Update: WYD condom-throwers could face jail

I somewhat indecorously described this sort of thing earlier as something that "ticks me off."

Looks like the aussies don't have much patience with this sort of thing either:

Protesters planning to hand out condoms to Catholic pilgrims during Pope Benedict XVI's visit to Australia this month face arrest under special new police powers, critics said on Tuesday.

Police and emergency service volunteers will be able to stop conduct that "causes annoyance or inconvenience to participants" in World Youth Day events expected to draw hundreds of thousands of young people to Sydney. (AFP)

Update 2: More details from the Associated Press:

New regulations give police and emergency services workers the power to order anyone to stop behavior that "causes annoyance or inconvenience to participants in a World Youth Day event," according to a New South Wales state government gazette. Anyone who does not comply faces a $5,300 fine.

Flash: Thieves raid Archbishop's home while he is in Rome

Despicable:

A weekend that was set to be a glorious one for the Twin Cities' new archbishop as he traveled to Rome has coincided with a major crime at home, church officials learned Monday.

An overnight burglary at the residence of Archbishop John Nienstedt, leader of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, appears to have netted the thief or thieves the gem- and precious-metal-laden rings and crosses worn by bishops throughout the archdiocese's 150-year-plus history.

"These things are historically and reverentially irreplaceable," Dennis McGrath, spokesman for the archdiocese, said Monday. "They're beyond value."

Believed to be missing, as well, are rosaries and a small safe, he said, adding: "It's like a historical treasure trove, if you will." (Minn-St. Paul Star Tribune)

Things don't go well for those who steal sacred articles.

The latest Reality TV phenomenon? A french seminarian.

Not sure how I feel about this:

The French love of reality programmes encompasses the music talent show Star Academy, match-making for lonely rural farmers and a polite version of Wife Swap - On a echangé nos mamans. But now the French Catholic church has jumped on the bandwagon with a show about priests that has become an internet phenomenon.

The diocese of Besançon in eastern France has launched Prêtre Academy - Priest Academy - to mark its first ordination of a new local priest for three years.

In episodes available online, viewers can watch the new recruit, Franck Ruffiot, 30, demonstrate how he prays, pay a visit to trendy contemporary artist friend and explain his feelings in a diary room. Two slightly older priests, Michel and Christophe, are followed in their daily lives.

The online show began as a marketing drive to reach young people as the church struggles with declining numbers - each year 500 priests retire or die in France while only 100 recruits join the clergy. But the short episodes showing the priests' somewhat mundane local lives have become a kind of light-hearted cult viewing online, with the first two instalments netting more than150,000 hits and the final episode due this week. (UK Guardian)

Purient interest or authentic fascination?

Youth challenged to debate creation and evolution at WYD

Nice to see:

The organizers of World Youth Day 2008, which will be held July 15-20 in Sydney, are preparing a debate on creation and evolution which will be moderated by Cardinal Cristoph Schönborn of Vienna.

WYD Coordinator and Auxiliary Bishop Anthony Fisher of Sydney said, "This is a time for the youth of the world to come together and discuss the critical challenges and issues facing society today." Other issues to be discussed include the correct meaning of sexuality, the millennium objectives, the true role and identity of women, among others.

There will be total of 450 events during WYD, with more than 100 ecclesial movements present to provide young people information on vocations to different ministries within the Church. (CNA)

It's good to see this happening because so much of education on this topic in the U.S. is little more than indoctrination.

New title exposes the evils of cohabitation

Zenit:

Living together before marriage is a very common practice for couples in many countries. Many defend it on the basis that it enables the future husband and wife to get to know each other better.

Abundant evidence exists, however, that cohabitation is more of an obstacle rather than an advantage in preparing for marriage. Michael and Harriet McManus recently published “Living Together: Myths, Risks and Answers (Howard Books)", which documents their research on the topic.

Once again, experience and data prove the wisdom of the teaching.

Globetrotter: "Pope Benedict considering trip to Africa in 2009"

Welcome news:

In an interview with the Italian newspaper Avvenire, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, Vatican Secretary of State, pointed out that Pope Benedict XVI would like to visit Africa in 2009, although his travel agenda for next year "has not yet been fixed."

Cardinal Bertone also added that, "The Church in Africa deserves a trip by the Pope, who has already visited or is preparing to visit the other continents." (CNA)

In a backhand way, Bertone just added another confirmation that China is in the works as well.

Picture: Schroeder gets Canonized

The Presbyterian response to Catholic's St. Cecilia (patron saint of musicians):

This is an actual stained glass window.

Ph/t: Curt Jester via Stained Glass Buffalo.

Photopost: Mass & Burial of aborted infants in Detroit

Diane reports on the strong showing of local support and witness:

It is an act of mercy to bury the dead. These babies got a funeral and burial with the highest level of dignity. I can't say how many people were there, but believe there were no less than 600. All I know is that the Sanctuary was full of clerics and altar boys, the pews were filled to capacity, the wooden risers periodically used by the choir in the back were full, and people were still standing in the aisles, in the vestibule, and even out on the front steps.

She has published an extensive and exemplary photopost of the event.

Papist Picture of the Day - 6/28/08

[For today's blog topics, click here.]

Today's notable papal gift? A 16th century version of Pac-Man.

[source: .(AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia, Pool)]

Photos: American Archbishops receive the pallium in Rome

Looking good:

"Edwin Frederick O'Brien, Archbishop of Baltimore, US, is embraced by Pope Benedict XVI after receiving his pallium". (AP Photo/Pier Paolo Cito)

"John Clayton Nienstedt, Archbishop of Saint Paul and Minneapolis, US, walks away from Pope Benedict XVI, behind him, after receiving his pallium (white and black woolen shawl) during a Mass celebrated by the pontiff and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, not pictured, in St. Peter's Basilica, Sunday, June 29, 2008. The Mass marking the feast of St. Peter and St. Paul included readings from the Gospels in Latin and Greek by Catholic and Orthodox clerics. During the ceremony Benedict bestowed the pallium on 40 archbishops from around the world to symbolize their bond with the Vatican. One by one the archbishops, wearing crimson vestments, knelt before the pope to receive the shawl and the pontiff's embrace. (AP Photo/Pier Paolo Cito)"

Related: Pope calls new Archbishops to ecclesial unity and fidelity (CNA)

AmP on the road: The Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis

During my recent visit to St. Louis, MO I had the opportunity of visiting the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis [wikipedia], the seat (until August) of Archbishop Raymond Burke.

I was lucky enough to show up at the cathedral precisely when a tour was starting, which I decided to follow around. If facts and figures are your thing, the 83,000 square feet of mosaic art in this Church have been under construction for a period of 75 years I found out!

Pope Paul VI called it the "outstanding cathedral of the Americas" and having been myself, I can see why. It's certainly one of the most beautiful churches I've seen in the Americas, and the most beautiful large one. There's a wealth of artistic and architectural styles harmoniously integrated in its cavernous interior.

The Cathedral Basilica's website offers an online tour of it's art. I took a few pictures myself:

This one below intrigued me - I had never seeing an "Hourglass Angel" before. Have you?

