In Brief

Shrine in memory of aborted children dedicated in Mexico
 The Mexican pro-life association Los Inocentes de María (Mary’s Innocent Ones) has dedicated a shrine in Guadalajara last month in memory of aborted children. The shrine, called Rachel’s Grotto, also serves as a place for reconciliation between parents and their deceased babies. In an August 15…

Catholic speakers address Republican National Convention

Abby Johnson, former director of Planned Parenthood and convert to Catholicism, addressed the Republican National Convention in a video message that emphasized President Donald Trump’s actions for the pro-life cause. The outspoken pro-life advocate said: “For most people who consider themselves pro-life, abortion is abstract. They can’t even conceive of the barbarity…but for me, abortion…

Mother Teresa birthday celebrations cancelled due to Covid-19

The Missionaries of Charity cancelled their customary birthday celebrations for their founder, Mother Teresa, this year after nine religious sisters tested positive for Covid-19. Wednesday marked the 110th birthday of Saint Mother Teresa, who died in 1997. Among other celebrations, the Motherhouse of the Missionaries of Charity, which houses the saint’s tomb, was forced to…

Australian and English bishops discuss morality of vaccine

More bishops are pleading with their governments to give priority to ethically developed coronavirus vaccines, but many also are telling Catholics that not getting vaccinated is a more serious moral problem than using the problematic vaccines. Australia is among many governments trying to secure access to a Covid-19 vaccine being developed by AstraZeneca and Oxford…

Sisters see new ministry to ‘lonely and isolated’ priests

While orders for Eucharistic breads dried up, the nuns of Glencairn found themselves helping parishes in a new way by fielding calls from “lonely and isolated” priests who “miss their flock”. Normally tending to the bread production at St Mary’s Abbey, Sr Fiachra found herself providing much-needed conversation to priests who had been deprived of…

Vatican Roundup

John Paul I Foundation names scientific committee The newly-formed Vatican John Paul I Foundation released a statement on Wednesday which states that on the 42nd anniversary of Pope John Paul I’s pontificate, they are pleased to communicate the members of the Foundation’s Scientific Committee. These persons were appointed by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State…