Jesus

SPY VVEDNESDAY AFTERNOON SPECIAL

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Statue of Christ from Shroud of Turin (Credit: Aleteia)

This 3D Carbon Copy of Jesus was Created Using the Shroud of Turin

. . .”We believe that we have the precise image of what Jesus looked like on this earth,” said Professor Giulio Fanti of the University of Padua. . .

by Lucandrea Massaro

of Aleteia

Why were There No Women at the Last Supper? – Fr. Alexander Lucie-Smith Ph.D., CH
Spy Wednesday 2018 – Gregory DiPippo, New Liturgical Movement
Here are the Plenary Indulgences Available During Holy Week – Jos. Pronechen, NC Reg
Spanish Flags to Fly at Half-Mast to Mark Death of Christ – Catholic Herald
How God’s Nature Is Known: The Three-Fold Way – D. Bonnette Ph.D., Strange Notions
St. Francis de Sales on the Passion of Christ – Rick Yoder, The Amish Catholic
On the Relationship Between Merit & Grace – Paul Chutikorn, Homiletic & Pastoral Rev.
Shroud of Turin Unveiled for Youth in Documentary – Joseph Pronechen, NC Register
John Coates-Carter: A Little Known Arts & Crafts Architect – Allan Barton, Lit Arts Jrnl
Silver Screen Pontius Pilates: Pilou Asbæk – Donald R. McClarey J.D., TACatholic
The Passion & the Beauty: Why Easter Music Will Inspire You – Thomas Breeze, Mrctrnt
Holy Week at Vienna’s Oldest Church – Michelle Gress, my favorite catholic things
Discipleship & Union with Christ:  A Carmelite Insight – Fr. Nicholas Blackwell O. Carm.
Did Jesus Really Predict His Death? – Cale Clarke, Catholic Answers Magazine
7 Prayers For Courageous Military Wives – Chloe Langr, epicPew
Passion & Grace – Carol Monaco, Catholic Stand
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time
For the SPY VVEDNESDAY MORNING SPECIAL (28 March A.D. 2018) click here.
For the SPY VVEDNESDAY MORNING EDITION (28 March A.D. 2018) click here.
For the SPY VVEDNESDAY AFTERNOON EDITION (28 March A.D. 2018) click here.

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SPY VVEDNESDAY MORNING SPECIAL

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Confession by Vodnik (Credit: Catholic Spiritual Direction)

Should I Still Go to Confession If I Have Nothing to Confess?

. . .dear Father John, I recently heard someone mention the term “devotional confession.” I think this is what I need, but I am not sure what it really is. . .

by Father John Bartunek, L.C.,

of Catholic Spiritual Direction

Picasso: The Atheist Obsessed with the Crucifixion – Lucien de Guise, Catholic Herald
The Six Principles of Penance According to St. Thomas Aquinas – Veronica Arntz, RCæli
Suffering With Christ is a Biblical Teaching – Dave Armstrong, National Catholic Register
2018 Paschal Blue Moon on Vigil of Easter & More Moon Stuff – Fr. Z’s Blog
The Seven Last Words from the Cross: “I Thirst!” – Fr. Peter M.J. Stravinskas, The CWR
Passiontide Chronology: Wednesday of Holy Week – Msgr. Charles Pope, Com. in Missn.
Hail, Holy Chrism: The Chrism Mass & the Stuff That Makes Kings – Mod. Medievalism
Revisiting Principles of Tasteful Floral Arrangement for Easter  – Shawn R. Tribe, LAJ
Sacristy Tips: Making Paschal Candle Incense Grains – Richard Hawker, Ltrgcl Arts Jrnl
The Holy Face of Jesus Calls Us – Joseph Pronechen, National Catholic Register
La Semana Santa – Holy Week in Spanish-Influenced Countries – epicPew
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time
For the SPY VVEDNESDAY MORNING EDITION (28 March A.D. 2018) click here.
For the SPY VVEDNESDAY AFTERNOON SPECIAL (28 March A.D. 2018) click here.
For the SPY VVEDNESDAY AFTERNOON EDITION (28 March A.D. 2018) click here.

