Happy Damien Day!

Holy Mother Church celebrates today the life of the Leper Priest, Saint Damien of Moloka'i. Let us therefore ask my favorite saint to intercede for us this day:

Detail of a travel diptych,
written by Sister Malia Wong, O.P.

Damien, brother on the journey, happy and generous missionary, who loved the Gospel more than your own life, who for love of Jesus left your family, your homeland, your security and your dreams.

Teach us to give our lives with joy like yours, to be in solidarity with the outcasts of our world, to celebrate and contemplate the Eucharist as the source of our own commitment.

Help us to love to the very end and, in the strength of the Spirit, to persevere in compassion for the poor and forgotten so that we might be good disciples of Jesus and Mary.

Amen.

Saint Joseph Damien de Veuster, pray for us!

The prayer above came from the Diocese of Honolulu.

New image of Father Tolton installed in Q.U. chapel

Friends send bits of news to me every day, for which I'm grateful even if I've already seen most of it, but every now and then something comes through that I haven't seen. Such is the case with the happy and surprising news that a new image of the Servant of God Father Augustus Tolton was recently installed in the chapel of Quincy University:

On Sunday, April 24, 2016, Father Irenaeus Kimminau, O.F.M., said the Holy Mass and ministered the blessing of the painting, at St. Francis Solanus Chapel, Q.U's main chapel.  The prayers  of Q.U. faculty and students, and local Quincy residents were offered along with the beautiful accompaniment of the organ, played by Brother Ed Arambasich, O.F.M. [more].

It was the 130th Anniversary of Father Tolton's ordination.

I'm not sure how I never heard anything about this until a few days ago, but it seems I'm not alone as I haven't seen any news coverage the installation or blessing.

Painted by Isabel Armengol and measuring four feet by six feet, the painting seeks to commemorate Father Tolton's first Holy Mass, which he offered in the Basilica of St. Peter in Rome on 25 April 1886:

 

It now hangs above the side altar to the right of the sanctuary in the university chapel (which is one my favorite places in the Gem City and the most beautiful place to pray). I'm looking forward to casting my own eyes upon the image shortly after my return to Quincy in forty-five days.

Islamic State Ongoing Updates - May 2016

Previous Updates: April 2016 | March 2016 | February 2016 | January 2016 | December 2015 | November 2015 | October 2015 | September 2015 | August 2015 | July 2015 | June 2015 | May 2015 | April 2015 | March 2015 | February 2015 | January 2015 | December 2014 | November 2014 | October 2014 | April - November 2014

31 May 2016

• UPDATE (06-02-16): ISIS fights back after Iraqi forces surround Falluja, military says
• UPDATE (06-02-16): For Iraq's Christians, what comes after Islamic State?
• UPDATE (06-01-16): Islamic State urges Muslims to destroy satellite tv sets

29 May 2016

• UPDATE (06-02-16): Vile ISIS terrorists slaughter Real Madrid fans enjoying match
• UPDATE (06-02-16): ISIL launches Syria assault, achieving biggest advance along Turkish border for two years
• Iraqi forces complete buildup around ISIS-held Fallujah
• Iraqi army makes gains in Falluja offensive
• Battle for Falluja: 'Islamic State tunnels uncovered'

28 May 2016

• UPDATE (06-02-16): ISIS fighters seem to be trying to sell sex slaves online
• UPDATE (05-29-16): Islamic State creates city-wide hostage crisis as Iraq's army escalates bloody struggle for Fallujah
• UPDATE (05-29-16): Islamic State advances near Turkish border, civilians trapped

27 May 2016

• UPDATE (05-29-16): US air strikes on Iraq and Syria kill ISIS leaders and 70 fighters 

26 May 2016

• UPDATE (06-03-16): Leaked Islamic State files reveal the 'borders chief' who helped funnel terrorists into Syria
• Syrian bishop laments new ISIS attacks
• ISIS on Europe's doorstep: How terror is infiltrating the migrant route 

25 May 2016

• UPDATE (06-02-16): Suspect Makes Terrorist Group Claims During Assault on Police
• UPDATE (05-27-16): Mesquite man who pledged allegiance to ISIS sentenced to 4 years in prison
• UPDATE (05-27-16): Kenya: Two Arrested As Police Foil Nairobi, Mombasi terror plot

24 May 2016

• UPDATE (05-27-16): Bishop cries out as ISIS devastates Syrian towns
  
• UPDATE (05-27-16): Bronx man arrested on terrorism-related charges, attempting to provide material support to ISIS
• UPDATE (05-27-16): NHS doctor leaves family in Sheffield to 'join Islamic State in Syria'
• UPDATE (05-27-16): Islam is not a religion of peace even for a day, says ISIS' Indian recruit
• UPDATE (05-26-16): IS blasts in Syria regime heartland kill more than 148
• UPDATE (05-26-16): IS attacks undermine Iraqi state in war weary capital
• UPDATE (05-26-16): Islamic State 'destroys Syria airbase' used by Russia

