A Message from the Editor
We welcome Msgr Peter Fleetwood from Liverpool as a member of our Editorial Advisors
We have tried to provide an overview of the sexual abuse crisis reports and the challenges we face. One of these reports is A crisis that is far from over: how the church can respond to sexual abuse by the Editors of America which we recommend to our readers. For a comprehensive overview of key reports on this crisis, please check out our Sexual Abuse Again Minors page in our Index.
These reports sadly may also cast a pall over the perception by some of the thousands of priests who dedicate their lives to the teachings of Christ. Some of us also may not be aware of the epidemic of priests being murdered globally, two of whom has their tongues cut off. Several of these current murders are covered in our September issue.
As the United States continues to progress as extremely bigoted society, we deeply appreciate Editorial Advisor Dt. Eugene Fisher’s powerful Reflection on Racism in America, the KKK, Neo-Nazism and White Supremacy.
In a world where class, dignity, integrity, and honor are often missing from politics, we mourn the passing of Senator John McCain. Please read Eileen Quinn Knight’s beautiful prayer for him in our prayers section.
We mourn the loss of nine-year-old Jamel Myles who committed suicide as a result of bullying, Please consider offering Father Louis Cameli’s prayer for Jamel in our Prayers section, Here are sine sad statistics on suide and bullying
Suicide is the third leading cause of death among young people, resulting in about 4,400 deaths per year, according to the CDC. For every suicide among young people, there are at least 100 suicide attempts. Over 14 percent of high school students have considered suicide, and almost 7 percent have attempted it.
Bully victims are between 2 to 9 times more likely to consider suicide than non-victims, according to studies by Yale University
A study in Britain found that at least half of suicides among young people are related to bullying
According to statistics reported by ABC News, nearly 30 percent of students are either bullies or victims of bullying, and 160,000 kids stay home from school every day because of fear of bullying
Our silence on addressing these challenges contribute to the statistics
Please send a donation for help save the life of Alwin Rex.
Please check our Advocacy Section and 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-11003 , USA
In appreciation of Pope Francis’s visit to Ireland in August, there is an Irish subtext to our September issue with articles, books reviews, film reviews, and TV review by Irish writers.
In closing, my favorite Irish toast
May the road rise to meet you, May the wind be always at your back, May the sun shine warm upon your face, The rains fall soft upon your fields and, Until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of His hand.
Prayer of the Month
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
Quote of the Month
“It is not possible to remain indifferent before the knowledge that human beings are bought and sold like goods! I think of the adoption of children for the extraction of their organs, of women deceived and obliged to prostitute themselves, of workers exploited and denied rights or a voice, and so on. And this is human trafficking. It is precisely on this level that we need to make a good examination of conscience: how many times have we permitted a human being to be seen as an object, to be put on show in order to sell a product or to satisfy an immoral desire? The human person ought never to be sold or bought as if he or she were a commodity. Whoever uses human persons in this way and exploits them, even if indirectly, becomes an accomplice of injustice.” by Pope Francis
Interviews
General Articles/Commentaries
Reflection on Racism in America, the KKK, Neo-Nazism and White Supremacy by Dr. Eugene J. Fisher Profiles in Catholicism
