Circus Nuns

The circus came to Bridgeport's Harbor Yard, and if you missed it, don't worry, it comes every year.

But there are many things going on behind the scenes, that a show-goer would never see, like, for instance, the religious sisters helping the performers and their children.

The circus is like a travelling city. The train in which the families live is a mile and a half long. There are food carts, animal carts, living space carts, equipment carts, all lined up and all moving across the country at a fairly decent clip. On Mondays and Tuesdays, the circus crew travels, on Wednesdays - Sundays, they put on a show in a new location.

Many take their families with them. 10-year-old Katherine Stuart says the circus life is "not so weird." She goes to school, five days a week, for five hours a day. Sr. Dolores Fabritze teaches her history, math, English and geography, to name just a few subjects. The school day looks a bit different from a circus train, though. They are in "school" from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and that school is really whatever back room the venue provided them. They must unpack their books and tools from movable carts, and then pack them all back up again five days later when they leave. After school, the children can't really do sports or participate in extra curricular activities, but they spend time in the nursery and with the performers, as their parents ready for that night's show.

Sr. Fabritze and other religious personalities make sure that the sacraments are provided to the performers who request them. They also provide bible studies and personal healing for those on-board the train.

If you'd like to see more of what goes on behind the scenes at the circus, tune in to Crossroads Magazine, at 10:30 a.m. on TXX and 10:30 p.m. on MyTV9.

Waterbury Native One Step Closer to Sainthood

Hartford Archbishop Henry Mansell has just signed the documents of the investigation into a possible miracle attributed to the founder of the Knights of Columbus, Venerable Fr. Michael McGivney. The information is now being sent to the Holy See, where a team of medical experts and theologians at the Congregation for the Causes of Saints will investigate the potential miracle.

Make sure to watch Crossroads Magazine this Saturday for the full story. Crossroads airs Saturday on WTXX at 10:30 a.m., and My TV 9 at 10:35 p.m.

Nun Run!

Alicia Torres, of Chicago, wants to become a sister, but she cannot do that until she pays off $94,000 in student loans. To help pay off the debt, she gathered pledges as she ran a half-marathon. Her site, TheNunRun.com, is gaining national attention.

NPR's All Things Considered interviewed her.

Here is the Chicago Tribune's video of Alicia.

Alicia wants to join a new community of Franciscan Sisters in Chicago who will serve the poor.

Once those debts are paid off, Alicia hopes she will still be able to run in her habit.

Priest Chef Out Cooks Renowned Chef Bobby Flay

Father Leo Patalinghug beat world-famous chef Bobby Flay in a steak fajita cook-off on the Food Network’s Throwdown! With Bobby Flay. Father Patalinghug works at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary in Emmitsburg, Maryland, where some of our Archdiocese of Hartford seminarians train for the priesthood. Bobby Flay visited the seminary to challenge Father in a head-to-head cooking competition.

Father's Grace Before Meals cooking show airs on Boston's Catholic TV. You can also find his show on his website, which receives 10,000 hits a day. He also penned a book with the same name as the show. Father tells the Archdiocese of Baltimore's The Catholic Review, “Having Bobby Flay challenge me to a throwdown was a complete surprise and shock. I’m a huge fan of his and the Food Network, so it was an honor just to be on the show and cook alongside of an Iron Chef.” Flay is a former altar-server.

If you missed the original episode on September 9, you still can check out Father's victory on the Food Network on Sep 20 at 11 p.m. and Sep 21 at 2 a.m. Check times here. Congrats, Father Leo!

PBS's Faith and Ethics Newsweekly just did a nice profile on Father. It is worth checking out.

Guadalupe Celebration

Crossroads Magazine will be on hand for the Guadalupe Celebration tonight in New Haven. We hope to meet many of you there. Here's the information, from the Knights of Columbus:

On Wednesday, Sept. 9, the Knights of Columbus Supreme Council will host a festive Guadalupe Celebration and procession in New Haven, Conn., featuring a rare relic of St. Juan Diego – a small piece of his miraculous tilma, nearly 500 years old. A special Mass will be offered by Archbishop Henry Mansell at 5 pm in St. Mary’s Church, with a homily by Bishop William Lori. At 6 pm, Msgr. Eduardo Chavez, the world’s foremost expert on Our Lady of Guadalupe, will speak about the apparitions. At 6:30 pm, a procession with the relic will begin from St. Mary’s Church, leading through the streets of New Haven to the K of C Museum for a fiesta in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Festivities will include a chance to individually venerate the relic, as well as Mexican food, performances, artworks and much more. All are invited. Please see kofc.org/guadalupe for more information.

Bishop of Scranton Resigns

The Diocese of Scranton posted the press conference announcing the resignation of 63 year-old Bishop Joseph Martino. The bishop says stress has caused him insomnia and crippling physical fatigue. He has lead the diocese since 2003. The Vatican announced today that Pope Benedict XVI accepted Bishop Martino's resignation. According to Canon Law, a bishop must turn in his resignation at the age of 75. Canon Law also allows a bishop to resign because of illness or if he becomes unsuited for the ministry because of "some other grave reason." Cardinal Justin Rigali of Philadelphia will now be temporary administrator of the Diocese of Scranton. During the press conference today, the Cardinal said he hopes the Holy Father will appoint a new bishop of Scranton within six months. The Cardinal has named a number of episcopal vicars to serve in the diocese. His vicar general is Monsignor Joseph Bambera, pastor of two parishes in Archbald. After brief statements from Bishop Martino and the Cardinal, the media asked a number of questions.

