Activist sentenced to nearly 5 years in prison for clinic blockade
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Activist sentenced to nearly 5 years in prison for clinic blockade

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WASHINGTON (OSV News) — Lauren Handy has received a sentence of almost five years in federal incarceration — 57 months — for organizing a blockade in Washington abortion clinic on Oct. 22, 2020.

Handy, 30, from Alexandria, Virginia, has previously served brief jail sentences for interfering with activities at abortion clinics in both Michigan and Virginia. This penalty, her most extended to date, was issued by U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly on May 14. Prosecutors from the Justice Department had suggested a sentence of 78 months in prison.

The judge informed Handy that neither she “nor any of the other co-conspirators” had demonstrated compassion or understanding towards the women at the clinic. “Your opinions took priority over, quite frankly, their human necessities,” she stated.

Lauren Handy sentenced for abortion clinic blockade

Handy chose not to give a statement during her sentencing. As she was escorted out, numerous individuals in the courtroom yelled, “You’re a hero, Lauren!” Among them was Monica Miller, the leader of the Michigan-based Red Rose Rescue, a pro-life organization in which Handy has been involved.

Cardinal Fernández responds to concerns by abuse survivors about astonishing book
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Cardinal Fernández responds to concerns by abuse survivors about astonishing book

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(OSV News) — The Vatican’s doctrinal leader informed OSV News that a contentious book he authored over 25 years ago is “inconvenient by modern standards …” and “did not possess the practicality” he had anticipated when he wrote it.

In an email dated Feb. 2, Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, the leader of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, addressed multiple inquiries from OSV News concerning “La pasión mística: espiritualidad y sensualidad” (“Mystical Passion: Spirituality and Sensuality“), released in 1998 when he was still serving as a priest in Argentina.

The DDF prefect informed OSV News that he acquired “the limited copies that were found in a few bookstores and disposed of them.”

The book presented itself as “a call to explore the realm of fervent love that resides in the core of our existence.”

Three chapters of the book specifically address orgasms, with the concluding chapter named “God and the couple’s orgasm.” Additionally, another section narrates the experience of a 16-year-old girl’s “intense meeting with Jesus,” where she touches him on the beach and kisses his lips.

Can you get more than one indulgence by praying the Rosary in a group?
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Can you get more than one indulgence by praying the Rosary in a group?

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Question: I inquired of a person who often remains after Mass to recite the Rosary if she would accompany me to a nursing home to pray it there. She declined, explaining that whenever she prays the Rosary In the presence of the Blessed Sacrament, she attains a plenary indulgence, which is increased for every individual present praying alongside her at that moment. For instance, if there are 10 individuals praying, each participant receives 10 plenary indulgences. She mentioned that she would pray for the residents, but I doubt that this holds the same value as personally visiting and praying with these isolated individuals. Are her assertions accurate? She also referenced Jesus’ statement, “Where two or more are gathered, there am I in the midst of them,” contending that this implies that praying the Rosary alone at home is not as valuable as doing it within a group. This is quite disheartening if it is indeed true.

— Katherine Hostetter, Eugene, Oregon

Answer: No, many of her concepts are incorrect. In the realm of indulgences, there are individuals who speak of standards and regulations that are erroneous or no longer applicable. Some of these notions are derived in incomplete ways from resources like antiquated prayer books, the words of saints in visions (whether validated or not) or via devout literature, blogs, or simply from other Catholics who might share misleading information, even if unintentionally.

Can souls in heaven communicate with each other?
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Can souls in heaven communicate with each other?

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Question: I am seeking to understand what the Church’s doctrine states regarding the ability of souls in heaven to interact with one another. The only information I come across are viewpoints on souls communicating with those on Earth or the other way around. I am curious to find out if my partner and I will have the chance to express our true feelings for one another while we were on earth.
— Eileen Nelson, via email
Answer: The saints in heaven undoubtedly have the ability to converse with one another, and in a manner that is vastly superior to how we interact on earth. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states: “In the splendor of heaven, the blessed persist joyfully in carrying out God’s will concerning other people and all of creation. They already reign alongside Christ; with him ‘they shall reign for ever and ever’” (CCC, No. 1029).

