The lives of people lost to the “long, dark months of the coronavirus pandemic” was on the mind of Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles during an observance on the eve of All Souls’ Day.
National News
As Nation Awaits Elections, Tensions and Fences Rise Around the Country
On the morning of Nov. 2, the nation’s capital looked as if it was getting ready for a hurricane rather than an election.
Catholic Fundraising in 2020: Many Down, Some Up, But It Has All Changed
Chalk up something else affected by the coronavirus: fundraising for Catholic entities of all kinds.
All Souls’ Day 2020 Is Poignant Reminder of COVID-19
The feast of All Souls’ Day, when Catholics remember and pray for the dead, has weighted significance this year when so many have died of COVID-19 and the pandemic’s restrictions have prevented usual funeral services and final goodbyes in person.
October 2020: Father Michael McGivney, Knights of Columbus Founder, is Beatified
Father Michael McGivney (1852-1890), the founder of the Knights of Columbus, is a step closer to sainthood after he was beatified at a Mass at the Cathedral of St. Joseph in the Archdiocese of Hartford, Connecticut on Oct. 31.
Colorado, Louisiana Voters to Decide on Abortion Measures Nov. 3
Abortion is on the ballot in two states Nov. 3: Colorado and Louisiana. In Colorado, Proposition 115 would ban abortion beginning at 22 weeks of pregnancy. The measure includes exceptions to save the life of the pregnant woman but not for instances of rape or incest.
God’s Country: Contemporary Spiritual Country Songs
Country music has a rich history of adding inspirational standards to the catalog of American popular music. As far back as the 1930s, the Carter Family’s classic “Gospel Ship” informed us that, “I’m going to take a trip in that old gospel ship / I’m a-going far beyond the sky.” Around the same time, country founding father Jimmie Rodgers teamed with Sara Carter for “That Wonderful City” where the streets are lined with gold.
Father Capodanno Film Coming to NET TV
As a chaplain, Father Capodanno traded the cassock and collar for olive green jungle fatigues and a steel helmet. He became known as the “Grunt Padre” and was famous for going with Marines into the fiercest firefights. Often, they saw him darting among the wounded, either pulling them to safety or giving last rites.
‘Box of Joy’ Organizers Say Giving Program Has Even More Meaning in Pandemic
U.S. Catholic parishes, schools and groups have been collecting items since the fall to share Christmas joy in small packages for children in poverty-stricken nations and will deliver the gift boxes to local drop-off centers during Box of Joy Week, Nov. 7-15.
Bishops Support Bills to Protect Title IX Sports Programs for Women, Girls
The chairmen of two U.S. bishops’ committees said Oct. 27 that companion bills in the House and Senate are needed measures to protect athletic programs designated for women and girls at educational institutions that receive Title IX funds for these programs.