Series on Seminarian

The Columbus Dispatch is doing a six-day series on the journey to the priesthood for one young man. They go behind the scenes of seminary life to paint a picture of one man's vocation. It is really unheard of for secular media to do a six-part series, let alone one on the priesthood.

You can check out the articles here.

Thanks to The Deacon's Bench for linking to this article.

The photo courtesy: The Columbus Dispatch.

Convicted Connecticut Pastor Dies in Prison

The Rev. Michael Jude Fay, the longtime pastor who stole more than $1 million from St. John Church in Darien, died Saturday in a Butner, N.C., federal prison. He was 10 months into a 37-month sentence for the theft.

The Diocese of Bridgeport is not releasing any details on the death, but Fay was known to be suffering from prostate cancer.

In May 2006, it was discovered Father Fay was using church money to support a lavish lifestyle, which included trips to Europe, the Caribbean and other parts of the United States.

More than a year later, Fay pleaded guilty to interstate transportation of money obtained by fraud. Father Fay and his attorneys asked the judge not to send him prison, saying he would die there.

Fay was sentenced to 37 months in federal prison and ordered to pay more than a million dollars in restitution.

Remembering Pro-life, Catholic Eunice Kennedy Shriver

Pro-life groups are remembering a champion of life, Eunice Kennedy Shriver. The sister of John, Robert, and Ted Kennedy and the founder of Special Olympics died Tuesday. Susan B. Anthony List President Marjorie Dannenfelser says,"No one more than Eunice Kennedy Shriver understood better the power held by the most vulnerable in our society." She continues, "She fought for those hidden in the shadows of life, while acknowledging that they teach us far more than we could ever offer them. She was consistent in her championing of every vulnerable human life.” Shriver was a former advisory committe member of the pro-life Susan B. Anthony List. In 1992, Shriver and many pro-life leaders signed a full page ad in the New York Times. They protested the Democratic Party's embrace of the abortion-rights agenda. Shriver also worked for Democrats for Life of America and Feminists for Life.

The AP reports the longtime priest of Mrs. Shriver says the Special Olympics founder was a compassionate woman who attended church regularly. Father John Enzler says Shriver was striving to be in touch with God. Father says Shriver saw herself as a steward, using God’s gifts to help others. He also says that Shriver’s legacy is her recognition that everyone is important.

National Vocations Study

A landmark study says incoming vocations to religious orders are more traditional and ethically diverse than their predecessors. Georgetown’s Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate released “Study of Recent Vocations to Religious Life" on Tuesday. Most religious orders in the country have shrinking numbers. The few congregations where numbers are spiking are more traditional. According to the study, which surveyed 4,000 people who entered initial formation or made solemn vows since 1993, most younger recruits want to join orders that wear the habit, are faithful to Church teaching and also pray, live, and work together. Most of those entering the religious life sense a call and desire for spiritual growth. Eight-five percent of respondents feel attracted to the joy or commitment of the community members.

These new members are also ethnically diverse. Twenty-one percent are Hispanic, fourteen percent are Asian, and six percent are African or African Americans.

The principal author of the study, Sister Mary Bendyna, called these new vocations a sign of hope. Brother Paul Bednarczyk, executive director of the National Religious Vocation Conference, says "The Church and the world need women and men religious. Their witness has been the impetus for social change and spiritual renewal throughout history....Now a new generation of religious men and women show a renewed appreciation of our Catholic worship, identity, and communal living. Their witness remains a vital part of the life of the Church."

You can read the press release, a helpful summary of the study, here.

Photo Courtesy: Nashville Dominicans, a group with dozens and dozens of new postulants entering the convent year after year.

Cathedral Green Dedicated and Blessed!

Archbishop Henry Mansell cuts the ribbon at the brand new Cathedral Green, which will be the home for 28 low income families.

Click here for the complete story, with pictures.

This Saturday, Crossroads Magazine will give you a tour of the new space and share the touching stories of some of the families who will soon move into Cathedral Green. (In the above photo, you can see the hard work of one of our videographers, Bruce Tumyol, as he and his camera peer down into the ribbon cutting crowd.)

In order to help furnish the new rooms, Catholic Charities still needs some monetary donations. You can contact Peter O'Donnell for more information:
J Peter O’Donnell
Director of Fund Development
Catholic Charities, Archdiocese of Hartford
860-728-2571 or email
podonnell@ccaoh.org

Priesthood: "The Coolness Factor"

A toy Mass kit? That's right. Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle writes a review of the toy for Catholic boys. She says, "What better time to instill a vocation to the priesthood in your young 3 to 12 year-old son, nephew, grandson, godson, or friend than in the Year of the Priest?" You can check out the My Mass Kit toy here. I've met many priests who tell me they used to "play Mass" when they were kids.

I wonder if Donna is on to something in promoting this toy. I think there is something to be said about what I'm terming "The Coolness Factor." Not to be irreverent, but the priesthood is very cool. At every Mass, through the power of the Holy Spirit, the priest brings the Lord Jesus to the world in the Eucharist. In Confession, God works through the priest to save a soul from damnation and bring it back to God. That is cool. Very cool. If a young boy is able to see the coolness of the priesthood, I believe he will be much more open to answering a call. Of course, there is much more to the priesthood than "The Coolness Factor;" priesthood is a challenging vocation for sure, but with God all things are possible.

If you want to see a great example of "The Coolness Factor," check out this wonderful video: God in the Streets of New York City from Grassroots Films. The priesthood is cool.

