A Message from the Editor
We welcome Francis Etheridge as an Editorial Advisor, His report on the World Meeting of Families in Dublin provides important insights into this historical meeting.
Although we feature many news reports this month, there are also many other news articles that are added to specific pages in out Topics
Some of our readers may find these reports of interest.
Rise of the exorcists in Catholic Church Nick Squires The Telegraph
Pope on World Deaf Day: fight culture of exclusion, waste by Robin Gomes Vatican News
Trump administration’s record-low refugee resettlement “contradicts who we are as a nation” by Brandon Sanchez America
Day-Tripping To The Dispensary: Seniors In Pain Hop Aboard The Canna-Bus by Michelle Sherman Thriver News:
Food poverty is rising. But the St Vincent de Paul Society shows people still care by Anita Boniface The Catholic Herald
Leonard Cohen’s Holy and Broken Hallelujah by Alisa Ungar-Sargon Patheos
Finding hope in the anger of David Wojnarowicz by Ciaran Freeman America
We continue our overage of the sex abuse crisis and racial challenges with featured articles and many more that are also added to these topics.
For our readers who are challenged by the sex abuse crisis, we recommend reading Hurting in the Church: A way Forward for Wounded Catholics by Father Thomas Bergl.
Be sure to watch Christian Peschken‘s fascinating video interview with Msgr Mauro Cionini of the Holy See Delegation on Killer Robots.
Christian and his wife were recently awarded the "Cross of Officer 'PRO MERITO MELTENSI OF THE SOVEREIGN ORDER OF MALTA , presented by the Ambassador of the Order to the U.N. Geneva Marie-Therese Pictet-Althann.
We do not request funding to support our publication. We ask when possible to contribute to help save lives and support charities in our Advocacy section. Sometimes just a few dollars may help save a life. If possible, please send a few dollars to help Alwin Rex who missed his monthly hormone test , blood test and MRI scan and EEG because of lack of funds. His pastor and asked our readers to help, Please read How do we love our neighbor as ourselves?
Prayer of the Month
Prayer for the victims of the Indonesia Earthquake and Tsunami
Let Our Cries Come Unto You Most merciful and compassionate God,
Giver of Life and Love,
hear our prayers
and let our cries come unto you.
We weep with your people
We hear the cries of orphaned children and laments of bereaved parents
We feel the desperation of those searching for loved ones
We behold the silence of vanished villages.
We see the devastation.
We are overwhelmed by the enormity of it all.
Our hearts are hushed, our minds are numb.
Let not our hands be stopped, our voices dumb.
God of the universe,
Open our hearts to feel your compassion
Galvanize in us the act of continued giving
Bond us to our sisters and brothers in need
Comfort and heal the injured, the bereaved, the lost
Strengthen the aid workers and medical personnel
Bolster the resolve of governments and those with power to help
Open through this tragedy pathways to partnerships and peace
In Your Name of mercy and healing and compassion we pray
Note: The above prayers from the Jesuits where originally offered for the people of Japan following the earthquake and tsunami of March 11, 2011 by Christian Peschken Profiles in Catholicism
Quote of the Month
It is simply a myth that poverty cannot be conquered. Worldwide poverty can be overcome if people all over the world realize that our destiny is tied. When someone in any part of the world dies of hunger, a part of me dies; if the environment is wounded in any part of the world, something of who I am is hurt; if someone somewhere in the world is humiliated and abused by poverty and unhealthy living conditions, my human dignity is also abused. What is required for poverty to remain in the world especially in Africa is for Africans to give up hope and non-Africans to treat the poverty of Africa as if it did not matter to world peace and prosperity. by Stan Chu Ilo
Interviews
General Articles/Commentaries
Indonesia tsunami: hundreds dead on Sulawesi after powerful earthquake by Kate Lamb The Guardian
Nooses in cells, rotting teeth — report details harsh conditions at Adelanto immigration facility by Paloma Esquival and Brittny Media Los Angeles Times