SPY VVEDNESDAY MORNING SPECIAL Read More »

SVNDAY EDITION

Charles II of Spain in Adoration of the Holy Eucharist

Don’t Shy from Adoration Because You Get Distracted in Prayer – Take Your Cares to Your Lord!

. . .some of us, may-be, are deterred from visiting our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament by a false conception of what a visit should be. . .

by Vicki Burbach,

of Pelican’s Breast

The Litany of Humility: How can I be Freed from the Desire to be Loved? – Fr Bartunek
Exact Number of Wounds Suffered by Christ, Revealed to a Medieval Saint – ChrchPop
Keeping the Faith Alive in the Most Remote Parish on Earth – Abbot Hugh Allan
7 Catholic Evangelists Share Tips on Spreading the Faith – Jim Graves, NC Register
One Artist’s Quest for Liturgical Beauty – Joseph Pronechen, National Catholic Register
Striving Towards Heaven? Try Jesus’ 8 Step Program – Chloe Langr, epicPew
Why Do We Call the Mass a “Sacrifice”? – Fr. Dwight Longenecker
5 Alternatives to the Girl Scouts for Young Catholic Women – Laura Ricketts, epicPew
A Journey From Selfishness to Selflessness – David Torkington, Catholic Stand
People Find God Through Silence, Cardinal Sarah Tells Audience – Michael Swan
Fulton Sheen & Suffering: “Does God Know My Pain?” – Sarah Robsdotter, Aleteia
What My Down Syndrome Son Who Sings at Mass Can Teach the World – Sh. Antonetti
Trust in the Promises of God – Fr. Benedict Rogacci, Catholic Exchange
4 Empowering Doctors of the Church Every Woman Should Know – Chl. Langr, epicPew
Before I Was Me; Child’s Book Review – Shaun McAfee O.P., National Catholic Register
The Feast of the Forty Martyrs – Gregory DiPippo, New Liturgical Movement
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

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FRIDAY EDITION

Pope Francis & the Eucharist (Credit: thecatholicuniverse.com)

Pope Francis: If You Are In a State of Mortal Sin, You Cannot Receive Holy Communion

. . .the Pope reminded Catholics that those in a state of sin must go to confession first. . .

from the Catholic Herald

Cardinal Kasper: Homosexual Relationships are Analogous to Marriages – Fr. Z’s Blog
The ‘Gay’ Baby Boom & Courage – Jennifer Hartline, The Stream
High Sch. Teacher Put on Leave After Asking if Sch. Allows Pro-Life Walkout – D Huber
This Post Will Ruin Your Saint Patrick’s Day – Alex R. Hey, epicPew
Making Pornography Respectable – Carolyn Moynihan, Mercatornet
Sad Abandonment of Identity: Secularization of Our Religious Univs. – A. Goldberg J.D.
Killing the Bible Softly with Your Appeals – Brice Sokolowski, CatholicFundraiser.net
Silent Scream – Donald R. McClarey J.D., The American Catholic
Catholics Need to Rediscover Proper Lenten Fasting – Cha. A. Coulombe, Cthlc Herald
An Authentic Understanding of Vatican II – Shane Schaetzel, Catholic in the Ozarks
A Pesky Detail in the Report on Ruling Against Down Syndrome Abortion Law – B. Ross
Did St. Patrick Expel Snakes from Ireland? – Philip Kosloski, Aleteia
Algerian Martyrs: ‘Our Lives Are Already Given Away’ – Brian O’Neel, NC Register
Can Pope Francis Persuade the Irish to Choose Life? – Filip Mazurczak, The CWR
How Protecting Wildlife Can Help Us Appreciate Our Higher Laws – Allison Low, CS
Towards a World Day for Eastern Christians – Paul de Dinechin, Aleteia
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

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SVNDAY EDITION

Mont Saint Michel (Credit: Flickr via ‘my favorite catholic things’ blog)