If you would like more information on answering a call to the priesthood in the Archdiocese of Hartford, please contact Fr. Michael Dolan. Check out the vocation's site. The phone number is 860-761-7456. Or you can e-mail Father at director@vocationshartford.org.

Prayer Vigil for Life Outside Planned Parenthood

This Saturday pro-lifers will gather in New Haven to pray for the end of abortion. They will begin their vigil at 7:30 a.m. with Mass at St. Mary's in New Haven, followed by a half hour of Adoration. They will then drive to St. Joseph's Church (129 Edwards Street). From there, they will process to Planned Parenthood in New Haven, where they will pray until around 10:15 a.m.
For more information, see http://ecclesiadomesticajmj.blogspot.com/.

Year of the Priest Icon Writer from Connecticut

Have you seen this beautiful icon in holy cards at your church? The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops are using it for the Year of the Priest. Iconographer Marek Czarnecki of Seraphic Restorations in Meriden, Connecticut wrote this image of Christ the Great High Priest. Czarnecki explains his icon, “Here Christ is shown in Latin Rite vestments with a gold pelican over His heart, the ancient symbol of self-sacrifice. The borders contain a windig grapevine and altar prepared for the celebration of the liturgy of the Mass; in the borders are smaller icons of Melchizedek and St. Jean-Baptiste Vianney.”

Crossroads Magazine will introduce you to this icon and the iconographer on this week's show. Catch Crossroads Magazine on WTXX on Saturday at 10:30 a.m., and on My TV 9 (WTCX) on Saturday at 10:35 p.m. (right after the 10 p.m. news).

For more about Czarnecki, check out his website here:http://www.seraphicrestorations.com/. You can order a poster of the icon from the National Federation of Priests' Councils here.

Young Priest Featured in Paper

As a youngster, Matthew Nemchausky wanted to work in the film industry, but as you can see from the collar in his photo above, he is now Fr. Matthew. He is just one of the recently ordained priests in this country. Chicago's Southtown Star featured Father in this piece yesterday. Check it out. Let us continue to pray for many more vocations to the priesthood and religious life.

WJMJ Religious Headlines

Nigerian Church Leader Asks Government to Pay for Burned Churches
Pakistani Bishop: Police Did Not Do Enough to Stop Violence
Vietnam Catholics Protest Persecution
Church Threatens to Excommunicate Over Abortion Pill
Portugal High Court Upholds Gay Marriage Ban
Worcester Closed Church Sold to Pentecostals
U.S. Sisters to Complete Comprehensive Questionnaire
Annual Appeals See Boost, Despite Economy
Mark Wahlberg Marries in Catholic Church

Vocations Holy Hour Tonight

On this 150th anniversary of the death of the patron of all priests, St. John Marie Vianney, Most Holy Trinity Church in Wallingford will host a Hour Hour for Vocations.

What: Holy Hour for Vocations
When: Tuesday, August 4, 2009 at 7 p.m.
Where: Most Holy Trinity Church, 84 North Colony Street [Route 5] in Wallingford, CT

You are invited to join in celebrating this Year of the Priest by praying in front of the great gift our priests bring us everyday: Jesus in the Most Blessed Sacrament of the Altar. Join in the prayer to ask God to send more shepherds to tend the flock. The monstrance to be used, seen above, is the National Vocations Monstrance blessed by Pope John Paul II. This prayer service will also allow people the time to follow Pope Benedict's call to pray for all priests. (Find out about receiving a Plenary Indulgence at this site.)

Archbishop Henry Mansell says, "This is a wonderful way to celebrate the Feast of St. John Vianney, Patron of Priests across the world, as we move into the Year for Priests. The Holy Hour is an excellent opportunity to pray for more vocations to the priesthood. We are very encouraged here in the Archdiocese of Hartford with the recent and significant increase in the number of our seminarians, but of course we still hope for more. I would encourage as many parishioners as possible to participate in this Holy Hour on August 4 and to continue your prayers for our priests and for many men to answer the call to the priesthood."

All are invited to the church hall for refreshment after Adoration. A panel of priests and parishioners will also share testimonies about the gift of priesthood.

New Study on Resisting Temptations

How confident are you in your ability to resist temptation? Loran Nordgren, senior lecturer of management and organizations at Northwestern University studied the question. His answers will be published in the journal Psychological Science, but you can find an introduction on LiveScience.com.

In the article he says, "People are not good at anticipating the power of their urges, and those who are the most confident about their self-control are the most likely to give into temptation."

For example, in one experiment people who thought they could resist smoking were twice as likely to indulge in a cigarette as those who were not sure of their abilities to resist.

The conclusion of Nordgren's work is to not put oneself in danger of succumbing to a temptation. He says, "People have less self-restraint than they think, a false belief that often leads people to expose themselves to more temptation than they can handle."

For Catholics, this study is not too earth shattering. We are taught to avoid the near occasion of sin. Now, the secular science backs up that teaching. God's grace helps us when we are in temptation. Try praying, while getting out of the situation. "Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil."

WJMJ Religious Headlines

$100 Million Government Contract with Catholic Charities
Appeal of Court's 10 Commandments Are Unconstitutional Decision
Wisconsin Faith Healing Death: Guilty Verdict
Oregon Faith Healing Death: Guilty Verdict
Miami Catholics Await Word on Church Closings
Episcopalians Nominate Gays for Bishop
Pope Deplores Anti-Christian Killings in Pakistan
Oldest U.S. Synagogue Now Has Visitor Center
Catholic Bank Apologizes For Owning Stock in Contraception Company
Archbishop Warns about "Dehumanizing" Social Networking Sites
Michael Phelps Turns Down Pope's Invitation
Video: Skateboarding for Jesus?

