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Louisiana will now recognize the anniversary of legalized abortion in the United States as a day of mourning. Citizens will be encouraged to lower their flags to half-staff, on the anniversary of Roe v Wade, which takes place on January 22nd.
President Joe Biden will not deliver the commencement address at the University of Notre Dame this year. The decision is a break with tradition. During the last three administrations, U.S. presidents or vice presidents have addressed the university’s commencement in their first year in office. Notre Dame did invite Biden to give the address, but he reportedly had scheduling issues.
Pope Francis spoke about prayer, during his general audience in Rome today. The pope said persistent prayer can lead to miracles, because prayer goes directly to God’s tender heart. Today was the pope’s first general audience with members of the public in six months.
An icon of the Blessed Virgin Mary survived a fire at a church in Belarus this week. The icon is venerated by Catholics in a village north of the capital. The pastor was able to remove the icon and the Blessed Sacrament, before the fire destroyed the roof of the church.
Today is the feast day of Saint Pancras of Rome. Saint Pancras was a fourth-century convert and martyr. He is the patron saint of young people looking for work.