When discussing the Milwaukee abuse case in his letter to the New York Times (published earlier today on the S+L Blog HERE), Cardinal Levada refers to the presiding judge in the canonical trial of Fr. Lawrence Murphy.  The presiding judge at the time was Fr. Thomas Brundage.  Fr. Brundage, who is now serving in the ...read more

The official newspaper of the Archdiocese of San Francisco, the Catholic San Francisco, has published a letter by Cardinal William J. Levada responding to New York Times’ articles on clergy sexual abuse and Pope Benedict XVI.  The Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith defends the Holy Father and chastises the paper ...read more

For nearly thirty years it has been claimed that the Blessed Virgin Mary has been appearing in Medjugorje, a small town in western Bosnia and Herzegovina. Many believe, while many are skeptical. Earlier this month, Pope Benedict XVI launched an investigation into the alleged apparitions. Today on the Catholic News Service Vatican Report, Carol Glatz ...read more

As Pope Benedict XVI comes under vicious criticism by the media regarding claims of clergy sexual  abuse, the president of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops has sent a letter to the Holy Father offering his prayers and support on behalf of the Bishops of Canada. Bishop Pierre Morissette writes: “We recognize with admiration and ...read more

The Archdiocese of Toronto celebrated their Chrism Mass in the heart of the city today at St. Michael’s Cathedral.  The Mass, which commemorates the gift of the priesthood, was well attended by many priests and by many faithful who wanted to support their pastors. In his homily, Archbishop Thomas Collins spoke about the role of ...read more

The last two weeks have been difficult ones for faithful Catholics as the clergy sexual abuse scandal has stained headlines and the Church worldwide. There is no denying that crimes of abuse are appalling and must be dealt with properly.  However, media outlets are now taking reports of abuse as an opportunity to abase our ...read more

Pope Benedict XVI celebrated Palm Sunday with thousands of faithful in St. Peter’s Square on Sunday.  Palm Sunday is also the weekend that World Youth Day is celebrated at the diocesan level, and this year marked the 25th anniversary of the event established by Venerable John Paul II.  The anniversary was the focus on his ...read more

Vatican Press Office director Fr. Federico Lombardi, SJ, released a message on Saturday addressing media reports regarding clergy sexual abuse.  Entitled “Vigil of Holy Week,” we offer you the full text of the message below: The question of the sexual abuse of minors by members of the Catholic clergy has continued to receive wide coverage ...read more

Salt + Light Television is pleased to bring viewers the live online webcast of the Episcopal Ordination of Monsignor Donald Bolen this evening. Our webcast begins with a pre-recorded interview with Bishop-Elect Bolen at 8pm ET/6pm MDT, followed by ordination coverage at 8:45pm ET/6:45pm MDT. Over my years as a priest, I’ve been called to ...read more

As many of our parish priests can attest to Holy Week marks one of the busiest times of the year — and of course this is no different for the Bishop of Rome. Tomorrow, March 25th, marks the beginning of a number of major events that Pope Benedict is participating in, including a meeting with ...read more