Can Roman Catholics have icons?
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Can Roman Catholics have icons?

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Question: I am a Roman Catholic, yet I have a deep appreciation for icons. A friend mentioned to me that Latin-rite Catholics ought not to possess or gather icons since they are exclusively meant for Eastern Christians. Is this accurate?
— Anonymous, Newark, New Jersey
Answer: There is no prohibition for Roman Catholics to possess or venerate icons, nor is there a guideline that limits this practice to Eastern Christians. The Church has historically allowed the use of images, such as statues, as a beneficial reminder of Our Lord and the valiant saints who are part of our Church community and the Body of Christ.
Particularly after the Incarnation of our Blessed Lord, the longstanding Jewish hesitation to portray God or the likeness of God in humanity has been overcome. The Church similarly dismisses iconoclasm, a belief during the early days of the Church that aimed to eliminate all images and maintain churches devoid of them.

Can our departed loved ones send us messages from heaven?
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Can our departed loved ones send us messages from heaven?

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Question: Is it possible for our deceased relatives to communicate with us from the afterlife? I have had discussions with numerous individuals who feel that they have, in fact, received uplifting confirmations, direction, signals, symbols, and more.
— Name withheld, Phoenix
Answer: There may be particular occasions when the Lord allows a soul in heaven to convey a word, message, sign, or comfort to us. Yet, this does not appear to be something we should anticipate on a regular basis, and we ought to be quite cautious before readily accepting that an occurrence is a message from a loved one who has passed away.
It is absolutely imperative to refrain from attempting to summon the deceased through mediums, séances, or any alternative techniques (cf. Dt 18:10; Lv 19:31; 20:27). These activities are forbidden by the First Commandment as they undermine our faith in God and aim to gain insight into the future or acquire other information. This is pursued instead of merely relying on the belief that God has disclosed to us what is necessary for our salvation.

Can laypeople lay hands on others during prayer?

Can laypeople lay hands on others during prayer?

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Question: Are ordinary believers permitted to lay their hands on others and pray for restoration or the infusion of the Holy Spirit or provide a blessing? Is there any teaching regarding this? Can we accept prayers from individuals who wish to touch us and intercede on our behalf? I’ve also come across the assertion that laying hands either by others or on oneself for others may result in demonic possession.
— Marie Nuar, via email
Answer: It is absolutely allowed and recommended for lay individuals to pray for each other. In fact, the gift to offer physical or spiritual healing and comfort to others is not limited to the clergy. However, when engaging in prayer, the laity should refrain from using sacerdotal gestures like laying hands on someone’s head or making the sign of the cross over them, akin to a priest’s blessing. If hands are laid upon someone during prayer, it is preferable to rest them on the shoulders.

Can laypeople give blessings?

Can laypeople give blessings?

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Question: Can non-clergy individuals offer blessings? This is occurring in my parish during prayer gatherings and occasionally at Mass when the priest invites everyone to participate by reaching out their hands to bless someone. Additionally, individuals raise their hands similarly to the priest during the Our Father.
— Janice Janecoveck, Chicago
Answer: In a liturgical context, only a priest (and occasionally the deacon) should be the ones bestowing blessings, as they are present and ready for this task. This also applies to certain laypeople who, while distributing Communion, grant blessings if a person requests one instead of receiving holy Communion. Since declining to give a blessing can be uncomfortable, I often recommend that lay individuals simply say, “God bless you,” but avoid making the sign of the cross or performing any priestly actions. The common practice of both priests and deacons offering blessings in the Communion line is generally disapproved of by liturgists, yet it is prevalent and challenging to fully eradicate, which is why laypeople are sometimes seen giving “blessings.”

