Bishop Oscar Cantu, the co-adjutor bishop of San Jose, Calif., has assumed governance of the diocese upon the resignation of Bishop Patrick J. McGrath. Bishop Cantu's appointment was announced May 1 by Archbishop Christophe Pierre, the apostolic nuncio to the United States.
A recent survey by the Boston-based Catholic Investment Services indicated that 90% of Catholics surveyed believed that church organizations should invest funds in ways that are consistent with church teachings. However, because of the sex-abuse scandals that have plagued the church, 31% stated that they are not as inclined to give as much to their parishes as previously.
The air was still thick with smoke and the ash burnt the eyes of the onlookers, who were relieved to see the cathedral still standing. For many Catholics, the coincidence of the blaze occurring at the start of Holy Week speaks of the greater mysteries of Easter.