East Texas Catholic

By Francis X. Rocca Catholic News Service

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Insisting on the Holy See’s continuing commitment to transparency and rectitude in economic affairs, the Vatican’s spokesman downplayed references to “corruption” in a letter apparently sent to Pope Benedict XVI by a Vatican official who is now apostolic nuncio to the United States.

Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, director of the Vatican Press Office, criticized as “partisan,” “partial and banal,” an Italian television news program, which, on Jan. 25, broadcast portions of letters addressed to Pope Benedict and Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, the Vatican Secretary of State. Continue Reading »

Southeast Texas gathered to pray for migrants at St. Anthony Cathedral Basilica Center, Beaumont, Jan. 24 for the National Migration Week Prayer Vigil.

Guest speaker Jose Ahumada, leader of Zarza, a contemporary Christian band, spoke about the migration experience.

“This is an important issue that is often overlooked or even ignored. These people, and I was one of them, are coming here seeking a better life, not only for themselves, but for their families as well,” Ahumada said. Continue Reading »

St. Anne, Beaumont, was packed with folks ready to take the pro-life message to the streets Jan. 22 at the Right to Life of Southeast Texas Annual Rally and Walk. Father Sinclair Oubre, director of Apostleship of the Sea, was the keynote speaker.

“This is a complex issue and that’s fine because we, as humans, are complex creatures. We are made up of emotions, reason, irrationality and just plain stubbornness. You’re not going to convince everyone you meet but that doesn’t mean you should give up,” Father Oubre said. Continue Reading »

By Catholic News Service

WASHINGTON (CNS) — A poll taken for the Knights of Columbus and Marist College in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., indicates a strong majority of Americans continue to want restrictions on abortion.

According to the poll, 79 percent of those surveyed said they would not allow abortion after the first three months of pregnancy. And 51 percent said they would allow abortion only in cases of rape, incest or to save the mother’s life — or not at all. Continue Reading »

Parishioners at St. Joseph, Beaumont, celebrated the Lunar New Year Jan. 22 with a parish festival. Folks turned out in droves for good food, live music and the traditional Dragon Dance, meant to bring good luck for the year to all who put money in the dragon’s mouth.

Continue Reading »

El sábado, 21 de enero del 2012 fue el retiro para los catequistas, <<Haced esto en conmemoración mía.>> Padre Neil Arce les ayudo a los participantes que se examinaran la acción de Dios en sus vidas. Dijo que como cristianos es importante que vivamos la encarnación de Cristo en nuestras vidas y mostrarlo a otras a través de servicio en la comunidad. Continue Reading »