Can laity bless objects with holy water?

Can laity bless objects with holy water?

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Question: I purchased a 14-carat medal and wish to have it blessed. Since I have no place to go for this, I ordered some blessed and consecrated water online, hoping to perform the blessing myself. Additionally, I received a prayer to recite while sprinkling the water. Is this acceptable? Will it receive a blessing?
— Name, location withheld
Answer: There are specific blessings that a regular individual can bestow. For instance, a parent is able to grant a blessing upon their offspring. The blessing of items, nonetheless, is generally reserved to the clergy. Applying holy water is beneficial and can bestow a blessing upon the individual or item that comes into contact with it. Nonetheless, the formal blessing of the object itself is the responsibility of priests and, to a certain degree, deacons.
I’m unclear about what you imply when you state that you lack a destination. If this means that you are unable to conveniently find a priest, then what you’ve done certainly won’t cause any harm. Additionally, it is not essential for sacred items to be blessed in order to produce a positive outcome. When a priest becomes reasonably accessible, you can bring it in for a blessing. Moreover, some deacons possess the authority from the bishop to bestow various blessings. Therefore, you might consider reaching out to a deacon if they are easier to reach than a priest.

Can I attend this non-Catholic wedding?

Can I attend this non-Catholic wedding?

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Question: My sister-in-law and her spouse adopted two kids many years back and nurtured them within the Catholic faith. Unfortunately, neither child has embraced the Faith, and they have lived rather troubled lives (including issues with drugs, job instability, etc.). My sister-in-law suffers from multiple sclerosis (MS) and relies heavily on my wife. We make an effort to be supportive of the family. Currently, their 25-year-old son is preparing to wed his cohabitating girlfriend in a few months (a Christian ceremony outside the Catholic Church). I’ve never felt it right (or permissible) to participate in a wedding for someone who has strayed from the Catholic Church. However, this has led to tensions within my immediate and extended family, as they believe that my sister-in-law (who has MS) “needs” our support, given that we are the only family they truly have. My wife wishes to assist her sister. I’ve decided to attend a brunch but will quietly excuse myself from the wedding ceremony. I empathize with the situation faced by my wife and sister-in-law. I understand why many of my family members will choose to attend in a show of support, but I believe my presence is not something I can compromise on. Have I made the correct choice?

Can Catholics eat faux meat on Fridays in Lent?
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Can Catholics eat faux meat on Fridays in Lent?

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Contemplating the ethics of consuming an Impossible Burger on a Lenten Friday could be the epitome of Catholicism.
“I mean, only Catholics could be experiencing an existential dilemma concerning Aristotelian metaphysics regarding whether something truly exists or not, or in this instance, meat,” remarked William Patenaude, a civil engineer from Rhode Island who writes a blog about Catholic ecology.
Patenaude informed Our Sunday Visitor that he finds it “humorous” that Catholics on social media and beyond are debating the morality of consuming plant-based items designed to mimic the flavor and aroma of genuine beef. Secular news organizations have sought the opinions of canon lawyers and diocesan leaders on whether consuming imitation meat on Fridays throughout Lent qualifies as a mortal sin.
“And everyone is retrieving their textbooks, researching Aristotle, Plato, and Thomas Aquinas,” Patenaude remarked. “It’s quite amusing, and very Catholic.”
For clarity, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops states in its Lenten instructions that the Church’s regulations on abstinence assert that meat “is derived solely from animals like chickens, cattle, sheep, or swine.” Birds are additionally classified as meat.
“From my perspective, consuming faux meat adheres to the requirements of abstaining from meat during Lent,” Father Andrew Menke of the U.S. bishops conference’s Secretariat of Divine Worship stated in an email to Our Sunday Visitor.

Can Catholics decorate for Christmas during Advent?

Can Catholics decorate for Christmas during Advent?