St. Padre Pio: The Matchmaker?

St. Padre Pio the matchmaker? The holy priest who had the stigmata for 50 years led a couple to marriage. The couple, now residing in Somers, Connecticut, met back in the 1960s when visiting the friary of St. Padre Pio. They kept in touch and visited after this original meeting. Germain Bianchi wanted to marry the young woman, Ortrud, but she was not so sure. One more visit to see Padre Pio changed all that. The couple says what happened next was a miracle. During that time, the pilgrims would wait for the holy priest’s blessings in separate parlours: one for men, another for the women. Ortrud and Germain were both pulled from their respective crowd and taken to a private area. Both were surprised that the other was there too. Just then, Padre Pio walked in, placed his hands on both of their heads, and gave them a blessing. They took it as sign they were to marry.

Crossroads Magazine will have the whole story this Saturday at 10:30 a.m. on WTXX, and 10:30 p.m. on My TV 9. Tune in for this inspiring story of a Connecticut couple and a modern day saint.

You can read Ortrud's description of this romance story here.

Photo Courtesy: PPPG.org (Padre Pio Prayer Groups).

Young Friars Walk to D.C.

Photo Courtesy: www.friarwalk.com

This group of young, smiling Franciscan Friars journeyed three hundred miles from Roanoke, Virginia to Washington, D.C. Along the pilgrimage, they were mistaken for Jedi Knight impersonators, slept on picnic tables along the Appalachian Trail, and ministered to people through talking and offering a joyful witness.

These guys went with only the essentials: their habits and a change of underwear and a toothbrush. As Br. Joshua Van Cleef says on the group's blog, "This pilgrimage is about the abundance of life offered in simplicity, in relationships, and in trusting in God.” They did odd jobs for food and shelter, when they weren't sleeping outdoors. "Pilgrimage as a lifestyle is resurfacing within the Order; it is a penitential and radical way of completely relying upon the grace of God," says Br. Richard Goodin on their blog.

The friars were featured on the front page of the Washington Post. You can read the excellent article here. The paper also a wonderful photo essay here. Finally, the paper provides a map of the brothers' journey, as well as the various places the group slept, including a trampoline outside a firehouse, a police academy barracks, and a Baptist church.

Let us pray for many more holy, inspiring vocations to the priesthood and religious life. May these young men live fruitful lives following the footsteps of their venerable founder and fellow walker, St. Francis of Assisi.

WJMJ Religious Headlines

Catholic Medical Association: Hit Reset on Health Care Reform

IRS Stops Tax-exempt Status Probe of Politics Preaching

Video: Jerry Falwell's Son Gives Opening Prayer at U.S. House

No Charges in Mormon Plaza Gay Kissing Arrest

Largely Muslim Albania Proposes Gay Marriage

Now in Court: Woman Charged With Wearing Pants

Violence Continues Against Catholics in Vietnam

Protesting Dom. Rep.'s Law Forcing Catholic Blessing of Marriages

An Indiana Catholic University Receives $6 Million Donation

Madonna Pens Article about Spiritual Conversion

2-1-1 and Food Stamps

United Way of Connecticut’s 2-1-1 is a state-wide service for those in need, in need of food, shelter, information, programs... anything, really.

Leaders in the group say the economic distress calls are increasing with one of the biggest jumps being requests for help with food. 2-1-1 can point people to WIC services in their area or even DSS services like cash assistance and food stamps.

Since last year, there have been 54 percent more calls just for food stamps, a program now called SNAP. SNAP stands for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program; it’s designed to provide additional funds for households to purchase healthy foods.

The federal stimulus package passed by the Legislature earlier this year provides for additional SNAP benefits, increasing those benefits by 13.6 percent.

Applicants no longer need to visit a DSS regional office…the entire process can be completed over the phone, through the mail or online. Everything is done with an electronics benefits transfer card, meaning the person in need would simply get an EBT card, take it to the store and use that for their grocery purchases. This makes usage easy and gives the person a lower profile than years ago when the stamp method was used.

The amount of the benefits depends on the household income and expenses; the figure remains in place for the duration of the certification period - usually a year. The benefits also carry over from month to month, so an EBT card is very similar to having an electronic bank account for the snap benefits.

Although about 127,000 families in the state are enrolled in SNAP. There are several thousand more that are eligible. 2-1-1 is available 24 hours a day, and anyone can call.

WJMJ Religious Headlines

Preacher Tony Alamo Convicted of Sexual Abuse

Leading Cardinal: No Communion for Pro-Abortion Politicians

Dr. MLK's Niece: Abortion is Not Health Care but Genocide

Bush Catholic Advisor: Obama Not Seeking Common Ground on Abortion

President Obama: I Pray All the Time

Parents Acquitted of Manslaughter Charges in Faith-healing Case

Activists: N. Korean Killed for Passing Out Bible

Vietnam Pres. to Visit Vatican in November

Pope Chats with Children

The Real Life, Catholic Indiana Jones

Florida Gator QB: Heisman Winner, Believer & Missionary

Tweet Prayers to Western Wall

Priest Fashion Designer on Crossroads Magazine

As we shared with you here on the blog, New Haven native Fr. Andrew O’Connor is a priest of the Archdiocese of New York who leads the charity Goods of Conscience. It is an apparel line Cameron Diaz recently wore in Vogue Magazine. Julia Roberts will also wear some of the organization's clothing in the upcoming film Eat, Pray, Love.

