Ministers move to formalise co-operation on mother and baby home investigations

Maximising cross-border co-operation on investigations into mother and baby homes will help secure justice for victims and survivors, Stormont’s deputy First Minister has said.

Emma Little-Pengelly was commenting after the issue was elevated to a formal agenda item at Friday’s meeting of the North South Ministerial Council (NSMC) in Dublin.

The move was requested by Stormont’s leaders as part of ongoing moves to establish a public inquiry north of the border.

In response, Taoiseach Simon Harris said his government would strive to be “helpful” when it came to issues such as accessing records of institutions that were located in the Republic of Ireland.

Ms Little-Pengelly said north south co-operation was also important to ensure victims and survivors of Northern Ireland-based institutions who now live south of the border could still access any redress payments that emerge from the Stormont-commissioned probe.

The deputy First Minister said a number of cross-border issues had arisen in the process of designing Stormont’s statutory inquiry.

“We want to make sure that those participating in this inquiry can get full access to the records, should there be medical records or records in relation to those institutions,” she told reporters after the NSMC plenary hearing at Dublin Castle.

“We also should recognise that, at times, women from Northern Ireland were in institutions in the Republic of Ireland and from the Republic of Ireland in Northern Ireland, and those babies that were taken in that process were often sent across the border, and their records and what happened to those children, even if that were onward to travel outside of this island, that is held also by different bodies across this island.

“And importantly, in terms of redress, trying to make sure that if someone was born in an institution in Northern Ireland, but now residing in the Republic of Ireland, that they should be able to keep all of that redress, so that requires some technical work to make sure that that doesn’t impact in terms of benefits or in tax reasons.

“So there’s a wide number of areas that we want to co-operate to make sure absolutely that those women and those born in those institutions get the justice that they deserve and get the redress that they deserve.”

In 2021, Stormont-commissioned experts recommended that a public inquiry be established to investigate mother and baby homes, Magdalene laundries and workhouses in Northern Ireland.

A non-statutory independent panel was also set up to allow those who were sent to the institutions, and their families, to give evidence in a less adversarial format.

A public consultation exercise was launched earlier this year to ensure that victims and survivors were offered an opportunity to shape the forthcoming inquiry.

A previous academic research study outlined the scale of mistreatment endured by thousands of women and girls in the institutions.

The work, by Queen’s University and Ulster University, found that more than 14,000 girls and women went through the doors of mother and baby homes, Magdalene laundries and other institutions in Northern Ireland between 1922 and 1990.

It found that many were mistreated, held against their will and forced to give up children for adoption.

Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O’Neill said it was important to formalise the issue as an agenda item at the NSMC.

“It’s been an area of co-operation for some time but, as we know, a lot of these mother and baby homes were institutions run by institutions that operated across the island, and there was a lot of movement,” she said.

“So it’s important that in terms of record maintenance, etc, that we have a very strong joined up approach to ensuring that when it comes to getting access to individuals’ information, that we have the maximum information to give to them.

We're certainly willing to be as helpful and co-operative as possible, because at the end of the day, there were babies and mothers wronged on this island, and it was a wrong that didn't recognise borders or partition

Taoiseach Simon Harris

“So it was more to put it on a formalised structure (at the NSMC), as opposed to it just perhaps being raised on some occasions.”

Mr Harris said the government in Dublin was willing to help.

“There will be issues in relation to access to records, there will be issues in relation to income disregards and making sure that our systems understand that as well,” he said.

“And we’re certainly willing to be as helpful and co-operative as possible, because at the end of the day, there were babies and mothers wronged on this island, and it was a wrong that didn’t recognise borders or partition.”

Body of Armenian patriarch on path to possible sainthood returns to Lebanon

On Thursday, Sept. 12, the Armenian Catholic Patriarchate held a grand ceremony in Beirut’s Martyrs’ Square to welcome the remains of cardinal and patriarch Gregory Peter XV Agagianian from Rome. His body will be laid to rest in the Armenian Catholic Cathedral of St. Elias and St. Gregory the Illuminator in downtown Beirut.

Agagianian, known for his strong opposition to communist rule during the Cold War era, became a prominent figure in Catholic Church history. He was a leading candidate for the papacy on two occasions. The process of his beatification, a step toward sainthood in the Catholic Church, began in Rome on Oct. 28, 2022.

The late Armenian Catholic patriarch’s remains arrived in Lebanon in a glass casket carried by 12 young Lebanese men from various religious denominations, symbolizing interfaith unity. 

As the Armenian scouts’ band played, attendees reached out to touch the casket for blessings. Some threw rice and rose petals on the casket — a Middle Eastern tradition symbolizing a joyful welcome. 

The ceremony, attended by various political and religious figures, began with a documentary about the late patriarch’s life.

In a heartfelt speech, the current Armenian Catholic Patriarch, Raphaël Bedros XXI Minassian, said: “We brought him to Lebanon to show the world our unity, solidarity, and mutual love among denominations and all parties. Young men from various denominations carried the casket, representing a true reflection of what a Lebanese family looks like.”

Maronite Patriarch Cardinal Bechara Boutros al-Rahi, leader of Lebanon’s largest Christian community, confirmed that Aghajanian’s tomb would be in the Armenian Catholic Cathedral of St. Elias and St. Gregory the Illuminator in Dabbas Square, Beirut.

“He is among the incorruptibles of the Church,” he added. “We hope that this miracle will facilitate the plea for his beatification. In any case, he will be a blessed and great saint. We congratulate the Armenian Catholic Church, all churches, and all of Lebanon. God’s wonders are great in his saints.”

Bishop Krikor Badishah, auxiliary bishop of the patriarchal Diocese of Beirut, stated: “Thanks to the magnificent presence of numerous participants, Martyrs’ Square is once again not a mere location but a national symbol that unites all Lebanese, regardless of their affiliations. It is a beacon of hope shining over our beloved homeland, constantly reminding us of our shared values and our unbreakable unity.”

During the ceremony, singer Layal Nehmé Matar performed, accompanied by the Lebanese army’s band, adding an atmosphere of reverence and solemnity.

The beatification process

The initiative to beatify Agagianian began with former Armenian Catholic Patriarch Krikor Bedros XX Ghabroyan. It gained momentum when the current patriarch, Minassian, requested the opening of Agagianian’s tomb about two years ago, revealing his apparently incorrupt body.

While there is no official protocol in the Church for determining whether a body is incorrupt and incorruptibility is not considered an indication of sainthood, many saints are considered to be incorrupt. The formal process for his possible canonization was launched in Rome on Oct. 28, 2022. 