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Question: The minister at my church prohibits us from observing Christmas throughout Advent. He advises us against adorning our residences and bans any gatherings on Church property until December 25. Is this appropriate?
— Phillip Yanek, via email
Answer: The liturgical setting has more stringent guidelines than what Catholics are required to adhere to in their personal residences or even in parish contexts unrelated to the liturgy. In fact, no priest possesses the “authority” to restrict what Catholics choose to do in their homes. Although it might be preferable for our homes to flawlessly embody the liturgical cycle, in practical terms, numerous Catholics start adorning their homes earlier in December.
Regarding festivities on Church premises, this falls under the discretion of church leadership. Honestly, many pastors tend to be quite lenient in this area, recognizing that cultural effects, although not always preferable, can be honored in consideration of the valid desires of individuals to commemorate occasions easily. Often, parish organizations host “Christmas” gatherings during Advent because that is when numerous individuals are free for such a celebration. The week between Christmas and New Year frequently sees many away travelling or engaged in family events. Following New Year’s Day, many return to their jobs and other responsibilities. Certain adaptations to everyday realities must be accepted, even if we truly mourn the cultural decline of Advent.

Can Catholics be registered at two parishes?
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Can Catholics be registered at two parishes?

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Question: Is it allowed for someone to be enrolled in two parishes? We are fortunate to have many choices, and one parish appears to better fulfill our formation requirements, while the other provides us with a diverse community that we appreciate.
— Donald R. McCrabb, Greenbelt, Maryland
Answer: It is allowed. Your situation is a frequent one nowadays, and both parishes might want to include you in their files to connect occasionally.
According to Canon Law, there should be no differences or prerequisites based on the issue of “registration” within a parish. The idea of registration is primarily an American notion—beneficial in many respects, yet not an obligatory requirement of Church law. A parish or pastor that denies the administration of sacraments or other services based on a person’s or family’s registration status is infringing upon the rights of those Catholics. There could be other canonical reasons that might lead a pastor or parish to postpone the granting of sacraments until specific criteria are fulfilled, but registration itself is not among these reasons.

Can a Protestant go to confession?
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Can a Protestant go to confession?

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Question: Can a Protestant admit their sins to a Catholic priest and receive absolution?

—Richard J. Moore, Covington, Louisiana

Answer: Not typically. There are, nevertheless, a few exceptions. The initial exception pertains to the peril of death. Canon law states, “If the peril of death is imminent or there is some other serious necessity, in the opinion of the diocesan bishop or the national conference of bishops, Catholic ministers may validly administer sacraments to other Christians who lack full communion with the Catholic Church, who are unable to consult a minister from their own community, and who independently request it, as long as they demonstrate Catholic faith in these sacraments and are suitably disposed” (No. 844.4).

Caffeine and Jesus in Minnesota business

Caffeine and Jesus in Minnesota business

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St. James Coffee in Rochester, Minnesota, might initially appear to be just another coffee shop. It offers coffee in numerous varieties alongside food, frequently greeting newcomers and loyal customers alike, and organizes gatherings for the neighborhood. However, it is not your typical café: the establishment provides not only coffee to its clients but also sacraments and spiritual experiences.
In reality, it is likely the sole coffee shop in the nation that possesses an adoration chapel.
“The concept was,” clarified Melissa Scaccio, who manages St. James, “wouldn’t it be wonderful to have individuals come in, greet Jesus while they’re waiting for their beverage, or come in to spend their Holy Hour, so that as long as we’re open for business, the chapel is available for prayer.”
Varied customers and a Catholic influence
An ordinary day at the store is as varied as the crowd it draws: a guest may catch snippets of an interfaith theological discussion, observe a Bible study group, or notice various customers engaged in telecommuting. Some individuals might pop in for a short while, while others linger for an extended period.
The chapel has been in existence since 2014, which is two years after the store was established, when St. James received approval from the Diocese of Winona-Rochester to store the Blessed Sacrament in a tabernacle and monstrance. The host designated for adoration has to be replaced monthly, and therefore, on every second Thursday, the shop hosts a “coffee shop Mass.” The Mass used to take place in the chapel, but Scaccio mentions that participation has increased so significantly that the altar needs to be relocated to the main area of the shop, necessitating the removal of furniture to make room for all attendees.