The rest of the pictures are in a new AmericanPapist Flickr Album.

I also took a video of the cathedral interior and put it on my YouTube channel:

If you ever have the opportunity of visiting the St. Louis Cathedral Basilica - do so!

Photo: Simply Stunning Papal Vestments Worn Today

Wow:

"Pope Benedict XVI arrives to lead the Vespri's ceremony at the St. Paolo's Basilica in Rome June 28, 2008."

REUTERS/Tony Gentile (ITALY)

More photos at NLM. CNA has launched a website dedicated to this Year of St. Paul.

Flash: Archbishop Raymond Burke of St. Louis assigned high-level post in Rome

The notification from today's Vatican news bulletin:

The Holy Father appointed Archbishop Raymond Leo Burke of Saint Louis, U.S.A., as prefect of the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signatura.

This is big news. It is a gain for the universal church on the one hand, and a loss for the Church in America on the other. But that's just a start. (For previous coverage of stories related to Abp. Burke, click here).

Related links:

• CNS: Pope appoints U.S. Archbishop Burke to head Vatican's highest court
• St. Louis Catholic: Holy Father Tabs Archbishop Burke as Prefect of Apostolic Signatura
• STLToday: Burke leaving St. Louis for Rome; what’s next for the local Catholic church?
• AMDG: St Louis Loses Archbishop Burke to Rome
• AP: St. Louis Archbishop gets Vatican post

Update, more links:

• Whispers: The "Chief Justice": A St Louis Cardinal
• John Allen: Burke to head Vatican's supreme court
• Ed Peters: First thoughts on Abp. Burke's promotion to the Signatura

Update 2, more links and news:

• CNS: Pope appoints U.S. Archbishop Burke to head Vatican's highest court
• Whispers: More Burke (read the screed quoted from Fr. Thomas Reese)

Finally, at the Archdiocesan website, the following announcement:

he Archdiocesan College of Consultors―a seven-member board of advisors made up of priests of the Archdiocese of St. Louis―has elected the Most Rev. Robert J. Hermann, auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of St. Louis, to serve as archdiocesan administrator.

In this role, Bishop Hermann will oversee the day-to-day operations of the archdiocese until the installation of a successor to Archbishop Raymond L. Burke.

You can also find a bevy of information (and video!) at the St. Louis Archdiocesan website about Abp. Burke's appointment, including a Q & A, the official news release (PDF), and his biography.

With all this St. Louis buzz in the air, I hope my readers will especially appreciate the exclusive post I have planned for tomorrow.... stay tuned!

[I'm trying to see if I can embed the video of the Archbishop below. If you don't see anything below, it didn't work, and you can find it right here (scroll down).]

Papist Picture of the Day - 6/27/08

[For today's blog topics, click here.]

"In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the ... wait, how does that go again?"

[source: REUTERS/Chris Helgren (VATICAN)]

Soon in DC, you'll be able to defend yourself again

It happened:

Silent on central questions of gun control for two centuries, the Supreme Court found its voice Thursday in a decision affirming the right to have guns for self-defense in the home and addressing a constitutional riddle almost as old as the republic over what it means to say the people may keep and bear arms.

The court's 5-4 ruling struck down the District of Columbia's ban on handguns and imperiled similar prohibitions in other cities, Chicago and San Francisco among them. Federal gun restrictions, however, were expected to remain largely intact. (AP)

While it is the talk of the town, I'm not sure that I have anything significant to contribute. Help?

Pope Benedict lauds St. Maximus for his lack of "tolerance"

Well, in effect:

Continuing his series of weekly talks on the early Church, Pope Benedict XVI devoted his public audience on June 25 to a discussion of St. Maximus the Confessor.

... Pope Benedict said that St. Maximus earned the title "Confessor" by the "dauntless courage" with which he proclaimed "the integral truth of Christ, without reduction or compromise."

The adamant stand taken by this heroic Christian teacher should be an example to contemporary Christians, the Pope said, suggesting in particular that the saint knew when to insist on truth and reject error. Christians cannot accept every thought put forward in the modern world, the Pope said. "Tolerance that does not know how to distinguish between good and evil would become chaotic and self-destructive," he said. "Dialogue that does not know what to dialogue about becomes mere empty chatter."

Like St. Maximus, believers should make Christ their fixed point of reference, and "thus we also learn how to position all other values because we discover their true significance," the Holy Father concluded. (CWNews)

Now there's marching orders. Just re-read those sentences I've underlined.

SSPX rejects Vatican offer

Mentioned recently, and (sadly) as predicted:

Bishop Bernard Fellay, the leader of the Society of St. Pius X, has rejected the terms offered by the Vatican for rejoining the Catholic Church. During a homily at one of his society’s seminaries on June 20, the schismatic bishop said that the five conditions for return were a message to “shut up.” (CNA)

Classy.

I want you .... for priestly service

Okay, I'm waiting for the vocations poster (a la Uncle Sam):

Four weeks into his new job, Fr. John McLaughlin says that that his position as the first national vocations director for the Archdiocese of the Military has so far been “a pleasurable experience.”

“The military personnel have been very welcoming,” he told CNA, adding that he has “met great service people” who are interest in the priesthood.

Early this month, Father McLaughlin, 50, left St. Monica Parish in Methuen, Massachusetts to become the first national vocations director for the Archdiocese of the Military, located in Washington, D.C. The Associated Press reports that in the new position, the priest will travel to bases around the U.S. “speaking to troops about following a commitment to their country with commitment to their religion.” (CNA)

Seriously - make it, and I'll post it.

Stuff that ticks me off....

Close to the top of the list .... anti-Catholic condom-throwers:

When Catholic youth around the world converge in Sydney, Australia for World Youth Day, they will be handed condoms in an attempt to protest the Pope’s unwavering opposition to abortion, contraception and homosexuality.

The NoToPope Coalition, a group of abortion, homosexual and atheist activists, including Raelians and the Socialist Alliance, will reportedly number between 1,000 and 5,000 protestors. They plan to distribute condoms to pilgrims en route to the Papal Mass at Randwick Racecourse July 20. (LifeSiteNews)

I remember people doing this at WYD '05 in Germany. I'm not sure if it was the same group, but it's a good thing I never personally saw them in action because I would have given them a piece of my mind - to start.

8 abortion mills close since bishop began on-site prayer

I mentioned this earlier, and it has been bearing fruit:

The Catholic Pro-Life Committee, the Respect Life Ministry of the Catholic Diocese of Dallas, has reported that Aaron Women's Health Center, a late-term abortion facility in Dallas will be closing its doors on June 28. Aaron's was one of three abortion clinics in Texas authorized to perform late-term abortions on unborn babies older than 16 weeks gestation.

When Bishop Charles Grahmann began leading a monthly "Second Saturday Rosary" outside Dallas abortion clinics in 1990, there were 13 abortion clinics in the city. Seven clinics closed between 1990 and 2001, and after Aaron's closes there will remain only five freestanding abortion clinics in Dallas. The Catholic Pro-Life Committee and others have vowed to continue to pray and offer alternatives to abortion outside those remaining five clinics. (LifeSiteNews)

Leading by example, and grace through action.

