On the eve of New Jersey’s new assisted law going into effect, Bishop James Checchio of Metuchen has issued a pastoral letter lamenting that state’s move into what he terms the “darkness of despair.”
National News
Judge Dismisses Covington Catholic Student’s Suit Against Newspaper
A federal judge July 26 dismissed a $250 million lawsuit against The Washington Post by a Kentucky Catholic high school student, ruling the newspaper’s articles and tweets about the student’s actions after the annual March for Life in January were protected by the First Amendment.
Hearts ‘Heavy With Sadness’ Over Shooting at Garlic Festival, Bishop Says
Late July 29, San Jose Bishop Oscar Cantu held a bilingual prayer vigil for victims, survivors and first responders at St. Mary’s Church in Gilroy in response to a July 28 shooting that claimed the lives of three people and injured 12 others on the last day of a popular festival.
Catholic Leaders Condemn Trump Administration’s Move to Execute Inmates
Attorney General William Barr’s announcement on Thursday that the federal government would resume executing death row inmates after a nearly two decade hiatus is coming under fire from national Catholics leaders.
After Twelve Days of Protests, Governor of Puerto Rico Announces Resignation
On the eve of Constitution Day in Puerto Rico, Ricardo Rosselló announced via video that on August 2 he will resign as the commonwealth’s governor.
Astronauts Had ‘Space’ for God
I didn’t realize there was a moon-landing Bible verse until my pastor mentioned it a few weeks ago. It seems that while returning from the historic first landing on the moon 50 years ago, astronaut Buzz Aldrin took part in a TV broadcast the night before splashing down.
Death Threats Against ‘Unplanned’ Movie
The directors of “Unplanned,” the life-arming, true story of a Planned Parenthood clinic director turned pro-life activist, described a White House summit on social media as a needed opportunity for conservatives to discuss how Facebook, Twitter and Google and other outlets are shutting out their voices.
Only Half of US Catholics get Church Teaching on Communion, Study Finds
Results from a new Pew survey show that Jews are the most knowledgeable among America’s religious communities about world religions, while only half of American Catholics know what their own Church teaches on core principles such as communion.
Former U.S. Envoy to Vatican Opposes New Commission Headed by Predecessor
One former U.S. ambassador to the Vatican has been tapped to lead the State Department’s new Commission on Unalienable Rights. Another has signed a letter calling for it to be dismantled.
Puerto Rican Bishops Call for Governor’s Resignation With Day-Long Prayer Encounter Amid Protests
Following a tenth straight day of protests calling for Puerto Rican Governor Ricardo Rosselló to resign, Puerto Rican Catholic bishops have voiced their support for the demonstrations and are now joining the call for him to step down.