Violence and Harassment: The Human Toll

The report documents 232 cases of direct attacks on individuals for their Christian faith, including harassment, threats, and physical violence. These incidents paint a grim picture of a Europe struggling to uphold its values of religious freedom.

Examples include vandalized churches, desecrated religious statues, and acts of violence that escalated to murder. In Spain, a Catholic altar server lost his life in a jihadist attack in Algeciras, while in the UK, a Christian convert from Islam survived an attempted murder, branded an “apostate” by his assailant.

Troubling Trends and Regional Insights

Certain nations stand out for their soaring rates of anti-Christian hate crimes:

– France: Nearly 1,000 cases in 2023, making it the hardest-hit country.

– United Kingdom: Over 700 incidents, ranging from physical threats to institutional discrimination.

– Germany: A shocking 105% increase, with cases rising from 135 in 2022 to 277 in 2023.

These numbers are matched by growing restrictions on religious expression in public life. Across Europe, Christians report being penalized for articulating beliefs on life, marriage, or family values. In schools, workplaces, and even public forums, fear of professional or social reprisal has led to widespread self-censorship.

Secularism or Suppression?

The report draws attention to what it calls the rise of «state-imposed secularism,» a form of governance that risks infringing on religious rights under the guise of neutrality. This extends to limitations on conscientious objection, particularly in matters like abortion or euthanasia, leaving believers without legal recourse.

“Governments are tasked with protecting rights, yet in some cases, they are becoming the oppressors,” the report warns. This phenomenon undermines Europe’s legacy of protecting individual freedoms, replacing dialogue with repression.

Broader Context: Religious Hate Crimes Across Faiths

While Christians remain a significant target, hate crimes against Jews and Muslims also persist at alarming levels. The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) documented 9,000 antisemitic and 6,000 anti-Muslim incidents in 2023. However, the rise in anti-Christian incidents stands out for its sharp year-on-year increase, particularly in countries that have historically upheld Christian traditions.

Regina Polak, an OSCE representative, remarked: “From vandalized churches to physical assaults, Christians are under attack across the region. This is not only a threat to faith communities but to the democratic values we hold dear.”

Types of Offenses: A Breakdown

OIDAC Europe’s analysis revealed a range of anti-Christian offenses in 2023:

– Vandalism against churches: 62%, including arson attacks (10%) and desecration of sacred spaces (24%).

– Threats and harassment: 8%.

– Physical violence: 7%, often involving severe injuries or fatalities.

These attacks are not confined to specific regions but represent a pan-European crisis that crosses borders and cultures.

A Call to Protect Fundamental Rights

The rise in anti-Christian hate crimes highlights a pressing need for renewed commitment to safeguarding religious freedom in Europe. Anja Hoffmann, OIDAC Europe’s executive director, emphasized:

“These trends should serve as a wake-up call. Ensuring the right to debate philosophical and religious ideas openly, without fear of persecution, is essential for a thriving democracy. The cost of silence is too great.”

Europe’s Crossroads: A Legacy at Stake

In a continent deeply shaped by its Christian roots, the escalating hostility against its largest faith community signals a profound societal challenge. Europe now faces a pivotal moment: will it reaffirm its foundational principles of tolerance and freedom, or allow growing polarization and secularism to undermine its moral fabric?

The answer may well define the future of pluralism—not just for Christians, but for all who call Europe home.

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The Pope expressed deep compassion for the victims and reaffirmed the Holy See’s commitment to advocating for the release of those still held captive in Gaza. According to reports, 63 individuals remain detained by Hamas.

A Gesture of Global Solidarity

The hour-long meeting underscored the Vatican’s role as a voice for peace and reconciliation in the Middle East. Participants described the encounter as both heartfelt and impactful. “We didn’t come in vain,” one attendee remarked, highlighting their hope that Pope Francis’s moral authority might influence efforts to secure the release of the remaining hostages.

Gaya Kalderon, a 22-year-old who attended the meeting, voiced her anguish over her father’s continued captivity. “Our life is a living hell; we have no life anymore,” she said, capturing the collective despair of families torn apart by violence.

