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Catholic News

Nayib Bukele, president of El Salvador. / Credit: Presidencia SVACI Prensa Staff, Dec 3, 2024 / 07:00 am (CNA).The Catholic Church in El Salvador has asked President Nayib Bukele not to repeal the 2017 law that prohibits the mining of metals, including gold, following the president's announcement of his intention to lift the measure in order to tap into those resources."We hope that our authorities will reconsider and not repeal the law that prohibits mining, protecting the health and life of our people," San Salvador Archbishop José Luis Escobar Alas said in a Dec. 1 video statement.The statement was issued after learning of Bukele's intention to repeal the law, which the president announced in a post on X, stating: "We are the ONLY country in the world with a total ban on metal mining, something no other country has in place. Absurd! This wealth, given by God, can be used responsibly to bring unprecedented economic and social development to our people."In addition, Bukele sai...

Nayib Bukele, president of El Salvador. / Credit: Presidencia SV

ACI Prensa Staff, Dec 3, 2024 / 07:00 am (CNA).

The Catholic Church in El Salvador has asked President Nayib Bukele not to repeal the 2017 law that prohibits the mining of metals, including gold, following the president's announcement of his intention to lift the measure in order to tap into those resources.

"We hope that our authorities will reconsider and not repeal the law that prohibits mining, protecting the health and life of our people," San Salvador Archbishop José Luis Escobar Alas said in a Dec. 1 video statement.

The statement was issued after learning of Bukele's intention to repeal the law, which the president announced in a post on X, stating: "We are the ONLY country in the world with a total ban on metal mining, something no other country has in place. Absurd! This wealth, given by God, can be used responsibly to bring unprecedented economic and social development to our people."

In addition, Bukele said that "God placed a gigantic treasure under our feet: El Salvador potentially has gold deposits with the highest density per km² in the world."

The Salvadoran president also noted that "studies carried out in only 4% of the potential area identified 50 million ounces of gold, valued today at $131.565 billion. This is equivalent to 380% of El Salvador's GDP."

The use of this wealth, Bukele said, "could transform El Salvador: create thousands of quality jobs, finance infrastructure throughout our country, drive the development of local economies. And all this with modern and sustainable mining, caring for our environment."

'Caring for our common home and mining'

Before reading his statement, Escobar recalled some excerpts from a message from the Secretariat of the Central American Bishops, published Nov. 29, which emphasizes the commitment of the Catholic Church to caring for creation, expressed by Pope Francis in his encyclical Laudato Sí'.

"We urgently call on governments to adopt responsible and sustainable policies that respect the dignity of peoples and our common home, and that don't allow exploitation by mining, since it is necessary to prioritize human life and the environment over economic interests that perpetuate social and ecological damage," the message states.

Returning to his statement, the archbishop of San Salvador warned that El Salvador "couldn't sustain more pillaging through mining that would increase deforestation, erosion, and loss of fertile soil."

Escobar warned that "the most serious" harm would be "water and air pollution, causing death and illness in an irreversible manner," especially among the poorest people.

"Our people, already vulnerable due to the victimization to which they have been subjected by large national and international capital, would now be revictimized and in the worst way, since pollution from cyanide, mercury, and other lethal toxins would worsen health problems and premature death in an irreversible manner," the archbishop continued.

The Salvadoran prelate also charged that "if a good part of our people are already suffering from kidney failure due to water pollution caused mainly by pesticides, the suffering would be even worse due to the serious damage to other vital organs."

In conclusion, the archbishop asked for God's light "to find ways to economic development without harming the life and health of our people, the Salvadoran people."

This story was first published by ACI Prensa, CNA's Spanish-language news partner. It has been translated and adapted by CNA.

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Missouri's bishops said citizens can reach out to the governor's office to express opposition to the pending execution of Christopher Collings, who was convicted of the 2007 abduction, rape, torture and murder of a 9-year-old girl. Collings is scheduled to be executed on Dec. 3, 2024. / Credit: Courtesy of the Missouri Department of CorrectionsSt. Louis, Mo., Dec 2, 2024 / 18:15 pm (CNA).The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday declined to hear a Missouri death row prisoner's appeal on the eve of his execution date, while lawyers for the condemned man argue that he was a frequent victim of physical and sexual abuse in his youth and suffered judgment-impairing brain injuries as a result.The prisoner, Christopher Collings, was convicted and sentenced to death for the 2007 abduction, rape, torture, and murder of a 9-year-old girl, Rowan Ford.Police said Collings confessed to killing Ford after raping her in rural Stella, Missouri, in the far southwest corner of the state. Collings alleged...

Missouri's bishops said citizens can reach out to the governor's office to express opposition to the pending execution of Christopher Collings, who was convicted of the 2007 abduction, rape, torture and murder of a 9-year-old girl. Collings is scheduled to be executed on Dec. 3, 2024. / Credit: Courtesy of the Missouri Department of Corrections

St. Louis, Mo., Dec 2, 2024 / 18:15 pm (CNA).

The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday declined to hear a Missouri death row prisoner's appeal on the eve of his execution date, while lawyers for the condemned man argue that he was a frequent victim of physical and sexual abuse in his youth and suffered judgment-impairing brain injuries as a result.

The prisoner, Christopher Collings, was convicted and sentenced to death for the 2007 abduction, rape, torture, and murder of a 9-year-old girl, Rowan Ford.

Police said Collings confessed to killing Ford after raping her in rural Stella, Missouri, in the far southwest corner of the state. Collings allegedly burned the evidence of his crime, including the rope used to strangle the child, and dumped her body in a sinkhole.

The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear Collings' case in a brief Dec. 2 order. Barring an intervention by the Missouri Supreme Court or Republican Gov. Mike Parson — who has never granted clemency during his governorship — Collings will be executed Tuesday by lethal injection. 

Collings' clemency petition filed with Parson states that Collings' brain is "multiply injured" and "structurally abnormal," which causes him to suffer from "functional deficits in awareness, judgment and deliberation, comportment, appropriate social inhibition, and emotional regulation." It also relates in detail the frequent and often violent physical and sexual abuse that Collings allegedly experienced as a child.

The Missouri Catholic Conference, which advocates policy on behalf of the state's bishops, had urged Catholics to contact the governor to express their opposition to Collings' execution. The Catechism of the Catholic Church, reflecting an update promulgated by Pope Francis in 2018, describes the death penalty as "inadmissible" and an "attack on the inviolability and dignity of the person" (No. 2267).

"The death and other circumstances of Rowan's murder are tragic and abhorrent, and though her death was a great injustice, it still would also be an injustice if the state carries out a man's execution in lieu of confining him to life imprisonment," the Missouri bishops said in a statement last month. 

"The Catholic Church is strongly opposed to the death penalty because it disregards the sanctity and dignity of human life," they said.

The bishops said that citizens can reach out to the governor's office to express opposition to the pending execution.

Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey had in April announced that his office had requested that the Missouri Supreme Court set an execution date for Collings, claiming "no court has ever found any legal errors" with his conviction.

In contrast to the petition sent to Parson, the petition to the U.S. Supreme Court sent on Collings' behalf did not mention the alleged abuse Collings endured, nor his brain development, but focused mainly on procedural issues.

Collings' confession, which became a key piece of evidence at his trial, allegedly took place during an unrecorded conversation with now-deceased Wheaton Police Chief Clinton Clark. David Spears, the stepfather of Ford, the victim, also admitted to playing a primary role in the crime, though he was ultimately only charged with lesser offenses and eventually released from prison in 2015.

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Children welcome the custos of the Holy Land, Father Francesco Patton, upon his entrance into Bethlehem on Nov. 30, 2024, for the beginning of Advent. The custos' entry was festive, but at the same time, it was impossible to ignore the echoes of war. The children were holding signs with messages of peace and solidarity for those suffering due to the war. / Credit: Marinella BandiniBethlehem, West Bank, Dec 2, 2024 / 13:45 pm (CNA).For the second consecutive year, Advent and Christmas in the Holy Land arrive at a time of war. This past weekend, the people in the small town where Jesus was born welcomed the friars of the Custody of the Holy Land, led by the custos, Father Francesco Patton, as it is tradition for the custos to inaugurate the Advent celebrations. The Franciscan friars of the Custody of the Holy Land wait for the custos in front of the Basilica of the Nativity on the occasion of his solemn entrance in Bethlehem on Nov. 30, 2024, for the beginning of Advent. Cre...

Children welcome the custos of the Holy Land, Father Francesco Patton, upon his entrance into Bethlehem on Nov. 30, 2024, for the beginning of Advent. The custos' entry was festive, but at the same time, it was impossible to ignore the echoes of war. The children were holding signs with messages of peace and solidarity for those suffering due to the war. / Credit: Marinella Bandini

Bethlehem, West Bank, Dec 2, 2024 / 13:45 pm (CNA).

For the second consecutive year, Advent and Christmas in the Holy Land arrive at a time of war.

This past weekend, the people in the small town where Jesus was born welcomed the friars of the Custody of the Holy Land, led by the custos, Father Francesco Patton, as it is tradition for the custos to inaugurate the Advent celebrations. 

The Franciscan friars of the Custody of the Holy Land wait for the custos in front of the Basilica of the Nativity on the occasion of his solemn entrance in Bethlehem on Nov. 30, 2024, for the beginning of Advent. Credit: Marinella Bandini
The Franciscan friars of the Custody of the Holy Land wait for the custos in front of the Basilica of the Nativity on the occasion of his solemn entrance in Bethlehem on Nov. 30, 2024, for the beginning of Advent. Credit: Marinella Bandini

While Bethlehem is not directly involved in the conflict, it continues to suffer under the weight of economic crisis, violence from Israeli settlers, and emigration.

The city is not as empty as it was a year ago, but the atmosphere feels even heavier: Fear and a lack of prospects suffocate the hope of the people here. In pharmacies, anti-anxiety medications are in high demand.

After more than a year, "we are still afraid the war might reach us here," numerous people who did not want to be named told CNA. 

There is little desire to celebrate, even though this year the Christian churches of the Holy Land have encouraged their faithful to display public signs of hope — albeit with a sense of restraint.

"In these ways, we will echo the Christmas story itself, where the angels announced to the shepherds glad tidings of Christ's birth in the midst of similarly dark times in our region," the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem said in a statement released Nov. 22.

Children welcome the Custos of the Holy Land, Father Francesco Patton, upon his entrance into Bethlehem on Nov. 30, 2024, for the beginning of Advent. Credit: Marinella Bandini
Children welcome the Custos of the Holy Land, Father Francesco Patton, upon his entrance into Bethlehem on Nov. 30, 2024, for the beginning of Advent. Credit: Marinella Bandini

This year, the custos' entry was festive. It was a warm winter day, and the entire route along Star Street was filled with children joyfully welcoming him. 

The road runs through the town center and leads to the Basilica of the Nativity, which, according to Christian tradition, was traveled by the Holy Family. A large contingent of scouts also led the procession. 

At the same time, it was impossible to ignore the war.

The war that Israel is waging in Gaza and in Lebanon (the latter of which now hangs on a fragile ceasefire) is reflected in the signs held by children along Star Street during the procession: "From the bottom of my heart, peace in Gaza and Beirut," "Peaceful solutions are always better," "From the cradle of peace, peace to wounded Lebanon," and "Together we can create change" are some of the words displayed on the signs.

Many children welcomed the custos of the Holy Land, Father Francesco Patton, upon his entrance into Bethlehem on Nov. 30, 2024, for the beginning of Advent. The custos' entry was festive, but at the same time, it was impossible to ignore the echoes of war. The children were holding signs with messages of peace and solidarity for those suffering due to the war. Credit: Marinella Bandini
Many children welcomed the custos of the Holy Land, Father Francesco Patton, upon his entrance into Bethlehem on Nov. 30, 2024, for the beginning of Advent. The custos' entry was festive, but at the same time, it was impossible to ignore the echoes of war. The children were holding signs with messages of peace and solidarity for those suffering due to the war. Credit: Marinella Bandini

Then there is the conflict that has been reignited in Syria. Six friars make up the custody's community in Aleppo. They immediately decided to stay — it is their vocation and mission, they said — even as the situation is escalating: On Sunday, Dec. 1, the Franciscan complex of the Terra Santa College in Aleppo was hit by a strike and severely damaged. No casualties were reported but panic has reportedly spread among the people.

On Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024, the Franciscan complex of the Terra Santa College in Aleppo was hit by a strike. No casualties were reported but panic has reportedly spread among the people. Credit: Custody of the Holy Land
On Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024, the Franciscan complex of the Terra Santa College in Aleppo was hit by a strike. No casualties were reported but panic has reportedly spread among the people. Credit: Custody of the Holy Land

Later that evening, the custos of the Holy Land released a declaration saying "our friars and the faithful of the parish are all well" and inviting everyone "to join us in prayer for peace in Syria, martyred by long years of war and violence."

On Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024, the Franciscan complex of the Terra Santa College in Aleppo, Syria, was hit by a strike. No casualties were reported but panic has reportedly spread among the people. Credit: Custody of the Holy Land
On Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024, the Franciscan complex of the Terra Santa College in Aleppo, Syria, was hit by a strike. No casualties were reported but panic has reportedly spread among the people. Credit: Custody of the Holy Land

In St. Catherine Church, the Latin part of the complex, the custos venerated the relic of the Holy Cradle of the Child Jesus during the solemn celebration of first vespers of Sunday, marking the beginning of the Advent season and a new liturgical year. 