This stage involved a thorough investigation, examining all aspects of Agagianian’s life and virtues. Information was gathered from written documents and contemporary witnesses, as well as accounts of miracles attributed to his intercession. The process is now progressing rapidly.

The legacy of Patriarch Agagianian

Agagianian was renowned for his virtue. The Virgin Mary held a special place in his spirituality, and he was devoted to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Eucharist. He was an advocate for justice and served the marginalized, including the elderly, orphans, and people with disabilities. Even after becoming a bishop, he continued to visit the Armenian diaspora worldwide.

Agagianian held several significant positions in the Church. Named a cardinal by Pope Pius XII in 1946, he was head of the Sacred Congregation for the Propagation of the Faith (Propaganda Fide), the future Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, from 1958 to 1970 and presided over the papal commission responsible for drafting laws for Eastern Catholic Churches. 

He was also appointed by Pope Paul VI to serve as one of the four moderators of the last years of the Second Vatican Council (1962–1965), a landmark event in modern Catholic history. At a time when the pope rarely left Rome, Agagianian served as an envoy of the Holy See, visiting many countries across multiple continents. He was twice considered “papabile,” a serious candidate for the papacy, in 1958 and 1963.

Agagianian’s connection to Lebanon

Agagianian was of Georgian-Armenian descent but acquired Lebanese citizenship after coming to the country as an apostolic visitor in 1935. A year later, at the age of 42, he became patriarch of the Armenian Catholic Church.

He developed close relationships with various segments of Lebanese society and worked to bring politicians together. He would often gather them at the Armenian Catholic monastery in Jounieh (Mount Lebanon) for private meetings. 

Agagianian played a role in reconciling Maronite Patriarch Paul Meouchi with then-Lebanese President Camille Chamoun. He also helped appoint Charles Helou (who later became president of Lebanon) as the first Lebanese ambassador to the Vatican.

Agagianian was known as the “builder patriarch” due to his numerous architectural projects, including a school and an orphanage in Anjar, Lebanon. His remains were laid to rest in the Armenian Catholic Cathedral of St. Elias and St. Gregory the Illuminator, which he built in the heart of Beirut.

Tony Flannery : For what it’s worth, my thoughts on the Schools Report

The latest revelations of the extent of sexual abuse in Catholic schools is a further cause for shame. It is hard just now to estimate the extent of the damage this will do to the Church, and much more significantly, to the faith. 

As I write, the news and the media generally, are still dominated by reaction to what has emerged, and it largely consists of condemnation of Catholicism and all that it stands for. This is not surprising, in fact it is quite understandable, because what is being revealed is by any standards horrible. 

How could it possibly be that people (largely men) who had committed their lives to the service of the Gospel message, could do such things as we are reading about now. I know that sexual abuse of minors occurs in all areas of society, and maybe most of all in the home, but that still does not explain what we are hearing and reading presently.

I am convinced that there are aspects of Church teaching and practice that are contributing to this behaviour by some priests and religious, and that urgently needs to be looked at by the relevant Church authorities. Let me explain.

Traditional Catholic sexual teaching that all of my generation grew up with in the Church, and that is still the official teaching, categorises all sexual thoughts, actions and desires as seriously sinful. I can still remember the sensation of lining up at the confession box to confess “bad thoughts and actions”. This a serious obstacle to human growth into maturity. 

Dealing with our feelings, desires, thoughts, and learning to understand and integrate them into our personality, is an essential element of growing up. 

But if you are taught that feelings, thoughts and desires are occasions of sin, and that indulging them is a mortal sin, and could lead to your eternal damnation, you learn to suppress/repress them. That becomes a serious impediment to emotional and psychological development, and, as we now know, these aspects of our persona, when suppressed, can emerge in perverse and destructive ways.

In other words, what I am saying is that I believe that the damage done by traditional Catholic sexual teaching is a part explanation for what we are leaning now about clerical sexual abuse in schools.

And then, for young men entering a seminary to prepare for priesthood, a further layer of potential suppression is added with the imposition of compulsory celibacy. This presents another reason why emotional and sexual desires are forbidden. 

Not only are they occasions of sin, but now they are also a threat to the person’s ‘vocation’, which they were told had come directly from God. And for most of my generation it brings the danger of ‘losing your vocation’, and having to face the shame of leaving the seminary.

Finally, when one is eventually ordained, or as a religious, finally professed, and enters into the world of work and engagement with people, there is always the possibility of strong attraction developing with someone, that brings to the surface the innate needs and longings of the human heart. 

But because of upbringing and training, any tentative efforts at relationship is almost bound to be furtive, and laden with fear, guilt and secrecy. Relationships are complicated enough at the best of times, but in these circumstances they are laden with pitfalls.

My view is that that the present revelations make it even more apparent than ever that there is an urgent need for the Catholic Church to review its teaching on sexuality, and its practice of compulsory celibacy for priests. 

In the meantime all the sympathetic statements and heartfelt apologies from the Vatican or Bishops Conference are little more than empty words.

Tony Flannery writes: This is a true account of one priest’s experience with his superiors, and I think it is worth putting up here as an example of the type of attitude still being adopted by some Church superiors in dealing with their priests.

(Some changes simply to preserve the identity of the priest in question.)

One anonymous person made a series of complaints against this priest, who worked in a parish and was also involved in the local second-level school. 

Both his superiors, the bishop of the diocese where he worked in the parish, and his religious superior, took the anonymous accuser seriously, and duly sent this document to the priest.

These points, without prejudice or presumption, are to be sent to ……….. for a direct response or clarification on each.

1. That …………. Does not use the new English missal translation and that particularly he uses the words of consecration from the previous edition of the English missal (which is no longer licit).

2. That ………..had a robed female Protestant minister read the Gospel and stand at the altar during the consecration of the Mass.

3. That the substance used by …………for consecration and distribution of the precious blood to the faithful contains no alcohol (which could invalidate Masses).

(Note: the priest in question is a recovered alcoholic)

4. That …………. Had an excessive number of communion services in the parish without attempting to find cover, including for the Saturday night Mass.

(Note: this priest is a scripture scholar, who likes to have open and free discussions with the senior classes in the school.)

5. That ………. Supports the ordination of women to the priesthood and has promoted this view in speaking at school

6. That ………… has spoken in favour of same-sex unions at school and in the parish.

(Note: these last two are interpretations of fairly high quality discussions with the senior classes in the school)

7. That …………taught in school that the God of the Old Testament could be considered different to the one revealed in the New Testament.

8.That ………….. taught in school that we can separate the historical person of Jesus from the person of Christ we hold in faith.

The matter with his superiors dragged on for a considerable period of time without anybody ascertaining the identity of the accuser, and questioning him/her on their accusations, much less allowing the priest to confront his accuser.