The pope ... doesn't wear Prada

I'm heartbroken:

The devil may wear Prada -- but the pope does not.

According to the Vatican newspaper L'Osservatore Romano, the bright red loafers that Pope Benedict XVI wears are not designed by the Milanese fashion house, as has long been rumored.

"Obviously the attribution was false," the Vatican newspaper said in its Thursday's editions.

"Such rumors are inconsistent with the simple and somber man who, on the day of his election to the papacy, showed to the faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square and to the whole world the sleeves of a modest black sweater," it said.

....L'Osservatore Romano said the pope's interest in clothes has nothing to do with fashion and everything to do with liturgy -- what symbolism traditional garments can bring to the Christian liturgy. "The pope, therefore, does not wear Prada, but Christ," L'Osservatore said.

Okay, I'll live.

Papist Picture of the Day - 6/26/08

[For today's blog topics, click here.]

Rumors of a secret underground golf course at the Vatican gained credibility when photographic evidence of papal golf carts appeared.

[source: AP Photo/Filippo Monteforte, Pool]

Religion and Politics: the big (and changing?) picture

Plenty happening here, and quickly. Again, too much to go into at this point, but here's what I'm reading:

First off, Obama is off to a 15% lead in recent polling.

David Gibson, meanwhile, sees in recent data a shift by Catholics away from the Republican party.

CNA takes a look at the numbers on its own.

On the major networks, commentators are making their play, and hard. Matthew Balan at News Busters takes a look at a few of these episodes, most of which I actually managed to catch live as I was travelling today.

Now if I could just get an uninterrupted space of time to reflect on all this. Help me out and start us out.

Report: Pope prefers Communion on the tongue

Hey cool. So do I:

In interview published in the Wednesday edition of L'Osservatore Romano, Pope Benedict’s new Master of Pontifical Liturgical Celebrations, Monsignor Guido Marini, says he believes that people receiving Communion kneeling and on the tongue will become common practice at the Vatican.

..."it is necessary not to forget the fact that the distribution of Communion on the hand remains, up to now, from the juridical standpoint, an exception (indult) to the universal law, conceded by the Holy See to those bishops' conferences who requested it,” the liturgical master of ceremonies reminded.

..."It could also be noted that the (Pope's) preference for such form of distribution which, without taking anything away from the other one, better highlights the truth of the real presence in the Eucharist, helps the devotion of the faithful, and introduces more easily to the sense of mystery. Aspects which, in our times, pastorally speaking, it is urgent to highlight and recover." (CNA)

Really, why not receive on the tongue?

In a related discussion, my father opines:

I have just published a short article proposing that the Communion fast (1983 CIC 919) be calculated from the start of Mass (instead of from the reception of Communion) and that the fast be extended to three hours (instead of the current one hour). See Edward Peters, "The Communion Fast: a Reconsideration", Antiphon 11 (2007) 234-244 (PDF). Briefly, my reasons are [read them here.]

Also good.

Pfizer gives adult stem cell research a chance

A story you won't see picked up and spread around:

The pharmaceutical giant Pfizer has announced that it is funding a new adult stem-cell treatment that could treat diabetes-induced retinal damage, a leading cause of blindness.

.... In animal experiments, adult stem-cells have shown a remarkable ability to target and repair damaged blood vessels in the eye, which are a key problem in diabetic eye disease and macular degeneration. (CNA)

Adult stem cells: they work.

Picture: The pope's latest wheels!

"STPG" (Stuff The Pope Gets):

"Pope Benedict XVI looks at two 'Ape Calessino' three-wheel cars he was presented by Italian scooter maker Piaggio at the end of a general audience at the Vatican, Wednesday, June 25, 2008. The Ape, a reproduction of the special version used to carry tourists in the fashionable island of Capri and other sea resorts along the Amalfi cost in southern Italy, was presented to the pontiff to mark its 60th anniversary. (AP Photo/Filippo Monteforte, Pool)"

I'm feeling a PPOTD coming on....

Papist Picture of the Day - 6/25/08

[For today's blog topics, click here.]

The excommunicated cardinal made his long-planned grab for power under the unfortunate delusion that the pope's zuccheto was the source of his infallibility.

[source: REUTERS/Alessandro Garofalo (ITALY)]

Obama, Dobson, Catholics & Evangelicals: a recap

With a scant four months to go before the presidential election, things are popping into high gear.

First off, Dobson rips Obama for intentionally distorting Scripture.

Deacon Fournier looks at what's happening, and has some good stuff to say.

Frank Schaeffer, meanwhile, surveys the situation from a polar-opposite perspective.

William McGurn, however, gets closer to the real heart of the issue in the WSJ.

With stories like this likely to proliferate and grow, I'm going to hold off throwing my two cents into the ring until I've had a bit of time to do the homework. This won't be the last story on these topics, to be sure.

AmP at the movies: Hulk, Get Smart & the future

Barbara Nicolosi wasn't impressed by The Incredible Hulk, and I can't say I was either.

(I did like the scene where Edward Norton risks sexual impurity and is saved by his racing heart. When he said "I can't do this", I couldn't help saying audibly "that's right - because you're not married!" ... oh well, I hope my fellow audience members appreciated my comment.)

I also saw Get Smart. Not impressed. Mildly amused, at most. I actually watched the original TV series for a time and thought Anne Hatheway did a far better job as 99 than Steve Carrel did as Agent 86. Steve Carell was just Steve Carell, which is good if you like that sort of thing, I guess.

I also heard The Happening wasn't worth the ticket price. Too bad, I've liked previous Shamylan flicks.

Towards the future, I'm excited about Wall-E. Hancock looks promising as well. And of course, The Dark Knight. I have to say, I'll probably end up even seeing Hellboy II, because I can be shallow like that sometimes.

So, what's on your movie radar this summer?

Priests: spiritual rigour need not outstrip physical fitness

Sure, it's easy for a young guy like me to point this out, but I think this does deserve note:

[CNS] With studies confirming that a high percentage of U.S. clerics are overweight and lead inactive and nutritionally unhealthy lifestyles, several Catholic leaders in interviews with Catholic News Service said priests should focus on their bodies with the same care they give the souls of their parishioners.

"We should remind our priests to take the time for relaxation and physical exercise," said Baltimore Archbishop Edwin F. O'Brien, himself a physically fit 69-year-old Catholic leader. "It's very important for their health and their ministry."

A 2001 national survey of more than 2,500 Christian religious leaders -- conducted by the pastoral leadership research project "Pulpit and Pew" based at Duke Divinity School in North Carolina -- said that 76 percent of Christian clergy were either overweight or obese, 15 percentage points higher than for the general U.S. population.

Reasons:

It's easy for clergy to fall into a sedentary lifestyle with a work schedule that has them on call 24 hours every day of the week and also to indulge in unhealthy foods provided at the numerous social functions and potluck dinners they are required to attend, said Susan Gibbs, spokeswoman for the Archdiocese of Washington.

