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| TUESDAY, AUGUST 20 |
| POPE CALLS FOR PRAYER AND FASTING Pope Francis called on every member of the Catholic Church to pray and fast in penance for the evil of clergy sexual abuse. “It is essential that we, as a Church, be able to acknowledge and condemn, with sorrow and shame, the atrocities perpetrated by consecrated persons, clerics, and all those entrusted with the mission of watching over and caring for those most vulnerable,” said Pope Francis. READ |
| MAN CHOKES PRIEST Fr. Basil Hutsko was attacked and knocked unconscious in the sacristy at his parish in Merrillville, Indiana, after celebrating the Liturgy. Before going unconscious, Fr. Basil heard the attacker say: “This is for all the kids!” Fr. Hutsko was a random target as he is not accused of any sex abuse. READ |
| CARDINAL: DON’T TALK TO MEDIA Cardinal Joseph Tobin sent a letter to the priests of the Archdiocese of Newark suggesting that priests should not speak to reporters about allegations of misconduct against two priests of the archdiocese. Cardinal Tobin said he would be willing “to meet with any brother who wishes to share his concerns regarding allegations.” READ |
| ONE COUNTRY, TWO MIDTERM MAPS Democrats are hopeful for a “blue wave” in the midterm elections. And if polls swing their way, Democrats could make big gains in the House. But even with a “blue wave,” Democrats could still lose seats in the Senate. “The Senate hinges on red, rural states where Democrats are on defense. But the House will be decided by swing, suburban seats where Republicans are highly vulnerable,” said elections analyst Dave Wasserman. READ |
| ECONOMY GROWS Retail sales rose 6.4% year over year in July. Factory output rose 2.8%. Unemployment sits at just 3.9%. Quite simply, Americans are feeling better about the economy. And last year’s tax cuts appear to be the driver behind this rebounding confidence. READ |
| OPRAH PROMOTES ABORTION Oprah Winfrey’s magazine, “O,” promotes the founder of the “Shout your abortion” movement. READ |
| NO MILITARY PARADE President Trump quietly canceled his planned November parade to honor the military because of the expense. He made the decision before waiting for a final sticker price. READ |
| A REAL APOLOGY Bishop Lawrence Persico of Erie, PA, shows us what a real apology to victims looks like. READ |
| ABUSE INVESTIGATIONS Stephen talks with veteran Catholic journalist George Neumayr about how the clerical abuse crisis is ALREADY being constricted to the narratives that enabled it in the first place. WATCH |
| SAINT QUOTE “Life is short, death is certain, and the world to come is everlasting.” -Blessed John Henry Newman (send us your favorite saint quote) |
| SAINT OF THE DAY A man of humble background, and wanting to maintain a simple lifestyle, Saint Pius X endured the trappings of the papacy as best he could. Known for encouraging frequent reception of Holy Communion, and concerned about world affairs, he led the Church in holiness and grace. He was undoubtedly one of the greatest popes of the 20th century. READ |
| DAILY READINGS “It is I who deal death and give life.” (Dt 32:39) READ |
| TRUTH (Click the cartoon for a larger-sized version) |
