In this week’s edition:

• +Vigano excommunicated

• Eucharistic Pilgrimage route visits prisoners

• Rupnik mosaics up for removal in Lourdes?

• KS Supreme Court strikes down pro-life laws

• and more!

Automatic excommunication for Archbishop Viganò

Summary: After finding +Vigano guilty of the canonical crime of schism, the Vatican doctrine office declared his automatic excommunication.

Details:

• The decision was reached on July 4th and relayed to +Vigano on July 5

• The office’s statement cites “…his refusal to recognize and submit to the Supreme Pontiff, his rejection of communion with the members of the Church subject to him, and of the legitimacy and magisterial authority of the Second Vatican Council…”

• “The dicastery declared the latae sententiae excommunication…”, which can only be lifted by the Holy See

Why we care: We’re glad to see the Vatican take such a firm stand on schism, communicating the importance of communion with its punishment. We just wish Rome would mete out excommunications a bit more even-handedly. We wouldn’t blame the more radical traditionalists for feeling vindicated in their belief that Pope Francis is targeting the Extraordinary Form and orthodoxy more broadly when clergy like Rupnik, Fr. James Martin, and the German bishops are seemingly allowed to get away with barely a slap on the wrist. That aside, let’s pray for +Vigano to repent and to enter back into communion with Rome.

Seton Route stops at prison for Mass and procession

Summary: The Seton Route of the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage stopped at the Pickaway Correctional Institution near Columbus, OH, offering Mass and a procession to the inmates.

Details:

• 35 prisoners attended the Mass, which was celebrated by +Earl Fernandes, and 25 were able to join the subsequent procession

• The inmates were also offered adoration and confession

• The pilgrims also visited an old-age home later in the day, bringing the Blessed Sacrament to the residents

Why we care: What a beautiful ministry! It’s easy to think of inmates as irreligious criminals, but the article quotes two prisoners who are cradle Catholics and attend Mass at the correctional facility. Our brothers and sisters in Christ need to know that even though they may be physically separated from the Body of Christ - His Church - they will never be spiritually separated from her. We are all pilgrims on this journey together, and as one inmate said, “It’s uplifting. It’s good for the spirit.” Let us strive in our own lives to minister to our forgotten spiritual brethren, and may our example serve to bring other souls to Christ. Please continue to keep these wonderful pilgrims in your prayers.

Bishop of Lourdes to tear down Rupnik artwork - but when?

Summary: +Micas of Lourdes announced his personal desire to remove the alleged abuser’s mosaics, but cited “strong opposition” as a hinderance to a final decision.

Details:

• The bishop’s July 2 statement said he needed more time “to discern what should be done,” and that his desire to tear down the art “would add even more division and violence”

• +Micas says he has received many letters from Catholics on both sides of the issue

• To start, the mosaics will no longer be illuminated during the nightly Rosary

• The bishop said he will continue to discern what should be done with the artwork

Why we care: We’re a bit tired of talking about this, but especially tired of the hesitancy. We understand the concerns of “cancel culture” and that there were religious artists with immoral personal lives throughout history, but to us there are two important distinctions. Firstly, without specific examples, it’s tough to say that the ‘sinner artists’ of history were doing anything nearly as horrid, and whether they repented to their sins. Secondly, the fact that it is alleged that the mosaics were involved with some of Rupnik’s abuse brings a stain to the artwork that might not be attached to other pieces of art. We think the mosaics should be removed, plain and simple, to demonstrate that the Church won’t stand for abuse.

Kansas Supreme Court overturns two abortion laws

Summary: On July 5 the Kansas Supreme Court issued rulings overturning two laws restricting abortion.

Details:

• The first ruling struck down a 2015 law banning dilation and evacuation

• The second ended safety regulations and licensing requirements from a 2011 law

• Both rulings were decided 5-to-1

• The court cited the state’s constitution, which it says provides for the “natural right of personal autonomy”, which they ruled can include “whether to continue a pregnancy.”

Why we care: How gross is it that any abortion, but especially such a violent method, is not only tolerated but now apparently guaranteed by a state’s constitution? We shouldn’t have to say much on this matter, only that we hope for an increase in respect for the sanctity of life in the state of Kansas as well as in societies across the world.

Other stories

• 90% of Peter’s Pence allocated to Vatican operating expenses

• Bl. Carlo Acutis film coming to theaters in 2025

• Biden admin backs off sex-changes for minors, leaves much to be desired

• Judge issues injunction to prevent ‘gender-affirming’ changes to Title IX language

Saint of the Week

St. Benedict

July 11 | Patron of students and Europe

What’s going on:

• Notable Feast Days