U.S. bishops have invited Catholics to fast and pray the rosary on Friday, May 13, in response to national tensions over a leaked Supreme Court draft opinion that would overturn Roe v. Wade, and put abortion law solely in the hands of states.
Author: John Lavenburg
U.S. Condemns Arrest of Cardinal Zen
The U.S. State Department has condemned the arrest of Cardinal Joseph Zen and others by Hong Kong police on May 11 as the latest example that the city’s authorities “will pursue all means necessary to stifle dissent and undercut protected rights and freedoms.”
Bishop Brennan Calls for Prayer and ‘Transformation of Hearts’ as SCOTUS Decision Draws Near
In a reminder to New York Catholics that abortion access will likely go unfettered in the state regardless of federal rulings, the state’s bishops are calling on the faithful to advocate with charity, sensitivity and clarity, and to reaffirm the Church’s commitment to walking with pregnant mothers.
Wisconsin Bishop Condemns Arson Attack on Pro-Life Center
Police in Wisconsin’s capital are investigating what they are calling a “targeted arson” at a pro-life organization Sunday.
First Synod Results Show Need to Reach Youth, Marginalized
Key findings cited in the first U.S. diocesan synod report available for public consumption highlight a strong desire from parishioners for the Church to better reach out to the marginalized. There were calls for more transparency, more consistency in moral teaching, and a focus on the “critical” need to re-engage youth and young adults in the faith.
Arizona Bishops Lament Upcoming Executions, Say Death Penalty is Unneeded
With Arizona set to carry out its first capital executions in almost eight years, the state’s Catholic bishops fear that once the practice resumes it will be hard to stop.
Expert Says Supreme Court Leaked Draft ‘Astonishing and Appalling’
Sherif Girgis said he felt “kind of a gut punch” after the draft of a Supreme Court majority decision was leaked late on May 2. The former law clerk at the nation’s high court couldn’t believe what he called an “astonishing and appalling” move by the leaker.
Cardinal Dolan Visits Lviv, Catholic Aid Agencies
Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York made a surprise visit to the Ukrainian city of Lviv Sunday night to meet with Ukrainian refugees and the Catholic agencies helping them.
Hispanic Catholic Leaders Emphasize Bipartisanship in Immigration Reform
In a meeting with Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) on April 27, Gloria Mancilla explained the challenges she faces as a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipient, including bi-annual background checks, inability to get loans, and uncertainty of status from administration to administration.
Catholic Charities In Washington on Brink of Becoming Overwhelmed
Catholic Charities DC is trying to give a “welcoming, Christ-like response” to migrants arriving in the nation’s capital on buses from Texas, but the head of the organization says there are concerns about a lack of leadership and assistance from the government, and what will happen if the buses arrive through the summer.