After a Delaware state representative introduced a bill to abrogate priest and penitent privilege when child abuse or neglect is suspected, the Diocese of Wilmington has pushed back, insisting that the confidentiality of confession is “nonnegotiable.”
Author: John Lavenburg
Bishop O’Connell Ministered Even ‘To The Margins’ on L.A.’s Skid Row
At a street corner outside San Julian Park in the heart of Skid Row in downtown Los Angeles on March 2, homeless people line up outside a bright yellow food truck to receive what will likely be their only hot meal of the day.
Bishop O’Connell’s Work Is Not Done, Nephew Says At Funeral Mass
Speaking to more than 3,500 people gathered for the funeral Mass of Auxiliary Bishop David O’Connell, his nephew, also David O’Connell, took the opportunity to urge everybody to “pick up where he left off and to carry the example that he set” of compassion and caring.
L.A. Singer Honors Her Friend, ‘Father Dave,’ In Song
“You were the light, peacemaker, and the joy of God.” That is how Catholic singer/songwriter Andrea Vicich remembers her good friend “Father Dave,” or as he’s more commonly known, Bishop David O’Connell, in a song she wrote and published in honor of the late Los Angeles auxiliary bishop.
L.A. Faithful Remember ‘Humble’ Bishop Who Was Pro-Life Advocate
If Catherine Contreras had the opportunity to have one more conversation with the late Auxiliary Bishop David O’Connell, she would thank him for his unwavering support of pro-life advocates and for being a father figure to so many.
As Artificial Intelligence Invades Culture, Church Voices Say It Shouldn’t Be Used Behind the Lectern
Famed 20th-century author G.K. Chesterton once invoked the task of “writing one’s own love letters or blowing one’s own nose” to say that there are certain things man should do for himself. According to Father David Mowry, that remains true for homily writing, as well.
Mississippi Extends Medicaid Benefits for Postpartum Care
Answering a recent call from Mississippi’s Catholic bishops, state legislators there have advanced a bill that would extend Medicaid coverage for new mothers from 60 days to a full year after they give birth.
Head of New Institute Says Catechesis Must Also Evangelize
At the same time the U.S. bishops look to revitalize the nation’s faith through different initiatives related to encounter and evangelization, Father Daniel Mahan wants to utilize the same concept to enhance catechetical processes for young people “in ways that spark the imagination.”
Bishop O’Connell Murder Suspect Confesses, Funeral Plans Announced
The suspect in the case, Carlos Medina, the husband of Bishop O’Connell’s housekeeper, has since admitted to murder, according to Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón. He has been charged with one count of murder and a “special allegation” that he personally used a firearm.
Suspect Charged with Murder of L.A. Auxiliary Bishop O’Connell
Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced Feb. 22 that a suspect in the murder of Auxiliary Bishop David O’Connell has been charged with one count of murder and a “special allegation” that he personally used a firearm.