Condemning Crimes Against Humanity

In a press conference following the audience, the Israeli delegation condemned the kidnappings as “an absolute crime against humanity.” They called for international intervention and swift action to bring the remaining hostages home, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.

This meeting follows Pope Francis’s ongoing engagement with both Israeli and Palestinian families affected by the conflict. Earlier this year, on April 8, he met with five Israeli families whose relatives had been abducted, signaling his unwavering dedication to dialogue and justice.

A Pontiff’s Call for Ceasefire and Compassion

Pope Francis has consistently called for peace in the region. In a message earlier this month, he urged an immediate ceasefire across all fronts, including Lebanon, and reiterated the need for the swift release of all hostages held in Gaza.

During his general audience in St. Peter’s Square last Wednesday, the Pope extended his prayers to the 150 Palestinian civilians who had recently lost their lives, highlighting the devastating toll of the conflict on all sides.

Building Bridges Amid Crisis

This meeting reflects the Vatican’s enduring role as a bridge-builder in some of the world’s most entrenched conflicts. By offering a platform for those affected by violence, Pope Francis amplifies calls for justice and peace, transcending political divides.

As families await news of their loved ones, the hope remains that global leaders and humanitarian advocates will heed the Pope’s call: to prioritize the sanctity of human life, to end cycles of violence, and to restore dignity to those who continue to suffer in silence.

This moment in the Apostolic Palace, marked by shared grief and quiet determination, serves as a reminder that even amid profound despair, the pursuit of peace is not just a dream but a moral imperative.

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Celebration of Youthful Holiness

The canonizations will spotlight the vitality of youth within the Church. Carlo Acutis, often called the «influencer of holiness,» will be canonized during the “Teenagers’ Jubilee” from April 25 to 27. Known for his deep love of the Eucharist and expertise in computer science, the young Italian left a legacy of faith expressed in modern ways.

Pier Giorgio Frassati, a Turin-born student, alpinist, and advocate for the poor, will follow during the “Youth Jubilee” from July 28 to August 3. Often referred to as the «man of the Beatitudes,» Frassati lived a life rooted in prayer, service, and joy—a testament to faith as an adventure. His canonization comes a century after his death, continuing to inspire generations to live with courage and compassion.

A Day for the Children of the World

The announcement coincided with the International Day for the Rights of the Child, where Pope Francis also introduced a major upcoming event: the “World Meeting on Children’s Rights”. Scheduled for February 3 in Vatican City, the gathering will bring together experts, activists, and global leaders to address the plight of children suffering from war, exploitation, and neglect.

In a touching moment during the audience, children in yellow caps, representing various Catholic schools and peace organizations, rushed to greet the Pope on the basilica’s steps. Their joyful interaction underscored the urgency of protecting young lives. «The future of the world lies with the smallest among us,» the Pope remarked, highlighting the Church’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding the dignity of every child.

Holiness in Action: The Lives of Acutis and Frassati

Carlo Acutis, who passed away in 2006 at just 15, gained widespread recognition for creating an online catalog of Eucharistic miracles. His bishop in Assisi, Domenico Sorrentino, called him “a ray of light for young people” and noted the providential timing of his canonization during the Jubilee, which celebrates renewal and hope.

Pier Giorgio Frassati, who died at 24 in 1925, left a legacy of service that resonated deeply even in his short life. A member of Catholic Action and other faith-based groups, he balanced rigorous spiritual devotion with an adventurous spirit. Saint John Paul II, who beatified him in 1990, described him as a model for those striving to integrate faith and action.

Resonating with the Modern World

The Church views these two saints as bridges to contemporary youth. Acutis and Frassati exemplify a faith that is not confined to the past but thrives in digital innovation and social responsibility. Their canonizations aim to inspire young Catholics to see holiness as accessible and relevant.

In a statement, Catholic Action Italy celebrated Frassati’s legacy, emphasizing his ability to counter apathy with a life of dynamic engagement. “His rule of life, ‘to get involved,’ is a call against indifference—a way to connect with the world through faith and action,” the group wrote.

