Chris McDonnell reviews Jim Forest's Writing straight with crooked lines

Thomas O’Loughlin, in a slightly longer version that was published in La Croix, looks at some objections raised to ordaining married men as presbyters.
"It has often been noted that while universities speak of ‘education’ (focusing on developing the individual’s talent), seminaries, along with military academies, speak of ‘formation’: learning to think with the group, act together, and became familiar with the group’s standard procedures and goals."

Tony Flannery, writing on his own in his own blog and in an article that was published in the Connaught Tribune, questions the wisdom of 'live-streaming" Masses during this crisis when church buildings are closed.

Statement from the Association of Catholic Priests on COVID-19 Pandemic

Paddy Ferry draws our attention to the coverage in novenanews.com of Pope Francis' remarks that he intended to deliver to Pontifical Mission Societies. Pope Francis addressed 'pitfalls' in the church in his message, including, “The elitist temptation in some organisations connected to the Church can be accompanied at times by a sentiment of superiority and of intolerance towards the rest of the baptised, towards the people of God who may attend parishes and visit shrines, but are not ‘activists’ busy in Catholic organisations”

Brendan Hoban comments on the progress so far in the campaign to suppress the corona virus but cautions that the battle is still only half fought.
"The phased re-introduction of normality has encouraged different vested interests to argue their claims to be shunted up the list of important services. Clearly concerted media campaigns by groups with commercial agendas are in train. "
Brendan mentions those in the media who comment on everything and anything and do so as if they bear no personal responsibility for their commentary apart from satisfying their readers.
"Leaders, in church and society, haven’t that luxury."

Seamus Ahearne reminds us that grace filled moments can come about in chance encounters, even in the sad and bitter memories from the past. "He still can’t grasp how those in the Institutions and those out on the farms, who were full of God and faith, never displayed anything of the God of love.  That haunts him. He doesn’t feel bitter about anything else.  It is the model of God presented, that hurts most deeply.  Mass, Benediction and prayers were very important but there wasn’t any sign of the God of love."   ..... " A new Church is needed. New worship is needed. New vision is needed.  No one else is going to do it.  We have to get on with it."

UPDATE 19 May 2020, 21:45
Fr. Pat Rogers remains very seriously ill in hospital.
His family asks, and is very grateful, for your continued prayers.

Thomas O Loughlin challenges us to think more deeply about our attitudes towards liturgy as some shortcomings in understanding are being highlighted by the COVID-19 lock downs.
The article first appeared in La-croix International

Prof. Thomas O'Loughlin suggests a home liturgy for celebrating Ascension Day.
Perhaps consideration could be given this year to celebrating Ascension on Thursday, 21 May – the day that is forty days after Easter Sunday?