Facebook oversight panel prompts questions about free speech, abortion advocacy

by Kevin J. Jones Denver Newsroom, May 20, 2020 / 10:14 am MT (CNA).- Facebook says it is responding to long-standing questions about content moderation and censorship by appointing an independent oversight board to help set policy. American pro-life advocates have voiced concern about protections for their free speech, and …
Minnesota bishops will reopen public Masses, defy state order

CNA Staff, May 20, 2020 / 05:05 pm MT (CNA).- The bishops of Minnesota have permitted parishes to resume public Masses, and to defy a statewide order prohibiting religious gatherings exceeding 10 people. “An order that sweeps so broadly that it prohibits, for example, a gathering of 11 people in …
New Judicial Vicar Appointed for Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA

Father Mark Rutherford to assume position July 15 WASHINGTON, DC — The Reverend Mark Rutherford, J.C.L., of Williamston, MI, has been appointed Judicial Vicar of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA (AMS). Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, J.C.D., announced the appointment today. As Judicial Vicar, Father Rutherford will be responsible …
Former Jesuit Superior General dies in Tokyo at 84

CNA Staff, May 20, 2020 / 07:30 am MT (CNA).- Fr. Adolfo Nicolás, the 30th superior general of the Society of Jesus, died Wednesday in Tokyo, Japan, at the age of 84. The Spanish priest led the Jesuits, the world’s largest men’s religious order, from 2008 to 2016. In a …
Priests Personnel Assignments for the Archdiocese of Cincinnati

Effective May 1, 2020 • Father Robert Thesing, S.J., temporary Parochial Administrator, St. Francis Xavier, Cincinnati, effective May 1, 2020 through August 31, 2020. Effective July 1, 2020 • Father Craig Best, to Pastor of Holy Trinity, West Union, and St. Mary Queen of Heaven, Peebles. • Father Adam Puntel, …
Notre Dame to start fall semester early as colleges weigh in-person options

by Jonah McKeown Denver Newsroom, May 20, 2020 / 12:47 am MT (CNA).- The University of Notre Dame announced this week that students will return to campus in the fall, with the semester starting two weeks earlier than usual and no fall break in order to complete the semester by …
The ‘painful journey’ of Jane Roe and the pro-life movement

by JD Flynn Denver Newsroom, May 19, 2020 / 07:10 pm MT (CNA).- A forthcoming documentary is expected to show that Norma McCorvey, the woman at the center of the Roe vs. Wade Supreme Court decision, was paid by pro-life groups to say things she did not believe in opposition …
New members of Congress call for Born Alive abortion vote

CNA Staff, May 19, 2020 / 01:00 pm MT (CNA).- Two newly-elected members of Congress signed a petition on Tuesday to bring a key pro-life bill to the House floor for consideration. Reps. Mike Garcia (R-Calif.) and Tom Tiffany (R-Wisc.) were both sworn in to the House on Tuesday morning, …
Obituary: Sister Verlina Mescher CPPS

Sister Verlina (M. Benet) Mescher, 85, died peacefully on May 17 at Hospice of Dayton. She was born February 1935 in Maria Stein, OH, and entered the Sisters of the Precious Blood Dayton, OH August 30, 1951. For 69 years she faithfully served God and His people. Private services will …
Houston parish closes again after priests test positive for coronavirus

CNA Staff, May 19, 2020 / 10:01 am MT (CNA).- Priests and brothers of the Redemptorist community who live and work at a Houston parish have tested positive for coronavirus, leading the parish to close after having reopened earlier this month. Five out of seven members of the Redemptorist community …