Gloria TV News on the Feast of Blessed Angela Truszkowska.

Synod Has Started

Vatican

Yesterday, the Holy Father opened the Synod of Bishops' Special Assembly for the Middle East with Mass at St. Peter's Basilica. He concelebrated in Latin with 177 Synod Fathers and 69 priests who are collaborating in synod activities. The assembly is taking place at the Vatican from Oct. 24. The Holy Father said that the synod will concentrate on the Church's mission in the Middle East.

Homosexuals Have No Right to Get Married

USA

The Catholic bishops of Minnesota have issued on Thursday a brief catechetical statement on marriage. In that statement they say that having homosexual attractions does not deprive anyone of basic human rights but also does not create the right to “marry” someone of the same sex. The bishops urge the state government, all Catholics and those of good will in Minnesota to support marriage.

Fighting Against Consumerist Santa Claus

Germany

The Catholic Boniface Association has launched a campaign to restore devotion to St. Nicholas by calling for “Christmas man-free zones”. The organization was founded in 1849 to assist Catholics in predominantly Protestant areas of Germany. The “Christmas man” is the German term for Santa Claus. The organization describes that figure as “an invention of the advertising industry designed to boost sales” and as “a representative of consumer society.” St. Nicholas, on the other hand, is “a helper in need who reminds us to be kind, to think of our neighbors, and to give the gift of happiness.” “Unlike Santa Claus, Nicholas wants to give children inner riches and not just encourage them to strive for material wealth.”

She Destroyed a Blasphemous Exihibit

USA

Kathleen Folden from Montana faces criminal charges after she used a crowbar to destroy a blasphemous exhibit at a gallery in Colorado. Folden was arrested after she smashed a picture that depicted Jesus in a lewd act. The exhibit, by Enrique Chagoya had caused outrage among Christians.