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Father Blaine Burkey Publishes Book to Correct Historical Inaccuracies in Catholic Church History

Father Blaine Burkey Publishes Book to Correct Historical Inaccuracies in Catholic Church History

Father Blaine Burkey, a Capuchin Franciscan priest, has published a new book titled 'The Cumberland Mission,' which aims to correct historical inaccuracies in the history of the Catholic Church in Western Maryland. The book addresses errors found in Father Thomas Stanton's earlier work, 'A Century of Growth,' which was based on interviews with elderly locals rather than archival research. Father Burkey's book draws extensively from letters and documents preserved in church archives, providing a more accurate account of the church's efforts to minister to Catholics in the region from 1778 to 1853. The book includes firsthand accounts from missionary priests and offers a comprehensive study of the period.

Catholic Church's Management of Spanish Monuments Sparks Financial and Legal Debate

Catholic Church's Management of Spanish Monuments Sparks Financial and Legal Debate

The Catholic Church in Spain is under scrutiny for its management of religious monuments, which are significant tourist attractions. According to a report by ObservaTur, the Sagrada Familia, the Mezquita de Córdoba, and the Cathedral of Seville are among the most visited sites, drawing millions of visitors annually. The Church's management of these sites has raised questions about financial transparency and legal ownership. The Sagrada Familia, managed by a private canonical foundation, reported revenues of 134.5 million euros in 2025, primarily from visitor contributions. Meanwhile, the Mezquita de Córdoba and the Cathedral of Seville, which were registered as Church property in 2006 and 2010 respectively, have been labeled as controversial acquisitions by the Coordinadora Recuperando, which seeks to annul these registrations. The Church's financial practices, including the lack of VAT on entry fees and the opaque reporting of income, have been criticized by groups like Europa Laica.

Catholic Sisters Aim to Establish New Order to Support Clergy Abuse Survivors

Catholic Sisters Aim to Establish New Order to Support Clergy Abuse Survivors

Sisters Theresa Alethia and Danielle Lussier are working to establish a new religious order within the Catholic Church, dedicated to supporting survivors of clergy abuse. Known as the Sisters of the Little Way of Beauty, Truth and Goodness, they are currently the only community of religious sisters fully committed to this mission. Their initiative stems from personal experiences of spiritual abuse within their former order, the Daughters of St. Paul. The sisters are in the process of becoming an official order, a journey that requires the cooperation of the local bishop and the growth of their community. They have already received permission from Bishop John Stowe to set up their mission near Lexington, Kentucky. The sisters engage with abuse survivors primarily through online meetings, providing a non-threatening and empathetic presence.

Archdiocese of Cologne Expands FABC Partnership with Green Projects

Archdiocese of Cologne Expands FABC Partnership with Green Projects

The Archdiocese of Cologne is enhancing its collaboration with the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences (FABC) by focusing on environmental sustainability and self-reliance. This initiative marks a shift from traditional funding for church infrastructure to supporting green, income-generating projects. The announcement was made by Alessandro Chieregato, Project Coordinator of the Archdiocese's Department of the Universal Church, during the FABC's 12th Plenary Assembly in Jakarta. The Archdiocese aims to adapt to changing pastoral needs and promote sustainable development within the Church in Asia.

Pastor Eboni Marshall Turman Launches New Church in Harlem After Lawsuit Dismissal

Pastor Eboni Marshall Turman Launches New Church in Harlem After Lawsuit Dismissal

Rev. Eboni Marshall Turman, a Yale Divinity School professor, has started a new church called Harlem First in New York City. This comes after a federal judge dismissed her gender discrimination lawsuit against Abyssinian Baptist Church. The inaugural service was held at The Ailey Citigroup Theater, drawing about 150 attendees. Marshall Turman, who previously served as an assistant minister at Abyssinian Baptist, aims to build a faith community focused on spiritual formation, justice, hope, and belonging. The church plans to meet monthly until a permanent location is found.

U.S. Passport Power Declines as Visa-Free Access Reduces

U.S. Passport Power Declines as Visa-Free Access Reduces

The U.S. passport, once the most powerful in the world, has seen a decline in its global ranking over the past two decades. According to the Henley Passport Index, the U.S. passport is now ranked 10th, a significant drop from its number one position in 2006. This decline is attributed to changes in visa-free travel agreements with several countries. For instance, a reciprocal agreement with Brazil ended in 2025, requiring visas for travelers from both nations. Similarly, countries like Venezuela, Turkey, Myanmar, and Ghana have altered their visa requirements for U.S. citizens over the years. Despite these changes, American passport holders can still travel to approximately 179 countries without a visa, covering about 92% of the world's nations. However, other countries have expanded their citizens' travel freedoms, with Singapore now holding the top spot for passport power, allowing visa-free access to 192 destinations.

‘The Lost Children of Tuam’ Review: Monica Dolan Excels in a Straightforward but Stirring Reflection on a Buried Irish Tragedy

‘The Lost Children of Tuam’ Review: Monica Dolan Excels in a Straightforward but Stirring Reflection on a Buried Irish Tragedy

Ireland’s ongoing artistic reckoning with the Catholic Church’s gross mistreatment of unmarried mothers and their children — as addressed in such films as “The Magdalene Sisters,” “Philomena” and “Small Things Like These” — continues in “The Lost Children of Tuam.” A restrained but deeply affecting drama that keeps the horrors of the past largely unseen, […]

Caritas starts distributing US humanitarian aid in 2 towns near Havana

Caritas starts distributing US humanitarian aid in 2 towns near Havana

The Catholic Church organization Caritas says hundreds of boxes of humanitarian aid from the U.S. are being distributed in two towns near Havana

Every Brickyard 400 Fan Should Know These Indianapolis Motor Speedway Facts

Every Brickyard 400 Fan Should Know These Indianapolis Motor Speedway Facts

Discover the essential facts about the Indianapolis Motor Speedway that every Brickyard 400 fan needs to know, from its historic bricks to its immense scale.

U.S. Diplomats and Families in Limbo Amid Ongoing Iran Conflict

U.S. Diplomats and Families in Limbo Amid Ongoing Iran Conflict

Hundreds of U.S. diplomats and their families remain in a state of uncertainty as tensions between the U.S. and Iran continue to escalate. The State Department has not provided a timeline for when diplomats might return to their posts in the Middle East, citing the dynamic security environment. This situation has left many families in limbo, unable to plan for their future. The ongoing conflict has resulted in a daily exchange of attacks, further complicating the prospects for a resolution.

U.S. to Retaliate Against Iranian Attacks in Strait of Hormuz, Trump Declares

U.S. to Retaliate Against Iranian Attacks in Strait of Hormuz, Trump Declares

President Donald Trump has declared that the United States will retaliate against Iran by targeting its bridges and power plants for every attack on ships in the Strait of Hormuz. This announcement was made via a Truth Social post, emphasizing that any form of attack by Iran, whether by missile, rocket, or drone, will prompt a U.S. response. The statement comes amid heightened tensions and military engagements in the region, with the U.S. aiming to secure the strategic waterway. The conflict has already resulted in casualties, including the deaths of U.S. service members, and has raised concerns about the potential for further escalation.