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Bringing Carlo Acutis’ inspiring story to the screen

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A videographer from Castletown Media located in Seattle was present in June when a collective of 152 Catholic high school students and their chaperones from North Dakota set out on a pilgrimage to Rome. He traveled with them on their journey over the Atlantic Ocean, and he captured footage of them during their visit to Assisi, where they paid their respects at the tomb of Blessed Carlo Acutis. who will officially be canonized in 2025.

The video was recorded for the documentary “Roadmap to Reality: Carlo Acutis and Our Digital Age” that is presently being produced and set to launch in cinemas next year.

Courtesy of Castletown Media

Prior to that visit at the Shrine of the Renunciation Church of St. Mary Major, the pilgrims gained insight into the life of Carlo, who died on Oct. 12, 2006, when he was just 15 years old. However, witnessing his body encased in glass, wearing jeans, Nike sneakers, and a sweatshirt created a powerful impression. He resembles them, contrasting with the more traditional robed saints from history.

Certainly, Carlo has been referred to as a saint for our era and for the contemporary technological landscape. He is set to become the first millennial to achieve canonization, and he is an individual that young people can identify with.

“Several individuals remarked that he appears so youthful that ‘He’s younger than I am,’” stated Jerome Richter, the executive vice president and chief of staff at the University of Mary in Bismarck, who coordinated the pilgrimage. “They expressed that it was incredible to behold the countenance of a saint. Some were moved to tears without understanding the reason behind their emotions. Others found it captivating and commented, ‘There’s a young person I can relate to.’ Many of them felt inspired.”

Their responses will be included in the documentary that delves into the experiences and insights that Carlo provides — particularly for younger audiences — who are facing the difficulties of the digital landscape.

“We are viewing the world through Carlo’s perspective,” stated Tim Moriarty, executive producer of Castletown Media and the film’s director. “We are examining a reality that is progressively influenced by digital innovation, and we are seeing it through the vision of a saint who is profoundly guided by his Catholic beliefs in his interaction with the world.”

He mentioned to Our Sunday Visitor that this perspective should matter to all those who are worried about navigating a world that is becoming more foreign and is influenced by rapidly developing technology.

“It makes us feel unsettled,” he stated. “What steps can we take to establish a roadmap, and even more crucially, how can we offer that roadmap to others, particularly the younger generation, to navigate a scenario where the foundation beneath us is perpetually changing and trembling? How can we keep our connections with one another? Carlo demonstrates how to achieve that.”

Films to inspire

Castletown Media has created multiple faith-oriented documentaries that were released by Fathom Events, which will also manage the latest project. One was “Mother Teresa: No Greater Love,” created for the Knights of Columbus. The other was “Jesus Thirsts: The Miracle of the Eucharist,” developed for Spirit Filled Hearts Ministry.

These movies were created in partnership with Jim Wahlberg, who is likewise participating in “Road to Reality.”

Filmmaker Jim Wahlberg is seen in an undated photo. CNS photo/courtesy Pinkston

“Carlo Acutis’s journey is exceptionally motivating, particularly for today’s youth,” Wahlberg expressed to Our Sunday Visitor. “He harnessed his skills and contemporary resources to draw others nearer to Christ, illustrating that holiness can be achieved even amidst the digital era. Carlo’s creative application of technology for evangelization and his profound commitment to the Eucharist render him an ideal example for maneuvering through the digital landscape with belief. This initiative serves to pay tribute to his memory and show that anyone, including a teenager with a computer, can create a significant influence through their faith.”

