Find within these pages a clearinghouse of articles, news, links, events, collaboration tools and other resources shared with fellow priests. New pages every week — look forward to an expanding toolbox of practical resources at your fingertips!
Healing From Within
Christ is not a healer in the way that the world expects, says Pope Benedict XVI. In his homily at a Mass for the sick, in Lourdes, France, the Holy Father asserted that Christ, in order to heal us, does not remain outside the suffering that is experienced. "He eases it," the Pontiff said, "by coming to dwell within the one stricken by illness, to bear it and live it with him. Christ's presence comes to break the isolation which pain induces."
News Bytes for Your Parish Bulletin
- Patriarch Lauds Catholic Magazine in Russian
- Bishops Offering iPod to Faithful Citizen
- Cardinal Points to Faulty Logic in Abortion Bill
- Talk Show Discusses Divine Rulebook
- Pope to Visit Padre Pio's Tomb in '09
Canon Law for Everyone
Canon law affects every aspect our daily life as Catholics, says Pete Vere. The co-author of a two-volume work, "Surprised by Canon Law," he notes that ecclesiastical law touches on a variety of topics, including when we can receive the Eucharist, and who can be a godparent. Canon law, Vere says, is "a living part of the Church's sacred Tradition. ... It exists as the handmaiden of theology, to assist in the salvation of souls by helping to provide order within the Christian life."
Against Injustice
The Church isn't indifferent in the face of injustices and discrimination against anyone, and most especially against the marginalized, says a Holy See official. Cardinal Renato Martino, the president of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, said this upon the opening of an international congress for the pastoral care of gypsies. "All Christians must assume their own responsibilities as regard respect for the dignity and rights of every human being," said Cardinal Martino. He added that governments and international organizations must "protect the dignity and identity of every human being and of the whole of humanity."