Catholic News

The Diocese of Springfield in Illinois announced plans to create The Shrine for Father Augustine Tolton, the first Black Catholic priest born in the U.S. whose priesthood is fully verified in Church and civil records.

Bishops, shrine organizers, city officials, and the faithful gathered at St. Boniface Church in Quincy, Illinois, on April 29 to announce the shrine will be a holy site of the first recognized Black priest in the United States and will offer pilgrims an opportunity to learn about his life and pray where he prayed.

"This is an extraordinary moment not only for our area but for the Catholic Church in our country," Bishop Thomas John Paprocki of the Diocese of Springfield said.

The shrine will be located at the closed St. Boniface Church, which was built on the site of Tolton's first solemn high Mass in Quincy, making it a fitting site for a shrine dedicated to his life and growing legacy.

"To restore St. Boniface as a shrine dedicated to Father Tolton means preserving sacred history while creating a living place of prayer, hope, and renewal — all tied to a holy priest whose life is an example of authentic discipleship of Christ," Paprocki said. "This shrine will place Quincy firmly on the spiritual map for pilgrims seeking inspiration, healing, and deeper faith."

Honoring Tolton's life that shows the faithful we "can do extraordinary things and live a heroic Christian life," Paprocki said.

The shrine will be a sacred place where pilgrims can pray for Tolton's intercession and attend daily Mass. It is intended for all the faithful's prayers, but especially for seminarians and priests, for patience, reconciliation, and harmony, and all that Tolton endured in his life, organizers said.

Father Tolton

Tolton, whose first name is sometimes rendered as Augustine, Augustus, or August, was born into slavery in 1854, but in 1862, his mother and siblings made an escape across the Mississippi River to the free state of Illinois, eventually settling in Quincy. There, he attended St. Peter's Catholic School and discerned a call to the priesthood.

Despite his calling, no American seminary would accept him as a Black man. He chose to leave and go to Rome to study where he was later ordained a priest. Though he believed he would serve in Africa, he was instead sent back to Quincy.

"Father Tolton overcame the odds of slavery, prejudice, and racism to become a humble priest and someone after whom we should model our lives," Paprocki said.

Known for his powerful preaching and singing, Tolton ministered in Quincy for several years before later transferring to Chicago. He died on July 9, 1897, at the age of 43 and is buried at St. Peter's Cemetery in Quincy.

Bishop Joseph Perry, retired auxiliary bishop of Chicago and past vice president of the board of the National Black Catholic Congress, is leading the cause for the canonization of Tolton.

The cause was formally opened in 2010 by the Archdiocese of Chicago and on June 12, 2019, Pope Francis declared him "venerable." The cause is now focused on documenting a miracle attributed to Tolton's intercession.

"Father Tolton's own struggles pose a shining example of how to grapple with disappointment, protracted disappointments that constrain our lives, as well as how to endure when endurance may appear illogical," Perry said at the event. "In the end, his faith, hope, and love were found intact."

Fundraising efforts

The Quincy-based Committee for the Shrine for Father Augustine Tolton estimates that the church building will require $5 million in renovations, plus an additional $5 million to $7 million for campus expansion and continued care.

"This shrine will only be possible through the generosity of the faithful," Father Steven Arisman, chair of the Committee for The Shrine for Father Augustine Tolton, said.

"I encourage Catholics everywhere to prayerfully consider supporting this project. By helping build this shrine, you are helping preserve Father Tolton's legacy and offering future generations a place where hearts can be lifted to God and lives transformed by grace," he said.

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Federal prosecutors say a deacon at a Tulsa, Oklahoma-area Catholic parish stole nearly $1.5 million from the church over a period of several months in 2025.

Charging documents obtained by EWTN News allege that Deacon John Sommer engaged in a scheme to use parish funds for "personal interests" from March to October of that year.

The documents do not identify the parish in question, referring to it only as "the church," though local Tulsa news reports identified it as Christ the King Parish just outside of the city center. An archived version of the parish's website lists Sommer as a deacon there.

The charging documents, filed in U.S. District Court by the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Oklahoma, state that Sommer served as both business manager and parish manager at the church, where he was "primarily responsible for the administrative and financial functions" of the parish.

