Men with wombs? A prospect to be rejected
Uterus transplantation is still rare but gaining ground. In an article in Acta Biomedica, two researchers from the Sapienza University of Rome endorse the idea that such a practice can contribute to "improving the lives" of men who feel like women. But the desire to 'change' sex is not ethically acceptable. And a possible womb transplant would not heal the unhappiness, but increase it. Not to mention the impact on the hypothetical offspring.
Missionary Peter Chanel, protomartyr of Oceania
He had been passionate about the missions since he was an adolescent. He became a priest, but for years he was unable to fulfil his desire to leave. He succeeded after joining the Marists, going as a missionary to the island of Futuna. He cared for the sick, baptised dying children, and converted many to Catholicism. He was killed for his faith, becoming the protomartyr of Oceania.
- THE RECIPE: FISH SALAD FROM FUTUNA
“I Believe”, an act of titanic certainty
The words "I believe", in today’s culture permeated with relativism, have become synonymous of expressing one’s opinion. Instead, it is an adhesion to the Faith which, as Saint Thomas says, is a very certain adhesion, and more so than any other act. The act of faith combines intellect, will and grace. Today, the Daily Compass begins the first lesson of Sunday Catechism on the Creed.
"Let's not keep God in quarantine: let's ask Him to stop the pandemic"
"Since the beginning of the pandemic we have been praying to ask the Lord to give us the strength to endure it, but more rarely do we ask Him to put His hand to stopping it. God is seen not as the Creator of the cosmos, but as the companion on our journey. Yet, He can direct the action of the causes that produce a physical phenomenon, while respecting the laws of nature. And Christian prayer assumes that God can act in the biophysical world in which we live". Interview with Father Serge-Thomas Bonino, Dean of Philosophy at the Angelicum.
Christmas forbidden, EU is heir to the French Revolution
The European Union has made an about turn, on the (grotesque) document banning the use of the word Christmas or overly Christian names. But it won’t be long before secularism strikes back, being the fundament of an EU that has denied its Christian roots and the project of its founding fathers. The truth is that today's EU, diversified and inclusive, is reminiscent of communist ideology. And, unfortunately, the anti-Christian anthropological transformation goes far beyond Europe.
Father Jean Pierre, man of peace and prophecy
The death and funeral in Morocco of the 97-year-old Trappist monk who escaped the massacre in Tibhirine (Algeria) in 1996 showed how friendship can be born between Christians and Muslims when faith is lived in daily fidelity to the Gospel, without compromise, even at the cost of one's life. The embrace of Christians and Muslims around his tomb was the miracle of a friendship possible when the sincere search for God inhabits the human heart.
It’s time for the Church to consider the 'deep state' exists
At a time, when it is becoming increasingly evident that an international “deep state” is piloting governments and various emergencies, the support for global governance by many in the Church appears naive. Instead, this reality of intertwining interests and objectives hidden from public view deserves serious consideration.
Hubert of Liège, a Good Friday conversion
He had decided to go deer hunting, his great passion, rather than go to church for the Good Friday services. At that point, he had no idea what was about to happen to him. Or that he would become St Hubert, the first bishop of Liège.
The Daily Compass brings us back to the catechism
From today, the first Sunday of Advent and the start of the liturgical year, the Daily Compass will dedicate every Sunday to the catechism. Lessons will be taught by Professor Luisella Scrosati which are introduced today with a reflection written by Cardinal Robert Sarah.
The Catechism prepares us to meet Jesus
There is an urgency to go back to the Catechism and teach it again, because too often today, the faith is reduced to a personal feeling. By saying, "I believe" means to open up under the influence of grace to the objective content that God reveals, to which we give our assent. Today, teaching is considered the opposite of experience, but it’s impossible to experience God except through teaching.
- THE DAILY COMPASS BRINGS US BACK TO THE CATECHISM
