Monday, March 4, 2013
Pope Benedict XVI stepped down at the end of February, as local Catholics paid tribute to him.
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Monday, March 4
On the day that Pope Benedict XVI officially stepped down as leader of the Catholic Church, approximately 600 clergy, religious and faithful from around the Diocese of Metuchen gathered for a Mass of Thanksgiving to celebrate the gift of his papacy. The Most Rev. Paul G. Bootkoski, principal celebrant of the evening liturgy February 28 at St. Francis of Assisi Cathedral in Metuchen, greeted the worshippers who filled the cathedral. In his opening remarks the bishop reaffirmed the Mass was offered both in thanksgiving for Pope Benedict's service as head of the Church, and also as a prayer of petition for the selection of a new pope. “We gather tonight because we are grateful for Pope Benedict’s eight years of leadership and for his …
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Father Thomas Walsh of St. Bart's shares his thoughts on Pope Benedict XVI's decision to resign.
The resignation of Pope Benedict XVI has captured eyes worldwide, as the head of the Catholic church claims that his health is preventing him from fulfilling his duties as pontiff. The Rev. Thomas Walsh of St. Bartholomew’s R.C. Church called the announcement historic and said future popes who feel they can no longer continue in the position because of health concerns no longer have to feel obligated to do so. “It’s an historic moment,” he said. “I think it will change the way we look at the office of the Pope, perhaps for the better. Benedict is the first pope to resign in nearly 600 years. He will step down from his position as the head of the Catholic church on Feb. 28. Father Tom said the move will prevent a repeat of what happened …
Monday, February 11, 2013
After almost 8 years as pontiff, Pope Benedict is calling it quits at the end of the month. What do you think about his move? What effect will it have on the Church?
Pope John Paul was a hard act to follow, but his successor, Pope Benedict XVI, has done his best to fill the shoes as head of the Roman Catholic Church. Today the Vatican announced that the 85-year-old pope will be resigning by the end of February because of his inability to fulfill the duties of his office. The pontiff said his strength "has deteriorated" in the last few months, according to a CNN report. It will be the first time in 600 years that a pope has resigned, rather than die, in office. It may also mean huge changes ahead for the Catholic Church. SPEAK OUT: What do you think the Pope's resignation will have on the Church? Is it a good thing for the church, or do you fear what may be coming? Tell us what you think.
LisaO
2:02 pm on Tuesday, February 12, 2013
I have mixed feelings about the Pope's resignation. I can see that having a Pope that is physically and mentally fit is important to furthering the mission of the Church and the travel requred along with it. However, it is difficult for me as a Catholic to reconcile my desire for understanding with the requirement that I trust his actions without question. The silence from the Vatican as to the … more ›