Stories for January 2019

Ordered from most to least recent.

Released Thursday, Jan. 31

 Virginia governor defends proposal allowing abortion during childbirth
 1 million Christians have fled Iraq, Patriarch reports
 Asia Bibi expected to leave Pakistan soon
 Cardinal Kasper sees conspiracy to force Pope’s resignation
 Vatican archbishop encourages students, faculty at Rome university
 Pope issues video message before visit to UAE
 Venezuelan cardinal: Maduro should step down
 Wikileaks releases documents on Pope Francis and the Knights of Malta
 Asia Bibi will soon join daughters in Canada, bishop says
 At Geneva ecumenical event, Catholic speaker emphasizes preferential option for the poor
 Syro-Malabar bishops threaten canonical action against priests, religious who speak to media without permission
 Delhi court rejects plea for state probe into clergy abuse claims
 Abu Sayyaf is responsible for cathedral bombing, Philippine president says
 Thousands take part in rally for Catholic school ransacked by Hindus in Maharashtra
 In United Arab Emirates, bishop sees Pope as bridge between Muslims, Asian Catholic migrants
 Renaissance painting of Christ, presumed lost, rediscovered at Connecticut auction
 Abducted Jesuit’s family meets with Pope
 Mali’s bishops mark 130th anniversary of nation’s evangelization
 Vatican diplomat: 220,000 Catholic schools educate more than 65 million students, over half of them non-Christian
 Cardinal Nichols welcomes inquiry into persecution of Christians
 Bishops’ commission calls on EU nations to share responsibility for migrants stranded at sea
 Venezuela: pro-Maduro crowd attacks parishioners during Mass

Released Wednesday, Jan. 30

 Chinese regime recognizes bishop from ‘underground’ Church
 Pope’s February trip will be first visit to Arabian peninsula
 Pope recalls apostolic journey to Panama, laments ‘nationalisms that raise walls’
 Iowa’s ‘fetal heartbeat’ abortion law ruled unconstitutional
 Clergy child abuse reporting laws uneven across the US
 Cardinal Dolan asks: Why are Cuomo, Democrats alienating Catholics?
 Church in Bangladesh celebrates 500th anniversary of evangelization
 Myanmar’s cardinal deplores proposed Chinese-funded dam
 Return of Christians to the Nineveh Plain remains uncertain, Kurdish official says
 Pope assures support for Filipino bishops
 Burkina Faso’s bishops express concern about ‘unprecedented’ civil strife
 ‘Stop the repression,’ Venezuelan bishops plead
 Influential journal publishes Pope’s ‘Letters of Tribulation’
 In message to Havana conference, Pope urges fraternal civilization for authentic human promotion
 Catholic Schools Week celebrated across US

Released Tuesday, Jan. 29

 Russian Orthodox report 1,000 new parishes per year
 More pastoral support for marriage needed, Pope says
 March for Life apologizes for condemning Covington Catholic students
 Pakistan’s top court frees Asia Bibi
 Denying allegation, CDF official resigns from position
 Vatican spokesman rues lack of compassion, spirit of condemnation in Catholic media
 New York State lawmakers vote to ease statute of limitations for molestation
 Fear is fraternity’s main adversary, Vatican newspaper’s new editor says
 Congregation for Doctrine of the Faith reports ‘lively discussions’ with Indian bishops, theologians
 Benedict XVI, German-speaking rabbis engage in unofficial discussions
 Office of Papal Charities brings 1,300 to theater show
 Manhattan street given new name in honor of St. Óscar Romero
 Thanking World Youth Day volunteers, Pope discusses prayer, generosity
 Pakistan blocked young Catholics from attending World Youth Day
 Pope to California pilgrim: clerical sex abuse is a ‘horrible crime’
 40 young Polish sailors meet with Pope
 Pope recalls Holocaust, prays for Venezuela, laments attacks in Colombia, Philippines
 Philippine bishops condemn Jolo cathedral bombings
 Lisbon to host 2022 World Youth Day
 Leading Asian prelate: uphold traditional values by caring for the elderly and infirm

