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Friday, February 10, 2012

USCCB President Skeptical of Possible HHS Compromise

NEW YORK (CNS)—Cardinal-designate Timothy M. Dolan of New York said he is "a little skeptical" that the Obama administration wants to find a compromise on the requirement that health plans for most religious employers cover contraceptives and sterilization free of charge. In an interview Feb. ...
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Cardinal-designate Timothy M. Dolan discusses the birth control mandate on "CBS This Morning" Feb. 9.

Breathing Under Water

Spirituality and the 12 Steps
Franciscan Fr. Richard Rohr explores the many ways we're addicted—and how the gospel frees us.

More about the new book and audiobook.

More from Richard Rohr.

See what's new at the Center for Action and Contemplation.

AMERICAN CATHOLIC BLOG

“I Believe the Sex Abuse Thing was Incredibly Good.”
Are you there, Cardinal Egan? It's me, reality.

Giving Up the Grudge
During this upcoming season of Lent, perhaps the greatest thing we can “give up” is what is most weighing us down.

On the Ground in Syria
We wanted to know this monastery we had heard about would be a way to help tell the story of Muslims and Christians seeking peace—together.

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Scholastica: Twins often share the same interests and ideas with an equal intensity. Therefore, it is no surprise that Scholastica and her twin brother, Benedict, established religious communities within a few miles from each other.
<p>Born in 480 of wealthy parents, Scholastica and Benedict were brought up together until he left central Italy for Rome to continue his studies. </p><p>Little is known of Scholastica’s early life. She founded a religious community for women near Monte Cassino at Plombariola, five miles from where her brother governed a monastery. </p><p>The twins visited each other once a year in a farmhouse because Scholastica was not permitted inside the monastery. They spent these times discussing spiritual matters. </p><p>According to the <i>Dialogues of St. Gregory the Great</i>, the brother and sister spent their last day together in prayer and conversation. Scholastica sensed her death was close at hand and she begged Benedict to stay with her until the next day. </p><p>He refused her request because he did not want to spend a night outside the monastery, thus breaking his own Rule. Scholastica asked God to let her brother remain and a severe thunderstorm broke out, preventing Benedict and his monks from returning to the abbey. </p><p>Benedict cried out, “God forgive you, Sister. What have you done?” Scholastica replied, “I asked a favor of you and you refused. I asked it of God and he granted it.” </p><p>Brother and sister parted the next morning after their long discussion. Three days later, Benedict was praying in his monastery and saw the soul of his sister rising heavenward in the form of a white dove. Benedict then announced the death of his sister to the monks and later buried her in the tomb he had prepared for himself.</p>

Fortitude gives our lives purpose in and of itself. Fortitude is the belief that God did not create us in vain. He gave us a purpose, even if we don’t always see it clearly.

PICK OF THE DAY

	New audiobook for Lent!
	Reflections, Scripture passages, and prayers for each of the 15 stations.

The Work of Mercy
How can the works of mercy help us become the hands and heart of Christ?
	Find out more about the book.
	Or check out the audiobook.

ENTERTAINMENT

The Vow
Poor Channing Tatum! Though he isn't gone, he is forgotten in ...

Journey 2: The Mysterious Island
Given the prescience and speculative power of his imagination regarding science ...

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Channing Tatum and Rachel McAdams star in "The Vow."

ST. ANTHONY MESSENGER

		Meditations on a Wood Floor
		Old wooden floorboards have saved this author's sanity more than a few times.

CATHOLIC GREETINGS

	World Day of the Sick
	Use this economical service anytime to communicate with housebound friends and relatives.

BIBLE REFLECTIONS



	St. Scholastica

	Thursday of the Fifth Week in Ordinary Time

	Wednesday of the Fifth Week in Ordinary Time

Working Through Life's Pain
Sunday, February 05, 2012
Prayer is God’s way of taking us by the hand to heal our fevered thoughts.

More Bible Reflections

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