New Posts

Michie · 2025-11-23T10:35:07-0600

Nigeria has been battling with a surge of violence orchestrated by gangs, whose members carry out indiscriminate attacks, kidnapping for ransom, and in some cases, killing.

The Diocese of Kontagora in Nigeria has described as “painful and disturbing” the Friday, Nov. 21, kidnapping of children and staff at St. Mary’s Catholic Nursery, Primary, and Secondary Schools.

In a statement shared with ACI Africa, CNA’s news partner in Africa, the diocesan secretary of the Nigerian episcopal see appealed for intensified national action against insecurity.

Father Jatau Luka Joseph said armed attackers invaded St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Niger state, in the early hours of Nov. 21, abducting “some pupils, students, teachers, and a security personnel who was badly shot.”

“The incident occurred between 1 a.m. and 3 a.m., causing fear and distress within the school community,” he said.

“The Catholic Diocese of Kontagora strongly condemns the attack and expresses deep concern for the safety of the kidnapped children and their families,” Father Luka Joseph said.

He added that security agencies were immediately informed and had begun coordinated efforts to ensure the safe rescue and return of the victims.

Continued below.

Armed Attackers Kidnap Children From Catholic Elementary School in Nigeria

Nigeria has been battling with a surge of violence orchestrated by gangs, whose members carry out indiscriminate attacks, kidnapping for ransom, and in some cases, killing.

www.ncregister.com

Michie · 2025-11-23T10:28:49-0600

The Catechism speaks about making confession available to those who are hearing-impaired, but this week, we heard from the other side of the screen.

Two priests who have been featured in the pages of the Register both opened up on social media, lamenting a reality they both face: loss of hearing.

Although hearing aids do exist and help to some degree, the loss of hearing comes at a great cost for Father Dwight Longenecker and Father Joseph Krupp: not being able to hear the confessions offered by the parishioners who come seeking absolution.

Father Longenecker was the first to admit how frustrating it is to lose the ability to hear, especially when working in the confessional.

“I am really fed up with my worsening hearing loss — especially as it makes hearing confessions a total chore,” he wrote on social media.

“Prayers to St. Francis de Sales: patron of the deaf and hard of hearing AND patron of confessors AND patron of writers who had a ministry to Protestants AND was bald and bearded! St. Francis de Sales pray for us!"

Father Joseph Krupp responded to Father Longenecker, saying he shares the same affliction, writing on X:

Continued below.

Hearing Loss Strikes Two Priests, Threatening the Sacrament of Confession

The Catechism speaks about making confession available to those who are hearing-impaired, but this week, we heard from the other side of the screen.

www.ncregister.com

Michie · 2025-11-23T10:22:53-0600

In a firm call to avoid “false mercy” in marriage annulment proceedings, Pope Leo XIV reminded that compassion cannot disregard the truth.

During a Friday audience with participants in the legal-pastoral training course of the Roman Rota, the Holy See’s court of appeals, the Holy Father read a lengthy speech in which he recalled the importance of the reform of marriage annulment processes initiated by Pope Francis 10 years ago.

The pontiff emphasized that theology, law, and pastoral care must be understood in a harmonious way, not as separate or opposing areas, and pointed out that annulment proceedings are not merely technical procedures to obtain the “free status of persons” but rather an ecclesial service based on the search for truth and on family pastoral care.

Judicial processes at the service of truth

Continued below.

Pope Leo XIV warns against ‘false mercy’ in marriage annulment proceedings

In a firm call to avoid “false mercy” in marriage annulment proceedings, Pope Leo XIV reminded that compassion cannot disregard the truth.

www.catholicnewsagency.com

essentialsaltes · 2025-11-23T10:21:14-0600

FreeinChrist said:
“I would say this is probably the worst 10-day period for the President in the polls

Job 33:6 · 2025-11-23T10:20:09-0600

Job 33:6 said:
I've always thought of this verse as simply reflecting how the earth hangs upon the waters of chaos (tohu) just as the North or Mt tsaphon, the heavens, are above the heavenly waters of chaos (also tohu). Which would be a reflection of ANE cosmology. Or ancient Israelite cosmology.

Psalm 136:6
to him who spread out the earth above the waters, for his steadfast love endures forever

Login to view embedded media Login to view embedded media
Tohu, is regularly translated as "nothing" or "desolation" meaninglessness, futility, or something opposed to wisdom. And this can be seen in Proverbs chapter 8 where wisdom establishes order and boundaries to the waters or chaos and draws a circle on the face of the deep.

So the verse is saying, he spread out the heavens (tsaphon, the North) over the waters above. He spread out the earth over the (beliymah) waters below.

And the North or Tsaphon, or Mt Tsaphon, is the meeting place of heavenly beings. Of the divine council of the elohim.

Michie · 2025-11-23T10:19:47-0600

Here is a roundup of Catholic world news from the past week that you might have missed.

Majority of Australian and French priests are thriving, reports say

A report has found that the majority of Australian priests and deacons are thriving in their ministry roles.