Monastic Life at Mont Saint Michel

. . .Mont Saint Michel is an 8th-century fortress on the coast of Normandy that has long been associated with a mystical presence of Christ & the Archangel for whom it is named. After centuries of spiritual neglect, a spiritual renaissance is taking place on the tidal island again. . .

by Carrie Gress, Ph.D.,

of my favorite catholic things blog

7 Biblical Facts About Temptation That Will Boggle Your Mind – Laura Hensley, epicPew
Stunning Renovation of Corpus Christi in London – J.P. Sonnen, Liturgical Arts Journal
Four Things to Remember When You’re Suffering – Jeannie Ewing, Catholic Exchange
The Case for Sunday Confessions – R. Jared Staudt, National Catholic Register
Sundays are a Whole Day for God, Not Just an Hour – Fr. Bill Peckman, ChurchPop
The Ancient Origin of the Hand Gestures in Iconography – Billy Ryan, uCatholic
Evidence for Historical Isaiah Announced by Archaeologists – Stephen Beale, NC Rgstr
The Power of Silence – T.J. Burdick, uCatholic
Fr. Faber on Unhappiness – Rick Yoder, The Amish Catholic
Portable Altars & Roadside Shrines – Peter A. Kwasniewski Ph.D., New Liturgical Mvmnt
A Glossary of Basic Liturgical Terms – Ælredus Rievallensis, Canticum Salomonis
New ICEL Translations in England & Wales for the Chrism Mass – Matthew Hazell, NLM
Archbishop Fénelon on the Return to God – Rick Yoder, The Amish Catholic
Lent Lasts for 40 Days. . . Have You Ever Wondered Why? – Billy Ryan, uCatholic
Want to Obtain Happiness This Lent? Harness Your Passions – Chloe Langr, epicPew
A History of the 40 Hours Devotion, by Henri de Villiers – Ælredus Rievallensis
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

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SATVRDAY EDITION

Reality Distortion Field Poster
(Credit: Rod Dreher)

The #LoveWins Jackboot at a Public High School in Ameria

. . .a reader took this photo of a flyer in the halls of Grady High School in Atlanta. What symbolism! A public school in Atlanta is now propagandizing students to believe that people who dissent from the multiculti Narrative are haters who deserve to be symbolically stomped by a jackboot. . .

by Rod Dreher

Meghan Markle is Baptized! – Jessica McAfee, epicPew
A Good Gay Myth is a Terrible Thing to Waste – Austin Ruse, Crisis Magazine
Madrid Churches Attacked on International Women’s Day – Catholic Herald
Prayer Shaming: A New Front in the Culture War – John Horvat II, Crisis Magazine
Harvard Foes After a Christian Student Group for Being Christian – Daniel Payne
“Need Confession?”: Priest’s Sign on University Campus Goes Viral – ChurchPop
St. Ignatius of Loyola’s Secret Formula for Raising Millions – Brice Sokolowski
When Harry Became Sally: A Love Letter from the Age of Reason – Maggie Gallagher
Pope Francis Decrees Memorial of Mary, Mother of the Church – Fr. Z’s Blog
Lent: Join Our Suffering to That of Christ – Bob Kurland Ph.D., Catholic Stand
Archbishop Hollerich Succeeds Cardinal Marx as President of COMECE – COMECE
The Church’s Resolute Non-Membership of the World Council of Churches – E. Pentin
Christopher Dawson & the Bourgeois Mind – R. Jared Staudt, The Imaginative. . .
Jokers & “Xenophobes” – John Waters, First Things
A Fascinating Look Inside the Vatican’s Little-Known Fire Department – ChurchPop
Crusading 101 – Timothy D. Lusch, The Catholic World Report
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

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THVRSDAY EDITION

Robert Cardinal Robert Sarah & His Book The Power of Silence Against the Dictatorship of Noisef (Credit: Daniel Ibanez of Catholic News Agency)

Analysis: Cardinal Sarah, Blessed Paul VI, & Catholic Commentary

. . .Robert Cardinal Sarah has authored a preface for a newly published book detailing the ascendancy, in the last 50 years, of the reception of Communion in the hand. He has been thanked for his efforts with at least one call for his removal from office. The flare-up offers an opportunity to look in greater detail at the history of the means of receiving Holy Communion. . .