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***

Ladies and Gentlemen,
Dear Brothers and Sisters, good morning!

I am pleased to meet you during this, your twelfth Colloquium. As we all know, this long-standing form of cooperation has been most gratifying for all of us, since it fosters a culture of dialogue, something that I consider of critical importance and which I follow closely.

As you know, I plan to elevate the Archbishop of Tehran-Ispahan – a great friar – to the College of Cardinals. This decision expresses my closeness and concern for the Church in Iran, and in turn honours the entire country.

The life of the Catholic Church in Iran, a “little flock”, is very close to my heart. The Church is not against the government; to say otherwise is a lie. I am aware of its situation and the challenges it faces as it perseveres in bearing witness to Christ and contributing, quietly but significantly, to the good of society as a whole, while rejecting all religious, ethnic or political discrimination.

I am particularly appreciative of the theme you have chosen for this Colloquium: “The Education of Young People, particularly in the Family: A Challenge for Christians and Muslims”. What a beautiful topic! The family, the cradle of life, is the primordial place of education. It is in the family that we take our first steps and learn to listen to others, to acknowledge and respect them, to help them and to live with one another in harmony. A common element of our different religious traditions is the contribution made by the elderly to the education of the young. This is something I hold very close to my heart; grandparents, by their wisdom, are a crucial aid in the religious education of their grandchildren, and serve as a vital link in family relationships over the generations (cf. Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation Christus Vivit, 262). Honouring our grandparents is so important. Their religiosity, communicated informally by the witness of their lives, is invaluable for the growth of young people. I will never forget that my own grandmother was the one who taught me to pray.

One educational challenge common to both Christians and Muslims is posed by the growing, complex reality of marriages involving disparity of cult. It is easy to see that such family settings represent a privileged place for interreligious dialogue (cf. Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation Amoris Laetitia, 248). And that is what we must pursue.

The weakening of faith and religious practice in some societies has a direct impact on the family. We know what great challenges the family faces in a world that is changing rapidly and not always in the right direction. Consequently, in order to fulfil better its educational mission, the family needs the full support of everyone, including the state, the school, its own religious community and other institutions.

Some of the many tasks of the family are those of educating and “being at home” beyond the walls of its own house. Dialogue between believers of different religions does just that; it enables us to step out of our own familiar patterns of thinking and acting, and to be open to encounter within the greater human family. But for dialogue to be fruitful, it must meet several conditions: it must be open, it must be sincere, it must be respectful, it must be friendly and it must be concrete. This is what makes dialogue successful. This approach will make us credible in the eyes of our own community and before our interlocutors and their communities, while constantly reminding us that we are accountable to God for all that we think, for all that we say and for all that we do.

Finally, the education of the younger generation takes place through fraternal cooperation in the search for God. In this quest, we must never tire of speaking and working for the dignity and rights of every person, every community and every people. We must always defend their rights. Indeed, freedom of conscience and religion is the cornerstone of the entire edifice of human rights. Nor is freedom of religion limited to the expression of worship; it also entails complete freedom in the matter of one’s own beliefs and religious practice (cf. Second Vatican Ecumenical Council, Declaration Dignitatis Humanae, 3-4).

Brothers and sisters, our world is divided and rent by hatred, hostility, wars and the threat of a nuclear conflict. We can read the latest threat in today’s newspapers. This situation prompts us, as believers in the God of Peace, to pray and work for dialogue, reconciliation, peace, security and the integral development of all humanity. We profess our faith in the all-powerful God of love. The commitment to peace that we can demonstrate together will make us credible in the eyes of the world and above all to future generations.

Dear brothers and sisters, thank you for coming! May the Most High keep and bless us, our communities and the whole world, and accompany you at every step of your journey of dialogue.

Let us now take a brief moment in silence as we pray asking God to bless us all. Let us be silent.

May God bless us all. Amen.

