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The Deacon's Bench

Should a theologian who has publicly stated her support for abortion rights be allowed to teach at a Catholic college? That’s not a trick question. It’s at the center of a debate now swirling in California. From the San Diego Union-Tribune: A University of San Diego decision rescinding a prestigious position to a Catholic feminist…

While doing research for a project at work, I stumbled on this clip. Call me a sentimental sap, but it got to me. Watch and enjoy.

The priest who took part in a women’s ordination ceremony has met with his superiors. And this afternoon, the National Catholic Reporter filed this summary: Maryknoll Fr. Roy Bourgeois, who concelebrated a Mass at a women’s ordination ceremony earlier this month, has met with leaders of his order religious order, calling the meeting “productive.” Bourgeois…

The pope has now given his formal approval, and the parents of one of the most beloved saints of modern times are on track for beatification this fall. From CNS: Pope Benedict XVI has approved the beatification of Louis and Marie Zelie Guerin Martin, the parents of St. Therese of Lisieux. The couple will be…

I think we all know why. They look like they’re having a blast, don’t they? They’re Franciscan Friars of the Renewal (a.k.a. Benedict Groeschel’s merry band) and I saw this great picture over at The Anchoress. Visit her joint and you’ll find this terrific post on a veritable vocations explosion. Why don’t we hear more…

I’m finishing off the last of a pint of Haagen-Dazs (Bailey’s Irish Cream, if you must know) and as I lick the spoon I heave a deep sigh and think: “Those monks can’t do this.” “Those monks” are the men who live, pray, work, eat and sleep at the Grand Chartreuse monastery in the French…

Some happy news from the Bluegrass State: the Archdiocese of Louisville will be adding 14 more deacons to its ranks at the end of this week. The local Catholic paper, the Record, has the news, for the record, including brief biographies of the men about to be ordained. My prayerful good wishes go out to…

While no one is saying it’s not true, at least one prominent blogger is having trouble finding an accurate and consistent account of John McCain’s now-famous “cross in the dirt” story from his days as a P.O.W. Andrew Sullivan was the first to raise some questions about it. And now Beliefnet has this cogent summary…

I’m not sure if anybody noticed, but while the world has been enraptured by the Olympics and Mark Phelps, one of the most talked about and acclaimed dramas on television has Gone Catholic. It’s “Mad Men,” the compellingly watchable and increasingly fascinating drama on AMC about advertising in the early 1960s. One of the characters…

An issue that some scientists claimed is settled — the age of the iconic Shroud of Turin — may not be. From the Los Angeles Times: The tie that binds John and Rebecca Jackson is about 4 feet by 14 feet, woven of herringbone twill linen. It once led to their romance; years later, it…
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