Catholic World News

Priest-confessors at World Youth Day given authority to lift excommunication for abortion

August 17, 2011

Priests hearing confessions at World Youth Day have been given the authority to lift the excommunication of penitents who have been involved in abortions.

Cardinal Antonio Maria Rouco Varela of Madrid granted that authority to all the priests at this week’s WYD events. Ordinarily only a limited number of priests in each diocese have the authority to remove the excommunication that is the automatic penalty for participating in an abortion.

 

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  • Posted by: voxfem - Aug. 17, 2011 7:54 PM ET USA

    God be praised for his mercy!

Thu23 January
Ordinary Time

Thursday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time; Opt Mem of St. Vincent of Saragossa, Deacon & Martyr (USA); Opt Mem of St. Marianne Cope, Virgin (USA)

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Today is Thursday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time. In the United States the Optional Memorial of St. Vincent of Saragossa (d. 304) is transferred from January 22 in the Universal Calendar to January 23. He was one of the greatest deacons of the Church. He was born in Huesca, Spain, suffered…

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