These stories have been handpicked from blogs and news sites around the Web -- some Catholic, some not.https://www.newadvent.org/news/feedburner.xml en-usnoThese stories have been handpicked from blogs and news sites around the Web -- some Catholic, some not.tag:newadvent.org,1999:blog-3972000218521616682.post-3531203705158806984Headhttps://www.ewtnnews.com/world/us/papal-nuncio-turns-80-says-tensions-between-vatican-and-u-s-bishops-have-been-normalnull@newadvent.org (null)The relationship between the Vatican and the U.S. Catholic bishops is not as contentious as people might think, according to Cardinal Christophe Pierre, who offered insights into his role as papal nuncio to the U.S. since 2016 during an interview with “EWTN News In-Depth” ahead of his 80th birthday... tag:newadvent.org,1999:blog-3972000218521616682.post-7578047589265768953Lefthttps://patrickmadrid.substack.com/p/the-confession-i-didnt-makenull@newadvent.org (Patrick Madrid)One Saturday, many years ago, a friend of mine was visiting from out of town. Looking for some prayerful encouragement—and probably a kick in the rear to get himself to confession—he confided painfully to me that he had fallen into a pattern of serious sexual sin, about which he was understandably distressed and embarrassed. tag:newadvent.org,1999:blog-3972000218521616682.post-1977381761996363420Centerhttps://www.pillarcatholic.com/p/happy-birthday-end-of-an-era-andnull@newadvent.org (Ed Condon)Cardinal Pierre has given over his entire life to serving the Church, and it is only right that, as his final departure from office looms, he enjoy the thanks of the institution he has served so faithfully for so long. He can, and should, look back with satisfaction on a full and impressive career... tag:newadvent.org,1999:blog-3972000218521616682.post-898873824062454277Lefthttps://www.ncregister.com/news/flourishing-dioceses-analysisnull@newadvent.org (null)The Register’s ongoing “Catholic Hubs” series has sought to highlight places where Catholicism seems to be on the upswing, rather than on the decline — places where efforts to promote and live out the Catholic faith really seem to be working. But it’s difficult to describe such places without recourse to buzzwords, like “vibrant,” “thriving” or “flourishing.” tag:newadvent.org,1999:blog-3972000218521616682.post-8230028226771262067Centerhttps://stpaulcenter.com/posts/animal-painnull@newadvent.org (Clement Harrold)Why would a good God allow an injured fawn to lie trapped for two weeks under a fallen tree in excruciating pain before a predator finally comes along and puts an end to its short, wretched life? Provocative questions like this one bring us face to face with the problem of animal pain... tag:newadvent.org,1999:blog-3972000218521616682.post-7814687948696902115Lefthttps://media.benedictine.edu/this-sunday-jesus-will-give-us-everything-if-we-crawl-out-of-satans-trapnull@newadvent.org (Tom Hoopes)Make no mistake, the Beatitudes are about what you get, not just what you give. For we tiny creatures in a universe where everything we see for lightyears is created by God, receptivity is the key to our existence. Even when we are being generous, we have nothing to give God and our neighbor except for what we have received from God and our neighbor... tag:newadvent.org,1999:blog-3972000218521616682.post-3238492919299747728Centerhttps://patrickmadrid.substack.com/p/that-time-i-stayed-in-a-haunted-hotelnull@newadvent.org (null)I told this true story on my radio show several years ago. Here’s what happened to me one night (and the following day) in Oklahoma City. I was there for a speaking event, a luncheon talk. The Archbishop of Oklahoma City had invited me to address a diocesan Catholic professionals group of roughly 150 people. It was a pro forma event—you fly in the night before, get a hotel, come in the next day, do the speaking event, fly home. A very typical kind of thing that I do. tag:newadvent.org,1999:blog-3972000218521616682.post-1509843515050589288Lefthttps://www.ncregister.com/commentaries/chapp-john-lennon-imaginenull@newadvent.org (Larry Chapp)I want to make one very simple claim, so simple it can appear naïve and even childish: We cannot solve our problems without God. More specifically, we cannot solve them without Jesus Christ, God incarnate. Which is to say, we cannot solve them without Christians willing to live prophetic lives of counter-witness... tag:newadvent.org,1999:blog-3972000218521616682.post-8196438501812285472Centerhttps://weirdcatholic.substack.com/p/thomas-aquinas-on-the-evil-eyenull@newadvent.org (Thomas McDonald)People wrongly assume this is some kind of Satanic salute, with the index and pinky fingers making little devil horns (hence “throwing up the horns”). In fact, it was popularized through the late, great singer Ronnie James Dio, of Rainbow, Black Sabbath, and Dio. Ronnie was the proud grandson of a nonna from the old country, who would make the traditional gesture to ward off the malocchio, or “evil