What will it take to redeem the soul of America? by Father Bryan Massingale US Catholic
UN tells Ortega to stop persecuting protestors as hundreds die by La Croix International Staff
Jesuits in Formation Assist with Family Reunification Efforts in El Paso by ISN Staff
A clergy sex abuse survivor’s story and its lessons for restoring faith by Joseph J. Guido America
Students share personal experiences to grow as interfaith leaders by James Dearie National Catholic Reporter
Rohingya refugees: victims of genocide by Francesca Merlo Vatican News
Our teens are leaving the church. Why? by William D. Dinges America
Between Shambhala and the Catholic Church: On Being a Contemplative in Imperfect Institutions by Carl McColmam Patheos
Catholic hospitals come under fire in debate over conscience rights by Charles C. Camosy Crux
Catholic nuns take the forefront in relief work for flooded Kerala by Saji Thomas Global Sister Report
Priest murdered in Mexico amid continuing wave of violence by ACI Prensa/Catholic Mews Agency
Why missionaries get killed in India by Father Francis Charuvila La Croix International
Card. Donald Wuerl: Statement Regarding Archbishop Viganò’s “Testimony” by IL SISMOGRAFO
Pope Francis and the Defense of Journalism (Viganò’s Letter) by Tim Duffy Patheos
Making sense of McCarrick cover-up charges against Pope Francis by John L. Allen Jr. Crux
The Culture War That Is Tearing the Catholic Church Apart by Isaac Chotiner Slate
Viganoletter exposes the putsch against Pope Francis by Michael SeanWinters National Catholic Reporter
Pope meets with Irish abuse survivors by Independent Catholic News
John McCain: Requiescat In Pace by Donald R. McClarey The American Catholic
Trent’s Long Shadow by Massimo Faggioli Commonweal
Is Transparency a Cure-All? by Massimo Faggioli Commonweal
Chance the Rapper, Prophet by David Inczauskis, SJ The Jesuit Post
Yemen war challenges Saudi moral authority by James M. Dorsey Profiles in Catholicism
My Story – The journey that opened my heart to the Coptic crisis outside of Egypt. by Dr. Ashraf Ramelah| Voice of the Copts
When The U.S. Government Tried To Replace Migrant Farm workers With High Schoolers by Gustavo Arellano The Salt
Msgr Hugh O’Flaherty, the most remarkable Irish cleric you’ve never heard of by Patricia Murphy The Irish Times
Fear, faith within Nicaraguan church by Rhonda Miska Global Sisters Report
They are hunting us by Harriet Paterson. Interviews and photos by Sam Phelps Caritas
What happened when a dad challenged his priest during Mass about the sex abuse crisis by Michael J. O’Loughlin America
Three steps for more civil political debate in the Trump era by Daniel Allott America
Dublin Reflects the Wages of the Abuse Crisis Writ Large.The pain of the still-unfolding scandal won’t be healed quickly. by The Editors National Catholic Register
How the U.S. Has Failed to Protect the 2018 Election--and Four Ways to Protect 2020 by Alex Stamos Lawfare
The Family in the Bible by Dr Michael Jackson Independent Catholic News
Dublin highlights: Prison and families, fossil fuels, Barron and Christian by John L. Allen Jr. Crux
Trump Angers South Africa With Missive on Land Redistribution by Robbie Gramer Foreign Policy
Challenge to see the positives by Brendan O’Regan The Irish Catholic
One million people lose their homes by L'Osservatore Romano
Prominent Catholics see larger role for laity in church's abuse response by Dennis Sadowski Catholic News Service/Angelus
CARJ Briefing – Defining Antisemitism by Catholic Association for Racial Justice
Philippines Outrage over release of Philippine massacre suspect by Bong Sarmiento UCANews.com
A Two-Tiered Tragedy in Iowa by Sr. Marie Lucey, OSF Franciscan Action Network
Sexual abuse and the culture of clericalism by Jason Blakely America
Priest attacked at IN church in wake of abuse scandal by The Shelbyville Daily Union