He was authorized to initiate financial transactions of up to $30,000 per day, the prosecutors said. Over the months that he allegedly perpetrated the scheme, he carried out dozens of unauthorized transfers that ultimately totaled about $1.4 million, according to the U.S. attorney's office.

The deacon further allegedly "altered the church's accounting records" to make it appear as if the transfers were legitimate.

The documents state that Sommer, if convicted, will forfeit the money to the U.S. government. He could face up to decades in prison according to the statutes under which he is charged.

The parish told local news outlets that most of the money had been recovered via insurance.

The Diocese of Tulsa says on its website that Sommer is on a "leave of absence." The deacon's LinkedIn page says he took the role of the parish's business manager in 2011.

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The three-day Our Lady of Christendom Pilgrimage (NSC, by its Italian acronym), an initiative of young people seeking the "sanctification of souls" through the intercession of the Virgin Mary, offering prayers, sacrifices, and acts of penance, recently took place in Italy for the first time.

The purpose of NSC Italy is to offer a way to grow spiritually centered on prayer, sacramental life, and fellowship, fostering a personal relationship with God and a sense of belonging to the Church.

These young people, who attend the Traditional Latin Mass and do not belong to any religious organization or community, also seek to contribute to the restoration of the spirit of Christendom and to rekindle the faith within a contemporary context marked by secularization, by offering opportunities where Christianity can be rediscovered in a living, concrete, and shared manner.

Giacomo Mollo, an Italian and one of the organizers, explained to ACI Prensa, the Spanish-language sister service of EWTN News, that the idea for organizing a pilgrimage in Italy came from his participation in the one held in Spain, whose route goes from Oviedo to the shrine of Our Lady of Covadonga.

"After that long, three-day trek spent with many other traditionalist Catholic youths following in the footsteps of the heroes of the Reconquista [the liberation of Spain from Muslim control], and blessed by the holy Mass, we decided that this beautiful form of evangelization, the pilgrimage of faith, which for millennia has converted Catholics throughout Europe, should also be held in Italy, and particularly in Rome," he explained.

Mollo, together with his friend Nicolò Toppi, launched the initiative with the support of a large group of young volunteers and priests.

The pilgrimage, held April 25–27, brought together 160 people, including laypeople, priests, and seminarians hailing from countries such as France, Spain, Argentina, Ireland, England, Hungary, Mexico, the United States, and Portugal.

"The experience was truly beautiful," Mollo related. "Beyond the smooth execution, we traversed magnificent places, remarkable both for their scenic beauty and for their spiritual significance for Catholics."

A route laden with meaning

The pilgrimage set out from the papal basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome and proceeded to St. John Lateran, passing in front of the "Quo Vadis" church and traversing the Old Appian Way until reaching Castel Gandolfo square, surrounding the papal residence.

The pilgrims visited the shrine of Our Lady of Good Counsel in Genazzano, to whom Pope Leo XIV has a special devotion, and attended Mass at the Colonna Castle, the birthplace of Pope Martin V.

Their destination was Subiaco, where Mass was offered at St. Scholastica Church, concluding with a visit to the cave where St. Benedict, the primary patron saint of Europe, developed his rule and laid the foundations of Western monasticism.

"All of this combined with the penitential meaning of the journey, the universality of the Church demonstrated by the participation of pilgrims from many parts of the world, and the communion of faith experienced while participating in the holy Mass according to the 'Usus Antiquior' [older or ancient usage] of the Roman rite, filled us all with an unimaginable sense of gratitude, beauty, and faith," Mollo highlighted.

Currently, organizers are working on next year's pilgrimage, as they expect a larger number of pilgrims.

This story was first published by ACI Prensa, the Spanish-language sister service of EWTN News. It has been translated and adapted by EWTN News English.

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The International Association of Exorcists (AIE, by its Italian acronym) praised the "courage of Pope Leo" in the context of his constant calls for peace in the face of war and terrorism around the world and proposed various spiritual means to achieve peace.