23 May 2016

• UPDATE (05-27-16): Kansas man pleads guilty to helping with foiled bomb plot at U.S. base
• UPDATE (05-24-16): With Final Words, Christian Girl Begs Forgiveness for ISIS for Killing Her
• UPDATE (05-24-16): British convert jailed over plan to take children to ISIS in Syria
• UPDATE (05-24-16): Record 499 Syrian Refugees Admitted to US so far in May Includes No Christians
• UPDATE (05-24-16): Jihadi John's fourth Beatle unmasked as refugee given shelter in UK
• Fallujah assault: Iraq PM announces start of operation against IS
• Iraq Begins Assault on Islamic State in Fallujah

22 May 2016

• UPDATE (05-23-16): War on ISIS: Western fighters joining Kurds to fight terror group in Iraq and Syria
• UPDATE (05-23-16): ISIS calls for more attacks on West during Ramadan
• UPDATE (05-23-16): 350 people escape from ISIS and resort to Peshmerga forces in Makhmur 

21 May 2016

• UPDATE (05-24-16): 'There is only one way for the US to gain victory,' ISIS spokesman warns
• UPDATE (05-24-16): ISIS urges attacks on West during Ramadan
• UPDATE (05-23-16): ISIS claims responsibility for hacking death of doctor
• UPDATE (05-23-16): A Bunch of ISIS Fanboys Posted Photo Messages And Accidentally Revealed Their Locations

20 May 2016

• UPDATE (05-23-16): ISIS warlords are training troops for sea-landings to launch attacks on Med beaches packed with Brits
• UPDATE (05-23-16): ISIS Executes 25 by Dipping Them in Nitric Acid 

19 May 2016

• UPDATE (05-23-16): French security chief warns Islamic State plans wave of attacks in France

18 May 2016

• UPDATE (05-24-16): ISIS decapitates another Christian priest in Syria

17 May 2016 

• UPDATE (05-24-16): Four large blasts rock Baghdad in just a few hours, at least 75 killed
• Blasts in Baghdad kill dozens
• IS has lost nearly half the area it once claimed in Iraq: Pentagon

16 May 2016

• UPDATE (05-24-16): ISIS publicly flogging woman on charges of violating Sharia dress code
• UPDATE (05-17-16): ISIS stones woman and 20 youths in eastern Mosul
• UPDATE (05-17-16): An American ISIS Cell: The Story of 3 U.S. Recruits
• UPDATE (05-17-16): ISIS ramps up attacks, but U.S. says terror group is 'on the defensive'

15 May 2016

• UPDATE (05-17-16): IS bombs kill 47 Yemen police in former al-Qaeda bastion
• UPDATE (05-17-16): Five men charged with counter-terrorism offenses over alleged boat escape to join fighting in Syria
• UPDATE (05-17-16): Dozens killed by Islamic State suicide bombings in Iraq and Yemen
• UPDATE (05-17-16): 24 dead, wounded in Taji Gas Plant bombing north of Baghdad
• UPDATE (05-17-16): ISIS bombs Baghdad cooking gas factory, kills 14
  
• UPDATE (05-17-16): White House says ISIS 'shrinking' as group launches new attacks in Iraq

13 May 2016

• UPDATE (05-17-16): ISIS militants wielding AK-47s slaughter 14 Real Madrid fans at supporters meeting in Iraq 'because they think football is anti-Muslim'

12 May 2016

• UPDATE (05-13-16): US grapples with renewed show of force by ISIS in Syria and Iraq
• UPDATE (05-13-16): Islamic State kills 17 Iraqi soldiers with suicide truck bombs
• UPDATE (05-13-16): 86 Dead in Iraq; ISIS Attacks a Police Station in Abu Graib
• UPDATE (05-13-16): ISIS monsters force members of crowd to shoot prisoners in latest sickening execution
• Afghan arrested in Italy on suspicion of planning terror attacks 'toured Britain on fake documents'

11 May 2016

• UPDATE (05-12-16): Bombings Kill 93 in Iraqi Capital's Bloodiest Day This Year
• UPDATE (05-12-16): Islamic State claim bombs that kill 86 in Baghdad 
• UPDATE (05-12-16): Western Libyan forces prepare attack on ISIL stronghold 
• UPDATE (05-12-16): FBI Head: Islamic State Brand Losing Power in US 
• UPDATE (05-12-16): Iraq says Islamic State control shrinks to 14 percent of its territory
• UPDATE (05-12-16): Minneapolis ISIS Trial Will Examine Terror Group's Allure  
• ISIS Extremists Execute 7-year-old Boy in Syria's Raqqa 

