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Catholic numbers in Congress continue to grow
WASHINGTON (CNS) -— The number of Catholic members of Congress is slowing creeping higher, but the Catholic contingent, like the full Congress itself, has taken a decided turn toward the Democratic Party.
Blessings of 2008
Pope Benedict XVI prays at the Nativity in St. Peter’s Square following an evening prayer service Dec. 31. At the service in St. Peter’s Basilica, the pope thanked God for his blessings in 2008. Christians should not fear what the continuing financial crisis will bring in 2009, but they should trust in God and resolve to help one another in the new year, he said. (CNS photo)
St. Bonaventure (1217-1274 A.D.): Mind, heart and soul
It is hard for us to over-emphasize the impact of the Platonic world view (Plato died around 347 B.C.) on early Christian thought and theology. (Our Sacred Treasure, Seeds of Faith)
Elections, economic crisis were the top news stories of 2008
WASHINGTON (CNS) -— The election of the first African-American president and controversy surrounding the role of Catholic voters in the U.S. campaign topped the religious news stories of 2008, and Pope Benedict XVI and President-elect Barack Obama were the top newsmakers, according to the annual poll conducted by Catholic News Service.
Detroit cardinal, Owensboro bishop retire
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -— Pope Benedict XVI accepted the resignations of Cardinal Adam J. Maida of Detroit and Bishop John J. McRaith of Owensboro, Ky., Jan. 5 and named Bishop Allen H. Vigneron of Oakland, Calif., as archbishop of Detroit.
Temptation: Disney World, the lure of entertainment
I told the family we could go after the car was paid for. It’s paid off. Then the twins needed braces. I promised after the braces were paid for we could go. I made the last payment in December. (Columns)
Faithful to Our Lady
Hundreds of faithful to Our Lady of Guadalupe arrived at dawn at St. Edward Church in Little Rock Dec. 12 to celebrate the most important festival for Mexican Catholics and offer flowers and prayer at the altar.
Last-minute Christmas shopping
Ian Gelicame (photo at near right), a kindergartener at St. Raphael School in Springdale, waits to check out at St. Raphael’s gift shop Friday, Dec. 19 while principal Karen LaMendola helps 5-year-old Anna Cobb select gifts for people on her list (photo far right).