The custos of the Holy Land, Father Francesco Patton, prays in front of the altar of St. Catherine in the church of the same name in Bethlehem (the Latin part of the Basilica of the Nativity complex) immediately after his solemn entrance into the city and the basilica on Nov. 30, 2024, for the beginning of Advent. Credit: Marinella Bandini
The custos of the Holy Land, Father Francesco Patton, prays in front of the altar of St. Catherine in the church of the same name in Bethlehem (the Latin part of the Basilica of the Nativity complex) immediately after his solemn entrance into the city and the basilica on Nov. 30, 2024, for the beginning of Advent. Credit: Marinella Bandini

The celebration culminated in a procession to the Nativity Grotto, where a 14-point silver star marks the spot where Jesus is believed to have been born. A few steps away is the manger in which Jesus was laid just after his birth. Here, the custos lit the first candle of the Advent wreath.

"In the Nativity scene, the angels sing outdoors and the star lights up the night. Our celebration should also have visible signs of hope," the custos told CNA in an interview.

"I would like what shines to be the sense of solidarity, the ability for mutual hospitality, to forgive, and to offer reconciliation. I would like the meaning of Christmas to shine: that we are all loved by God and that the Child comes as God with us and our savior."

The first vespers of Advent at St. Catherine's Church in Bethlehem (the Latin part of the Basilica of the Nativity complex) is presided over by the custos of the Holy Land, Father Francesco Patton, on Nov. 30, 2024, after the solemn entrance for the beginning of Advent. Credit: Marinella Bandini
The first vespers of Advent at St. Catherine's Church in Bethlehem (the Latin part of the Basilica of the Nativity complex) is presided over by the custos of the Holy Land, Father Francesco Patton, on Nov. 30, 2024, after the solemn entrance for the beginning of Advent. Credit: Marinella Bandini

On Dec. 1, the Church of St. Catherine was filled with local worshippers for the celebration of the Mass of the first Sunday of Advent. The theme of hope was the focus of the custos' homily.

"In the midst of life's problems we must never despair or let ourselves be overcome by fear, and we must not turn in on ourselves but raise our gaze toward Jesus. Indeed, we need hope precisely when things are going wrong, when it seems to us that problems are without solution, that diseases are without the possibility of recovery, and that wars are endless," he said.

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null / Credit: PeopleImages.com/Yuri A/ShutterstockMadrid, Spain, Dec 2, 2024 / 15:15 pm (CNA).The Catholic Charismatic Renewal in Spain has accepted "with filial obedience" the recent doctrinal note by the country's bishops on practices of "intergenerational healing" that are not in accord with the magisterium and tradition of the Catholic Church.In a statement published on its website, the Catholic Charismatic Renewal of Spain said it gratefully welcomes the content of the document approved by the Spanish Bishops' Conference and "adheres to it with filial obedience, agreeing with its content and the concern that underlies it."The movement also stated that it "will continue to ensure that, within the scope of our association, part of the entire stream of grace, its guidelines are followed."The charismatic organization added that the bishops' document, titled "His Mercy Extends from Generation to Generation," is necessary "to clarify concepts, risks to this practice, as well as...

null / Credit: PeopleImages.com/Yuri A/Shutterstock

Madrid, Spain, Dec 2, 2024 / 15:15 pm (CNA).

The Catholic Charismatic Renewal in Spain has accepted "with filial obedience" the recent doctrinal note by the country's bishops on practices of "intergenerational healing" that are not in accord with the magisterium and tradition of the Catholic Church.

In a statement published on its website, the Catholic Charismatic Renewal of Spain said it gratefully welcomes the content of the document approved by the Spanish Bishops' Conference and "adheres to it with filial obedience, agreeing with its content and the concern that underlies it."

The movement also stated that it "will continue to ensure that, within the scope of our association, part of the entire stream of grace, its guidelines are followed."

The charismatic organization added that the bishops' document, titled "His Mercy Extends from Generation to Generation," is necessary "to clarify concepts, risks to this practice, as well as the areas of its implementation, in the light of the studies carried out and the notes from the magisterium of the Catholic Church that are enunciated." 

In addition, the association hopes that what the bishops have set forth will help "identify and correct these practices that deviate from the tradition and the magisterium of the Church and that can cause great moral and spiritual harm to the holy people of God."

The statement from the Catholic Charismatic Renewal of Spain was signed by its national coordinator, Víctor Gregorio Arellano, and the national spiritual adviser, Father Francisco Javier Ramírez de Nicolás, a priest of the Diocese of Osma-Soria.

The Catholic Charismatic Renewal of Spain is a private association of the faithful whose statutes were approved by the Spanish Bishops' Conference in 2004 and modified in 2011.

The doctrinal note from the Spanish Bishops' Conference noted that Father Robert DeGrandis of the Society of St. Joseph "has popularized the practice in the Catholic Charismatic Renewal due to his involvement in it."

De Grandis and other authors teach "the intergenerational transmission of sin and, correlatively, the possibility of intergenerational healing," the bishops' note criticizes.

The way to supposedly "cure" physical and mental illnesses consists of "identifying the sin in one's own family tree" and breaking "the bond of sin" through "intercession, exorcisms, and, especially, the celebration of a Eucharist," which results in a supposed healing, the doctrinal note explains.

The Spanish bishops point out that "sin is always personal and requires a free decision of the will" and that the same is true of the punishment associated with sin. The prelates noted that "the only sin that is transmitted from generation to generation is original sin" but that this occurs only "in an analogous way."

Furthermore, they affirm that it's not possible to "maintain that there is an intergenerational transmission of sin without contradicting Catholic doctrine on baptism," the sacrament in which "the forgiveness of all sins occurs."

Regarding the Eucharist, the bishops maintained that offering petitions during Mass for intergenerational healing "seriously distorts the Eucharistic celebration."

This story was first published by ACI Prensa, CNA's Spanish-language news partner. It has been translated and adapted by CNA.

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Christmas tree and Nativity scene in Faraya's Public Square, a town in the Keserwan District of Mount Lebanon, in November 2024. / Credit: Municipality of FarayaACI MENA, Dec 2, 2024 / 08:00 am (CNA).A gun was placed near a Nativity scene on Nov. 23 in the town of Faraya in the Keserwan District of Mount Lebanon in the country of Lebanon, sparking outrage among locals.Residents gathered in the town square ringing the church bells in protest. Security forces have been assisting in efforts to calm the tensions.The vandals acted at night, removing the statue of the Baby Jesus and leaving a handgun nearby.Keserwan District is reputed to be the stronghold of Lebanon's Maronite Catholics. It is home to significant landmarks such as the Shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon in Harissa and the Maronite Patriarchate in Bkerke. Many see the act as an attempt to wreak havoc during the Advent season in a country currently hosting a large number of displaced people from war-torn regions. ...