Highlights of opening morning at World Meeting of Families by Crux Staff
Police confirm killing of Catholic Priest in Gwagwalada by Kingsley Omonobi-Abuja Vanguard
Slain Filipino priest remembered for his love for poor by Mark Saludes UCANews.com/La Croix International
Two priests killed in Auraiya: Five arrested, hunt on for nine others, say police by The Indian Express
Jesuit priest killed in Peru by Robin Gomes Vatican News
Florida House candidate who claims she was abducted by aliens endorsed by major newspaper by Kaitlyn Schallhorn Fox News
Standing up for God and the Church by Father Elias Ayuban Jr, CMF La Croix International
Detectives hope trail won’t go cold in priest’s murder probe by Joseph M. Hanneman The Catholic World Report
Two priests found murdered, tongues cut out by HT Correspondent Hindustan Times
A Franciscan reflection on the current state of the Catholic Church by Fr. Joe Nangle, OFM
Unafraid to Share Their Fears [Refugee Stories] by Catholic Relief Services
EEOC Sues Hackensack Meridian Health For Religious Discrimination by The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
“We have nothing to fear from the truth”: 25 years of covering clergy sex abuse by Philip F. Lawler The Catholic Report
Philippine bishop condemns supporters of drug war by Jose Torres Jr UCANews.com
Priest murdered in Mexico amid continuing wave of violence by CNA/EWTN News
The Unholy Mystery of the Murdered Priests by Steve Huff Real Clear
Gunmen kill Nigerian Catholic by Evelyn Okakwu Premium Times
Catholic priest murdered in Cameroon's Anglophone region by Africa News
New rules implemented following murder of Coptic Bishop by Francesca Merlo Vatican News
Pope Francis issues letter to the People of God on sex abuse crisis by Vatican News:
Remembering the World Since Nov ’16 by Jim Kennedy, SJ The Jesuit Post
Cardinal O’Malley Calls for Accountability and Consequences by Jim Fair Zerit
Francis wants bishops who covered up abuse to be “held accountable,” affirms spokesman by Media for Aleteia
Irish diocese loses one third of its priests over 20 years by Sarah Mac Donald The Tablet
‘Wasted our lives’: Catholic sex abuse scandals again prompt a crisis of faith by Julie Zauzmerm, Michelle Boorstein, and Michael Brice-Saddler The Washington Post
Francis says Catholic Church 'abandoned' children, letting them be abused by Joshua J. McElwee National Catholic Reporter
My prayer for fellow survivors of abuse by Vivian Cabrera America
A crisis that is far from over: how the church can respond to sexual abuse by the Editors America
The Catholic Church’s vocations crisis Importing foreign priests is not the answer by Robert Mickens La Croix International
The power of giving a compliment [Thomas Aquinas] by Fr Ronald Rolheiser The Irish Catholic
Beloved Texas priest asks for prayers after ALS diagnosis by Catholic News Agency
Holy Snakes! A Marian feast day's strange, stunning miracle by Kristy
Franciscans preach in extremist territory in Mindanao by Bong Sarmiento La Croix International
On Cardinal Sodano and the meaning of ‘accountability’ by John L. Allen Jr. Crux
How Canada’s ‘antifa’ groups are organizing to fight a growing far-right presence by Dean Dettloff America
An open letter to my Roman Catholic friends by Jeffrey Salkin Religion News Service
Bishops announce plan to address 'moral catastrophe' of abuse by Julie Asher Catholic News Service/Chicago Catholic
Philippines president threatens to ‘kick a**’ of any Catholic bishop" by Crux Staff
'Day of Remembrance' proposed for slain Filipino teen by Leonel Abasola and Kimberly dela Cruz UCANews.com
Manila hit by floods, Card. Tagle opens churches to those affected by Vatican News
Where is Jesus in the midst of the Church's sex abuse crisis? by Courtney Grogan Catholic News Agency
Bishop Donal McKeown marks anniversary of Omagh bombing by Ann Marie Foley Catholic Ireland.net
