“Africa is a wealthy continent, and its greatest, most valuable resource is its young people. They should be able to choose between letting themselves be overcome by difficulty or transforming the difficulty into an opportunity. The most effective way to help them in this choice is to invest in their education. If young people don’t… Read More Pope Francis’ Prayer Intentions for September 2018: For Young People in Africa

An 88-year-old dad is reunited with his 53-year-old down syndrome son after spending a week apart for the first time ever. pic.twitter.com/5hvl0FkGKS — The Dad (@thedad) September 1, 2018 via People: A man with Down Syndrome wasted no time covering his father with sweet kisses after returning from a week-long trip, and the moment was captured… Read More Touching Video of Dad and Son Embracing After Rare Time Apart

Fr. Patrick Gilger, SJ writes: I am ashamed at the crimes recorded in the Pennsylvania grand jury report and ashamed by the apparently well-known abuses of power by former Cardinal McCarrick. I am ashamed not because there is anything new in these reports, but because it means that in yet another place, the hierarchy of… Read More Being a Priest is the Greatest Gift of My Life, But I Feel Shame over the Betrayal of the Vulnerable

via CNS: Jesus himself showed that the best way to respond to scandal and divisiveness is to stay silent and pray, Pope Francis said Sept. 3 as he resumed his early morning Masses with invited guests. “With people lacking goodwill, with people who seek only scandal, with those who look only for division, who want… Read More Pope Francis: Silence is Christ’s Response to Lies, Divisiveness

Via the Boston College School of Theology and Ministry Continuing Education: Pope Francis has been calling for the Church to go to the frontiers to accompany those on the margins with mercy, solidarity, and hope. This joint presentation explores the chief obstacles to overcome and opportunities to embrace in order for liturgy to share in… Read More Marcus Mescher and Susan Reynolds on Liturgy and Solidarity

Millennial editor Robert Christian writes: While a small group of ideologues have tried to hijack the crisis to promote their preexisting agenda against Vatican II, gay priests, or celibacy, the general response among millennial Catholics has transcended the many internal divisions that exist within the U.S. church. The anger is palpable. There is anger at… Read More Millennial Catholics Want Transparency, Truth, and Action in Wake of New Sex Abuse Crisis

via CNN: If you’re one of the third of all humankind who drinks alcohol, take note: There’s no amount of liquor, wine or beer that is safe for your overall health, according to a new analysis of 2016 global alcohol consumption and disease risk. Alcohol was the leading risk factor for disease and premature death… Read More No Amount of Alcohol is Safe for Your Overall Health