by Carl Bunderson,

of Catholic News Agency

via The Catholic World Report

Are Liberal Theologians Past Their Sell-By Date? – Fr. Dwight Longenecker
‘Lock ‘Em In & Burn It Down!’ to Jordan Peterson Lecture Attendees – Rod Dreher
Pew Research Ctr. Looks at Pope’ Numbers 5 Years into His Pontificate – Fr. Z’s Blog
Can Our Prayers Affect the Past? – Tim Staples, Catholic Answers Magazine
How Did Rowan Williams End Up Opposing Catholic Schools? – A. Cusack, Cthlc Herald
The Old Argentina of Pope Francis – Carlos Caso-Rosendi
New Book on Catholic Fundraising: Pray, Pray, Pray, Ask – Brice Sokolowski
Faith & Sci-Fi: The Christian Universe of “A Wrinkle in Time” – K. Franklin Ph.D., CWR
The Smaller Cage is the Better Cage: What has China to Do with Albania? – I. Murzaku
Fast Food, Modern Education, & Growth of Classical Christian Schools – C. Shutt Ph.D.
Before I Was Me: A Children’s Book to Warm Your Heart – Laura Hensley, epicPew
How Do You Experience Law in Your Heart & Mind as a Christian? – D. Owens, uCthlc
Why Should I Go on a Retreat? – Sister Laus Gloriae O.C.D., Integrated Catholic Life™
Life Hidden in Mystery – Peter Darcy, Catholic Stand
Why Chinese Bishops Seek Communion With Rome & Beijing – Peter Jesserer Smith
The Pope & Beijing – Adam B. Summers & Lawrence J. McQuillan, U.S. News & Wrld Rep.
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

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VVEDNESDAY EDITION

Turning Pages on a Book (Credit: Pixabay via the National Catholic Register) CC0

Here’s Proof That Not Every Protestant Doctrine is Biblical

. . .the principle of Sola Scriptura (“Bible Alone”) is unbiblical. . .

by Dave Armstrong,

of the National Catholic Register

Washington Post Accidentally Reveals Diverse Forms of Oscar Hate – Terry Mattingly
New Resource Lovingly Presents the Truth About Homosexuality – K. Schiffer, NCRgstr
Richard Dawkins Wants to Eat Humans to Overcome Cannibalism Taboo – W. Smith JD
If ‘A Wrinkle In Time’ Is Stripped Of Its Christianity, It Will Only Disappoint – H. Scheer
Banning Christians Because Of ‘Hate’ & ‘Violence’ – Rod Dreher, TAC Blogger
America’s Newest Cathedral Dedicated in Pictures – CNS via Catholic Herald
New Book on Catholic Fundraising: Pray, Pray, Pray, Ask – Brice Sokolowski
Critics Misrepresent Card. Sarah’s Call for Piety in Receiving Communion – Con. Gudan
What is the Law? When can We Ignore It? – Jeffrey A. Mirus Ph.D., Catholic Culture
The Cross & Purgatory – Joe Heschmeyer, Shameless Popery
The Choice of Assisted Suicide is an Illusion – Patty Knap, National Catholic Register
Crushing Religious Schools with State Funding – Fr. Ben Johnson, Acton Institute
How Cosmic Existence Reveals God’s Reality – Dennis Bonnette Ph.D., Strange Notions
Restore Liturgical Beauty with Chant & Polyphony – John Paul Meenan, Crisis Magazine
In Art, Science & Liturgy Alike, Light Offers a Revelation, an Epiphany – J. Allen, Crux
Use Words of Life, Not Death – Edward Montin, Catholic Stand
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

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MONDAY EXTRA

Anton von Werner’s Proclamation of the German Empire 18 January AD 1871 (Credit: Wikipedia)