"In light of the dramatic global events currently unfolding, Pope Leo XIV, following in the footsteps of his predecessors, stands out for his firm condemnation of all war and his heartfelt appeals for dialogue," the exorcists declared in an Italian-language statement titled "The Courage of Pope Leo."

Since the beginning of his pontificate, the Holy Father has issued many calls for dialogue and for striving for a peace that is "unarmed and disarming," especially in the face of the wars in Iran, the Holy Land, and Ukraine, among other conflicts including those in Africa, a continent he visited April 13–23, where he did not cease in his calls to put an end to the violence.

The trip was marked by some tensions between the Vatican and the U.S. government, as President Donald Trump on social media openly attacked Pope Leo XIV, who put the matter to rest by stating that he has no fear of the current U.S. administration and is fulfilling his mission to proclaim the Gospel, adding that he has no interest in entering into a debate with Trump.

The AIE noted that the current global situation is marked "by a dynamic of evil that runs through history: in which despite the presence of the devil whom Jesus called the 'prince of this world' (Jn 14:30) and the 'father of lies' (John 8:44), man's moral responsibility ultimately remains, for he remains free and called to choose the good."

"Added to the responsibility and culpability of those participating in the escalation of violence is a deeper crisis affecting the human heart wounded by sin and often incapable of recognizing truth and goodness," the exorcists pointed out.

After recalling that it is the Church's mission to proclaim that "Christ is our peace," the International Association of Exorcists said it "renews its filial closeness and support for Pope Leo XIV in the universal mission of peace and justice that belongs to the Church by mandate of its Divine Founder."

How to achieve peace?

In its exhortation, the AIE called for "never tiring of working for peace, above all through prayer, and by beginning from within our hearts, our families, and our communities to promote concrete and sincere gestures of mutual forgiveness and authentic reconciliation with all."

In this regard, the association called for various spiritual means such as "Eucharistic adoration, the recitation of the rosary, fasting, and works of mercy," which serve as "concrete ways for building peace."

The exorcists emphasized that "authentic peace is inseparable from liberation from sin and from the action of the evil one, and that spiritual combat is an intrinsic part of the Church's journey through history."

The AIE invoked the intercession of the Virgin Mary, Queen of Peace, to "enlighten the leaders of peoples and nations and grant humanity the gift of reconciliation and true peace, which has its foundation in Christ and its full realization in eternal life."

This story was first published by ACI Prensa, the Spanish-language sister service of EWTN News. It has been translated and adapted by EWTN News English.

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The Department of Justice (DOJ) released a new report on April 30 detailing allegations of anti-Christian bias from former President Joe Biden's administration and unveiling how President Donald Trump's administration is working to reverse those policies.

"When Christian beliefs about morality and human nature conflicted with the Biden administration's views, religious rights often suffered," the executive summary says.

"The Biden administration generally tolerated religious beliefs that were privately held but zealously pursued actions to limit Christians' ability to act in accordance with their faith," the report says. "This affected matters of deep personal importance to nearly every American: life, family, marriage, and self-identity."

The report, titled "Eradicating Anti-Christian Bias within the Federal Government," was issued by the Task Force to Eradicate Anti-Christian Bias, which Trump established in February 2025.

The review lists Biden-era regulations related to abortion, contraception, gender, and human sexuality, among other issues, which often pitted the government against religious institutions, such as the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).

Similar issues also exist in "state and local governments and the private sector," it notes, which had either "limited interference" or "tacit support" from the Biden administration.

It also alleges a "weaponization" of the government against Christians, which includes concerns about the Richmond office of the FBI investigating what it called "radical traditionalist Catholics" along with criminal convictions of pro-life protesters under the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act.

The report notes that the Trump administration has worked to rescind those regulations and end those practices. It also states the administration has sought to incorporate faith into public life.

"No American should live in fear that the federal government will punish them for their faith," Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, the chair of the Task Force to Eradicate Anti-Christian Bias, said in a statement.

"As our report lays out, the Biden administration's actions devastated the lives of many Christian Americans," he said. "That devastation ended with President Trump. The Department of Justice will continue to expose bad actors who targeted Christians and work tirelessly to restore religious liberty for all Americans of faith."

