HEADLINES 
In the Church, power means service, Pope tells Tuesday congregation
"The struggle for power in the Church nothing new," Pope Francis told his congregation at a Mass in Domus Sanctae Marthae on May 21, referring to the Gospel account of disputes among the apostles over the question of who was greatest. But seeking power shows a misunderstanding about the true nature of the Church.
Oklahoma bishop supports those grieving in Moore
“I'm not sure…there's anything very practical I can do when I arrive, other than to show my pastoral concern and support, and give the assurance of my prayers to those who are indeed suffering.” Archbishop Paul S. Coakley of Oklahoma City then added “people are in such shock right now, we just want to accompany them in their suffering at this point.”
Holy and Unholy Ambition
Jesus helps all his disciples today to distinguish between selfless and selfish discipleship.Today, Jesus reminds us that he is to be handed over to men who will kill him, but then he will rise. He told us that we, too, if we are truly his followers, will deny ourselves, pick up our Cross each day, and follow him with love on the path to Calvary. And today he wants to strengthen us to have a similar holy ambition.
Reporters interpret papal blessing as an exorcism
After celebrating Mass on Pentecost Sunday, the Pope stopped to pray over a young man in a wheelchair. After the Pope put his hands on the man’s head to confer a blessing, the man shuddered and then slumped in his seat. Several reporters speculated that the Pope had conducted an exorcism.
Parishioners Mobilize after Tornado in Northern Texas
The deadly funnel cloud, one of several tornadoes that ripped through parts of north Texas, killed six, injured more than 100, left seven missing and destroyed more than 50 homes and trailers in the Rancho Brazos subdivision. Injuries and damage were also reported in the nearby Pecan Plantation community.
Vatican Museum celebrate restoration of Michelangelo's Pieta
To mark the 40th anniversary, the Vatican Museums hosted a series of events on the Pieta and the work of restoration. The sculpture, completed by Michelangelo when he was just over 20 years old, is now protected by bulletproof glass. The Vatican Museums have now begun protecting other sculptures by making 3-dimensional models as “clones” of the works.
American seminarians defend championship in Roman soccer tourney
A team of American seminarians has won the Clericus Cup, the annual soccer competition among Rome’s seminaries. The “North American Martyrs” took the championship for the 2nd consecutive year with a 1-0 win in a match against Mater Ecclesiae.
Around the Web – Catholic Blogosphere Wrap-up
Marriage Prep Classes Don’t Teach You How to Fight
My husband and I have been fighting all week. We finally talked things out and made up last night, but the week has been pretty crappy for the most part. Also I’m extremely tired. I’m not saying any of this as a complaint, just as an intro into what this crappy week has taught me. Papa said not to complain. I’m trying Papa, I’m trying.
Help! My Children Aren’t Catholic Anymore!
We’ve made catechesis nice. It’s all about the sacraments and being nice and the church and being nice and peace and justice and being nice and forgiveness and hugs and being nice. That’s all very nice… but there is another aspect to the gospel which we’ve quietly forgotten. We’ve forgotten that part about, “If anyone would be my disciple he must take up his cross and follow me.” Or that part which says, “The world will hate you as it has hated me.” or “Broad is the way that leads to destruction, but narrow is the gate and few there be that find it.”
Pearls before Swine and the New Evangelization
I got my start in the online Catholic world when I was 15, learning and applying apologetics on a very secular forum. As a trial by fire, it was was extremely beneficial in teaching me the various attacks that most often come against the faith. It was also, however, extremely addicting. Like a gambler who always pulls the handle of the slot machine “just one more time” for the next spin he feels certain will result in a windfall, I have a difficult time stepping away from an apologetic debate.
Worth Watching: 9 Videos that Warm the Catholic Soul
The Catholic faith is a beautiful and rich religion and so many inside and outside of the Church are blind to its beauty. We’ve catalogued a multitude of video-lists, but this is our second collection of heart-warming Catholic goodness. The first list of this nature is entitled Proud To Be Catholic: 5 Videos That Stir The Soul.
