This week, as difficult as it might be to fathom, 2013 rolled over into 2014. In case you were too busy playing in the snow or bringing in the New Year, this is your weekly roundup.
In Camden, New Jersey, Bishop Dennis Sullivan has purchased a new home. The 7,000 square foot historic mansion with eight bedrooms and six bathrooms was a steal, coming in at just $500,000. In a city with an unemployment rate of nearly 20 percent and with 33 percent of its families living under the poverty line, eight bedrooms and six bathrooms could house a few of those who might find themselves without a roof over their heads.
Just over state lines in Philadelphia, bail has been set at $250,000 for Monsignor William Lynn, who was convicted of child endangerment for failing to report child-abusing clerics. Monsignor Lynn won an appeal in the Superior Court, which found him not guilty of breaking the law at the time.
Meanwhile in Argentina, Father Julio Cesar Grassi had his appeal denied. Father Grassi was convicted of sexually abusing a boy a number of years ago.
Several religious groups received an 11th-hour reprieve from implementing the HHS contraception mandate from the Supreme Court. Judge Sonia Sotomayor has asked for clarification from the federal government, and the stay could expire as early as Friday afternoon. The University of Notre Dame, who also applied for an injunction, was denied such reprieve, and issued a statement that they will begin complying with the law.
Some wealthy Catholics don’t like the way that Pope Francis is pouring out so much attention on the poor. After all, who pays for those great cathedrals and the $500,000 mansions for bishops to live in?
If you are in need of a little pick-me-up in your post-holiday slump, check out this collection of the “Worst Christian Book Covers of 2013.”
And now for the Papal rapid-fire roundup.
This week, Pope Francis called a community of Carmelite nuns in Spain, and when he didn’t get through, he left a message that he would try back another time.
He was named the “Best dressed man of 2013” by Esquire magazine.
He tied with George W. Bush for second in the list of “most admired men.”
He has not abolished sin, contrary to (some) popular belief.
That's it for now. Enjoy your weekend!
