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Bishops in South Africa are calling for an end to violence and looting following the imprisonment of former President Jacob Zuma. More than seventy people have died in the violence. The bishops attributed the crisis in part to extreme economic inequalities and high unemployment. The mass looting began on July 8th, after the former president was imprisoned for refusing to testify in an investigation into allegations of corruption.
A member of Congress is seeking a vote to require the Biden Administration to push for a change of venue for the 2022 Winter Olympics. The event is scheduled to take place in Beijing. The U.S. State Department has determined that China is committing ongoing genocide against ethnic and religious minorities.
The Archdiocese of St. Louis announced Monday that face masks will be optional at its Catholic schools this fall. The announcement follows the most recent recommendations from the CDC. The archdiocese also strongly encouraged all eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine to receive one. Missouri is experiencing a surge in virus cases.
Church officials are studying a reported miracle attributed to an Italian Catholic who died in 1964 at the age of 21. Nicola d’Onofrio was diagnosed with cancer in 1963, when he was discerning with the Camillian order in Rome. Those around him were struck by his peaceful demeanor and ready smile as he underwent treatment. He died one year later, after making a pilgrimage to Lourdes.
Today is the feast Saint Bonaventure. The 13th century saint is remembered for his leadership of the Franciscans, and his great intellectual contributions to theology and philosophy.