ask this in the name of our Loving Father, the Son who sacrificed his life for all,
and the Holy Spirit who permeates all reality and the hearts and souls of all humans.
Amen by Dr. Eugene Fisher Profiles in Catholicism
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 the blood of his 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 our cries as we agonize
over the harm done to our brothers and sisters.
Breathe wisdom into our prayers,
soothe restless hearts with hope,
steady shaken spirits with faith:
Show us the way to justice and wholeness,
enlightened by truth and enfolded in your mercy.
Holy Spirit, comforter of hearts,
heal your people’s wounds
and transform our brokenness.
Grant us courage and wisdom, humility and grace,
so that we may act with justice
and find peace in you.
We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
by Christian Peschken 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
Prayer for Immigrants and Refugees
Lord Jesus, when you multiplied the loaves and fishes, you provided more than food for the body, you offered us the gift of yourself, the gift which satisfies every hunger and quenches every thirst! Your disciples were filled with fear and doubt, but you poured out your love and compassion on the migrant crowd, welcoming them as brothers and sisters.
Lord Jesus, today you call us to welcome the members of God's family who come to our land to escape oppression, poverty, persecution, violence, and war. Like your disciples, we too are filled with fear and doubt and even suspicion. We build barriers in our hearts and in our minds.
Lord Jesus, help us by your grace,
To banish fear from our hearts, that we may embrace each of your children as our own brother and sister;
To welcome migrants and refugees with joy and generosity, while responding to their many needs;
To realize that you call all people to your holy mountain to learn the ways of peace and justice;
To share of our abundance as you spread a banquet before us;
To give witness to your love for all people, as we celebrate the many gifts they bring.
We praise you and give you thanks for the family you have called together from so many people. We see in this human family a reflection of the divine unity of the one Most Holy Trinity in whom we make our prayer: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.
by United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
A Prayer for the End of Human Trafficking
God of freedom, beauty and truth
we believe that your deepest desire,
your most powerful energy,
is that all creation might know abundant life.
We raise our voices in anguished prayer
for our sisters and brothers,
women and girls, men and boys,
who are modern day slaves;
They are your beloved daughters and sons,
exploited sexually or forced to work
because of human violence and greed.
Fill us with your holy anger and your sacred passion
that those who are trafficked might know healing and justice;
that traffickers will come to repentance and conversion;
that all of us might live in such a way
that others are not made to pay the price
for our comfort and convenience.
Hasten the coming of the day when all people
and our precious Earth itself
will be treated, not as a commodity,
but as radiant images of your freedom, beauty and truth. Amen. May it be so.
by the Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth
,Convent Station, N.J.
Obituaries
Videos
Father John Pawlikowski Reflects: Nostra Aetate and Arthur Szyk
by The Arthur Szyk Society
Hate and Its Impact: Sowing the Seeds of Global Antisemitism
by United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
Dramatic spike in anti-Semitic incidents in US
by CNN
Why Do People Hate Jews?
by Mr. Beat
Antisemitism in Europe
by DW Documentary
"All My Mothers" -The Story of Yehudith Kleinman
by Yad Vashem
Antisemitism is on the rise in Britain
by Channel 4 News
Vestige of older times’: Anti-Semitic newspaper openly sold inside Polish parliament
by RT
The Auschwitz Album- Visual Evidence of the Process Leading to the Mass Murder at Auschwitz-Birkenau
by Yad Vashem