You maybe wondering, "Why in the world is a priest a fashion designer?" We will bring you the answer this Saturday on Crossroads Magazine. That's at 10:30 a.m. on WTXX, and 10:30 p.m. on My TV 9 in Connecticut. Just a little hint at the answer: Father truly believes his charity work is a perfect opportunity to live Catholic social teaching. He is also reaching out to many people searching for faith answers.

For more information on Goods of Conscience, check out their website here.

An Ongoing Saga: FIC, Courant, and DCF

If you read today's Hartford Courant, then you may have seen this letter to the editor from The Family Institute of Connecticut's Executive Director Peter Wolfgang. In the letter, Wolfgang defends the Institute's request that the state's Department of Children and Families take down links that promoted "the revisionist view that the Bible and religion approve of homosexual activity and attack those churches that disagree."

This letter is part of on ongoing saga between the FIC, The Courant, and DCF. As we reported on WJMJ Religious News on July 15, the Connecticut Department of Children has taken down web links that promoted a pro-gay interpretation of the Bible. DCF removed the links after being threatened with a lawsuit from the Family Institute of Connecticut and the American Center for Law and Justice. The links were to various websites saying the Bible takes a positive view of gay actions. The Family Institute’s Peter Wolfgang says DCF was violating the First Amendment because DCF was using public funds to try to change religious views of children. DCF has agreed to take the site down until the issues are addressed. They say they will remove information that promotes a particular religious viewpoint.

However, Wolfgang says the Courant has distorted the story. On July 17, he posted his first blog post reacting to the paper's coverage. You can read that reaction here, along with links to the article he questions. He also blogged again today, acknowledging the Courant's correction of the original piece, while still wondering about the original piece, asking, "Who lied to the Courant about the content of our complaint?"

WJMJ News Headlines

Baptism at the Parents' Weddings

Nurse Forced to Aide Abortion

Rabbis Arrested in NJ Money Laundering Scandal

"Write Yourself into Bible"

Summer Camp for Those Considering Priesthood

Hartford Catholic Charities Wins National Award

Catholic Charities USA recently handed out their 2009 Family Strengthening Awards. El Centro Family Center, run by Catholic Charities of Hartford, was among the three winners from across the country.

El Centro Family Center strengthens families "by encouraging children, adults, and seniors to reach their full potential. The center's family specialists work with families that need services, support, leadership development, early childhood education, adult education and training, crisis intervention, and stabilization. The program seeks to help parents recognize that they are their children's first and most important teachers, natural supporters, and most powerful advocates, and further, that they are decision makers who can have a positive impact in their families and communities."

This award honors exceptional programs that provide holistic services that support family relationships, strengthen family finances, and enhance the community. The winning programs will each receive a $25,000 award. The awardees will then be formally honored at Catholic Charities USA's Annual Gathering in Portland, Oregon in September.

Politico: Happy 175th Birthday, Cardinal Gibbons

Photo: AP. James Cardinal Gibbons and President Theodore Roosevelt.

Politico has this article about James Cardinal Gibbons of Baltimore (1834-1921), the United States' second cardinal. The Church leader was born on this day in 1834. The piece says Cardinal Gibbons played a key role in the Vatican's decision to allow Catholics to join labor unions, was one of the founders of the Catholic University of America, and frequently visited the White House.

President Theodore Roosevelt called Gibbons “the most respected and venerated and useful citizen of our country.” the Cardinal also led the American Church's Council of Baltimore. A letter to the editor in The Catholic Review describes Gibbons as someone who "walked the streets of Baltimore before lunch and dinner each day, greeting and being greeted by the people on the street, who might also 'have a word' or 'speak their mind' or just pass the time of day."

Archbishop Edwin O'Brien of Baltimore will celebrate a Mass in honor of Cardinal Gibbons today.

The Great Silence: Vatican Ambassador Confirmation Hearing

President Obama’s Vatican ambassador appointee had his confirmation hearing today. From a quick search of the Internet, it looks like this hearing is not drawing much attention from the media. We were able to find just a few blog entries about the hearing, including this one from the Washington Times.

According to Times religion editor Julia Duin, Diaz gave a brief prepared speech. During the session, Senator Bob Casey asked Diaz about the recent meeting between the Pope and the President. Diaz’s answer gives us some more insight into the conversations of the two leaders, more than was originally released. Diaz said the President and Pope talked about outreach to Muslims, Middle Eastern peace, Cuba, the political situation in Honduras, and the Pope’s encyclicals on bioethics and abortion. After the hearing, Duin and one other reporter tried to interview Diaz. He only said he was very proud to be nominated. The Senate Foreign Relations Committee may vote on the appointee next Tuesday. The full Senate will also need to approve the appointment.

In May, Catholic News Service offered this article on the appointment of Diaz, a theology professor from Collegeville, Minnesota.

(Updated on Thursday: Other news organizations are now reporting on this hearing. According to the Times blog entry, only two reporters tried interviewing Diaz. That leads me to think most of the stories are gathering their information from the Times or the other reporter who tried talking to Diaz.)

