“Each day, there is a growing “NO” to the death penalty around the world. For the Church, this is a sign of hope. From a legal point of view, it is not necessary. Society can effectively repress crime without definitively depriving the offenders of the possibility of redeeming themselves. Always, in every legal sentence, there… Read More Pope Francis’ Prayer Intentions for September 2022: For the Abolition of the Death Penalty

via the AP: Loyola University’s Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt got some Chicago hardware with her name on it for her 103rd birthday. School, city and state leaders celebrated Sunday with the Catholic nun who became something of a folk hero as chaplain for the Loyola men’s basketball team that reached the NCAA Final Four in… Read More Chicago Train Stop Named for Sister Jean

via the NY Times: Marijuana and hallucinogen use among young adults reached an all-time record last year after having leveled off during the first year of the coronavirus pandemic, according to federal survey data. The findings, part of the government’s annual survey of drug use among young Americans, also found that nicotine vaping and excessive… Read More Marijuana and Hallucinogen Use Soars Among Young Adults

via the AP: Human rights advocates say the country’s regulations lack necessary safeguards, devalue the lives of disabled people and are prompting doctors and health workers to suggest the procedure to those who might not otherwise consider it. Equally troubling, advocates say, are instances in which people have sought to be killed because they weren’t… Read More Canada’s Disturbing Euthanasia Laws

Vinson Cunningham writes: In an era when the N.B.A. was much less marketable, and therefore much less forcibly narrativized, than it is today, Russell nonetheless crafted a persona that lasted him a lifetime. Part of it was the intelligence and rectitude of his playing style. Over six-nine with long limbs and air-cutting speed, he offered… Read More Reflections on the Greatness of Bill Russell (1934-2022)

Archbishop John Wester of Santa Fe, New Mexico writes: The general disposition of the church is one of hospitality, openness and welcome, in the spirit of the new evangelization. Refusing to baptize children of same-sex couples is not in keeping with this outreach, and I find it quite troubling. To refuse baptism to these children… Read More Archbishop Wester: Baptize Children of Same-Sex Couples