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Attending the plenary as a special guest was Bishop Stepan Sus, auxiliary and curial bishop to the head of the Ukrainian Greek-Catholic Metropolitan of Kyiv-Halych, who shared his testimony of the Church in Ukraine in the midst of war. Bishop Roy E. Campbell, auxiliary bishop of Washington and president of The National Black Catholic Congress (NBCC) gave a brief presentation to the body on the history, mission and programs of the NBCC. And as the universal Catholic Church prepares to celebrate the Jubilee Year 2025, Sister Maria Juan Anderson, a Religious Sister of Mercy of Alma, Michigan who currently serves as the coordinator for the Bishops’ Office for United States Visitors to the Vatican, shared information about her office and the services they provide to pilgrims visiting Rome. Mr. Patrick Kelly, Supreme Knight of the Knights of Columbus, provided an update on the Order’s Cor initiative.

The bishops received a report on the 2021-2024 Synod of Bishops that concluded in Rome last month; a report on the Eucharistic revival initiative and the National Eucharistic Congress held this summer; and an update on the interim implementation of Antiquum Ministerium (on the ministry of the catechist). An update was also given on the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) as a follow up to the discussion the bishops had at their June plenary on the best way that the CCHD could continue the vital work of fighting poverty. The bishops’ migration committee chairman gave an update on the work of the committee, which aims to help reshape the national narrative on migration to be more welcoming and responsive to the needs of migrants and to help the faithful better understand Catholic teaching on migration. A presentation was also given on the resources available for diocesan and parish leaders in applying the Vatican’s declaration, Dignitas Infinita (on human dignity) to the specific cultural context of the United States; this effort is an ongoing collaboration among several committees of the USCCB.

Exemplifying synodality, the bishops engaged in a table discussion during the public session on the pastoral implementation of integral ecology and Laudato si’. Specifically, they were provided with prompts to discuss how best to mark the tenth anniversary of Laudato si’. The table discussions were enhanced by the adjustment to bishops’ seating made during the November 2022 plenary to more naturally accommodate fraternal dialogue. While a summary of the discussions was not provided publicly during the plenary, the reports from each bishop group will be used to guide the work of Conference committees.

The bishops also approved the Committee on Laity, Marriage, Family Life and Youth to move forward with the drafting of a document to guide lay ecclesial ministry, which is meant to be a follow-up to the bishops’ 2005 document, Coworkers in the Vineyard of the Lord; the action item was passed with 223 votes in favor, 9 votes against, and 6 abstentions. The bishops also voted to pass the USCCB’s 2025 budget (226 votes in favor, 3 votes against, and 4 abstentions), and on the USCCB’s 2025-2028 Mission Directive, which will guide the work of the Conference staff over the next three years (225 votes in favor, 7 votes against, and 2 abstentions).

During their meeting, the bishops voted for a new treasurer and new chairmen of five standing committees. All six elected bishops will serve for one year as the chairman-elect before beginning a three-year term that begins at the conclusion of the bishops’ 2025 Plenary Assembly. They also held a consultation on advancing the causes for beatification and canonization for Sister Annella Zervas, a professed religious of the Order of Saint Benedict, and of the Servant of God Gertrude Agnes Barber, a lay woman, and by voice vote, they affirmed the advancement of both causes at the local levels.

The bishops discussed and voted on three action items related to liturgical texts, presented by the USCCB’s Committee on Divine Worship:

• The bishops voted 216 votes in favor, 4 votes against, and 3 abstentions to approve the revised New American Bible for liturgical use. The approval of this requires a two-thirds vote of the Latin Church members, with subsequent confirmatio from the Vatican’s Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments.
• The bishops voted 220 in favor, 2 votes against, and 1 abstention to approve the International Commission on English in the Liturgy (ICEL) Gray Book of The Order of Crowning of an Image of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The approval of this requires a two-thirds vote of the Latin Church members, with subsequent confirmatio by the Vatican’s Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments.
• The bishops voted 213 in favor, 1 vote against, and 9 abstentions to approve the Liturgia de las Horas: Textos propios y adaptaciones para las diócesis de los Estados Unidos de América. The approval of this requires a two-thirds vote of the Latin Church members, with subsequent recognitio by the Vatican’s Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments.

