View email in your browser ([link removed])
Welcome to Monday. Were exorcisms the right response to protesters' removal of statues of Franciscan missionary Junípero Serra? NCR columnist Michael Sean Winters says the implosion of the Trump presidency has the feel of the fifth act in a Shakespearean tragedy. And NCR editors call for a post-Trump truth commission.
------------------------------------------------------------
** San Francisco archbishop's exorcisms highlight controversy over Serra, conflict with Indigenous ([link removed])
------------------------------------------------------------
San Francisco Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone's latest battle is against Satan, who he calls "the evil one." Cordileone performed the rite of exorcism as a response to the removal of statues of Franciscan missionary Junípero Serra at Golden Gate Park June 19, and later at Mission San Rafael, north of San Francisco on Oct. 12.
When the statues toppled, Cordileone sprang into action. Flanked by parishioners, priests and nuns praying the rosary, he conducted exorcisms at both places. The prelate called the acts blasphemous and sacrilegious.
Cordileone dubbed the protests the work of a small, violent mob. "We cannot allow a small unelected group of lawbreakers to decide what sacred symbols we display to foster our faith," Cordileone said at the San Rafael exorcism.
Reactions varied from shock and anger directed against the vandals to suggestions that the exorcisms might be more appropriate at the Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention centers where immigrant children are kept in cages and the federal agency faces allegations that 16 women were sterilized without informed consent.
Read more of the article here ([link removed]) .
More background:
* This year's protests of Serra, the 18th-century Franciscan priest, have ushered in a new reckoning for Franciscans ([link removed]) , who are grappling with his colonial legacy.
* Some California Catholics, Indigenous peoples and those who work with and in the missions are speaking out in defense of Serra ([link removed]) .
------------------------------------------------------------
** Act V of the Trump presidency is not pretty ([link removed])
------------------------------------------------------------
After watching President Donald Trump's 46-minute rant last week, NCR columnist Michael Sean Winters notes that the implosion of the Trump presidency has the feel of the fifth act in a Shakespearean tragedy, the psychological and moral failings of the characters bringing about death and destruction.
"I would not push the analogy too far," Winters writes. "Hamlet was noble, and the love between Romeo and Juliet was pure. There is nothing noble or pure about Donald Trump and the cast of characters who are joining him in his bunker for the final scene of the drama."
Read the rest of Winters' column here ([link removed]) .
------------------------------------------------------------
** More headlines
------------------------------------------------------------
* NCR calls for a post-Trump truth commission in an editorial ([link removed]) .
* This Advent, commentary writer Leo O'Donovan is drawing inspiration from two great Jesuits who were imprisoned during this liturgical season ([link removed]) : Pedro Arrupe and Alfred Delp.
* Throughout the pandemic, Catholic sisters have been ministering to Navajo people ([link removed]) .
------------------------------------------------------------
** Final thoughts
------------------------------------------------------------
Dan Schutte, composer and NCR board member, has created weekly video Advent reflections. You can find his reflection for Week 2 here ([link removed]) . If you want to catch up, you can find the whole series here ([link removed]) .
Until Tuesday,
Heidi Schlumpf (filling in for Stephanie Yeagle)
NCR Executive Editor
[email protected] (mailto:
[email protected])
Twitter: @HeidiSchlumpf
------------------------------------------------------------
** Featured Advertisers
------------------------------------------------------------
[link removed]
The Rosary of Modern Sorrows: a thoughtful Peace & Justice gift for the warriors who pray for meaningful and progressive change. May your prayers lead to action! ([link removed])
[link removed]
Generous scholarships available for online students. Engage in a transforming, intercultural experience at one of America's leading Catholic graduate schools of theology and ministry. ([link removed])
[link removed]
Healing harp therapy CD tested in Mayo Clinic study. Effective for recovery from anxiety, depression, pain, high blood pressure, digestive and sleep problems. ([link removed])
------------------------------------------------------------
Advertisement
[link removed]
============================================================
Was this email forwarded to you from a friend? ** Sign up to get GSR and NCR email newsletters sent to your inbox. ([link removed])
** facebook.jpg ([link removed])
** twitter.jpg ([link removed])
** instagram.jpg ([link removed])
Copyright © 2020 National Catholic Reporter, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email as a reader of National Catholic Reporter Publishing Company.
** update subscription preferences ([link removed])
Our mailing address is:
National Catholic Reporter Publishing Co.
115 E Armour Blvd
Kansas City, MO 64111-1203
USA
** unsubscribe from this list ([link removed])
| ** view email in browser ([link removed])