Released Monday, Jan. 28

 Pope downplays expectations for February summit during in-flight interview
 Pro-abortion Irish lawmaker denied Communion
 Christians now only 2% of Syrian population
 Covington bishop apologizes for ‘premature statement’ on pro-life students
 +Cardinal Fernando Sebastián Aguilar, CMF, 89
 ‘You young people are the now of God,’ Pope preaches at World Youth Day’s closing Mass
 New Lima archbishop seen as marked shift from predecessor
 Cubans inaugurate 1st new Catholic church since Castro took power in 1959
 Pope asks young people at prayer vigil: “Are you willing to be an ‘influencer’ like Mary?”
 Turn to Jesus when you face weariness, Pope tells Panama’s priests, religious, and lay movement members
 Italy says it’s closing refugee center where Pope celebrated Mass
 20 dead as bombs target Sunday Mass in Philippine cathedral
 Italian bishops offer to care for minors stranded in Mediterranean Sea
 ‘We do not need nationalism,’ but a ‘fraternal and cosmopolitan’ patriotism, Cardinal Marx declares
 ‘Rescue us from paralysis’ in the face of suffering, Pope prays at World Youth Day Via Crucis
 Addressing young prisoners, Pope contrasts Jesus’ approach of conversion with the gossip, complaining of ‘doctors of the law’
 ‘We are deeply grateful for the President’s pro-life commitment,’ USCCB committee chairman says

Released Friday, Jan. 25

 Pro-abortion groups do not reflect Catholic Church : New Mexico bishop
 Some ‘underground’ priests abandoning ministry after China-Vatican deal
 Tennessee bishop: I would excommunicate Cuomo
 Nigerian bishops urge citizens to vote responsibly
 Prelates: Palestinian Christians face systematic discrimination in Israel
 New York’s bishops decry new state law expanding abortion
 Kentucky bishop criticizes pro-life students’ ‘Make America Great Again’ hats
 Pakistan’s Supreme Court restores civil validity of Christian marriages
 Madhya Pradesh government backtracks on ‘forced conversion’ charges against Christians
 Iraqi ayatollah backs UN investigation into Islamic State’s war crimes
 Members of European Parliament hear testimony on China’s persecution of religion
 Indonesia frees Christian governor convicted of blasphemy
 Hindu radicals vandalize Catholic school in Maharashtra
 Maduro’s troops besiege Venezuelan cathedral
 ‘Closely following’ situation in Venezuela, Pope Francis prays for nation’s people
 Respond with love to Christ’s love, Pope tells young people at World Youth Day’s opening ceremony
 Pope tells Central America’s bishops: Think with the Church and live Christ’s self-emptying
 In opening address in Panama, Pope pays tribute to ‘land of convocation’ and ‘land of dreams’

Released Thursday, Jan. 24

 Pope calls for responsible use of new media in annual Communications message
 Archbishop of Canterbury unbothered by Anglican priests becoming Catholic
 Pakistani court to hold hearing on Asia Bibi’s release January 29
 New association aspires to reorganize Islam in France
 Baltimore archbishop issues pastoral letter on racial justice
 Holy See urges resumption of Israeli-Palestinian dialogue
 Pope has taken action against clerical abuse, Vatican Secretary of State says in interview
 Vatican newspaper highlights US Christian leaders’ opposition to border wall
 Venezuelan bishops back opposition marches after calling Maduro ‘illegitimate’
 Pope describes border wall as ‘madness,’ says that ‘fear makes us crazy’
 En route to Panama, Pope Francis pays tribute to late journalist
 Vatican spokesman: papal trip to Japan under study; Iraq not in the cards until conditions change
 ‘Have the courage to be saints,’ archbishop preaches at World Youth Day’s opening Mass
 USCCB laments Senate’s failure to pass No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act
 In Pakistan, activists demand justice for abused, arrested and tortured Christian domestic workers
 Chinese bishops’ chief vows to press ahead with Sinicization
 Europe’s Christian leaders support ‘radical hospitality’ in response to refugee crisis

Released Wednesday, Jan. 23

 Most US bishops do not foresee ordination of female deacons
 Church-state clash in Fiji over principals for Catholic schools
 Phillips sought to disrupt Mass days before confrontation at March for Life
 Pope Francis departs for Panama
 Islamic militants kidnap Christian man in Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula
 Senate passes resolution condemning religious tests for federal officials
 In religious-freedom case, judge rules that sexual orientation is not covered by federal Fair Housing Act
 Indian archbishop welcomes end of egg ban in school meals
 ‘Bernadette Year’ begins at Lourdes
 150 million Hindu pilgrims taking part in ‘world’s largest gathering of humans’
 From worshipping rain to faith in Christ: Bangladesh’s Bawm celebrate 100 years of conversion
 Lateran basilica hosts concert in honor of Andrei Rublev
 Government-approved bishop succeeds underground bishop in Chinese diocese
 Italian prelate, Protestant leaders call for European humanitarian corridor for migrants, refugees
 Swiss Guards get a 21st-century headgear update
 Vatican summit’s moderator discusses effective responses to clerical sexual abuse
 For World Youth Day, Church in Panama wants to reveal country’s true face
 Philippine prelate rips legislature as ‘most naive, heartless, and un-Christian’ in nation’s history
 England’s Catholic, Anglican prelates hold ‘frank and realistic’ discussions
 Over 12,000 US pilgrims, 34 bishops travel to Panama for World Youth Day

