A Message from the Editor
The impact of climate change on our children and grandchildren will present them with existential challenges and possibly harm. We need our government officials to support programs that will reduce the catastrophic dangers of climate change.
Also, please view the powerful video on Rights of Older Persons - The Holy See at the UN Geneva by one of our Editorial Advisors Christian Peschken
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 honor 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
Special Prayer
Praise is due to you, O God, In Zion;
Vows to you must be fulfilled, for you answer prayer!
You visit the earth and water it, you greatly enrich it;
God’s rivers brim with water to provide their grain.
This is how you provide it:
By drenching its furrows, by leveling its ridges,
By softening it with showers, by blessing the first fruits.
You crown the year with your bounty;
Abundance flows wherever you pass;
The desert pastures overflow,
The hillsides are wrapped in joy,
The meadows clothe themselves with flocks,
he valleys are clothed in wheat,
They shout and sing together for joy.
Psalm 65:1, 9-13
A Prayer for Father John Hollowell
God of boundless mercy,
we pray for Father John Hollowell
who offers his suffering for the victims of abuse.
Give him strength and courage
and let him know the gratitude of the Church
for his witness of love and service.
Let his example inspire us
to join our sufferings to those of Christ
and the suffering members of the Body of Christ.
Finally, bless and renew all victims of abuse
with your healing peace and merciful love.
We pray through Christ our Lord. Amen
by Father Louis Cameli Profiles in Catholicism
A Prayer for the 15 children who died in orphanage fire in Haiti
“Let the children come to me and do not prevent them”
O Lord, is this you meant?
“Babies and toddlers were among the dead”
“Haitian-orphanage-worker-says-13-children-die-in-fire.”
“15 babies and children died in a fire “
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti -- Relatives of 15 children killed in a fire at an orphanage continued to show up “
Can this be what you meant?
Can this be what you wanted?
Is this what you have willed?
No.
No. Never. Rather:
Then children were brought to him
that he might lay his hands on them
that he might pray for them.
That he might receive them into the kingdom.
O Lord, it is only by the mysterious working your divine grace
That we see beyond the tragedy to the Kingdom.
Lord that we may see.
by Father David O. Brown, O.S.M. Profiles in Catholicism
A Prayer to Prevent Femicide in Mexico
Good and Gracious God.
We look at the work of Sandra Cisneros and her short story called Esperanza, we learn from this work to concentrate on hope even in the worst times. Lord assist us in doing so.
We know that the people of Mexico are experiencing an awful bout of Femicide worse than any virus in which women of any age are brutally killed because they are in a serious relationship with a brutal person. We ask that you give them the hope that the piece Esperanza calls us. To be human is to be in love with ourselves and the creatures on our journey so that we are delighted by our interactions with them. If we have more than another help us to share what we have in a kind and loving way. If we are jealous of another let us remember that God gave each one of us wonderful and different gifts. Women and men are wonderful mates when they care for each other and people along the path. We ask that you give them the courage to make relationships that will bring them wholeness and love for a God who loves them unconditionally. We ask that you give those that are brutal love for God and their neighbor that they can't turn away from. Give them the grace Lord not to be brutal but loving and caring. Underneath all their interactions is the awe of hope which helps us to live in peace
by Eileen Quinn Knight, Ph.D. Profiles in Catholicism
A Prayer for Michael Nnadi
Good and gracious God,
We thank You for your loving presence in our lives
and we ask that as we mourn the loss of Michael Nnadi,
a humble servant who was returned home to Heaven too soon for us,
that you may give him and his family the peace that they are seeking at this moment.
We also ask Father, that you protect those who have been affected by this horrible event which includes his brother seminarians. May Your loving embrace protect all involved.
We also pray for those that caused all this pain. Eternal Good Shepherd, we know that all things happen for a reason.
We are not sure why these people did what they did, but through our prayers, may they find their way back to You.
Through the intercession of our Blessed Mother, St. Charles Borromeo, patron of seminarians, and St. Patrick, patron of Nigeria
we pray.
