June Weddings and other great stories

BURNING QUESTION OF THE WEEK: "Is it more effective to pray than to study the tenets of a religion when seeking a spiritual home community?"

June has always been a traditionally busy month for weddings. And you've probably had your share of them this month. "Hints for Happy Marriage" is a wonderful article that teaches couples how to bring God into their lives. Paul Dion reflects on church weddings today and how spirituality seem to have taken a back seat in in favor of the "bling."

What about the father of the bride? It can be quite an emotional roller coaster for him as told in a story we bring you this week. "How to be a good wedding guest" tells it as it is. And ever wondered how Nicole Kidman managed to re-marry in a Catholic church? We tell you how.

At the Vatican, Pope Benedict said this week that being Christian includes living out faith through charity. He reflected on the solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus saying it "attracts souls thirsting for God's mercy." He also highlighted the inseparable relationship that unites Christianity and Judaism when reflecting on the life of the Apostle James the Less.

Ever wondered why, in our profession of faith and creed, we don't profess our belief in the Real Presence of the body and blood of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist? Here's the answer.

In relation to world issues, the Vatican advised Christian and Muslim migrant workers around the world about need to support each other. To Mexico, he said, "Be open to the mystery of God's love," on the anniversary on the renewal of the country's consecration to the Sacred Heart. In India, the number of Catholics are up despite laws passed there recently that prohibits conversion to Catholicism. And all signs point to the U.S. seeing a coming boom in its Catholic population.

Are you Pro-Life or Pro-birth? There is a difference, you know. This article reflects upon it and explains the newly coined term: Christianism. Take Capital Punishment. Not very Christian? We have a blogger that thinks so, in apparent agreement with the President of the Philippines who presented Pope Benedict XVI with a new law that abolishes the death penalty in her country. In the U.S., the Supreme Court affirmed the right of citizens to display pro-life messages on their cars’ license plates.

We have an inspiring story of a young man who is walking across the country with his pro-life message. And a Vatican Cardinal expressed his fear that the Church could soon be brought before an iInternational court for its defense of Life and Family.

A controvery is brewing in Canada as a bishop challenges a local Catholic school board to stop immoral fundraising or lose the Catholic label. In Delaware, a Catholic high school struggles with a $1 million donation in exchange for naming a building for one of the state's most notorious families. And a Bishop urges Catholic teachers to "be Catholic to your fingertips."

Get inspired! Bo Sanchez says, "God will meet you where you are." I'm constantly amazed at Bo's ability to find God in our daily lives. "Calming the Storm" teaches us how to turn to God when dark clouds come. We have the story of a man whose career change saved his marriage. And check out these great tips in "How to stay young."

On the Lifestyle front, Sister Rose goes to the movies and says, "In rain, wind, and fire: Superman Returns!" Check out her review. We feature "Lobster: the king of summertime feasts." And we bring you the music of Jason Morant. He's young, hip and he's packing Christian music bred from New Orleans.

Another busy and interesting week in the Catholic universe.

Keep the faith. Peace.

Wally Arida
Publisher and Editor in Chief