Released Tuesday, Jan. 22

 Vatican denies early knowledge of Argentine bishop’s misconduct
 World Youth Day organizers expect 500,000 for Mass with Pope
 Before trip, Pope prays at St. Mary Major
 Accused priest remains active at Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith
 Heavy security, no arrests during bishops’ week-long retreat in Chicago
 USCCB president: Society needs ‘artisans of peace’ who follow Martin Luther King’s example
 Indigenous Catholic youth call upon governments, corporations to respect indigenous peoples
 Lutherans reaffirm commitment to Christian unity
 Prelate calls on Pontifical Mission Societies to ‘keep alive the missionary spirit in the Church’
 In Syria, Greek Orthodox patriarch backs Moscow in dispute over Orthodox Church of Ukraine
 Dominican priest speaks in historic Pakistani mosque
 On eve of World Youth Day, 14,000 youth take part in ‘days in the dioceses’
 Nuns who protested against rape-accused bishop express fear for their lives
 Madhya Pradesh priest arrested for instigation of a 17-year-old’s suicide
 Ethiopia’s prime minister meets with Pope
 The Beatitudes are the Christian’s true way of life, Pope preaches at weekday Mass
 ‘We are ready to welcome Pope Francis,’ Panama’s president says
 Bishop welcomes scrapping of application fee for EU citizens living in UK
 Terror cannot be the seed of peace, Bogota cardinal says after car bomb
 Plenary indulgence for World Youth Day participants who venerate Our Lady of Fatima
 Vatican newspaper draws attention to economic inequality
 Christians face ‘extreme persecution’ in 11 nations, group says in annual report

Released Monday, Jan. 21

 Pope reportedly aware of charges against Argentine bishop in 2015
 Notre Dame will cover up murals of Christopher Columbus
 Swiss bishop will join SSPX community on retirement
 Florida hotel dishwasher awarded $21M after boss fired her for refusing to work on Sunday
 End the government shutdown, USCCB president tells president, Congress
 ‘Never drink from the cup of hatred,’ Vatican newspaper columnist writes on Rev. Martin Luther King’s birthday
 Malawi’s bishops condemn government oppression
 A year after papal visit, Peru’s bishops lamented continued corruption
 Christian acquitted in Pakistan following blasphemy trial
 Steep attendance decline predicted for World Youth Day in Panama
 Remember your roots, Pope tells indigenous youth
 Kenyan bishops issue message of hope, solidarity following terrorist attack
 Zimbabwe bishops, in pastoral letter, express ‘concern and alarm’ about nation’s direction
 Pope puts Sistine choir under aide’s eye after financial scandal
 Jesus is ‘Groom of the People of God,’ Pope tells pilgrims
 Pope launches his Click to Pray app profile
 Hmong refugees in Vietnam turn to Catholicism
 Pope prays for victims of terrorism in Colombia, shipwrecks in Mediterranean
 Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith assumes duties of Ecclesia Dei commission
 Ecumenical journey is not optional, Pope tells Finnish Lutherans
 As Week of Prayer for Christian Unity begins, Pope calls for ‘the worship demanded by justice’

Released Friday, Jan. 18

 CDF, Asian bishops conclude meeting on doctrinal issues
 Pope mourns Colombian terror victims
 Archbishop Naumann: abuse weakens pro-life witness
 Papal sends message to youth in Panama before World Youth Day trip
 At March for Life, Trump vows to veto any pro-abortion legislation
 Italian bishops refine anti-abuse guidelines without victim input
 The Word of God is not an ideology, Pope preaches at weekday Mass
 Canadian humanitarian activist meets with Pope, discusses child soldiers
 Pope, Council of Europe’s leader discuss sexual abuse of minors
 Vatican archbishop writes book on life after death
 Archbishop Lori announces system to report allegations against Baltimore bishops
 With Zimbabwe in turmoil over fuel hikes, archbishop calls for restraint
 Poll: 75% of Americans support ‘substantial’ restrictions on abortion
 Gunman kills estranged wife, wounds daughter at Houston parish
 Vatican releases document on human trafficking
 English bishop says Britain in ‘amazing political mess’ over Brexit
 Vatican newspaper pays tribute to Luigi Sturzo, Italian Popular Party
 Background: Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