Renewed betrayal We must work for structural reforms to protect vulnerable adults in the Church from those who would leverage their power for sexual gratification. by OSV Editorial Board
Vatican responds to Pennsylvania Grand Jury abuse report by Vatican News
“Avalanche of homelessness” to hit Dublin as homeless families turfed out for Pope’s visit by Frances Mulraney Irish Central
This Beautiful Religious Order Is For Women With Down Syndrome by Ryan Scheel uCartholic
Life goes on and so does music: How one man’s grief is bringing joy to a little boy by Larry Peterson Aleteia
How can parishes be more welcoming to those with disabilities? by Perry Wesr Catholic News Agency
How banning plastic straws could impact the disabled by Christine Rousselle Catholic News Agency
Q & A with Sr. Mary Tran Le Trinh, caring for children with disabilities by Joachim Pham Global Sisters Report
What Special-Needs Families Wish Their Pastors Knew by Sandra Peoples Patheos
Horror story of 796 babies found in Tuam mass grave unraveled by Beck Milligan Irish Central
Spirituality Within Addiction & Recovery by Dwight Lee Wolter Patheos
Three children were murdered by euthanasia in Belgium in the past two years by Catholic Online
Children Murdered in Their Beds: Nigeria Now the Deadliest Place to Be a Christian by Gary Lane CBNNEWS.COM
Cardinal Cupich says death penalty makes right to life 'conditional' by Michelle Martin Chicago Catholic
Pope codifies change on death-penalty teaching, prepares for Ireland visit by Christopher Lamb Chicago Catholic
Franciscan hospitality toward migrants also means fighting for systemic change by Tom Smith America
Viral singing priest hopes Pope will spark new vocations in Ireland by Filipe Domingues Crux
Inquiry finds “appalling” abuse at English Catholic boarding schools by Charles Collins Crux
Bishop Stowe: Heed the biblical admonition to love the migrant as yourself by John Stowe America
Vatican abuse expert: Crisis is call to new vision of priesthood, accountability by Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service/Chicago Catholic
Poverty, inequality and mental health key issues for young people in Ireland, UN High-Level Political Forum by Daniel Meiste National Youth Council of Ireland
Charity, Justice, and Mass Incarceration: How Visiting the Imprisoned Changed Me by Teresa Coda Busted Halo
Older inmates have paid their debts. Are we willing to forgive them? by Mary Buser America
What FiveThirtyEight gets wrong about Catholic hospitals by Stephanie Slade America
Young people are leaving the faith. Here's why by Mark M. Gray OSV Newsweekly
‘The trouble with Catholic politicians by Dan Hitchens Catholic Herald
The Lost Sheep: The Immigrant Experience by Father Pablo Labyrinthine Mind
He was moved with pity for them by Father Pablo Labyrinthine Mind
The Internet makes theology accessible to a wider audience by Joséphine Kloeckner La Croix International
9-year-old died by suicide after he was bullied, mom says by Michael Nedelman, CNN
Articles and Commentaries on the United States Immoral Separations of Immigrant Children from their Parents
I was a stranger and you took my child from me by Tony Magliano Angelus
Where are you?' Migrant still separated from her children 3 weeks after by Annie Rose Ramos and Mariana Atencio NBC News
24 migrant children under age 5 remain separated from their parents, new court filing says by Joshua Barajas PBS NewsHour
Civil groups lead efforts to reunite children with deported parents by Maria Benevento National Catholic Reporter
DACA. College, and Activism: A Conversation with a Xavier University Graduate by ISN Staff
When Children at the Border are Drinking Toilet Water… by Mark Shea Patheos
A Migrant Boy Rejoins His Mother, but He’s Not the Same by Miriam Jordan The New York Times
Advocacy
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.
