The Miraculous Medal: St Maximilian Kolbe’s weapon for evangelization
by Courtney Mares Rome, Italy, Aug 9, 2020 / 05:40 am MT (CNA).- As World War II raged around him in Poland, St. Maximilian Kolbe fought for souls using a printing press and another “weapon” – the Miraculous Medal. “Even though a person be the worst sort, if only he …
Archbishop Carlson: Christ ‘welcomes and challenges’ those wrestling with gender identity
CNA Staff, Aug 7, 2020 / 04:34 pm MT (CNA).- Christ draws close with love and compassion, as well as a challenge, for people who experience discord between their gender identity and their biological sex, Archbishop Robert Carlson of Saint Louis said in a reflection dated June 1. “If you’re …
Catholic groups aid recovery after Beirut explosion
CNA Staff, Aug 8, 2020 / 03:01 pm MT (CNA).- Following an explosion that killed more than 150 people in Beirut, international Catholic groups have responded by providing health services and necessities to the victims. At least sixteen Catholic organizations, including Catholic Relief Services and Caritas International, have responded to …
A Closer Look: You’re still breathing, It’s not too late
Because of well-publicized, persistent instances of racial discrimination, the summer of 2020 has seen a rise in race-consciousness across the political, ideological and religious spectrum. And it is correct to note that racism in American society is, in some sense, systemic. Despite authentic legal, political and social progress, racism can …
Biden talks Catholic faith after Trump says former VP is ‘against God’
CNA Staff, Aug 6, 2020 / 11:30 pm MT (CNA).- Vice President Joe Biden on Thursday spoke about his Catholic faith, in response to comments from President Donald Trump that a Biden presidency would “hurt God.” “Like so many people, my faith has been the bedrock foundation of my life: …
Christmas comes early in Indiana with nativity scene court case
CNA Staff, Aug 7, 2020 / 10:00 am MT (CNA).- An Indiana town is defending its Christmas display in court this summer, after a traveller through the area claimed she was offended by the sight of a nativity scene on public land in 2018. In a friend-of-the-court brief filed on …
Nicaraguan cardinal says Mass at entrance of firebombed cathedral chapel
NA Staff, Aug 6, 2020 / 03:46 pm MT (CNA).- Cardinal Leopoldo José Brenes Solorzano of Managua said Mass Wednesday at the entrance of the Blood of Christ chapel in his cathedral, which was firebombed last week. “The Church has always suffered and will continue to suffer, but our assurance …
Maryland county issues second order to stop Catholic schools opening
by Christine Rousselle Washington D.C., Aug 6, 2020 / 01:30 pm MT (CNA).- A Maryland county has issued a second order preventing non-public schools from reopening for in-person instruction, despite a previous effort being immediately overridden by Gov. Larry Hogan. “Reemphasizing the need to protect the health and safety of …
Shine On: How do you get started?
About one year ago – on August 5, 2019, to be exact – my five-year-old son jumped off a cliff. Yes, literally. But don’t worry, he’s fine. We were in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the cliff was about 25 feet, we were at a very popular spot where tourists …
Minnesota bishop retires early while seeking health treatment
CNA Staff, Aug 6, 2020 / 04:09 am MT (CNA).- Pope Francis has accepted the early resignation of Bishop John LeVoir, who has led the Minnesota diocese of New Ulm since 2008, and took a leave from his position last month to be assessed for physical and psychological concerns. “I …