Christmas tree and Nativity scene in Faraya's Public Square, a town in the Keserwan District of Mount Lebanon, in November 2024. / Credit: Municipality of Faraya

ACI MENA, Dec 2, 2024 / 08:00 am (CNA).

A gun was placed near a Nativity scene on Nov. 23 in the town of Faraya in the Keserwan District of Mount Lebanon in the country of Lebanon, sparking outrage among locals.

Residents gathered in the town square ringing the church bells in protest. Security forces have been assisting in efforts to calm the tensions.

The vandals acted at night, removing the statue of the Baby Jesus and leaving a handgun nearby.

Keserwan District is reputed to be the stronghold of Lebanon's Maronite Catholics. It is home to significant landmarks such as the Shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon in Harissa and the Maronite Patriarchate in Bkerke. 

Many see the act as an attempt to wreak havoc during the Advent season in a country currently hosting a large number of displaced people from war-torn regions. Others are awaiting the results of the investigation, according to ACI MENA, CNA's Arabic-language news partner.

Christmas tree and Nativity scene in Faraya's Public Square, a town in the Keserwan District of Mount Lebanon, in November 2024. Credit: The Municipality of Faraya
Christmas tree and Nativity scene in Faraya's Public Square, a town in the Keserwan District of Mount Lebanon, in November 2024. Credit: The Municipality of Faraya

A parish priest's appeal

Regardless of the motives behind the act, the incident provoked widespread anger.

Father Charbel Salameh, a parish priest, joined residents in the town square condemning the vandalism and reassuring locals at the same time.

In a brief video, he said: "We will remain vigilant in protecting our village. We hold on to preserving our unity and harmony, for the Lord brings us together. Perhaps this is an opportunity for all of us to gather here and pray in front of this Nativity scene for those trying to sow discord."

He continued: "Let us not jump to conclusions: May God forgive those attempting to destabilize us. We are here to stay — this is our land, and this is our area. As children of the Church, we pray for whoever committed this act to understand that our sacred places cannot be easily violated."

"What happened calls for great awareness because impulsiveness can harm us in circumstances as such. We pray that the Lord Jesus brings peace to the hearts and minds of the people and our country, Lebanon, in these difficult times," he said.

Following the incident, Salameh replaced the missing statue of the Baby Jesus with another one from St. Charbel Church to temporarily fill the void. Security forces arrived on the scene, cordoned off the area, and launched investigations to analyze the circumstances and identify the perpetrators.

The statement of the municipality

The Municipality of Faraya clarified the circumstances of the incident in a statement:

"On Saturday, at 6 p.m., a citizen was taking photos of his grandchildren in front of the Nativity scene in the town square. Surprisingly, the children found a handgun lying on the ground. The man informed nearby shopkeepers. A municipal officer arrived at the square, inspected the site, and contacted security forces, who arrived promptly."

The statement continued: "Upon investigation, the statue of Baby Jesus was found outside the Nativity scene, among nearby trees. Security forces confiscated the gun and began their investigation, concluding that the statue was not in the manger at the time children were taking photos. This proves that the incident occurred before the children and their grandfather arrived. The photos of the children in question confirm those allegations."

"In light of these events, the Municipality of Faraya urges the residents and all inhabitants to remain united in brotherhood and love, as has always been the case. Faraya has long been a symbol of coexistence and a model for promoting peace, security, and hospitality," the statement concludes.

A record of attacks

Last year, a series of attacks on Christmas symbols in Lebanon occurred, particularly in the northern region of Tripoli, home to an active Christian minority. These attacks ranged from dousing a tree with gasoline at St. George's Church in Mina to throwing a Molotov cocktail at another tree in St. George's Church square in Zaheriyah. 

At the time, these unprecedented acts in the culturally and religiously diverse city were met with widespread condemnation from political, religious, and social leaders of various affiliations.

This story was first published by ACI MENA, CNA's Arabic-language news partner, and has been translated and adapted by CNA.

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null / Credit: Katya Moon/ShutterstockWashington, D.C. Newsroom, Dec 2, 2024 / 07:00 am (CNA).Several Republican lawmakers introduced legislation to clarify that the terms "male," "female," and "sex," among others, refer to the biological distinctions between men and women when those words are used in laws. The Defining Male and Female Act of 2024, introduced by Sen. Roger Marshall from Kansas, aims to prevent government officials and courts from reinterpreting those terms through the lens of gender ideology by identifying men and women based on self-identification instead of biological distinctions.Marshall said in a statement that he "didn't think we would need legislation to tell us that there are only two sexes, male and female, but here we are."According to a news release, the legislation would restore the legal right to reserve girls' and women's sports and scholarships for biological girls and women. The news release also states that the bill would re...

null / Credit: Katya Moon/Shutterstock

Washington, D.C. Newsroom, Dec 2, 2024 / 07:00 am (CNA).

Several Republican lawmakers introduced legislation to clarify that the terms "male," "female," and "sex," among others, refer to the biological distinctions between men and women when those words are used in laws. 

The Defining Male and Female Act of 2024, introduced by Sen. Roger Marshall from Kansas, aims to prevent government officials and courts from reinterpreting those terms through the lens of gender ideology by identifying men and women based on self-identification instead of biological distinctions.

Marshall said in a statement that he "didn't think we would need legislation to tell us that there are only two sexes, male and female, but here we are."

According to a news release, the legislation would restore the legal right to reserve girls' and women's sports and scholarships for biological girls and women. The news release also states that the bill would restore the sex separation of restrooms, locker rooms, dorm rooms, prisons, and shelters for victims of sexual assault. 

"As a physician who has delivered over 5,000 babies, I can confidently say that politicizing children's gender to use them as pawns in their radical woke agenda is not only wrong, it is extremely dangerous," Marshall said. "We must codify the legal definition of sex to be based on science rather than feelings. With our legislation, we can fight back against the Biden-Harris administration's assault on our children." 

Sen. Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, said in a statement that "men and women have biological differences that must be recognized." He added that "women and girls deserve to feel safe and respected in all spaces, public and private." 

The legislation is designed to unwind policies that were enacted during the administration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.

Under the current administration, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) reinterpreted the Affordable Care Act's prohibition on "sex" discrimination to include any discrimination on the basis of so-called "gender identity." The rule was blocked by a judge but would have forced health care providers and insurers to cover transgender drugs and surgeries for both adults and minors. 

The administration also revised Title IX regulations to redefine sex discrimination to include any discrimination based on gender identity. This could have forced publicly funded schools and colleges to allow biological men in women's locker rooms, dormitories, and athletic competitions. However, its enforcement is limited after multiple courts blocked implementation.

"Since taking office in 2021, the Biden-Harris administration has embarked on a radical transgender agenda, preying on vulnerable youth and endangering women and girls in sports and locker rooms," Rep. Mary Miller, R-Illinois, said in a statement. 