Discernment Über Alles

. . .the German bishops have announced that they will soon publish new guidelines for reception of the Holy Eucharist. In the future, non-Catholics married to Catholic spouses & attending Mass with their families could, in certain cases, be admitted to communion if they profess the Catholic faith in that sacrament. . .

by Monsignor Hans Feichtinger, Ph.D.,

of First Things

A Demur on Washington Archd. Doc. Implementing Amoris. . . – E. Peters J.C.D. J.D.
Fatherless Shooters. . .as Secularists Push for Fatherless Families – P.G. Kengor Ph.D.
Blessed are the “Pure” for They Shall See Oscar – K.V. Turley, Crisis Magazine
Placuit Deo? – Fr. John Hunwicke, Fr Hunwicke’s Mutual Enrichment
On Joyce Kilmer’s “Trees” – John M. Grondelski Ph.D., The Civilized Reader
The Atheist Confusion About a Universe Made for Us – Angelo Stagnaro, NC Register
Juan Perón’s Toxic Legacy Is Still Poisoning Argentina – James Roberts, The Federalist
Why Does the Beast have a Number, & Not a Name? – Daniel Esparza, Aleteia
Fall of Troy: the Legend & the Facts – Mariacarmela Montesanto, Mercatornet
How to Bear Faults of Others, According to the ‘The Imitation of Christ’ – Phi. Kosloski
The Age of Travesties – Lance Morrow, City Journal
Pro-Lifers Fight Back Against Censorship from Facebook, Google, & Twitter – M. Bilger
Dreaming Can Leave You Feeling Unfulfilled in Life – Michael Cretaro, Catholic Stand
Where is God’s Will? – Julie Machado, Catholic Stand
Cardinal Zen: China Deal is ‘Shameless Surrender’ – Catholic Herald
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

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FRIDAY EDITION

Mother Teresa (Credit: Screenshot from churchofsaintagustineprov.com)

Humility & The Host

. . .Pp. Pius XII cautioned against the “historicist” mentality which is inclined to measure the merit of things against an imagined practice of the distant past. This mentality distorts historical fact. Historicism is to history as racism is to race & scientism is to science. It recreates a “fly in amber” early Church, something like colonial Williamsburg. It misunderstands the nature of sacred tradition, which is an organic development applicable to changing times but never abrogating the essential core of truth. . .

by Father George W. Rutler, S.T.D., Th.D.,

of First Things

New CDF Document is Clear & Succinct, But Why Was It Needed? – Chr. R. Altieri, CWR
Is America Running Out of Patience with LGBT Activism? – Gle. T. Stanton, Mercatornet
Just Too Cool! Holy League Battle Flag of Lepanto Reproduction! – Fr. Z’s Blog
The Priest Killed by Klan for Performing Interracial Marriage – Billy Ryan, uCatholic
Is It Wrong for Women Religious to Serve Priests & Bishops? – Jef. A. Mirus Ph.D., CC
Catholics for Dreamers: A Painful Exercise in 1960s Nostalgia – Mic. Davis, Cthlc Hrld
How to Fundraise with Facebook – Brice Sokolowski, CatholicFundraiser.net
What? Transfering Catholic Schools Away from Pastors’ Control – E. Peters J.C.D. J.D.
My Conversion Story: Surprised by Faith, My Moroccan Odyssey – Bra. J. Birzer Ph.D.
SCOTUS Cases Raise Big Questions on Religious Freedom, 1st Amend. Rights – R. Shaw
Card. Müller: Interference in Clergy Abuse Cases Causes Great Harm – E. Pentin, NCRg
A Key to Understanding the Pope, His Approach to Judgment – M. O’Loughlin, America
A Brief Video of Mass in the Rite of Lyon – Gregory DiPippo, New Liturgical Movement
Mercy, a Fictional Storytelling – Guy McClung Ph.D. J.D., The American Catholic
Beyond Feminism: Engaging the Feminine Genius – Sarah Carey, Catholic Stand
Jesus, the Law of God: Readings for 3rd Sun. of Lent – J. Bergsma Ph.D., The Scrd Page
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