In the first-ever survey of well-beingamong Australia’s clergy, the National Centre for Pastoral Research and the Australian Catholic Migrant and Refugee Office found 75% of clergy reported having “good” or “very good” self-confidence, 66% reported they maintain a healthy diet, 61% said they get sufficient rest, and 55% reported high energy levels.

In addition, the vast majority of clergy, at 90%, described their connections with their parishes as positive. Overall, 71% reported feeling hopeful, and 61% said they felt joyful frequently.

This comes on the heels of an October survey in France that found most Catholic priests — 80% of those who responded — said they “are happy in their mission” and feel "faithful to their calling," useful, and "at peace," according to the Catholic Weekly. The survey by the Observatory of Catholicism was conducted with the French Institute of Public Opinion.

Dutch bishop says Cardinal Fernandez ‘Co-Redemptrix’ title decision is ‘mistaken’

Continued below.

Majority of Australian and French priests are thriving, report says

Here is a roundup of Catholic world news from the past week that you might have missed.

www.catholicnewsagency.com

NewLifeInChristJesus · 2025-11-23T10:15:53-0600

chevyontheriver said:
If God tells you something it is your duty to inform your conscience of it.

I see it differntly. Maybe it's just semantics. But I think the correct response to God when He leads, guides, directs, teaches, corrects, and comforts us from the intimacy of our own hearts is to believe what He says and respond as He directs. If He tells us to change denominations, then we should trust His voice and do what He says. If He tells us to not change our denomination, then we should trust His voice and do what He says. If He doesn't say anything to us about changing denominations, we shouldn't concerned about it.

There is no Bible verse that says, "Let your consience be your guide". On the contrary, there are many Bible verses that say things like "Trust in the Lord" (Pr 3:5), "Believe me" (Jn 14:11), and "Walk in the Spirit" ( Gal 5:25). Verses like these point point us to God as our leader and guide and confirm that everyone who places their trust in Him will not stumble or be put to shame (Rom 9:23).

We have an intimate personal relationship with the Lord. He lives in our hearts. There is no substitute for hearing Him and doing as He says. But doing so is not about proving ourselves to be faithful so that in the end we will obtain eternal life. It is about living out the eternal life that He has already given us. And it is about bearing fruit that enriches us and brings Him glory. Proverbs 3:5-6 sums it up well...

5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;

6 In all your ways acknowledge Him,

And He shall direct your paths. (Pr 3:5–6)

You might be saying the same thing in a different way, but it seems like informing our conscience and letting it be our guide creates a little distance between us and God.

Michie · 2025-11-23T10:14:20-0600

Cosmic Charlie said:
Am I seriously being asked to accept the Theological judgement of J.D. Vance over the Pope on matters of Catholic thinking and judgement?

Nobody asked you that.

essentialsaltes · 2025-11-23T10:13:13-0600

Congressional Budget Office Lowers Tariff Savings Estimate By $1 Trillion

Recent tariff changes will produce $3 trillion in total savings, the office said, down from the $4 trillion savings estimate it made in August.

Since these tariffs were supposed to partially pay for tax cuts for the wealthy, I guess we'll have to raise their taxes. We certainly wouldn't want to add an extra trillion to the debt, would we?

(Not to mention the debt that would come from those tariff checks)

essentialsaltes · 2025-11-23T10:05:14-0600

My spouse and I have a tradition of making holiday cards (I'm not the artistic one, but I do what I can) and sending them out. Friends and family adore them, but we definitely have seen the amount of reciprocation falling over the past decades. Some people have photocards made, with a few family photos collaged together, and those are much appreciated since we don't see some of these folks very often. But there's nothing like a card with even a short handwritten note. But it is definitely falling out of fashion.

essentialsaltes · 2025-11-23T09:54:16-0600

Israel attacks Beirut, targets 'key' Hezbollah figure

The IDF has been increasing the rate of strikes targeting alleged Hezbollah members and infrastructure in southern Lebanon in recent months, but until Sunday had not resumed attacks inside the capital.

Konnie King · 2025-11-23T09:49:20-0600

It's Punky Brewster

Michie · 2025-11-23T09:48:27-0600

Hail Mary,
Full of Grace,
The Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou among women,
and blessed is the fruit
of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary,
Mother of God,
pray for us sinners now,
and at the hour of our death.
Amen

essentialsaltes · 2025-11-23T09:47:15-0600

rjs330 said:
So whats the rest of the story? I've watched too many people engaged in obstructionist behavior that im tired of people getting away with it. I hope this kid was charged and not just released.

Charged with what? Being an American citizen and saying so?

Fervent · 2025-11-23T09:31:45-0600

We have to be careful when it comes to how we speak about suffering, because while there is a call to suffer it is not the goal and we must never confuse the means with the ends. Suffering is an evil to be avoided when possible, but not one to be avoided out of fear. There are moments when we will be called to suffer for the sake of another, and in those moments we must stand tall. We also can look to Christ when we are suffering for solace, knowing that it is a means of drawing closer to Him. But suffering is not the end, and must never be made an end unto itself.