WJMJ Religious Headlines

Judge Throws Out Challenge to Prop. 8

Budget Chief: Taxpayers May Fund Abortions

More People Turning to Home Funerals

Police Attack Catholics in Vietnam

Pope Sends Message to Tour de France Cyclists

Bike Ride Pilgrimage in Poland

Jimmy Carter Leaves Baptist Church

Diocese of Bridgeport Will Appeal to U.S. Supreme Court

The Diocese of Bridgeport is seeking to appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court to keep documents pertaining to sexual abuse cases sealed. Diocesan officials on Friday asked the state Supreme Court to continue a stay against releasing the documents until the U.S. Supreme Court decides whether to take up their appeal. The documents were scheduled to be unsealed as early as Monday. The state court ruled that more than 12,000 pages of documents from more than 20 lawsuits against priests should be released. Those documents have been sealed from public view since the diocese settled the cases in 2001. The diocese has questioned the impartiality of the trial judge in the case, who was on committee aimed at providing more access to court records.

The Diocese's statement says, "There are constitutional rights and privacy issues of great concern for all citizens that we wish the U.S. Supreme Court to review and decide." The first major issue surrounds what the Diocese says is an unconstitutional interpretation of the "judicial document" doctrine. Under this doctrine, the state Supreme Court has decided to treat all court documents as public information. According to the Diocese, however, only documents that shed light on the judicial decision making process fall under this doctrine. Since these cases were settled out of court, releasing the papers does not shed light on the judicial decision making process and so should remain private documents, according to the argument of the Diocese. As the Diocese's motion says, the doctrine is "to allow the public to monitor judicial performance. This doctrine is not, and never has been, intended as a constitutional or common law right to gather information for investigative journalism into the activities of private litigants." According to the motion, the Diocese says the issue of "judicial documents" is one that has "divided courts across the country."

A second issue revolves around First Amendment rights.

For the Diocese's motion and additional information click here.

WJMJ Religious Headlines

Pope Undergoes Surgery for Wrist Fracture

Court Upholds Ban on Passing Out Bibles in School

Much more headlines to come. Listen to WJMJ Catholic Radio on 88.9 in Hartford, 93.1 in Hamden, and 107.1 in New Haven. WJMJ Religious News airs weekdays at 8:25, 11:25, 2:25, and 4:25. Don't forget ABC News and Connecticut news are on the hour.

Updated:

Pope Smiling, Arm In Cast

Enrollment Decline at Catholic Schools

Only 33% of Scientists Believe in God

Legion to Take Over College

Confession: An Oil Change for the Soul

Pro-Soccer Players: Faith on Shirt Debate

WJMJ News Headlines

Pope Prays for Plane Crash Victims

Episcopal Church to Bless Gay Marriages?

"Extraordinary" Pro-life Victories in AZ

President Obama's Recent Catholic Nominations

Vatican Newspaper Likes Harry Potter?

Night at the Vatican Musuem

Baby Massage

When times get stressful, sometimes you just need a massage, but many doctors say massages aren't just for adults. If you have a fussy baby, massaging him or her can help calm him down, improve sleep patterns and help digestion. It can even help with their growth and development.

Crossroads reporter, Alisha Leavelle explored the benefits of baby massage on Crossroads Magazine in May. Click here to see the techniques you should use to soothe your baby whether they have tummy trouble, colic, or are just generally fussy.

Priest Fashion Designer in Vogue Magazine?

New Haven native Fr. Andrew O’Connor is a priest of the Archdiocese of New York. He is the leader of two charity groups that combine the riches of art and Catholicism. In 2000, he founded “Sacredartheals,” which is collaboration with artists and Catholicism. Some of the works are found in parishes from France to Mississippi. In 2005, Father founded Goods of Conscience. The goal of the group originally was to preserve the Guatemalan custom of back-strap weaving, while providing the artisans a living wage. Goods of Conscience is an apparel line, that was recently worn by Cameron Diaz in Vogue Magazine.

Father will be speaking at his native St. Mary's Church in New Haven Monday night at 7:30 p.m.

Crossroads Magazine will introduce you to Father Andrew on our June 25th show.

Environmental Stewardship

This weekend on Crossroads Magazine, we are devoting our show to energy and the environment. Tune in to learn about a proposal to turn garbage into gas. See how junk becomes art. Learn how the sun can power your home.

In addition, we will feature a report about global warming. We spoke to Yale Professor Dr. Ellen Thomas, who studies microscopic organisms in the Long Island Sound. In her research, she finds evidence that the sea is rising. These findings lead her to argue the world is warming.

To help protect the environment, many Catholics, including the Pope and the U.S. Bishops, are urging good environmental stewardship. Learn more about what some individuals and parishes are doing to chip in. Watch Crossroads Magazine this Saturday.

For more information on Church pronouncements on the environment, check on the Catholic Coalition on Climate Change website.

U.S. Bishops' Letter on climate change is here.

Catholics are pledging to do things to reduce their carbon footprints. Many, including Hartford's Archbishop Henry Mansell, are joining the Catholic Climate Covenant. You can join by taking the St. Francis Pledge. You can find out more and make the pledge here.

For people or parishes who want to get involved in the Archdiocese of Hartford, you can contact Jennie Graustein or Lynn Campbell at the Office of Urban Affairs at 203-777-7279.

Maine Voters To Vote on Gay Marriage
Vermont Church Sued over "Moving Assets"
President Obama: Influenced by Catholic Social Teaching
Appeals Court: Pharmacists Must Sell Morning After Pill
Iowa Public School Wants to Allow Kids to Take Bible Class/Pray
Cardinal Rigali on the New Embryonic Stem Cell Guidelines
Australian P.M. and Korean President Meet Pope
Boston Red Sox Player on Faith Through Cancer Battle
The Blessed Mary in a Tree Stump?

