TEXT for Today's Front Page

FRIDAY-SATURDAY-SUNDAY March 27-29, 1998 Vol. 9, no. 62 The "USA Today for CATHOLICS!" at http://www.catholic-internet.org To print out entire text of Today's issue, go to SECTION ONE and SECTION TWO

      With less than two weeks from the Easter Triduum, we bring you the stirring and disturbing scene of the inhumane way Jesus was treated after leaving the trial of the Sanhedrin. The first part of Lesson 10: THE SCOURGING AND THE CROWNING OF THORNS, encompassing the Second and Third Sorrowful Mysteries will give us meditation food for our souls and hearts to pray ever more for those who continue to persecute Christ's followers and denigrate the Son of God. These meditative lessons, imparted by Our Lady to the Hidden Flower of the Immaculate Heart during Lent of 1993, are meant to inspire and prompt a greater understanding of the season of Lent in helping us all prepare for His Passion and Death and ultimately the glorious Resurrection. Click on "IT IS CONSUMMATED!"

     In contrast to yesterday's upbeat editorial, we are prone to sadly focus on the downside of the news this past week and how it hits home all to close to all of us. We're speaking of the tragedies in Jonesboro and Daly City; we're speaking of the media circus aroused by the false claims that "God would appear" in Garland, Texas. Craziness rules today and if we do not keep our wits and our Rosaries near, we could get caught in this vortex of venom the evil one is spitting today. For our editorial entitled Events hitting too close to home for our comfort!, click on this weekend's CATHOLIC PewPOINT

     This weekend we bring you the second part of Sister Mary Lucy Astuto's column on Father Richard Simon, a Chicago pastor who, in his own words to his parishioners admitted his mistakes of following the modernists' liturgical itinerary and has returned to the truth as Jesus has asked for His Church. Sr. Lucy shares his follow-up letter to his parishioners with all of us in the second installment of True Story of a Priest's Conversion. Click on GETTING TO THE HEART OF THE MATTER

      Father in Heaven, the love of Your Son led Him to accept the suffering of the cross that His brothers might glory in new life. Change our selfishness into self-giving. Help us to embrace the world You have given us, that we may transform the darkness of its pain into the life and joy of Easter. Granth this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

For the readings, meditations and liturgy of the last two days of the Fourth Week of Lent and the first two of the Fifth Week of Lent, including Sunday's liturgy, click on LITURGY OF THE DAY

     Dear children! Also today I call you to fasting and renunciation. Little children, renounce that which hinders you from being closer to Jesus. In a special way I call you: Pray, because only through prayer will you be able to overcome your will and discover the will of God even in the smallest things. By your daily life, little children, you will become an example and witness that you live for Jesus or against Him and His will. Little children, I desire that you become apostles of love. By loving, little children, it will be recognized that you are mine. Thank you for having responded to my call.
For more on Medjugorje, click on MEDJUGORJE

Events today in Church History

      For events throughout the centuries that are memorable in Church history, click on ALL ROADS LEAD TO ROME

HEADLINES:

Sparks fly as Jewish Congress plays hardball with Vatican over Holocaust

      The meeting between Vatican officials and Jewish officials from the World Jewish Congress went on as scheduled Wednesday, but the discussions did not go as scheduled as Jewish leaders refused to accept the Vatican's forgiveness statement and asked for more. The Vatican held strong and suggested calmer minds and hearts should study the material provided so a joint union of minds can exist. But the Jews remain stubborn, evident from a chief Polish Rabbi who has demanded the Auschwitz cross be removed, but Polish Catholic officials are intent on keeping it where it is in memory of the thousands upon thousands of Catholics who died there as well. For the rest of this story, click on Holocaust to read more.

Cardinal calls for faithful to "love the Church more deeply as a second mother."

      In a talk to journalists at the Lateran in Rome, Cardinal Angelo Sodano, the Vatican Secretary of State, confirmed that Church reform is an on-going process but that it always remains sacred and is meant to enhance the Church, not change her. He cited the work of theologian Cardinal Yves Congar, O.P. for his comments and emphasized true reform "always involves a return to the traditions of the Church." For the rest of the story, click on Church reform to read more.

Archbishop laments first assisted suicide in Oregon

      With the news of the first "legalized" doctor-assisted suicide in the U.S.A. Tuesday in Oregon, Portland's Archbishop John Vlazny expressed deep sorrow that this law passed last November in his state and reiterated it bodes ill for the rest of the citizens. At the same time, Oregon Catholic Conference leader Bob Castagna echoed the Archbishop's words, adding, "This is a tragic and sad day for Oregon and the United States. May God have mercy on all of us." For the rest of this story, click on suicide to read more.

Stanford study confirms healings on increase because of spirituality and faith

      What must have come to a shock to the medical profession, a Stanford professor revealed to the Society of Behavioral Medicine Convention in New Orleans that religious belief comes into play in a big way when it comes to healing physically, much more than health care professionals are willing to admit. For the rest of this story, click on Guilty to read more.

For all other standard features, articles and columns, click on Archives

March 27-29, 1998 volume 9, no. 62          DAILY CATHOLIC