"This agenda was soundly rejected by the American people on Nov. 5, and we now have a clear mandate to stop this insanity," Miller said. "The Defining Male and Female Act will prevent any future administration from ever again redefining Title IX, and I'm thrilled to work with Sen. Marshall in sending it to President Trump's desk next year."

The proposed legislation would declare that "every individual is either male or female" and that "an individual's sex can be observed or clinically verified at or before birth." It adds that "in no case is an individual's sex determined by stipulation or self-identification."

The bill would further clarify that laws separating facilities and athletic competitions based on biological sex "do not constitute unequal treatment under the law."

Under the law, the following words would be clearly defined based on biological distinctions: man, woman, male, female, boy, girl, mother, and father.

The proposal adds that the word gender "shall be considered a synonym for sex" and "shall not be considered a synonym or shorthand expression for gender identity, experienced gender, gender expression, or gender role" unless the explicit definitions of that law indicate otherwise.

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Advent wreath / Credit: ShutterstockCNA Staff, Nov 30, 2024 / 04:08 am (CNA).As we prepare for the birth of Christ during Advent, it can be easy to get lost in the hustle and bustle of the season. But as calendars get filled up and preparations are made, here are four resources to help you get ready to enter into the deeper meaning of Christmas.HallowThis year for Advent, take part in Hallow's Advent Pray25 Prayer Challenge beginning on Dec. 2. The prayer challenge includes reading and meditating on "A Severe Mercy" by Sheldon Vanauken alongside Catholic actor Jonathan Roumie, adventurer and survivalist Bear Grylls, and Sister Agnus Dei of the Sisters of Life. Biblical scholar Jeff Cavins and author Francis Chan will also reflect on Scripture. Plus, Roumie and Father Chrysostom Bear will dive into the book "A Divine Intimacy," a book of Carmelite meditations, alongside Catholic actor Kevin James.On Saturdays during the Advent prayer challenge, listeners will encounter God'...

Advent wreath / Credit: Shutterstock

CNA Staff, Nov 30, 2024 / 04:08 am (CNA).

As we prepare for the birth of Christ during Advent, it can be easy to get lost in the hustle and bustle of the season. But as calendars get filled up and preparations are made, here are four resources to help you get ready to enter into the deeper meaning of Christmas.

Hallow

This year for Advent, take part in Hallow's Advent Pray25 Prayer Challenge beginning on Dec. 2. The prayer challenge includes reading and meditating on "A Severe Mercy" by Sheldon Vanauken alongside Catholic actor Jonathan Roumie, adventurer and survivalist Bear Grylls, and Sister Agnus Dei of the Sisters of Life. Biblical scholar Jeff Cavins and author Francis Chan will also reflect on Scripture. Plus, Roumie and Father Chrysostom Bear will dive into the book "A Divine Intimacy," a book of Carmelite meditations, alongside Catholic actor Kevin James.

On Saturdays during the Advent prayer challenge, listeners will encounter God's love through music with Gwen Stefani, Lauren Daigle, Matt Maher, and Sarah Kroger. 

Hallow's Advent Pray25 Prayer Challenge will include music from Gwen Stefani and Lauren Daigle, among other, and readings and meditations with Catholic actors Jonathan Roumie and Kevin James and adventurer Bear Grylls, along with several others. Credit: Hallow
Hallow's Advent Pray25 Prayer Challenge will include music from Gwen Stefani and Lauren Daigle, among other, and readings and meditations with Catholic actors Jonathan Roumie and Kevin James and adventurer Bear Grylls, along with several others. Credit: Hallow

Ascension

Join Father Mike Schmitz for Face to Face: Advent with Fr. Mike Schmitz on the Ascension app. Schmitz will take you on a journey through daily video reflections and Scripture passages to discover who God is, who we are, and how we are made worthy to stand in his presence. The theme of the program focuses on the idea of how we would live Advent differently if we knew that Christmas Day was the day we were going to die. One would have to live it with more purpose, intentionality, and grace. Through this Advent program, Schmitz encourages us to live Advent differently and prepares us to meet God face to face.

Ascension's "Face to Face: Advent with Fr. Mike Schmitz". Credit: Ascension
Ascension's "Face to Face: Advent with Fr. Mike Schmitz". Credit: Ascension

Word On Fire

Bishop Robert Barron's "Advent Gospel Reflections" is a devotional booklet that invites readers into the prayerful nature of the season. It features the full Gospel reading for each day of Advent, a daily reflection from Bishop Barron, and space for journaling and to answer reflection questions. This book is great for an individual seeking to grow in their faith during Advent as well as families or parishes seeking to grow together. 

EWTN Religious Catalogue 

The EWTN Religious Catalogue offers a variety of Advent devotionals including "Advent Reflections: Meditations for a Holy Advent," "Advent with Our Lady of Fatima" by Donna Marie Cooper O'Boyle, and "The Jesse Tree: An Advent Devotion" by Eric and Suzan Sammons. Each of these devotionals offer daily reflections and meditations to help you find peace in Christ amid the hustle and bustle. [Editor's note: EWTN is CNA's parent company.]

Have a blessed Advent!

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Workshop of Gerard Seghers, "Saint Andrew," ca. 1637. / Credit: Register Files / Public DomainNational Catholic Register, Nov 30, 2024 / 04:48 am (CNA).St. Andrew, whose feast day is Nov. 30, was one of the two initial disciples of John the Baptist who encountered Jesus at the beginning of John's Gospel. He was one of Jesus' closest disciples, but many people know little about him.St. Andrew was the brother of St. Peter, also known as Simon bar-Jonah. He and Andrew shared the same father, so the latter would have been known as Andrew bar-Jonah.Andrew is regularly mentioned after Simon Peter, which suggests that he was Peter's younger brother. Like his brother Peter, and their partners James and John, Andrew was initially a fisherman on the Sea of Galilee.Here are 8 more things to know and share about St. Andrew the Apostle:1) What does the name "Andrew" mean?  The name Andrew (Greek, Andreas) is related to the Greek word for "man" (Aner, or, in the genitive, Andros)....

Workshop of Gerard Seghers, "Saint Andrew," ca. 1637. / Credit: Register Files / Public Domain

National Catholic Register, Nov 30, 2024 / 04:48 am (CNA).

St. Andrew, whose feast day is Nov. 30, was one of the two initial disciples of John the Baptist who encountered Jesus at the beginning of John's Gospel. He was one of Jesus' closest disciples, but many people know little about him.

St. Andrew was the brother of St. Peter, also known as Simon bar-Jonah. He and Andrew shared the same father, so the latter would have been known as Andrew bar-Jonah.

Andrew is regularly mentioned after Simon Peter, which suggests that he was Peter's younger brother. Like his brother Peter, and their partners James and John, Andrew was initially a fisherman on the Sea of Galilee.

Here are 8 more things to know and share about St. Andrew the Apostle:

1) What does the name "Andrew" mean?  

