“It is clericalism that prevents the church today from being missionary,” Bishop Cipollini said. “I have great hope that the synod on synodality can make clericalism collapse—perhaps not entirely, but at least in its major strongholds.”
Dispatches
Posted inDispatches, Politics & Society
The Plight of Ukraine’s Women
“As we celebrate the strength of women around the world, we’re also seeing women struggle in such heartbreaking ways, trying to keep their families safe…serving the youngest and most vulnerable.”
Posted inDispatches, Politics & Society
This Catholic nonprofit in Nigeria is helping ex-convicts stay out of prison after their release
Without the Carmelite Prisoners’ Interest Organization, “I would still be suffering in the prison because I had no money to hire the services of a lawyer,” Chisom Eze said. “I had thought my life would end in prison until Capio saved me.”
Posted inDispatches, Politics & Society
A Ukrainian Jesuit prepares for an unplanned homecoming
Last week he was a doctoral student at Santa Clara University. This week he is helping to lead a Jesuit humanitarian offensive over the phone. Tomorrow he will be in Poland leading that relief effort in person.
Posted inDispatches, Faith
A California bishop invited community organizers to help with the synod. So far, it’s working.
When it comes to the “Synod on Synodality” initiated by Pope Francis, Bishop Daniel E. Garcia says we don’t need to reinvent the wheel.
Posted inDispatches, Faith
Most young Catholics say they are spiritual or religious. That doesn’t mean you’ll find them at Mass.
The vast majority of young, self-identified Catholics describe themselves as at least slightly spiritual and religious—but they practice their faith in ways that might not be familiar to older believers.
Posted inDispatches, Faith
Arizona priest who invalidly baptized thousands defended by former parishioners in Brazil
Members of one of his former communities said they doubt that he used incorrect formulas for sacraments while he worked there, and many of them recall him fondly as one of the most important priests in their lives.
Posted inDispatches, Politics & Society
After Russian ships menaced off its shores, Ireland wonders if it should beef up its military spending
Few expected that the waters off Ireland’s southwestern coast would become a potential front in a confrontation with the Russian Federation. But that is exactly what happened at the end of January.
Posted inDispatches, Politics & Society
Afghan refugees find welcome at Franciscan retreat center in New Mexico: ‘We see this as part of the Gospel call’
“Pope Francis has said to reach out to the margins and help those who are in need, the refugees, the displaced. And we have a retreat center that has lots of space.”
Posted inDispatches, Politics & Society
Two nuns have a message for Catholics angry about their ministry to immigrants: ‘We don’t have any intention of stopping.’
“I’m mystified by any group that would call itself Catholic that is attacking the Catholic Church and its ministry,” Sister Donna Markham, the president and C.E.O. of Catholic Charities USA, said.