Oscar Romero’s saintly struggle for justice by Kathleen Manning US Catholic
Archbishop Oscar Romero, Martyr by Father Michael O’Sullivan SJ Academia
Anniversary Tribute to Archbishop Oscar Romero by Father Michael O’Sullivan SJ Academia
United Methodist Church and Vatican issue joint declaration supporting palliative care at the end of life by Religion News Service
Yo-Yo Ma Wants Bach to Save the World by Zachary Woolfe The New York Times
New film highlights belief that Trump's election was God's plan by Steve Rabey, Religion News Service/National Catholic Reporter
The Facebook Security Meltdown Exposes Way More Sites Than Facebook by Brian Barrett and Lily Hay Newman Wired
Truth or Politics by Jack Quirk Patheos
‘Love or the lack of it’ by Fred Clatk Patheos
Pope calls on Catholics to pray “to protect the church from the devil” by Gerard O’Connell America
Bishops' plan to address abuse falls short on accountability by NCR Editorial Staff
21 Lessons for the 21st Century by Yuval Noah Harari – digested read by John Crace The Guardian
Meet Atticus, the Instagram poet who never takes off his mask by Emma Winters America
Read and weep: Soviet style “psych” tactics used against priests by bishops by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf Fr. Z’s Blog
Why Is Everyone So Unfair to Donald Trump? by David Frum The Atlantic
‘Credibly accused’ Minnesota priest sues his accuser — and wins by Deacob Gref Kandra Patheos
China Pope's message to China's Catholics puts faith in dialogue by Carol Glatz, Catholic News Service/UCSNews.com
Social Media and Incidental Evangelization: Oops, You Just Converted Someone Again by Kristy Burmeister Patheos
Rejecting Trump, Abbas at UN says US is too biased to mediate peace talks by Michael Bachner and TOI
Georgetown panel deals with 'moral catastrophe' of church's own making by Julie Bourbon National Catholic Reporter
Our Rape Culture Runs on ‘Friends’ Who Don’t Stand Up for Victims by Rececca Hamilton Patheos
Government cancels controversial FDA contract for aborted remains by Christine Rousselle Catholic News Agency/Angelus
Active Nonviolence: rediscovering a central teaching of Jesus by Tony Magliano \Catholic Sentinel
Meet the Catholic priests who minister to Chicago baseball teams and beyond by Michael J. O’Loughlin and Dominic Lynch America
National meeting signals ‘coming of age’ for Hispanic Catholics in US by Bobby Ross Jr. Religion News Service
Pope on World Deaf Day: fight culture of exclusion, waste by Robin Gomes Vatican News
Bishops deplore Trump administration’s changes to green card eligibility by America Staff
14 Famous people who converted to Catholicism by Cerith Gardiner Aleteia
U.N. declaration on human rights must extend to unborn, says speaker by Kurt Jensen Angelus
CRS sells fair trade coffee, supporting Mexican farmers and land by Perry West Catholic News Agency
Politics Is the Religion of the Devil by Jack Quirk Patheos
The first “social network” of brains lets three people transmit thoughts to each other’s heads by Emerging Technology
Franklin Graham says Attempted Rape Doesn’t Matter by Rev.Jen Butler Patheos
Chastity and love by Father Ronald Rolheiser, OMI Angelus
Bad Ethics, Bad Logic, and Sexual Assault Apologetics by Receccs Bratren Weiss Patheos
Francis warns: 75 years after Holocaust, guard against 'any whiff' of anti-Semitism by Joshua J. McElwee National Catholic Reporter
Stop Brexit? UK’s Labour party mulls backing new referendum by Jill Lawless Associated Press
Opioids, pain management, and addiction: Balancing ethical duties by Father Tad Pacholczyk Catholic Sentinel
Mexican bishops call for solidarity with flood victims in Sinaloa by Catholic News Agency
Kindness of strangers leaves a lasting mark by Moira Billinge The Archdiocese of Liverpool
Pope Francis dialogs with Christian leaders on combating racism by Independent Catholic News
Pope Francis addresses V Encuentro by Father Pablo Patheos
"Evidence for culpability points to the Russian state" by DW
Waking Up to an Epidemic by Jim Kennedy, SJ The Jesuit Post
Pope warns against upsurge in racism and intolerance by Linda Bordon Vatican News
WCC warns racism conference basic human rights at risk by Vatican News
Biblical Sexism and Modern Rape Culture by Jim Meisner Jr. Patheos
