U.S.
NY Catholics urged to voice opposition to bill that would legalize assisted suicide
ALBANY, N.Y. — New York’s Catholic bishops are urging the state’s faithful to speak out against a bill that would legalize physician-assisted suicide for terminally ill patients. The legislation, known as A136/S138, is expected to come up for a vote as early as the week of April 28. In an April 24 statement, the bishops warned that the measure would open the door to a “dangerous new era” in New York. The proposed law would allow adults with a terminal diagnosis of six months or less to request medication to end their lives. While the bill includes conscience protections for health care providers, the bishops argue it contradicts the medical profession’s core duty to do no harm. With pressing challenges like homelessness, crime and health care access, the bishops said it’s “unconscionable” for lawmakers to prioritize legalizing suicide. They’re urging Catholics to contact legislators and oppose the bill. (OSV News)
Buffalo Diocese reaches ‘settlement in principle’ in bankruptcy case
BUFFALO, N.Y. — The Diocese of Buffalo has reached a potential agreement with abuse survivors five years after filing for bankruptcy. In an April 22 letter to the faithful, Bishop Michael W. Fisher announced the diocese and its Chapter 11 creditors’ committee had agreed to “the material terms of a settlement in principle.” The planned $150 million payout does not include contributions from insurance companies, with which the diocese is in “active mediation” to determine a final amount, diocesan communications director Joe Martone said. The pool of funds “will be derived from unrestricted funds of the Diocese, and undetermined amounts from individual parishes from their unrestricted funds, and also contributions from members of Catholic affiliates,” the diocese said in an April 22 statement. Martone confirmed the diocese is facing approximately 891 cases. (OSV News)
Oldest religious sister in U.S. turns 112; ‘Her presence, her joy’ is real, says prioress
AMITYVILLE, N.Y. — Dominican Sister Francis Dominici Piscatella, a lifelong educator and joyful witness to the faith, celebrated her 112th birthday on Easter at the Queen of the Rosary Motherhouse in Amityville. A member of the Sisters of St. Dominic since 1931, she retired from teaching at 84 but remains active in the ministry of presence. Still attending daily Mass and participating in weekly activities, Sister Dominici moved into assisted living last year but remains more mobile than many of her fellow sisters in their 90s. “She does need some assistance,” said Prioress Sister Peggy McVetty, “although not as much as you’d think at that point in life.” About 30 family members gathered April 20 to celebrate the milestone. Pope Francis, who died April 21, was her eighth pope since she entered her order. As her favorite saying goes, “God’s not ready for me yet.” (OSV News)
WORLD
Vancouver archbishop calls for prayer after deadly attack at Filipino street festival
VANCOUVER, British Columbia — Archbishop J. Michael Miller, apostolic administrator of the Archdiocese of Vancouver, British Columbia, is calling for prayer after a deadly car-ramming attack in that city amid a Filipino festival. At least 11 have been killed and more than 20 injured after a man drove an Audi SUV into crowds attending the April 26 Lapu Lapu Day Block Party in Vancouver. The street fair is a celebration of Filipino culture and honors the Philippines’ national hero Datu Lapu-Lapu. A suspect is in custody and terrorism is not suspected, said Vancouver Police. “What should have been a joyful gathering to honour Filipino heritage has been overshadowed by sorrow and shock,” Archbishop Miller said in an April 27 statement. “I encourage all of us to come together in prayer, asking the Lord to pour out His mercy upon those affected.” (OSV News)
