Book Excerpts

Response to bishops’ document gives glimpse of coming political season
Oct 16 2011
WASHINGTON – It didn’t take long for the “spin” to start after the U.S. bishops reissued their 2007 document, “Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship,” with a new introductory note signed by the president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and the chairmen of nine USCCB committees.

In book, pope presents Jesus as reconciler, not political revolutionary
Mar 10 2011
VATICAN CITY – In his new volume on “Jesus of Nazareth,” Pope Benedict XVI presents the passion and resurrection of Christ as history-changing events that answer humanity’s unceasing need to be reconciled with God.

In book, pope says Jesus’ death cannot be blamed on Jewish people
Mar 02 2011
VATICAN CITY – In his latest volume of “Jesus of Nazareth,” Pope Benedict XVI says the condemnation of Christ had complex political and religious causes and cannot be blamed on the Jewish people as a whole.

Pope’s remarks in book open new chapter in condom debate
Nov 22 2010
VATICAN CITY – In a new book, Pope Benedict XVI said the use of condoms may be a sign of moral responsibility in some specific situations when the intention is to reduce the risk of AIDS.

In new book, pope addresses sex abuse, condoms, possible resignation
Nov 22 2010
ROME – Pope Benedict XVI’s book-length interview is certain to spark global attention, and not only for his comments suggesting that condom use might be acceptable in some circumstances.

Jesuit rebuts reasoning behind claim that God didn’t create universe
Sep 09 2010
WASHINGTON – A Jesuit priest who is former president of Gonzaga University in Spokane, Wash., has taken to YouTube and his blog to rebut arguments raised by British physicist Stephen Hawking, who says in a new book that God had no role in creating the universe.

Archbishop Borders School honors namesake
Apr 26 2010
Archbishop William D. Borders' April 23 funeral at Cathedral of Mary Our Queen brought together political figures, ecumenical leaders and friends.

Kennedy laid to rest at Arlington cemetery after Boston funeral
Aug 31 2009
BOSTON – Sen. Edward M. Kennedy was mourned at a Boston church and laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery Aug. 29, amid words of comfort from the Book of Wisdom, Paul’s Letter to the Romans and the Gospel of Matthew, and recollections of his life by his sons, his pastor, President Barack Obama and Cardinal Theodore E. McCarrick.

Austrian named auxiliary bishop asks pope to withdraw his nomination
Feb 16 2009
LINZ, Austria – Bishop-designate Gerhard Wagner said he would ask Pope Benedict XVI to withdraw his nomination as auxiliary bishop of Linz “given the fierce criticism” of his appointment.

1992 book’s advice on handling children’s TV viewing still timely
Feb 03 2009
WASHINGTON – While recently reading a book from 1992 called “Big World, Small Screen: The Role of Television in American Society,” I ran across a table with suggestions for parents on how to deal with television in the life of their children.

Woman shows courage in face of husband’s death
Sep 11 2008
We all believe in life after death. But many of us still struggle with doubts. My favorite prayer from the Gospels is: “I do believe, Lord. Help my unbelief!”

New edition of Holocaust survivor’s book on Pope John Paul II issued
Jun 17 2007
WASHINGTON – After Polish-born poet, author and Holocaust survivor Lena Allen-Shore had her first private meeting with Pope John Paul II in 1996, her younger son, Jacques, told her, “You have to write an article. The title of the article should be ‘Building Bridges.’“

New book offers inside glimpse of John Paul II’s life
Jan 23 2007
ROME – Pope John Paul II consulted with top aides about possibly resigning in 2000 and set up a “specific procedure” for papal resignation, says a new book by the pope’s former secretary. The pope eventually decided that it was God’s will that he stay in office, despite the illness that left him more and more debilitated, wrote Cardinal Stanislaw Dziwisz of Krakow, Poland, the late pope’s closest aide. In the book, “A Life With Karol,” Cardinal Dziwisz offers an inside glimpse at key moments of Pope John Paul’s life in Poland and his 26-year pontificate. The book was being published in Polish and Italian in late January.