Released Thursday, Jan. 17

 Syro-Malabar bishops to take legal action against ‘malicious’ critics
 Croatian bishop faces charges after accidental shooting during hunt
 English cardinal presides at Mass to welcome gay community
 Pontiff thanks Italian police who patrol Vatican
 Pope decries ‘senseless’ terrorist attack in Kenya
 Cardinal Wuerl withdraws as celebrant of Mass for Life
 Cardinal Wuerl apologizes to priests, McCarrick victim, says he forgot he knew about harassment allegations
 4 nuns who protested against rape-accused bishop transferred
 For displaced Kachins in Myanmar, a bloodless Christmas was a bonus
 Philippines: Church leaders in Mindanao ramp up autonomy support
 Iraqi cardinal: ordination of bishop in Mosul is source of joy to local Muslims
 North Sumatra: local Muslims prevent Protestants from entering house-church
 Division among Christians is unjust, Vatican cardinal says
 EU court upholds Germany’s removal of home-schooled children from home
 President Trump pays tribute to religious freedom
 Christians, Muslims in Pakistan recall 800th anniversary of meeting between St. Francis and the sultan
 Leading Peruvian bishop lauds synodality
 ‘Some UN contingents do not protect civilians,’ Central African Republic bishops warn
 Chilean bishop: meeting with Pope France on abuse was ‘frank and fruitful’
 Nigerian nuns continue mission despite abduction fears, mother superior says
 10 years on, victims of India’s anti-Christian violence still denied justice
 You are not forgotten, bishops from abroad tell Christians in Holy Land

Released Wednesday, Jan. 16

 Father Lombardi will chair February meetings on sexual abuse
 Cardinal Kasper: papal critics exploit scandal for their own ends
 Pope, at audience, looks forward to Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
 Theme of Pope’s general audience: ‘Abba, Father’
 Chilean bishops meet with Pope Francis a year after disastrous papal trip
 50 Northeast Jesuits are named as abusers, including some from top-ranked Catholic schools
 Indian prelate questions usefulness of ‘traditional formulations’ of doctrine, ‘strict application of the Law’
 Ecumenical Patriarchate publishes decree recognizing Orthodox Church of Ukraine
 Warsaw’s cardinal laments assassination of Danzig mayor
 Pope expresses ‘concerns pertaining to the Gospel of Jesus Christ which are specific and relevant to Asia’
 Jihadists spread terror in Kenya with attack on Nairobi hotel
 British bishops’ conference highlights prelate’s support of government mental health initiatives
 ‘Readiness is all, if we let ourselves be surprised,’ Vatican newspaper’s new editor writes in editorial
 Ohio governor includes sexual orientation, gender identity in broad state employment nondiscrimination executive order
 Bishops express dismay at court ruling halting moral and religious exemption to HHS mandate

Released Tuesday, Jan. 15

 Vatican decrees move Swiss religious toward canonization, recognize Spanish martyrs
 Study global issues, Pope urges Pontifical Academy for Life
 Texas bishop calls on McCarrick to repent
 Sweden’s cardinal, other Christian leaders pray for converts who are seeking asylum
 No-deal Brexit would harm poorest people in UK, Anglican primate says
 Church in Poland commemorates Day of Judaism
 Pope Francis laments abortion in message to Paris march for life
 India’s bishops devote greater attention to ecology, small Christian communities
 Vatican press office issues statement on Venezuela
 English bishops praise proposed end of imprisonment for many nonviolent offenders
 Church in South Sudan laments continuing violence
 Syrian archbishop sees ‘enormous tension’ in the disputed area between Kurds and Turks
 Catholic Relief Services: Immigration action must consider root causes
 USCCB novena unites over 100,000 faithful in prayer ahead of Roe v. Wade anniversary