eye.” tag:newadvent.org,1999:blog-3972000218521616682.post-7447069884324593038Lefthttps://www.pillarcatholic.com/p/our-man-in-washington-who-will-benull@newadvent.org (null)The long-serving apostolic nuncio to the United States, Cardinal Christophe Pierre, turns 80 on Friday. While the cardinal’s replacement may take a few days, or even a week to be announced by the Holy See, there is no doubt that the guard will soon be changed. Media reports continue to speculate on who might be named to replace Pierre... tag:newadvent.org,1999:blog-3972000218521616682.post-3429028986670078189Centerhttps://www.ncregister.com/features/notre-dame-sees-record-number-of-convertsnull@newadvent.org (null)Before his freshman year at the University of Notre Dame, the only time Alex Huang had ever set foot in a church building was for a piano recital. Now, the first-year student from Minnesota is just months away from becoming Catholic. Raised by parents who never considered practicing religion due to their upbringing in atheist China... tag:newadvent.org,1999:blog-3972000218521616682.post-309173950623461168Lefthttps://knowingisdoing.org/blog/st-john-bosco-and-joy-teaching-soulnull@newadvent.org (Marlon De La Torre)Children are not subjects but a reminder of the revelation of God’s love, possessing a visible reality that requires any teacher to both nurture and nourish the soul of a child. The premise of any teaching environment requires and involves the exercise of a loving environment directed at the soul and care of the child, and not the initial regurgitation of information... tag:newadvent.org,1999:blog-3972000218521616682.post-3113996340313476735Centerhttps://stpaulcenter.com/posts/the-blessed-path-scott-hahn-reflects-on-the-fourth-sunday-in-ordinary-timenull@newadvent.org (Scott Hahn)He is sent to lead a new exodus that brings Israel out of captivity to the nations and brings all the nations to God. As Moses led Israel from Egypt through the sea to give them God’s law on Mount Sinai, Jesus too has passed through the waters in baptism. Now, in today’s Gospel, He goes to the mountain to proclaim a new law, the law of His Kingdom. The Beatitudes mark the fulfillment of God’s covenant promise to Abraham... tag:newadvent.org,1999:blog-3972000218521616682.post-5602531130678765173Lefthttps://www.ewtnnews.com/world/europe/german-cardinal-for-me-the-synodal-way-is-overnull@newadvent.org (null)A German cardinal has declared his participation in the controversial German Synodal Way finished, expressing deep skepticism about plans to establish a permanent synodal conference. “For me the Synodal Way is concluded,” Cardinal Rainer Maria Woelki of Cologne said according to CNA Deutsch, the German-language sister service of EWTN News... tag:newadvent.org,1999:blog-3972000218521616682.post-2195511087332024243Centerhttps://www.pillarcatholic.com/p/is-pope-leo-bringing-back-episcopalnull@newadvent.org (null)The resignation last week of Bishop Paskalis Bruno Syukur of the Indonesian Diocese of Bogor came as a surprise to Catholics in the country and abroad. The 63-year old had no health issues and was leaving office without any indication of what he would do next. And, with Rome announcing the appointment of an apostolic administrator to act as caretaker, rather than a successor to Syukur, it seemed likely... tag:newadvent.org,1999:blog-3972000218521616682.post-5666392643645971726Lefthttps://www.ncregister.com/commentaries/antiqua-et-nova-ai-one-yearnull@newadvent.org (null)Last year, the Vatican issued Antiqua et Nova, examining the relationship of artificial and human intelligence. The document offers timely insights that can help us appreciate the contributions AI can make to society, as well as the moral dangers presented by this new phenomenon. The idea that technology can imitate and surpass the power of the human mind... tag:newadvent.org,1999:blog-3972000218521616682.post-4096031457392260297Centerhttps://wng.org/articles/the-lure-of-rome-1767834305null@newadvent.org (null)When Anika Smith moved to Washington, D.C., more than a decade ago, her first order of business was to find a church. She didn’t have a car, so she used the metro. Even with transportation challenges, she managed to visit about three services each weekend. Her fourth Sunday, on a recommendation from a co-worker, she went to Church of the Advent, an Anglican congregation. Smith grew up Presbyterian in the Pacific Northwest, and Anglicanism was new to her. tag:newadvent.org,1999:blog-3972000218521616682.post-1932049618575961203Lefthttps://www.ewtnnews.com/world/middle-east/st-charbel-two-new-miracles-reported-in-2026null@newadvent.org (null)Two new miracles attributed to St. Charbel Makhlouf have been reported since the beginning of 2026 — one in the United States and one in Lebanon — each involving the healing of a woman against all medical expectation. Revered by the faithful as the “doctor of the sky,” St. Charbel, a Lebanese Maronite monk and priest, is now associated with more than 30,000 reported miracles... tag:newadvent.org,1999:blog-3972000218521616682.post-1504116326544528190Centerhttps://www.cnn.com/2026/01/24/europe/pope-leo-ai-chatbots-warning-intlnull@newadvent.org (null)Beware of the AI chatbot that becomes more than just a friend, or worse, an emotional crutch. Pope Leo XIV has warned about overly “affectionate” chatbots, urging regulation to prevent humans from forming serious emotional bonds with their AI companions... tag:newadvent.org,1999:blog-3972000218521616682.post-2068782365184365845Lefthttps://www.ewtnnews.com/world/middle-east/condemnation-of-christian-zionism-by-heads-of-churches-in-jerusalem-stirs-controversynull@newadvent.org (null)The condemnation of Christian Zionism by the Council of Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem is prompting varied reactions by Catholics in the U.S., Israel, and Rome. In a statement last week, the council — comprised of the leaders of the historic Christian churches in the Holy City, including the Latin patriarch; the Maronite, Melkite, Syriac, and Armenian Catholic patriarchs... tag:newadvent.org,1999:blog-3972000218521616682.post-9046758852733371105Centerhttps://life-craft.org/what-are-we-working-for/null@newadvent.org (John Cuddeback)Given how much of life is taken up with work, I think we give too little reflection to a key question: what really is, or should be, the point of our working? We often undertake our work simply as something that must be done. But the intention and so also the spirit with which we do it makes a significant and even essential difference... tag:newadvent.org,1999:blog-3972000218521616682.post-6605233900394515621Lefthttps://www.thecatholicthing.org/2026/01/24/sacerdotal-storytellers/null@newadvent.org (Fr. Raymond de Souza)The patron saint of journalists is St. Francis de Sales – whose feast is today, 24 January. The Holy Father’s annual message for the World Day of Social Communications is dated for the feast in his honor. St. Francis (1567-1622) was certainly a writer, but not every writer is a journalist. He was assigned the patronage because, barred from entering his own city of Geneva... tag:newadvent.org,1999:blog-3972000218521616682.post-2703958362685415997Centerhttps://www.ewtnnews.com/vatican/pope-leo-xiv-warns-against-banality-and-fake-news-in-the-digital-agenull@newadvent.org (null)Pope Leo XIV warned of the risks that go hand in hand with information in the digital age and urged journalists never to succumb “to the temptation of the trivial” or to fake news that creates confusion about what’s true or false. The pope made his comments in a message sent on the occasion of the 30th anniversary... tag:newadvent.org,1999:blog-3972000218521616682.post-9043935198198730149Lefthttps://www.pillarcatholic.com/p/to-be-loved-a-seat-at-the-table-andnull@newadvent.org (null)Before we get on to the news, I would like to pause for a moment and ask you to please offer a prayer for the repose of the soul of John Allen Jr., who died yesterday at the age of 61. John, for any readers who do not know, and I doubt there can be many, was — for decades — an inescapable presence in the world of Catholic media, and especially in the arena of Vatican reporting. tag:newadvent.org,1999:blog-3972000218521616682.post-230635314892715975Centerhttps://www.ewtnnews.com/world/us/live-updates-march-for-life-2026null@newadvent.org (null)The first attendees have arrived at the March for Life. Despite the cold temperatures, these students from John Paul the Great University are looking forward to marching in support of the unborn. This is the school’s first time attending the annual march. tag:newadvent.org,1999:blog-3972000218521616682.post-6207677647225292037Lefthttps://cruxnow.com/church/2026/01/john-l-allen-jr-a-life-remembered-in-gratitudenull@newadvent.org (null)Friends, colleagues, and regular Crux readers will know that my husband, John L. Allen Jr., has been battling cancer for some time, and has largely been absent from the site this year as he underwent treatment and fought for recovery.It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that I convey, nearly four years after his diagnosis, that John lost his battle with cancer on Thursday, January 22, 2026, and is now resting in the arms of God, free from the pain and discomfort that he lived with for so long. tag:newadvent.org,1999:blog-3972000218521616682.post-5713793055265331267Centerhttps://cruxnow.com/church/2026/01/john-l-allen-jr-1965-2026null@newadvent.org (null)John L. Allen Jr. died on January 22, 2026, after a lengthy battle with cancer. The legendary Vatican beat reporter and Church affairs analyst was 61 years old. He is survived by his wife, Elise Ann Allen, who is Crux’s senior Rome correspondent. Allen was a force of nature, certainly as a journalist who was not only our principal but also a model for us, whose counsel and whose company we already and forever shall sorely miss. tag:newadvent.org,1999:blog-3972000218521616682.post-3038383208316394138Lefthttps://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/david-mills/2026/01/14/steelers-season-playoff-loss-tomlin-politics-lessons-conservative/stories/202601010019null@newadvent.org (David Mills)My friend