Catholic Church

By Michael Haynes, LifeSiteNews - The former chair of the U.S. bishops’ pro-life committee, Archbishop Joseph Naumann, has criticized Pope Francis’ support of pro-abortion politicians as “doing exactly what he warns others not to do.”... Naumann of Kansas City addressed the issue of abortion and Catholic politicians, noting also that “many” baptized Catholics are “not really part of the Church.”... Such people are “shaped by culture and society” instead of Catholic teaching, he said, as “even within the Church, Catholics are often more influenced by secular media than by the Church itself.”

By Mary Beth Bracy, Catholic Exchange - “The bountiful heart of God’s Mother could not resist the prayers and tears of the General of the Order called by Her name, and towards morning just as the dawn was breaking, She appeared to the Holy man. The sight was entrancing, for the Queen of Heaven was surrounded by a great company of angels of dazzling brightness. It was only with great difficulty, then, that Simon could gaze on the glorious vision. There, in answer to his prayer, She presented him with a garment, formed after the manner of a scapular, saying ‘This shall be a privilege for thee and all Carmelites; whosoever shall die wearing it shall not suffer everlasting fire.’” (Scapular Facts)

By Elizabeth A. Mitchell, The Catholic Thing - My younger sister recounts an incident from her college days a few years back.  At the start of a new term, she noticed a young man next to her in French class who soon stopped attending.  As the term progressed, he was habitually absent and only returned for the final exam.  “Nice of you to show up,” my sister quipped.  “Where have you been?”... “Saving your skin in Afghanistan.” This young man had been on the front lines.  He had been called up to active duty from his civilian life, and he had answered the call... And yet, now, it seems we are all on call.  At any time, in any place, for any reason, we are liable to take the incoming fire of those people who hate life, hate all we hold dear, and who want to hurt others.