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Abuse Report Sparks Nationwide Reckoning

The turning point came in September 2023, when the University of Zurich published a landmark study exposing over 1,000 cases of sexual abuse within the Swiss Catholic Church. Spanning several decades, the report shocked the nation, with researchers warning that these cases were likely «only the tip of the iceberg.»

Bishop Felix Gmür, President of the Swiss Bishops’ Conference and Bishop of Basel, acknowledged the devastating impact of the revelations. «The high number of departures was predictable following the publication of the pilot study on sexual abuse within the Church,» he said, reflecting on the loss of trust among the faithful.

A Crisis Beyond Scandal

While the abuse scandal looms large, Gmür pointed to deeper, systemic challenges facing the Church. «The environment of the Catholic Church is undergoing rapid changes—or even dissolving entirely,» he remarked. «Faith is no longer a defining element in daily life for many, and its transmission from one generation to the next has dwindled.»

This erosion of faith has been a long-standing issue, exacerbated by a broader societal shift toward secularism. The Church, once a cornerstone of Swiss cultural and spiritual life, now struggles to maintain relevance in an increasingly pluralistic and individualistic society.

Efforts to Rebuild Trust Fall Short

Despite initiatives aimed at addressing the abuse crisis and reconnecting with disillusioned Catholics, the outlook remains bleak. Gmür admitted that reversing the trend seems nearly impossible. «The Church is shrinking, and unfortunately, this is a trend that cannot be stopped,» he said with somber candor.

Efforts to rebuild trust include transparency measures, listening forums for victims, and greater accountability within ecclesiastical structures. However, these steps have yet to counteract the deep disillusionment and alienation felt by many Swiss Catholics.

Broader Implications for the Global Church

The crisis in Switzerland mirrors challenges faced by the Catholic Church worldwide. In many regions, revelations of abuse have coincided with cultural shifts that weaken traditional religious institutions. The Swiss case highlights the urgency of addressing both the scars of the past and the need for a renewed vision of faith that resonates with contemporary society.

What Lies Ahead?

As the Swiss Catholic Church navigates this period of upheaval, its leaders face a daunting question: how to reconcile the weight of historical failures with the need to remain a meaningful presence in people’s lives. The answer may require not only institutional reform but also a profound reimagining of what it means to be a Church in the 21st century.

For now, the exodus continues, leaving a once-stalwart institution grappling with an uncertain future.

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Highlights of the exhibit include the Magdala Stone, the Sea of Galilee Boat, often referred to as the «Jesus Boat,” as well as many never-before-toured artifacts.

“It’s a profound honor to host the Dead Sea Scrolls at the Reagan Library on the 75th anniversary of the discovery,” said David Trulio, President & CEO of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation & Institute. “The Dead Sea Scrolls are foundational to the development of the great monotheistic faiths: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. President Reagan was deeply shaped by his faith, and we are proud to bring these ancient treasures to the public.”

The Dead Sea Scrolls, believed to date back to around 250 BCE to 68 CE and discovered between 1947 and 1956 in caves near the Dead Sea, are a collection of ancient Jewish manuscripts that have impacted the world’s understanding of history, religion and culture. Many of the scrolls in this rotating exhibit have never been seen outside Israel. Of the first fragments to be displayed are one sheet of the Great Psalms Scroll from Cave 11, dating back to the 1^st century CE and written in square Hebrew script, still in use to this day. The exhibit will feature around 200 artifacts from Israel’s National Treasures of the Israel Antiquities Authority, including:

