Italian Diocese Expands Women’s Roles in Church Administration. Worse than Germany: The Italian Diocese of Trapani, is increasingly appointing laypeople - including women - to formal Curia and diocesan roles as the number of priests declines. The diocese now has fewer than 100 diocesan priests and is bringing in priests from Madagascar, Tanzania, and religious institutes to fill parish vacancies. Among the most significant appointments, lawyer Susanna Catalano has been named the diocese’s second vice-chancellor. Four lay Catholics will receive the instituted ministry of catechist, including two women, Francesca Messina and Caterina Vesco.
Trapani, mancano i preti ma crescono i laici in Curia: Fragnelli cerca sacerdoti all’estero e nomina la seconda vicecancelliera
Cardinal Pizzaballa Visits Taybeh: Standing With Palestine’s Last Christian Village | SG News Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, has visited Taybeh, Palestine’s last remaining fully Christian village, bringing a message of courage, solidarity, and hope to its residents. During Mass at the Church of Christ the Redeemer on the Feast of the Assumption, the Patriarch stood alongside a community facing growing uncertainty and restrictions. The visit follows a July Israeli military order declaring Taybeh and nearby Rimon a closed military zone. The restrictions have affected access to agricultural lands, historic sites, and religious landmarks, while also making it more difficult for pilgrims, journalists, and international volunteers to reach the area. Despite the challenges, Cardinal Pizzaballa urged the faithful not to surrender to fear, reaffirming the Church’s commitment to preserving the Christian presence and witness in the Holy Land. Watch the full report …مزید
A depiction of Our Lady by Romanian artist Teodora Axente has sparked controversy in Siena, Italy. The Virgin on this year's Palio banner os androgynous and departs from any Marian iconography. The Municipality of Siena commissioned Axente to create the Drappellone, the painted silk banner awarded to the winning contrada, one of Siena's historic districts, in the city's centuries-old Palio horse race. Axente was appointed by the city government on the proposal of Mayor Nicoletta Fabio. The banner was unveiled on August 10. It places the Virgin above Siena and its contrade, protecting the Golden Rose associated with Pope Pius II, and commemorates the 500th anniversary of the 1526 Battle of Camollia. Axente called the figure her personal vision of the Madonna and said the figures in the work were “more androgynous” and therefore “universal characters.” On August 13, the Archdiocese of Siena published a statement by Father Enrico Grassini, rector of the Collegio dei Correttori. He rejected …مزید
"You are a chosen generation, a kingly priesthood, a holy nation, a purchased people; that you may declare his virtues, who bath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light" ( 1 Pet. 2, 9). You are a chosen generation, for the Saint of saints has elected you to the holy office of the priesthood. To you particularly He addresses these words: "But according to him that bath called you, who is holy, be you also in all manner of conversation holy; because it is written: 'You shall be holy, for I am holy"' ( 1 Pet. 1, 15-16). You are clothed and adorned with a kingly priesthood. You are priests and kings as Jesus Christ Himself is the Supreme Priest and King. You are a purchased people in a very special significance. It is true that Our Blessed Redeemer purchased all mankind at the price of His Blood and that Almighty God gave Him to all nations. Nevertheless Jesus acquired you in a particular manner and so His Heavenly Father manifests a unique love for you. After the Blessed Virgin …مزید
New FSSPX Chapel in Poland: On August 1, the Priestly Fraternity of Saint Pius X (FSSPX) blessed a new chapel in Bydgoszcz, Poland. The previous chapel had become too small for the growing congregation. The FSSPX has maintained an apostolate in Poland's Kuyavian-Pomeranian region for more than 20 years. According to PiusX.org.pl, by April 30, 2026, a fundraising campaign for the new chapel had raised 306,595.86 PLN (about €71,000). The chapel was not newly built, but created by adapting existing premises over several weeks, including the sanctuary, sacristy, altar, and liturgical furnishings.
Une nouvelle chapelle de la FSSPX a été bénie le 1er août à Bydgoszcz. Depuis l’ouverture de la précédente chapelle en 2022, le nombre de fidèles assistant aux messes dominicales n’a cessé de croître, au point de rendre les locaux trop exigus.
Lourdes Bans FSSPX Masses: On August 13, Bishop Jean-Marc Micas of Tarbes and Lourdes, France, issued a statement concerning the Priestly Fraternity of Saint Pius X (FSSPX) pilgrimage to Lourdes. He cited the episcopal consecrations at Écône on July 1 and the subsequent decree of the Holy See. The FSSPX is no longer authorized to celebrate Mass or other sacraments inside the Lourdes Sanctuary, nor to organize public prayers there. Individual pilgrims remain free to pray privately. Bishop Micas wrote that he was aware the decision would cause “pain” and “perhaps incomprehension.” The FSSPX had held organized public worship at Lourdes for many years, including Masses, confessions, processions and public prayers within the Sanctuary.
