The Vatican’s Congregation for the Clergy has released new norms on the formation of seminarians for the priesthood. They are binding and affect the entire Church in the Latin Rite, with dioceses around the world adapting them to their own situations. They are meant to reflect an updated vision of priestly formation, in light of societal shifts and in light of our Holy Father Pope Francis’ vision of priesthood.
Editorials
Give Trump a Chance
Presumption is a terrible thing. Many of us assume the worst in all situations. Many of us go into a situation assuming that everyone is against us, that the battle is lost and that the apocalypse is nigh. Such, perhaps, is the case that some are feeling concerning the forthcoming inauguration of Donald Trump as the President of the United States of America.
Midwest Scrooge
Bloomington, Indiana’s mayor, John Hamilton, announced that two paid holidays for city workers were going to be renamed in an effort to recognize multiculturalism. Columbus Day will now be referred to as “Fall Holiday” and Good Friday will now be called “Spring Holiday.”
Giving Thanks
We come once again to Thanksgiving Day, a day which is a key and defining moment in the United States of America. We come this Thanksgiving with our hearts filled with gratitude for the many gifts with which the Lord has blessed us.
The Results Are In
In perhaps the biggest surprise in American politics, Donald J. Trump was elected as president of the United States. Most of the polls, almost every one in the media, had been indicating that Hillary Clinton would be elected. It seemed like it was done deal. And yet it wasn’t.
Unholy Smoke
In several states of our country, there has been a push to legalize recreational use of marijuana. Arizona, California, Maine, Massachusetts and Nevada are all considering it strongly. Because The Tablet is going to print before the results of the elections are known, we cannot comment on the results.
20 Years a Bishop
It is with great joy and respect that we mark the 20th anniversary of the episcopal ordination of Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio.
A Duty to Vote
This election season can’t end early enough. It seems like it has been going on forever and that almost every second of it has been a nasty affair. As we have written in these editorials several times, neither candidate has values and policy which can be considered in complete accord with our Catholic social teachings. Both candidates have also exhibited serious character flaws, which can cause the voter to truly question whether or not either is fit for the office of the President of the United States.
Be Informed, Vote
The Al Smith Dinner is an annual opportunity, for the benefit of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York, for a little good-natured fun on the parts of candidates for public office. Hosted by the Archbishop of New York, the Democratic and Republican contenders usually put aside their differences, have some laughs at the expense of each other and generally allow their “better angels” to shine. This was not the case this year.
The Catholic Vote
Neither presidential candidate from the major political parties has proven to be entirely decent and moral.