Three years ago, in mid-March, COVID-19’s outbreak in the United States quickly and drastically up-ended life as people knew it, as businesses, schools, and houses of worship closed.
National News
Wilmington Diocese Insists That Confessional Secrecy is ‘Nonnegotiable’
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.”
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.
Priceless Honor Bestowed Upon Celia Cruz, the Queen of Salsa
While many legendary musicians, including Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Celia Cruz, have appeared on U.S. postage stamps, only one, Ellington, has ever been honored on a U.S. coin.
Republican Senators Grill AG Garland Over Anti-Catholic Bias
Attorney General Merrick Garland faced some harsh questioning from Republican lawmakers on the Senate Judiciary Committee Wednesday.
Pope Francis Mourns ‘Tragic’ Death of L.A. Bishop David O’Connell
In a telegram sent following the murder of Los Angeles Auxiliary Bishop David O’Connell last month, Pope Francis praised the late bishop’s commitment to the poor and migrants and offered his closeness to the local community.
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.