The end result was that the whole affair had a very serious effect on the priest, causing substantial emotional and psychological problems, actually a breakdown, and rendered him unable to continue his work in the school or parish.

A final quote from the man himself:

“As a result of the breakdown I was moved from the parish with no consultation when I was taking a break and my possessions were packed up and sent on without my knowledge: I only discovered that I had been moved when I returned from my time away. That led to a further crisis and spell in hospital.”

To me the lists of accusations are frivolous, and I would have hoped that any sensible superior or bishop, having received such an anonymous document, would put it straight in the bin. Not so in this case!

Tony Flannery

France’s first married Chaldean Catholic priest, with his wife’s blessing

Father Amar Agag, a 38-year-old married man and father of three, was ordained as a priest in the Chaldean Catholic Church in France. 

While this tradition is common in the church's countries of origin in the Middle East, the ordination of married men among Eastern Catholic communities in the diaspora was authorized by Rome only in 2014.

“Before we begin Amar’s ordination, I must ask for his wife’s consent.” 

These words, spoken by Cardinal Louis Raphaël Sako, Patriarch of the Chaldean Church, September 1 at Saint Thomas the Apostle Church in Sarcelles, in the northern suburbs of Paris, marked an unusual moment for the French Catholic Church.

In Eastern Churches, however, the ordination of married men is permitted. 

Since the late 19th century, only celibate Eastern priests were allowed to serve in the West to maintain consistency with Latin rite priests. 

But in 2014, the Vatican allowed Eastern bishops to ordain married men in Western countries.

So, on that September Sunday, Amar Agag, father of three, became the first married priest of the Chaldean Catholic Church to be ordained in France.

Role of the wife in the ordination

In this rite, the wife’s consent highlights her role in her husband’s commitment. “In a way, the ordination involves her too. The calling is for her and the entire family,” Agag explained. His wife was deeply involved in the discernment process. 

After he felt called to the priesthood, the couple attended spiritual retreats in various church settings for a year. “My wife and I answered yes together,” he said.

When Agag first sensed his calling shortly after getting married, he hesitated. A Chaldean priest had once told him, “I see you becoming a priest someday.” 

Agag thought his marriage might complicate his path to ordination. 

Yet this calling echoed one he had heard as a child. In 1994, his family left their native Iraq for Jordan and later moved to France. 

In Jordan, a Maronite priest, whom Agag assisted serving Mass and visiting the sick, once told his mother, “Leave your son here; I see him becoming a priest one day.” 

At the time, his mother declined.

Facing challenges along the way

Once in France, Agag's calling was confirmed again—this time by a Muslim. Working as a driver for the Iraqi embassy, the ambassador once asked him, “Why don’t you become a priest?” Recognizing this repeated calling, Agag began discerning his vocation.

At first, both he and his wife were concerned about the challenges. With two children and a third on the way, they wondered, “How are we going to manage?” 

But Agag was convinced they had to trust in divine providence. “God opened every door and provided everything we needed,” he said. 

His mother-in-law agreed to care for the children while the couple attended weekend spiritual retreats.

Agag also adjusted his professional life. He resigned from his job at the embassy to work independently as a driver for people with disabilities. This gave him the flexibility to pursue his studies. 

After three years of evening classes at the Collège Saint-Bernard in Paris to become a deacon, Amar continued his Bible and pastoral theology studies.

Balancing parish and family life

“Normally, the training takes seven years,” Agag explained. “But I was ordained earlier because our community needs more priests: in Paris, we need a priest who speaks Arabic.” 

Amar will now serve as the pastor of Notre-Dame-de-Chaldée, the first Chaldean church built in France in 1992 in the administrative district of Paris centered around the charming hilltop Montmartre.

Looking ahead, Agag knows he will face the challenge of balancing parish and family life. After working during the week as a driver, he will dedicate Friday evenings, some Saturdays, and Sundays to his parish duties with his family by his side. 

“We’ll be together, but I’ve explained to them that when I’m with the parishioners, I’m Father Amar. That means I’m the father of everyone,” he said, ensuring no special treatment for his family compared to his parishioners. “At the same time, it’s important for my family to be with me at church.”

As a married priest, Agag believes he brings a unique perspective to the church. “I can speak from experience during marriage preparation. I understand the challenges couples face, and I know the issues that come with raising children.” Since his ordination, Agag has felt “a great sense of joy” in his home.

Chaldean Catholic Church

The Chaldean Catholic Church, one of the 23 Eastern Catholic Churches in communion with the pope, enjoys autonomy in areas such as canon law. The church holds significant importance in the Middle East, especially in Iraq, where it maintains a notable presence, with about 80% of Iraqi Christians belonging to the church.

The Chaldean Catholic Church has been headquartered in the Cathedral of Mary, Mother of Sorrows, in Baghdad, Iraq, since 1950 and has a membership of about half a million, most of whom live in the Middle East. 

The largest number of Chaldean Catholics found outside the Middle East is in Michigan, United States. Iraqi Cardinal Sako, primate of the Chaldean Catholic Church, currently resides in Baghdad, with eparchies worldwide.

The Chaldean Catholic Church is a descendant of the Church of the East (the ancient Patriarchal Province of Seleucia-Ctesiphon) in Mesopotamia, modern-day Iraq, and draws on the heritage of the first ancient Church of the East, the one that brought Christianity to Persia, India, and China. Its origins go back to the preaching of St. Thomas the Apostle and his disciples, Addai and Mari, in the first century A.D. 

The Church of the East is now divided into four Syriac churches: the Chaldean Church, the Assyrian Church of the East, the Ancient Church of the East, and the Syro-Malabar Church.

Santa Fe Archdiocese to unveil plaque honoring abuse survivors

The Archdiocese of Santa Fe has installed a plaque near the entrance of the Pastoral Center in Albuquerque "as a solemn acknowledgment and remembrance" of all victims of clergy sexual abuse, both living and deceased, within the archdiocese.

A brief dedication ceremony for the plaque will be held Sept. 23, "and per the request of victims in the recent Chapter 11 settlement agreement, (it) will not include any religious rite or ceremony," an archdiocesan news release said.

In December 2022, a federal bankruptcy judge approved a $121 million reorganization plan for the Archdiocese of Santa Fe in its yearslong effort to respond to clergy sexual abuse. The settlement capped four years of Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings for the archdiocese.

The inscription on the plaque reads: "In remembrance of all victims of sexual abuse, living and deceased, in the Archdiocese of Santa Fe. The archdiocese acknowledges your pain and apologizes for our failure to listen, to intervene, and to protect. We are resolved that it never happens again and are committed to the healing process and to reconciling our past with our hope for the future."