WJMJ Religious Headlines

Maine Supreme Court: Bishop Can Be Sued in Abuse Cases

Mass. Sues Feds Over Definition of Marriage

President Obama Meets Russian Orthodox Patriarch

Mrs. Obama Meets Orthodox Nuns

Religious Engraving for U.S. Capitol Added to Bill

Caught on Tape: Vandal Smashes Virgin Mary Statue

Episcopal Head: Church in Crisis

Pope Switches Things Up for Ecclesia Dei Commission

Pope Discusses His New Encyclical

Australian Catholics Offer Adult Stem-Cell Grant

Air Force Needs A Few Good, Holy Men

National Advocacy Group Backs Bridgeport Diocese

A national advocacy group is calling for the removal of the head of Connecticut’s Ethics Office.

This is in regard to the motion made by that office to have the Roman Catholic Diocese of Bridgeport file as a lobbyist group.

The Group, “In God We Trust,” is urging Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal to dismiss Carol Carson, the Ethics Office Director… calling the office “out of control.”

The Ethics Office agreed to drop its investigation of the church after the Attorney General warned that the state would likely lose the lawsuit filed by the Diocese against it.

The national political advocacy group has over 70 thousand supporters of various faiths.

WJMJ Religious Headlines

Homemade Bomb Hits Mass. Parish

Pope Laments Philippians Bombing

President Obama Talks about Pope

Catholics & Baptists Agree on Intermarriage

Ads Air on Vatican Radio

Turkey Game Show: Convert Atheists

Actor Anthony Michael Hall Shares Faith

CT. Supreme Court Won't Reconsider Case

The Associated Press reports the Connecticut Supreme Court will not reconsider their ruling to release thousands of pages of sex abuse court documents. The Diocese of Bridgeport asked the state’s highest court to rehear the case with all justices present. In May, the court ruled 4 to 1 that more than 12 hundred pages of documents from 23 lawsuits could be made public. A diocesan lawyer said they are still considering their legal options, including appealing to the United States Supreme Court.

Pope Approves Healing of Mass. Deacon by Newman

Pope Benedict XVI has approved a miracle in Massachusetts: the sudden healing of a Massachusetts deacon who suffered from a severe spinal disease. The miracle is attributed to Cardinal John Henry Newman, a 19th century English Catholic convert from Anglicanism. The Holy Father authorized the Congregation for the Causes of Saints to publish decrees declaring miracles, martyrdom or heroic virtue for twelve deceased Catholics who are on the path to sainthood, including Cardinal Newman.

The healed deacon is Jack Sullivan. He shared his story over the weekend with inmates from Plymouth County Jail. He says he was studying to become a deacon, when the crippling pain interrupted the studies. He prayed to Cardinal Newman after seeing a show about him on the Eternal World Television Network. The pain left, but then returned a year later. The deacon prayed once again. He then felt a tremendous warmth and tingling. After this experience, Deacon Jack was healed of the spinal problem. He says the Cardinal "is always a part of me." He hopes to serve at the Beatification Mass.

You can read more here.

Official Vatican Announcement here.

Federal Judge to Rule on Cali’s Gay Marriage Ban
Pittsburgh Catholic Cemetery Ransacked
White Powder Sent to Christian TV Station is Just Protein
Death Row Inmate Can Now Watch TV Mass
Pastor Rick Warren Speaks to Muslims
Muslims Attack Christians in Pakistan
Catholics in Honduras
Thousands of Mexican Priests Threatened
Pope John Paul II Closer to Sainthood?
Michelangelo’s Last Murals Now Open

Diocese of Bridgeport: Not a Lobbyist

As we reported in the WJMJ Religious Headlines yesterday, Connecticut's Office of State Ethics has decided to stop its inquiry into whether the Diocese of Bridgeport needs to register as a lobbyist. The Office had said the Church's organization of rallies at the State Capitol made the Church a lobbyist group, and must register as such. The Diocese sued for an injunction against this request. The American Civil Liberties Union sided with the Diocese in this case. On June 30, the state's Attorney General, Richard Blumenthal urged for the end of the investigation. Ethics enforcement officer T.J. Jones will close the investigation, in light of Blumenthal's letter.

The Diocese has issued the following statement in response to the end of this probe:

“We are pleased to hear that the Office of State Ethics will abide by the Attorney General’s opinion and drop its action against the Diocese of Bridgeport.

“This is welcome news, not only for the Diocese but for all citizens who cherish the fundamental rights guaranteed by the First Amendment.

“We look forward to receiving written confirmation from the Office of State Ethics. At that time we will make a decision on our lawsuit.”

WJMJ Religious Headlines

Connecticut Ethics Office Stops Diocesan Lobbyist Probe
Connecticut Attorney General: Lobbying Probe Should Stop
Man Tries to Run Over Pro-lifer
Cardinal Rigali Against Federal Funding of Abortions
Planned Parenthood Caught on Tape Bending Abortion Laws?
Will School Be Closed on Muslim Holidays in NYC?
English School to Student: Take Off That Crucifix
Pope's Wednesday Audience
Encyclical Out Next Tuesday
The Latest on the Kansas Miracle Investigation
Baltimore Miracle Investigation
Catholic Group Buys Very First Wendy's
Invention Allows 3D Modeling of Unborn Babies

Military Museum

Keeping with this week's theme, Crossroads Magazine is highlighting the Military Museum of Southern New England, which is located in Danbury, CT. The museum is home to more than 60 war tanks, and over 85 percent of them are in working order and can actually be driven. For the most part the tank collection starts with vehicles made in the early years of World War II and the models continue all the way up until the late 1990s.

