Our Takes Daily

Pope reminds that pure heart needed for Communion

The International Herald Tribune

After taking on Italy's prosecutors and far-left politicians, Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi’s latest crusade is to make it possible for divorced, remarried Catholics like himself to receive Communion. However, if the message Pope Benedict XVI sent to the International Eucharistic Congress in Canada is any indication, that won’t be happening anytime soon. "We must do all in our power to receive (Communion) with a pure heart," the pope told the congress participants. He appeared to refer to the plight of remarried-divorced Catholics when he added: "Those who cannot have Communion due to their situation will nonetheless find strength" in their desire for it and by going to Mass. More info here>>

Philadelphia to celebrate Darwin’s birth

The New York Times

In the long-running culture war between evolution and creationism, Philadelphia is firing the latest shot. Nine academic, scientific and cultural institutions around the city are holding a Year of Evolution, a series of exhibitions, seminars and lectures to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the birth of Charles Darwin next February, and the 150th anniversary of the publication of his seminal work, “The Origin of Species.” More info here>>

Americans gave generously in 2007

The Washington Post

Despite the economic downturn, U.S. philanthropic giving rose to a record level in 2007, surpassing $300 billion for the first time. Del Martin, chairwoman of the Giving USA Foundation, which compiles the annual survey, said the modest growth encouraged her. But she said many charities surveyed, particularly those with small endowments, were worried about this year's fundraising totals. In overall U.S. charitable giving, religious congregations received the biggest windfall from donors, the Giving USA study found. Religious groups collected $102 billon, or one-third of all gifts, followed by nonprofit educational organizations, which collectively raised $43 billion. More info here>>