... Because many diocesan priests live alone, it's easy for them to fall into the trap of eating junk food and spending their leisure time in a sedentary way, which is why group activities can be beneficial for priests, Father Joensen said.

A generation thing?

In general, younger priests lead healthier lifestyles than older clergy, said Father William M. Joensen, 48, of the Archdiocese of Dubuque, Iowa, and a philosophy professor at Loras College in Dubuque, which has a small number of seminarians in its St. Pius X Seminary Program.

"You can attribute some of that to a generational philosophy which places physical fitness as a priority," said Father Joensen, himself an avid bicyclist who was spending part of June in Spain on a cycling trip.

"But, we also stress in priestly formation that it is important to avoid reverting to a sedentary lifestyle and to focus on staying active. This becomes an issue in their evaluations, when I work with them as a spiritual director," he said.

The point:

Physically fit priests also have more credibility when espousing the virtues of being a good steward of one's body to members of their congregation, Father Garcia said.

My experiences agree with what this article claims.

Seminarians of my generation, in general, put a greater focus on remaining fit, and this is often positively enforced in their formation. Priests of an older generation are more hit-and-miss. I have many priests friends who won't be competing in any marathon anytime soon. I also have a priest friend who is one of the most physically fit individuals I have ever met. This man is better able to fulfill his demanding duties as a priest because his body does what he needs it to do.

Do I have a point here? Not really. I think most of us would agree that being physically fit is a good and useful thing. I'm just mentioning it again here so that maybe we can think of an inventive way to help our priests care for their bodies as they care for our souls.

Vatican to SSPX: ASAP

Movement, yes. Progress? Maybe:

According to Andrea Tornielli, who claims to have a copy of the original letter sent by the Holy See to the schismatic Bishop Bernard Fellay, head of the St. Pius X Society, the Holy See has given an ultimatum to the Society, with a deadline of June 28 for it to respond.

According to Tornielli, who writes on his blog for the Italian newspaper Il Giornale, Cardinal Dario Castrillón Hoyos has written a letter in his capacity as President of the Pontifical Ecclesia Dei Commission, presenting the conditions of the ultimatum that, if accepted would conclude with the final incorporation of the St. Pius X Society into the Church by means of the canonical procedure of personal prelature, similar to that of Opus Dei. [More from CNA]

(note how the story originally broke on an Italian blog. I need to add some of those to my blogroll.)

CWNews chimes in with its coverage here. InsideCatholic commentary here.

Me? I'm currently residing in the "show me" state.

Papist Picture of the Day - 6/24/08

[For today's blog topics, click here.]

On Tuesday, the Vatican announced the creation of a new office entrusted with combating relativism and defending truth. Cardinals would be suitably attired.

[source: REUTERS/Osservatore Romano (VATICAN)]

On the road: St. Louis Cathedral Basilica

On my final day in St. Louis, I plan on visiting the St. Louis Cathedral Basilica, locally known as the "new cathedral". I've already seen the "old cathedral" before, which is the oldest church west of the Mississippi river (I believe). They've taken the scaffolding off the new cathedral, I understand, and I can't wait to see it. Yes, I'll be bringing my camera.

While I'm in the neighborhood, I wonder if Archbishop Burke would be up for a visit?

The Beatitudes, according to the Gospel of the Sierra Club

Since when did mention by the Sierra Club become the measure of charitable activity for Catholics?

Stories like this one ("Sierra Club book recognizes Catholics doing their part on environment"), especially perplex me.

The opening lines:

Don Conklin and Ellen Buelow are in good company -- and lots of it. The two New Mexico Catholics are, like Catholics everywhere, doing their part to help the environment and to make others aware of potential ecological dangers that arise from wasteful habits.

Catholics, in fact, are prominently featured in nine chapters of a new Sierra Club book, "Faith in Action," which highlights faith-led environmental action in each of the 50 states plus Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia.

Conklin and Buelow, members of Holy Rosary Parish in Albuquerque, N.M., helped engineer a light-bulb swap -- incandescent bulbs for energy-saving compact fluorescent bulbs, in March. Before the swap was over, 3,000 bulbs changed hands."

We did this as a Lenten project," said Conklin, a pastoral associate at the 2,700-household parish.

Energy saving replacing alms-giving. Wonderful. Conklin happily reports that the project "didn't cost us a thing." Hello, that's normally a sign that your activity of choice isn't really a penance. Buelow, meanwhile, is the parish's social justice coordinator. When the social justice coordinator is collaborating with the local electric company, something tells me this isn't distinctively Catholic or faith-based social justice. So why describe it as such?

I won't get into the other examples, but for most of them the same observation applies: one can make the case that these are good things to do, but I simply don't see how they are an integral part of what a parish should be doing per se, especially if these activities compete with or supplement things such as, say, celebration of the sacraments, adoration, care of the poor and sick, etc.

Papist Picture of the Day - 6/23/08

[For today's blog topics, click here.]

The temporary sacristy clearly would not work.

[source: REUTERS/Daniel Munoz (AUSTRALIA)]

More rumors on Vatican personnel shifts

The latest, as tracked by CWNews:

With rumors proliferating about imminent changes in the leadership of the Roman Curia, a Spanish newspaper has advanced the theory that Cardinal Antonio Canizares Llovera of Toledo will be the next prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship.

Cardinal Francis Arinze, the current prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship, reached the canonical retirement age with his 75th birthday in November 2007. He and Cardinal José Saraiva Martins, the 76-year-old prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, are expected to resign from their current posts soon.

In suggesting that Cardinal Canizares could succeed Cardinal Arinze, the newspaper La Nueva Espana adds that Archbishop Carlos Osoro of Orviedo might become the next Archbishop of Toledo-- or perhaps the next Archbishop of Valencia, replacing Cardinal Agustin Garcia-Gasco y Vicente, who is 77.

Meanwhile in Rome, Andrea Tornelli, the veteran Vatican correspondent for Il Giornale, predicts that Cardinal Agostino Vallini will succeed Cardinal Camillo Ruini as the Pope's vicar for the Rome diocese. Tornelli also says that Archbishop Angelo Amato, the current secretary of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, will replace Cardinal Saraiva Martins as prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints.

Anything to add, anyone?

Papist Picture of the Day - 6/20/08

[For today's blog topics, click here.]

Some gifts are good. Others, well, don't take up much room.

[source: REUTERS/Giuseppe Giglia/Pool (VATICAN)]

In Baltimore: O'Brien v. Legionaries

(and not just because I've been watching episodes of Law & Order recently.)

I've been reading bits and pieces of the developing situation in Baltimore. I haven't had enough time to read enough to form an opinion, but here's what I've been looking at so far:

• Jun 6: The Archbishop's letter (PDF)
• Jun 10: The Archbishop's follow-up explanation
• Jun 10: Amy Welborn's first post on the story
• Jun 11: Baltimore archbishop restricts Legionaries' work
• Jun 12: Archbishop of Baltimore asks Legionaries to report area activities
• Jun 12: Baltimore archbishop demands greater accountability from religious order (John Allen)
• Jun 13: Baltimore archbishop explains suspicion of Legionaries

John Allen has also published an extensive summation of the controversy, along with the Legionaries' response, here today. It's required reading for anyone interested in the story.