• The Magdala Stone, which dates to the Second Temple Period, features intricate carvings of the Temple. These carvings provide insights into the role of synagogues as sacred spaces prior to the Temple’s destruction and showcase the earliest known synagogue images of the Temple Menorah.
• The Sea of Galilee Boat, often referred to as the «Jesus Boat,» a 1st-century CE fishing boat discovered in 1986 along the northwest shore of the Sea of Galilee. Unearthed during a severe drought, the reconstruction measures 27 feet in length and 7.5 feet in width and includes wood from the original vessel.
• The Psalm Scroll, the most substantial and well-preserved manuscript of Psalms of the thirty-six discovered in the Qumran caves. The Psalm Scroll is a rare find, as it contains several Psalms not found in the Hebrew Bible. These include two on display, focusing on the greatness of King David. The first focuses on his wisdom, attributing to him the writing of Psalms. The second, told in first person, describes the manner in which David was chosen and anointed as the monarch of Israel.
• Ossuaries, small stone receptacles used for secondary burial. They represent burial practices unique to the Second Temple Jewish population, bearing decorative reliefs and inscriptions. These ossuaries teach us about early Jewish beliefs regarding the afterlife, as well as the important social structure given to family life and death.
• Objects from Masada, a natural fortress in the Judean Desert overlooking the Dead Sea, a key site in the struggle between Jewish rebels and the Roman Empire almost two thousand years ago. Items on display include Aramaic, Hebrew and Latin ostraca—small potsherds bearing writing,  botanical remains such as pomegranate peels, walnut shells and olive pits; and imported textiles.
• Tyrian shekels, minted in Tyre, were the only coin accepted as the annual Temple tax, mentioned in the New Testament, and contributed by males above 20 years old.

This limited-time exhibit is almost two years in the making, curated by Dr. Risa Levitt, Dr. Orit Shamir, Dr. Joe Uziel, and Navit Popovich-Geller. The show is expected to draw visitors from all over the United States, created by the Israel Antiquities Authority from the collections of the National Treasures. «The Israel Antiquities Authority is proud to be part of such an important exhibition» says Eli Escusido, Director of the Israel Antiquities Authority. The exhibit is produced by West Wall Exhibitions and RRPFI.

«We are honored that the Dead Sea Scrolls exhibit’s first stop is at the Reagan Library,” says James Sanna, President and CEO of West Wall Exhibitions. “The Library is known for hosting historically significant exhibitions and this one, offering visitors a rare glimpse into the ancient world, continues that tradition. We know guests will be inspired by the scrolls and the other notable artifacts on display.»

For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit www.ReaganLibrary.com/DeadSeaScrolls.

About the Reagan Foundation and Institute 

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute (RRPFI) is the sole nonprofit organization created by President Reagan charged with advancing his legacy and principles – individual liberty, economic opportunity, freedom and democracy, peace through strength, and national pride.

A globally recognized nonpartisan organization based in Simi Valley, CA, with a leading policy institute in Washington, DC, RRPFI delivers impactful public affairs programming, policy convenings and projects of national and international significance, and distinctive educational initiatives.  In addition, RRPFI sustains the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum, the largest and most visited presidential library, which routinely hosts major special exhibitions.

An hour from Los Angeles International Airport, RRPFI’s Simi Valley campus sits on 400 acres, serves as the final resting place of America’s 40th President and former First Lady Nancy Reagan, displays a chunk of the Berlin Wall, and houses the plane President Reagan flew as Air Force One to 26 countries.  Onsite are the Reagan Center for Public Affairs, Presidential Learning Center, Air Force One Pavilion, and the Reagan Leadership Academy.  More information is available at www.reaganfoundation.org.

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(ZENIT News / Rome, 11.19.2024).- Answered by Legionary of Christ Father Edward McNamara, professor of liturgy and sacramental theology and director of the Sacerdos Institute at the Pontifical Regina Apostolorum university.

Q: Is a deacon at Mass allowed to participate in reading part of the Eucharistic Prayer? — C.M., Mexico City 

A: The short answer is quite simple: no.

This theme is addressed very well in the 2004 instruction Redemptionis Sacramentum, on abuses in the liturgy. To wit:

“52. The proclamation of the Eucharistic Prayer, which by its very nature is the climax of the whole celebration, is proper to the Priest by virtue of his Ordination. It is therefore an abuse to proffer it in such a way that some parts of the Eucharistic Prayer are recited by a Deacon, a lay minister, or by an individual member of the faithful, or by all members of the faithful together. The Eucharistic Prayer, then, is to be recited by the Priest alone in full.

