One perk that comes with floating aboard the International Space Station (ISS) is NASA arranges for occasional calls with celebrities to keep the astronauts’ spirits high during their monthslong flights.
National News
NY Prelates’ Mission to Puerto Rico
In yet another example of the support New Yorkers have offered to the people of Puerto Rico since Hurricane Maria devastated the island, Cardinal Timothy Dolan and Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio visited San Juan, Puerto Rico, on Monday, Oct. 30.
Cardinal Wuerl: Christians Are Called to Confront Racism
In a new pastoral letter released on Wednesday, Cardinal Donald Wuerl, Archbishop of Washington, D.C., called for a strengthening of the Church’s efforts to confront racism, labeling it a “divisive evil that leaves great harm in its wake.”
Cardinal Dolan Calls NYC Attack ‘Heinous,’ Cardinal DiNardo on NYC Attack
On Tuesday, Cardinal Timothy Dolan decried the ‘senseless’ violence in New York after an attacker drove into a bike path killing eight individuals and injuring a dozen more. Cardinal Dolan called on people to “work towards greater respect and understanding among all people so that heinous and evil acts like this become a thing of the past.”
Documentary Captures Ruin, Rebirth of the Russian Orthodox Church
A new documentary produced by Catholic News Service, “Faces among Icons,” chronicles the ruin and rebirth of the Russian Orthodox Church. The film is timed to coincide with the 100 year anniversary of the Russian Revolution and the apparitions of Our Lady of Fatima, where Mary called for the conversion of Russians to Christ.
Catholics Back TPS to Avoid Family Break-Ups, Putting People At Risk
U.S. Catholic leaders are calling on the Trump administration to extend the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program for foreign nationals who are living in the United States as a result of violence, natural disaster or other extraordinary circumstances.
San Diego Bishop Sees Local Antidotes to ‘Poison of Partisanship’
In an interview with The Tablet, Bishop Robert McElroy of San Diego spoke of how he believes local solutions are necessary to combat the poison of partisanship which has contributed to a “cancer in our Church.” One such measure to combat this is the initiation of a local synod within his diocese to focus on hearing the real life needs of Catholics and providing concrete responses.
Rebuilding Puerto Rico
The Tablet’s exclusive coverage on the devastation in Puerto Rico can be found here.
Vintage ‘Bernardin Bishop’ Says Pope Francis is Vindicating His Legacy
As Bishop Gerald Kicanas prepares to hand over the reigns of the diocese of Tucson, Arizona next month, he looks back on his 51 years as a priest and a Church that has dramatically changed since he was first ordained. In an interview with The Tablet, Kicanas laments the current polarization in the Church and says he hopes to see more “Francis-like actions” by the U.S. bishops.
Paul Ryan Praises Catholic Charitable Work, Silent On Immigration at Al Smith Dinner
At a time when the Catholic Church’s relationship with the Trump administration is marked by particular tension over the decision to end the DACA program, Speaker of the House Paul Ryan headlined the 72nd annual Al Smith dinner on Thursday night in Manhattan. The dinner is one of the most prominent fundraising events held by the Catholic Church in the United States.