Relationship With Female Staffer CALLED OUT By Press and Senators Trump is lashing out at the press as questions grow over his relationship with longtime aide Natalie Harp and Melania Trump’s absence from major public events. The scrutiny intensified after Sen. Jon Ossoff publicly questioned Harp’s unusually close role in Trump’s inner circle. Trump is now attacking CNN correspondent Kristen Holmes after she questioned him. Popok reports. Subscribe: youtube.com/channel/UCJgZJZZbnLFPr5GJdCuIwpA Become a member of Legal AF YouTube community: youtube.com/channel/UCJgZJZZbnLFPr5GJdCuIwpA Become a member of the Legal AF Substack: Subscribe to Legal AF's Substack Follow Legal AF on Bluesky: Legal AF (@legalafmtn.bsky.social) Follow Michael Popok on Bluesky: POPOK (@mspopok.bsky.social) Subscribe to the Legal AF podcast feed here: Legal AF by MeidasTouch Subscribe to the Intersection with Michael Popok podcast feed here: The Intersection with Michael Popok Subscribe to Unprecedented with …مزید
Natalie Harp - Wikipedia According to the journalist Alex Isenstadt, in one instance, Trump's wife Melania discovered Harp in his private quarters—an area reserved for the Trump family—delivering papers to him at night. Her proximity to Trump concerned other aides, some of whom attributed Trump's relationship with Harp to her decision to remain with him after the January 6 Capitol attack. Aides who spoke to The New York Times called Harp a "conduit" and an "instant enabler of his impulses". Trump purportedly remarked that Harp was the only aide who cared about him after his arraignment in connection with the Georgia election racketeering prosecution, according to the Times. The paper additionally reported on a series of letters Harp sent Trump in 2023 that unnerved people in Trump's inner circle, citing phrases such as "You are all that matters to me" and "I want to bring you joy." Her access to Trump allowed people to send her damaging clips of their rivals and she served as an …مزید
US Sisters and the Macarena Retirement Tour: The Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR) held its 70th anniversary gathering in Orlando, Florida, from 11 to 14 August. They posted a video on Facebook showing elderly women in civilian clothes dancing the Macarena (1995). The fitting headline: "When Catholic sisters get together, watch out for the dance parties! ". Macarena was popular when the sisters were in their 50s. The LCWR represents the leaders of many women's religious congregations in the United States.
Dance party of "nuns": The LCWR 70th Anniversary Gathering was held August 11–14, 2026, in Orlando, Florida. The event brought together Catholic women and men religious from the United States, Canada, Latin America and other parts of the Americas for prayer, worship, talks, discussion and community events.
And you wonder why vocations to the nunnery have collapsed. People who have a religious vocation take their lives seriously and look for serious opportunities
2. Historical Context and "Dance Manias" Catholic history records instances where mass dancing was interpreted through the lens of spiritual affliction or divine punishment. [1, 2] St. Vitus’ Dance (Chorea): In the Middle Ages, outbreaks of compulsive, uncontrollable dancing (now understood as a neurological or psychological phenomenon) swept through Europe. [1, 2, 3, 4] Spiritual Intercession: Victims were sent to shrines of St. Vitus, a Christian martyr, to pray for deliverance and healing from what many at the time feared was a demonic curse or affliction. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5] 3. Ritual Dancing and Entry Points Catholic moral theology warns against practices that willingly open a person up to the influence of evil spirits. Trance Induction: Repetitive, frenzied, or rhythmic dancing used in occult or neo-pagan rituals is designed to lower conscious defenses and alter the state of mind. [1, 2, 3] The Danger of Invitation: Exorcists warn that participating in dances meant to invoke …مزید
CHAPTER 14-Christianity established-Seventh Persecution-Third Century - CATECHISM OF PERSEVERANCE - COURSE THIRD - AN HISTORICAL, DOCTRINAL,MORAL, AND LITURGICAL EXPOSITION OF THE CATHOLIC RELIGION Translated from the French of Mgr Gaume by REV. F. B. JAMISON ....Download, print, and above all share !to be continued
The Archdiocese of Olomouc, Czech Republic, has cancelled a homosexual “pilgrimage” scheduled for September 19, in Olomouc. Olomouc Archbishop Josef Nuzík, 60, was expected to preside at the Eucharist, giving the event direct institutional backing. The program also included a presentation by priest Cyril Havel on Building a Bridge, a book by American Jesuit James Martin; a video greeting from Martin; testimony from parents of alleged transgender-children; and a discussion of different Christian approaches to homosexual pastoral care. Organizers claimed a “wave of negative and hostile reactions” online, although they did not identify who was responsible or where these reactions were posted. Claiming they could no longer guarantee participants a safe environment, organizers cancelled the event on August 14. The event, Pouť na půli cesty (“Pilgrimage Halfway”), was to be the second pilgrimage for homosexuals, their relatives and other participants. It was organized by pastoral ministries …مزید