Biden-era regulations

A major issue noted in the DOJ report is the Biden administration's reading of the 2019 Supreme Court decision in Bostock v. Clayton County, which found the Civil Rights Act bans discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

The report notes the first Trump administration issued a memorandum on Bostock instructing the DOJ to interpret that ruling without violating religious liberty.

Yet the Biden administration rescinded that memorandum and issued a new one that the report states "applied the ruling to sex-based discrimination in federally funded schools and sports."

"The Biden DOJ also considered requests for religious exemptions as harmful conduct to be regulated and pushed its incorrect Bostock interpretation in amicus briefs, even though federal courts repeatedly rejected it," it states.

In one example, the report notes that the U.S. Department of Agriculture tied this interpretation of Bostock to the National School Lunch Program. Initially, religious freedom objections were considered on a case-by-case basis, but the administration eventually issued a memo that acknowledged religious exemptions.

"The policy left Christian schools and ministries with a coercive choice: If they wanted to feed the hungry using these programs, they would need to abandon the Bible's teachings on sex and marriage," it states.

"As a result, the Biden USDA pushed many Christians out of the programs," it adds. "The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of St. Louis, for example, chose to remove all of its parochial schools from the National School Lunch Program, even after the Biden USDA issued its memo acknowledging Title IX's religious exemption."

This interpretation was also applied to Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) rules for what the Biden administration called "gender affirming care for minors." The report notes that "many providers interpreted [this] as a requirement with limited or no religious exemptions." Similar to the lunch program, religious exemptions were looked at on a case-by-case basis.

Similar rules were applied to workplaces through the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).

Other regulations scaled back conscience protections related to abortion and contraception. It notes, for example, that HHS and DOJ withdrew a notice of violation against the University of Vermont Medical Center after it "coerced a Christian nurse into participating in an abortion despite her religious objections."

In other examples, HHS issued guidance that required hospitals, including Catholic hospitals, to offer abortions in certain circumstances under the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act. The Biden administration also interpreted the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act to force employers to accommodate an employee's abortion, "regardless of whether doing so would conflict with an employer's religious rights," the report states.

"The findings presented by the task force raise serious concerns about whether certain Biden-era policies and practices were administered in a manner consistent with the Constitution and applicable federal law," the report states.

"These concerns implicate core American commitments — religious liberty, equal treatment, and the rule of law — that protect all Americans of faith and conscience," it adds.

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EWTN will premiere a one-hour documentary titled "Pope Leo's Peru" on May 1. Produced by EWTN News, the program will offer an in-depth look at the years Pope Leo XIV served as a missionary in the South American country.

Jonathan Liedl, EWTN News correspondent and managing editor of the National Catholic Register, takes viewers to northern Peru to take a look at the communities the Holy Father served. These cities include Chulucanas, where the then-young priest had his first missionary experience; the city of Trujillo, where he grew as a pastor; and the Diocese of Chiclayo, where he served as bishop.

Through on-location reporting, interviews, and local testimonies, the documentary highlights the impact of the pope's ministry among the many parish communities and those on the margins and captures the perspectives of those who knew him best during those years.

"The word I heard over and over from Peruvians who had known Pope Leo is that he was 'un amigo' — a friend," Liedl said in a press release. "From soup kitchen volunteers to cathedral rectors, former altar servers to fellow bishops, Pope Leo drew close and listened to everyone, leading others more deeply to Christ in the process."

The documentary also depicts a portrait of a local Church that helped form a global shepherd, providing context for Pope Leo XIV's priorities as he leads the universal Church today.

"As we near the one-year anniversary of Pope Leo XIV's election, this news special helps us reflect on the experiences that he brings into his papacy," said Montse Alvarado, president of EWTN News. "From his emphasis on the poor to his focus on healing divided communities, it's clear that the good work he began in Peru has carried over to how he now leads us all from Rome. Understanding the Holy Father's heart is the essence of this report."

"Pope Leo's Peru" will air on EWTN on May 1 at 8 p.m. ET and will be available on EWTNNews.com and the EWTN News YouTube channel.

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The popemobile, the pope's special vehicle, will begin a charity tour of the United States.