Angry voices marked papal visit – English cardinal by Greg Daly The Irish Catholic
As the nation debates immigration, a DACA priest’s future remains uncertain by Gwen McClure US Catholic
Former hostage priest continues work for peace in the Philippines by Divina Suson La Croix International
The ‘Splainer: From bloodletting to blood donation, what is Ashura? by Aysha Khan Religion News Service
US Bishops: ‘Refugees are in danger’ by Sr Bernadette Mary Reis, fsp Vatican News
Ben Malcolmson Discusses Football, Faith, and Purpose by Busted Halo
Zen, Hallucinations, and, oh, yes, Hildegard of Bingen by James Ford Patheos
Pope sends greetings to the Jewish community of Rome by Sr Bernadette Mary Reis, fsp Vatican News
Christians have moral mandate to fight racism, populism, say speakers by Carol Glatz Catholic News Service/Angelus
Parish roundup: Pew offers sketch of American Catholics; parishioners cope with abuse crisis by Peter Feuerherd National Catholic Reporter
Dignity is delicate by Remy Debes Aeon
‘We can never again abandon victim-survivors’ by Cardinal Blase J. Cupich Chicago Catholic
The Moral Imperative of #BelievetheWomen by Dr. Susan Brooks Thistlethwaite Patheos
Congressmen object to FDA's 'barbaric' research method using human fetal tissue by Catholic News Agency
Systemic racism is pro-life issue, and Catholics must step up by John Gehring and Jeanne Isler National Catholic Reporter
Is L.A.'s homeless population closer to 100,000? Nonprofit offers an alternative view of the data by Doug Smith LA Times
A Pope Like No Other by Sean P Dailey Patheos
Letter from Rome Has the abuse crisis torpedoed Pope Francis' reform plan? by Robert Mickens UCANews.com
Labour Party calls for ban on early pregnancy gender test by Staff Reporter Catholic Herald
Children behind bars put face on opportunity cost of abuse scandal by John L. Allen Jr. Crux
Caritas mobilises after deadly typhoon by CathNews
The Third Millennial Catholic Reformation by J. A. Dick Another Voice
Infamous Filipino general gets life for abducting students by Joe Torres UCANews.com
Receive and Welcome Christ by Sr. Maryann Mueller, CSSF Franciscan Action Networ
A Blood Red Line of Racism Flows Through the United States by Jim Mesdber, Jr. Patheos
US slashes number of refugees to 30,000 for next year by Susannah George Associated Press
Myanmar generals committing genocide: UN report by John Zaw UCANews.com
Generosity Boosts Well-Being By Tuning Down The Brain's Anxiety Center, Suggests New Study by David DiSalvo Forbes
Flirting with schism The right-wing effort to delegitimize Pope Francis by Massimo Faggioli La Croix International
Clericalism at root of abuse scandals in Church, pope told Jesuits in Ireland by Hannah Brockhaus Catholic News Agency
Research highlights need for vigilance against child trafficking into Ireland by Ann Marie Foley CatholicIreland.net
Exorcism and deliverance by The Catholic News Archdiocese of Singapore
Philippine Catholic universities help displaced children by Mark Saludes UCANews.com
Cardinal Dolan says it’s not about Viganò v. Francis but right v. wrong by Christopher White Crux
Twitter’s Fr. Goyo on Finding Help for Depression and Thoughts of Suicide by Kate O'Hare Patheos
As anti-Church violence in Nicaragua grows, Pope urges ‘fraternal reconciliation’ by Inés San Martín Crux
Rome conference on Xenophobia, racism and nationalism by ICNNews.com
Mexican bishops publish ‘plan for building peace’ by Catholic News Agency/Crux
Cubs Fan With Down Syndrome Sings At Wrigley Field After Raising $5K For Special Olympics. by Kimberly White InspireMore
US Catholics, Buddhists helping poor and homeless together by Devin Watkins Vatican News
New religious order takes on LA’s homeless crisis by Caitlin Yoshiko Kandil Angelus News
The End of the Church by Bill McCormick, SJ America
Unprotected’ lays out the despair of the sexual revolution by Carl Kozlowski Angelus News
Ignatian Solidarity Network Reaffirms Commitment to DACA Recipients on Anniversary of Repeal by ISN Staff
Could AI allow you to live forever? by Simone Stolzoff Quartz
Dark shadows over the church by Father Shay Cullen UCANews.com
Eucharistic procession in Liverpool draws 10,000 by CNA/EWTN News
Church abhors 'blasphemous' Pakistan Facebook post by Kamran Chaudhry UCANews.com
