This past week, when the U.S. bishops met in Baltimore for their fall general assembly, they were expected to discuss many topics. The specter of Theodore McCarrick and Bishop Michael Bransfield no doubt hung over the proceedings as did the very real problem of sexual abuse and the U.S. church’s proactive manner of dealing with it.
Editorials
Cheap Grace
The 20th-century Lutheran theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer, in his book “The Cost of Discipleship,” describes “cheap grace” as:
Pray for Our Local Bishops
This coming week, Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio and the Diocese of Brooklyn’s auxiliary bishops, along with the other bishops of New York state, will head to Rome to spend a week visiting with Pope Francis, and with other Vatican offices for an “ad limina” (“To the Threshold”) meeting, which happens about every seven years. This is the first time that the U.S. bishops have had such visits with Pope Francis during his pontificate. It’s a requirement for every country, and now it’s America’s turn.
During Month of Holy Souls, Focus on What Matters
The readings presented to us at Mass during this time of year take on much more of an eschatological urgency, drawing our attention away from the things of this world to what 20th-century Protestant theologian Paul Tillich described as the “area of ultimate concern,” namely God and the things of God.
A Dismaying Start To Presidential Campaign
The presidential campaign hasn’t even officially begun, and yet there is already reason to be concerned about some of the ideas being recommended by some candidates.
Divining an Interview Of Pope Francis
Once again, Eugenio Scalfari, the 95-year-old co-founder and past editor of La Repubblica, a daily Italian newspaper, has caused an uproar with a supposed quote from Pope Francis.
Bishop DiMarzio Fits the Bill
With the appointment by the Holy See of Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio as the apostolic visitor to the Diocese of Buffalo (N.Y.), two things are apparent: First, it is clear that the Vatican is well aware of the concerns and needs of the church in the United States, and second, it is clear that the Vatican views Bishop DiMarzio as a fair and excellent administrator.
Two Popes and a Movie
Netflix has released a trailer for its new, original film entitled, “The Two Popes.” The film will, no doubt, stir up some interest in both the Catholic media and the secular press.
A Statue for Mother Cabrini
The decision of the “She Built NYC” committee not to include Mother Cabrini among the seven women to be honored by New York City caused outrage among the city’s Italian-American community and Catholics in general.
An ‘American Schism’ and Church Unity
On Sept. 10, while flying back to Rome from his apostolic visit to Mozambique, Madagascar and Mauritius, Pope Francis was asked about schism in the church, and he replied: “There always is the schismatic option in the church,” and said, “It’s a choice that the Lord leaves to human freedom. I am not afraid of schism … I pray for them not to happen, as the spiritual health of many people is at stake.”