The name Andrew (Greek, Andreas) is related to the Greek word for "man" (Aner, or, in the genitive, Andros). It originally meant something like "manly," expressing the parents' hopes for their baby boy.

Interestingly, Andrew's name is of Greek origin, not Aramaic. Pope Benedict XVI commented:

"The first striking characteristic of Andrew is his name: It is not Hebrew, as might have been expected, but Greek, indicative of a certain cultural openness in his family that cannot be ignored. We are in Galilee, where the Greek language and culture are quite present [General Audience, June 14, 2006]."

The fact that their father — Jonah (or Jonas) — gave his elder son (Simon) an Aramaic name and his younger son (Andrew) a Greek name reflects the mixed Jewish-Gentile environment of Galilee.

2) How close was he to Jesus?

In the synoptic Gospels and Acts, the 12 apostles are always listed in three group of four individuals. The first of these groups indicates those who were the closest to Jesus. It includes the two pairs of brothers: (1) Peter and Andrew, the sons of Jonah, and (2) James and John, the sons of Zebedee.

Andrew was thus one of the four disciples closest to Jesus, but he seems to have been the least close of the four.

This is reflected in the fact that, several times, Peter, James and John seem to have privileged access to Jesus, while Andrew is not present.

For example, Peter, James and John were those present for the Transfiguration, but Andrew was not. They were the closest three, while Andrew was a distant fourth.

This is ironic.

3) Why the irony of this more 'distant' relationship?

Because Andrew was one of the first followers of Jesus. In fact, he discovered Jesus before his brother Peter did.

Indeed, he was one of the two initial disciples of John the Baptist who encountered Jesus at the beginning of John's Gospel.

Because he followed Jesus before St. Peter and the others, he is called the Protoklete or "First-Called" apostle.

Pope Benedict comments:

"He was truly a man of faith and hope; and one day he heard John the Baptist proclaiming Jesus as: 'the Lamb of God' (John 1: 36); so he was stirred, and with another unnamed disciple followed Jesus, the one whom John had called 'the Lamb of God.' The Evangelist says that 'they saw where he was staying; and they stayed with him that day...' (John 1: 37-39).

Thus, Andrew enjoyed precious moments of intimacy with Jesus. The account continues with one important annotation: 'One of the two who heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. He first found his brother Simon, and said to him, 'We have found the Messiah' (which means Christ). He brought him to Jesus' (John 1: 40-43), straightaway showing an unusual apostolic spirit.

Andrew, then, was the first of the Apostles to be called to follow Jesus. Exactly for this reason the liturgy of the Byzantine Church honors him with the nickname: 'Protokletos' [protoclete], which means, precisely, 'the first called.'"

4) What do the Gospels reveal to us about St. Andrew?

There are three notable incidents. The first occurs when Jesus performs the multiplication of loaves. Pope Benedict notes:

"The Gospel traditions mention Andrew's name in particular on another three occasions that tell us something more about this man. The first is that of the multiplication of the loaves in Galilee. On that occasion, it was Andrew who pointed out to Jesus the presence of a young boy who had with him five barley loaves and two fish: not much, he remarked, for the multitudes who had gathered in that place (cf. John 6: 8-9).

In this case, it is worth highlighting Andrew's realism. He noticed the boy, that is, he had already asked the question: 'but what good is that for so many?' (ibid.), and recognized the insufficiency of his minimal resources. Jesus, however, knew how to make them sufficient for the multitude of people who had come to hear him."

5) When else does Andrew come to the forefront?

A second instance is when he and the other core disciples question Jesus about his statement that the beautiful stones of the Temple will be torn down.

Pope Benedict notes:

"The second occasion was at Jerusalem. As he left the city, a disciple drew Jesus' attention to the sight of the massive walls that supported the Temple. The Teacher's response was surprising: he said that of those walls not one stone would be left upon another. Then Andrew, together with Peter, James and John, questioned him: 'Tell us, when will this be, and what will be the sign when these things are all to be accomplished?' (Mark 13: 1-4).

In answer to this question Jesus gave an important discourse on the destruction of Jerusalem and on the end of the world, in which he asked his disciples to be wise in interpreting the signs of the times and to be constantly on their guard.

From this event we can deduce that we should not be afraid to ask Jesus questions but at the same time that we must be ready to accept even the surprising and difficult teachings that he offers us."

6) Is there a third instance in which the Gospels reveal St. Andrew's importance?

In a third instance, St. Andrew — with his Greek name — serves as a bridge between Jewish and Gentile followers of Jesus. Pope Benedict explains:

"Lastly, a third initiative of Andrew is recorded in the Gospels: the scene is still Jerusalem, shortly before the Passion. For the Feast of the Passover, John recounts, some Greeks had come to the city, probably proselytes or God-fearing men who had come up to worship the God of Israel at the Passover Feast. Andrew and Philip, the two Apostles with Greek names, served as interpreters and mediators of this small group of Greeks with Jesus.

The Lord's answer to their question — as so often in John's Gospel — appears enigmatic, but precisely in this way proves full of meaning. Jesus said to the two disciples and, through them, to the Greek world: 'The hour has come for the Son of man to be glorified. I solemnly assure you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the earth and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit' (12: 23-24). 

Jesus wants to say: Yes, my meeting with the Greeks will take place, but not as a simple, brief conversation between myself and a few others, motivated above all by curiosity. The hour of my glorification will come with my death, which can be compared with the falling into the earth of a grain of wheat. My death on the Cross will bring forth great fruitfulness: in the Resurrection the 'dead grain of wheat' — a symbol of myself crucified — will become the bread of life for the world; it will be a light for the peoples and cultures.

Yes, the encounter with the Greek soul, with the Greek world, will be achieved in that profundity to which the grain of wheat refers, which attracts to itself the forces of heaven and earth and becomes bread.

In other words, Jesus was prophesying about the Church of the Greeks, the Church of the pagans, the Church of the world, as a fruit of his Pasch."

7) What happened to Andrew in later years?

Pope Benedict noted:

"Some very ancient traditions not only see Andrew, who communicated these words to the Greeks, as the interpreter of some Greeks at the meeting with Jesus recalled here, but consider him the Apostle to the Greeks in the years subsequent to Pentecost. They enable us to know that for the rest of his life he was the preacher and interpreter of Jesus for the Greek world.

Peter, his brother, traveled from Jerusalem through Antioch and reached Rome to exercise his universal mission; Andrew, instead, was the Apostle of the Greek world. So it is that in life and in death they appear as true brothers — a brotherhood that is symbolically expressed in the special reciprocal relations of the See of Rome and of Constantinople, which are truly Sister Churches."

 8) How did St. Andrew die?

Pope Benedict noted:

"A later tradition, as has been mentioned, tells of Andrew's death at Patras [in Greece], where he too suffered the torture of crucifixion.

At that supreme moment, however, like his brother Peter, he asked to be nailed to a cross different from the Cross of Jesus.