Remembering September 11 by Joanna Wahlund Patheos
9/11/18: A 17-Year-Long Lesson That Anger And Fear Don’t Keep Us Safe by Sarah Thebarge Patheos
The brutal, powerful 9/11 stories of Catholic priests by Adelaide Mena Today's Catholic
Germany’s churches warn against upsurge in racism by Anne-Bénédicte Hoffner La Croix International
Remaining silent to protect the Catholic Church is a theological error by Céline Hoyeau La Croix International
How to Recognize Demonic Activity in the Church Scandals, According to an Exorcist by Patti Armstrong National Catholic Register
Irreparable Damage to Pro-Life & Family Causes Calls for Sanctification by Fr. Shenan J. Boquet Human Life International
Syria: Franciscans appeal for help as Idlib comes under attack by Independent Catholic News
What lies in the heart of an ICE officer? by Joe Hoover, S.J. America
The Importance of Self Care – from a Gun Violence Survivor by Michael Martin Patheos
Pope: Interview with Italian business daily "Il Sole 24 Ore" by Christopher Wells Vatican News
He called the sick, not the healthy by Father Pablo Labyrinthine Mind’
Ariana Grande’s Sweetener: Jesus Style by David Inczauskis, SJ The Jesuit Post
Fear leads to silence amid suffering of sick, needy, pope says by Junno Arocho Esteves Catholic News Service
My Soul Clings to You by Maureen O’Connell CatholicPsych Institute
Award-winning Catholic journalist looks at Pope Francis, U.S. politics by Charles C. Camosy Crux
Argentinians formally leave Catholic church over stance on abortion by The Guardian
Pontifical Commission for Protection of Minors concludes Plenary Assembly by Independent Catholic News
The Anonymous New York Times Op-Ed and the Trumpian Corruption of Language and the Media by Masha Gessen The New Yorker
Sex, Lies & Viganò Takes The real and sinful truth behind the archbishop’s accusations by Robert Mickens La Croix International
Why Are So Many TV Comedies Pondering the Meaning of Life? by Jen Chaney Vulture
A perversion of feminism by Inday Espina-Varona UCANews,com
One Year After Maria by Henry Karlson Patheos
Faith renewed and spirits lifted by the World Meeting of Families by Breda O'Brien The Irish Catholic
Musical pleasures by Roger Mathew Grant Aeon
The urgent need for a moral values-centered education by Tony Magliano Angelus
A parent's guide to pop culture by Fatima Measham La Croix International
The consequences of selling arms to Saudi Arabia by The Editors America
Churches collaborate for peace-building and migration by Francescsa Merlo Vatican News
In defense of Pope Francis by Father Michel-Marie Zanotti-Sorkine Le Croix International
“We Have Not Discerned Natural Causes”: Bishop Issues Incredible Report on Crying Statue Miracle by ChurchPOP Editor Church Pop
Resist: Justice Heroes From the Bible and the Big Screen by Erin Wathen Patheos
Trust in the priesthood has been shattered – but not entirely by Father Joseph Illo Catholic Herald
UNICEF: Half the world’s teenagers victims of violence in school by Francesca Merlo Vatican News’
What can nuns and ‘nones’ learn from one another? by Kaya Oakes America
General Wesley Clark- America is Going to War with Seven Countries by Ejaz Naovi, MD Patheos
UNICEF: Half the world’s teenagers victims of violence in school by Francesca Merlo Vatican News’
For where you stand, stand up by Joan Chittister National Catholic Reporter
‘Tactical attacks’ on Pope are part of political agenda – priest by Chai Brady The Irish Catholic
The Sainthood of Sr Reinolda May by Erin Carelse The Southern Cross
The rise and fall of the socially conscious sitcom, from “All in the Family” to “Roseanne” hy Robert David Sullivan America
Young Nun, Former Atheist Says: “Remember Your Death” by Billy Critchley-Menor, SJ The Jesuit Post
Logged off: meet the teens who refuse to use social media by irin Kale The Guardian
Yom Teruah: Sounding The Alarm For Anti-Semitism by Angela W. Buchdahl Central Synagogue
A complete guide to buying ethical clothes on a budget by Elizabeth Segran Fast Company
Companies Say Trump Is Hurting Business by Limiting Legal Immigration by Nelson D. Schwartz and Steve Lohr The New York Times
Free Speech Is Not the Same As Free Reach by Renee DiResta Wired
Is Education a Fundamental Right? by Jill Lepore The New Yorker
