News in the Church: Morning News July 22, 2024
By Pål Johannes Nes
Welcome to News from the Church, your source for Catholic news and updates from around the world. Edited by Pål Johannes Nes, you are reading EWTN Norway’s Morning News for July 22, 2024. Let’s begin with the Saint of the Day.
Saint of the Day: St. Mary Magdalene
Today, we honor St. Mary Magdalene, one of the most prominent female disciples of Jesus. Known for her profound faith and devotion, Mary Magdalene was the first to witness the Resurrection of Christ. Her unwavering loyalty and love for Jesus make her a powerful model of discipleship and a witness to the transformative power of encountering Christ.
Read more: St. Mary Magdalene
News Stories
Scientist Converts to Catholicism After Studying the Shroud of Turin
A scientist has converted to Catholicism after an in-depth study of the Shroud of Turin. Dr. Michael McCarthy, a former agnostic, was profoundly moved by his research, which led him to believe that the shroud is indeed a photograph of Jesus Himself. This remarkable journey of faith highlights the powerful intersection of science and religion, demonstrating how scientific inquiry can lead to spiritual transformation.
Read more: Scientist Converts to Catholicism
Cardinal Duka: Silence of the Church in China Harms Ecclesial Life
Cardinal Dominik Duka has voiced serious concerns about the impact of the Church’s silence on the situation in China. According to Cardinal Duka, the lack of vocal support and action from the global Church in response to the persecution of Christians in China severely harms ecclesial life. He argues that the Church’s silence sends a discouraging message to persecuted Christians and undermines the Church’s mission to stand for justice and human rights. Cardinal Duka emphasizes that the Church must actively advocate for religious freedom and support persecuted communities, asserting that silence in the face of such violations is unacceptable. His comments reflect growing frustration among many within the Church who believe that more should be done to address religious persecution worldwide.
Read more: Cardinal Duka on China
screenshot / YouTube
Lebanon Celebrates Feast of St. Charbel with Processions and Prayer
Lebanon recently celebrated the feast of St. Charbel with great fervor, marked by processions and prayer. St. Charbel, a Maronite monk known for his piety and numerous miracles, holds a special place in Lebanese Christian spirituality. The celebrations included candlelight processions, where the faithful carried candles and icons of St. Charbel, walking through the streets in a profound expression of faith and devotion. Special Masses were held in churches and monasteries, and many pilgrims traveled to St. Charbel’s hermitage and tomb to seek his intercession. The feast day highlighted the deep spiritual connection that the Lebanese people have with St. Charbel and the role of his legacy in inspiring hope and healing.
Read more: Feast of St. Charbel
Pope Francis’ Schedule for Luxembourg and Belgium Trip: From Castles to Cathedrals
The Vatican has released Pope Francis’ detailed schedule for his upcoming trip to Luxembourg and Belgium. The trip aims to strengthen ties between the Vatican and these European countries, with a focus on social justice, migration, and the role of the Church in a secular society. Highlights of the trip include:
- Luxembourg: The Pope will visit the Grand Ducal Palace and meet with government officials and representatives of various religious communities. He will also celebrate Mass at the Notre-Dame Cathedral and deliver a speech on the importance of interfaith dialogue and cooperation.
- Belgium: In Belgium, Pope Francis will visit the St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral in Brussels and meet with local bishops and clergy. He will also visit historical sites such as the Basilica of the Holy Blood in Bruges and the Beguinage in Leuven. The trip will conclude with a public Mass and a call for unity and peace among European nations.
This trip underscores the Pope’s commitment to addressing contemporary issues while fostering unity and understanding among different faith communities.
Read more: Luxembourg and Belgium Trip
National Eucharistic Congress Ends with Prayer for New Pentecost for US Church
The National Eucharistic Congress in the United States concluded with a heartfelt prayer for a new Pentecost for the Church in America. The Congress, attended by thousands of Catholics from across the country, was marked by moments of profound worship, teaching, and communal prayer. The hope is that this event will inspire a renewed focus on the Eucharist and foster a stronger, more vibrant Catholic community in the United States.