arrived at our local place about half an hour after the Texans-Steelers game ended. People had already run through the five stages of grief, I told her, and gotten to the final stage, acceptance. “I got to acceptance on week one,” she said. Everyone who’d actually watched the game there began it feeling hopeful. But eventually we all saw the Steelers’ reality, and what I suspect most people secretly thought would happen happened. tag:newadvent.org,1999:blog-3972000218521616682.post-3493902979910073280Centerhttp://blog.newadvent.org/2026/01/christians-stop-saying-this-about-jesus.htmlnull@newadvent.org (Trent Horn)In this episode Trent shows how one claim about Jesus' historical status backfires on Christians... tag:newadvent.org,1999:blog-3972000218521616682.post-7484998973812155423Lefthttp://blog.newadvent.org/2026/01/pope-leo-xiv-accepts-resignation-of.htmlnull@newadvent.org (null)Pope Francis convened his last consistory on October 6, 2024. Two months later, the Pope announced the list of those who would become cardinals. Among them was this name... tag:newadvent.org,1999:blog-3972000218521616682.post-4579781928596845285Centerhttps://www.pillarcatholic.com/p/help-wanted-the-holy-sees-comingnull@newadvent.org (null)Archbishop Nikola Eterović celebrated his milestone birthday Jan. 20, days after a private audience with Pope Leo XIV. The Vatican disclosed no information about the Jan. 17 audience, other than that it took place. But it would be surprising if the topic of Eterović’s eventual successor did not come up. The succession in Germany may not be the only diplomatic appointment on Pope Leo’s mind... tag:newadvent.org,1999:blog-3972000218521616682.post-3656506303337124808Lefthttps://www.ewtnnews.com/world/middle-east/reports-of-christian-casualties-and-arrests-are-emerging-as-mass-protests-continue-in-irannull@newadvent.org (null)The ongoing protests in Iran are considered the largest in years, both in duration and geographic spread. Since erupting on Dec. 28, 2025, demonstrations have continued without interruption, expanding across the country’s north, south, east, and west. Large numbers of Iranians from diverse social and religious backgrounds have taken part, including Christian citizens. tag:newadvent.org,1999:blog-3972000218521616682.post-6305868343581764814Centerhttps://www.wordonfire.org/articles/did-kant-really-disprove-aquinass-five-ways/null@newadvent.org (Christopher Kaczor)The philosopher Dr. Sebastian Ostritsch was scheduled to give a lecture entitled “Is God’s Existence a Matter of Rational Understanding? Thomas Aquinas vs. Immanuel Kant” at the Jesuits’ Munich School of Philosophy on November 27, 2025. But after protesting students took to social media, university officials canceled his lecture. The students had threatened to disrupt the lecture, reminded everyone about what happened to Charlie Kirk... tag:newadvent.org,1999:blog-3972000218521616682.post-51512720345215936Lefthttps://stpaulcenter.com/posts/history-redeemed-scott-hahn-reflects-on-the-third-sunday-in-ordinary-timenull@newadvent.org (null)Eight centuries before Christ, that part of the kingdom where the tribes of Zebulun and Naphtali lived was attacked by the Assyrians, and the tribes were hauled off into captivity. It marked the beginning of the kingdom’s end. The Davidic empire finally crumbled in the sixth century BC, when Jerusalem was seized by Babylon and the remaining tribes were driven into exile... tag:newadvent.org,1999:blog-3972000218521616682.post-7053200330119273118Centerhttps://www.pillarcatholic.com/p/sheets-of-icenull@newadvent.org (J.D. Flynn)Hans Egede was born in January 1686, and baptized a Lutheran, possibly at a medieval stone church at Trondenes, Norway, or in another nearby local parish church. Don’t hold it against him that Hans was baptized a Lutheran — he was only an infant, you see, plus, his grandfather was a Lutheran cleric and his uncle was too... tag:newadvent.org,1999:blog-3972000218521616682.post-1553779100749990885Lefthttps://knowingisdoing.org/blog/st-francis-de-sales-and-purification-soulnull@newadvent.org (null)In his letter to the Colossians, St. Paul provides a blueprint for assenting to a new life wholly dedicated to Christ. He prefaces his proposal by telling us that if we have been raised by Christ, then we must seek the things from above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. He confirms his position by reminding us to set our minds on things that are above, not in things that are on earth... tag:newadvent.org,1999:blog-3972000218521616682.post-8362822119035018986Centerhttps://media.benedictine.edu/bold-silence-and-bold-speech-st-sebastian-a-model-for-our-timesnull@newadvent.org (null)As the nation erupts in civil unrest, the Church gives us St. Sebastian’s feast day on Jan. 20, celebrating the young man who stood up to the wicked emperor Diocletian, and praying that we will each be more like him: “O Lord, grant us the spirit of fortitude, so that guided by the example of the martyr St. Sebastian, we may learn to bear witness to the Christian