Pope Francis has frequently said that there are more Christians being martyred today than during the persecutions of the church in the early centuries of Christianity. He would get no argument from the faithful in Egypt, where 29 Coptic Christians — including a number of children — were killed May 26 when masked assailants attacked […]
Continue readingVisits to Catholic cemeteries in Raritan and Galesburg last week reaffirmed for me the sacred and invaluable nature of these resting places for our beloved dead found throughout our diocese. St. Patrick Cemetery in Raritan is located right next to the rural church. Walking through it with Deacon Lee Brokaw, who will be ordained a […]
Continue readingThis spring, hundreds of young Catholics in the Diocese of Peoria will receive their First Communion or the sacrament of confirmation. Along with the promises of faith they have made or will make to Jesus, we invite the young people to make another: Promise Jesus you will never engage in bullying. Our invitation is not […]
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Bishop Jenky is applauded as he is seated for the first time in the Bishop's Chair at St. Mary's Cathedral during his Mass of Installation as the eighth Bishop of Peoria on April 10, 2002. (Catholic Post file/Patrick Murphy-Racey)
This is a year of milestones for Bishop Daniel R. Jenky, CSC. On March 3, he observed his 70th birthday. This year is also his golden jubilee of professing first vows with his religious community, the Congregation of Holy Cross. In December, it will be 20 years since he was ordained a bishop, first serving […]
Continue readingAs The Catholic Post went to press Tuesday, the second day of Senate confirmation hearings for Judge Neil Gorsuch — President Donald Trump’s U.S. Supreme Court nominee — had just concluded. The remarks and questioning showed not only how important this and future nominations are to the nation, but also to the Catholic Church. Among […]
Continue readingThe principle that “what unites us is greater than what divides us” is a foundation of almost any ecumenical dialogue or effort. And it is sadly, yet wonderfully, true that what unites our faith communities like nothing else seems to be major tragedies — be it a disaster of a national scope like 9-11 or […]
Continue readingHere comes Lent and with it the question so many Catholics ask one another: “What are you giving up?” My go-to give-ups are salty snacks and/or diet soda. But while doing without Doritos and Diet Coke for 40 days is physically healthy, I don’t think that “sacrifice” alone increases my spiritual health in anticipation of […]
Continue readingFake news. Alternative facts. A president who has called reporters “the most dishonest people” and this week accused the media of intentionally covering up terrorist attacks. A “post-truth” culture in which objective facts and divinely inspired moral principles no longer have much pull in people’s lives. And a social media landscape in which anyone with […]
Continue readingAs Catholic Schools Week begins this Sunday, students and teachers are ready to celebrate in a variety of ways. For the rest of us, we suggest a few homework assignments to join in the fun and grow in appreciation of the treasure we have in our midst. First, take a good look at the special […]
Continue readingDefending innocent human life, such as the pre-born, is one thing. Speaking up for the life of an unrepentant multi-murderer is quite another. Proclaiming God’s mercy is usually a wonderful Christian duty. Proclaiming it for Dylann Roof takes courage. Bishop Robert E. Guglielmone of Charlotte had courage in reminding Catholics of church teaching after jurors […]
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