Wahlberg expressed that participating in Catholic filmmaking holds significant personal meaning for him. He experienced a challenging upbringing and frequently found himself in juvenile detention facilities. Wahlberg faced a period of homelessness and battled with substance abuse issues, including drugs and alcohol. He was taken into custody for public intoxication and disorderly behavior, and spent time in prison for armed robbery.

‘Bless me, Father’
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‘Bless me, Father’

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Question: In a recent confession, the priest advised me that I should refrain from saying, “Bless me, Father, for I have sinned”; rather, I should express, “Forgive me, Father, for I have sinned.” Is he correct?
— Name, location withheld
Answer: The initiation of confession with the phrase “Bless me, Father, for I have sinned” is a common practice in the United States and certain other areas. In various locations around the globe, different phrases are utilized to commence the confession.

Bishop Strickland calls Alabama IVF ruling ‘correct’ in CPAC address
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Bishop Strickland calls Alabama IVF ruling ‘correct’ in CPAC address

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WASHINGTON (OSV News) — Bishop Joseph E. Strickland, the former leader of the Diocese of Tyler, Texas, stated on Feb. 23 during his speech at the Conservative Political Action Conference’s annual Ronald Reagan Dinner that “we must stand firm in the sanctity of life, along with all of its consequences.”

Bishop Strickland spoke about the Alabama Supreme Court’s recent decision confirming that human embryos involved in in vitro fertilization will be safeguarded under Alabama’s Wrongful Death of a Minor Act, stating to the crowd at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland, “As a Catholic pastor, I must discuss an issue that is relevant today, at this moment.”

“I recognize that in the current debates, a lot of us may lack understanding, but we need to become informed, and we must lead our esteemed politicians, those we trust will steer this nation towards a more promising future,” he stated. “We must direct them in the moral principles surrounding the sanctity of life.”

In response to criticism, Bishop Strickland supports Alabama decision.

Bishop Strickland did not refer to former President Donald Trump directly, but earlier that day, the leading candidate for the GOP presidential nomination released a statement urging the Republican Party to endorse IVF access nationwide and for Alabama legislators to follow suit, in light of the criticism regarding the ruling and IVF providers in the state halting treatments.

There is a contradiction in agreeing to IVF treatments, as it is a reality that they lead to significant destruction of embryonic existence. Hence, I endorse the decision that frozen embryos are regarded as children. We cannot alter reality for our own ease – as truth simply does not yield.— Bishop J. Strickland (@BishStrickland) February 24, 2024

“We need to assist them in understanding that the disputes currently being reported in the news, this ruling by Alabama’s court was accurate,” Bishop Strickland stated.

Bishop Richard Henning named new archbishop of Boston

Bishop Richard Henning named new archbishop of Boston

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In an important selection for the Catholic Church in the United States, Pope Francis has appointed Bishop Richard G. Henning of Providence, Rhode Island, as the forthcoming archbishop of Boston. Archbishop-designate Henning, who assumed the role of the ninth bishop of Providence on May 1, 2023, will take over from Cardinal Seán Patrick O’Malley, OFM Cap., who has been the archbishop of Boston since 2003. The Vatican made the announcement regarding the appointment today.

A heritage of optimism and rejuvenation

Archbishop Henning, 59, offers extensive experience and a strong dedication to pastoral work in his new position. He has received widespread acclaim for his initiatives to connect with various communities and his commitment to nurturing a sense of hope and renewal in the Church. His selection arrives as the Archdiocese of Boston persists in addressing the clerical sexual abuse crisis that threw the diocese into turmoil over two decades ago.

According to the Boston GlobeArchbishop Henning takes over a secure environment in Boston. The archdiocese faced a $15 million shortfall in 2003, at the time Cardinal O’Malley assumed leadership. By 2023, the diocese reported a $13 million excess. Cardinal O’Malley submitted his resignation to Pope Francis in 2019, as mandated by canon law, upon celebrating his 75th birthday. Nevertheless, at the Holy Father’s request, Cardinal O’Malley, now 80, has remained in charge of the archdiocese.