faith.” We need a model like St. Sebastian to show us the right kind of witness right now... tag:newadvent.org,1999:blog-3972000218521616682.post-2382082796070066297Lefthttps://www.pillarcatholic.com/p/broglio-us-troops-could-refuse-greenlandnull@newadvent.org (null)The archbishop of the U.S. military services said Sunday that he does not believe military action to take control of Greenland could be justified – and that U.S. troops in good conscience could refuse orders to do so. Speaking to the BBC on Jan. 18. Archbishop Timothy Broglio of the Archdiocese for the Military Services said he “cannot see any circumstances” in which an American military operation to take control of Greenland... tag:newadvent.org,1999:blog-3972000218521616682.post-7503766992587655907Centerhttps://www.ncregister.com/commentaries/landry-the-unity-for-which-jesus-prayednull@newadvent.org (Fr. Roger Landry)The Octave of Prayer for Christian Unity, which begins Jan. 18, takes place each year in the days leading up to the celebration of the Conversion of St. Paul on Jan. 25, when the Pope travels to the Basilica of St. Paul’s Outside the Walls in Rome to pray with other Christian leaders for what Jesus prayed during the Last Supper: that we might be truly one. tag:newadvent.org,1999:blog-3972000218521616682.post-4600735027119164897Lefthttps://patrickmadrid.substack.com/p/the-priest-who-would-not-quitnull@newadvent.org (null)The wind howled and the snow began to fall more heavily as nightfall gathered itself around the young priest. Though he had been riding since early afternoon, there were several miles yet to go before he would reach his destination. He kept to the path as best he could, but the drifting snow made it difficult for the horse to go much faster than a walk. tag:newadvent.org,1999:blog-3972000218521616682.post-1563608616460824471Centerhttps://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2026-01/pope-leo-telegram-spain-train-accident-condolences.htmlnull@newadvent.org (null)Pope Leo XIV offered prayers for the victims and his “heartfelt condolences” to the families of those affected by a train collision in southern Spain on Sunday, January 18, 2026, which caused at least 39 deaths and dozens of injuries. In a telegram released on January 19, written in Spanish and signed by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin... tag:newadvent.org,1999:blog-3972000218521616682.post-8195602806342830917Lefthttps://www.osvnews.com/kyrie-eleison-lord-anoint-the-festering-wounds-we-show/null@newadvent.org (Elizabeth Scalia)She has become ubiquitous on social media platforms: the middle class woman who is nearly spitting with unsuppressed rage and seemingly gleeful that she has the means to showcase it. The woman is one of an uncountable number who display septum rings and tattoos as they set their camera phones to “record” and then deliver spit-inflected diatribes, or scream in indignation... tag:newadvent.org,1999:blog-3972000218521616682.post-5559485773687475177Centerhttps://www.catholicworldreport.com/2026/01/05/bigger-on-the-inside-than-the-outside/null@newadvent.org (David Deavel)Christmas is the season of pondering the paradox of the Incarnation itself. What was found in the stable at Bethlehem was far greater than everything outside. This is no mere poetic exaggeration. The infinite God assumed a finite human nature. What was in this child, no bigger than a breadbox at first but soon to grow in wisdom and stature... tag:newadvent.org,1999:blog-3972000218521616682.post-4425374322904300122Lefthttps://chnetwork.org/on-the-journey/embracing-the-catholic-gospel-part-ix-episode-186/null@newadvent.org (null)Matt, Ken, and Kenny continue their discussion about one of the most important questions a Christian can ask: what is the Gospel? Former Baptist pastor Ken Hensley shares seven key realizations that helped him understand that the Reformation doctrine of salvation by “faith alone” wasn’t supported by the testimony of the Scriptures. tag:newadvent.org,1999:blog-3972000218521616682.post-7418840877641261699Centerhttps://www.ncregister.com/commentaries/fernando-mendoza-non-nobis-dominenull@newadvent.org (null)“Give all the glory to God!” Fernando Mendoza, quarterback of the Indiana University football team, begins interviews after victories that way. It’s not that unusual in football, where professions of Christian faith are part of the culture. It’s a bit unusual in Mendoza’s case, as he is Catholic, and it is usually evangelical Protestants who speak about God in their postgame interviews. tag:newadvent.org,1999:blog-3972000218521616682.post-2041479358369883736Lefthttps://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2026-01/pope-at-angelus-18-january-2026.htmlnull@newadvent.org (null)Each day, let us make time to pray and reflect, in order to encounter the Lord Who loves us, Pope Leo XIV invited on Sunday during his midday Angelus address. Addressing the faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square, the Pope recalled the day's Gospel reading according to St. John in which John the