The first synodal assembly on the future the Catholic Church in Germany drew both praise and some criticism, with many of the 230 participants lauding what they called a special atmosphere in the debates on key reforms.
Vatican II
Posted inFaith, Vatican Dispatch
Pope Francis opens Advent season with Congolese rite Mass, warns against consumerism
“Consumerism is a virus that attacks the faith at its roots, because it makes you believe that life depends only on what you have, and so you forget God,” the pope said.
Posted inDispatches, Faith
German bishops’ general secretary: The church should not fear the ‘synodal way’
“We are emphasizing through the synodal way the community and bonds of all believers—not the difference between clergy and laity. All of us are baptized and confirmed. All of us stand in the same mission to witness the Gospel,” Father Langendörfer said.
Posted inArts & Culture, Books
Review: Why did so many Catholics leave after Vatican II?
What makes ‘Mass Exodus’ a must-read is careful attention to the qualitative analysis related to disaffiliation from the church.
Posted inArts & Culture, Books
Councils have something to teach us about the past—and future—of the church
John W. O’Malley’s ‘When Bishops Meet’ challenges readers to understand the lasting importance of three monumental councils of the church.
Posted inFaith, Vatican Dispatch
Here’s what happened on the first day of the Amazon Synod.
The general relator of this special synod, emphasized several themes of Pope Francis’ pontificate: the church must “throw open her doors”; “true tradition” is “the church’s living history”; and “God always brings newness,” so “one must not fear what is new.”
Posted inFaith, Vatican Dispatch
A Jesuit cardinal-designate says Pope Francis is making Vatican II real
“Our vocation is to help men and women to live their human lives and to live them to the full,” said Father Czerny. “This is the big mission. This is what it means to preach the Gospel and to bring the Good News to the ends of the earth.”
Posted inFaith, News
Father Thomas Stransky dies, played key role in Vatican II
WASHINGTON (CNS) — Paulist Father Thomas Stransky, credited internationally as a pioneer in the Catholic Church’s ecumenical and interfaith relations stemming from the Second Vatican Council, died Sept. 3 on his 89th birthday. Those who worked with the visionary priest over the years said his role in overseeing the drafting of three council documents has […]
Posted inDispatches, Faith
Father Sosa: Attacks against Pope Francis are aimed at influencing the next conclave
His critics know Pope Francis “will not change,” said Father Sosa, adding, “In reality, these [attacks] are a way to influence the election of the next pope.”
Posted inFaith, Faith and Reason
Why do some Catholics oppose Pope Francis?
Pope Francis does not aspire to fulfill his role as a theologian but as a pastor.