Bethlehem and the mystery of the Immaculate Conception

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Today is Dec. 9, the feast of the Immaculate Conception.

At today’s Mass we read, “The man named his wife Eve, since she became the parent of all living beings” (Gn 3:20).

Today, due to the arrangement of the liturgical calendar, we commemorate the feast of the Immaculate Conception; typically, this feast is celebrated on Dec. 8, but it has been moved to today because the Sundays of Advent take priority.

Today’s celebration honors the New Eve, the Virgin Mary. As the Mother of God, Mary serves as the spiritual mother to all humanity. The essence of today’s feast, which recognizes that the Virgin Mary was conceived free from sin and lived sinlessly, affirms her spiritual motherhood’s purity. She was an esteemed mother for our Lord. Additionally, she is a deserving mother for us. Therefore, for our reflection today, it is beneficial to link this feast to Bethlehem, to trace the divine reasoning and uncover a new depth in this time-honored event. Catholic teaching.

Benedict XV: Forgotten pope of peace

Benedict XV: Forgotten pope of peace

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This is the fourth in a series looking at the Church’s 12 most recent popes and the marks they’ve made on the Church. The series appeared each month throughout 2018.
“Are there any Catholics present?” In the context — the Vatican’s apostolic palace — the inquiry was somewhat awkward. It was uttered by Woodrow Wilson toward the conclusion of the inaugural meeting between a U.S. president and a pope — in this instance, Benedict XV. Their meeting on Jan. 4, 1919, took place as Wilson was en route to Versailles, France, for the unsuccessful peace conference following World War I.
At the conclusion of the audience, Pope Benedict expressed his intention to offer his blessing. Wilson, a Presbyterian with a less than favorable view of the Catholic Church, appeared hesitant. The pope reassured him that the blessing would extend to both Catholics and non-Catholics. The president then faced his group and instructed the Catholics to come forward to receive the blessing. As he was certainly aware, this group included his devoted personal secretary, the Irish-American Joseph Tumulty.
As he had pledged, Benedict offered his blessing to the assembly. The Catholics sank to their knees. Wilson stayed upright, his head lowered.
What topics had these two markedly different individuals, Woodrow Wilson and Benedict XV, discussed prior to the blessing? Clearly, peace. Each had formulated peace initiatives. Benedict’s suggestions were rejected by the triumphant allies, who deemed them overly lenient towards Germany. Wilson aimed to advocate for his 14-point framework at Versailles. However, ultimately, it was put aside by the others in favor of a harsh resolution that resentfully affected the Germans and paved the way for an even more devastating conflict just twenty years afterward.
Justly or unjustly, historians attribute a significant amount of the fault for the debacle at Versailles to Wilson’s overly idealistic mismanagement. Regarding Pope Benedict, he strongly desired to have representation at the event, but the anti-clerical French and Italian administrations rejected that completely. For the Church, this situation might have turned out to be a fortunate turn of events. At least the pope could not be held accountable for the calamitous peace-that-was-no-peace.

Simcha Fisher, Author at Our Sunday Visitor

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Simcha Fisher Simcha Fisher is an award-winning columnist who regularly contributes to America Magazine, Parable Magazine and The Catholic Weekly. She lives with her husband and eight of their 10 children and several animals in a surprisingly small house in New Hampshire. 43 posts Why one Catholic art teacher encourages ‘continence of the eyes’ bySimcha…

Simon Caldwell, Author at Our Sunday Visitor

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Simon Caldwell Simon Caldwell writes for OSV News from Liverpool, England. 13 posts Vance shines global spotlight on case of British army vet prosecuted for silent prayer bySimon Caldwell Catholic bishops decry British end of life vote: ‘May God help us’ bySimon Caldwell World needs more than just lip service to Christian persecution bySimon Caldwell…