Archbishop John C. Wester of Santa Fe said the plaque "stands as a permanent and painful reminder of the suffering endured by victims of clergy sexual abuse within our archdiocese."

"As we dedicate this plaque, we are compelled to confront our past with humility and sorrow, acknowledging the grave failures that have caused immeasurable pain," he said in a statement. "We are committed to ensuring these tragic events are never repeated, and the path of healing and reconciliation remains our foremost priority. This dedication is not just a moment of reflection but a vow to uphold the dignity and safety of every member of our community."

In an open letter he released in March 16, 2023, following the Dec. 29 bankruptcy settlement, the archbishop told abuse victims, "I wish to express my profound regret and sorrow over the tragic and inexcusable harm done to you by clergy sexual abuse. As Archbishop of Santa Fe, I apologize to each of you and to all those who have been harmed by sexual abuse perpetrated by Roman Catholic Clergy in this archdiocese."

Archbishop Wester added that the archdiocese "takes full responsibility for the abuse."

"I am ashamed of what happened to you and even more so that it happened within the auspices of the Catholic Church," the archbishop said. "There are no words that can convey how sorry I am and how committed this archdiocese is to keep children and young people safe."

The archdiocese, in a news release announcing the plaque dedication, said it is "committed to ensuring such tragedies do not occur again and continues to support the ongoing healing process for all those affected."

Archdiocese restructuring Catholic schools’ footprint for ongoing vitality

To bolster the educational vitality and financial stability of Catholic education across northern Colorado, the Archdiocese of Denver announced today the closure of two K-8 schools and the partnership of two high schools.

Wellspring Catholic Academy of St. Bernadette in Lakewood will close, effective Dec. 20, and Guardian Angels Catholic School in Denver will close at the end of the 2024-2025 academic year. 

Bishop Machebeuf High School and St. John Paul the Great High School, both in Denver, will partner, consolidating into the St. John Paul the Great campus, effective starting with the 2025-2026 school year.

“Our commitment to the health of Catholic education in the Archdiocese of Denver is grounded in three essential pillars: Catholic identity, educational vitality and financial stability,” Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila, Archbishop of Denver, and Dr. Kemmery Hill, superintendent of Catholic schools, said in a joint letter. 

“Many of our schools continue to thrive by exemplifying these pillars, contributing positively to their communities and providing a solid foundation for their students. However, not all areas are experiencing the same vitality. Where this expansion does not exist, difficult decisions become necessary to ensure the overall sustainability of our educational mission.”

The difficult decision to consolidate Catholic schools’ footprint in the Archdiocese of Denver comes amid serious financial challenges in Catholic schools. Over the past decade, tens of millions of dollars have been required from the Archdiocese to cover these schools’ financial deficits. For instance, despite the best efforts of many, Bishop Machebeuf has continued to operate at a significant loss, which, despite the recent sale of assets like their baseball field, could leave as much as a $3.2 million debt at the end of this academic year.

At Archbishop Aquila’s request, the Archdiocesan Finance Council reviewed Bishop Machebeuf’s finances to ensure long-term sustainability. After thorough review and deliberation, the Archdiocese, under the advisement of its Archdiocesan Finance Council and the College of Consultors, determined that the financial support required to maintain operations had become unsustainable.

St. Bernadette Parish’s finance council came to a similar conclusion regarding Wellspring Catholic Academy of St. Bernadette, advising that the parish’s financial support not continue. Additionally, shortfalls have persisted at Guardian Angels school for years, reaching an insurmountable level amid shrinking enrollment.

With support from both parishes’ pastors, it was decided the schools would close. Even still, Wellspring’s lawsuit against the State of Colorado to ensure all families have access to universal pre-k education will continue because of the constitutional issues raised and the additional plaintiffs.

In addition to the financial challenges, severe enrollment challenges have plagued a number of Colorado schools in recent years, and Catholic schools were not immune. Since 2021, 21 Jefferson County and six Denver charter schools have closed. Currently, Denver Public Schools is evaluating more school closures. 

A Meitler study commissioned by the Archdiocese and presented in 2021 confirmed the negative enrollment trends across the state due to a decline in the number of Colorado’s school-aged children. For the closing and partnering Catholic schools, enrollment consistently lagged far below capacity.

Considering the financial and enrollment difficulties, the need to consolidate schools to preserve educational vitality and financial stability became evident across the archdiocese. With a mutual commitment to academic excellence, faithful Catholic formation of the whole person and mission renewal, the partnership between Bishop Machebeuf High School and St. John Paul the Great is expected to preserve the legacy, values and traditions of Machebeuf while welcoming the students into St. John Paul the Great’s renovated facility and community.

 In this way, the partnership will offer robust academics, competitive athletics programs and improved accessibility for families across metro Denver, with St. John Paul the Great’s south-central location near major thruways.

These changes are anticipated to strengthen enrollment at several nearby Catholic schools experiencing great vitality, some of which are only three to six miles away from the closing K-8 schools. The closures and partnership will allow the Archdiocese to re-invest in Catholic education across northern Colorado, bolster its commitment to the education and formation of the whole person, and continue its service, including to those with modest financial means and serious learning disabilities.

As it seeks to bolster Catholic education in an apostolic age, the Archdiocese has expressed its gratitude for the devoted educators at each school who have so nobly modeled Christ’s love for their students.

“I am deeply grateful for your devoted service to the community,” Archbishop Aquila said in letters to the schools’ faculties and staffs. “Because of your generous fidelity to the Lord Jesus, countless students have encountered him, grown in intellect and faith and learned to serve him and others. These families and our archdiocesan community are immeasurably better off for your efforts to bring about God’s kingdom here on earth.”

The Archdiocese aims to support teachers, students and families through this time of transition with support from the Office of People Support, the Office of Catholic Schools, the Department of Student Support Services and St. Raphael’s Counseling.

“The Archdiocese is committed to assisting you in finding a new role within our Catholic schools and processing what may be a challenging change,” Archbishop Aquila continued in his letters. “We are also dedicated to accompanying your students, especially those with special needs, as they navigate the transition to nearby Catholic schools.”

Archbishop Aquila recommended an ever-deeper reliance on the Father, “who remains close to us even in difficult moments and whose plan is best.

“May his peace, which surpasses all understanding, permeate this time of transition and guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (cf. Phil 4:7),” he concluded. “It is my sincere belief and prayer that the Lord will bring about more fruit in our Catholic schools so that in Jesus Christ all might be rescued and have abundant life, for the glory of the Father.”