I'm saving my opinion for when I get to read through the documentation fully.

Breaking: "Conservative Anglicans to announce schism"

I've been watching this story for some time. The latest:

Conservative Anglican prelates, meeting in Israel next week in an alternative to the Lambeth Conference, will announce that they can no longer remain in communion with the Church of England, the London Daily Telegraph reports.

The Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON), convened by African Anglican bishops, will essentially announce a schism in the Anglican communion, according to the Telegraph story. The conservative bishops will say that there is no realistic prospect for retaining unity among the world's Anglican leaders because of grave disagreements on doctrine and practice. [More]

Related:

• Five hundred priests threaten to leave Anglican church over female bishops - CNA
• Lambeth Conference: Time of reckoning for ecumenical dialogue - CNS
• My previous posts on this and related stories about the anglican communion

The Double-Take Headline of the Day Award

Goes to....

"Opponents say bullet train threatens famous Spanish basilica"

Some headlines just aren't inteded to be read quickly.

A clearinghouse post through June 19

Unfortunately, over the past couple days I've put together several lists of interesting blog topics, only to be taken away from the computer before I was able to actually publish them.

To remedy this situation.... I'll just post them here:

• "Vatican bans Dan Brown film Angels & Demons from Rome churches" - UK Times
• "New Dan Brown movie banned from filming in Rome’s Catholic churches" - CNA
• "USCCB: Research on embryos crosses 'moral line,' bishops warn" - John Allen
• "USCCB: Vatican may rule on embryo adoption" - John Allen
• "Step Aside Facebook, xt3 is Here" - Pope2008 (I'll take a closer look at this next week)
• "Pope Benedict to confirm 24 at World Youth Day Mass" - CNA
• "Holy Father appoints president for the Pontifical Academy for Life" - CNA

Tomorrow I leave Michigan and head to Missouri for a visit with my extended relations.

Papist Picture of the Day - 6/18/08

[For today's blog topics, click here.]

Jenny was happy about her first row seat.

[source: REUTERS/Chris Helgren (VATICAN)]

A very special radio appearance today

This afternoon from 4-6pm my father Canon Lawyer Ed Peters will be guest hosting Al Kresta's radio show on Ave Maria Radio (you can listen to it live right here).

I will be in-studio with him from either 5:20 or 5:40 until 6:00 EST, speaking about Catholic blogging and (I believe) taking calls. Feel gree to give us a ring!

[update: you can call us live, toll-free at 877-573-7825]

Today is also my birthday, and for me it is a great source of joy to be able to spend it with my whole family.

With God's grace, I trust this will be a year well spent. Thank you, my readers, for the grace you have been, and continue to be, in my life. May we all strive to do the will of Our Lord each and every day.

update 2: The show has been archived here. Thanks for all the well wishing!

Update: Reconnected

I'm back home and reconnected, so blogging will resume tomorrow (er, that is to say, later today).

Acton University 2008

In case readers are wondering, I am currently attending the 2008 Acton University in Grand Rapids, MI. Internet access is sparse for me here, so regular updating will resume early next week. Don't worry - I'm still receiving all the emails sent to me and plan on catching up soon!

Papist Picture of the Day - 6/6/08

[For today's blog topics, click here.]

"You will not liberalize abortion laws."

"I... will not liberalize abortion laws."

[source: REUTERS/Dario Pignatelli (VATICAN)]

AmP Exclusive: Film review of "Henry Poole Is Here"

Last week Corby Pons of Different Drummer got in touch with me about a new movie that had just screened at the Sundance film festival. He said it was worth the time to see and I think you might agree. My thanks to him for giving me an exclusive opportunity to see a screener of the film.

Staring Luke Wilson and directed by Mark Pellington, with an original screenplay by Albert Torres, the movie tells the story of Henry Poole, a man who discovers he only has six weeks to live. Here is the synopsis:

"Henry Poole is Here tells the funny, poignant and uplifting story of a disillusioned man who attempts to hide from life in a rundown suburban tract home only to discover he cannot escape the forces of hope."

The fact that this movie even showed at Sundance is astonishing, given its subject matter and the way topics of faith and hope are treated in it. Well, it's a refreshing development, to be sure.

Before I talk about my impressions of the film, here is the trailer:

(You can also watch the trailer here on Apple.)

I don't intend to give away any spoilers in publishing a few thoughts about the movie. I’ll post a full review of the movie closer to its official release.

First of all, I enjoyed the movie. It passes my essential litmus test for a good film - I would recommend it to a friend. It's a film that talks about ultimates - life, death, faith, despair. Luke Wilson plays the central character very well, and from his first moments on the screen you really can't envision anyone else playing the role.

If I had to speak about only two subjects the film addresses, it would be hope and community.

The film revolves around Henry Poole's loss and discovery of hope. One wonders if he ever really had hope, even before his diagnosis. But perhaps even more, the film is about community. And again, one wonders if Henry has ever experienced a true community. This community of believers is not something he chooses. Indeed, it comes beating at his door when he has locked himself away. The connection between living by hope and living within a community of believers I found especially compelling. Hope, after all, is in the air these days.

The movie also treats the phenomenon of apparitions and spontaneous popular devotions. I think that's an important area to explore and I came away pleased with the essential points the movie tries to make about them. The issues are crystallized by Henry's militant secular opinions about them. This is not to say, however, that he a straw man for those who doubt the authenticity or fruitfulness of devotions, instead Henry says some harsh things that any true devotion should be prepared to answer, and in this film is given the chance. Even the relationship between these devotions and the local hierarchical Church is give attention, and George Lopez (an unlikely choice) plays the part of a Catholic priest respectfully and accurately (with perhaps one exception).

The supporting cast is also strong, and the viewer is told just enough about their characters to understand the role they are to play in Henry's own journey. Albert Torres' screenplay remains minimalist, so as not to obscure the essential drama. The soundtrack is especially strong (but more about that later), and director Mark Pellington's fame as a music video director is put to good use in several set pieces which provide a forward motion to the narrative (as opposed to the "artsy" intermission role they can sometimes be used for in the hands of lesser artists).

I really have to stop myself at this point. Which brings me to my final major point about the film - it's a thinking film. It doesn't attempt to argue a certain point definitively or perfectly answer the questions it raises - it dramatizes the human conflict and allows the audience to follow if it wants. I can't wait to watch this film among friends upon its release and have a long discussion about it. And for me, that's a sign of a good movie.

The early critical reaction that I've found so far is a mixed bag, with Variety horribly (and not surprisingly) missing the point. It tries to claim the movie opposes science and faith, when actually it transcends science in the questions it asks. Hollywood Reporter, meanwhile, tries to put the film in a box I don't think it at all deserves. I think the subject matter of the movie makes most reviewers suspicious, and they resist the path which the movie attempts to show them.

