Florida Catholic Online Edition

May 16, 2008

Heavenly Father, we pray for those who are suffering from recent natural disasters. Bless them, Lord God, with your healing grace, comfort those who grieve and help all to work in peace to bring them relief, we pray in the name of Jesus, your Son and our Lord and Savior. Amen

Click here for complete, in-depth coverage of Pope Benedict XVI's Apostolic Journey to the United States.

If aliens exist, they may not need redemption

VATICAN CITY (CNS) | If aliens exist, they may be a different life form that does not need Christ’s redemption, the Vatican’s chief astronomer said.

Jesuit Father Jose Funes, director of the Vatican Observatory, said Christians should consider alien life as an “extraterrestrial brother” and a part of God’s creation. Read the full story.

Pope authorizes indulgences for Pauline year events

VATICAN CITY (CNS) | Catholics who participate in events connected with the 2008–2009 jubilee year of St. Paul can receive a special indulgence, the Vatican said. Read the full story.

Poverty’s class migration may force solutions

WASHINGTON (CNS) | Different societal ills command the national spotlight when they threaten to migrate from the underclass to the middle class. It was that way with illegal drugs like LSD and marijuana 40 years ago, and it is that way today with poverty. Read the full story.

	Miami \| When Sister Patricia Knapp, 89, of Our Lady of Victory Missionary Sisters returns to her congregation’s motherhouse later this month, it will be the end of an era in the archdiocese. Read Ana Rodriguez-Soto’s article, *“Last of her kind,”* here.
	Orlando \| As wildfires swept through the Palm Bay area, Our Lady of Grace Parish and Catholic Charities were busy setting-up and maintaining shelters for evacuees. Laura Dodson was there and reports on the faith and compassion of those serving and being served.
	Palm Beach \| At the papal Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Bishop Barbarito was at the altar to the left side of the pope. Now that he has returned, he shares his experience. See, *“Bishop Barbarito up–close with Pope Benedict.”*
	Pensacola - Tallahassee \| Members of the Diocesan Council of Catholic Women are urged to be *‘The hearts and hands of Christ’*, at their annual convention.
	St. Petersburg \| Advocates for Pinellas Hope, the homeless community operated by Catholic Charities, are seeking funds to return to full operation by fall. See, *“Reduced homeless shelter to stay open for summer.”*
	Venice \| At a special Mass, the bishop calls for the faithful to ‘remain united in prayer’ with the victims of abuse. See, *“Bishop Dewane: pray for victims of child abuse.”*

Click here for complete Papal and Vatican coverage.