Free Republic

DELRAY BEACH, Fla. -- Two Roman Catholic priests stole millions in offerings and gifts made to their parish over several years, authorities said Thursday. Monsignor John Skehan, who was pastor at St. Vincent Ferrer Catholic Church for four decades, was arrested Wednesday night. Prosecutors say he and the Rev. Francis Guinan stole a total of $8.6 million from the church, using the money to buy property, vacations and other assets, investigators said. The 79-year-old Skehan was arrested at Palm Beach International Airport as he returned from Ireland and was being held on $400,000 bond on grand theft charges. Guinan, who...

April 5, 2006 Wednesday of the Fifth Week of Lent Psalm: Wednesday 16 Reading IDan 3:14-20, 91-92, 95 King Nebuchadnezzar said:“Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego,that you will not serve my god,or worship the golden statue that I set up?Be ready now to fall down and worship the statue I had made,whenever you hear the sound of the trumpet,flute, lyre, harp, psaltery, bagpipe,and all the other musical instruments;otherwise, you shall be instantly cast into the white-hot furnace;and who is the God who can deliver you out of my hands?”Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered King Nebuchadnezzar,“There is no need for...

St. Vincent Ferrer for Our Day by James R. Motl, O.P.Dominican Life A hitherto unknown disease has sprung up in China and has killed many people there.  Because of the growing popularity of international travel, the disease has now reached our continent and has claimed many lives in our part of the world. Contemporary medical practice knows no cure for this illness.  World commerce has been seriously affected.  Whereas in previous years people had been terrified of the increasing inroads of Islamic influence, now their terror is focused on this new health threat. Within five years one third of...

April 5, 2005Tuesday of the Second Week of Easter Psalm: Tuesday 17 Reading IActs 4:32-37 The community of believers was of one heart and mind,and no one claimed that any of his possessions was his own,but they had everything in common.With great power the Apostles bore witnessto the resurrection of the Lord Jesus,and great favor was accorded them all.There was no needy person among them,for those who owned property or houses would sell them,bring the proceeds of the sale,and put them at the feet of the Apostles,and they were distributed to each according to need. Thus Joseph, also named by...

April 5, 2003Saturday of the Fourth Week of Lent Psalm: Saturday Week 16 Reading I Responsorial Psalm Gospel Reading I Jer 11:18-20 I knew their plot because the Lord informed me;at that time you, O Lord, showed me their doings. Yet I, like a trusting lamb led to slaughter,had not realized that they were hatching plots against me:"Let us destroy the tree in its vigor;let us cut him off from the land of the living,so that his name will be spoken no more." But, you, O Lord of hosts, O just Judge,searcher of mind and heart,Let me witness the vengeance...