U.S.
At Labor Day Mass, Cdl. McElroy urges protection of workers’ dignity in face of AI
WASHINGTON — As artificial intelligence reshapes the workplace, the coming transformation of labor raises a fundamental question about the future of human work, Cardinal Robert W. McElroy said in his homily at a Labor Day Mass Sept. 6 at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle in Washington. “Will there be meaningful work left?” the archbishop of Washington asked. “The answer to that is: No one knows.” The Mass was organized by the Catholic Labor Network. Cardinal McElroy described work as a way people participate in creation, contribute to their communities and express themselves, even when the work is difficult. The cardinal stressed that human labor possesses an inherent dignity that must never be diminished. At the same time, he warned that artificial intelligence and automation will dramatically reshape employment.(OSV News)
Priest urges prayers for a man who attacked him during Holy Hour
NEW BEDFORD, Mass. — Father Christopher Peschel, pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in New Bedford, Massachusetts, is urging prayers for a man who attacked him during an Aug. 31 parish Holy Hour. The priest sustained minor injuries as he tried to prevent 59-year-old Jose Nascimento from stealing the parish’s monstrance. New Bedford police said Nascimento “had entered the church and began knocking over items on the altar.” Father Peschel escorted the man outside the church, where Nascimento allegedly punched the priest in the face and struck him with a beer can. Father Peschel and a bystander managed to detain the attacker until police arrived. In an Aug. 31 Facebook message, Father Peschel — who was treated and released at a local hospital — said, “I forgive him. I am just glad nobody else was hurt.” Nascimento is facing multiple charges. “Pray for that man!” said Father Peschel in his Facebook message. “Pray for peace!” (OSV News)
WORLD
Vatican theological commission defines ‘sin against creation and the Creator’ in new document
VATICAN CITY — The International Theological Commission has released a new document calling for ecological conversion and proposing the term “sin against creation and the Creator” as a more precise way of describing environmental wrongdoing. The document, “Caring for Our Common Home: A Responsible and Fraternal Response to the Triune God,” was approved by the commission in July and authorized for publication by Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández after being presented to Pope Leo XIV. Building on Pope Francis’ 2015 encyclical “Laudato Si’,” the text argues that environmental harm is not only a failure of stewardship but also a rupture in humanity’s relationship with God, neighbor and creation itself. It proposes the use of the term “sin against creation and the Creator” rather than “ecological sin” to describe instances of failing to care for “our Common Home.” The document traces the roots of today’s ecological crisis to cultural shifts that weakened the perception of creation as God’s gift and fostered exploitative attitudes toward nature. (OSV News)
Pope Leo XIV asks Our Lady of Good Counsel for aid to make ‘courageous and wise decisions’
GENAZZANO, Italy — Pope Leo XIV returned Sept. 7 to the Marian shrine of Our Lady of Good Counsel, where he asked the Virgin Mary for aid to bring God’s word to light through “courageous and wise decisions.” The pope traveled to Genazzano, a small town about 35 miles east of Rome, to celebrate an evening Mass at the Basilica Shrine of Our Lady of Good Counsel on the vigil of the feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The visit was the second he has made to the basilica since becoming pope. During his homily, Pope Leo said, “Let us ask her for her good counsel, so that we may welcome the divine Word, keep it within us, and bring it to light through courageous and wise decisions, decisions of authentic conversion.” (OSV News)
Jerusalem Christian schools suspended after teachers denied permits
JERUSALEM — Christian schools in Jerusalem have halted the start of the academic year after Israeli authorities denied entry permits to dozens of teachers and support staff. The General Secretariat for Christian Educational Institutions in Jerusalem announced Sept. 1 that classes are suspended until officials reissue permits for more than 70 West Bank educators and employees. School leaders said the sudden decision leaves them without critical educational, health and security personnel, making a safe opening impossible, the secretariat said. The move follows mounting Israeli restrictions on Palestinian educators, including legislation passed earlier this year barring teachers with degrees from Palestinian Authority universities. The schools, which serve both Christian and Muslim students, have called for a swift resolution to protect students’ right to education. (OSV News)
