Long before the Catholic Watchmen movement Christians were called to battle — to defend the faith of the one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church — spiritually and physically.
A 23-year-old woman named Keira Bell recently brought a pivotal lawsuit against the National Health Services Gender Identity Development Clinic in London, better known as the Tavistock Clinic. Keira experienced significant personal harm from puberty blockers, testosterone and an operation to remove her breasts. She claims the medical staff at the clinic failed to challenge her seriously about her decision as a teenager to transition to a male.
Catholics are back at the State Capitol in St. Paul making their voices heard in-person now that the doors of “the people’s house” have reopened to the public. A 15-month closure amid the pandemic shifted most legislative business and public advocacy online.
This is Year B of the liturgical cycle, the year that highlights the Gospel of Mark. With the passing of Pentecost, late Ordinary time begins, the longer, later segment of Ordinary Time that extends from the conclusion of the Easter Season until the beginning of Advent, from June to the end of November.
I am the sixth of seven children, the fifth girl. When my mom was at the hospital delivering me, my brother, Joe, an only boy among four girls, was anxiously standing by the phone awaiting the news of my arrival and so hoping for a little brother. A boy was expected; the name “Michael” selected. It was looking to fall Joe’s way.
Father Roger Hessian, my great-uncle, celebrated his 60th anniversary of ordination into the priesthood in February. This remarkable milestone has prompted me to reflect on what a blessing he has been to our family. Growing up, I never thought much about having a priest in the family, but with age and perspective, I have come to realize what a unique gift it has been.
The past fifteen months have been a time of crisis and deep challenge for our country, and they have been a particular trial for the Catholics. During this terrible COVID period, many of us have been compelled to fast from attendance at Mass and the reception of the Eucharist. To be sure, numerous Masses and Eucharistic para-liturgies have been made available online, and thank God for these.
When I have reunions with my brothers and sisters, at some point we start telling stories about growing up. Invariably, we will remember events, good and bad, from different perspectives. We each tell the same story slightly differently. In the retelling, we sometimes get a fuller picture of what happened. Or we realize that as children, we didn't fully understand at the time what was taking place.