Posts in Catholicism
New Roberto Baggio biopic doesn't shy away from soccer star’s Buddhist faith

(REVIEW) The movie “The Divine Ponytail” packs a lot in just 91 minutes and doesn’t ignore Roberto Baggio’s Buddhist faith and how it helped motivate the former Italian soccer star at the World Cup and beyond.

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Canada church fires: Who's behind such acts of hatred?

(OPINION) There have been fires at 10 Canadian churches — mostly Catholic ones — and multiple acts of vandalism this summer. Why? That’s the question more mainstream journalists should be asking. So why not ask it?

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Communion wars: Why does Biden take the Eucharist and support abortion?

(OPINION) What’s important to remember is that as Catholics our faith is not a set of political positions that we hold on a variety of issues. Our faith is rooted in what Jesus said about God’s purpose and his will for every person. That has been transmitted to all of us in the gospels, through centuries of church tradition and Canon Law.

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Documentary explores Vatican soccer tournament through the power of prayer and penalty kicks

(REVIEW) This unique sporting event is the focus of a new 69-minute documentary called “The Holy Game” by filmmakers Brent Hodge and Chris Kelly. The film, distributed by Gravitas Ventures, details what’s often called the “World Cup of the church” — but also takes a behind-the-scenes look at these young seminarians who love both playing the game and God.

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Catholic bishops vote to draft Communion guidelines: What happens next?

(ANALYSIS) Following three days of contentious debate, the U.S. Catholic bishops approved a measure on Friday to draft a statement that could deny Holy Communion to pro-abortion politicians like President Joe Biden. Here’s what happens next.

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Get ready for a week that could change U.S. Catholicism forever

(OPINION) Barring an intervention from Pope Francis himself, the U.S. bishops will consider, and vote on Thursday, a plan for a document about Holy Communion that includes denying the sacrament to politicians who repeatedly support policies advocating abortion rights. That includes President Joe Biden, only the country’s second Catholic commander in chief ever.

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New book with a Catholic perspective on the pandemic looks at the church’s future

(REVIEW) One sure sign that the pandemic is fading may be the steady stream of books about it that have started to trickle out. It’s true that COVID-19 affected the planet like nothing else in our lifetimes. In fact, the fallout from what has transpired over the last 15 months could be felt for years, if not decades, to come.

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Pope Francis Gives Rare Acknowledgement To Persecution Of Chinese Catholics

Ahead of the world day of prayer for the Catholic Church in China on May 24, Pope Francis asked that the faithful pray the Holy Spirit would help Chinese Catholics “to be bearers of the happy message, witnesses of goodness and charity, and builders of justice and peace in their country.”

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In defense of Mother Teresa: Why she is a saint, not a 'cult leader'

(OPINION) Was Mother Teresa the head of a cult? It depends on who you ask, but the truth is she dedicated her life to helping the “poorest of the poor” and that should be celebrated.

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Biden doesn't speak at Notre Dame's graduation: Is it still a news story?

(OPINION) For journalists, graduations have long served as easy news stories. Above all, the graduation speaker is what makes these ceremonies news. Is it still news if an invitation is declined? In the case of President Biden it certainly is, especially when that invite comes from Notre Dame.

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Catholic contributions to U.S. independence not a revolutionary notion

(REVIEW) The book offers readers a detailed history of Catholic thinkers, statesman and military leaders who helped the colonists during the American Revolution. Over the course of 12 chapters, author Dan LeRoy delves into what the fight for freedom would have been like without these figures and, almost more importantly, why they felt the need to help.

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How news coverage politicizes Biden's Communion controversy

(OPINION) It should be noted that secular newsrooms don’t dislike organized religion like many may believe. Instead, they just don’t like religious leaders who attempt to defend traditional dogmas that govern said faith. Therefore, news coverage is often framed this way: Biden can be both “very Catholic” and pro-choice.

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Why a Catholic media startup is proving to be an essential daily read

(OPINION) The Catholic news world has also seen its share of startups since the internet has changed the news industry. It’s these changes that have brought more issues like fake news and misinformation, but also allowed journalists to become entrepreneurs and build start-ups of their own.

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Biden's faith a news-media talking point, but a survey about it isn't

(ANALYSIS) The culture wars have been on full display during the first two months of the Biden presidency. It isn’t so much that Joe Biden is fueling the wars — he’s actually steered clear of many of these recent battles that brew on Twitter and cable TV news. How the press covers his faith, however, isn’t helping matter.

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Baylor’s basketball success rooted in Christian motto: ‘Jesus, Others, Yourself’

The secret to Baylor’s success this season wasn’t limited to its great defense and a hail of three pointers. The secret for the Baptist school on the road to the NCAA men’s basketball championship lies in a culture the players and coaches call “Jesus, Others, Yourself.”

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Gonzaga's namesake saint inspires NCAA Tournament run during the pandemic

Gonzaga (the saint) and Gonzaga (the basketball team) are two different things. Nonetheless, the patron saint of Christian youth (who also died in a pandemic) can help inspire the school to capture its first national championship.

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Why Catholic news sites are a must-read to understand Cuomo

(OPINION) The harsh reality is that news consumers will need to read a wider variety of news sources if they are interested in finding solid facts, on-the-record sources and some sense of balanced reporting. On issues linked to religion, culture and politics, that will mean paying more attention to independent religious publications — including Catholic websites — that are now punching way above their weight.

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