News for Catholic living from the Diocese of Little Rock

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August 14, 2020

During the ordination, the bishop will anoint the new priests' hands with oil to sanctify them to holy service. (Arkansas Catholic file photo by Bob Ocken)

Do you know them to be worthy?

That is one of the questions Deacon Joseph Friend of Little Rock and Deacon Daniel Velasco of Searcy will hear while they are being ordained priests by Bishop Anthony B. Taylor at 10 a.m. Aug. 15, the solemnity of the Assumption. You can watch live.

Friend is following in the footsteps of his uncle, Msgr. Scott Friend, and his brother, Father Patrick Friend. Velasco decided to follow his calling at 40 years old.

JUST ONE MINUTE

. “... the sheep hear his voice, as he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out ... he walks ahead of them, and the sheep follow him, because they recognize his voice. But they will not follow a stranger; they will run away from him, because they do not recognize the voice of strangers.” (John 10:3-5) How to recognize the voice of God in daily life is essential for the Christian life. St. Ignatius of Loyola offers a few insights on discerning the voice of the Holy Spirit and the voice of the enemy.

When moving in sin the enemy suggests pleasure, seems to be a friend, presents difficulties to change. On the contrary, the Holy Spirit bothers the person, pricks the conscience, irritates or agitates the soul, the mind, strives to not allow peace to reign, encourages conversion.

Reflection: Spend some time today and notice how these actions of the enemy and Holy Spirit ring true in your life.

— Deacon Danny Hartnedy

St. Bernard of Clairvaux

August 20
Bernard was consulted by popes and kings, battled heresies and supported the Second Crusade. The sick and maimed lined the roads he traveled, hoping for a miracle. Dante chose Bernard as his final guide in “Paradiso,” at the end of “The Divine Comedy.”
The Man of the (12th) Century

DAVE SAYS

Cosmetic quandary

About eight months ago she gave birth to our second child, and now she would like to have a mommy makeover. I don’t know how to fit that in with trying to pay off debt and get control of our money. What do you think?
Urgent desire ...

ARKANSAS CATHOLIC ASKS

Brothers in faith

Seminarians Duwan Booker and Joel Brackett were college football teammates before they decided to join the seminary. In our new podcast, you can find out what that means to them during their discernment. You can listen on Apple, Spotify or here.

AUGUST DATEBOOK

15: Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
15: Priesthood ordination of Deacons Joseph Friend and Daniel Velasco
17: First day of school

Most events in the diocese have been postponed or canceled.

QUOTE UNQUOTE

"The pandemic has highlighted how vulnerable and interconnected we all are. If we do not take care of each other, starting with the least — those who are most affected, including creation — we cannot heal the world."

— Pope Francis, Aug. 12

August aSpirations

• We found 15 Catholic young adults who inspire us in 2020.
• This Fort Smith ministry is reaching out to young women who are searching for connection.
• Help is available for women who want to reverse the abortion pill.

Thanks for reading aSpire. Craving more? Take a nibble on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram; get some depth on the Arkansas Catholic website. And for a heaping helping, subscribe to Arkansas Catholic. Oh, and forward this issue to share!

Have a news tip? Please contact me.
Your humble editor,
Malea Hargett
Arkansas Catholic

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