Hawkins · 2025-11-23T09:06:10-0600

Bible verses can be multi-fold. Yet more often the first and foremost fold is literal. Abraham's story is factual, only based on this that allegories can be built.

Postvieww · 2025-11-23T09:00:38-0600

xser88 said:
We're learning more about this guy every day ... but the picture isn't becoming much clearer on his motivation.

Login to view embedded media It has now become very clear!

ThatRobGuy · 2025-11-23T08:49:52-0600

mark46 said:
Society needs to be less enamored with college degrees?

1) That change has already happened. The market favors those who are plumbers and electricians. Those who go to technical schools make more than those graduating from 4-year colleges. Polls show that it is parents that don't want that for their children. They want their children to have college degrees and have high-class job.

2) Those graduating from a 4-year college have a much poorer job market and it will continue to get much worse. With the aid of AI, one person can do the entry level work of what 2 or 3 (or more) workers did in the past.

3) With regard to whether companies should require college degrees. that is something for companies to figure out. College can provide many useful skills. In any case, some employers will continue to require colleges, some won't. I don't see that as a problem.

The current data and forecasting would suggest otherwise

Total undergraduate fall enrollment in degree-granting postsecondary institutions, by attendance status, sex of student, and control and level of institution: Selected years, 1970 through 2026

The primary purpose of the Digest of Education Statistics is to provide a compilation of statistical information covering the broad field of American education from prekindergarten through graduate school. The Digest includes a selection of data from many sources, both government and private...

nces.ed.gov

And just to make sure there's clarity on what was meant by "less enamored with degrees"

I didn't mean "happy with the end result after getting a degree"

I meant "the mentality that degrees are practically useful for many jobs"

Or to put it in other terms

Complaint #1: "I paid $80k to get this 4-year business degree from a liberal arts college, and this market rep job I got only pays $50k/year, and it took me a while to find the job"
vs
Complaint #2: "I don't think one needs to have a 4-year to do this job, I'm using very little of what I learned there at this job, why did I have to waste money and time?"

The fact that there's a cohort of people that aren't asking questions about #2, and are purely focused on grants, revising acceptance standards, and pressing for increasing public funding so more people can go for cheaper, exclusively focusing on Complaint #1, tells me that they're still enamored with college degrees.

JimR-OCDS · 2025-11-23T08:38:01-0600

Notre Dame reversed itself;

Notre Dame Returns ‘Catholic Mission’ to Its Core Values After ‘Confusion’

Father Dowd emphasized that the school’s Catholic mission ‘guides and informs all that we do and how we work together.’

www.ncregister.com

DaisyDay · 2025-11-23T08:19:12-0600

Valletta said:
Why working-class voters have been shifting toward the Republican Party

https://www.npr.org/2024/11/14/nx-s1-5183060/why-working-class-voters-have-been-shifting-toward-the-republican-party

What a difference a year makes!

www.npr.org/2024/11/14/nx-s1-5183060/why-working-class-voters-have-been-shifting-toward-the-republican-party

Chesterton · 2025-11-23T07:56:06-0600

It's my understanding that the Ancient of Days is God the Father. The Son of God who approaches Him is Christ. The same, but in distinct persons.

jonojim1337 · 2025-11-23T07:52:26-0600

The Liturgist said:
That’s not Eastern Orthodox doctrine.

You are aware the Orthodox Church officially rejected chiliasm at the second ecumenical council in Constantinople in 381 AD?

How is this related? The first resurrection is about the patrician families of Rome, the plebs come after. This was simply my point.

Postvieww · 2025-11-23T07:32:27-0600

Login to view embedded media No one is above the law!

stevevw · 2025-11-23T07:13:04-0600

Its strange how the very things that people called Trump or accused him of doing were being done by his accusers. This is usually the case. Funny how we see ourselves in others.

When someone is fixated on someone elses behaviour its usually because they are seeing that behaviour in themselves. The old saying 'don't throw stones if you live in a glass house'. Or 'take the massive log out of your own eye before you try to remove the speck in your brothers eye'.

New Posts

New Posts

Judicial processes at the service of truth​

Majority of Australian and French priests are thriving, reports say​

Dutch bishop says Cardinal Fernandez ‘Co-Redemptrix’ title decision is ‘mistaken’​

Congressional Budget Office Lowers Tariff Savings Estimate By $1 Trillion​

Israel attacks Beirut, targets 'key' Hezbollah figure​

Notre Dame Returns ‘Catholic Mission’ to Its Core Values After ‘Confusion’​

Why working-class voters have been shifting toward the Republican Party​

Filter

Forum statistics

Share this page

Judicial processes at the service of truth

Majority of Australian and French priests are thriving, reports say

Dutch bishop says Cardinal Fernandez ‘Co-Redemptrix’ title decision is ‘mistaken’

Congressional Budget Office Lowers Tariff Savings Estimate By $1 Trillion

Israel attacks Beirut, targets 'key' Hezbollah figure

Notre Dame Returns ‘Catholic Mission’ to Its Core Values After ‘Confusion’

Why working-class voters have been shifting toward the Republican Party