Released Monday, Jan. 14

 Pontifical Household to be reorganized? What that could mean
 Despite Venezuelan bishops’ objection, Pope sends envoy to Maduro inauguration
 Chilean bishops meet with Pontiff to repair ties
 Cardinal Wuerl asks priests for understanding; editorial says he ‘lied’
 Archbishop Vigano calls McCarrick to public repentance
 Report: Papal preacher emphasized basics during retreat for US bishops
 Survey: US Catholics’ faith in clergy is shaken
 McCarrick accuser cooperates with NYC prosecutors on abuse
 Report: Scotland’s dioceses failed to report 126 abuse allegations to police
 Surge in jihadist violence causes 30,000 Nigerians to flee homes
 Vatican launches official athletics team
 Pope Francis writes book preface, praises example of St. John Bosco
 Pope makes surprise visit to Poor Clare monastery
 India’s Latin-rite bishops elect new officers
 Papal address raised crucial issues, Philippine ambassador says
 Live in a manner consistent with your baptism, Pope tells pilgrims
 Pope Francis baptizes 27 infants
 Be attentive to Christ, Pope tells Church historians
 CDF, Asian bishops to discuss challenges to Catholic doctrine
 Pontifical council, World Council of Churches discuss interreligious dialogue

Released Friday, Jan. 11

 20 former Latin American presidents question papal statement on Venezuela
 Veteran journalist decries ‘misleading, irresponsible’ Pennsylvania grand-jury report
 Pope visits nuns in Umbria
 Venezuelan bishops: new presidential term for Maduro is not legitimate
 New team named for Vatican press office
 French cardinal likely to be cleared in abuse cover-up trial
 Despite past denials, DC Cardinal Wuerl knew of sexual misconduct allegations against ex-Cardinal McCarrick and reported them to Vatican
 Unity of Catholics and Orthodox is not utopian thinking, Ukrainian Catholic leader says
 Church officials criticize Brazil’s withdrawal from global migration pact
 Cardinal Cupich reflects on US bishops’ retreat and ‘new ecclesial season’
 DR Congo bishops question presidential election results
 Whoever loves God must also love his brother, Pope preaches at weekday Mass
 Papal message calls on Church in India to bear fruits of faith and charity
 Pope has deep understanding of Africa, ambassador says
 Pope to make apostolic journey to Romania in late spring
 Study: US diocesan foundation assets surge to $9.5 billion
 Church and society gather for funeral of Hong Kong’s bishop
 Bishops from over a dozen nations visiting Holy Land
 Maronite bishops again call for new Lebanese government
 Chaldean priest sees new year of rebirth for Mosul
 Christians concerned about religious freedom if Turkey enters Syria
 Create a border solution and end the government shutdown, US bishops’ committee chairman says

Released Thursday, Jan. 10

 Priest who was secretary to 2 cardinals accused of abuse
 Worldwide threat to missionaries set to worsen, religious warn
 Cardinal Tobin criticizes President Trump’s speech on immigration
 Pakistan: 500 Muslim leaders sign Islamabad Declaration condemning violence in name of Islam
 Cardinal Zen defends the Vatican in choosing Cardinal John Tong as Hong Kong’s apostolic administrator
 In Sri Lanka, no justice for slain Christian journalist 10 years after his murder
 Imam foils deadly attack on church on the eve of Coptic Christmas
 In Istanbul address, Ecumenical Patriarch laments modern slavery
 Comboni sisters attacked in Central African Republic
 Bishops voice concern as DR Congo awaits presidential election results
 Brazilian icon of liberation theology being considered for sainthood
 Maltese bishops appeal to fellow European bishops to help save migrants stranded at sea
 Germany to curb mosque funding from Gulf states
 British Protestant leaders call for ‘more humane system’ for refugees
 French Muslim leaders ‘reassured’ following meeting with Macron
 +Archbishop Giorgio Zur, 88
 As Ecuador debates abortion legalization, bishops call for defense of unborn life
 Brazilian prelate deplores shooting of squatters

