Scottish Catholic Observer

At opening Mass, World Youth Day pilgrims begin ‘days you will never forget.’ Pictured above, pilgrims fill Madrid’s Plaza de Cibeles before the start of the WYD opening Mass

http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/1103255.htm

Man charged with planning to disrupt Spanish WYD protest march.

http://edition.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/europe/08/16/spain.pope.protest/

For the last 84 years she has spent every day of her life behind the cloistered walls of a convent to the north of Madrid but on Friday Sr Teresita, aged 103, will venture into the world outside to meet Pope Benedict XVI.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/8704855/103-year-old-nun-to-leave-convent-for-first-time-in-84-years-to-meet-Pope.html

Funeral arrangements set for Bishop Emeritus Schmitt of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, US, who died yesterday.

http://www.news-register.net/page/content.detail/id/558005/Funeral-Arrangements-Set-For-Retired-Bishop-Schmitt.html?nav=515

Theologians can be a ‘curse and affliction upon the Church,’ according Capuchin Fr Thomas Weinandy, to the US bishops’ top official on doctrine, if their work is not grounded in church teaching and an active faith life, and ends up promoting ‘doctrinal and moral error.’

http://ncronline.org/news/justice/bishops-staffer-doctrine-rips-theologians-curse

Conservative Catholic blogger Montesino de Stuart joins US Senate race.

http://floridaindependent.com/43935/marielena-montesino-de-stuart

Solemn Mass offered in Cuba in honour of Baracoa’s 500th foundation anniversary.

http://www.cubanews.ain.cu/2011/0816mass-baracoa.htm

AND FINALLY

Catholics in the Philippines to observe ‘Day of Penance’ for ‘blasphemous’ art exhibit.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/42741/catholics-to-observe-‘day-of-penance’-for-‘blasphemous’-art-exhibit

-Cross Wires is the Scottish Catholic Observer blog