Amen.
by Ryan Mau-- Seminarian Profiles in Catholicism
Interviews
General Articles/Commentaries
Running Red Hot, and Scientists Don’t Know Why by Eric Boston Bloomberg Green Link to Environment and Climate Challenges
Catholic "Street Nun' Helps Envionment, New Yorkers with Non Profit by Emily Drooby and Allyson Escobar New Evangelization Television (NET)
by Llewellyn Vaughan-Lee Tablet
by Bob Berwyn Earthbeat
Anglicans on the front line of the climate emergency by Dr Elizabeth Perry Anglican Communion News Service
Sabbath in an Era of Climate Change,An ancient Jewish practice may help save us all by Jonathan Schorsch Tablet
After ‘Laudato Si’,’ Catholic Climate Project seeks to foster prayerful climate action by Dennis Sadowski Catholic News Service/America
Asking a Bishop: How is Climate Change Deadlier Than Abortion? by John Horvat II Return to Order
by Greg Kennedy, SJ igNnation
Global Water Crisis By the Numbers by Water Tech
'Querida Amazonia' provides reflection on ecological sin by Meghan Clark EarthBeat
by Marilyn Rodrigues Crux
by Andrea Gagliarducci Monday Vatican Vatican at a Glance
by Jesus Caritas Est Catholic World Report
by Crux Staff Crux
A New Refutation of Time: Borges on the Most Paradoxical Dimension of Existence” by Maria Popova Brain Pickings
by Elizabeth Barber The New Yorker
Jesuit provincials demand end to Nicaraguan harassment by David Argen Catholic News Service/National Catholic Reporter
by Charles C. Camosy Crux
Link to Mental Health/Illness
by Margaret O’Brien Steinfels Commonweal
by Catholic News Agency/The Pilot
Overcoming poverty by Father Shay Cullen Preda Foundation Link to Poverty
Pope Francis Recognizes The Martyrdom Of Jesuit Rutilio Grande And Two Lay Companions In El Salvador by Gerard O’Connell America Link to The Society of Jesus
Similarities Between Two Apparitions Of Mary, Death Of Seminarian Michael Nnadi, And More! by Tito Edwards National Catholic Reporter
Mexican churches act together to support families in their campaign for missing relatives by Staff Writer Anglican Communion News Service
Making an idol of brain-injured patients by John J. Paris and Kevin Wildes Religion News Service
Parishes: Let's stop ignoring domestic violence by Father Charles W. Dahm, O.P.. U.S. Catholic Link to Domestic Violence
Vatican Radio was ‘positively aggressive’ in countering Nazi ‘fake news’ efforts, new book says by Charles Collins Crux
Social justice is not a spectator sport by Andrew Hamilton La Croix International Link to Social Justice
by Net TV
Link to Homeless
by Vatican News
Fatima’s Sister Lucia Explains Why the Daily Rosary is a 'Must' by Joseph Pronechen National Catholic Register Link to The Rosary
Why Mothers Now Weep for Their Children by John Horvat II Return to Order
At Mass, people encouraged to pray, act to end human trafficking by Josephine von DohlenF Catholic News Service/Crux Link to Human Trafficking
11 Highlights from Pope Francis’s Querida Amazonia by The Jesuit Post
Activist charges poor are being ‘instrumentalized’ amid Syria’s endless war by Elise Ann Allen Crux Link to War/Acts of War /Terrorism/Genocide
Swiss Catholic priest being investigated for sexual abuse, Bishop of Lausanne, Geneva and Fribourg has initiated a canonical inquiry into allegations that priest sexually abused African seminarian. by Claire Lesegretain (with Cath.ch) La Croix International
Looking Death in the Face and Surrendering by Patti Armstrong National Catholic Register Link to End of Life
This Syrian Catholic priest was kidnapped and tortured by ISIS. He still has hope in humanity. by Stephanie Saldaña America
by Mark Pattison Crux
Link to The Holocaust
More Than 2,000 Aborted Children to be Buried in South Bend by Catholic News Agency/National Catholic Register Link to Abortion
by Edwin Benson Return to Order
by Catholic News Agency/ National Catholic Register
Xi’s early involvement in virus outbreak raises questions by Yanan Wang Associated Press Link to Coronavirus
by Center for Science in the Public Interest
Holiness Over Numbers In Priestly Vocations by Matthew Schneider Patheos Link to Vocations
by Ryan MerrifieldWorcester News
Link to School Bullying and Hazing
Buffalo seminary professor charged with threatening reporter by Associated Press/Crux
by Independent Catholic News
Link to Nuclear Challenges
