In this week’s edition:

• We (un)officially have our first millennial saint!

• Priest gives credence to “cannibal” accusations?

• NY court rules against the Church

• Is Senator Cruz at odds with pro-lifers?

• and more!

Carlo Acutis to be canonized after 2nd miracle recognized

Summary: In a decree on May 23, Pope Francis recognized and approved the 2nd miracle attributed to Acutis’ intercession, opening the door to his canonization. Acutis would be the first Millenial to be canonized.

Details:

• The healing of a 21 year-old woman from Costa Rica has been attributed to Acutis’ intercession

• A date has yet to be set for his canonization, but it is possible that it happens during the Church’s Jubilee Year in 2025

• The papal decree also advances the sainthood causes for 6 other men and 1 woman

Why we care: While it’s beautiful to study the lives of the saints and try to imitate their lives, it’s challenging to identify with a 1st-century martyr or an Italian farmer from the 18th century. Acutis is a person in whom many teens and adults can see themselves. We think a line from this article sums it up perfectly:

Priest who bit woman while defending the Eucharist faces charges

Summary: A Florida priest bit a woman on the forearm during Communion after her actions led him to believe she would desecrate the Holy Eucharist. The priest faces one count of battery

Details:

• The incident took place over two Masses at a church in Florida

• The woman went to two Masses, at both of which Father Rodriguez denied her communion.

• Based on her behavior and refusal to answer questions he suspected she was not in a position to receive.

• After the second denial the woman put her hand into the ciborium “…to just grab another cookie…”, the woman said.

• Video of the Mass shows father’s head move towards the woman’s arm but not the actual bite

Why we care: This story has garnered a bit of attention, and while it’s easy to see how this press could be negative for the Church, we’d like to applaud the good reverend father for his staunch defense of the Holy Eucharist. His apparent disregard for the consequences and concern for the defense of sanctity above all else is a good reminder of a) how holy the Eucharist is, and b) what we ought to be prepared to do in our own lives to defend Christ and the Church, no matter how ridiculous it might seem.

New York court rules Church must pay for abortion coverage

Summary: An appeal by the Diocese of Albany in response to a state law requiring employer health insurance coverage to cover “medically necessary” abortions has been rejected by a New York Court of Appeals.

Details:

• The 2017 rule, made law in 2022 requires coverage of “medically necessary” abortions

• The rule make exemptions for non-profits who inculcate religious values and employ/serve those with the same beliefs

• Because the Church employs and serves people who are not necessarily Catholic it would not be exempt from the law

• The diocese plans to appeal the decision to the Supreme Court

Why we care: It seems like we’ve seen several cases recently in which the courts rule against the Church, and unfortunately this is just another in a long line. We’re no lawyers, but to us this seems like a pretty clear infringement. It’s disappointing to see religious liberty under attack, and it’s especially worrying when cases like this go to the Supreme Court because of the national implications a poor decision could have. We hope you’ll pray for the diocese, for the protection of our liberties, and for a greater respect for life across the world.

Senator Cruz introduces legislation protecting IVF

Summary: In a post from May 20, Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) announced that he and Senator Katie Britt (R-AL) were introducing legislation to protect IVF, putting them at odds with the moral teachings of the Catholic Church.

Details:

• The bill does not compel provision of IVF, but does discourage prohibiting access to the services

• This “discouragement” would come in the form of removing a state’s Medicaid funding if such a ban were enacted

• The full text of the bill is available here

Why we care: Senator Cruz has long been a strong asset to the conservative movement, so it’s disappointing to see him side with a technology the Church judges to be immoral. We understand the desire to have children and are sympathetic to those struggling with infertility, but IVF is not the solution. We see such reproductive technologies as a slippery slope and hope to see our elected officials reflect our beliefs. While this may not be the end of either senator’s political career, it is a good reminder of the kind of consideration we ought to give before casting our votes.

Other stories

• Updates on the Carmelite situation in Arlington, TX

• Jesuit warns that the Society of Jesus is in decline

• Possible miracle at Lourdes as woman recovers her sight

• Catholic publisher, university bring book fairs to Catholic schools

• Kentucky records 0 abortions so far this year

• Chiefs owner defends Butker

• Victory in MN as abortion amendment flounders

Saint of the Week

St. Joan of Arc

The patroness of soldiers, we remember her as we remember our own soldiers who gave their lives in service to our nation. May she intercede for their souls and for all of our soldiers, and may her life be an example to us.

St. Joan of Arc, pray for us!

What’s going on:

• The Eucharistic Pilgrimage is still going on! Let us keep the pilgrims in our prayers.

• As June begins this week so does the month of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

• Notable Feast Days