Seattle Archdiocese isn’t shirking its duty to victims of abuse (Contribution)

The Seattle Times’ July 28 editorial, “Survivors of abuse by Catholic clergy deserve transparency, closure,” implied that the Archdiocese of Seattle does not understand the needs of victim-survivors and that it is shirking its responsibility to them. Nothing could be further from the truth. 

Since the mid-1980s, before any requirements were in place, the Archdiocese has worked with a group of independent, community-based experts on survivors and offenders to improve the response to victims and implement a comprehensive Safe Environment program to prevent sexual abuse.

Since 2002, the independent Review Board has met regularly, with the serving archbishop also in attendance. Each of the archbishops since 2002 has supported an expanded role for the board that also encompasses review of allegations of sexual abuse of children and vulnerable adults by clergy, employees and volunteers. 

We know from survivors that their definition of justice and their recovery needs vary. Some survivors simply need to share their story. Others may need counseling (which the Archdiocese funds) or a meeting with the archbishop (which the Archdiocese facilitates) or pastoral care (which the Archdiocese provides). Some wish to move forward with their lives without publicly reliving their traumatic experiences. 

The Archdiocese of Seattle also recognizes that apologies and prayers, while important, are not enough to assure survivors and the Catholic community that our commitment to accountability and prevention remains a critical priority. 

Archbishop Paul D. Etienne’s commitment is sincere. In a recent letter, he emphasized the tragic and heartbreaking history of sexual abuse, the need for accountability and his ongoing commitment to ensuring that “these crimes and sins are not repeated so that we can restore wholeness and holiness to our Church.” He continued writing, “We want abusers to be held accountable and we wish to dispel the fear that clergy sexual abuse is rampant today, because it is not.”  

As a result of the many ongoing efforts, reports of clergy sexual abuse in the Archdiocese of Seattle have nearly disappeared over the last several decades. In fact, incidents of abuse peaked 49 years ago with 99% of reported incidents having occurred prior to 1995.

Understanding that transparency is important for prevention and healing, the Archdiocese, with input from the independent review board, publicized a list of credibly accused clergy in 2016 and has updated it as facts emerge. 

In 2018, we launched a website, protect-seattlearchdiocese.org, to transparently provide information about this issue locally, as well as the Archdiocese’s prevention and education efforts.

To date, the Archdiocese of Seattle has settled more than 470 claims and paid more than $100 million to compensate victim survivors. We report all allegations to law enforcement and cooperate with their investigations, in addition to conducting our own.  We also remove people from ministry when a claim is credible.   

Some see our recent legal objections to the attorney general’s subpoena for donation records as the Archdiocese seeking to be less than transparent — the opposite is true. The truth is the Archdiocese offered repeatedly to cooperate with a legal investigation that, at a minimum, is focused and considers the privacy of victim survivors and their families.

We dedicate ourselves to this ministry of healing and transparency and to the continued work of prevention to ensure these crimes are never repeated. The Archdiocese of Seattle has accepted accountability and continues to seek healing for victim survivors and all those impacted.

Helen McClenahan is chief communication officer for the Archdiocese of Seattle.

Ohrid Archdiocese expresses its support for Ukrainian Orthodox Church and Metropolitan Onufriy

The Holy Synod of the Orthodox Church of the Ohrid Archdiocese expressed its firm support for the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) under Metropolitan Onufriy (affiliated with the Moscow Patriarchate) during its meeting on September 12, 2024. 

This statement came in response to the Ukrainian Parliament’s decision in August 2024 to ban the UOC.

According to the announcement from the Holy Synod, the matter was thoroughly discussed during a regular meeting, where various ecclesiastical issues and events were reviewed. 

The Archdiocese specifically addressed the repercussions of the Parliament’s passage of Bill 8371, which administratively abolished the UOC. The Synod emphasized the grave consequences of this action, stating, “Millions of believers, who worship in this Church, are now deprived of their fundamental right to religious worship.”

The Synod also expressed its prayers and support for the UOC’s Primate, Metropolitan Onufriy of Kyiv and All Ukraine, as well as the bishops and faithful of the Church. “We pray that the merciful God will give them the strength to endure and overcome these trials,” the statement read.

Lastly, the Holy Synod of the Archdiocese of Ohrid emphasized its prayer for the unity of all Local Orthodox Churches, which together form the Body of Christ.

Increasing Distance from the Ecumenical Patriarchate

This position of the Archdiocese of Ohrid stands in stark contrast to that of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, which granted the Tomos of Autocephaly to the Orthodox Church of Ukraine under Metropolitan Epiphaniy. 

This divergence further complicates the Ecumenical Patriarch’s ongoing efforts over the last two years to restore Eucharistic communion with the Archdiocese of Ohrid after nearly fifty years of separation.

Archbishop Stefan of Ohrid said recently that it is impossible to estimate when the Autocephaly will be granted. “It could be tomorrow, it could be the day after tomorrow. We should be focusing on the Church and build relations with other local Orthodox Churches. ‘When the time comes, this will happen’ as the Apostle Paul said,” he stressed.

He also spoke of “unacceptable conditions” associated with the granting of Autocephaly. “If the Ecumenical Patriarchate grants us a Tomos, we will accept it, but the conditions imposed on us are unacceptable. They ask us to abandon the name Macedonian Orthodox Church, abandon the Macedonian diaspora and recognize the Orthodox Church of Ukraine,” said Archbishop of Ohrid.

He added that meeting some of the Ecumenical Patriarchate’s requests will be challenging, particularly those related to the name of the Church and the diaspora.

Archdiocese of Ohrid aligned with Skopje’s new government

The Archdiocese of Ohrid aligns itself with the aspirations and stance of the new -nationalist- government in Skopje. Already, the leaders of the new government, including the president and prime minister, have been swift to challenge the Prespa Agreement signed with Greece, reaffirming their country’s identity as “Macedonia”.

“We have our own name, and it does not belong to anyone else. No one should ask us to abandon it. The name of our Church is the Macedonian Orthodox Church – Ohrid Archdiocese. Both names are integral to our Church’s identity,” said Metropolitan Stefan.

Two years ago, the Archbishop of Ohrid adopted two distinct stances when the Ecumenical Patriarch brought the Church of the Balkan country into Eucharistic communion. 

On one hand, there was adherence to the principles advocated by the Ecumenical Patriarchate, as evidenced by statements like “patiently waiting for the Tomos of Autocephaly.” 

On the other hand, there were more provocative declarations, such as “Ohrid belongs to the Greek-speaking, we are called Macedonians.”

The position of the Ecumenical Patriarchate was clear from the beginning. On May 9, 2022, the Holy Synod declared its recognition of “Ohrid” as the name of this Church, referring specifically to the jurisdiction within the territory of the state of North Macedonia. 