Richard Spencer is an infamous white nationalist by Aja Romano Vox
Thirty-five years of deception by Mélinée Le Priol La Croix International
Brain-Damaged Son in Prison by Concerned Mom
The pope, sex abuse, and the story no one is talking about by Deacon Greg Kandra Patheos
Robbers threaten to cut legs off priest on Caribbean island by Crux Staffhttps://www.ncronline.org/channel/politics
With Voting Rights Act weakened, black church networks seek more voters by Adelle M. Banks ,Religion News Service
Egyptian Coptics hospitalized after Muslim mob attacks by La Croix International staff
Pope at Mass: ‘the truth is humble, the truth is silent’ by Sr Bernadette Mary Reis, fsp Vatican News
Why Dorothy Day Matters by Chase Padusniak Patheos
Vulnerability and Grace: Two Ingredients for a Successful Relationship by Matthew Distefano Patheos
Q & A with Srs. Ancila Devadass and Mary Nijo, coloring 'fallen stars' in southern India by Philip Mathew Global Sisters Report
Not One More: A Pastor’s Plea For Churches To Destigmatize Mental Illness by Brandan Robertson Patheos
Fighting Human Trafficking: Safeguarding Our Children against Criminal Predators by David M. Luna LinkedIn
Meghan McCain says father's 'America was always great' during speech at National Cathedral by Dan Nowicki,Tom Vanden Brook,Donovan Slack,Ryan W. Miller and A.J. Perez, USA TODAY
Amsterdam: ‘Terrorist motive’ alleged in attack on Americans by Mike Corder Associated Press
Defeating anti-Semitism requires deep spiritual renewal by Laurent Stalla-Bourdillon La Croix International
Pakistani widow helps victims of violence by Kamran Chaudhry UCANews.com
Tackling Violence Against Women In Africa by Stan Chu Ilo The Huffington Post
29 sickened at Ohio prison due to fentanyl-heroin mix by Bethany Bruner The Columbus Dispatch
7 facts about American Catholics by Gregory A, Smith and David Masci Pew Research Center
Facebook ends targeting of ads based on religion by Madeleine Banvillet La Croix International
How Latinas help Medellín continue to form the church in the United States by J.D. Long-García America
This surfing school in Chile was created for kids with Down syndrome by Veronica Markland Today's Catholic
The Bishops’ Brief Against the Ban by Paul Moses Commonweal
Why America to Me Director Steve James Made a Show About My High School by Abraham Riesma Vuture
Nazis, racists, bigots: Extremism on US ballot in 2018 by France 24
The Irony of Evangelical Idolatry in the White House by Jim Meisner Jr. Patheos
Can Pope Francis stop Ireland's mass exodus from the Catholic Church? by DW
Articles and Commentaries on the United States Immoral Separations of Immigrant Children from their Parents
Migrant Children Moved Under Cover of Darkness to a Texas Tent City by Caitlin Dickerson The New York Times
A Visit To Detention And Unaccompanied Minors Centers At the Arizona-Mexico Border by Clint Schnekloth Patheos
American Atrocities Against Children– Children, for Christ’s Sake by Jim Mesiderm Jr. Patheos
Protecting children at the border and in the church by Kerry Alys Robinson Chicago Catholic
A reader ponders Trump’s policy of child abuse and torture at the border by Merk Shea Patheos
Another legal fight likely looms over child immigration detention by Rhina Guidos Catholic News Service/ Crux
Advocacy
When Children are Set Free by Shay Cullen, Mssc Preda Foundation
Please send a donation for help save the life of Alwin Rex. Please read the article How do we love our neighbor as ourselves? If just a few if our readers could send a donation of $20.00 toward his healthcare costs to Father Thomas Ayyaneth with a notation that the donation is for Alwin Rex. Father Thomas will process donations and send them to his pastor Father John. His mailing address is Fr. Thomas Ayyaneth, Syro Malankara Catholic Eparchial Chancery,1500 DePaul Street, Elmont-, New York 11003 , USA
Aiming high: Irish charity wants to impact five million African students By Susan Gately Catholic Ireland.net
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. Fr. Joseph Mungai of Kenya is raising funds for a well in his home village to honor his beloved mom, Lucy Nungari Mungai Lucy was a wonderful mother who died just a few months ago because she lacked access to safe water.