Released Wednesday, Jan. 9

 New Hampshire diocese sanctions Feeneyite group
 Construction begins on first Christian church in Turkey built since 1923
 Pope to dissolve Prefecture of Pontifical Household?
 God always answers prayers, Pope reassures audience
 In emotional interview, Opus Dei spokesman said he ‘hated’ how prominent priest’s sexual misconduct case was handled
 Inside one of America’s first Catholic-to-charter school conversions
 USCCB calls for public comments in favor of migrants’ asylum rights in US
 China plans to make Islam ‘compatible with socialism’ as Muslims remain in re-education camps
 +Father Benjamin Henry Miller, SJ, 93
 Pope offers condolences following death of Hong Kong bishop
 Ditch bags, Indonesia’s leading prelate tells Catholics as plastic woes grow
 ‘Devotion is embracing God and others with real love,’ Manila cardinal preaches as 5 million honor Black Nazarene
 Israel’s Christian population on the rise
 German cardinal calls for ‘new journey towards a synodal Church’
 Small actors on global stage applaud Pope’s paean to multilateralism
 New Vatican newspaper editor: ‘Hope for the new year comes through fraternity’
 Pope Francis praises apostolic zeal of Neocatechumenal Way’s founder
 ‘Indifference is opposed to God’s love,’ Pope preaches at weekday Mass
 Pope’s January prayer intention: for youth to follow Mary’s example
 Head of pontifical academy chides Europe’s leaders over migrants stranded at sea
 Vatican official: question of clandestine bishops is important point in discussions with China

Released Tuesday, Jan. 8

 Logo for Pope’s Moroccan visit includes Islamic crescent
 Irish archbishop cautions pro-life protesters
 Pope cites Mother Teresa as model in message for World Day for Sick
 Abuse allegations at famed monastery rock Pope’s native Argentina
 Activists urge Pope to sack some Polish bishops for not reporting sex abuse cases
 Catholic homes destroyed, land expropriated in Ho Chi Minh City
 4 Christians arrested for ‘forced conversions’ in Uttar Pradesh
 India’s bishops begin week-long meeting
 At special Mass, cardinal commemorates 525th anniversary of first Mass in the Americas
 Pakistani archbishop proclaims ‘year of dialogue’
 In West Timor, locals reap benefits of priest’s environmental crusade
 Jesuit Refugee Service says 2018 not easy for refugees
 Ambassador recalls 2018 highlights in US-Holy See relations
 Patriarch Kirill of Moscow issues Christmas message
 Stockholm cardinal: pray for converts to Christianity who face deportation
 German chancellor, president encourage Catholic ‘star singers’ on Epiphany
 Pope sends video message as Coptic Orthodox Church dedicates new cathedral near Cairo
 Dean of diplomatic corps salutes Pope’s ‘tireless commitment to the defense of human dignity’
 Concreteness is the criterion of Christianity, Pope preaches at weekday Mass

Released Monday, Jan. 7

 Islamic leader attends inaugural ceremony at Coptic cathedral
 Cardinal Tong named interim administrator of Hong Kong diocese
 French cardinal goes to trial on charge of concealing abuse
 Constantinople formally recognizes independent Ukrainian Orthodox Church
 Pope decries nationalism in annual address to diplomatic corps
 Vatican accelerating McCarrick investigation?
 L’Osservatore Romano monthly: ‘Give women the place they deserve in the Church’
 Ukrainian Catholic leader issues Christmas pastoral letter
 House votes to repeal pro-life ‘Mexico City policy’
 German cardinal urges change, ‘review’ of celibacy tradition
 ‘Speed aid to abuse survivors,’ Cardinal Dolan writes in op-ed
 House retains chaplain who survived earlier, messy fight
 Colombia: in generalized climate of fear, priest threatened with death by armed group
 Angolan government closes over 1,000 churches
 Russian Orthodox Church creates jurisdictions in Western Europe, Southeast Asia
 Israel’s president pledges government will not infringe on church property
 Nigeria: elect only credible and God-fearing leaders, Lagos archbishop urges
 Turkey’s gift of a mosque sparks fears of ‘neo-Ottomanism’ in Kosovo
 Vatican newspaper draws attention to record global indebtedness
 Announce the true result of the presidential election, Congo’s bishops urge
 Pontifical council organizes ‘100 cribs at the Vatican’
 India: sibling survivors of pogrom choose consecrated life
 Pope issues appeal for migrants stranded aboard rescue ships
 ‘Be illumined by the light of Christ,’ Pope tells pilgrims on feast of Epiphany
 Seek Christ, ‘who came to us not in worldly pomp,’ Pope preaches at Epiphany Mass
 ‘Building Communities of Welcome’ is theme of US bishops’ National Migration Week