“53. While the Priest proclaims the Eucharistic Prayer ‘there should be no other prayers or singing, and the organ or other musical instruments should be silent,’ except for the people’s acclamations that have been duly approved, as described below.

“54. The people, however, are always involved actively and never merely passively: for they ‘silently join themselves with the Priest in faith, as well as in their interventions during the course of the Eucharistic Prayer as prescribed, namely in the responses in the Preface dialogue, the Sanctus, the acclamation after the consecration and the ‘Amen’ after the final doxology, and in other acclamations approved by the Conference of Bishops with the recognitio of the Holy See.’”

Therefore, from what has been seen above, only a priest may proclaim any part of the Eucharistic Prayer.

The acclamation after the consecration, proclaimed by the people, does not violate this rule. This is because this acclamation is not, strictly speaking, a part of the Eucharistic Prayer.

Indeed, if a priest celebrates alone, or concelebrate only with other priests, both the “mystery of faith” and the acclamation are omitted, and the priest passes immediately from “Do this in memory of me” to “Therefore O Lord …” or “Therefore as we celebrate …” depending on which Eucharistic Prayer is used.

This same rule would apply for when other acclamations of the people have been inserted into the Eucharistic Prayer with the approval of the bishops’ conference and the Holy See. This is the case, for example, in the Portuguese version of the missal used in Brazil.

Another particularity is Germany in which the missal foresees that the deacon may intone the “Mystery of faith.” This possibility is not foreseen in the Latin missal or in any other missal that I know, but it seems to have been approved for Germany.

As we saw above, it would not contradict the overall principles as this invitation is not part of the Eucharistic Prayer as such.

* * *

Readers may send questions to zenit.liturgy@gmail.com. Please put the word «Liturgy» in the subject field. The text should include your initials, your city and your state, province or country. Father McNamara can only answer a small selection of the great number of questions that arrive.

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“The Meese Award is the highest award ADF bestows,” said ADF CEO, President, and General Counsel Kristen Waggoner. “Its namesake, Attorney General Edwin Meese, is a hero to us all. His wisdom and friendship provided crucial guidance and support to ADF in its formative years. General Meese’s life’s work embodied a commitment to the Constitution, textual originalism, and religious liberty. ADF presents this award each year to leaders in our culture who have courageously walked into the wind of opposition; giants on whose shoulders we stand as we work to protect our most fundamental freedoms. This year, I’m honored to present the Meese Award to Dr. Thomas F. Farr. ADF recognizes Tom’s significant efforts in publicly promoting and defending our most cherished freedoms and a principled jurisprudence through the active advancement of constitutional originalism.”

As an advocate, thought leader, and public servant, Dr. Farr’s vigilance in expanding religious liberty around the globe has been unparalleled. He served for 28 years as a foreign service officer, where he worked diligently to bring religious literacy to the Foreign Service through education. He pioneered America’s religious liberty diplomacy, resulting in global advances for free exercise and, in some cases, the saving of lives.

Waggoner noted that Farr possesses a deep understanding of how essential religious freedom is to human flourishing—and that its divine origin makes it the most precious of natural rights.

“Tom’s years at the helm of the Religious Freedom Institute produced remarkable scholarship, upon which ADF’s lawyers and experts regularly rely,” she explained. “Tom’s decades of faithful service have embodied and advanced religious freedom through scholarship, diplomacy, and a steady Christian presence in the halls of power.”

The award is named in honor of former U.S. Attorney General Edwin Meese III, who was the first recipient in 2009.

“I am honored to have my name associated with this award, which has been distinguished by the outstanding individuals who have received the award over the past years. That tradition continues today with our recipient, Thomas F. Farr, who has tirelessly worked to advance religious freedom,” Meese said.