On Wednesday at the Vatican, representatives of the Dicastery for the Service of Charity and Cross Catholic Outreach launched the "American Catholic Heroes: The Road Trip for Hope" initiative. According to the official Vatican News outlet, the initiative, which will run from June to July this year, will travel from New York to California to raise funds for victims of war and to promote the dicastery's charitable work.

The tour will also coincide with the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Declaration of Independence.

Archbishop Luis Marín de San Martín, prefect of the Dicastery for the Service of Charity, handed the keys over to the president of Cross Catholic Outreach, Michele Sagarino. That same day, Sagarino also met with Pope Leo XIV after his weekly general audience.

Before the audience, she spoke with Vatican Radio about the partnership between her organization and the Holy See. She reflected on Leo's recent trip to Africa and the similarities between her organization's work and his closeness to the vulnerable.

"It couldn't have been more appropriate for the work that Cross Catholic Outreach does — talking about his journey in Africa, being with those who are vulnerable, standing up for them, and also bringing the faith closer to them," Sagarino said of Leo's recent catechesis. "I think that's very similar to what we do at Cross Catholic Outreach as well. We have worked since our inception in 90 countries and helped with almost $5 billion worth of aid."

San Martín at the event launching the initiative thanked Sagarino and Cross Catholic Outreach for their "long collaboration with the Dicastery for the Service of Charity, generously supporting it."

The popemobile that will embark on the U.S. tour was entrusted to the dicastery by Pope Francis to raise funds for those in need.

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Pope Leo XIV said Thursday that the Church is called to reach all peoples not by imposing itself but by bearing witness to the truth in charity.

In an April 30 audience with members of the Diocesan Office for the Universal Church and Dialogue of the Archdiocese of Cologne, the pope reflected on the universality of the Church and the importance of dialogue.

The pope recalled that, "in light of Christ's resurrection, the Church recognizes herself as being sent to all peoples — not by imposing herself but by bearing witness to the truth in charity."

"Dialogue, in turn, strengthens communion, opens paths of understanding, and serves the cause of peace," he said, adding that "Christ draws all things to himself and makes the Church a sign of unity and hope for the world."

Leo addressed the delegation on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the founding of Weltkirche & Dialog, today known as the Diocesan Office for the Universal Church and Dialogue.

Turning to the German archdiocese, the pope highlighted its long-standing openness to encounter, mutual exchange, and dialogue among peoples and cultures. In particular, he recalled that in 1954, under Cardinal Josef Frings and Vicar General Father Josef Teusch, the Archdiocese of Cologne established a partnership with the Archdiocese of Tokyo — "the first of its kind in Germany."

The pope said the archdiocese's commitment to a truly universal Church, "called to solidarity beyond the confines of Europe and sustained through a culture of dialogue," remains at the heart of the office's identity.

Leo also praised the archdiocese's charitable work in regions affected by famine, flooding, war, and other crises as well as its relationships of support with churches in more than 100 countries, with particular attention to the Middle East and the Eastern Churches.

The pope also noted the scholarships for priestly formation and assistance to elderly priests offered by the Archdiocese of Cologne.

"I might add here that when I was bishop in Perù, in Chiclayo, the Archdiocese of Cologne was also very supportive of a number of different initiatives, including helping purchase oxygen-producing machines, which saved the lives of many people," he said. "And the people today are still grateful for that support."

The pope expressed gratitude for the group's initiatives, saying that through their service "the universal dimension of the Church is made visible and concrete, fostering solidarity, strengthening bonds of unity, and bearing witness to the Gospel of peace in a world so often marked by division and distress."

Such witness, Leo said, is "all the more necessary today," especially as many Christians have been forced to leave their homelands because of war, violence, and poverty.

"I therefore encourage you to persevere in this mission of charity, so that they may still experience the closeness of the universal Church," he said.

The pope asked the delegation in a particular way to continue supporting the presence of Christians in the Middle East "in order to ensure that these venerable traditions of the Eastern Churches are preserved, safeguarded, and more widely known."

This story was first published by ACI Prensa, the Spanish-language sister service of EWTN News. It has been translated and adapted by EWTN News English.