Baptist recognized Jesus as the Lamb of God... tag:newadvent.org,1999:blog-3972000218521616682.post-5421072433468273442Centerhttps://tmattingly.substack.com/p/crossroads-faith-and-the-top-collegenull@newadvent.org (Terry Mattingly)A recent New York Times feature noted that quarterback Fernando Mendoza, before helping change Indiana University football history, excelled at Belen Jesuit, an all-boys Catholic school in Miami, and then Miami Columbus High, another all-boys Catholic school. Oh, and his mother was a star athlete at Lourdes Academy, an all-girls Catholic school... tag:newadvent.org,1999:blog-3972000218521616682.post-5227839836062607809Lefthttps://www.catholicculture.org/commentary/supreme-court-arguments-exposed-absurdity-gender-ideology/null@newadvent.org (Phil Lawler)This week’s oral arguments before the Supreme Court, in cases involving state laws that ban boys from girls’ sports, may prove to be a decisive turning point in the surreal political struggle over gender ideology. The battle is not won, but the momentum has shifted. Credit Justice Samuel Alito with the question that fully exposed the absurdity of the argument before the court... tag:newadvent.org,1999:blog-3972000218521616682.post-3526686202129965530Centerhttps://stpaulcenter.com/posts/Mary-and-the-Gift-of-Motherhoodnull@newadvent.org (null)Motherhood is an amazing gift that only women have. Yet so many of our fellow citizens have been programmed to view it instead as a burden, an obstacle to career advancement, or even a disease to be avoided at all costs through sterilization, contraception, and abortion... tag:newadvent.org,1999:blog-3972000218521616682.post-5468679794508072725Lefthttps://www.denvercatholic.org/the-evangelist-in-stanley-prisonnull@newadvent.org (George Weigel)In a 1974 address to a group of lay Catholics, Pope Paul VI noted that "Modern man listens more willingly to witnesses than to teachers, and if he does listen to teachers, it is because they are witnesses" — an acute observation he later reiterated in his spiritual testament, the 1975 Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii Nuntiandi (Announcing the Gospel)... tag:newadvent.org,1999:blog-3972000218521616682.post-1790253324417197379Centerhttps://www.pillarcatholic.com/p/for-him-roches-rorschach-test-andnull@newadvent.org (null)I don’t know how it came to happen that I, of all people, ended up with a daughter as biddable and sweet natured as I did. It’s not genetic, that’s for sure. She’s universally doted upon, to be sure, especially since we waited more than a decade — I won’t say always patiently, though usually prayerfully — for her arrival. Being a beloved and indulged only child has to... tag:newadvent.org,1999:blog-3972000218521616682.post-724238762453561083Lefthttps://media.benedictine.edu/this-sunday-we-each-meet-the-lamb-of-god-who-changes-everythingnull@newadvent.org (null)John the Baptist tells us that he has been told that Jesus Christ is the Lamb of God, and that we can expect the Holy Spirit. In other words, at the Father’s command we become one with the Son with the Spirit, and enter into the life of the Trinity. This changes everything for Christians... tag:newadvent.org,1999:blog-3972000218521616682.post-2258957464061902830Centerhttps://www.ewtnnews.com/world/africa/nigeria-accounts-for-72-percent-of-christian-killings-worldwide-new-report-findsnull@newadvent.org (null)More Christians were killed in Nigeria last year than anywhere else in the world combined, a new report has found, placing the country at the center of a growing global persecution crisis. Of the 4,849 Christians killed for their faith worldwide, 3,490 were in Nigeria, according to Open Doors’ World Watch List 2026... tag:newadvent.org,1999:blog-3972000218521616682.post-4211832783695024868Lefthttps://www.catholicculture.org/commentary/religious-art-and-life-recognizing-beauty-goodness/null@newadvent.org (Jeff Mirus)A fine recent article on the late Renaissance painter Caravaggio* reminded me that artistic brilliance may not always be matched by moral achievement. This is a problem that plagues everyone in every walk in life, but it is particularly annoying when the moral reputation of an artist stands between his work and our ability to appreciate it... tag:newadvent.org,1999:blog-3972000218521616682.post-7042934498847287512Centerhttps://www.wsj.com/science/scientists-create-robots-smaller-than-a-grain-of-sand-c3081fd0?st=dbwSQ6&mod=1440&user_id=66c4c4bf600ae150759922b7null@newadvent.org (null)In robotics, as in so many things, small is beautiful. The trouble is that making them really small is very nearly impossible. “Building robots that operate independently at sizes below one millimeter is incredibly difficult,” says roboticist Marc Miskin at the University of Pennsylvania. “The field has essentially been stuck on this problem for 40 years.” tag:newadvent.org,1999:blog-3972000218521616682.post-385730384340291582Lefthttps://www.ncregister.com/commentaries/remembering-cardinal-john-o-connornull@newadvent.org (null)For generations, the archbishop