Policies related to immigration, gender ideology, abortion, and in vitro fertilization (IVF) are among the top religious liberty concerns heading into 2025, according to a report published by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). The USCCB Committee for Religious Liberty on Jan. 16 issued its Annual Report on the State of Religious Liberty, which...
Day: 22 January 2025
Virginia bishop: IVF ‘contrary to justice,’ destroys many human lives
Arlington Bishop Michael Burbidge on Wednesday urged Catholic families to offer a “heroic witness” to love by rejecting the practice of in vitro fertilization (IVF), which the prelate called “contrary to justice [and] replete with moral difficulties.” In a pastoral letter released on Wednesday, Burbidge acknowledged the “natural desire for family” as well as the challenges...
U.S. bishops criticize Trump’s executive orders on climate, death penalty, immigration
The president of the U.S. bishops’ conference on Wednesday criticized some of President Donald Trump’s initial executive orders on key issues including immigration and capital punishment, warning that harm could be done to “the most vulnerable among us.” Trump upon taking office on Monday signed a series of executive orders that included tough restrictions on immigration, a directive in...
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Vietnamese priest’s journey to ordination fulfils his father’s dream
When communist forces shuttered Vietnam’s seminaries decades ago, they closed the door on Peter The Hoang Truong’s dream of priesthood. Years later, his unwavering faith would inspire his son to complete the journey he never could. On Jan. 11, that son, Thomas The Hiep Truong, became the newest priest in the Archdiocese of Vancouver, joining...
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Vietnamese priest’s journey to ordination fulfils his father’s dream
When communist forces shuttered Vietnam’s seminaries decades ago, they closed the door on Peter The Hoang Truong’s dream of priesthood. Years later, his unwavering faith would inspire his son to complete the journey he never could. On Jan. 11, that son, Thomas The Hiep Truong, became the newest priest in the Archdiocese of Vancouver, joining...
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Obedience makes consecration truly countercultural
World Day of Consecrated LifePresentation of the LordFirst Reading: Mal 3:1–4Second Reading: Heb 2:10–11, 13b–18Gospel Reading: Lk 2:22–40 In 1997, Pope John Paul II made the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord the annual “World Day of Consecrated Life.” That day is appropriate, he said, because consecrated people dedicate their lives as Jesus did,...
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Obedience makes consecration truly countercultural
World Day of Consecrated LifePresentation of the LordFirst Reading: Mal 3:1–4Second Reading: Heb 2:10–11, 13b–18Gospel Reading: Lk 2:22–40 In 1997, Pope John Paul II made the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord the annual “World Day of Consecrated Life.” That day is appropriate, he said, because consecrated people dedicate their lives as Jesus did,...
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St. Paul upheld marriage and virginity
In the first part (Chapters 1–6) of the First Letter to the Corinthians, St. Paul rebuked the wrongdoings of the Corinthians. In the second part (Chapters 7–15), St. Paul gave general instruction in Christian moral life. In Chapter 7, St. Paul gave instruction concerning marriage and virginity. Catholic author Stephen K. Ray commented, “He is...
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St. Paul upheld marriage and virginity
In the first part (Chapters 1–6) of the First Letter to the Corinthians, St. Paul rebuked the wrongdoings of the Corinthians. In the second part (Chapters 7–15), St. Paul gave general instruction in Christian moral life. In Chapter 7, St. Paul gave instruction concerning marriage and virginity. Catholic author Stephen K. Ray commented, “He is...
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Go to Joseph!
Decision fatigue is real, and it is no less the case when it comes to asking for heavenly help. When praying for a particular intention, the possibilities are endless for saintly intercessors. But when we hear people say things like, “St. Joseph is the greatest male saint who ever lived,” this is certainly enough to...