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The Archdiocese of Washington, DC., announced that its annual Youth Rally and Mass for Life, which both typically take place in conjunction with the national March for Life in Washington DC, have been canceled. The reason given is that many US dioceses are now focusing on their state level pro-life rallies. The announcement comes about five months following the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v Wade, the 1973 landmark case that legalized abortion nationwide. The annual March for Life, which is now in its 50th year, began in opposition to Roe. The Youth Rally and Mass for Life had been held for over 25 years, and aims to “encourage the youth participating in the national March for Life in their witness as disciples of Christ and promoters of the Gospel of Life.” However, the US Conference of Catholic Bishops has decided to continue its National Prayer Vigil for Life. The vigil has taken place on the eve of the annual March for Life since 1979.
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/252813/archdiocese-of-washington-cancels-youth-rally-mass-for-life-held-at-march-for-life-events
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/252806/national-prayer-vigil-for-life-to-continue-post-roe
The bishops of the United States are set to vote this week to create a new book of prayers for the comfort and healing of the sick specifically designed for laypeople to use. The hope is that the potential new prayer book will be helpful for laypeople who want to minister to the sick, especially when a priest is unavailable. Only priests are allowed to perform the sacrament of anointing of the sick, which can be administered whether or not the sick person is in danger of death with the hoped-for effect of physical and spiritual healing. But there are several liturgical books — including the book used for the anointing of the sick — that include material that is specifically designed to be used by laypeople when a priest isn’t available. The book that the bishops are voting to create will be a compilation of those prayers, drawn from multiple sources traditionally used in ministry to the sick. Assuming the book is approved by two-thirds of the bishops, it may be a couple of years before the book makes it into the hands of lay Catholics. After the vote this week, the Vatican will need to approve it.
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/252797/a-new-book-of-prayers-for-lay-people-ministering-to-the-sick-could-be-on-its-way
Today, the Church celebrates Saint Albert the Great, a Doctor of the Church and the patron saint of scientists. The native German joined the newly formed Dominican order in the early 13th century. He earned a doctorate from the University of Paris and taught theology there and in Cologne, Germany. Albert became known as “Great” because of his intellectual abilities; he was a respected philosopher, scientist, theologian and teacher, and was well-versed in Arabic culture. One of his students, who later became a great friend and built upon his Scholastic method, was Thomas Aquinas.
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/saint/st-albert-the-great-656