Help Sasha Save Her Soulmate Chad by Ethical Solutions, Organizer for American Living Organ Donor Network
Imparting Agricultural Skills for Life by Nick Costello HEAL
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 Chicagoland 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/Commentaries
Hurting in the Church: A way Forward for Wounded Catholics by Father Thomas Berg Reviewed by Eileen Quinn Knight, Ph.D. Profiles in Catholicism
The Triumph of Love by Father Raffaele Di Muro Commentary by Inside the Vatican
God Isn’t Finished With Me Yet by Barbara Lee Reviewed by James T. Keane America
The Art of Thomas Merton: A Divine Passion in Word and Vision by The Very Rev’d John Moses, KCVO Commentary by Franciscan Media
War on Peace: The End of Diplomacy and the Decline of American Influence by Ronan Farrow Reviewed by Nicholas D. Sawicki America
Miscarriage and Early Baby Loss by Breda Theakston Reviewed by Helen Berry Independent Catholic News
The Shadow President by Michael D’Antonio and Peter Eisner Reviewed by Connie Schultz The Washington Post
TERMINAL ILLNESS - Caring for yourself and others by Denis Blackledge Reviewed by Denis Blackledge SJ Independent Catholic News
The Lion of Münster by Fr. Daniel Utrecht Reviewed by Chase Padusniak The Catholic Vote
GeoCatholicism And American Borders In The Gothic Literary Imagination by Farrell O'Gormanrge Lensing Reviewed by George Lensing America
Invest Yourself: Daring to be Catholic In Today’s Business World by John Abbate Reviewed by Pete Socks Patheos
Poppies of Iraq by Brigitte Findakly Reviewed by Michael Peppard Commonweal
Social Creature by Tara Isabella Burton Reviewed by Ashley McKinless America
War on Peace: The End of Diplomacy and the Decline of American Influence by Ronan Farrow America Reviewed by Nicholas D. Sawicki America
Mary and the Incarnation by Christine Granger Reviewed by Maria Di Paoli, Catholic Register
How Did Lubitsch Do It? by John Anderson Commentary by Joseph McBride America
Stick Figures: Drawing as a Human Practice by D.B. Dowd Commentary by Anne Quito The Quartzy
Hell Spawn is coming by Declan Finn Commentary by Declan Finn Catholic Geeks
Practicing God's Radical Forgiveness by Jeffrey Bullock Reviewed by Rebecca Tinsley Independent Catholic News
Eat the Apple by Matt Young Reviewed by Andrew J. Bacevich Commonweal
Film Reviews/Commentaries
Reviewed by Father Shay Cullen Preda Foundation
· ‘Smallfoot’: Propaganda in a Shiny, Snowy Package by Kate O'Hare Patheos
· In ‘Fahrenheit 11/9,’ Michael Moore asks the heartland to deliver us from Trump by Robert David Sullivan America
· The Trump Prophecy Commentary by Steve Rabey, Religion News Service
· 8beats Commentary by Anna J. Marchese America
Commentary by Nick Bramhill Irish Central
· A Star Is Born Reviewed by David Edelstein Vulture
· The Children Act Commentary by Maureen Lee Lenker Entertainment
· Little Women Reviewed by Haley Stewart America
· The Nun Reviewed by Eve Tushnet America
· Awe, humility, hope await in 'A Space Odyssey' Commentary by Antonio D. Sison Catholic News Service/ National Catholic Reporter
· Lodge 49 An Interview with Jim Gavin America
· Asa Itu Ada Commentary by The Jesuit Conference of Asia Pacific
· Unbroken Commentary by John Anderson America
· The Apparition Reviewed by Stefano Rebeggiani Angelus
· Love, Gilda Reviewed by Ellin Stein Slate
TV Reviews/Commentaries
· The Secret of Kells Commentary by David Russell Mosley Patheos
Commentary by Jackson McHenry Vulture
Feasting with the Saints
by Sarah Lyon and Gordon Nary
Prayers
A Prayer for Victims of Sexual Abuse
God, we pray for victims of sexual abuse. We pray for healing. We pray for deep comfort. We pray that you will restore what has been stolen and broken. While you do not alter history, you reveal your love in the present and the future. What seems hopelessly shattered, in you can be redeemed. For the many millions who have been defiled in sexual abuse, show yourself to be loving and able – as you are willing – to give back life, and life abundant. Yes, there is great pain in this world. There is injustice. There is evil. We turn to you and cry out for help and healing. We cannot help but wonder why such horrible abuse happens. But we turn from “why?” and ask instead, “how?” How now will your perfect goodness and love find expression in the shadow of wickedness? God, you are good and loving and also all powerful. Yet you have risked giving humans the right to choose how we will live. Some choose evil. For those who are victims of other’s vile deeds, we ask you for grace and healing. For those who have suffered, come to them tenderly and with overwhelming and powerful love. We join Jesus’ and borrow his words, “Be freed from your suffering..” God, Heal the victims of sexual abuse, in Jesus name.”
by Mark Herringshaw believnet
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 John T. Pawlikowski, OSM, Profiles in Catholicism
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 J Cameli 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 J 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 starvation
in 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.
, Convent Station, N.J.
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