Embracing a Painful Cross: Priest Discusses His ALS Diagnosis by Bree A. Dail National Catholic Register Link to Amyotrophic
Lateral Sclerosis Without Forgiveness, Love Does Not Endure by Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio The Tablet Link to Forgiveness
by CathNews
by Andrea Gagliarducci Vatican at a Glance
by Yonat Shimron Religion News Service/Pocket
Link to White Supremacy
Celebrating the genius of Raphael, 500 years later by Elizabeth Lev Angelus Link to Spirituality and Art
Tapestries by Raphael make brief return to Sistine Chapel by Carol Glatz Catholic News Service/America
What the New York Encounter taught me about faith, art and friendship by Patrick Tomassi America
Call to end violence against children in Myanmar by John Zaw UCANews.com Link to Children Outreach/Protection
Cardinal Zen to Congressmen: China wants Vatican 'surrender' by Matt Hadro Catholic News Agency/Angelus Link to Catholicism and China
The Man Who Knew His Faith: The Catholicism of Alfred Hitchcock by K.V. Turley National Catholic Register
Priest calls for end Ireland's gangland feuds at Mulready-Woods' funeral by Shane O'Brien IrishCentral
Franciscan-led team spearheads fight against mines in Honduran province by Catholic News Service/America
The new parish ministry empowering immigrant Catholics by Jean Lotus U.S. Catholic Link to General United States Immigration Challenges
Robots steady breast cancer surgeon's hands in first human trial by Ian Sample The Guardian Link to Cancer
Excerpts from the prayer life of a cancer patient by Danusha Goska America
Priest with brain tumor 'embraces it willingly' for victims of clergy abuse by Catholic News Agency / Catholic Herald Link to Clerical Sexual Violence Against Minors
In this time of great scandal, faithful priests need your love more than ever by Tim Busch USA Today
Encountering our Wounds: Looking at Race and Reality with James Baldwin by Stephen G. Adubato Patheos Link to Racial Challenges
Muslim community helps rebuild Catholic church in Pakistan by UCA News Reporter UCANEws.com Link to Catholic/Muslim Challenges
In bone-chilling numbers, femicides in Mexico are a national emergency by Carli Pierson National Catholic Reporter Link to Murder
by David Agren Crux
7-year-old victim laid to rest as Mexico's femicide debate rages on by DPA International
Jesuit activist urges bishops to act as India faces ‘critical phase’ by Nirmala Carvalho Crux
Spanish, Portuguese bishops reject moves to legalize euthanasia by Jonathan Luxmoore Catholic News Service/Crux Link to Euthanasia
For Redskins tight end, each day ‘starts with God and ends with God’ by Jay Nies Crux Link to Sports and Spirituality
by Andrew Dampf Crux
by Rodney Page Tampa Bay Times
If We Wrong a Brother or Sister, and Do Not Reconcile, We Risk Profaning the Eucharist. by Fr. Stephanos Pedrano, O.S.B. Patheos Link to Reconciliation
Stephen Hawking Left Us Bold Predictions on AI, Superhumans, and Aliens by Max de Haldevang Quartz/Pocket
by Jesus Caritas Est Catholic News World
Link to African Challenges
by Independent Catholic News
The evolution of Trump's Muslim ban by Stef W. Kight Axios Link to Fear, Hate, Prejudice, and Discrimination against Others and to United States Politics
Trump’s words, bullied kids, scarred schools by Hannah Natanson, John Woodrow Cox and Perry Stein The Washington Post
Catholic health professionals criticize Trump’s 2021 proposed budget cuts to Medicaid by Ryan Di Corpo America
Satanist Experienced Hell Then Converted To Christianity, Imam Became Catholic Priest, And More! by Tito Edwards National Catholic Register
Gunmen kill 24 in attack near church in Burkina Faso by Sam Mednick Crux
What is the solution to war? Forgiveness by Matt Malone, S.J .America
Vatican opens doors to leaders ready for finance reform by Carol Glatz Catholic News Service/Chicago Catholic
Vatican police raid home, office of influential church official in investment inquiry by Claire Giangravé Religion News Service Link to Financial Crimes
What we owe U.S. veterans who fought in Afghanistan by Matt Malone, S.J. America Link to US Military and Veterans
Beyond priestly celibacy by Isabelle de Gaulmyn La Croix International Link to Sex, Sexuality, and Celibacy
