National Media Watch
Cardinal: NY Deacons Should Not Run for Office
Approximately 240 deacons currently serve the archdiocese. Bishops may decide whether to apply to deacons the canon law prohibiting priests from running for office.
Archdiocesan spokesman Joseph Zwilling explained that “Cardinal Egan felt that this canon should include deacons” since they are ordained clergy.
One deacon, eight-term Clarkstown Town Board member John Maloney, currently holds office. He will be exempted from the policy.
Out of the Mouth of … a Rap Artist
BLACKAMERICAWEB, June 20 — Pro-life groups have been singing the praises of hip-hop rap singer Nick Cannon's new song and video, “Can I Live.”
The song tells the story of Cannon's mother, who became pregnant as a 17-year-old high school student. She planned to have an abortion but decided against it at the last minute. At the end of the song, Cannon thanks his mother for not aborting him.
“The song makes an undeniable appeal to women thinking about abortion to not do it,” wrote columnist David Person at BlackAmerica. “Babies that were almost aborted can grow up to become scientists, lawyers, teachers and even rappers.”
Catholic Hospital Must Remove Religious Symbols
The hospital was told that all religious items, many of which were donated in memoriam, must be removed, including statues, paintings, religious cards, and more than 200 crucifixes which adorned each hospital bedroom.
The 191-bed hospital was founded by Mother Catherine McCauley and the Sisters of Mercy 108 years ago. Cincinnati-based Catholic Healthcare Partners announced the sale of the hospital June 29 to Geisinger Health System.
Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center spokesman David Jolly said he was uncertain whether Mass would continue to be celebrated in the hospital chapel.
- Keywords:
- July 17-23, 2005