This decision came after its Primate pledged in writing to the Ecumenical Patriarchate, omitting the terms “Macedonian” and any other derivatives of the word “Macedonia.”

The… “Autocephaly” granted to the Ohrid Archdiocese by the Patriarchate of Serbia, along with the eagerness of the Church of Russia to recognize it, may have emboldened Archbishop Stefan, particularly following the election of the ultra-nationalist VMRO party to govern the country.

Melbourne Archdiocese takes lead on dementia care

In recognition of Dementia Action Week (September 16-22), the Archdiocese of Melbourne is highlighting the efforts of a specialized dementia unit that is making great strides in their work with patients suffering from dementia. 

Called the Lady Lourdes House, a part of St. Bernadette’s Aged Care Residence, the award-winning specialized unit helps patients with dementia manage their symptoms so that they may better transition to mainstream aged care. 

While the team only began their work in 2020, they have already cared for 21 residents and transitioned 11 of them to mainstream care. Now their work is being hailed as a model for caring for patients with dementia. 

According to Melbourne Catholic, the publication of the Archdiocese, Lady Lourdes House utilizes “non-pharmacological interventions” first and foremost. This includes limiting occurrences that could trigger dementia episodes by creating a relaxing and safe environment. 

They cannot reverse the effects of dementia, but they can help patients to manage its behavioral and psychological symptoms. 

Lady Lourdes Unit Coordinator Sue Adhikari commented on the training her team undertook with Dementia Training Australia: 

“Ultimately, our success lies in giving residents time and maintaining a consistent approach with a familiar face. We provide them with person-centered care and treat everybody as unique individuals.”

In order to accomplish this, Lady Lourdes Unit forges tight knit relationships not just with the patient, but with the patient’s family as well. A woman named Lilly, who is the daughter of a 74-year-old patient named Bernie, expressed the relief she felt after finding Lady Lourdes Unit, after an emotional search for the right care facility for her father on her family’s budget: 

“It was a difficult journey — not just the financial constraints and administrative burdens of navigating a very complicated system, but also the emotional toll,’ says his daughter Lilly. "Our hearts go out to anyone struggling with the complexity of the system and those without the resources that we luckily accessed.”

Her father’s successful time spent at Lady Lourdes prepared him to be transferred to a mainstream aged care facility, but she loved the team at Lady Lourdes so much that she didn’t want her father to leave: 

“We didn’t want Dad to leave because we wanted him to have the best care, but we were also conscious that Lady Lourdes has a waiting list, and we didn’t want anyone else to miss out,” Lilly says.

Archdiocese files Reorganization Plan in Bankruptcy Court

To the Clergy, Religious, and Laity of the Archdiocese of New Orleans:

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

Survivors of abuse remain in our concern and prayers daily. As I shared with you when we filed for Chapter 11 Reorganization, our main priorities are to assist the abuse survivors on a path towards healing that includes fair and equitable compensation for them while creating a more financially sustainable archdiocesan ministry for the future. Our focus is to reach a settlement agreement that accomplishes this goal.

Today, we reached a milestone in this process. It is with great hope that I share with you that we have filed the CHAPTER 11 PLAN OF REORGANIZATION FOR THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH OF THE ARCHDIOCESE OF NEW ORLEANS, DATED AS OF SEPTEMBER 13, 2024. While there is still much work to do, this will allow us to move forward and begin to bring conclusion to these proceedings. I am grateful that we have had productive and professional conversations with the committees and those who represent them and look forward to this continuing. Those conversations have been a major factor in getting to this point.

The Plan is our proposed settlement to compensate abuse survivors and proposal for how the Archdiocese of New Orleans administration will operate into the future. It will also include a proposed set of “non-monetary covenants” that we are continuing to negotiate with the committee of abuse survivors. These non-monetary covenants are actions that we publicly pledge to take to continue our commitment to ensuring our parishes, schools, and ministries are safe places for all to grow in faith, be educated, and to participate in ministry.

We know that no amount of money can provide complete healing. For most of the survivors, this is suffering that has persisted as long as 40 and even 50 years. For the pain of those that have suffered abuse, we are truly sorry. We regret that abuse occurred causing decades of pain for survivors. We pledge to continue our work that has been effective in protecting children and continue to pray that our actions, outlined in this Plan, will bring healing to survivors now and into the future.

The time and cost associated with this bankruptcy have been frustrating to all and have been of no benefit and unjust to the survivors, today’s church and all interested parties. We also know that today is the beginning of a process to bring closure and that there are many more steps before we reach true conclusion. I wish to request your patience and your prayers as we continue this process.

Again, today is a day of hope for the future of the Archdiocese of New Orleans. Please know that I remain committed to moving forward and for healing for our local Church.

Wishing you God’s blessings, I am,

Sincerely in Christ,

Most Reverend Gregory M. Aymond
Archbishop of New Orleans

German diocese to indoctrinate employees in gender ideology

On September 1, Bishop Heiner Wilmer of the Diocese of Hildesheim, Germany, appointed three pastoral employees as key references for including pastoral care, specifically aimed at the queer community. 

This initiative seeks not only to accompany the LGBTQ community but also to provide parishes and diocesan institutions with tools to face pastoral challenges with a renewed sensitivity to gender and sexual diversity, according to official statements. 

The New Pastoral References The three individuals appointed for this mission are Linda Menniger, a clinical pastor in Hanover; Michael Hasenauer, a university pastor in Leneburg; and Manuel Ríos Juárez, a pastoral consultant for schools in Hanover. 

In addition to their regular roles, they will be available to offer support in situations requiring even pastoral care. 

This team will provide guidance in cases as diverse as the baptism of a child from a lesbian couple, blessing ceremonies for transgender individuals celebrating their transition, or supporting families with non-binary children. 

The primary goal, as announced by the diocese, is to create a safe and welcoming space within the Church where every single, regardless of their sexual or gender identity, can find a spiritual home. 

As Christians, we want to offer a home to everyone, says Manuel Ríos Juárez, who identifies as they identify and emphasizes the importance of pastoral sensitivity in creating these spaces. A New Approach to Even Pastoral Care. 

The work of these pastoral references does not start from scratch but continues and expands on the legacy of Dominican priest Hans-Albert Gunk, who was a key figure in pastoral dialogue with the homosexual community in the diocese for many years.

However, this new phase goes further, addressing the complexities of gender diversity and incorporating transgender and intersex individuals into their pastoral care approach. 

The initiative also responds to an articulated demand in the 2021 Hildesheim Declaration, "Blessings for this World," which proclaimed that all people, regardless of their sexual identity, are full members of the Church. 

This declaration emphasized that Gods blessing is meant for all loving relationships, without exception. 