of New York has held a singular place in the life of the Catholic Church in the United States — standing at the crossroads of culture, conscience and public witness. Few shepherds embodied that national role more clearly than Cardinal John O’Connor, who died in May 2000 after nearly 16 years as archbishop of New York... tag:newadvent.org,1999:blog-3972000218521616682.post-5866437406670069323Centerhttps://www.ncregister.com/commentaries/fernandez-why-are-mosques-burning-in-tehrannull@newadvent.org (null)Coming a few days after Christmas 2025, the protests erupting in Iran caught much of the Western world by surprise. Of course, Iran has had major protests before (2009-2010, 2011, 2019-2020, 2022-2023), which have often been brutally suppressed by the Islamic Republic’s security forces. This time, however, the protests appear to have been even larger... tag:newadvent.org,1999:blog-3972000218521616682.post-4089635931658448080Lefthttps://www.ncregister.com/news/cardinal-roche-doubles-down-on-traditionis-custodesnull@newadvent.org (Edward Pentin)In an undelivered address to cardinals last week, Cardinal Arthur Roche planned to voice opposition to the traditional Roman Rite, which he sees as a concession that needs to be eventually phased out in favor of the post-Vatican II liturgy as the unique expression of the Latin Rite. In a two-page text on Traditionis Custodes... tag:newadvent.org,1999:blog-3972000218521616682.post-4711098442784757327Centerhttps://www.ewtnnews.com/world/us/trump-restores-tens-of-millions-in-planned-parenthood-title-x-fundingnull@newadvent.org (null)U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday denied knowledge of reports that his administration has restored millions of taxpayer dollars to Planned Parenthood. According to Jan. 13 report in Politico, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) last month restored Title X funding to Planned Parenthood. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) on Monday dropped a lawsuit against the administration related to this funding. tag:newadvent.org,1999:blog-3972000218521616682.post-6786199320610524027Lefthttps://www.ncregister.com/news/notre-dame-appoints-abortion-advocate-to-lead-asian-studies-institutenull@newadvent.org (Matthew McDonald)The University of Notre Dame plans to install as director of a university-wide institute a scholar who has described laws prohibiting abortion as “violence,” “sexual abuse” and “trauma” and has linked efforts to end abortion to white supremacy. “Abortion access is freedom-enhancing, in the truest sense of the word,” states a column in Salon co-authored by Susan Ostermann... tag:newadvent.org,1999:blog-3972000218521616682.post-3940089086921284351Centerhttps://life-craft.org/a-surprising-fallacy-about-kindness/null@newadvent.org (null)This morning, I read a beautiful and practical insight about a power for good at my fingertips. The effects of kindness are disproportionately far-reaching. The more I think about it, the more I am convinced. And really encouraged. At times the ugliness of how people treat each other can be overwhelming. It doesn’t help that the failings and weaknesses we directly experience... tag:newadvent.org,1999:blog-3972000218521616682.post-6292896204121949003Lefthttps://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/269081/vatican-prosecutor-steps-aside-as-london-property-trial-appeal-moves-forwardnull@newadvent.org (Andrea Gagliarducci)The Vatican’s Court of Cassation has cleared the way for the appeal phase of the Secretariat of State funds trial — commonly tied in headlines to Cardinal Angelo Becciu — rejecting last-ditch procedural challenges and accepting the recusal of Vatican Promoter of Justice Alessandro Diddi from the case. tag:newadvent.org,1999:blog-3972000218521616682.post-6378470288664158267Centerhttps://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2026-01/mosaic-of-pope-leo-xiv-for-basilica-of-st-paul-outside-the-wall.htmlnull@newadvent.org (null)The Vatican Mosaic Studio of the Fabric of Saint Peter has completed the mosaic medallion dedicated to Pope Leo XIV, the Holy See Press Office announced on Wednesday. In accordance with the ancient tradition that accompanies the election of every Pope, just over eight months after the election of Pope Leo XIV, the studio has completed the mosaic portrait destined for the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls... tag:newadvent.org,1999:blog-3972000218521616682.post-8461556142642537627Lefthttps://www.ncregister.com/commentaries/dmq-supporting-the-church-with-all-our-mitenull@newadvent.org (E. Christian Brugger)Catholic theology has always maintained a clear hierarchy of obligations. Before contributing financially to the Church, the faithful must ensure they can meet essential personal and family responsibilities. These include providing for one’s own and one’s family’s basic needs and, generally speaking, paying just debts and avoiding deeper indebtedness. tag:newadvent.org,1999:blog-3972000218521616682.post-3213780210381730836Centerhttps://stpaulcenter.com/posts/perfect-offering-scott-hahn-reflects-on-the-second-sunday-in-ordinary-timenull@newadvent.org (null)Jesus speaks through the prophet Isaiah in today’s First Reading. He tells us of the mission given to Him by the Father from the womb: “‘You are My servant,’ He said to Me.” Servant and Son, our Lord was sent to lead a new exodus—to raise up the exiled tribes of Israel, to gather and restore them to God. More than that, He was to be a light to the nations, that God’s salvation may reach to the ends of the earth... tag:newadvent.org,1999:blog-3972000218521616682.post-7984457346675445937Lefthttps://knowingisdoing.org/blog/evangelizing-between-heaven-and-hellnull@newadvent.org (null)The book of Revelation describes the Devil as the deceiver of the whole world.[1] What is significant about this description is that the Devil’s disposition is to encourage confusion, distrust, fear, doubt, anxiety, and worse hatred toward God. He is the fallen Angel who would welcome nothing more than to encourage anyone to follow in his path. In his first epistle, St. John reinforces the danger... tag:newadvent.org,1999:blog-3972000218521616682.post-8278416696180456971Centerhttps://www.mentalfloss.com/food/beverages/pop-soda-coke-state-by-state-guidenull@newadvent.org (null)When referring to a soft drink, do you say pop, soda, or Coke? Your stance on the centuries-long debate reveals more about your roots than your flavor preference. In some states, ordering a "Coke" could get you a Dr Pepper. And if you grew up saying "soda," hearing someone ask for a "pop" might make you do a double-take. tag:newadvent.org,1999:blog-3972000218521616682.post-8603877893401960355Lefthttps://arstechnica.com/space/2026/01/here-are-the-launches-and-landings-were-most-excited-about-in-2026/null@newadvent.org (null)Last year delivered doses of drama and excitement in the space business, with a record number of launches, breathtaking vistas of other worlds, and a multitude of breakthroughs and setbacks. 2026 is shaping up to be another thrilling year in the cosmos. For the first time in more than 54 years, astronauts are training to travel to the vicinity of the Moon, perhaps within the next couple of months... tag:newadvent.org,1999:blog-3972000218521616682.post-7393463582931950017Centerhttps://www.gobankingrates.com/saving-money/savings-advice/nuclear-savings-rule-frugal-living-tips-from-1950s-era/null@newadvent.org (null)Have you ever wished to go back to another decade for what may have been simpler times? With the Nuclear Savings Rule, you can — at least where your budget is concerned. The Nuclear Savings Rule looks at 1950s spending habits. Many people of that era had lived through the Great Depression and maintained their frugal lifestyles... tag:newadvent.org,1999:blog-3972000218521616682.post-4189650521454821443Lefthttps://www.thecatholicthing.org/2026/01/13/looking-for-lost-heads/null@newadvent.org (Carrie Gress)In P.G. Wodehouse’s Jeeves & Wooster, Lady Glossip, mother of an eligible daughter, asks Bertie Wooster how he would support a wife. His answer: “Well, I suppose it depends on whose wife it was. A little gentle pressure beneath the elbow while crossing a busy street usually fits the bill.” Misguided youth is nothing new, as Wodehouse knew well in 1923. His Aunt Agatha’s reproach rings true about many men today... tag:newadvent.org,1999:blog-3972000218521616682.post-3435857872615795903Centerhttps://www.thecatholicthing.org/2026/01/10/how-they-died-martyrdom-of-the-apostles/null@newadvent.org (Brad Miner)In The Cost of Discipleship (1937), Dietrich Bonhoeffer writes that Christ invited St. Peter “to the supreme followship of martyrdom for the Lord he had denied ... thereby forgiving him all his sins. In the life of Peter, grace and discipleship are inseparable.” In Bonhoeffer’s famous reckoning, this was a case of costly, as opposed to cheap, grace. Bonhoeffer, of course, would come to embody the former... tag:newadvent.org,1999:blog-3972000218521616682.post-3909228939216053814Lefthttps://www.ncregister.com/commentaries/desouza-leo-early-francisnull@newadvent.org (null)The direction of the Leonine pontificate is still not yet clear, but the consistory of cardinals last week gave some further indications. Pope Leo XIV intends to continue in the direction of his immediate predecessor, but he prefers to do as Pope Francis said, rather than what Pope Francis did. In announcing the topics for the consistory last month, Leo chose four that were central to the Francis pontificate... tag:newadvent.org,1999:blog-3972000218521616682.post-9117524525081573047Centerhttps://www.pillarcatholic.com/p/back-on-the-air-fulton-sheen-beatificationnull@newadvent.org (null)The Holy See is expected to announce in coming weeks a date for the beatification of Archbishop Fulton Sheen, the Emmy-winning American prelate known for catechetical television programs in the 1950s and 1960s. Sheen, who came within three weeks of a scheduled beatification in 2019, is expected to be formally beatified in September, according to sources close to the process...