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The Archdiocese of Atlanta is launching a fully online high school program, known as Sacred Heart Virtual Academy, designed to expand access to Catholic education throughout Georgia and beyond.

Enrollment is currently open for students in grades 9–12, both inside and outside of the Archdiocese of Atlanta, including those living in other states or countries.

"We know this type of offering can have an impact on a global scale, and we are excited about that opportunity," said Kim Shields, facilitator of the program and an associate superintendent of the Catholic school office of the archdiocese. "Our commitment starts with the communities of the Archdiocese of Atlanta, but we will welcome anyone who feels our program will meet their child's learning needs."

The archdiocese designed the program with home-schooling students and students with flexible learning needs in mind, according to Shields.

"Sacred Heart Virtual Academy was created in response to home-schooling groups and others in the archdiocese who are looking for more flexible options for high school," Shields told EWTN News.

"This program will also enable us to meet the needs of rural students, students with diverse learning needs, and any other student who just needs an alternative to a brick-and-mortar school," Shields continued.

The archdiocese is partnering with Catholic Education Services, a provider of Catholic virtual education, to provide courses. The group has "partnered with several archdioceses to provide programs for Catholic schools," according to Shields.

Organizers hope to expand courses to provide more opportunities for students, including a course in American Sign Language.

"We have an inclusion program in the archdiocese, and we are hoping to offer some alternative courses for foreign language such as American Sign Language through the virtual academy for students who need that opportunity," Shields said.

Students will follow a traditional school year schedule from late August to late May. Optional summer classes are also offered.

"Students will need to complete 24 credits to graduate, and this requirement is in alignment with our current brick-and-mortar high schools," Shields added. "Class offerings will be synchronous and asynchronous depending on the course."

Full-time tuition for one year is $7,200, while individual classes cost between $500 and $600.

"The diploma and transcripts will be issued from the Archdiocese of Atlanta, and we are proud to be able to offer that to any student who completes our high school program," Shields said.

Quoting from the value statements of the Office of Catholic Schools, Shields said the branch is "committed to providing an excellent education in an environment of spiritual, moral, intellectual, and physical formation in accordance with the teachings of the Catholic Church."

"Our vision is to provide all families and children in the Archdiocese of Atlanta with faith-filled, high-quality, accessible, and affordable educational opportunities," Shields continued.

"We also believe that all of God's children deserve a Catholic education, and to live our mission, it is our responsibility to meet the needs of all students as best we can," Shields added.

Sacred Heart Virtual Academy applications are currently open. For more information, visit here.

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St. Louis de Montfort Academy, the independent boarding school for boys in Herndon, Pennsylvania, run by the American Society for the Defense of Tradition, Family, and Property (TFP) on April 25 inaugurated a four-level expansion of its main building, almost doubling its size.

The event, which coincided with the academy's 30th anniversary, was headlined by Cardinal Raymond Leo Burke along with Auxiliary Bishop William Waltersheid of the Diocese of Pittsburgh. In his remarks on the occasion, Burke noted that the academy's students often courageously join older TFP members at pro-life and other events that witness to eternal truths that are rejected by many in modern society.

"Millions of Americans have seen, through the videos of TFP Student Action, how the young men formed here go onto university campuses to confront the prevailing ideology," Burke noted. "They do so not with anger, not with disorder, but with clarity, charity, and courage. They calmly dismantle anti-Christian fallacies. They endure ridicule, threats, and even physical intimidation with dignity. And in every instance, they emerge victorious — not because they shout the loudest, but because they stand with the truth."

In a nod to the TFP apostolate's Brazilian roots, Prince Bertrand of Orleans-Braganza, head of the Imperial House of Brazil, was invited to cut the ribbon at the inauguration of the new school building. Instead of using scissors, he chose to employ a ceremonial sword for the task.

"At this academy, the notion of spiritual combat is at the forefront of daily life," Prince Bertrand, a direct descendant of French Crusader king St. Louis IX, noted.

"The sacraments, the rosary, and religion classes are complemented by fencing, debate practices, and pro-life campaigns. All of these things give the academy students the training they need to become upright, generous, and brave soldiers of Christ," he observed.

