It was a year ago today, October 2, 2006, that tragedy was visited upon the Amish people of rural Pennsylvania. USA Today has an insightful interview with someone who understands their culture very well, and who tries to explain one of the great mysteries of their faith: After the shooting deaths of five Amish girls…

Up in Alaska, there’s a report from the local diocesan paper about a man who has launched a remarkable and inspiring ministry to those who are facing their final hours: Ed Iwata thoughtfully sipped a latte while talking about his foray into the land of the dying. Iwata, a convert to Catholicism and a member…

Our Catholic-dominated Supreme Court surprised some observers yesterday, deciding not to rule in a case involving Catholics and artificial birth control: The court issued a list of cases it would not hear this year. No explanation was given for the justices’ decision not to consider the cases. Among them was the dispute over a New…

Turns out a lot of priests, nuns and religious are doing something right — and it’s going to their heads. Or, at least, their brains. Here’s how U.S. News and World Report describes it: People who are conscientious and prone to “doing the right thing” are less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease as they age,…

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