AN ANCHOR-HOLD OF LOVE

 

 

 

Julian of Norwich: A Universal Mystic

An Anchor-Hold of Love 

Monday, May 11, 2026

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Father Richard recounts the circumstances of Julian’s mystical experience:  

Ever since I discovered Julian of Norwich so many decades ago, I have considered her one of my favorite mystics. Each time I return to her writings, I always find something new. Julian experienced her sixteen visions, or “showings” as she called them, all on one May night in 1373 when she was very sick and near death. As a priest held a crucifix in front of her, Julian saw Jesus suffering on the cross and heard him speaking to her for several hours. Like all mystics, she realized that what Jesus was saying about himself, he was simultaneously saying about all of reality. That is what unitive consciousness allows us to see.

On same-sex blessings in Germany, cardinal calls talk of Vatican sanctions ‘premature’

On same-sex blessings in Germany, cardinal calls talk of Vatican sanctions ‘premature’

by Junno Arocho Esteves - OSV News May 11, 2026

Father Christian Olding blesses a same-sex couple during a blessing service called "Love Wins" in the Church of St. Martin in Geldern, Germany, May 6, 2021. Credit: OSV News photo/Rudolf Wichert, KNA

(OSV News) — Dialogue between the Vatican and German bishops regarding the blessing of same-sex unions is ongoing, and it was too soon to talk about sanctions, said the Vatican secretary of state.

Speaking to journalists in Rome May 6, Cardinal Pietro Parolin was asked if the Vatican intends to impose sanctions on the German bishops after the continued promotion of a handbook for blessing same-sex couples.

Podcast: 'Trust that there is more at work in the world,' says Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde

 

• ncr

  John Dear

Podcast: 'Trust that there is more at work in the world,' says Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde

Guest Voices

On immigration, Americans must examine their conscience: Catholic tradition can help

 

Guest Voices

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On immigration, Americans must examine their conscience: Catholic tradition can help

Oscar Cantú, David E. DeCosse, William O'Neill  ncr

Vatican II and Pope Leo’s ‘kingly’ role

“After a fat pope, a thin pope”—or so the Italians say. 

The saying doesn’t refer to the B.M.I. of the successive occupants of the see of Peter—it is a metaphor for their general outlook and style. Some Catholic commentary has tacitly drawn on its underlying sentiment to suggest that Pope Leo XIV will take a strikingly different attitude toward the Second Vatican Council than his predecessor, Pope Francis. Rather than prioritize aggiornamento, he will cultivate ressourcement. Rather than embracing the novus ordo, he will look kindly on the traditional Latin Mass. Rather than encouraging young Catholics to “make a mess” as Pope Francis did, he will promote law and order.

Critics Say Synod Report Undermines Church Teaching, Misrepresents Courage

Critics Say Synod Report Undermines Church Teaching, Misrepresents Courage

Edward Pentin Vatican 120

National Catholic Register 

 

 

Reaction to LGBT+ Synod report highlights ‘new and radical’ moves towards inclusion

Sarah Mac Donald

11 May 2026, The Tablet

Andy Solomon/Alamy

The Final Report of Synodal Study Group 9 has been welcomed by London’s LGBT+ Catholics Westminster Pastoral Council which said it had focused on the inclusion of LGBT+ Catholics in ‘quite new and radical ways’.

In a statement, the British support group said the final report “far exceeded our expectations with clear evidence that the submissions we, and others in European Roman Catholic LGBT+ networks made, have hit a mark”.

Martin Pendergast, spokesperson for LGBT+ Catholics Westminster said the document, “even if it is not a formal Vatican doctrinal statement, is surprising[ly] honest in recognising what it calls ‘the inadequacy of our current categories and operational paradigms. There is a persistent resistance …to changing our usual mental and behavioural habitus (disposition).’”

Donald Trump presides over national decline

 

Opinion

Donald Trump presides over national decline

Michael Sean Winters   ncr