CCI Radio Hour: June 15, 2020

CCI Radio Hour: June 15, 2020

Danielle Brown of the USCCB talks about the 2018 pastoral letter against racism, "Open Wide Our Hearts: The Enduring Call to Love," against the backdrop of national protests over the death of George Floyd. Then, University of Notre Dame professor Daniel Philpott discusses the president's recent executive order on advancing international religious freedom. Next, Auxiliary Bishop Ron Hicks, vicar general of the Archdiocese of Chicago, talks about reopening parishes for public Mass amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Finally, Peter Newburn of the Diocese of Joliet offers highlights from Saturday's virtual rally for racial justice.
U.S., Illinois bishops issue statements on death of George Floyd

U.S., Illinois bishops issue statements on death of George Floyd

Several statements have been issued by bishops from across the country and Illinois on the death of George Floyd and the nationwide protests that have ensued. Floyd was an African-American resident of Minneapolis who died on Mon., May 25 while handcuffed and lying on a city street during an arrest made by Derek Chauvin, a white Minneapolis police officer. Floyd was accused of using a counterfeit $20 bill at a market.
Bishop Pates of Joliet issues statement of compassion and solidarity with the incarcerated during pandemic

Bishop Pates of Joliet issues statement of compassion and solidarity with the incarcerated during pandemic

Bishop Richard E. Pates, apostolic administrator of the Diocese of Joliet, today called on state corrections officials to ease the spread of COVID-19 in Illinois prisons by releasing some prisoners early, distributing masks and cleaning supplies among inmates and staff, and issuing accurate infection data. He also urged the shuttering of a reopened unit of Stateville Correctional Center.
Illinois lawmakers pass budget during shortened, pandemic-driven session

Illinois lawmakers pass budget during shortened, pandemic-driven session

Illinois lawmakers wrapped up an abbreviated session early today, in which they crafted a $42.8 billion budget reliant on borrowing for an upcoming fiscal year that is shrouded in uncertainty wrought by the ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic. The budget set to take effect July 1 relies on a $5 billion loan from a special Federal Reserve fund created to aid state governments during the pandemic. Legislators hope to pay off the debt with monies from an uncertain additional stimulus package from Congress.
CCI Radio Hour: May 18, 2020

CCI Radio Hour: May 18, 2020

Coadjutor Bishop-elect Louis "Lou" Tylka joins host Bob Gilligan to talk about his appointment last week to the Diocese of Peoria. Next, Kathy Stauber and Nancy Lou Cook discuss the Archdiocese of Chicago’s new, volunteer-driven initiative, “A Call to Prayer” phone service. Then, Glenn Van Cura, executive director of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Joliet, talks about how his agency has adapted services to clients during the statewide stay-at-home order. Finally, film producer Geoff Rogers discusses "Blind Eyes Opened, his latest project that offers a look at human trafficking from the perspective of survivor-victims.
Bishop-elect Michael G. McGovern of the Diocese of Belleville to be ordained July 22

Bishop-elect Michael G. McGovern of the Diocese of Belleville to be ordained July 22

The Diocese of Belleville today announced that Bishop-elect Michael G. McGovern will be ordained on July 22 -- the day previous to the ordination of Coadjutor Bishop-elect Louis Tylka of the Diocese of Peoria, which was announced earlier today. Cardinal Cupich of Chicago, Bishop Braxton of Chicago and Bishop Rassas, Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus of Chicago, will serve as consecrators for the limited-attendance liturgy. Archbishop Christophe Pierre, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, has confirmed that he will participate in the ordination liturgy.