The film will be released August 15th, but don't worry, I'll remind you.

(I should note as well that I love showcasing quality art, so drop me an email if you want some exposure!)

... but wait - there's more!

I told you the film already features an excellent soundtrack. I also told you its director Mark Pellington made his start with music videos (U2, Foo Fighters, Bruce Springsteen, etc). Well what I didn't say is that the producers have partnered with MySpace to let bands write a song and have their music video directed by Mark Pellington and played during the movie's ending credits!

The clock is ticking to send in your submission so hurry over and spread the word. A winner will be chosen from among the finalists by the online community, and I'll be sure to mention that as well. I'd love to see one of the many deserving (undiscovered, unsigned) Christian bands win the contest.

Papist Picture of the Day - 6/5/08

[For today's blog topics, click here.]

Jimmy's attempts to avoid serving Mass were futile.

[source: REUTERS/Dario Pignatelli (VATICAN)]

Picture: Now that's a monstrance

My daily photo steal from NLM (they've got more images):

Report: "Mary the musical to premiere at Vatican"

AP:

A singing Mary will make her debut this month when a musical on the life of the mother of Jesus has its world premiere at the Vatican.

The Vatican says the musical "Mary of Nazareth - A Continuing Story" premieres June 17. It is not clear if Pope Benedict XVI will attend.

The musical is an Italian production sponsored by the Vatican offices for Social Communications and Culture. The role of Mary will be sung by Italian soprano Alma Manera.

There have been movies and plays on the Madonna, and famous pieces of music dedicated to her.

The most famous musical on the life of Jesus, "Jesus Christ Superstar," was made into a movie released in 1973.

The Vatican announced the musical on Wednesday.

I'm glad they chose my birthday for the premier date.

A blustery day, and a submerged room

Folks here in DC and much of the area got walloped by a fierce summer storm today. Tornadoes touched down in some nearby suburbs. With news of several weather-related fatalities, I can't find it in me to complain much about my misfortunes. My room flooded. That was quite a clean up job. And I still haven't seen a tornado.

Did Obama define sin as "being out of alignment with my values."

I've seen some folks pass along the claim that Obama said the following:

Interviewer: Do you believe in sin?
OBAMA: Yes.
Interviewer: What is sin?
OBAMA: Being out of alignment with my values.

Now if Obama said such a thing, it's an amazing claim. And I could see him saying something like that. I just find it troubling that the source for the quote is a bit hard to pin down.

The quote is claimed to come from an interview he gave in 2004 to religion reporter Cathleen Falsani at the Chicago Sun-Times. The reporter has posted the "uncut" version of the interview on her blog. It's not clear that the quotation above made it into her original article or the book she later published - she does not claim it can be found in either. I wasn't able to find the article on the Sun-Times website, for instance. So that means it's only source I've been able verify is the personal website of the reporter.

Nonetheless, the above quote has already made it into Hot Air, and National Review Online blog not once, but twice. And now it's making its way around Catholic blogs.

I'd just feel better if someone had actually seen it in print before we spend too much time on it. Again, I'm not claiming Obama didn't say it, or wouldn't, I'm just saying it feels a bit too easy (considering what a short, easy line it is to pick apart).

But who knows, maybe it is.

Places Pope Benedict Won't Visit: Orange, Australia

But hey, the Central West Business Chamber in Orange, Australia, decided to give it a shot:

The Central West Business Chamber has sent a letter to Sydney’s Catholic Archbishop Cardinal George Pell asking him to pass on Orange’s invitation to the pope, reminding him that Orange has one of the largest Catholic populations in NSW.

“He’d be amongst friends,” said Central West Business Chamber of Commerce president Ellie Brown.

“Staying in Orange would give the pope the opportunity to see Australia away from the big cities and allow him to experience our rich natural and indigenous heritage.”
“We would hope that he would consider coming but we understand if his schedule and security team wouldn’t allow it.”

Sorry, but you probably needed to give him a little more notice. The local priest agrees:

Orange priest Father Tony Hennessy said it was very kind of the Orange community to invite the pope although he believes the chances of him taking up the offer were “0000”.

The local reporting paper had some fun with the story, including a photoshopped image with it:

The caption they included: "The pope’s proposed visit to Orange could include a trip to Towac Park. Graphic Jude Keogh."

.... yeah, that's about right. :-)

Fallacious reporting: World Youth Day to drive upswing in Sydney sex industry

Good heavens. This takes the cake for stupid reporting:

NEWS.com.au says a report by Industry analysts IBISWorld predicted the 2008-09 financial year would see strong growth for brothels, strip clubs and prostitutes stemming from the Catholic Church's World Youth Day, primarily on the back of a marked increase in tourism levels to Sydney.

IBIS World senior industry analyst Ed Butler said the report did not suggest the 225,000 international pilgrims or clergy would be heading to brothels or strip clubs.
But the event, to be held from July 15 to 20, would also draw people from outside the church including tourists, support staff and media and some of them would use the sex industry's services.

"Any major event will drive tourism, which is closely related to the sex industry and World Youth Day will also bring out a certain number of non-religious people," he said.

The article at least has some sense that any connection between the two subjects is incidental:

"Growth would be estimated to be greater, but the religious nature of the event is likely to have a dampening effect on growth rates, as many of the visitors may have moral anxieties relating to this particular industry's services."

Ramada Khawley, function manager for strip clubs such as Men's Gallery and Pure Platinum, said she was not expecting an upswing in trading.

"We're not making any special preparations for World Youth Day," she said.
"But we'll keep a table reserved for the Pope."

Brothel madams spoken to by NEWS.com.au also expressed doubts that World Youth Day would be of benefit to their trade.

And it seems this is something they agree with World Youth Day organisers on.
"I'd be surprised if the sex industry gets a boost from a religious event," a World Youth Day spokesman told NEWS.com.au.

I'm guessing instead that people with "moral anxieties" about prostitution might discover a reason during the pope's visit to transform those anxieties into certainties about the immorality the practice.

Wait, let me rephrase that in a language that the reporters can understand: "World Youth Day may yield a significant increase in the certainty of individuals between the ages of 18-35 that brothels are 0% worthy of their patronage."

Much better.

Rumor: Cardinal Levada to be replaced by Cardinal Schönborn

The locals are strongly denying it:

In response to a report in the Italian daily “La Repubblica” that Cardinal Christoph Schönborn could become the new Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, the spokesman for the Archdiocese of Vienna, Erich Leitenberger, said on Stephanscom Austrian Radio that the rumor was unfounded.

On May 25, La Repubblica published an article by Marco Politi in which he offered a “general analysis” of the General Assembly of the Bishops’ Conference of Italy.

Commenting on the rumor about Cardinal Schönborn, Politi said a personnel change at the Vatican was possible but that “until the Pope has signed off” on any changes, “everything is subject to question.”

The German daily Der Standard, picking up on the report in La Repubblica, said that if Cardinal Schönborn were to take the post, Cardinal Levada would have to return to the United States.