Nebraska bishop praises university's creation of ethics panel after 'drag Mass'

Bishop James Conley of Lincoln, Nebraska, expressed gratitude to the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, for creating in ethics panel following a "drag Mass" staged by a doctoral student.

"I appreciate the willingness of the university leaders to meet with us to discuss issues of concern to the Catholic community," Conley said in his April 24 "Bishop's Column" reacting to the university's creation of an ethics panel to address the incident, which came after he met with University of Nebraska President Jeffrey Gold to express his opposition to the performance.

The event was put on in April 2025 by music doctoral student Joseph Willette, who claimed the performance was meant to "bridge the gap between queerness and spirituality." The demonstration "imitated various parts of the Mass, including the Kyrie, Gloria, Credo, Sanctus, and Agnus Dei."

"President Gold and his team have made good on their promise to keep us updated on their progress so far," Conley said. "I would like to know more about the membership of the committee that President Gold and [Creighton University President] Father [Daniel] Hendrickson have put together, but I also understand to some degree their reluctance to share more about it given committee members' request for anonymity."

"I believe we can all agree there is more work that needs to be done, and my hope and prayer is that we all continue to strive to eliminate unjust discrimination of any kind on our campuses… and in our world," Conley said. "I am also hopeful that continued engagement with community leaders at the university and elsewhere will help not only to prevent future problems but will also assist in the continued development of a culture that is respectful of religion and of the Catholic presence in and contribution to our state and its universities."

Christendom College launches master's for public policy program

Christendom College has expanded its graduate school offerings with the debut of its Center for Public Policy.

Started in partnership with the Heritage Foundation, the new center is "designed to equip leaders with the philosophical, ethical, and practical tools necessary for service in public life, nonprofit leadership, education, and policy-related professions," according to a college press release.

Classes for the center's flagship program will start this fall.

"For too long, public leaders and their supporters have led movements, crafted laws, and developed policies that assume presuppositions that are antithetical to human flourishing and the common good," Christendom College President George A. Harne said in the release.

"By forming a new generation of leaders who understand classical Catholic social teaching and can apply it to the most pressing needs of today, Christendom College will lead in the restoration of the public square in a way that is deeply consistent with the college's founding principles," he said. "This unique program — oriented to real political change through the development of wise public policies and the formation of the next generation of leaders — is the next logical step in the fulfillment of Christendom College's founding mission."

Catholic Massachusetts college to close after 80 years following 'financial pressure'

Anna Maria College in Paxton, Massachusetts, announced "with profound grief" that it will close its doors at the conclusion of the 2025-2026 academic year.

"The decision reflects years of financial pressure that we were ultimately unable to overcome and the honest recognition that continuing would not be responsible to the students, faculty, and staff who depend on us," the college said in an April 23 statement signed by Anna Maria College President Sean J. Ryan and Board of Trustees Chair David Trainor.

The college cited "months" of attempts by leadership, the board of trustees, and the Sisters of St. Anne to "examine every option."

"We tried to find a way," the college said. "We are grateful to everyone who tried alongside us. And we are deeply, genuinely sorry we found no viable path forward."

The college assured graduating seniors they would receive their degrees and walk in their graduation ceremony and non-graduating students that "clear paths forward are in place." The college also said it has finalized partnerships with institutions for transfer students.

Anna Maria College was founded in 1946 by the Sisters of St. Anne.

Theology school offers chance to audit summer course free of charge

St. Bernard's School of Theology and Ministry in Rochester, New York, will allow anyone to audit any one of its summer courses for free via Zoom.

"Thanks to the generous support of the Knights of Columbus Finger Lakes Chapter, St. Bernard's is delighted to offer the opportunity of auditing one summer course for free," the college said on its website. "We are a Catholic graduate school committed to featuring courses that enhance the truths of our faith, and as such, wish to share our offerings with as many people as possible."

Available courses include "American Saints and Blesseds" and "Tolkien the Artist: Creativity and the Image of God." Prospective students have the chance to audit courses from either the first session, which runs from May 11 to June 26, or the second session, which runs from June 29 to Aug. 14.

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