Past award recipients include U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, Judge Robert Bork, Archbishop Charles Chaput, Dr. Albert Mohler, Ambassador Sam Brownback, Chuck Colson, Prof. Robert P. George, ADF Founder Alan Sears, Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch, and former ADF CEO and Home School Legal Defense Association Founder Michael Farris.

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(ZENIT News / Norwich, 11.18.2024).- The Catholic Cathedral of St John the Baptist in Norwich has been revealed as «at risk» by Historic England in its annual Heritage at Risk Register 2024.

The Cathedral, which was completed in 1910, is deemed «at risk» due to issues with the rainwater pipes, which are at full capacity, and failing gutters, leading to leaks into the roof. Investigation work will be carried out to understand the scale of the repair work needed and to prevent continuing damage. Short term repairs to address leaks have already been carried out.

The Register gives an annual snapshot of the health of England’s valued historic buildings and places. It helps to ensure they can be protected and continue to be enjoyed in the future.

St John’s Cathedral is among 29 sites added to the Heritage at Risk Register in the East of England with 14 sites saved and removed.

One of Norwich’s most spectacular buildings and a community hub for many local people, St John’s was designed by the prominent architect George Gilbert Scott Junior and was completed in 1910 by his brother, John Oldrid Scott.

It was originally built as the parish church for the Catholics of central Norwich and became the Cathedral of the newly created Diocese of East Anglia in 1976. It is the second largest Catholic cathedral in the country.

As one of Norwich’s finest buildings, the Cathedral attracts visitors from across the world with its external grandeur, magnificent interior, and beautiful stained glass.

The Cathedral is home to many groups supporting the local community. The parish hosts an active St Vincent de Paul Society group, supporting those in need in the city, and the Justice and Peace Group. The Cathedral has also supported Norwich City Council in offering space for winter night shelters for rough sleepers in Norwich.

With keep fit, Zumba, and mother and baby groups also using the facilities, the Cathedral is a safe haven for many and there are a number of volunteers who support the Cathedral for this reason.

Cathedral General Manager, Charley Purves, said: «Our Cathedral provides space for so many people, from school and college visits learning about the architecture and Catholic traditions, to community outreach groups like the Prison Fellowship and Justice and Peace groups. This building is pivotal to the lives of those who regularly come to worship and a beacon for visitors of all faiths and none.

«Highlighting the issues that the building faces is the first step to enhancing what the Cathedral has to offer and ensuring that we preserve it for current and future generations.»

Matthew Champion, Diocesan Heritage Officer, said: «The Cathedral of St John the Baptist is an iconic building, built in the medieval Early English style, as a reflection of the nineteenth century Catholic revival in England, and is a masterpiece of Victorian gothic architecture. It also is a significant local and regional landmark that dominates the skyline of the city of Norwich.

«However, it faces a number of challenges. A historical lack of maintenance, some poor-quality previous repairs, and some questionable choices of building material have all combined to put the future of this fantastic building at risk. The Cathedral is also struggling to cope with the effects of climate change, with the Victorian gutters and downspouts being simply overwhelmed by the increased levels of rainfall in recent years.»

«In recent weeks we have made the most urgent and necessary emergency repairs to keep water out; and submitted an application to Historic England for grant funding for the first stage of a wider programme of works to roofs and rainwater goods to address the longer-term issues?»

«The care and maintenance of the Cathedral is a continuous process. The most recent Quinquennial (five years) Inspection identified work of varying urgency that totalled over £8 million. Since that inspection we have spent over £1 million on urgent repair work to the Transept roof, gutters, electric circuits, and the refurbishment of the toilets and drains, thanks to grants from Historic England, All Churches Trust and Biffa and donations from supporters.

«Whilst acknowledging that such as fantastic building as St John’s Cathedral is at risk is always a sobering moment, it is also an opportunity to focus upon the challenges of making it safe once more. We therefore welcome being added to the ‘at risk’ register as an opportunity to bring together the Diocese and local community to work together to secure the future of the building.»

The Diocese of East Anglia has recently appointed award-winning Conservation Architect Nicholas Warns as the new Architect (Surveyor of the Works) at St John’s Cathedral.

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