In response to the speculation, the spokesman for the Archdiocese of Vienna, Erich Leitenberger, said on May 27 that “the rumor has been brought up numerous times” and “has no basis in reality.” (CNA)

My sed contra: it would be nice to see Cardinal Schonborn take a more active role in the CDF. I'm not sure what critical things he is doing in Austria that require his presence. Might Vienna adequately be handled by someone else, freeing Cardinal Christopher for curial work, one could hope?

I'd be interested to find out what others think about the idea....

Pope's June prayer intention: "beautifully benedict"

At least, that's how I'd describe it:

Pope Benedict's general prayer intention for June is: "That all Christians may cultivate a deep and personal friendship with Christ, in order to be able to communicate the strength of His love to every person they meet."

Papist trivia: how old is the world's oldest living bishop?

Answer: 102.

80 of those years have been spent as a priest.

Praise God.

Obama, Cardinal George, and the Pfleger Situation

After my brief blogging hiatus, it didn't take long to realize that the controversy surrounding Fr. Michael Pfleger and his political remarks constituted the big story over the weekend.

A plus side to covering the story late - time yields perspective and has allowed the dust to settle.

But first, a quick recap: Fr. Pfleger is a well-known activist priest, the pastor of St. Sabina's parish (or "faith community", as it calls itself) in Chicago since 1981. He recently achieved notoriety by criticizing Hillary Clinton at Barack Obama's former church (Rev. Jeremiah Wright):

Pfleger mimicked Clinton while delivering a guest sermon at Trinity United Church of Christ two Sundays ago. During the sermon, Pfleger, who is white, mocked Clinton for getting choked up on camera before the New Hampshire primary in January.

“When Hillary was crying … I really don’t believe it was put on. I really believe that she just always thought ‘This is mine. I’m Bill’s wife. I’m white. And this is mine’,” he said, shouting at times. “Then out of nowhere came, ‘Hey I’m Barack Obama’. And she said, ‘Oh damn! Where did you come from? I’m white! I’m entitled! There’s a black man stealing my show!’”

After that, he simulated Clinton crying and said: “She wasn’t the only one crying. There was a whole lot of white people crying … I’m sorry. I don’t wanna get you in any more trouble. The live streaming just went out again.” (FOX)

Then he got into more trouble later by saying "America is the Greatest Sin Against God":

It is clear, however, that he inadvertently said "America" when he meant to say "Racism" (just watch the whole video). Nonetheless, he's also on record defending Jeremiah Wright, etc.:

I don't want to get too far off topic (in Fr. Pfleger's defense, read his letter of apology).

These two videos I think reveal enough about this priest's priorities and imbalances to inform what actually interests me: a) how Cardinal George has handled the situation, b) how Obama has reacted, and c) how various commentators are reacting.

A: Cardinal George has issued a statement today on the Archdiocese of Chicago website:

To put recent events in some perspective, I have asked Father Michael Pfleger, Pastor of St. Sabina’s Parish, to step back from his obligations there and take leave for a couple of weeks from his pastoral duties, effective today. Fr. Pfleger does not believe this to be the right step at this time. While respecting his disagreement, I have nevertheless asked him to use this opportunity to reflect on his recent statements and actions in the light of the Church’s regulations for all Catholic priests. I hope that this period will also be a time away from the public spotlight and for rest and attention to family concerns.

I hope also that the life of St. Sabina’s parish may continue in uninterrupted fashion. Fr. William Vanecko, Pastor of St. Kilian’s parish, will be temporary administrator of St. Sabina’s and will assure the full complement of ministerial services during this period. I ask the members of St. Sabina’s parish to cooperate with him and to keep him and Fr. Pfleger in their prayers. They are in mine.

While obviously diplomatic, I don't think you can find much fault with the statement. It serves the immediate purpose of neutralizing (or attempting to neutralize) Fr. Pfleger.

Rocco tracks some of the back story that led up to this statement being issued:

After apologizing for the offense caused by his Trinity sermon (fullvideo) during Sunday's Mass at the parish, Pfleger launched into another sermon (audio) saying that if YouTube existed at the time of the crucifixion, it would've ignored the resurrection.

CNS also publishes more words from Cardinal George on the matter. The Cardinal is being watched especially closely in how he handles this matter because he is currently the President of the USCCB. (Incidentally, last Thursday the Cardinal ordained two priests, with beautiful pictures posted at NLM.)

Jill Stanek notes that Fr. Fleger and Cardinal George had a showdown in 2002, "when the Archbishop blinked first." Even in 2002, Fr. Fleger was described by the Chicago Sun-Times as a priest who "has a long habit of rebellion."

If you want an example of the damage caused when problem priests are allowed to persist, you've got a classic case right here it seems. All the articles and links for that are available here.

B: Obama himself has a long history with Fr. Pfleger:

.... Obama's relationship with Pfleger -- who is the priest at a different, Catholic, church -- spans decades.

In September, the Obama campaign brought Pfleger to Iowa to host one of several interfaith forums for the campaign. Pfleger has given money to Obama's campaigns and Obama as a state legislator directed at least $225,000 towards social programs at St. Sabina's, according to the Chicago Tribune. Pfleger appears to have been scrubbed from the Obama campaign's page that features the testimony of faith leaders, but you can see the cached version HERE.

Jill Stanek has also been watching the Obama-Pfleger connection closely for some time. After Obama released this statement....

As I have traveled this country, I've been impressed not by what divides us, but by all that unites us. That is why I am deeply disappointed in Father Pfleger's divisive, backward-thinking rhetoric, which doesn't reflect the country I see or the desire of people across America to come together in common cause.

.... Jill responds: "That's just as impossible as Obama claiming not to know Wright's racist, anti-American beliefs after listening to Wright from the pew for 20 years. But here's more corroboration, from the Chicago Sun-Times in 2002." She makes a strong case, and reports further here & here.

C: On the local level, some members of St. Sabina are (not surprisingly) protesting the removal of their pastor:

The decision to remove Father Michael Pfleger, the Catholic priest who berated Hillary Clinton from the floor of Barack Obama’s former church, has drawn criticism from members of St. Sabina Church where Pfleger is the pastor.

St. Sabina President Gerald Stewart said members of the church “wholeheartedly disagree” with Cardinal Francis George’s decision and “respectfully request” that Pfleger be reinstated because of the significant impact he has had on the Chicago community.

More (including a video report) from the Chicago Tribune:

Outside St. Sabina on Tuesday night, angry church members and residents of the Auburn-Gresham neighborhood said they took issue with the cardinal's action."

It's unfortunate that one misstep would cause someone not to look at the overall good that Father Pfleger has done," said Lyne Grant, a clinical social worker who said she occasionally attends the church.

Inside the church, parishioners and ministers from across Chicago, including Rev. Jeremiah Wright Jr., the controversial retired pastor of Trinity United Church of Christ, sang and prayed in protest of the forced leave.

A letter to the editor in the Chicago Sun-Times mounts a rhetorically impressive, but substantively lacking defense of Pfleger's record.