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THVRSDAY EXTRA

Archbishop Luis Ladaria & Greg Burke (Credit: Daniel Ibáñez of CNA via the National Catholic Register)

The Vatican’s New Document Placuit Deo: Reaffirms Teaching on Salvation in Response to ‘Cultural Changes’

. . .in a Letter to bishops, the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith tackles two modern tendencies which it argues make the true salvation offered by the Catholic Church ‘difficult to understand’. . .

by Edward Pentin,

of the National Catholic Register

Abp. Chaput: “The Best Book on the ‘Post-Liberal’ Moment” – C.C. Camosy Ph.D., Crux
The Netherlands Shows Us the True Horror of ‘Assisted Dying’ – Sm. Caldwell, Cth Hrld
How Social Media is Leading Millennials to Rome – Dan Hitchens, Catholic Herald
When a Non-Believer Wants to Argue – David Mills, Catholic Exchange
Confraternity of Clergy Sound Alarm Over Gender Ideology – Edward Pentin, NC Rgstr
The Faithlessness of Public Education – Anthony M. Esolen Ph.D., Crisis Magazine
How to Fundraise with Facebook – Brice Sokolowski, CatholicFundraiser.net
3 Distinctions When Catholics Are Accused of “Discrimination” – Fr. Mt. Schneider L.C.
Bp. Paprocki Discusses Background, Decision Regarding Sen. Durbin – Jim Graves, CWR
Easter Prep: Stunning Eggs – Carrie Gress Ph.D., my favorite catholic things
YouTube Quietly Relies on Pro-Abortion Organization to Censor Content – J. Stepman
Jeanne Ives for Governor of Illinois – Donald R. McClarey J.D., The American Catholic
Should Catholics Back Public-Sector Unions? – Joan Frawley Desmond, NC Register
Native American Liturgical Uses: Plainchant in Caughnawaga – S.R. Tribe, Lit Arts Jrnl
What Is Mortification? – Fr. John Bartunek L.C. S.Th.D., Catholic Spiritual Direction
How can You Separate Freedom of Conscience from Freedom of Religion? – D Gend MD
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

THVRSDAY EXTRA Read More »

TVESDAY EDITION

Kneeling & Receiving Holy Communion on the Tongue (Credit: Fr. Dwight Longenecker)

Should You Receive Communion on the Tongue?

. . .the problem, of course, is that receiving communion standing & in the hand is actually permitted, so it remains a matter of choice, but. . .

by Father Dwight Longenecker

Francis’ Fifth: A Pontificate of Footnotes – Fr. Raymond J. de Souza, Natl Cthlc Register
Catholic School Principal Shamefully Abandoned by Hierarchy – Fr. Ric. Cipolla, RCæli
A Catholic Take on the Famous Jordan Peterson’s Struggle with Christianity – ChrchPp
Whither The Reform? – Amid a Move to Korea, Aftershocks in Rome – Rocco Palmo
Before a Parting of the Ways – P.J. Smith, Semiduplex
The Two Sides of the Lenten Fast Argument – Shaun McAfee O.P., Natl Catholic Register
New Book on Catholic Fundraising: Pray, Pray, Pray, Ask – Brice Sokolowski
National Call in Day for Dreamers but Not the Unborn? – Fr. Dwight Longenecker
As Supreme Court Decides Fate of Unions, Bishops Speak Up – Kevin J. Jones, CNA
Papal Foundation Divided Over Massive Grant to Troubled Italian Hospital – J. Roberts
Catholic Adoption Agency Targeted by ACLU – Gerald J. Russello, Natl Catholic Register
Parental Rights: A Casualty of the Transgender Revolution – Andrew T. Walker, Pub. Dis.
The Transformative Power of Memory – Sarah Greydanus, Catholic Stand
Pope Francis Appoints New Bishop for Tandag, Philippines – Sister B.M. Reis F.S.P., VN
Vancouver Archbishop Critiques Euthanasia Provision in Hospice Care – CNA via CWR
This Couple Gave Up Everything to Help Sudanese Refugees in Uganda – E. Harris, CNA
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

TVESDAY EDITION Read More »