From the New York Times:

Cardinal Avery Dulles, Theologian, Is Dead at 90

"Cardinal Avery Dulles, a scion of diplomats and Presbyterians who converted to Roman Catholicism, rose to pre-eminence in Catholic theology and became the only American theologian ever appointed to the College of Cardinals, died today died Friday morning at Fordham University in the Bronx. He was 90. His death, at the Jesuit infirmary at the university, was confirmed by the New York Province of the Society of Jesus in Manhattan."

Cardinal Dulles, a professor of religion at Fordham University for the last 20 years, was a prolific author and lecturer and an elder statesman of Catholic theology in America. He was also the son of John Foster Dulles, the secretary of state under President Dwight D. Eisenhower, and the nephew of Allen Dulles, who guided European espionage during World War II and later directed the Central Intelligence Agency.



For more about Cardinal Dulles, see the Ratzinger Fan Club's Dulles page.

Transitional deacons ordained at seminary

"Taking a major step in their journey toward the priesthood, seminarians Michael Bartholomew, Janusz Mocarski and Harold Noviello were ordained transitional deacons by Bishop William Murphy during a special Mass Dec. 8 at Immaculate Conception Seminary, Huntington. Auxiliary Bishop Peter Libasci of Rockville Centre and Auxiliary Bishop Octavio Cisneros of Brooklyn were among the concelebrants at the liturgy. The ordination of transitional deacons is traditionally held at the seminary on the Marian feast of the Immaculate Conception. "

A fourth seminarian, Gregory Rannazzisi, was ordained in St. Peter's Basilica, so God willing there will be 4 men ordained priests in June for the DRVC.

Former Episcopal priest (now Catholic priest) Fr. Dwight Longenecker writes on his blog of his parish school reviving the medieval custom of boy Bishop for the Feast of St. Nicholas.