10 May 2016

• UPDATE (05-12-16): Two Afghan Men Held in Italy Over Terror and People Smuggling Links
• UPDATE (05-12-16): ISIS executes woman on charges of 'people smuggling' north of Tikrit
• UPDATE (05-12-16): Italian police 'smash ISIS terror cell planning attacks on Canary Wharf and London hotels'
• Italy arrests two people suspected of planning attacks in Rome, London
• Two held over alleged terror attack plots in Italy and UK
• Islamic State leader in Iraq's Anbar killed, Pentagon says

9 May 2016

• UPDATE (05-10-16): Islamic State car bomb in eastern Iraq kills 16, sources say
• UPDATE (05-10-16): She Spoke Up About Cooked ISIS Intel. They Booted Her - For Cursing 

8 May 2016

• UPDATE (05-10-16): Security forces destroy ISIS headquarters in Anbar, 45 IEDs dismantled
  
• UPDATE (05-10-16): Source: ISIS executes 8 civilians on charges of 'spying' in central Mosul
• Anbar Council: ISIS transferred hundreds of families to central Fallujah
• IS claims attack killed eight Egypt policemen near Cairo

7 May 2016

• UPDATE (05-08-16): ISIS mortar detachments shell Baghdadi vicinity west of Ramadi
• UPDATE (05-08-16): Coalition aircraft destroy ISIS fuel station south of Mosul, 17 ISIS members killed
• UPDATE (05-08-16): Anbar Operations repel ISIS attack on military headquarters north of Ramadi
• UPDATE (05-08-16): UK navy officer joins ISIS: Defense experts warn of terror attacks on ships as highly skilled sailor turns from playboy into jihadi after watching videos of Assad's atrocities in Syria
• 'More than 50' IS mass graves found in Iraq, says UN envoy
• ISIS Bans Satelitte TV, Hunts Down Internet Users

6 May 2016

• UPDATE (05-10-16): Report: Head of the Islamic State's Sahara branch threatens Morocco 
• UPDATE (05-08-16): ISIS Seizes Gas Field Near Palmyra: In Syria, Islamic State Making a Comeback After US, Russian Airstrikes?
• UPDATE (05-08-16): ISIS extremists execute 7-year-old boy in Syria's Raqqa
• UPDATE (05-07-16): Pentagon spokesman says deadly IS attack was a surprise

5 May 2016

• UPDATE (05-08-16): South Carolina police 'shocked' ISIS-inspired teen gets parole
• UPDATE (05-07-16): ISIS arrests 200 people for refusing to join battles, 25 ISIS fighters executed
• UPDATE (05-07-16): Airstrikes in Syria Kill More than 30 in Refugee Camp
• Australian Islamic State recruiter killed in U.S. strike in Iraq
• Australia's top ISIS recruiter killed in US airstrike
• Iraq routed ISIS from Ramadi at a high cost: A city destroyed

4 May 2016

• Islamic State seeks news blackout in Mosul as Iraqi army nears
• Clapper: ISIS can stage Europe-style attacks in U.S.
• US Navy Seal killed by ISIS in Iraq named as Charlie Keating IV

 3 May 2016

• UPDATE (05-04-16): ISIS Sends Parents Body Parts of Daughters, Video Showing Their Brutal Rape and Torture
• UPDATE (05-04-16): Kenya police 'foil anthrax attack' by 'IS-linked group'
• UPDATE (05-04-16): ISIS fighters 'are filming themselves raping sex slaves and showing the footage to potential recruits'
• UPDATE (05-04-16): ISIS Attack Kills U.S. Navy Seal Near Irbil, Iraq 
• Islamic State breaches peshmerga defenses north of Mosul
• ISIS-orchestrated attacks, violent protests spike in Iraq

2 May 2016

• UPDATE (05-08-16): 'The French must die by the thousands:' ISIS cell in France threatens rocket attacks on passenger planes and new Charlie Hebdo-style massacre in chilling undercover video filmed by journalist who infiltrated them
• UPDATE (05-08-16): American women key in Islamic State recruitment killed with husband in airstrike
• UPDATE (05-03-16): 'We were going to Syria to help children, not join ISIS'
• UPDATE (05-03-16): IS-linked cell in Morocco planned attack in Brussels
• UPDATE (05-03-16): For Iraq's Christian exiles, suffering abounds
• Australia Recognizes Crimes Committed By ISIS Against Assyrians As Genocide

1 May 2016

• UPDATE (05-01-16): Quitting ISIS: Why Syrians are Abandoning the Group
• UPDATE (05-02-16): Islamic State threatens to expose British military secrets after publishing US air force 'hit list'
• UPDATE (05-02-16): Islamic State boosts attacks in response to territorial losses: IHS
• UPDATE (05-02-16): Jazeera Operations finds ISIS prison west of Heet, 6 prisoners released
• 11 killed in twin suicide bombings in Iraq; ISIS claims responsibility
• Rare IS group bombings in southern Iraq kill 33 
• ISIS 'army of orphans' vows revenge in disturbing propaganda video