Poverty, loneliness behind high rates of suicide among elderly men by Cate Broughton Cath News New Zealand Link to Suicide/Assisted Suicide/Euthanasia
Jesuit priest asks for prayers during coronavirus outbreak by Independent Catholic News
by Cecilia A. Ranger Global Sisters Report
Link to PTSD
by Stéphane Jaquemet International Catholic Migration Commission
Link to General Immigration Challenges
JRS calls on UK to give refugees more time to land on their feet by Charles Collins Crux Link to United Kingdom Immigration Challenges
‘We are in human misery,’ Franciscan in northern Syria tells pope by Dale Gavlak Catholic News Service/America
Dimesse sisters link female prisoners to society in Kenya by Doreen Ajiambo Global Sisters Report Link to Prison Challenges
UN torture case from Magdalene Laundries survivor could set new precedent by Ciaran Tierne IrishCentral
The Revenge of Nature- Coronavirus? by Father Shay Cullen Preda Foundation/Asian Journal
Opioid vending machine opens in Vancouver by William Turvill The Guardian Link to Substance Use/Addiction
by Nicholas Clairmont Tablet
by Marjean A. Perhot Echoes
by Mark Shea Patheos
Link to Catholic/Jewish Challenges
Syria’s Hidden Victims: An interview with Samer Hanna by Alexandra Tawaifi CNA.The Catholic Thing
Boy Scouts’ Bankruptcy Deals a Blow to Catholic Families by Peter Jesserer Smith National Catholic Reporter
More Than 207,000 Sign Petition to Shutter Porn Website After Trafficking Violations by Perry West CNA/National Catholic Reporter
“The devil is real,” Pope Francis Says in Italian TV Interview by Rebecca Hamilton Patheos Link to Exorcism and Satanism
by Associated Press/Crux
by Gabriella Patti Crux
Link to Spirituality and Music
by Michael J. O’Loughlin America
Link to Catholic Schools
On Gender Identity, Let’s Follow Bishop Paprocki’s Lead by Patrick Reilly National Catholic Register
Baby Boy With Down's Syndrome Is the New Osh Kosh Model by Rebecca Hamilton Patheos Link to Down Syndrome
by Aysha Khan Religion News Service
by Mark Hilliard The Irish Times
Cardinal Gracias: Church must 'shed prejudice' against women's leadership by Joshua J. McElwee National Catholic Reporter Link to Women's Challenges and Outreach
by Eduardo Campos Lima Crux
by Gina ChristiaCatholic Philly
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
WhenChildren are Set Free by Father Shay Cullen Preda Foundation
Book Reviews/Commentaries
On Fire: The (Burning) Case for a Green New Deal by Naomi Klein Reviewed by Eileen Quinn Knight, Ph.D. Profiles in Catholicism
Breathed into Wholeness: Catholicity and Life in the Spirit by Mary Frohlich Reviewed by Eileen Quinn Knight, Ph.D.. Profiles in Catholicism
James Martin in the Company of Jesus by Jon M Sweeney Reviewed by Eileen Quinn Knight, Ph.D.. Profiles in Catholicism
Catholicity and Emerging Personhood by Father Daniel P Horan, OFM Reviewed by Eileen Quinn Knight, Ph.D. Profiles in Catholicism
Breathed into Wholeness: Catholicity and Life in the Spirit by Mary Frohlich Reviewed by Eileen Quinn Knight, Ph.D. Profiles in Catholicism
"San Giovanni Paolo Magno" ("St. John Paul the Great"). by Pope Francis Commentary by Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service/Angelus
Addicted to Lust: Pornography in the Lives of Conservative Protestants by Samuel L. Perry Reviewed by Bill Tammeus National Catholic Reporter
Film Reviews/Commentaries
Wells of Hope Commentary by Linda Bordoni Vatican News
Revolution of the Heart Reviewed by Lauretta Brown National Catholic Register
The Traitor Reviewed by Jim McDermott America
Reviewed by Cahir O'Doherty IrishCentral
Commentary by Independent Catholic News
Reviewed by John Anderson America
Television Reviews/Commentaries
BoJack Horseman Commentary by Eve Tushnet America
Reviewed by Nick Ripatrazone America
Theater Reviews/Commentaries
Reviewed by Rob Weinert-Kendt 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.N ow 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
On Care for Our Common Home: Mary Frohlich, RSCJ
On Care for Our Common Home: C. Vanessa White
U.N. report warns on the impacts of climate change
The Femicide Crisis in the State of Mexico
Outside the City
Chibok LGA Faces Extinction by Boko Haram, Whilst Abducted Girls Remain In Custody
Desert Locust Upsurge in the Greater Horn of Africa- Press Conference
Rights of Older Persons - The Holy See at the UN Geneva