In his case it was a diagonal or X-shaped cross, which has thus come to be known as 'St Andrew's cross.'

This is what the Apostle is claimed to have said on that occasion, according to an ancient story (which dates back to the beginning of the sixth century), entitled The Passion of Andrew: 

'Hail, O Cross, inaugurated by the Body of Christ and adorned with his limbs as though they were precious pearls. Before the Lord mounted you, you inspired an earthly fear. Now, instead, endowed with heavenly love, you are accepted as a gift.

'Believers know of the great joy that you possess, and of the multitude of gifts you have prepared. I come to you, therefore, confident and joyful, so that you too may receive me exultant as a disciple of the One who was hung upon you. ... O blessed Cross, clothed in the majesty and beauty of the Lord's limbs! ... Take me, carry me far from men, and restore me to my Teacher, so that, through you, the one who redeemed me by you, may receive me. Hail, O Cross; yes, hail indeed!'

Here, as can be seen, is a very profound Christian spirituality. It does not view the Cross as an instrument of torture but rather as the incomparable means for perfect configuration to the Redeemer, to the grain of wheat that fell into the earth.

Here we have a very important lesson to learn: Our own crosses acquire value if we consider them and accept them as a part of the Cross of Christ, if a reflection of his light illuminates them."

This article was originally published by the National Catholic Register on Nov. 27, 2013, and has been updated and adapted for CNA.

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Soren and Ever Johnson run Trinity House + Cafe and Trinity House Communications in Leesburg, Virginia, and shared with CNA how their mutual love of St. John Paul II led them to open Trinity House and dedicate their lives to full-time ministry. / Credit: Migi FabaraCNA Staff, Nov 30, 2024 / 06:00 am (CNA).For Soren and Ever Johnson, it was love at first sight when they met on the steps of the Dominican Priory in Krakow, Poland, 24 years ago. Within a few weeks, the pair knew they wanted to marry and dedicate their life together to promoting Pope John Paul II's new evangelization. Last month the couple marked the 10th anniversary of one of the fruits of their ministry: Trinity House Cafe, which they operate in Leesburg, Virginia.In a recent interview with CNA, the Johnsons shared how their mutual love of St. John Paul II led them to open Trinity House on Oct. 24, 2014, and dedicate their lives to full-time ministry. "With our marriage, it was a gift of love at first si...

Soren and Ever Johnson run Trinity House + Cafe and Trinity House Communications in Leesburg, Virginia, and shared with CNA how their mutual love of St. John Paul II led them to open Trinity House and dedicate their lives to full-time ministry. / Credit: Migi Fabara

CNA Staff, Nov 30, 2024 / 06:00 am (CNA).

For Soren and Ever Johnson, it was love at first sight when they met on the steps of the Dominican Priory in Krakow, Poland, 24 years ago. Within a few weeks, the pair knew they wanted to marry and dedicate their life together to promoting Pope John Paul II's new evangelization. 

Last month the couple marked the 10th anniversary of one of the fruits of their ministry: Trinity House Cafe, which they operate in Leesburg, Virginia.

In a recent interview with CNA, the Johnsons shared how their mutual love of St. John Paul II led them to open Trinity House on Oct. 24, 2014, and dedicate their lives to full-time ministry. 

"With our marriage, it was a gift of love at first sight and just finding our true love and best friend for life, and knowing that very quickly," Soren told CNA. "Then, just given our inspiration, our faith, and the witness of our own parents and families, we saw how marriage is not a private good. It's a gift, a sacrament that has such beautiful dimensions with regard to the community, to family."

Rather than keeping their marriage and faith "privatized," Soren recalled that they "both felt very deeply early on in our marriage that we've been given this gift to share with others. And if we don't share it, we really are not stewarding the gift as God intended."

Trinity House Cafe + Market in Leesburg, Virginia, is located in a historic registry home dating back to the 1700s and was once home to two generations of Methodist ministers. Last month, Trinity House Community launched a $450,000 capital campaign to buy the building to be able to continue in its flagship location and as the headquarters of a growing ministry to families. Credit: Migi Fabara
Trinity House Cafe + Market in Leesburg, Virginia, is located in a historic registry home dating back to the 1700s and was once home to two generations of Methodist ministers. Last month, Trinity House Community launched a $450,000 capital campaign to buy the building to be able to continue in its flagship location and as the headquarters of a growing ministry to families. Credit: Migi Fabara

The founding of Trinity House

The couple, who are parents to five children ages 13 to 21, explained how the cafe was an outgrowth of following their deep sense of mission. 

Ever was working for George Weigel at the time, a Catholic intellectual and author who was then writing his famous biography of Pope John Paul II.  

"There was this steady stream of people coming through his office saying, 'How do we get involved in the new evangelization?'" Ever explained. "So eventually, Soren and I said, 'Let's put together a group of these people,'" and the John Paul II Fellowship was born. For many years, the group held sponsored events such as Masses, talks, seminars, dinners, and other cultural and social events. 

Yet, after a while, Ever said the couple felt they had been "preaching to the choir," and what they were doing wasn't quite the new evangelization. So they told the group: "Let's open a place in public and continue to do all of these cool events, but in public, where you lower the barriors to entry." 

After several years of fundraising and searching for a location, the Johnsons stumbled upon the building that was to become Trinity House Cafe. It was Sunday, April 27, 2014, and they were driving home from the simulcast celebration of John Paul II's canonization Mass at the National Shrine in Washington, D.C. 

"[While] we drove back into Leesburg on our way home, we saw the 'For Lease' sign right under the Church and Market Street signs in the front yard," Ever said, laughing: "And I was like, 'Oh my gosh, I think that's it! That's incredible!' [John Paul II] was all about bringing the Church and market together." 

Having leased the building since the cafe's founding, the Johnsons are now hoping to purchase it. They were made an exclusive offer from their landlord for a limited time and have decided to go for it. 

"Earlier in November, Trinity House Community launched a $450,000 capital campaign to secure the building as both its flagship cafe and market location and the headquarters of its growing ministry to families," Soren told CNA. 

A historic registry home dating back to the 1700s, the building was once home to two generations of Methodist ministers. 

Last month, Trinity House Cafe + Market celebrated its 10th anniversary. Located in Leesburg, Virginia, the cafe is part of a ministry founded by Soren and Ever Johnson. Credit:Migi Fabara
Last month, Trinity House Cafe + Market celebrated its 10th anniversary. Located in Leesburg, Virginia, the cafe is part of a ministry founded by Soren and Ever Johnson. Credit:Migi Fabara

The Trinitarian icon

Hanging above the fireplace in the Trinity House Cafe is the Trinity icon by the Russian monk Andre Rublev. Its prominent display does not serve a merely aesthetic purpose but represents the core of the Johnsons' mission both at Trinity House and with their new evangelization curriculum model, "Heaven in Your Home." 