Released Friday, Jan. 4

 Argentine bishop, now working at Vatican, charged with abuse
 Cardinal Brandmüller: scandal reflects increased homosexual activity
 Egyptian president will attend Coptic Christmas celebration
 14 attorneys-general challenge Trump administration’s HHS mandate relief for Little Sisters of the Poor
 Some Coptic Orthodox Christians support changing date of Christmas celebratoin
 US dioceses have released names of over 1,000 accused priests
 Qatar’s emir funds construction of church in Lebanon
 Vatican initiative aims to help Ukraine’s displaced families
 South African bishops welcome national minimum wage
 In presence of nation’s leaders, Haitian bishop decries corruption, ‘failure of political institutions’
 Papua New Guinea bishops’ official laments treatment of refugees
 7 Christians arrested during Christmas service in Laos
 USCCB president sends message to Pope Francis
 Vatican official: Pope’s letter to US bishops ‘indicates a way forward’
 Address students’ questions about the faith without proselytizing, Ieading Italian prelate tells teachers
 Influential journal: Amazon synod will focus on defending the indigenous against economic exploitation
 Pope writes introduction to work on Jesuit Baroque composer
 UK government orders global review of persecution of Christians
 +Sister Wendy Beckett, 88
 Chicago Tribune, in editorial, calls for resistance to China’s crackdown on religion
 Congo’s bishops delay statement on presidential election results after nationwide Internet cutoff
 India’s Kerala paralyzed by protests after women enter Hindu pilgrimage site

Released Thursday, Jan. 3

 Catholic representation in US Congress remains at 31%
 Irish bishop: pro-abortion politicians ‘out of communion’ with Church
 Vatican was aware of charges against Maciel for decades
 Church credibility damaged by scandal, Cardinal Parolin admits
 Papal message to US bishops: solve scandal but avoid divisions
 Phoenix bishop issues apostolic exhortation on the family
 Pope, ahead of Epiphany: ‘We like the Magi must look up, so that we can see the star’
 CDF: hysterectomy permitted when it is certain that future pregnancy will lead to miscarriage
 Maronite patriarch calls for ‘neutral government of technocrats’ in Lebanon
 Bishop says Christians enjoy ‘complete freedom of worship’ in Iran
 Hong Kong bishop dead at 73
 Nuns in India tell of enduring abuse
 Jerusalem archbishop reflects on political action and the Kingdom of God
 Chaldean patriarch: coexistence in peace and mutual respect is the only solution for Iraq
 Al-Azhar’s grand imam visits Coptic pope for Christmas
 Puerto Rico’s bishops declare 2019 to be extraordinary missionary year
 In Indonesia, strong commitment by the Catholic community to tsunami victims
 4 foreign trips planned for Pope Francis in early 2019
 Italian president, in message to Pope, criticizes nationalism, xenophobia
 Nicaraguan cardinal cancels traditional New Year’s procession

Released Wednesday, Jan. 2

 Leaked Vatican letter challenges Cardinal DiNardo on US bishops’ blocked vote
 US bishops begin week-long retreat
 Theme of Pope’s general audience: the Lord’s Prayer at the center of the Sermon on the Mount
 Patriarch Kirill: Bartholomew no longer the Ecumenical Patriarch of all Orthodoxy
 House churches shuttered in northeastern China
 6 Christians injured in stoning of Christmas service in Myanmar
 Federal court allows Catholic parents to sue Texas school district over hair rules
 Victims accuse Cardinal DiNardo of concealing Iowa sex abuse, call for his resignation
 Nicaraguan cardinal denounces attack on parish
 Vatican Secretary of State, in interview, discusses Christmas visit to Iraq, February abuse summit
 Pope offers prayer, assistance for Indonesian tsunami victims
 Pope Francis reflects on the Holy Family
 Papal prayers for DR Congo elections
 New Asian bishops’ president suggests 5-point roadmap for Church
 ‘Jesus unleashes the power of love,’ Pope preaches at Vespers and Te Deum in thanksgiving for 2018
 Jesus ‘is the Blessing for every person and for the whole human family,’ Pope tells New Year’s pilgrims
 Let Mary gaze upon us, embrace us, and take us by the hand, Pope preaches at New Year’s Mass

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Thu26 March
Lent

Thursday of the Fifth Week of Lent

Image for Thursday of the Fifth Week of Lent

The weekday Masses towards the end of Lent are like a Passion Play. The Gospels, as one scene after the other, show the mounting hatred and growing tension. This is the “Abraham Mass,” telling of the inheritance received through Abraham. The Opening Prayer reminds us of our great inheritance received from Christ.…

Learn more about this day.

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