Over the past few days there has been a literal bonanza of stories, both personal and publicly reported, that create an ever increasing unease in my heart. Now let me be perfectly clear: there is also good news such as the wonderful invitiation North Dakota's Bishop Samuel Aquila extended to every one of his priests to make a habit of spending an hour in front of an abortion clinic during this year's 40 Days for Life campaign.
We are so grateful to Bishop Aquila and we praise God for his leadership.
But sadly, the bad stories outnumber the good. Here are four tidbits for your thoughtful and prayerful consideration.
It has become clear that the new director of domestic policy for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Kathy Saile, was once aligned with pro-abortion organizations such as Lutheran Services of America. One has to wonder why the USCCB cannot seem to find a solid, orthodox Catholic to fill such a pivotal position within their bureacracy.
In the Joliet Diocese, Mr. Tom Garlitz is speaking at St. Petronille's adult enrichment meeting. Mr. Garlitz distinguished himself in 2004 with a statement that a Catholic could vote for a pro-abortion candidate. Some members of the parish have voiced their concern to the pastor, but I wonder how the man got invited in the first place.
In California, Andrea Smith, a member of a radical feminist organization, is giving the 2007 Labovitz lecture at the Catholic University of San Diego's 18th Annual Social Issues Conference.
And when Tucson Bishop Gerald Kicanas commented on the need for Catholics to be doing more to support gay and lesbian Catholics, Father Richard McBrien wrote in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles weekly Tidings,
The unspoken question remains unanswered: if God created these "beloved" daughters and sons with a homosexual orientation, how can the Church be so sure that God also gave them the charism for life-long celibacy?
We must pray without ceasing for the Church and for those within the Church who have received the sacrament of Holy Orders, that they might be strengthened in truth and drive evil from within. I would invite you to that activity daily. The Church needs our prayers.