Five years after the Johnsons opened Trinity House, they began teaching this family-life model.

"St. John Paul II said that the future of humanity passes by way of the family," Soren said. "And if we go back to the catechism, we are really reminded of how it says that the Christian family is a communion of persons, a sign and image of the communion of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit."

Having "always been deeply moved by the visual depiction of the communion of divine persons," in Rublev's icon, the Johnsons developed their curriculum based on Church teaching about the Trinity.

"The mission is to inspire families to make home 'a taste of heaven' for the renewal of faith and culture," Ever said. 

The Johnsons will also be releasing a new book in early 2025 titled "Heaven in Your Home Letters and Guide: Nurturing Your Holy Family," which includes a foreword by Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly of the Knights of Columbus. The new release is a follow-up to their book "Heaven in Your Home Letters and Guide: Inspiration and Tools for Building a Trinity House."

Trinity House Cafe + Market in Leesburg, Virginia, offers beverages, food, and religious art and items in a cozy, peaceful atmosphere. Credit: Migi Fabara
Trinity House Cafe + Market in Leesburg, Virginia, offers beverages, food, and religious art and items in a cozy, peaceful atmosphere. Credit: Migi Fabara

Fostering relationships 

The cafe has done more over the years than offer hot beverages, freshly baked goods, and beautiful religious items — it's been a place for relationships to grow, including some romances.

"I think we're on to three couples who have met at the cafe and gone on to the beautiful gift of marriage," Soren shared. "That's just a very striking example of the friendships that are begun and strengthened here."

Daniel Thetford met his wife at a Bible study at Trinity House and told CNA: "I feel like any time we stop there it's just really warm and hospitable — the place everyone envisions from their favorite book or movie or TV show. It really feels like an episode of 'Gilmore Girls' or something." 

Thetford and his wife continue to visit the cafe whenever they are able and even took some of their engagement photos there.

Located across the street from the Leesburg Courthouse, the Trinity House Cafe + Market draws people from all walks of life.
Located across the street from the Leesburg Courthouse, the Trinity House Cafe + Market draws people from all walks of life. "The faith is here if you want to go deeper, but if you just want to come into a beautiful cafe and be welcomed, listened to, and served, then that is a wonderful experience, and it can be just that," Soren Johnson, the cafe's proprietor, told CNA. Credit: Migi Fabara

Located across the street from the Leesburg Courthouse, the cafe draws people from all walks of life, Soren said, noting that "the faith is here if you want to go deeper, but if you just want to come into a beautiful cafe and be welcomed, listened to, and served, then that is a wonderful experience, and it can be just that." 

The point, he continued, is that "beauty can be the first part of a conversation that leads people into the truth and goodness that we know." 

Several customers at Trinity House have told the Johnsons that their time at the cafe has led them to return to the faith. 

"People are embodied," Ever added. "That was a big focus of JP II, as well, to stop having the faith in your head. If you create an embodied context that is healthy, that gives people the input that they need, you're going to get a certain output. And that's what happens: People turn to deeper conversations when they're in that environment."

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Bishop John Sherrington, Auxiliary Bishop of Westminster and Lead Bishop for Life Issues said that he hopes and prays the Bill might be rejected at a later stage in the legislative process. / Credit: Mazur/catholicchurch.org.uk (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0).London, England, Nov 29, 2024 / 12:20 pm (CNA).The Catholic bishops of England and Wales have expressed dismay after a historic vote today, Nov. 29, during which Members of Parliament (MPs) voted in favor of assisted suicide.Following a five-hour, Second Reading debate in the House of Commons, 330 MPs voted in favor of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, while 275 voted against it. While this does not mean that assisted suicide is now law in England and Wales, it does mean the Bill will now progress to the next legislative stage. The last time MPs voted on the issue in 2015, the Bill was voted down at Second Reading and progressed no further.Following the vote today, Bishop John Sherrington, Lead Bishop for Life Issu...

Bishop John Sherrington, Auxiliary Bishop of Westminster and Lead Bishop for Life Issues said that he hopes and prays the Bill might be rejected at a later stage in the legislative process. / Credit: Mazur/catholicchurch.org.uk (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0).

London, England, Nov 29, 2024 / 12:20 pm (CNA).

The Catholic bishops of England and Wales have expressed dismay after a historic vote today, Nov. 29, during which Members of Parliament (MPs) voted in favor of assisted suicide.

Following a five-hour, Second Reading debate in the House of Commons, 330 MPs voted in favor of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, while 275 voted against it. 

While this does not mean that assisted suicide is now law in England and Wales, it does mean the Bill will now progress to the next legislative stage. 

The last time MPs voted on the issue in 2015, the Bill was voted down at Second Reading and progressed no further.

Following the vote today, Bishop John Sherrington, Lead Bishop for Life Issues, said that he hopes and prays the Bill might be rejected at a later stage in the legislative process.

In a statement released this afternoon, Sherrington said: "We are disappointed that MPs have voted in favor of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill progressing through Parliament. We believe that this bill is flawed in principle and also contains particular clauses that are of concern. We ask the Catholic community to pray that Members of Parliament will have the wisdom to reject this bill at a later stage in its progress."

Sherrington said that bishops were particularly concerned about a lack of protection for conscientious objection. 

"In addition to being opposed to the principle of assisted suicide, we are particularly concerned with clauses in the bill that prevent doctors from properly exercising conscientious objection, provide inadequate protection to hospices and care homes that do not wish to participate in assisted suicide and allow doctors to initiate conversations about assisted suicide," he said. "We ask that these voices be heard in the next stages of the Bill to strengthen the deep concerns about this proposed legislation."

The Bill would allow assisted suicide for people aged 18 and over, who are terminally ill and have a prognosis of six months or less.

Sherrington went on to say that real compassion involves supporting people at the end of their lives. 

"We have expressed the view, during this debate, that genuine compassion involves walking with those who need care, especially during sickness, disability, and old age," he said. "The vocation to care is at the heart of the lives of so many people who look after their loved ones and is the sign of a truly compassionate society. It is essential that we nurture and renew the innate call that many people have to compassionately care for others."

Sherrington continued: "It remains the case that improving the quality and availability of palliative care offers the best pathway to reducing suffering at the end of life. We will continue to advocate for this and support those who work tirelessly to care for the dying in our hospices, hospitals and care homes."

Meanwhile, pro-life campaigners have vowed not to give up. 

Spokesperson for Right To Life UK, Catherine Robinson, said: "This is just the first stage of a long journey through the Commons and then the Lords for this dangerous assisted suicide Bill. We are now going to redouble our efforts to ensure we fight this Bill at every stage and ensure that it is defeated to protect the most vulnerable."

"A very large number of MPs spoke out against this extreme proposal in Parliament today. They made it clear that this dangerous and extreme change to our laws would put the vulnerable at risk and see the ending of many lives through assisted suicide," Robinson said.

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