Jesus Calls You Beyond Mere Obligation The new covenant, written on our hearts, emphasizes acting out of love and charity rather than mere obligation. While the old covenant focused on following rules, the new covenant calls us to internalize God’s will and live it out through genuine love for God and others. This higher standard, though challenging, ultimately leads to fulfillment and aligns with God’s original plan for humanity. God created us to love and be loved, and Jesus calls us to love Him and our neighbors with our whole heart, soul, and strength. This love should be practical, starting with small acts of kindness towards those around us, even those we may not like. By dying to ourselves and seeking the good of others, we can find fulfillment and become saints, fulfilling God’s purpose for us. Fr. Altier is a Priest at Holy Trinity Parish in South St. Paul: Home | Holy Trinity Parish You can also find Fr. Robert Altier’s homilies and talks on: catholicparents.org: Daily Homilies …مزید
After entering a civil ceremony in Cascais, Portugal, on August 11, Cristiano Ronaldo and his concubine Georgina Rodríguez received for their Amoris Laetitia relationship a blessing à la Fiducia Supplicans from a priest at the Shrine of Fátima. This was followed a Eucharist behind closed doors in the Chapel of Nossa Senhora das Dores. Ronaldo's management confirmed the civil marriage to Reuters. Portuguese and Spanish reports say the ceremony took place in the couple's living room. Both have publicly identified with “Catholicism”. On August 10, Ronaldo and Rodríguez signed a prenuptial agreement in Lisbon establishing separation of property. They retained their respective surnames, while the marriage record reportedly lists their residence as Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. “Their” children were present at the event in Fatima. Cristiano Ronaldo Jr., born in 2010, is Ronaldo's eldest son. His mother's identity has never been publicly disclosed, and Ronaldo has said he has custody of him. Twins …مزید
Every 29 June, within St Peter’s Basilica, one of the most striking Catholic traditions returns. The vesting of the statue of Saint Peter, including the cope and the tiara.
OF THAT CAUSE OF SIN WHICH IS MALICE - EVIL HABITS, i.e. VICES AND SINS (QQ[71]-8 - First Section - Summa Theologica - Thomas Aquinas...Download, print, and above all share !to be continued
Bishop Athanasius Schneider has issued his first public statement since Leo XIV declared six FSSPX bishops excommunicated on July 2, published on Diane Montagna's Substack. Schneider had previously appealed for liturgical peace, meeting with Pope Leo XIV in December 2025 and Cardinal Parolin a little over a week before the July 1 episcopal consecration. Bishop Schneider's central claim: in an extraordinary Church crisis, fidelity to unambiguous doctrine and traditional liturgy can outweigh obedience to ecclesiastical law. He opens with St. Athanasius, excommunicated by Pope Liberius in 357 for refusing communion with Arian bishops the Pope himself had recognized under imperial pressure. Athanasius was later canonized as a Doctor of the Church; Liberius was never canonized. Schneider treats Écône as a modern parallel — a forced choice between canonical obedience and doctrinal integrity. Bishop Schneider blames two distortions for narrowing this question: "legalism" (treating Church law …مزید
The Redemption of Man and the Rejection of “Holy Sex” A Patristic and Scholastic Disputation Against the Modern Exaltation of Carnal Pleasure “The first man Adam was made into a living soul; the last Adam into a quickening spirit.” —1 Corinthians 15:45 Prologue: The Question Before Us There is a fundamental question which must be asked before we speak of the holiness of sexual pleasure: What is man? And immediately after that: What became of man through the Fall? For if we begin with fallen man as though his present condition were the standard of human nature, we shall inevitably mistake the wounds of the Fall for the original design of God. This is precisely the danger in the modern exaltation of sexuality. The question is no longer merely: "Is marital intercourse lawful?" The Catholic tradition already answers that question. The more profound question is: "What ought the Christian to desire within the marital act?" And here a profound difference appears between the ascetical tradition …مزید
On July 20, at Loyola University Maryland in Baltimore, the 88th Annual Meeting of the Catholic Biblical Association (CBA) elected Amy-Jill Levine, 70, as president for 2026–2027. She is the first Jewish president in the CBA’s history. Founded in 1936, the CBA is an independent association with longstanding institutional ties to the U.S. bishops. Its constitution says it pursues biblical scholarship “in conformity with the teaching of the magisterium of the Catholic Church.” Levine is a New Testament scholar and is a longtime member of the CBA. In spring 2019, she became the first Jewish scholar to teach New Testament at Rome’s Pontifical Biblical Institute. She has also had three audiences with Pope Francis. In a sermon at Washington National Cathedral on March 7, 2021, Levine said: “I’m a Jew. I don’t worship Jesus as Lord and Savior.” "Lectionary Revision Is Only A Start" In an interview published by The Christian Century in June 2023, Levine describes parts of the Gospel of John as …مزید
Cardinal Pizzaballa Visited Taybeh, West Bank: On August 15, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa visited the Christian community of Taybeh in the West Bank, amid Israeli military restrictions on access to the area. “We will continue to do everything in our power to preserve the ecclesial presence here, at every level of the Holy Land,” he said. He also urged Christians to defend their rights without giving in to fear or despair: “We do not want to give up or abandon our rights, our right to life. So be courageous. Do not be afraid.” He also warned against allowing the conflict to shape the community internally.