Articles by JD Flynn
Cardinal George Pell's abuse convictions overturned by Australia's High Court
Apr 6, 2020 / 17:25 pmAfter an ordeal that began nearly four years ago, and more than 13 months of imprisonment, Cardinal George Pell is expected to be released from prison imminently, after his conviction for five alleged counts of sexual abuse was overturned Tuesday by Australia’s High Court.
Analysis: Policy and pastoral leadership in a time of crisis
Apr 3, 2020 / 09:49 amBishops are struggling to adjust to the pastoral emergency which has accompanied the coronavirus pandemic. The results have been mixed.
Boise bishop bans 'ad orientem' posture in 'ordinary form' Masses
Apr 1, 2020 / 15:34 pmThe Bishop of Boise told priests last month that Mass in the diocese should not be celebrated in the ad orientem posture, and that material from “independent websites” is not appropriate for religious instruction.
Mass. bishop 'suspends' sacramental anointing while rescinding controversial policy
Mar 27, 2020 / 19:51 pmAfter rescinding a controversial policy concerning sacramental anointing of the sick, the bishop of Springfield, Massachusetts told priests Friday afternoon that anointing of the sick is “suspended” within the Diocese of Springfield.
USCCB liturgy chair: No cell phones for confession, no delegation of sacramental anointing
Mar 27, 2020 / 16:23 pmThe chair of the U.S. bishops’ committee on liturgy wrote to U.S. bishops Friday, to clarify issues related to the sacraments of penance and anointing of the sick which have arisen during the Church’s response to the coronavirus pandemic.
Updated: Springfield, Mass. diocese rescinds policy permitting nurses to anoint
Mar 27, 2020 / 13:54 pmA Massachusetts diocese authorized a change to norms for the sacrament of the anointing of the sick, permitting a nurse, rather than a priest, to conduct the physical anointing, which is an essential part of the sacrament.
Analysis: The sacramental shutdown, coronavirus, and canon law
Mar 26, 2020 / 13:01 pmThe coronavirus pandemic has caused disruption around the world. To politics, economics, and to the life of the Church: most especially to the steady regularity of her sacramental life, which many Catholics see as the anchor of consistency amid a world of chaos.
Confession by phone, Skype, or emoji? Could it happen during coronavirus pandemic?
Mar 18, 2020 / 15:35 pmAs much of the world faces quarantines, social distancing, and “shelter in place” orders amid the coronavirus pandemic, Catholics have faced unexpected challenges in accessing - and offering - the sacraments of the Church.
Washington Catholic priest is first in US known to be diagnosed with coronavirus
Mar 15, 2020 / 12:45 pmA priest in the Diocese of Yakima, Washington, is the first U.S. priest known to be diagnosed with COVID-19, the coronavirus that has become a global pandemic.
Arkansas diocese cancels public Triduum services, but keeps ministry alive
Mar 13, 2020 / 16:55 pmAs efforts to thwart the coronavirus pandemic continue, one diocese has announced that public Masses will be suspended until after the celebration of Easter, and that only new Catholics entering the Church will be permitted at parish and diocesan Triduum Masses and services.
Hebda 'confounded' by 'Abortion Providers Appreciation Day' celebrations
Mar 10, 2020 / 15:30 pmThe twin cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul both celebrated March 10 as “Abortion Providers Appreciation Day.” Minnesota’s archbishop said he is “profoundly saddened” by those celebrations.
Editor’s note: Journalist Luke Coppen to join Catholic News Agency
Mar 4, 2020 / 00:54 amEarlier this week, veteran British journalist Luke Coppen accepted a position as CNA’s Europe Editor.
Detroit Catholics say archdiocese fabricated rape charge against pastor
Feb 25, 2020 / 18:00 pmA group of Detroit Catholics has filed a lawsuit claiming that the Archdiocese of Detroit fabricated an allegation of rape against their pastor in order to avoid media criticism about its handling of abuse allegations, and has mishandled the canonical case against him.
Lesotho PM murder case could have canon law consequences
Feb 25, 2020 / 09:00 amPrime Minister Thomas Thabane has been charged with the murder of his estranged former wife. The trial could also have an canonical consequence for Thabane and his second wife.
Santa Fe archbishop weighs in on papal discussion of Fr. James Martin
Feb 21, 2020 / 16:06 pmArchbishop John Wester of Santa Fe has offered his recollections of a meeting between Pope Francis and the American Southwest, especially as regards a discussion during the meeting of Fr. James Martin, SJ.
US bishops: Pope Francis talks Fr. James Martin, euthanasia, at private meeting
Feb 20, 2020 / 17:00 pmDuring a private meeting with bishops from the southwestern United States, Pope Francis talked about his 2019 meeting with Fr. James Martin, SJ, and about pastoral care and assisted suicide.
New Legionaries of Christ superior accused of mishandling priest allegations
Feb 7, 2020 / 16:57 pmWomen who made allegations against a priest in the Legionaries of Christ say the religious order’s newly elected superior general mishandled the situation, allowing the priest opportunities to cross boundaries with women even after complaints against him had been made.
Vatican orders further investigation into Crookston’s Bp Hoeppner
Feb 4, 2020 / 12:45 pmThe Diocese of Crookston announced Tuesday that the Vatican has ordered additional investigation into the conduct of Bishop Michael Hoeppner, the first U.S. bishop to be investigated through a process developed by Pope Francis last year.
Analysis: Will Francis send Amazon celibacy decision up the river?
Feb 3, 2020 / 12:53 pmA leaked draft of an anticipated apostolic exhortation on the Amazon started a flurry of speculation last week that Pope Francis plans to allow the ordination of married men to the priesthood for ministry in the region.
Trump at March for Life: 'I am truly proud to stand with you'
Jan 24, 2020 / 12:07 pmPresident Donald Trump addressed the annual March for Life Friday, telling pro-life demonstrators that he is an advocate for the right to life of unborn children, and calling for a federal prohibition on late-term abortion.