The wider reaction to this situation in the media, blogs, etc. is far too much to encapsulate in a post, but let me highlight what I take to be the interesting points:

• There is a clear ideological connection between Fr. Pfleger and Rev. Wright
• It's troubling that Obama has close ties to both, until their record caught up to them
• The state monies that Obama has given to Fr. Pfleger's parish is even more troubling
• Why did Cardinal George allow Fr. Pleger to stay entrenched in St. Sabina's so long?
• Are any priests so blatantly, unabashedly partisan in favor of republican candidates?

I think I'll leave it here, for now.

Something tells me we haven't heard the last from or about Fr. Pfleger.

update: and sure enough, within minutes, Fr. Pfleger gives an interview:

In the wake of the Clinton flap, Cardinal Francis George officially silenced Pfleger, whom he had pressured to resign a month ago from the Catholics for Obama committee.

[Pfleger:] "He and I have had conversations, and I won't go into the conversations; I'll only say that he has asked me to remove myself from Barack's public campaign -- from the group Catholics for Obama -- and that was before all of this," Pfleger told me as we sat alone in a conference room Monday in Sabina's rectory. "He said that, as a Catholic priest, I'm not allowed to publicly support a candidate. I said my understanding was that, as an individual, I can support anyone I want, but that I would never tell parishioners who to vote for. First of all, from my point of view, that insults the congregation. They make their own choice.

.... "Are you in jeopardy of being removed right now?" I asked.

Pfleger blanched and wearily rubbed his forehead.

"Because of the hierarchical nature of the archdiocese, I think you're always serving at the discretion of the cardinal," he said. "Within the last year, we talked about a plan for transition over a number of years, and I think we agree on a plan and seeing the transition for Sabina over the next several years. That's all I want to say about that, but obviously I serve at the discretion of the archbishop."

Fr. Pfleger conducted this interview on Monday.

Pope avoiding or not avoiding Iranian President Ahmadinejad?

So the Vatican claims:

Benedict XVI isn't hiding behind a full schedule to avoid meeting with Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, reports the Vatican.

For several days media reports have speculated on whether the Pope would meet with Iran's president this week, who arrived in Rome today to attend the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) summit on food security.

An announcement by the Vatican that the Pontiff wouldn't meet privately with any of the world leaders attending the conference led some to suggest the Holy Father denied all requests in order to be able to also deny Ahmadinejad's.

The Vatican press office released a statement today clarifying that the Holy Father simply couldn't accept all the requests, and that this practice is one the Vatican has been following since 2006.Sources from the Vatican told ZENIT that the audience with Ahmadinejad was never considered due to the sheer number of requests made.

... In this context, the Cardinal Secretary of State has written personally to each of the leaders concerned, informing them of the Holy Father's disappointment at the impossibility, on this occasion, of meeting them personally, and reaffirming his willingness to receive them on a future occasion.

CNA I think is justified in saying it was avoiding:

Pope Benedict XVI has reportedly canceled meetings with seven world leaders to avoid encountering Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

Forty heads of state, including Ahmadinejad, will arrive in Rome on Tuesday for a United Nations summit on the global food crisis. The meeting comes as soaring food prices have pushed at least 22 countries to the brink of catastrophe.

The Telegraph reports that Pope Benedict wished to avoid the publicity that would have accompanied a one-on-one meeting with the Iranian president.

Of course, the solution chosen by the Vatican is probably preferable to stating in public the reasons why such a meeting was undesirable.

Another annoying head of state in attendance? Mugabe:

Another controversy-causing person who will reportedly be in attendance is Robert Mugabe. The leader of Zimbabwe has presided over the devastation of the economy that was once known as the “bread basket of Africa.” The embattled president is able to attend the summit because it is being held under the auspices of the U.N., which makes his status as a persona non grata in the EU not applicable.

Now why is that name familiar? Oh that's right.

See also: Iran President Ahmadinejad demands meeting with pope (5/28).

"Bishop of Orlando prays for God’s protection from hurricanes"

I like it when bishops and priests pray for the prevention of natural disaters. It demonstrates an understanding that God has the power to act in the natural order. Take a look at this good example:

Bishop of Orlando Thomas Wenski celebrated a special Mass on Monday asking for God’s protection during hurricane season. “At the beginning of this hurricane season, we turn to God and pray that we will be spared from the ravages of nature this year,” he said in his homily as he urged the faithful to place themselves under God’s dominion and to turn their hearts to the Lord.

... “Like the apostles in that storm tossed boast, in our fear we cry out: ‘Save us, Lord.'"

The bishop emphasized that prayer is neither an excuse for complacency nor “some magical way” to force God to do our bidding. Rather, he said, “prayer brings us to place ourselves under God’s dominion and not the other way around. And recognizing God’s dominion – that he is in fact in charge of our lives – gives us confidence to face whatever challenges that lie before us with confidence and trust in his Divine Providence.

“While we pray that God keep the storms away this year, we, in the very act of prayer, also seek to keep our hearts turned to the Lord whatever may happen. In fact, if our hearts are sufficiently turned to the Lord, then we won’t need any calamities to teach us to keep our priorities straight. If our hearts are turned to the Lord, we won’t need the fury of nature to remind us of the brevity of life, or of the importance of persons over possessions.” (CNA)

Longtime readers might remember, and recent readers should be warned, that I tend to watch hurricane season closely and sometimes post about it. If I had seven lives, one of them might be lived as a meteorologist. But since I don't, other interests come first. Like theology.

Related: "Don't pray to the Rain God - pray to the God of Rain says Archbishop!" (Oct. 24 2007)

Cardinal Mahony ordains 12 men to the priesthood in LA

And has some, well, good things to say to them.

It's a small encouragement to me. One of my friends is considering becoming a seminarian in LA.

Headline: "Vatican cracks down on attempts to ordain women"

I've been reading the headlines from last week, but suffice it to say that once again the media is trying to make a big deal about old news, or in this case, an old teaching that is simply being repeated.

Sometimes it helps to have a memory that extends more than a couple weeks. Like Carl Olson.

In fairness, something is new here, namely, how these things are treated by Rome:

As of today, though, all of that has changed: The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith has just decreed that those who attempt to confer holy Orders on women are excommunicated, as are the women who attempt to receive holy Orders. The decree goes into effect immediately.

Canon Lawyer Edward Peters gives us the details.

For a sociologist's take on this issue, see David Carlin at Inside Catholic.

Catching up

There's nothing like taking a few days off blogging. You return to a mountain of unread news items. I'm in the process of catching up now, then - tomorrow - an exclusive! Stay tuned.

(Oh, and I should add that this has not been time wasted. I have been working on a couple of website projects for Catholic organizations that were approaching deadline.)

Papist Picture of the Day - 6/3/08

[For today's blog topics, click here.]

And that's why Swiss guards must have 20/20 vision.

[source: AP Photo/Pier Paolo Cito)]

Clinton-Obama ticket?

It looks like Obama is very close to clinching the nomination. Now the question arises if Clinton will be his Vice-President. She's saying she would be open to it, but I doubt Obama will pick her.

Thoughts?