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 throughthe 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
Please send a donation for help save the life of Alwin Rex. Please check our Advocacy Section and 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 Father John. His mailing address is Fr. Thomas Ayyaneth, Syro Malankara Catholic Eparchial Chancery,1500 DePaul Street, Elmont-11003 , USA
Book Reviews/Commentaries
Righting Relations after the Holocaust and Vatican II: Essays in Honor of John T. Pawlikowski, OSM Edited by Elena G. Procario-Foley and Robert A. Cathey Reviewed by Eugene J. Fisher
Ignatian Humanism: A Dynamic Spirituality for the 21st Century by Ronald Modras Reviewed by Eileen Quinn Knight
A New Vision of Family Life: A Reflection on Amoris Laetiti|a by Father Louis Cameli Reviewed by Michael Sean Winters National Catholic Review
Untamed: The Psychology of Marvel’s Wolverine by Suzana E. Flores Reviewed by Donna Ford US Review of Books
The Courage To Be Happy by Pope Francis Reviewed by Frank Regan Independent Catholic News
True Inclusion:Creating Communities of Radical Embrace by Brendan Robertson Book Excerpt Nomad
Avenue of Mysteries by John Irving Reviewed by James T. Keane America
Tinker To Evers To Chance -Three Cubs blaze a trail by David Rapp Reviewed by Dominic Lynch America
A Living Tradition Reviewed by Drew Christiansen, S.J. America
Children and the Great Hunger: old and new perspectives on the Famine Edited by Christine Kinealy, Jason King and Gerard Moran, Commentary by Christopher Cusack The Irish Times
Grace by Paul Lynch Reviewed by Christopher Cusack The Irish Times
Homelands: Four Friends, Two Countries, and the Fate of the Great Mexican-American Migration.
by Alfredo Corchado Reviewed by Vivian Cabrera America
The Five Quintets by Micheal O’Siadhail Reviewed by Anthony Domestico La Croix International
Anjonius: The Celebration of Life and the Reality of Death by Rev. Msgr. Dr. Theophilus A. Joseph Reviewed by Barbara Bamberger Scot US Review of Books
Love: Same-Sex Attractions and the Catholic Church by Father Mike Schmitz Reviewed by Daniel Mattson National Catholic Register
Notes on a Nervous Planet by Matt Haig Reviewed by Peter Hegarty The Irish Catholic
America Is Not the Heart by Elaine Castillo Reviewed by Jenny Shank America
The Line Becomes a River: Dispatches from the Border by Francisco Cantú Reviewed by Elizabeth Lefebvre US Catholic
Hurting in the Church: A Way Forward for Wounded Catholics by Father Thomas Berg Reviewed by Eileen Quinn Knight
Racism in America: Cultural Codes and Color Lines in the 21st Century by Leonard Pitts Jr. Reviewed by Valeria Stokes
Film Reviews/Commentaries
Calvary Commentary by Jordan Daniel Wood America
Pope Francis – A Man of His Word Reviewed by Sarah Mac Donald CatholicIreland.net
Memoir of War Reviewed by Raymond A. Schroth, S.J America
The Sultan and the Saint Reviewed by Victor Edwin SJ Independent Catholic News
John Paul II in Ireland: A Plea for Peace Commentary by Ryan Scheel uCathilic
Christopher Robin Reviewed Sr. Rose Pacatte National Catholic Reporter
The Brilliance of Black KkKlansman Reviewedby Joshunda Sanders Medium
The Apparition Reviewed by Fabien Lemercier Cinemaeuropa
Sicilian Ghost Story Reviewed by Tara Brady The Irish Times
The Darkest Minds Reviewed by Joseph McAleer Catholic News Service
Mission: Impossible – Fallout Reviewed by Steven D. Greydanus NAtiona Catholic Register
TV Reviews/Commentaries
Who Is America? Commentary by Bill McGarvey America
Love Island Commentary by Donald Clarke The Irish Times
The humiliation (and humility) of Hannah Gadsby Commentary by Allyson Escobar America
Feasting with the Saints
Upcoming Events
Righting Relations After the Holocaust and Vatican II: Essays in Honor of John Pawlikowski, OSM Tuesday, October 9, 2018 - 6:00pm - 7:00pm The Seminary Co-op Bookstores 5751 S. Woodlawn Ave. Chicago, IL 60637
Oasis Day- Sep 15 10:01 am–11:01 am Manresa House , Clontarf Rd, Clontarf, Dublin, Ireland
Prayers
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 Jamel Myle
God of tender mercy,
who like a mother
takes and carries her children
In loving arms, receive your child Jamel
and all those children suffering
abuse, bullying, and great sadness.
