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Alaska’s DC delegation impressed by pope’s address to Congress

Alaska’s three-member congressional delegation expressed deep gratitude that Pope Francis took time out of his apostolic visit to the United States to become the first-ever pontiff to speak to both houses of Congress on Sept. 24 in Washington, D.C.

Senators Dan Sullivan and Lisa Murkowski, both Catholic, attended the historic papal address in the House Chambers, along with Representative Don Young. Also in attendance were the president’s cabinet and members of the U.S. Supreme Court.

Encounter with pope leaves lasting memories for Alaskans

Several Alaskans made personal, cross-country trips to see Pope Francis during his historic five-day apostolic visit to the United States. He started in Washington, DC, where he met with President Barack Obama, addressed Congress and canonized Saint Junipero Serra — the first saint to be canonized on American soil. Among the Alaskans were Father Tom Lilly, Mary Gore and her sister Annie Gore and Joan Nockles. These pilgrims recalled their trip to with much joy and fondness.

News & Notes from the Anchorage Archdiocese

The following is a listing of some upcoming public events, liturgies and other news items across the Archdiocese of Anchorage, Alaska.

November Calendar Events Across for Anchorage Archdiocese

The following events are scheduled across the Anchorage Archdiocese in the month of November.

Upcoming schedule for Archbishop Schwietz

CatholicAnchor.org The following upcoming events are on Anchorage Archbishop Roger Schwietz’s calendar for the month of November: Nov. 14 – 9 a.m., Knights of Columbus 4th Degree Exemplification, St. Elizabeth Nov. 14 – 3:30 p.m., Reconciliation, St. Andrew Nov. 16-19 – U.S. Bishop’s meetings, Baltimore Nov. 21 – 5:30 p.m., Mass for King Islanders Christ…

Embrace greater simplicity

Speaking of the church at large, the Pew Research Center found some years ago that there is a movement among the younger generation toward simplicity. They insist that they are spiritual but not religious and are inspired by simplicity.

Organizer challenges Alaskans to join pro-life rally outside Planned Parenthood

The organizer of this year’s 40 Days for Life prayer campaign in Anchorage has issued a challenge to fellow pro-life advocates to join the midpoint rally of the ongoing campaign. The Oct. 10th rally takes place at the Planned Parenthood abortion clinic at 4002 E. Lake Otis Parkway in Anchorage and will coincide with the National Protest Planned Parenthood day. The rally runs from 9-11 a.m.

The Blessed Sacrament: A most mysterious belief

After we finished that first holy hour of prayer, one of the men had a shocked expression on his face and asked me what this was all about. I explained that we had been praying before the Lord Jesus Christ in his sacramental form — the Holy Eucharist.

Why nurture ‘the little pests’?

When my husband came back from a morning jog, he drank coffee on the patio as usual. Glancing into the large planters where his tomato plants still bore ripe red fruit, he made an eye-opening discovery.

Museum event to celebrate history of Anchorage Archdiocese

The upcoming museum event will be held Oct. 29 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center. It will feature short oral history vignettes presented by people who lived through some of the archdiocese’s early days. Tales of what is was like to settle Anchorage, build churches and follow vocations to the priesthood will all be part of the evening’s stories. In addition to personal memories, a more formal history will be presented in a photo montage and commentary about the archdiocese’s history.