In this week’s edition:

• Kresta’s legacy

• A new study on belief in the Real Presence

• Bishops advance canonization cause of Wisconsin laywoman

• Senate Republicans stand behind IVF

• and more!

Catholic Radio Icon Al Kresta passes at age 72

Summary: The radio host, author, and Ave Maria founder/executive went home to the Lord after a battle with liver cancer. He is survived by his wife of over 40 years and five children.

Details:

• Kresta was born and raised Catholic, but fell away from his faith, eventually becoming an Evangelical pastor. It wasn’t until an encounter with a Catholic priest on Kresta’s radio show that he reverted.

• In 1997 Kresta was invited by Tom Monaghan (of Domino’s Pizza and Ave Maria University fame) to help him start Ave Maria Radio, which eventually became an affiliate of EWTN.

• Kresta is remembered by his friends and colleagues as “thoroughly converted”, “inspiring”, and “a truly prayerful, gentle, and faithful disciple”.

Why we care: We are incredibly grateful for Mr. Kresta and folks like him for the work they do in bringing the Catholic faith to the world. We’ve certainly been impacted and bettered by his work, whether it be directly when listening to Kresta in the Afternoon or indirectly by the people and resources he’s made available to us through the programming on Catholic radio. Please join us in praying for the repose of his soul and for his family and friends in their time of grief.

Vinea Study: 2/3 of Mass-Going Catholics believe in the Real Presence

Summary: Catholic research firm Vinea has published a new study on the belief of the real presence, the results of which cast doubt on a 2019 Pew Research survey which found that 31% of Catholics believe in the Real Presence.

Details:

• The new study aimed to use language that was more familiar to Catholics

• Half of the participants were given the original Pew wording, while the rest received updated, more Catholic wording.

• The results of their study are more hopeful, showing that 69% of Catholics who attend Mass agree with the Church’s teaching on the Holy Eucharist.

• While only about half of Catholics who rarely attend Mass believe in the Real Presence, over 80% of Catholics who attend at least weekly believe in the Real Presence.

Why we care: We certainly agree with the sentiment attributed to Hans Plate, found of Vinea Research - wording clearly matters when presenting a survey. We’re glad to see the results are higher than what was originally presented by the Pew Research study, but at the same time the results are a little shocking. While not ideal, it’s understandable that those who rarely attend Mass might not be sufficiently catechized. What we find disappointing is that there are people who find it important enough to attend Mass weekly but do not agree with or properly understand the Church’s teaching on the Eucharist. There’s definitely work to be done (we’ll make a callback here to the wonderful work done by Kresta and the other folks in Catholic media), and we hope that the results of this study are a sufficient impetus to encourage further education in and by the Church.

Canonization process for Adele Brise begins

Summary: U.S. bishops voted unanimously to advance the cause of canonization for Adele Brise, a Belgian immigrant living in Wisconsin. The Blessed Mother appeared to Brise on three separate occasions; these are the first and only approved apparitions in the United States.

Details:

• Brise moved to Wisconsin from Belgium with her family in 1855

• In 1859 the Blessed Mother appeared to Brise three times; on the third, Mary urged Brise to offer “Communion for the conversion of sinners” and catechize children

• Brise began visiting families in a 50-mile radius to teach their children the catechism.

• She eventually went on to build a school, and founded a community of laywomen

Why we care: Marian apparitions are such a wonderfully mysterious thing, and it’s fascinating and beautiful to have one so close to home. +Ricken of Green Bay captures why this particular apparition and Brise’s work is so relevant for us today:

As discussed in the previous story, there’s clearly a need for good catechesis, and where better to start than with our children? Let us ask Adele to intercede for us, that we might have the courage and the fortitude to teach the faith. Our Lady of Good Help, pray for us!

All 49 Senate Republicans voice support for IVF

Summary: Each of the 49 Republican Senators signed a statement stating that they “strongly support continued nationwide access to IVF…”, a fertility treatment that runs contrary to Catholic moral teachings.

Details:

• We previously discussed the bill introduced by senators Britt (R-AL) and Cruz (R-TX) that seeks to protect IVF

• Democrats have blocked the bill, claiming it doesn’t do enough to protect IVF

• The Republican statement is in response to what they call “a Summer of Scare Tactics”

Why we care: There are a few points to address here. Quickly we’ll touch on the fact that a) this probably isn’t a critical issue for most voters, and b) drawing attention to these types of issues may “feed a Democratic narrative on a supposed war on IVF”. While valid concerns, we want to focus on the fact that our elected representatives are throwing their support behind an issue that is not pro-family as they claim and results in the death of fertilized embryos, i.e. children. We recognize that politics is not a black-and-white issue. Compromises have to be made - both by the electorate and by the policymakers. That said, the fact that the senators are actively throwing their support behind the issue doesn’t sit right with us, and we hope the faithful will keep things like this in mind when weighing their priorities at the voting booth.

Other stories

• Pope Francis becomes first pontiff to address the G7 Summit

• Polish priest and martyr beatified in Krakow

• Abortions in South Carolina down 80%

• Pro-life amendment to the NDAA approved in the House

• Coverage of the USCCB plenary assembly:

  • Bishops review CCHD while demonstrators stump for the initiative

  • A new framework for indigenous Catholics

  • Apostolic nuncio addresses bishops

• Updates on previous stories:

  • We previously included a story on a transgender hermit in Kentucky. A USCCB study has been requested on the heels of this announcement.

  • Remember that priest that blew a bunch of money on phone games? Here’s how that can happen.

  • Follow-up on Pope Francis’ meeting with comedians

Saint of the Week

St. Thomas More

June 22 | Patron of adopted children lawyers, civil servants, politicians, and difficult marriages.

"The king's good servant, but God's first."

What’s going on:

• Notable Feast Days