Lift all of them to yourself,
touch them with your life-giving love,
and keep them in your peace. Amen by Father Louis Cameli, Profiles in Catholicism
A Prayer for Murdered Children
Lord Jesus, once you reminded us to “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, “
But this way? Broken, bleeding, violently?
You reminded us as well that “the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
But again I want to ask why? School children? Just kids? Why did this happen? Why in Yemen? Why in Chicago? Why anywhere?
Then I remember how from the Cross you yourself prayed “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Your cry, your prayer, your agony, yes, your death was likewise the pledge of your love.
You died for those children. You died for us. You died for all so that all of us can indeed come to you.
Joined with you in your passion and death, we come to you.
by Father David O. Brown, O.S.M., Profiles in Catholicism
A Prayer for the Queen of Soul
Precious Lord, bring your daughter, Aretha, into your heavenly embrace. We give thanks for the many gifts the Queen of Soul shared with us, born and nurtured in Your home and brought into the world for all. She was not just a singer, not just an entertainer, but will be remembered as a warrior who fought for respect for herself and for others. A true disciple of God, she used her gifts to give voice to the unheard and bring joy to the souls of all. Let her example and legacy inspire us and future generations to continue to tear down barriers and embrace the joy of the life You have given us. We thank You for the precious time we had with our sister and pray that You welcome your daughter home with open arms into your Heavenly choir. Amen.
by Lori Doyle Holy Name Cathedral Chicago. Il
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 , Nineteenth Street Baptist Church Washington, DC
A Prayer for Murdered Children
Lord Jesus, once you reminded us to “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, “
But this way? Broken, bleeding, violently?
You reminded us as well that “the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
But again I want to ask why? School children? Just kids? Why did this happen? Why in Yemen? Why in Chicago? Why anywhere?
Then I remember how from the Cross you yourself prayed “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Your cry, your prayer, your agony, yes, your death was likewise the pledge of your love. You died for those children. You died for us. You died for all so that all of us can indeed come to you.
Joined with you in your passion and death, we come to you.
by Father David O. Brown, O.S.M., Profiles in Catholicism
A Prayer for Senator John McCain
Merciful God we ask you to welcome John McCain to his eternal home. He is a man who gave all that he could to our country and its citizens. We learned civil responsibility from Senator McCain. We acknowledge his striving for goodness and we recognize his call to follow the core values.
John McCain showed us the core value of perseverance.
What a wonderful life to celebrate as we think about John McCain’s devotion to America and all the warmth that is family. As early as the Viet Nam War McCain was totally invested in what would be good for the country. One of the most beloved incidents took place when he decided to stay with his fellow detainees in Viet Nam while he was offered early release because of his father’s and grandfather’s participation in the military. The toll on his body at this time was extremely damaging and debilitating.
John McCain showed us the core values of mercy and justice which were foundational values.
Six consecutive terms in the Senate as well as winning the Republican nomination for president gave us a clear indication of the dedication to the core values of our country. His mind, heart and soul reached out to help this country be safe and strive to find ways to make health care, finance, education and war issues that were good for all by Eileen Quinn Knight 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 , Nineteenth Street Baptist Church Washington, DC
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
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 Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth, Convent Station, N.J.
Videos
Fr. Gary Thomas, Exorcist and subject of the movie, "The Rite," explains the nature of evil.
by Queen of Peace Media
Share the Journey Campaign - Interview with Cardinal Tagle - Part 1
Share the Journey Campaign - Interview with Cardinal Tagle - Part 2
by PESCHKEN reports
A Jesuit with the People
by Corridan Project
Our Lady of Guadalupe Documentary - Amazing Scientific Analysis .
by Knight Light
Rosary: The Power & Promises of the Rosary
Immigration and the Catholic Church by United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
Aretha Franklin Performance At White House 2015.
by Vanderson Matos
ARETHA FRANKLIN LIVE - AMAZING GRACE
by Marco Lo Russo accordion with strings orchestra
Become the Joy in Broken Communities - Midwest Capuchin Franciscan Vocations