Creating Safe Spaces in the Church One of the first concrete steps of this mission will be the establishment of "safe spaces" within the Church of Hildesheim, where individuals can feel welcomed and supported without fear of discrimination. 

Additionally, a training program is being developed for diocesan employees, aiming to equip them with the knowledge and sensitivity needed to meet the pastoral needs of the LGBTQ-community. 

Linda Menniger, one of the new pastoral references, notes that these spaces should not only be physically safe but also culturally safe. 

From greetings to preventing discrimination, creating a culture of respect and support is key, she says. 

Menniger adds that he's pastoral care intersects with many issues present in her daily work as a clinical chaplain, especially when accompanying transgender and intersex individuals.

‘Harsh realities’: Diocese of Buffalo announces final list of parish mergers, closures

The Diocese of Buffalo, New York, this week revealed the final list of parish closures and mergers it will undertake in order to address years of shrinking budgets and declining church attendance.

Buffalo Bishop Michael Fisher had announced in May that an estimated 34% of the diocese’s parishes would be merged in a process of “rightsizing and reshaping.”

The bishop said the mergers — part of the diocesan “Road to Renewal” program — were necessitated by a shortage of priests, declining Mass attendance, aging congregations, and financial difficulties brought on by clergy abuse lawsuits.

In a press release this week, the diocese said it would see “a total of 118 worship sites remain open” following the merger review. 

“The diocese currently has a total of 196 worship sites that include 160 parishes and 36 secondary worship sites,” the release said. “Going forward the diocese will see 79 parishes and 39 secondary worship sites remain after the merger/closure process.”

The diocese said in its news release that it had met with its vicariates throughout August and considered several dozen “counter proposals” to its initial merger plan. Those suggestions “resulted in changes to 26 of the 36 families of parishes’ initial recommendations.”

Fisher in his release said the Buffalo Diocese is facing “harsh realities” including “a decline in Church attendance, the decline of those pursuing a life in ordained ministry, [and] the rise of secularism and shift away from the parish as the defining center of Catholic identity.” 

The bishop also cited “the horrendous toll that the sexual abuse scandal by clergy and others has inflicted on parish life and the personal faith of so many; most especially on those who have been forever harmed in body, mind, and spirit.”

The Road to Renewal initiative “has been about reinvigorating Catholic faith, more fully optimizing parish and diocesan resources, and increasing the impact of our varied ministries among the countless who benefit from them across western New York,” the bishop said. 

“The ultimate goal is for all parish families to be and remain vibrant communities of faith, focused on their evangelizing mission and serving the abundant need all around us.”

Father Bryan Zielenieski, the diocesan vicar for renewal and development who is also leading the Road to Renewal program, said the high number of changes to the initial recommendations “reveals the true openness and collaboration in our effort to craft a diocesan roadmap for the foreseeable future.”

The Buffalo Diocese isn’t the only U.S. bishopric undertaking major closure and merger plans to address dwindling Church resources and attendance.

The Archdiocese of Baltimore announced its own merger plan for the city of Baltimore earlier this year, while the Archdiocese of St. Louis has been undergoing a similar process, as has the Archdiocese of Seattle.

Local activists and Catholics have been working recently to save some religious sites in Buffalo, meanwhile, as the merger plan has progressed.

The historic St. Casimir Parish in Buffalo has been struggling to stay open while facing tens of thousands of dollars in bills that threaten to close the nearly-century-old structure. Parishioners and advocates have been working to raise funds to keep the parish open.

The organization Preservation Buffalo Niagara, meanwhile, announced earlier this year that it was launching a “Save Our Sacred Sites” campaign, one aimed at “funding and submitting local landmark applications for churches within the city of Buffalo” that it said are at risk of closure by the Diocese of Buffalo.

Members of the Buffalo Preservation Board voted last week to designate several local parishes as city landmarks. Those designations are currently before the Buffalo City Council.

Retired Oklahoma Catholic bishop Edward Slattery dies at 84

Edward J. Slattery, a retired Catholic bishop who apologized for reinstating a priest who later admitted to sexually abusing an Oklahoma boy, has died, the Diocese of Tulsa and Eastern Oklahoma said Saturday. He was 84.

Slattery died at his home in the Tulsa area late Friday following “a series of debilitating strokes,” Vicar General Fr. Gary Kastl said in a statement from the diocese.

In 2002, amid a Catholic Church sex abuse scandal involving clergy, Slattery apologized for reinstating the Rev. Kenneth Lewis in 1995 following allegations against him. 

Slattery said at the time that when allegations emerged in 1994, Lewis was initially removed from the ministry but was reinstated after receiving psychiatric treatment.

“I have made mistakes along the way, and I feel terrible about it, but I do not feel guilty about it,” Slattery told the Tulsa World. “The mistakes are probably part of a culture of trying to protect the church.”

Lewis was later accused of sexually abusing a 13-year-old Oklahoma boy during a 2001 trip to Illinois. 

Lewis was removed from the ministry and resigned in 2007. He eventually pleaded guilty to one count of sex abuse.

In 2009, the Tulsa Diocese was found out of compliance with standards set by U.S. Catholic bishops following the clergy sexual abuse scandal, but by 2010 had implemented training and other abuse prevention programs.

Slattery was also among the bishops who objected to the University of Notre Dame’s invitation to then-President Barack Obama to speak at its 2009 graduation ceremony and to present him with an honorary doctorate.

Slattery was born in Chicago and was ordained a priest in 1966. He was ordained as bishop in 1994 and shortly afterward installed as bishop of the diocese in Tulsa.

He oversaw an expansion of Catholic Charities of Eastern Oklahoma and creation of a new campus for the charity in north Tulsa as well as creation of a tuition assistance fund for Catholic families.

He resigned in 2016 after reaching his 75th birthday, as required under church law.

Slattery is survived by four sisters and one brother.

New Bishop of Southampton 'humbled' to take on role

The newly appointed Church of England bishop of one of the south coasts' largest cities has said she is "humbled" to take on the role.

The Venerable Rhiannon King, who is currently the Archdeacon of Ipswich, will be consecrated as the Suffragan Bishop of Southampton on 18 October.

Archdeacon King will be the 17th person to hold the position and succeeds the Right Reverend Geoff Annas - who has been acting bishop since November 2023.

The role is a key leadership position in the Diocese of Winchester - and covers the area around Southampton, Bournemouth, Eastleigh, Lyndhurst, Romsey and Christchurch.

Archdeacon King said she was "delighted and humbled" to take on the position, adding that she had "big shoes to fill".

"I don’t think there are many greater privileges than serving God and his Church and I can’t wait to learn from as well as contribute to what God is already doing here,” she said.

