Over 55 years ago, when I was on retreat at Weston, the Jesuit philosophate and theologate in Cambridge, Massachusetts, I was surprised to hear music at a liturgy that I had not heard before. Liturgical folk music had been around for the several years since Vatican II had concluded, but it seemed to me to lack the vibrancy one might like.
Author: Christine
John the Baptist Fulfills His Evangelical Mission
Whoever said the Holy Mass doesn’t come straight from the Bible? Today’s Gospel from John includes five words right out of the mouth of John the Baptist, words that the faithful hear every time the Eucharist is celebrated: “Behold the Lamb of God.”
French Bishops’ Conference Supports ‘Fiducia’ After Some Voiced Doubts
Days after nine French prelates announced they would not authorize blessings to same-sex couples as requested by a recent Vatican declaration, the Permanent Council of the French Bishops’ Conference has said instead that such blessings should be given as a sign of “unconditional and merciful welcome.”
Pope’s Envoy Speaks to Ukraine Official About Kidnapped Children
Pope Francis’ personal peace envoy on Ukraine spoke by telephone Monday with a top Ukrainian official to discuss ongoing efforts to return children abducted by Russia amid the ongoing war sparked by its invasion of Ukraine nearly two years ago.
Compromise Is an Essential Element of Politics & Immigration
Because the issue of migration evokes disparate responses from different parts of the electorate, it never will be resolved unless there are compromises, which are an essential element of our political system. After many years of experience in dealing with migration as a social policy issue, I would like to offer some ideas of how this politically charged social problem might be resolved.
Diocesan Assignments – January 13, 2024
Rev. Sergio Dall’Agnese, C.S., to administrator of St. Joseph Patron of the Universal Church, Bushwick, effective Dec. 1. Rev. Eric B. Vega, M.Afr., to temporary administrator, while remaining parochial vicar of Our Lady of Light, St. Albans, effective Dec. 1.
Relocation of Palestianians Cannot Be A Solution to Gaza Crisis, US Officials Say
As U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has insisted that Palestinians must not be pressured into leaving Gaza and must be allowed to return to their homes once conditions allow, Christians in the Holy Land worry the Israeli statements may threaten other small communities in the Holy Land, including theirs.
USCCB Affirms Pope’s Description of Surrogacy as Turning a Child Into ‘An Object of Trafficking’
Pope Francis told diplomats Jan. 8 that he finds surrogacy “deplorable” and would like to see the practice universally banned.
Pope Baptizes 16 Babies, Calling Them ‘Protagonists’ of the Sacrament
Marking the feast of the Baptism of the Lord as he always does by celebrating Mass in the Sistine Chapel, Pope Francis baptized 16 infants Sunday, telling their parents that the children are examples of how to receive faith.
Vatican Insists Decree on Same-Sex Blessings Not ‘Heretical, Blasphemous’
Less than a month after issuing an instruction outlining the reasoning and method for giving non-liturgical blessings to same-sex couples and those in irregular unions, the Vatican has published a clarification amid a flurry of backlash and confusion.