The museum was the brainchild of John Valluzzo, a Korean War veteran who was approached by a friend with the idea of a museum devoted to tank destroyers. John began searching for the 9 different types of vehicles used by tank destroyers during World War II, contacting the US government, private individuals, and even other countries in his quest to honor American veterans.

Since the museum first began nearly 25 years ago, its collection has expanded from World War II tank destroyers to all of 20th century mechanized warfare. But the heart still remains the vehicles of World War II.

The museum features over 10,000 artifacts covering nearly 100 years of American military history. The museum also hosts open turret days on the last weekend over every month, so you can get inside many of the tanks and other vehicles in their collection to see what they’re actually like inside. The museum also has a mobile unit that travels to schools and other special events to bring military history to people throughout the state.

Crossroads Reporter Kim Sanders visited the museum for a behind-the-scenes look at those massive tanks.

To see pictures of the tanks and to see them running, click here.

Women Veterans

As we advance into the new millineum, women soldiers are becoming more and more commonplace. But that was not the case back in the 1940s, when Rose DelMonico Murphy joined the service.

Rose is in her 90s and is one of thousands of women veterans in the state of Connecticut. Her acts of kindness and valor as an army nurse have been documented in letters sent home by other soldiers, and live on in her memory, told as heartening stories to younger members of her family.

Rose was stationed in the heart of the south Pacific, and helped to heal hundreds of wounded men.

In honor of the more than 14 thousand women veterans living right here in Connecticut, the state has introduced a new memorial in the veteran’s alcove.

Crossroads reporter Alisha Leavelle honored Rose DelMonico Murphy during our Memorial Day Special. We thought we'd bring it back through the blog in time for Independence Day.

Click here to see Rose's amazing story.

New Catholic Charities Center

It’s official! Archbishop Henry Mansell cut the ribbon and blessed the brand new Catholic Charities Family Center in Waterbury. The facility will offer services including a child guidance clinic, family support, parenting education, adoption services, employment help, and treatment for mental health and substance abuse. The Archbishop says, "Today we see the Archbishop's Annual Appeal at work, the results and the effect and the dedication of this new Catholic Charities family service center of Waterbury: three floors of offices that will be delivering services of such importance, making wonderful differences in people's lives.” Catholic Charities already serves about 10 to 15 thousand people in the Waterbury area. The former rectory of Sacred Heart Parish was converted into the center. This Saturday, Crossroads Magazine will introduce you to this new space. Watch us at 10:30 a.m. on WTXX and 10:30 p.m. on My TV 9 (WCTX).

ACLU Supports Diocese of Bridgeport

As we have reported on the blog, the Diocese of Bridgeport is suing for an injunction against the State of Connecticut Office of State Ethics' attempt to have the diocese register as a lobbying organization. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has sided with the diocese, filing an amicus brief on behalf of the Church.

Bishop William Lori says, "The ACLU’s decision to join with the Diocese in this case demonstrates that this is a matter of fundamental civil liberties that threatens the Constitutional rights of all citizens."

He continues, "Holding a protest rally on the steps of the State Capitol and posting information on our diocesan website are not lobbying but an expression of our First Amendment rights of free speech. We welcome the support of the Nation’s leading civil liberties organization, and look forward to making our case against the misguided actions of the Office of State Ethics."

For more information, visit www.bridgeportdiocese.com/story_ACLUStatement.shtml

WJMJ Religious Headlines

• Priest Summoned to Farrah Fawcet
• Irish Religious Orders Asked to Reveal Assets
• Slain Iowa Coach Prayer Service
• YouTube Removes Planned Parenthood Undercover
• Louisiana Conscience Protection
• ND Reaches Fundraising Goal
• St. Therese to Space

Ready for Some Peace and Quiet?

Life has its challenges. The stresses of daily life can weigh us down. That is why increased numbers of people are seeking spiritual rejuvenation, a time of rest, relaxation, reflection, and prayer. This weekend on Crossroads Magazine, reporter Jason Calvi will bring us to a sanctuary of peace, Holy Family Passionist Retreat Center in West Hartford. The economy is actually leading more people to the quiet confines of Holy Family, one of the country's largest retreat centers. Find out how some time away from the stresses of everyday life can refresh your body, mind, and soul. Check out Crossroads Magazine this Saturday at 10:30 a.m. on WTXX (CW 20) and 10:30 p.m. on WCTX (My TV 9).

For more information on Holy Family Passionist Retreat Center, click here.

There are several retreat centers in the Archdiocese of Hartford. Some are open for groups; others welcome individuals for day, weekend, and week long retreats; some provide directed retreats and conferences:

• Holy Family Passionist Retreat Center, West Hartford
• Montfort House, Litchfield
• Our Lady of Calvary Retreat House, Farmington
• Trinita, New Hartford
• Wisdom House Retreat Center, New Hartford
• The Archdiocesian Center at St. Thomas Seminary, Bloomfield

(Photo courtesy: Brandon Nappi, Holy Family Passionist Retreat Center)

WJMJ Religious Headlines

• Vandals Hit Southington Church
• Possible Saint in Springfield
• Possible Miracle in Kansas
• Prayer Service for Train Victims
• Arizona Limits Abortion
• Canadian Bishops Clear Agency's Link to Abortion
• Pope Speaks on Year of Priests and Red Cross
• Southern Baptists Talk Shrinking Numbers
• ACLU Fights Limits on Muslim Inmates' Prayer

Updated:

• Interfaith Connecticut Group Prays in D.C.
• Paper Does Expose on Scientology
• Gay Parade to Dishonor S.F. Archbishop
• Some Latino Leaders Urge Census Boycott