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Two Catholic dioceses in New York have asked the U-S Supreme Court to hear their case challenging New York’s abortion coverage mandate. The 2017 mandate requires employers to include abortion coverage in their employee health insurance plans. There is a religious exemption to the mandate, but the dioceses argue the exemption is too narrow. Plaintiffs in the case include the Diocese of Albany, the Diocese of Ogdensburg, three Catholic Charities agencies, Anglican sisters, and Baptist and Lutheran churches.
Cardinal George Pell has said the situation of the Church in Germany appears ominous to him. The Cardinal made his comment in a recent interview with EWTN. The Church in Germany is planning to hold a day of blessings next month, for same-sex partners. The event is still scheduled, despite the Vatican’s recent declaration that the Church does not have the power to bless same-sex unions. Cardinal Pell told EWTN that German bishops must fulfill their duty to uphold the teachings of Scripture, and the teachings of the Church.
Pope Francis spoke about Christian meditation during his general audience in Rome today. The pope said that Christian meditation is not a withdrawal into ourselves. Instead, he said Christian meditation is a way of encountering Jesus. Pope Francis said the practice of meditation has become increasingly popular, particularly in the West. He said every person can benefit from general meditation, but he said that Christian meditation goes deeper, leading to Christ.