Read more: National Eucharistic Congress
Eucharistic Congress Hears Story of the Bishop of the Abandoned Tabernacle
One of the highlights of the National Eucharistic Congress was the moving story of Bishop Emmanuel Bassey, known as the “Bishop of the Abandoned Tabernacle.” Bishop Bassey shared his experiences of discovering an abandoned tabernacle in a war-torn region and his mission to restore and honor the Eucharistic presence. His testimony underscored the profound reverence and dedication required to safeguard the sacredness of the Eucharist, inspiring many attendees.
Read more: Bishop of the Abandoned Tabernacle
Joe Biden Announces He Will Not Seek Reelection in 2024 Presidential Race, Endorses Harris
In a significant political development, President Joe Biden has announced that he will not seek reelection in the 2024 presidential race. Instead, he has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as his successor. President Biden’s decision has sparked widespread reactions across the political spectrum. In his announcement, Biden cited the need for fresh leadership and expressed confidence in Harris’s ability to lead the nation. He praised her dedication and leadership skills, highlighting her work on critical issues such as health care, climate change, and social justice. Harris, if elected, would make history as the first female president of the United States. Her campaign is expected to focus on continuing the administration’s policies and addressing the challenges facing the country.
Read more: Joe Biden Not Seeking Reelection
Pope Francis: ‘In the Silence of Adoration, We Receive God’s Grace’
Pope Francis emphasized the importance of silence in Eucharistic adoration, stating, “In the silence of adoration, we receive God’s grace.” His message, delivered during a recent Angelus address, called the faithful to embrace the transformative power of silent prayer before the Blessed Sacrament. The Pope’s reflections highlighted the need for quiet contemplation in a noisy world, inviting believers to find solace and strength in the presence of Christ.
Read more: Pope Francis on Adoration
Catholic Archbishop Urges Women Religious in Burkina Faso to ‘Live to the Full Your Dedication to God’
During a recent profession ceremony in Burkina Faso, Catholic Archbishop Philippe Ouédraogo urged women religious to “live to the full your dedication to God.” His inspirational message emphasized the importance of wholehearted commitment and service to the Church. The ceremony celebrated the vows of several nuns, marking a significant moment of joy and spiritual renewal for the religious community in Burkina Faso.
Read more: Women Religious in Burkina Faso
How a Nigerian Bishop Becomes a Bridge Builder Between Christians and Muslims
Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah of Nigeria has been recognized for his efforts in building bridges between Christians and Muslims. Known for his commitment to dialogue and peacebuilding, Bishop Kukah has worked tirelessly to foster mutual understanding and cooperation between the two religious communities. His initiatives have included interfaith dialogues, educational programs, and community projects aimed at promoting harmony and reducing religious tensions.
Read more: Nigerian Bishop Bridges Faiths
St. Simeon the Stylite: Celebrating the Life of an Ascetic Saint
The faithful have commemorated the life of St. Simeon the Stylite, an ascetic saint known for his extraordinary devotion and lifestyle. St. Simeon spent decades living atop a pillar in the Syrian desert, dedicating himself to prayer and penance. His radical commitment to asceticism and his powerful witness to faith have inspired generations of Christians. The celebrations included special liturgies and reflections on his life and spiritual legacy.
That brings us to the end of today’s news. Thank you for joining us on News from the Church. This is EWTN Norway, wishing you a peaceful and blessed day.
Sources:
- St. Mary Magdalene
- Scientist Converts to Catholicism
- Joe Biden Not Seeking Reelection
- National Eucharistic Congress
- Bishop of the Abandoned Tabernacle
- Pope Francis on Adoration
- Luxembourg and Belgium Trip
- Women Religious in Burkina Faso
- Cardinal Duka on China
- Nigerian Bishop Bridges Faiths
- Feast of St. Charbel