Originally from Oxford, the Bishop-designate was ordained deacon in 2000 and has previously held roles in and around, Cambridge and Birmingham.

She has served as the Archdeacon of Ipswich since 2019.

She said: “Over the years I have especially loved working with local parish churches, helping them to grow generally and, in particular, to ‘grow younger’ as they reach out to their communities."

"In the last decade I have grown a special passion for estates, inner-urban ministry and work with asylum seekers and refugees,” she added.

As part of her work, she will serve under the Bishop of Winchester, the Right Reverend Philip Mounstephen.

Bishop Mounstephen said he was "delighted" by the appointment, adding that Archdeacon King would bring an a "self-evident passion for people, for God’s Church and its mission".

Chief priest of Tokyo shrine allegedly took ¥250 million from amulet sales

The chief priest of a Tokyo shrine allegedly misappropriated ¥250 million from amulet sales, sources revealed Thursday.

The priest of Akabane Hachiman Shrine, located in Tokyo’s Kita Ward, allegedly diverted proceeds from amulet sales for his personal use, according to the Tokyo Regional Taxation Bureau, which has accused the religious corporation that operates the shrine of failing to collect income tax.

The total amount of additional taxes slapped on the corporation and the priest, including penalties for underreporting, stands at approximately ¥130 million.

According to the sources, the misappropriation occurred over seven years through 2023. 

The Tokyo tax authorities deemed the diverted funds to be equivalent to the chief priest's salary, which the corporation was legally required to withhold taxes on.

The bureau found that the priest deposited the money received from visitors directly into a personal account, bypassing the shrine’s official accounts, thereby constituting a deliberate act of concealment and falsification.

Akabane Hachiman Shrine is known for selling amulets featuring the infinity symbol, which has gained popularity among fans of the boy band Super Eight, who used the symbol in a former name.

5 Hispanic priests who are evangelizing millions on social media

In an increasingly digital world, many Catholic priests have found social media to be a powerful medium for evangelizing and connecting with hundreds of thousands of people. 

In light of Hispanic Heritage Month, here’s a look at five Hispanic priests who are distinguishing themselves in spreading the Gospel on various platforms.

Father Pedro Núñez: ‘Know Your Catholic Faith First’

Father Pedro F. Núñez, a priest of the Archdiocese of New Orleans, is a prominent Catholic preacher in the Spanish-speaking world. Born in Cuba, he emigrated to the United States in 1962 and was ordained a priest in 1977. 

For more than three decades, he has produced and hosted several television and radio programs on faith, including “Conozca Primero su Fe Católica” (“Know Your Catholic Faith First”) on EWTN; and “A Solas con Jesús” (“Alone with Jesus”) on Catholic World Radio.

Núñez is also a prolific author, with books in Spanish such as “Know Your Catholic Faith First” and “150 Stories That Will Change Your Life.” He is currently the Hispanic Catholic priest with the most followers on Facebook, with more than 1.9 million followers on his official page. He also has hundreds of thousands more followers on other social media sites.

He travels constantly throughout Latin America and the United States, spreading the Gospel and reaching millions of people.

Father Jorge Obregón: ‘New Fire’

A priest of the Legionaries of Christ, Father Jorge Obregón has dedicated his life to the formation of young people in leadership, faith, and values. With a solid academic background, he studied business administration at the Technological Institute in Monterrey, Mexico, and completed his studies in philosophy and theology at the Regina Apostolorum in Rome. In addition, he obtained a master’s degree in biblical theology from John Paul the Great Catholic University in San Diego.

In 2012, Obregón founded the Search retreat, an innovative spiritual formation program aimed at young people. Then, in 2017, he launched the New Fire platform, a Catholic resource designed to connect and form young people throughout Latin America. This platform invites people to know God, be formed in the truth, and find answers to their existential questions. It offers clear, simple, and in-depth resources that facilitate understanding and provide solid formation. With an attractive approach, it promotes a comprehensive lifestyle and responds to St. John Paul II’s call for a new evangelization.

Obregón also participates, along with six other priests of the Legionaries of Christ, in the podcast “¿Qué Haría Jesús?” (“What Would Jesus Do?”), which offers daily reflections on the Gospel.

Currently Obregón resides in Rye, New York, a town outside of New York City, where he continues to carry out his mission.

Father Juan Carlos Vásconez: ‘Talking with Jesus’

Father Juan Carlos Vásconez, originally from Quito, Ecuador, is passionate about digital evangelization and spiritual formation. A systems engineer who holds a doctorate in moral theology, he was ordained a priest in 2015. Currently, he works as a chaplain in two educational institutions and leads several digital projects with the aim of bringing people closer to God through social media.

Inspired by Pope Benedict XVI, Vásconez is one of the priests behind the project “Hablar con Jesús” (“Talking with Jesus”), a well-known channel found on different social media such as WhatsApp, YouTube, Spotify, and Telegram, where users can listen to 10-minute meditations every morning “talking with Jesus face-to-face.”

Father Ángel Espinosa de los Monteros: ‘The Ring Is Forever’

Father Ángel Espinosa de los Monteros, LC, has given more than 4,000 conferences on marriage, family values, and spirituality in various cities in Mexico, the United States, Spain, and South America. He has counseled numerous couples with advice and programs for marital and family growth. He is the author of the Spanish-language book “The Ring Is Forever” and has given more than 20 conferences based on it. Currently, he dedicates all his time to giving conferences and putting on marriage renewal programs in 20 countries.

In recent years, Espinosa has become a viral figure on social media for his simple, empathetic, and joyful way of presenting the Gospel, with millions of views of his videos. He currently has more than 500,000 followers on YouTube, more than 100,000 on TikTok, and more than 200,000 on Instagram.

Father Ignacio Amorós: ‘Rebels Wanted’

Born in Madrid, Spain, Father Ignacio Amorós initially had a career as a financial broker, but his life changed radically when he became involved in charitable missions in Madrid and later in Calcutta. This experience took him to Burundi, Africa, where he decided to become a priest and work on missions in a region plagued by civil strife. After his ordination, he dedicated himself to writing books and organizing humanitarian activities around the world, finally settling in Uruguay.

Currently, Amorós leads the digital evangelization project “Se Buscan Rebeldes” (“Rebels Wanted”), which provides Catholic formation on topics relevant to today’s society in line with the magisterium of the Catholic Church.

In addition, the priest leads the Spanish-language expansion of Bishop Robert Barron’s digital apostolate Word on Fire. This project is aimed at the global Spanish-speaking community in Spain, Latin America, and other regions. With more than 10 years following Barron’s evangelizing work, Amorós seeks to bring the mission of Word on Fire to a wider audience.