Political events and news in effecting Catholics and Catholic concerns in Europe.
August 26, 2020
WURZBURG, Germany -- The German bishops plan to seek talks with the Vatican about its instruction on parish reforms in the Catholic Church, and want lay Catholics to take part in the discussions, according to the German Catholic news agency KNA.
The sun glistens across the calming blue water of Lake Erie. A bronze Mass bell rings loudly. Dozens of young girls soar out of cabins to enjoy a delicious pancake breakfast before engaging in hiking, drama, sports, crafts and, at the end of the day, a roaring campfire.
Conspiracy theorists portray masks as a ploy by the government to control people and restrict their rights for freedom. Anti-maskers brand themselves as freedom fighters as they fight the mandate to wear this symbol of oppression, restraint and imprisonment.
The eagerness that normally greets the opening of a new school year won’t be found this year. Instead of excitement, new friends, greeting old friends and the anticipation of what will come, these emotions have been replaced by anxiety, fear and concern for our children and grandchildren’s future health.
OTTAWA -- The federal Liberals are vowing to pass changes to Canada’s assisted suicide law before a court-imposed deadline even though if they will be in the position to make changes remains to be seen.
August 25, 2020
OTTAWA -- A social conservative did not win the race to become the next leader of the Conservative Party of Canada. Ontario MP Erin O’Toole did.
CLEVELAND -- Officials reported that at least 12 people had died as Tropical Storm Laura lashed Haiti and the Dominican Republic with strong winds and torrential rains, causing widespread flooding in low-lying communities.
August 24, 2020
PHILADELPHIA -- A lector at the Cathedral Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul in Philadelphia was punched in the face by an assailant after reading Scripture during an Aug. 23 Mass.
DETROIT -- The Archdiocese of Detroit is seeking to contact anyone who may have received invalid sacraments after a priest of the archdiocese learned his own baptism as an infant 30 years ago was invalid.
VATICAN CITY -- The central focus of a Christian's life and all he or she does to help others must be Jesus Christ, Pope Francis said.